http://hdl.handle.net/10386/44 2026-04-12T12:06:00Z 2026-04-12T12:06:00Z Mphahlele, Kgothatso Shaun http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5250 2026-01-24T01:00:58Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Framing femicide : critical discourse analysis of the Sunday Times and Sowetan print media newspapers Mphahlele, Kgothatso Shaun Introduction – Framing Femicide is an intervention through the convergence of politics and the media. This study set out to critically analyse how print media ‘frames’ femicide as a social phenomenon by placing at the centre of critique, politically influenced factors such as language and ownership of the media as the “fourth estate” and exploring how these two factors factor in how the framing of the death (read as femicide) of black womxn is undertaken in selected newspaper houses in South Africa. This study used Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and agenda setting theory both independently and simultaneously, as theoretical underpinnings. The study explored how language, central to doing critical inquiries, was employed by print media to frame femicide. Methodology - The study adopted a Qualitative Research outlook deemed “particularly good at examining and developing theories that deal with the role of meanings and interpretations” to conduct what Saidiya Hartman calls “a mode of close narration” by analyzing newspapers as documents. The study sampled the work of Fairclough (1992, 2012, 2013), Wodak (2014), and van Dijk (2015) to craft ways through which CDA can employed as part of a critical social analysis to interrogate the framing and representing femicide in selected print media houses. Motivation - The rationale of the study lay in the fact of numbers, which ranked South Africa among the highest nation states where femicide prevails. Scholarship reveals that a woman is murdered every 4 (four) hours, and 57 1% of those murders are done by intimate partners. Owing to this, South Africa’s femicide rate is arguably 5 times higher than the global rate. This warrants an interrogation on how the “fourth estate” as a critical tool in a society is a constituent element which reflects the social realities and power dynamics when framing femicide. Results – The study found that journalists in their framing of femicide conflate terms that relate to generalized gender-based violence which all-inclusive terms, which by default are not limited to women and specifically to violence against women. Recommendations – The study recommends that writers, authors, and journalists engaged in news production for print media take caution of the implications of writing about social phenomena and not conflating common terms deployed in framing particular discourses. Thesis (M. A. (Political Science)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Leoto, Oarabile Isabella http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5161 2025-11-05T01:00:17Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Analysis of BRICS' response to the socio-economic impact of the GOVID-19 pandemic in South Africa Leoto, Oarabile Isabella This study analyses the response of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) to the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 in South Africa. Using a qualitative approach, this study evaluates the effectiveness of BRICS’ cooperation in addressing the economic, social and health consequences of pandemic. The findings revealed a mixed bag of solidarity, limited tangible support, and constrained cooperation due to geopolitical, economic, and institutional factors. Despite some remarkable initiatives, BRICS’ response has been hindered by a lack of coordination and limited engagement with local stakeholders. The study highlights opportunities for enhanced cooperation in health diplomacy, trade, and economic development, emphasising the need for strengthened coordination and prioritisation of local needs. This study contributes to understanding the role of emerging economies in global health governance and crisis response Thesis (M. A. (International Politics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Magidi, Dakalo http://hdl.handle.net/10386/4775 2025-01-11T01:00:15Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

The prospect and challenges of contemporary China-Africa relations : a case study of South Africa, 2010-2021 Magidi, Dakalo This study delves into the prospects and challenges of contemporary China-Africa relations, with a focus on South Africa as a case study from 2010 to 2021. Despite its complex and dynamic nature, China-Africa relations have strengthened over the years, with China emerging as Africa's largest trading partner. However, this relationship has also been marred by criticisms of China's neo-colonial tactics, resulting in debates on the benefits and risks of China-Africa cooperation. This study examines the implications of China’s growing presence in South Africa, with an analysis of the strategic, economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions of ChinaAfrica relations. Using a qualitative approach, the study explores the opportunities and challenges presented by this relationship, as well as South African perceptions of China's increased involvement in the country. The results of the study highlight that while China's engagement with Africa and South Africa has brought some benefits, it has also faced significant challenges. The study underscores the need for a strategic approach that seeks to balance the economic benefits of the relationship against the inherent power dynamics. Based on this analysis, the study offers policy recommendations on how South Africa can leverage its relations with China to achieve sustainable socio-economic development for its citizens and mitigate the risks associated with the partnership. Thesis (M. A. (International Politics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Sikhwari, Tshedza Tshivhasa http://hdl.handle.net/10386/4769 2024-12-11T01:00:13Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

The prospects of international relations in Africa in the Covid-19 era : an analysis of sustainable development and trade integration Sikhwari, Tshedza Tshivhasa International relations play an important role in tackling global challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on international relations, creating uncertainty that diplomacy should closely monitor. The COVID-19 pandemic's impact on Africa's economy and development has raised doubts about the continent's potential for rapid trade integration and sustainable development in a global context. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the prospects for international relations in Africa in the COVID-19 era, with a focus on sustainable development and trade integration. The study's research methodology was qualitative, utilizing both primary and secondary data collection methods as well as an exploratory design. Semi-structured interview questions were used to collect data during the interview process. In addition, the study made use of secondary data, which included gathering relevant publications from the library online database, examining the patterns and growth trajectories of research projects, and assessing the optimistic and pessimistic post-COVID-19 perceptions. Thus, the chapter is the outcome of a careful and exhaustive review of the literature on breaking the discussion of COVID-19, especially in relation to trade and related sustainable topics. Modernization theory serves as the theoretical foundation for the research. The AfCFTA emerged as a focal point for argument, offering insights that could prove beneficial in the process of restructuring Africa's economy and promoting sustainable development. Beyond the opportunities and challenges presented by the AfCFTA, the study identified key counter-solutions that should be prioritised for Africa's post-pandemic strategies for trade integration and sustainable development. These strategies can help Africa play a more constructive role in global restructuring and regional integration. Some of the study findings suggest that transparency among politicians, as well as integrity and honesty, should be considered important variables in any African economy in order to achieve strong trade integration and permanent development. Further research is needed, however, to determine how nationalism may impede the advancement of intra-African trade and the role of international migration when addressing AfCFTA. Thesis (Ph.D. (International Politics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z