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A reflective perspective of women leadership in Nguni oral poetic forms

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dc.contributor.advisor Saule, N
dc.contributor.author Mdluli, Sisana R. (Sisana Rachel)
dc.date.accessioned 2014-02-07T06:45:08Z
dc.date.available 2014-02-07T06:45:08Z
dc.date.issued 2014-02-07
dc.identifier.citation Mdluli, Sisana R. (Sisana Rachel) (2014) A reflective perspective of women leadership in Nguni oral poetic forms, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/13174> en
dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/10500/13174
dc.description.abstract This thesis utilizes the theory of feminism in all its implied branches in an attempt to critically review the subtle and sometimes deliberate subjugation of women in general and South Africa in particular. This occurs, in spite of the fact that there are laws in place that are meant to discourage women abuse. Juxtaposing this is the perspective conception of women, looking at themselves as subjects of virtue who deserve equal treatment to any other human being. It is through some oral forms that this reflection could be tested. Praise poetry, in the hands of a creative artist opens up a world of human emotions that could not be easily seen or felt, and yet it can simultaneously be used to manipulate situations. Language therefore could be seen as a powerful double-edged instrument. The patriarchal system, in this thesis, is exposed as that holy ideology turned unholy to achieve condescending agendas against women. The thin light of respect demonstrated by the traditionalist thinking is made to disappear into thin air, especially when contaminated by Western ideas. It is the resoluteness and the fair obstinacy of some both traditional and modern women that determinedly stood up to conscientise the world in terms of respect for human life irrespective. In this research, an exploration of literary elements within four Nguni languages, that is Siswati, isiZulu, isiNdebele, and isiXhosa reveals the singularity of purpose, for these elements to be manipulated to achieve domineering intentions. Be that as it may, tibongo (praise poems/ praises) of outstanding women who have served in traditional leadership in these language groups give reason to challenge any idea that women should by virtue be relegated to the back seat. Through these tibongo it becomes apparent that because of the women leaders’ stubborn fairness and unparalleled foresight, they have become personifications of democratic values and as such, role models and symbolic hope not only for the empowerment of women, but also for their total liberation from all negative perceptions and oppressions. en
dc.format.extent 1 online resource (iv, 300 leaves)
dc.language.iso en en
dc.subject Feminism en
dc.subject Womanism en
dc.subject Proverbs en
dc.subject Praise poetry en
dc.subject Culture en
dc.subject Women leadership en
dc.subject Orature en
dc.subject.ddc 305.488096398
dc.subject.lcsh Nguni languages -- Women authors -- History and criticism
dc.subject.lcsh Nguni languages -- Social aspects -- South Africa
dc.subject.lcsh African poetry -- Women authors -- History and criticism
dc.subject.lcsh Women in literature
dc.subject.lcsh Laudatory poetry, African
dc.title A reflective perspective of women leadership in Nguni oral poetic forms en
dc.type Thesis en
dc.description.department African Languages en
dc.description.degree D. Litt. et Phil. (African Languages)


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