DSpace 9

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DSpace is the world leading open source repository platform that enables organisations to:

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Recent Submissions

Spaces of Memory and Belonging: Embodied Encounters in Chatsworth, South Africa
(Space and Culture, 2025) Mukwidigwi, T.; Naidu, M.
This article explores embodied memory at the intersections of space, identity, and history in the former Indian suburb of Chatsworth, Durban, South Africa. It draws on lived experiences from in-depth interviews with 10 participants who lived through the apartheid and post-apartheid periods. The article demonstrates how memory and attachment to specific spaces in Chatsworth developed through embodied encounters across spaces. It demonstrates a relationship where participants’ interactions with spaces such as markets, cooking stalls, and streets evoke memories connected to their personal and collective histories. These spaces served as conduits that shaped and anchored participants’ memories, fostering attachment to the spaces. In this historically segregated setting, spatial contexts that were previously strictly controlled and characterized by rigid boundaries evolved to become crucial for affirming identity and strengthening ties to “home” and Indian identity. The article advances the understanding of embodied spatial practices and their role in memory and identity formation within a historically segregated urban context.
Influence of Maternal Waiting Homes in PregnancyRelated Complications: A Case-Control Study in Sipepa Ward 5, Tsholotsho District Zimbabwe
(Health Services Insights, 2025-02-03) Ncube, S.; Mpofu, M. W.; Moyo, P. L.
Maternal waiting homes (MWHs) are structures built near the healthcare facility, which aim to reduce the distance to accessing maternal health services and bring pregnant women closer to the health facility, near the time of delivery. This reduces the risk of pregnancy complications which can cause maternal and neonatal deaths, or low birth weight. Tsholotsho district adopted the use of Maternal waiting homes as there was an increase in pregnancy-related complications and incidents of maternal death. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of maternity waiting homes in reducing pregnancy-related complications in Ward 5, Tsholotsho District. A 1:1 case-control study was used for the study, which recruited 248 women who attended Sipepa clinic. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and analysis for frequencies, means, proportions and odds ratios at 95% CI was done using SPSS version 29. The study established that Maternal waiting home use was a significant factor for reducing pregnancy complications (AOR = 0.16, 95% CI 0.09-0.28). Number of antenatal care visits less than 4 was found to be the significant independent risk factor for pregnancy complications (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.3-6.2). The odds of adequate knowledge of the benefits of maternal waiting homes was 6.9 times higher among women who used MWHs than those who did not (OR = 6.9, 95% CI: 3.9-12.2). The study provides evidence that MWHs can significantly reduce pregnancy-related complications and improve maternal health outcomes in Sipepa, Tsholotsho. However, barriers to non-use of MWHs, such as lack of privacy, no food variety, and no cooking utensils, must be addressed to maximize the effectiveness of this intervention. There is a need for policymakers and healthcare providers to prioritize the implementation and expansion of MWHs in rural areas of Zimbabwe, where they can have the greatest impact on reducing maternal mortality and morbidity.
A Cross-Sectional Study Examining the Role of Climate Variability in Shaping Trypanosomiasis Trends in Binga District, Zimbabwe (2008-2023): A Multi-Method Survey
(Infectious Disease Outbreaks, 2025) Ndiweni, N.; Moyo, P.L.; Nunu, W.N.; Tsoka-Gwegweni, J.
Climate variability, particularly global warming, is expected to have a significant impact on the interactions between pathogens, vectors, and animal and human hosts. Trypanosomiasis, a neglected zoonotic disease, is particularly sensitive to changes in climate, as increased temperatures can accelerate vector development and expand geographical range. This disease remains prevalent in Zimbabwe, with the Binga District being disproportionately affected. This study aimed to explore the effects of climate variability on the epidemiology of trypanosomiasis in the Binga District of Zimbabwe from 2008 to 2023. A multi-method approach was used to incorporate secondary data sources and a data-collection guide. Data collection involved a checklist and questionnaire administered using the Kobo Collect Toolbox. Bivariate correlations were employed to investigate the association between climate variability and trypanosomiasis occurrence. Rainfall and temperature data are presented as line graphs and maps at 3-year intervals for the period 2008 to 2023. Spatial analysis was conducted by overlaying climate data with the reported suspected cases of trypanosomiasis. The findings revealed a notable increase in annual case reports, correlating with increasing maximum and fluctuating average temperatures. Specifically, higher annual average temperatures were recorded in 2008 and 2017, coinciding with an increased incidence of trypanosomiasis. These findings underscore the critical role of climate variability in shaping trypanosomiasis trends in the Binga District of Zimbabwe. These findings highlight the importance of effective disease control strategies in response to climate-induced changes.
Dress Policing at Higher Learning Institutions in Zimbabwe: Discourses on the Bulawayo Polytechnic College Dress Code Declaration
(Journal of Asian and African Studies, 2025) Ndlovu, M.; Ndlovu, N.; Tshuma, L. A.; Mloyi, K.; Shava, G.
In November 2022, the administrators at Bulawayo Polytechnic College instituted a new dress code at its campus, sparking public outrage. This college dress code reinvigorated debates on the age-old questions of morality and rights. On one hand, there is a strong belief that the implementation of dress codes may lead to the violation of students’ rights and self-expression. On the other hand, others contend that ‘revealing’ dresses may disrupt teaching and learning. This article uses this Bulawayo Polytechnic ‘moment’ to explore the discourses and debates surrounding dress codes in higher education institutions. Drawing upon Foucault’s theorisation on discourse, discipline and governmentality, we consider school dress codes as technologies of power. Data were collected from college students. At the core of these debates on choices of clothes are issues of policing and disciplining female bodies, rape culture, body shaming, victim-blaming and surveillance.
Exploring Access, Utilisation, and Barriers to School Health Systems for Managing Mental Health Challenges: A Case Study of Mapanzure High School, Masvingo District, Zimbabwe
(Health Services Insights, 2025-11-17) Neganje, N.N.; Khozah, M.Y.; Nunu, W.N.
Introduction Globally, between the ages of 10 and 19, 15% of teenagers have mental health issues, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Mental health issues in schools lead to dropouts, poor academic performance, social isolation, and increased substance misuse. Various strategies, including universal screening and raising mental health literacy, have been implemented. However, constraints like limited resources and inadequate training hinder effective management. Therefore, this paper aimed to explore student access to and utilisation of the school health system for mental health challenges, and to identify key barriers to its effectiveness from the perspective of students and staff in Mapanzure Masvingo District. Methods A mixed-method survey was used with interviews and questionnaires to gather information from key informants and 62 randomly selected students. The key informants were purposively sampled, including two nurses, two teachers, three health masters, and two administrators. Quantitative data was analysed in Excel and SPSS and presented as tables and graphs, while the qualitative data was recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded, and thematically analysed. Results The study found a high prevalence of self-reported mental health symptoms among students, including attention deficit (62.9%) and low self-esteem (72.6%). This high burden of need contrasted sharply with utilisation of the school health system was low (40.3%), primarily due to a lack of student awareness. This indicates a significant gap between system provision and student access. Key informants identified health clubs and guidance counselling as core components of the system, but their effectiveness was hampered by major barriers like poverty and substance abuse. Conclusion It can be concluded that students are experiencing mental health issues, and key informants generally view school health systems as helpful. However, there are certain obstacles, such as poverty and substance use and abuse hindering implementation and optimal functioning of school health systems. These results may help create a supportive and inclusive environment that values student health and emotional wellbeing that can lead to improved academic outcomes and positive life for students.