Acta Criminologica: Southern African Journal of Criminology, 2015
Illicit drug use has been identified as a leading health indicator, since it is associated with m... more Illicit drug use has been identified as a leading health indicator, since it is associated with multiple deleterious health outcomes, such as sexually transmitted diseases, viral hepatitis, and numerous social problems among adolescents and adults. Yet a lacuna in a systematic understanding of current discourses on the psycho-social impacts of illicit drug use, drug trafficking and decriminalisation of drugs in criminological research exists. This Special Issue showcases contemporary research that fills a noteworthy gap in understanding the various facets of illicit substance abuse. Conceptualised with the motive of engaging in 'thicker' debates over the profound discursivities surrounding illicit drug addiction and dependence, this special edition of the society's Journal draws from diverse local, national and international approaches and perspectives.
Acta Criminologica: Southern African Journal of Criminology, 2016
It has been argued that the key trends in African maritime security can be summarised as sea-rela... more It has been argued that the key trends in African maritime security can be summarised as sea-related threats (such as inter alia, human and drug trafficking, piracy and other criminal activities). The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) promotes, amongst others, the safety of life and property at sea. Against this backdrop this article seeks to critically highlight maritime criminality as reported through the eyes of six participants with first-hand experience of maritime criminal activities. Through face-to-face interviews with these participants the data generated experiences around piracy, human smuggling, drug trafficking and stowaways. The data speaks specifically to corrupt employees who facilitate these criminal activities (often violently) in various ways. This article makes recommendations for future large-scale research on these challenges for prevention purposes.
Acta Criminologica: Southern African Journal of Criminology, 2014
According to the World Health Organisation countries in transition have witnessed a dramatic rise... more According to the World Health Organisation countries in transition have witnessed a dramatic rise in delinquency rates. Given that juvenile offending is a pervasive social problem and many theories about its aetiology have been advanced it is not unusual for researchers to understand delinquent behaviour over periods of time. Against this backdrop this study seeks to understand gendered patterns of offending or delinquent behaviour among seven hundred and fifty (750) school going adolescents in a historically Indian township in Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal. Using a non-probability, random, sampling method respondents were chosen from two secondary schools in Chatsworth. Results from the study showed significant correlations between gender (male and female) and modes of punishment; norm violations; regulation violations; and malicious damage to property. For instance gender and norm violations results indicated that sleeping out of home without parental permission is not gendered. Both ...
Acta Criminologica: Southern African Journal of Criminology, 2015
Illicit drug use has been identified as a leading health indicator, since it is associated with m... more Illicit drug use has been identified as a leading health indicator, since it is associated with multiple deleterious health outcomes, such as sexually transmitted diseases, viral hepatitis, and numerous social problems among adolescents and adults. Yet a lacuna in a systematic understanding of current discourses on the psycho-social impacts of illicit drug use, drug trafficking and decriminalisation of drugs in criminological research exists. This Special Issue showcases contemporary research that fills a noteworthy gap in understanding the various facets of illicit substance abuse. Conceptualised with the motive of engaging in 'thicker' debates over the profound discursivities surrounding illicit drug addiction and dependence, this special edition of the society's Journal draws from diverse local, national and international approaches and perspectives.
International Journal of Criminology and Sociology, 2021
The Covid-19 is believed to have emerged in Wuhan, China, and has affected many countries across ... more The Covid-19 is believed to have emerged in Wuhan, China, and has affected many countries across the globe. In response to this pandemic, governments in different countries have implemented social distancing measures to stop the spread of the virus. The closure of schools and switch to remote learning of universities to protect youth and children from exposure to the virus might also open opportunities for certain crimes such as cyberbullying. The study aimed at exploring the risks of victimization of children and youth through cyberbullying during the lockdown. A qualitative approach, non-participant observation was utilised. Data was collected from three social media platforms which include Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram from posts since the beginning of lockdown. Keywords such as 'ama2000s', '2000s' and '90s vs 2000s' were used to search for content. Facebook groups for '2000s' where most young people engage were also used. The study found that w...
Since the creation of the United Nations Organisation in 1945, the membership and structure of th... more Since the creation of the United Nations Organisation in 1945, the membership and structure of the UN Security Council has been one of the most contentious and recurring questions debated by UN member-states. Following the recommendations of the UN High Level Panel on “Threats, Challenges and Change” (A/59/565) that countries who have contributed the most to the UN accessed budget, military, and diplomacy should be considered for a permanent place in the Council, Nigeria has expressed her intention to occupy one of the proposed permanent seats. However, the significance of this position and the power that goes with it remains a stumbling block for most of its citizens who feel alienated and distant from the government’s policies and programmes. This study seeks to underscore the value of this position through the lens of realpolitik. The realist approach enunciated by Henry Kissinger, which is hinged on the following premise: States use their national power to protect national values and ensure their national interest; empowering the citizens in the international system so as to enhance the nation’s image and legitimacy should serve as a guide to rationalising Nigeria’s bid to occupy one of the proposed permanent positions. Essentially, this quest is predicated on the realist theory, which correlates the bid to the welfare of Nigerian citizens. The link between foreign policy and the citizens’ welfare is very significant as the country shifts from the Afro-centric foreign policy to a more “Citizen-centred Diplomacy”.
This study investigates the implication(s) of achieving a permanent chair on an expanded United N... more This study investigates the implication(s) of achieving a permanent chair on an expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to the Nigerian domestic environment. It explores that, which Nigeria stands to gain from being a permanent member of the UNSC. Further, the article explores the motivation behind Nigeria lobbying and sometimes altering its priorities to serve on the Journal of African Foreign Affairs (JoAFA)
Background: Nigeria’s former Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, in his addresses of Augu... more Background: Nigeria’s former Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, in his addresses of August and October 1, 1960, declared Africa as the centrepiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy. This policy thrust has remained a constant variable in the country’s diplomatic engagements over the years. The doctrine of Afrocentrism is predicated on the supposed manifest leadership role placed on Nigeria by nature. This made her leaders define Africa’s interest as Nigeria’s national interest, a development that has been contended to have no empirical bearing on the welfare of Nigerians thereby generating intense scrutiny. Consequently, this study evaluates the impact of Nigeria’s Afrocentric foreign policy thrust on the welfare of the ordinary Nigerians. The study further analyses the country’s gravitation towards citizen-centred diplomacy in 2007. These will help in comprehending the interaction between national interest and foreign policy in Nigeria, and to identify whose interests have been p...
African Journal of Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 2007
Abstract It is widely established that South African learners score poorly on written tests—wheth... more Abstract It is widely established that South African learners score poorly on written tests—whether standardized or locally devised tests as part of research and evaluation. Similar results were obtained in the project of which this research is a part. In spite of findings from classroom observations and interviews that teachers were competent, lessons well prepared and learners deeply engaged, learners continued to score poorly on written tests. The research reported in this paper is a response to these results where an alternative strategy to evaluate what learners had learnt during their science lessons was implemented. The SOLO Taxonomy was used as a means of categorising different levels of learners responses in an attempt to find out what learners had in fact learnt. Data were collected from classes in 10 schools. Analyses of the data show that the learners learned much more than the tests indicate, and could talk insightfully about science ideas and relationships between them. They also gave some indications of what learners find ‘important’ in their science learning and how they like to present their learning. The implications for assessment are clear: strategies that assess more than learners' written responses to questions assessing knowledge of science concepts are required if we wish to gain a better understanding of the learning that occurs in science classrooms.
This article draws upon the experiences of three academics who collaborated online to engage stud... more This article draws upon the experiences of three academics who collaborated online to engage students from the three respective higher education institutions (the University of Wales, United Kingdom; the University of Washington, United States of America; and the University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa) to participate in a Virtual Learning Environment using Blackboard software to examine the issue of racism (past and present). This article reflects upon the nature, context and format of the online learning environment, explores ...
International Journal of Criminology and Sociology
South Africa promulgated the Prevention and Combating of Torture of Persons Act No. 13 of 2013, w... more South Africa promulgated the Prevention and Combating of Torture of Persons Act No. 13 of 2013, which criminalises the use of torture by law enforcers. The Act also criminalises cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment of citizens by law enforcers. However, the implementation of this law is derisory as the torture and physical abuse of civilians by the police reportedly continue unabated. This phenomenon seems part of police culture that is entrenched in South African policing practices. Prior to the study, the literature review underscored the unabated prevalence of police violence. Against this background, this article seeks to highlight specific incidences of police officers’ use of unconstitutional and abusive acts of torture involving civilians. Using a qualitative research approach, ten officers of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) were interviewed to generate the required data. Thematic analysis was used and the findings revealed that civili...
Although much has improved over the past decade in the South African Police Service (SAPS) since ... more Although much has improved over the past decade in the South African Police Service (SAPS) since the dark days of apartheid, a glaring fault line in the transformation process has been the high levels of police abuse of power and misconduct. This is manifested particularly as a challenge of widespread police corruption and ill-discipline which has hindered the legitimacy of the police organization in the eyes of a substantial proportion of the South African public, (Rauch: 2000:20). The objective of this paper therefore is to understand police perceptions of misconduct within the Grahamstown Policing Area. The research methodology employed was largely quantitative. The data was obtained through administering questionnaires to pre-selected police members in Alice and Grahamstown policing precinct. Members listed the following conditions as reasons for misconduct : ineffective management, the role of unions, reporting misconduct and types of misconduct. They believed that some of the managers were not efficient and that results in ill treatment of members and in favouring others. Those not favoured feel despair, lose hope and resort to misconduct as a solution to their frustrations. When a member has done well and is not appreciated and is lambasted for making a minor error he / she feels disillusioned. Most of the members (ninety percent) maintained that they will report misconduct against colleagues because they believe that : it serves as a corrective measure. nobody is above the law those who contravene the law must be punished. they will be regarded as accomplices if they do not report the misconduct. It will impact on service delivery if perpetrators are not disciplined. Some recommendations include : Poor performance should be identified and rectified and good performance should be recognised and rewarded; All members irrespective of ranks should be engaged in workshops for deliberations on the code of conduct; It should be the responsibility of management to ensure that all members understand the code of conduct.
Acta Criminologica: Southern African Journal of Criminology, 2015
Illicit drug use has been identified as a leading health indicator, since it is associated with m... more Illicit drug use has been identified as a leading health indicator, since it is associated with multiple deleterious health outcomes, such as sexually transmitted diseases, viral hepatitis, and numerous social problems among adolescents and adults. Yet a lacuna in a systematic understanding of current discourses on the psycho-social impacts of illicit drug use, drug trafficking and decriminalisation of drugs in criminological research exists. This Special Issue showcases contemporary research that fills a noteworthy gap in understanding the various facets of illicit substance abuse. Conceptualised with the motive of engaging in 'thicker' debates over the profound discursivities surrounding illicit drug addiction and dependence, this special edition of the society's Journal draws from diverse local, national and international approaches and perspectives.
Acta Criminologica: Southern African Journal of Criminology, 2016
It has been argued that the key trends in African maritime security can be summarised as sea-rela... more It has been argued that the key trends in African maritime security can be summarised as sea-related threats (such as inter alia, human and drug trafficking, piracy and other criminal activities). The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) promotes, amongst others, the safety of life and property at sea. Against this backdrop this article seeks to critically highlight maritime criminality as reported through the eyes of six participants with first-hand experience of maritime criminal activities. Through face-to-face interviews with these participants the data generated experiences around piracy, human smuggling, drug trafficking and stowaways. The data speaks specifically to corrupt employees who facilitate these criminal activities (often violently) in various ways. This article makes recommendations for future large-scale research on these challenges for prevention purposes.
Acta Criminologica: Southern African Journal of Criminology, 2014
According to the World Health Organisation countries in transition have witnessed a dramatic rise... more According to the World Health Organisation countries in transition have witnessed a dramatic rise in delinquency rates. Given that juvenile offending is a pervasive social problem and many theories about its aetiology have been advanced it is not unusual for researchers to understand delinquent behaviour over periods of time. Against this backdrop this study seeks to understand gendered patterns of offending or delinquent behaviour among seven hundred and fifty (750) school going adolescents in a historically Indian township in Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal. Using a non-probability, random, sampling method respondents were chosen from two secondary schools in Chatsworth. Results from the study showed significant correlations between gender (male and female) and modes of punishment; norm violations; regulation violations; and malicious damage to property. For instance gender and norm violations results indicated that sleeping out of home without parental permission is not gendered. Both ...
Acta Criminologica: Southern African Journal of Criminology, 2015
Illicit drug use has been identified as a leading health indicator, since it is associated with m... more Illicit drug use has been identified as a leading health indicator, since it is associated with multiple deleterious health outcomes, such as sexually transmitted diseases, viral hepatitis, and numerous social problems among adolescents and adults. Yet a lacuna in a systematic understanding of current discourses on the psycho-social impacts of illicit drug use, drug trafficking and decriminalisation of drugs in criminological research exists. This Special Issue showcases contemporary research that fills a noteworthy gap in understanding the various facets of illicit substance abuse. Conceptualised with the motive of engaging in 'thicker' debates over the profound discursivities surrounding illicit drug addiction and dependence, this special edition of the society's Journal draws from diverse local, national and international approaches and perspectives.
International Journal of Criminology and Sociology, 2021
The Covid-19 is believed to have emerged in Wuhan, China, and has affected many countries across ... more The Covid-19 is believed to have emerged in Wuhan, China, and has affected many countries across the globe. In response to this pandemic, governments in different countries have implemented social distancing measures to stop the spread of the virus. The closure of schools and switch to remote learning of universities to protect youth and children from exposure to the virus might also open opportunities for certain crimes such as cyberbullying. The study aimed at exploring the risks of victimization of children and youth through cyberbullying during the lockdown. A qualitative approach, non-participant observation was utilised. Data was collected from three social media platforms which include Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram from posts since the beginning of lockdown. Keywords such as 'ama2000s', '2000s' and '90s vs 2000s' were used to search for content. Facebook groups for '2000s' where most young people engage were also used. The study found that w...
Since the creation of the United Nations Organisation in 1945, the membership and structure of th... more Since the creation of the United Nations Organisation in 1945, the membership and structure of the UN Security Council has been one of the most contentious and recurring questions debated by UN member-states. Following the recommendations of the UN High Level Panel on “Threats, Challenges and Change” (A/59/565) that countries who have contributed the most to the UN accessed budget, military, and diplomacy should be considered for a permanent place in the Council, Nigeria has expressed her intention to occupy one of the proposed permanent seats. However, the significance of this position and the power that goes with it remains a stumbling block for most of its citizens who feel alienated and distant from the government’s policies and programmes. This study seeks to underscore the value of this position through the lens of realpolitik. The realist approach enunciated by Henry Kissinger, which is hinged on the following premise: States use their national power to protect national values and ensure their national interest; empowering the citizens in the international system so as to enhance the nation’s image and legitimacy should serve as a guide to rationalising Nigeria’s bid to occupy one of the proposed permanent positions. Essentially, this quest is predicated on the realist theory, which correlates the bid to the welfare of Nigerian citizens. The link between foreign policy and the citizens’ welfare is very significant as the country shifts from the Afro-centric foreign policy to a more “Citizen-centred Diplomacy”.
This study investigates the implication(s) of achieving a permanent chair on an expanded United N... more This study investigates the implication(s) of achieving a permanent chair on an expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to the Nigerian domestic environment. It explores that, which Nigeria stands to gain from being a permanent member of the UNSC. Further, the article explores the motivation behind Nigeria lobbying and sometimes altering its priorities to serve on the Journal of African Foreign Affairs (JoAFA)
Background: Nigeria’s former Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, in his addresses of Augu... more Background: Nigeria’s former Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, in his addresses of August and October 1, 1960, declared Africa as the centrepiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy. This policy thrust has remained a constant variable in the country’s diplomatic engagements over the years. The doctrine of Afrocentrism is predicated on the supposed manifest leadership role placed on Nigeria by nature. This made her leaders define Africa’s interest as Nigeria’s national interest, a development that has been contended to have no empirical bearing on the welfare of Nigerians thereby generating intense scrutiny. Consequently, this study evaluates the impact of Nigeria’s Afrocentric foreign policy thrust on the welfare of the ordinary Nigerians. The study further analyses the country’s gravitation towards citizen-centred diplomacy in 2007. These will help in comprehending the interaction between national interest and foreign policy in Nigeria, and to identify whose interests have been p...
African Journal of Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 2007
Abstract It is widely established that South African learners score poorly on written tests—wheth... more Abstract It is widely established that South African learners score poorly on written tests—whether standardized or locally devised tests as part of research and evaluation. Similar results were obtained in the project of which this research is a part. In spite of findings from classroom observations and interviews that teachers were competent, lessons well prepared and learners deeply engaged, learners continued to score poorly on written tests. The research reported in this paper is a response to these results where an alternative strategy to evaluate what learners had learnt during their science lessons was implemented. The SOLO Taxonomy was used as a means of categorising different levels of learners responses in an attempt to find out what learners had in fact learnt. Data were collected from classes in 10 schools. Analyses of the data show that the learners learned much more than the tests indicate, and could talk insightfully about science ideas and relationships between them. They also gave some indications of what learners find ‘important’ in their science learning and how they like to present their learning. The implications for assessment are clear: strategies that assess more than learners' written responses to questions assessing knowledge of science concepts are required if we wish to gain a better understanding of the learning that occurs in science classrooms.
This article draws upon the experiences of three academics who collaborated online to engage stud... more This article draws upon the experiences of three academics who collaborated online to engage students from the three respective higher education institutions (the University of Wales, United Kingdom; the University of Washington, United States of America; and the University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa) to participate in a Virtual Learning Environment using Blackboard software to examine the issue of racism (past and present). This article reflects upon the nature, context and format of the online learning environment, explores ...
International Journal of Criminology and Sociology
South Africa promulgated the Prevention and Combating of Torture of Persons Act No. 13 of 2013, w... more South Africa promulgated the Prevention and Combating of Torture of Persons Act No. 13 of 2013, which criminalises the use of torture by law enforcers. The Act also criminalises cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment of citizens by law enforcers. However, the implementation of this law is derisory as the torture and physical abuse of civilians by the police reportedly continue unabated. This phenomenon seems part of police culture that is entrenched in South African policing practices. Prior to the study, the literature review underscored the unabated prevalence of police violence. Against this background, this article seeks to highlight specific incidences of police officers’ use of unconstitutional and abusive acts of torture involving civilians. Using a qualitative research approach, ten officers of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) were interviewed to generate the required data. Thematic analysis was used and the findings revealed that civili...
Although much has improved over the past decade in the South African Police Service (SAPS) since ... more Although much has improved over the past decade in the South African Police Service (SAPS) since the dark days of apartheid, a glaring fault line in the transformation process has been the high levels of police abuse of power and misconduct. This is manifested particularly as a challenge of widespread police corruption and ill-discipline which has hindered the legitimacy of the police organization in the eyes of a substantial proportion of the South African public, (Rauch: 2000:20). The objective of this paper therefore is to understand police perceptions of misconduct within the Grahamstown Policing Area. The research methodology employed was largely quantitative. The data was obtained through administering questionnaires to pre-selected police members in Alice and Grahamstown policing precinct. Members listed the following conditions as reasons for misconduct : ineffective management, the role of unions, reporting misconduct and types of misconduct. They believed that some of the managers were not efficient and that results in ill treatment of members and in favouring others. Those not favoured feel despair, lose hope and resort to misconduct as a solution to their frustrations. When a member has done well and is not appreciated and is lambasted for making a minor error he / she feels disillusioned. Most of the members (ninety percent) maintained that they will report misconduct against colleagues because they believe that : it serves as a corrective measure. nobody is above the law those who contravene the law must be punished. they will be regarded as accomplices if they do not report the misconduct. It will impact on service delivery if perpetrators are not disciplined. Some recommendations include : Poor performance should be identified and rectified and good performance should be recognised and rewarded; All members irrespective of ranks should be engaged in workshops for deliberations on the code of conduct; It should be the responsibility of management to ensure that all members understand the code of conduct.
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Papers by Nirmala Gopal