DOCSLIB.ORG

Female Initiation Practices: Their Influence on the Social Life and Status of Women Among the Chikunda Community of Zambia

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Female Initiation Practices: Their Influence on the Social Life and Status of Women Among the Chikunda Community of Zambia COPYRIGHT AND CITATION CONSIDERATIONS FOR THIS THESIS/ DISSERTATION o Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. o NonCommercial — You may not use the material for commercial purposes. o ShareAlike — If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same license as the original. How to cite this thesis Surname, Initial(s). (2012). Title of the thesis or dissertation (Doctoral Thesis / Master’s Dissertation). Johannesburg: University of Johannesburg. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/102000/0002 (Accessed: 22 August 2017). FEMALE INITIATION PRACTICES: THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE SOCIAL LIFE AND STATUS OF WOMEN AMONG THE CHIKUNDA COMMUNITY OF ZAMBIA Carina Mweela Talakinu Supervisor: Dr Liela Groenewald Co-supervisor: Prof Kezia Batisai 2018 Female Initiation Practices: Their Influence on the Social Life and Status of Women among the Chikunda Community of Zambia By Carina Mweela Talakinu Student no 201335757 Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree D Litt et Phil in Sociology in the Department of Sociology of the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Johannesburg Supervisor: Dr Liela Groenewald Co-supervisor: Prof Kezia Batisai November 2018 ii Acknowledgements First of all - My Lord, Your grace has always been sufficient. You fight all my battles, and supply all my needs no matter what storm comes my way – I could never have done it without You – Ambuye ndinu achifundo; I am most indebted to the Chikunda community of Chief Mphuka’s area, Luangwa district – this dissertation would not have been possible without your participation and sharing your knowledge and experience of chinamwali. I am particularly grateful to Mrs Anna Dilau for sharing and explaining the chinamwali songs, Mr Matebele for making the necessary accommodation, transport and other logistical arrangements to ensure that my stay in Luangwa was comfortable, and also to Chief Mphuka, Luciano Kalamenti Malunga for allowing me to undertake the research in his chiefdom; I am grateful to Dr Liela Groenewald for planting the seed of pursuing my ARM proposal to a PhD, for her valuable assistance throughout the research, and for stretching my imagination beyond my wildest dreams – your dedication set an unparalleled example – thank you; I am also grateful to Prof Kezia Batisai for your attention to detail, academic experience and your constructive criticism and advice; To my daughter, Lumeta Victoria Ngalande, you are my shining light – you listened to my groaning when you were tired, put up with my impatience when interrupted, and have stood by my side through all battles – you are the best daughter anyone could wish for; To my father, Antonio Meza Talakinu, forever my inspiration – revisiting the home of your birth led me to a better understanding of my Chikunda identity; To my mother, Martha Wanga Talakinu, my biggest cheerleader even when you have your doubts – thank you for reading my drafts and for your support in translating the chinamwali songs, and for standing by me through all my difficult periods – I can never thank you enough; To my sister Dorcas, brothers Ivan, Harvey and Onesmus – my nephews and nieces: Taza Nkhoma; Wanga, Anthony and Kapeta Talakinu - thank you for cheering me on and putting up with my silent world – I love you all so much; To all my colleagues who supported me in one way or another – thank you. iii Abstract Framed within the feminist theory, this study seeks to gain an understanding of how chinamwali, the female initiation rite of the Chikunda community of Zambia, influences the social life and status of the women concerned. The central arguments within the study reflect a preoccupation with feminist central categories of gender and sexuality, which are key to understanding the structural relationships between women, and between men and women. After reviewing the historical eras of feminism, and western originating feminisms namely: Liberal, Radical, and Marxist feminisms, this study adopts an African feminist ideological framework to examine the chinamwali. Specifically, African feminism challenges the public/private dichotomy of the first wave of feminism by scrutinising all areas of human social life previously thought of as private, such as the institution of marriage, motherhood, heterosexual relationships, and sexuality which are critical elements in chinamwali. Furthermore, this theoretical framework, unlike the second wave of feminism which is believed to contain certain different theoretical frameworks such as Liberal, Radical, and Marxist feminisms, argues like the third wave of feminism, that women’s experiences are not universal, but contextual. Hence, I found that the African feminist ideological framework has the capacity to engender certain African traditions, a goal to which the chinamwali is well suited, as it is an institution through which African experiences can be examined. The ways in which the initiation rite shapes the lived experiences and self-conceptions of the Chikunda is examined by incorporating scholarly insights from the global North and global South. Feminist research methods were used in order to generate an in-depth understanding of the women’s experiences (Reid 2004: 9; Neuman 2014: 118), and to enable participants to describe their experiences and thoughts of chinamwali in their own words. The method of data analysis was a qualitative thematic analysis of transcribed data which Braun and Clarke (2006: 79) describe as a method for “identifying, analysing, and reporting themes within the data”. The findings revealed that chinamwali is a traditional means through which education on cultural mores and tradition is passed on to the initiate. However, the rite has the potential to influence the social life and status of the women concerned in such a way that they accept notions of inferiority in relation to men throughout their lives and can lead them to accept a lower position in the community. The findings also contribute to feminist scholarship on gender and sexuality, and the dominant academic discourse on initiation, by pointing to the potential role of the initiation rite in empowering women through practices such as labia elongation, and also its positive potential role to sexuality education. Furthermore, the findings on the coercion effected by maternal presentation of the initiate to the rite suggest some degree of tension and partial distancing on the part of the initiate. In addition, the findings on Chikunda masculinity give impetus to feminist scholarship regarding a new focus on women’s sexuality as a source of legitimising men’s dominant position over women. iv Contents Affidavit ii Acknowledgements iii Abstract iv Glossary viii Chapter One : Introduction 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Problem Statement 2 1.3 Background 4 1.4 Motivation for Undertaking the Study 6 1.5 Research Question and Objectives 7 1.6 Key Concepts of Concern in the Study 9 1.6.1 Coming of Age 9 1.6.2 Initiation 9 1.6.3 Gender Roles 10 1.6.4 Woman’s Status 10 1.7 Methodology Adopted for the Study of Chinamwali 11 1.8 Significance of the Study 11 1.9 Structure of the Thesis 12 1.10 Conclusion 13 Chapter Two : An African Feminist Perspective of Female Initiation Practices 15 2.1 Introduction 15 2.2 The Ideological Debate: Western vs African Feminisms 17 2.3 The Choice of Theoretical Framework: African Feminism 18 2.4 Waves of Feminism 22 2.4.1 The First Wave of Feminism 22 2.4.2 The Second Wave of Feminism 23 2.4.3 The Third Wave of Feminism 24 2.4.4 Commonalities: African Feminism and the Three Waves of Feminism 25 2.5 Theories of Gender Inequality 27 2.5.1 Liberal Feminism 27 2.5.2 Radical Feminism 28 2.5.3 Marxist Feminism 30 2.5.4 Contrasting Feminisms: African Feminism and Western Feminisms 31 2.6 Feminist Politics of Gender and Sexuality 32 2.6.1 The Essentialist – Constructivist Dilemma 33 2.6.2 Intersectionality: An Interlocking Matrix of Women’s Oppression 36 2.7 Conclusion 38 Chapter Three : Social-Cultural Constructs of Coming of Age 40 3.1 Introduction 40 3.2 Perceptions of Male Circumcision 41 3.2.1 Religious Reasons for Male Circumcision 41 3.2.2 An Indication of Socio-Economic Status 42 3.2.3 A Rite of Passage and a Mark of Identity 43 3.2.4 Potential Impact of Male Circumcision on HIV/Aids 44 3.3 Cultural Context of Female Initiation 48 3.3.1 A Case of Identity 49 3.3.2 Group Cohesion 50 3.3.3 Sexual Repression 51 3.4 Female Initiation without Circumcision 52 3.4.1 A Channel of Sexuality Education 53 3.4.2 Female Bodies and Sexuality Control 54 v 3.5 Gendered Dynamics of Initiation 55 3.6 Initiation and Women’s Status 57 3.7 Conclusion 59 Chapter Four : Methodology for the Study of Chinamwali 61 4.1 Introduction 61 4.2 Positivist and Phenomenological Perspectives of Research 61 4.3 Pursuing a Feminist Methodology 65 4.4 Research Site 67 4.5 Study Population and Sampling Strategy 70 4.5.1 The Chikunda: A Brief History 70 4.5.2 Sampling Strategy 73 4.6 Gathering Data 75 4.6.1 The Narrative Approach to Data Collection 75 4.6.2 Using In-Depth Interviews 77 4.6.3 Preparing the Interview Guides 79 4.6.4 Navigating the Field: Approach and Challenges 80 4.6.5 Ensuring the Trustworthiness of Data Collected 85 4.6.7 Ethical Approach to Fieldwork 86 4.7 Analysing the Data 88 4.7.1 Identifying Concepts and Coding the Data 88 4.7.2 Using the Thematic Analysis Approach
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Mount Frere Mount Ayliff Mayor Welcoming 2 Information 6-7 Outline 3 Upcoming Projects 8 Topography 4 King Madzikane Memorial 9 Map 5 Ntsizwa Monument 10
    Mount Frere Mount Ayliff Mayor Welcoming 2 Information 6-7 Outline 3 Upcoming Projects 8 Topography 4 King Madzikane Memorial 9 Map 5 Ntsizwa Monument 10 Umzimvubu River 11 Hiking 16 Lugelweni Water Falls 12 Nowekwe Mountain & Tina River 17 Ntenetyana Dam 13 Culture 18 Ntsizwa Mountain 14 Food 19 Ingeli Mountain 15 Religion 20 Amabhaca Craft Centre 21 Msukeni Community Centre 22 Xesibe Tourism Centre 23 Sixvillage Community Centre 24 Afrizona Guest House 25 Eyethu B&B 30 Mount Ayliff Hotel 35 Amafana Guest House 26 Indwe B&B 31 Mount Frere Guest House 36 BCN Makaula Hotel 27 Ilitha Guest House 32 2nd World B&B 37 Denipel Lodge 28 N2 Imvelo Guest House 33 Tapi River Lodge 38 Endulini Guest House 29 Lisomma Lodge 34 Tatenda B&B 39 SAPS 40 Filling Station 46 Hair & Nail Salons 51 EMS & Fire Rescue 41 Community Radio & 47 Banks 52-53 Hospitals 42 Post Office Fashion & Design 54-55 Surgery 43 Liqour Stores 48 Cab & Hacking 56 Pharmacies 44 Supermarkets 49 Fitness & Recreation 45 Restaurants 50 Mayor Welcomes You This is the 4th year the municipality has been developing tourism brochure without fail. This brochure acts as a tool to guide our tourists on tourism products that we offer. I believe that our unique tourist attractions showcased within this brochure and warm hospitality will make you to stay more. We remain committed to promoting and defending our cultural diversity through various means and ways 2 We are waiting to welcome you soon! You are welcome to contact me or anyone of our competent staff if you need more information K.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Thesis Hum 1991 Nyamende A
    A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE PORTRAYAL OF CHARACTERS IN A. C. JORDAN'S THE WRATH OF THE ANCESTORS I MODIKWE DIKOBE' S THE MARABI DANCE AND G.B.SINXO'S UNOJAYITI WAM by Town Mzayivane Abner Nyamende Cape of A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Univesity MASTER OF ARTS supervisor: Prof. S.C. Satyo December 1991 The copyright of this thesis vests in the author. No quotation from it or information derived from it is to be published without full acknowledgementTown of the source. The thesis is to be used for private study or non- commercial research purposes only. Cape Published by the University ofof Cape Town (UCT) in terms of the non-exclusive license granted to UCT by the author. University CONTENTS Pages ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PREFACE CHAPTER 1 1 - 22 Introduction 1 - 2 Arguments identifying foreign techniques in the African literature 3 - 15 Characters 15 - 18 Relevance of this study 18 - 22 CHAPTER 2 23 - 84 { The story-line: The Wrath of the Ancestors 25 - 29 The story-line: The Marabi Dance 29 - 32 The story-line: UNoja:iiti Warn 32 - 35 The heroes, anti-heroes and the villains 35 - 51 Names of characters 52 - 64 The stereotypes 65 - 84 " CHAPTER 3 85 - 165 Identity: the individual and society 87 - 120 Pages Leadership: gender and generation 120 - 136 Character and background 136 - 156 Imaging and other related techniques 157 - 165 CHAPTER 4 166 - 227 The romantic treatment of characters 170 - 179 Characters in the story-within-the-story 179 - 190 The singing, praise-singing and dancing characters 191 - 206 .
    [Show full text]
  • 1.4.3. the Dairy Milk Value Chain in DR NKOSAZANA DLAMINI ZUMA MUNICIPALITY
    Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Municipality LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Abbreviations .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Introduction. ............................................................................................................................................................................ 4 Background ............................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Chapter 1: The Dairy Sector ........................................................................................................................................................ 8 1.1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................... 9 1.2. National Profile Of The Dairy Sector ............................................................................................................................ 10 1.3. The Dairy Sector Profile in KwaZulu Natal .......................................................................................................................... 14 1.4. The Dairy Sector Profile in DR NKOSAZANA DLAMINI ZUMA MUNICIPALITY Municipality .................................................... 15 1.5. Key Issues For Consideration and Recommendations.
    [Show full text]
  • Simbimba Ndlela 1982] 1
    [ Simbimba Ndlela 1982] 1 STILL TO ADD LEFT-OUT PAGES (A2) SIMBIMBA NDLELA - SYNOPSIS (PB) Editor's note We have reproduced in this volume two interviews conducted with Simbimba Ndlela. The first was conducted at the behest of the late Swazi King, Sobhuza II. The second interview, conducted over two days, some months apart was conducted by Carolyn Hamilton. Simbimba Ndlela's narrative poses tremendous difficulties for the first time reader, but in the opinion of the editors is especially rich in historical detail. In particular, Simbimba Ndlela's narrative is marked by a distinctive narrative style. We have retained his style of narrative at the expense of facilitating a reading of the text. To help the reader, we have provided an especially long synopsis. This interview contains information not previously known to the others present at the interview, who include in their number three of the most knowledgeable about Swazi history. It is also interesting among other things because of disputes between the interviewers and the interviewee over the burial sites of early Swazi kings and the status of Ndvungunye, the father of Somhlolo. The chronological beginning of Simbimba's account is the reign of King Mswati. Mswati ruled at Mtomazi at Bhaca in Mzimkhulu at the place of the Mpondo people. The location of these places are not made clear in the interview, but they have southern connotations and they might be located in the Matubatuba region. The home of Ludvonga's chief wife, and is close to the site of Ntjumbili ngwelele. After being warned that a Zulu (in this case probably an Ndwandwe king) was about to force Mswati to teach him the secrets of the incwala, Mswati fled, skirting the Lubombo mountains until he reached Mavaneni in the area of Ngogweni at Mangwaneni probably on the eastern [re: illegible] of the Phongolo River in the vicinity of Kosi Bay.
    [Show full text]
  • The Role of Solomon T. Plaatje (1876-1932) in South African Society
    THE ROLE OF SOLOMON T. PLAATJE (1876-1932) IN SOUTH AFRICAN SOCIETY by Brian Peel Willan Submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London November 1979 ProQuest Number: 11010557 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a com plete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. uest ProQuest 11010557 Published by ProQuest LLC(2018). Copyright of the Dissertation is held by the Author. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States C ode Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106- 1346 i ABSTRACT Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje was born to Tswana, Christian, parents in 1876, and grew up on a mission station near Kimberley. After first working as a post office messenger, in 1898 he moved to Mafeking to become a court interpreter, and served in this capacity during the famous siege. In 1902 he became editor of an English/Tswana newspaper, Koranta ea Becoana, and established his reputation as a journalist and spokesman for his people. Shortly after Union in 1910 he moved to Kimberley and became editor of another newspaper, Tsala ea Becoana, and was then prominently involved in the founding of the South African Native National Congress, becoming its first Secretary.
    [Show full text]
  • Aspects of Moral Education in Bhaca Mamtiseni and Nkciyo Initiation Rituals
    Aspects of moral education in Bhaca mamtiseni and nkciyo initiation rituals Makaula P.N. Student Number: 12880957 Mini-dissertation submited in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Music at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University Supervisor: Dr A. Petersen October 2010 Aspects of moral education in Bhaca mamtiseni and nkciyo initiation rituals. ABSTRACTS The main objective of this mini-dissertation is to investigate the basic form and content of moral education as it manifests itself in the mamtiseni and nkciyo female initiation rituals of the Mount Frere region of the Eastern Cape Province of the Republic of South Africa. The main theoretical position taken is the re- emergent African Renaissance coupled with African indigenous knowledge systems, first revived by (former) President Thabo Mbeki. Accordingly the main purpose of this study is to address the transmission of moral aspects of female Bhaca initiation inherent in behavioural/cultural educational enculturation. The main findings of the mini-dissertation constitute the following: 1. Mamtiseni and nkciyo rituals play a major role in the enculturation of young Bhaca girls. 2. The song texts carry strong messages of how to go about achieving a healthy and surviving society. There are further opportunities for research in the following aspects: 1. Nkciyo initiation schools are very exclusive, involving many secret codes. The fact that I am a male put me at a disadvantage. 2. There are many more points of difference between the two rituals than
    [Show full text]
  • The Barometer of Social Trends M E M B E R S
    THE BAROMETER OF SOCIAL TRENDS M E M B E R S MAJOR DONORS Anglo American & De Beers Chairman's Fund Education Trust First National Bank of Southern Africa Ltd Human Sciences Research Council South African Breweries Ltd AECI Ltd * Africa Institute of SA * Amalgamated Beverage Industries * Barlow Limited * BP Southern Africa * Chamber of Mines of SA * Colgate-Palmolive (Pty) Ltd * Data Research Africa * Durban Regional Chamber of Business * ESKOM * Gencor SA Limited * Johannesburg Consolidated Investment Co Ltd * Johnson & Johnson * S. C. Johnson Wax * Konrad Adenauer Stiftung * KwaZulu Finance & Investment Corp * Liberty Life * Malbak Ltd * Nampak * Pick 'n Pay Corporate Services * Pretoria Portland Cement Co * Rand Merchant Bank * Richards Bay Minerals * Sanlam * SA Sugar Association * Southern Life * Standard Bank Foundation * Starcke Associates * Suncrush Limited * University of South Africa (UNISA) * Vaal Reef Exploration & Mining Co Ltd * Wooltru Ltd INDICATOSOUTH AFRICRA ! L-0 LIFE SOUTHERN LIFE Life tends to be two steps forward, three steps back. To keep you going forwards, Southern Life is geared to helping you manage your future better. Our wide range of inflation-beating investment opportunities, coupled with R30 billion SOUTHERN in managed assets, is guided by more than a century of financial management Together, we can do more advice. We can help you cut a clear path to success. to manage your future better SUMMER 1995 EDITORIAL Journalists are an excitable and over stretched group prone - INDICATOR SOUTH AFRICA by nature or through training - to instant judgements, drama and errors in their endless, time pressured search for new and interesting 'angles' for their articles. I know this about Quarterly Report VOLUME 13 NUMBER 1 journalists, because I am one.
    [Show full text]
  • Page 1 Historical Papers Research Archive, University of The
    Historical Papers Research Archive, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg G U I D E T O T H E A R C H I V E S A N D P A P E R S (Excluding the archives of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa) Copyright: Historical Papers Research Archive, University of the Witwatersrand Library PREFACE The University of the Witwatersrand has, as one of its most valuable and prestigious heritage and research assets, the holdings of the priceless Historical Papers collections. Historical Papers is the main humanities archival research resource on campus and is located in the William Cullen Library. It is also the largest non-state archives in Southern Africa and it is uniquely positioned within the South African heritage sector. The archives held in custody for the wider community within Historical Papers are extensive and provide a unique documentary record of South African history and society. The collections housed at Historical Papers include diaries, letters, memoranda, reports, minute-books, press clippings, pamphlets, photographs, drawings, oral interviews, trial transcripts and financial, legal and personal documents. These items are described in the Guide to the Archives and Papers of which this is the twelfth edition. The collections have contributed to many notable publications, television documentaries, school textbooks and academic works. They not only hold value as research tools, teaching aids and as crucial evidence for the intellectual development of theories and models but they contain collective social memory. Consequently, Historical Papers is an accessible hub for human rights research serving civil society as well as scholars. The first three editions of the Guide were arranged alphabetically.
    [Show full text]
  • December 2010 EVENING LECTURES
    Volume 36 Number 2 and Volume 37 Number 1 December 2010 EVENING LECTURES The world’s oldest art tradition: 80 000 years of SA rock art history (9 July 2009) Reports covering the period July 2009 to August 2010 Professor Benjamin Smith, director, Rock Art Research Institute, University of the Witwatersrand rof. Ben Smith’s exploration took us very far back to the earliest beginnings of art until recent perspectives on older traditions of art expression. We journeyed on some familiar Ppathways and ventured along some new roads. A change in production procedure In an exploration of the origins of art and the essence of image-making, Prof. Smith question- ed why Neanderthals, who shared the European landscape with Homo sapiens 25 000 years ago, had no tradition of decoration or art. In trying to answer this question, he pointed out that Nean- Artefacts is the newsletter of the Trans-Vaal Branch of ArchSoc. Its aim is to be a record of the derthals probably lived in the ever-present and had little awareness of the past that reflected limit- fascinating information provided at the branch’s evening lectures, the Annual School and ed consciousness. They did not have the ability to plan carefully, to provide for the future or to during outings. Artefacts has been produced in one form or another since the start of the stash food for possible droughts. He referred to Prof. Lewis-Williams’ analogy of a person walking 1970s, generally appearing twice a year. Members of the Trans-Vaal Branch receive Artefacts with a flashlight having limited perception of the surroundings beyond that which was visible in as part of their membership, but the newsletter is also available to members of other branches the light beam.
    [Show full text]
  • 2013 KUNAPIPI Art As Archive
    v Contents Editorial, Anne Collett vi A Tribute to Margaret Mary Lenta, 1936–2012 Margaret Daymond and Johan Jacobs 10 ARTICLES James Ogude, ‘Whose Africa? Whose Culture? Reections on Agency, Travelling Theory and Cultural Studies in Africa’ 12 Ashleigh Harris, ‘An Awkward Silence: Reections on Theory and Africa’ 28 Grace A. Musila, ‘Submerged Fault Lines: Interests and Complicities in the Julie Ward Case’ 42 Parselelo Kantai, ‘The Reddykulass Generation’ 60 Tina Steiner, ‘Writing on and over Communal Boundaries: East African Asian Subjectivities in Sophia Mustafa’s In the Shadow of Kirinyaga’ 81 Andrew van der Vlies, ‘Art as Archive: Queer Activism and Contemporary South African Visual Cultures’ 94 Maria Olaussen, ‘Africa’s Indian Ocean in Yvette Christiansë’s Unconfessed’ 124 Christopher E.W. Ouma, ‘Navigating the Lagos Cityscape in Chris Abani’s Graceland’ 141 Susan N. Kiguli, ‘Performer-Critics in Oral Performance in African Societies’ 172 FICTION T. Michael Mboya, ‘The Letter’ 155 POETRY Gabeba Baderoon, ‘I Cannot Myself’, ‘A Prospect of Beauty 117, 118 and Unjustness’ ‘How not to Stop’, ‘I Forget to Look’, 120, 121 ‘The Song of the Husband’, ‘Concentration’ 122, 123 Conceição Evaristo, ‘Vozes-Mulheres’, ‘Women’s Voices’ 170, 171 INTERVIEWS Grace A. Musila, ‘Writing History’s Silences: Interview with Parselelo Kantai’ 71 Claudia Maria Fernandes Corrêa and Irineia Lina Cesario, ‘An Afro-Brazilian Griot: An Interview with Conceição Evaristo’ 162 ABSTRACTS 189 NOTES ON CONTRIBUTORS 193 NOTES ON EDITORIAL ADVISORS 196 94 ANDREW VAN DER VLIES Art as Archive: Queer Activism and Contemporary South African Visual Cultures This essay reflects principally on the work of South African artist Nicholas Hlobo, born in Cape Town in 1975, who has, in a relatively short space of time, achieved international art-world visibility for his sculptural objects made from rubber, fabric, and found objects (often including wood, soap, and colonial-era furniture).
    [Show full text]
  • REGIONAL VARIATION in XHOSA Abner Nyamende, University Of
    http://spilplus.journals.ac.za http://spilplus.journals.ac.za/ 202 REGIONAL VARIATION IN XHOSA Abner Nyamende, University of cape Town 1. Background The main Nguni languages are Xhosa, Swati and Zulu. These languages have a number of distinct variants. The most easily recognisable Xhosa variants are Mpondo, Bhaca and Hlubi. While Xhosa is the mainstream indigenous language in the Cape Province (including Ciskei and Transkei), the aforementioned variants are found in restricted areas in the Eastern Cape. The Xhosa dialect that came to be written when the missionaries started printing Xhosa was the Ngqika dialect, which is quite close to its Thembu (or Gcaleka) variant. These variants appeared in print and were used in schools as standard Xhosa. The fact that the Ngqika and Thembu variants have equal prestige needs to be explained. Phalo, who lived around 1700, is said to be the main line descendant of Xhosa (who lived around 1530), the founder leader of the Xhosa people. Phalo' s own descendants are Thembu (Gcaleka) and Rharhabe (who lived around 1786). Rharhabe and his section of the Xhosa people crossed the Kei River to settle on the west side, and his descendants are the brothers Ngqika and Ndlambe (Jabavu, 1953:17-20). The first missionary to settle among the Xhosa was Theodorus van der Kemp of the London Missionary society, in 1799, and he stayed with Ngqika and his people along the Tyume River. In this way the Ngqika dialect was learnt, written down and taught at school by all the missionaries who succeeded van der Kernp, some of whom, like Bennie, were http://spilplus.journals.ac.za http://spilplus.journals.ac.za/ 203 linguists.
    [Show full text]
  • The Making of 'Loyals' and 'Rebels'
    THE MAKING OF ‘LOYALS’ AND ‘REBELS’: The 1880 Transkei Rebellion and the Subversion of the Chieftaincies of East Griqualand, 1874-1914 A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY of RHODES UNIVERSITY By Milner Charles Snell 2016 i Abstract In the mid-1870s, influenced by the mineral revolution in southern Africa, the Cape responsible government began to extend colonial rule over the chiefdoms that inhabited the Mthatha- Mzimkhulu region. Although white officials initially negotiated with the leadership of these chiefdoms to accept colonial rule and depended heavily on them to implement new laws, ultimately the Cape government aimed to side-line indigenous political systems and replace them with magistrates and headmen. Colonial officials mistakenly equated indigenous political structures with dictatorial chiefs whose followers were subject to their personal ambitions. In fact chiefs were part of a collective leadership and were very aware and influenced by the needs of their adherents. This work is concerned with how the chieftaincies, or indigenous political systems, of the Mthatha-Mzimkhulu region responded, survived and adapted in the face of colonialism. The chieftaincies were remarkably resilient despite the political and economic changes brought on by colonialism and capitalism and were able to retain some degree of authority amongst their followers and at times obtain recognition from the colonial state. Interactions between the chieftaincies and the colonial state were complex, fluid and ever evolving. Some leaders of chiefdoms co-operated with colonial authorities, either over particular issues at certain times or more generally over longer periods, and were considered by colonial officials to be ‘loyal’.
    [Show full text]