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Item Open Access Implementing a technology learning programme in a school for learners with special educational needs: a case study(University of the Free State, 2010) De Swardt, Estelle; Ankiewicz, Piet; Gross, ElnaEnglish: This article explores the viability of implementing a technology learning programme in a school for learners with special educational needs. TechnEd (the former RAUTEC), Bernina, the school and the Gauteng Department of Education were involved in the project. The nature of the project required a qualitative, action research approach using group interviewing, observation and narratives to gather data. The action research allowed for evaluation, planning and action after every session. Qualitative data analysis methods were applied. The project had the following educational value for the learners: cognitive, personal and social skill development.Item Open Access The nature of learner sexual harassment in schools: an education law perspective(University of the Free State, 2010) De Wet, Annamagriet; Oosthuizen, IzakEnglish: The starting point for dealing with sexual harassment in schools would be to define sexual harassment and outline the behaviour that constitutes it. This article aims to define and describe the nature of learner sexual harassment in the secondary school setting and to discuss the criteria for sexual harassment. Because of the difference between harassment by educators and harassment by peers, this article will explore the specific nature of each. Finally, recommendations are made with regard to educator and learner sexual harassment training.Item Open Access A structured programme to develop novice researchers at the University of South Africa(University of the Free State, 2010) Schulze, SaloméEnglish: The article reports the views of mentors forming part of a structured mentoring programme to develop novice researchers in one college at the University of South Africa. The study was conceptualised according to the constructivist learning theory and the self-efficacy theory. The survey determined the views of 36 mentors by means of a questionnaire. It was found that the majority of the mentors are dedicated to the project. A number of challenges were identified, including a lack of quality time for the project, inadequate institutional support and a lack of training in certain issues, including the influence of mentoring style, how to negotiate rules and give feedback, how to deal with gender and cultural differences, and how to address negative mentee emotions.Item Open Access Die loopbaanbelewenis van akademici aan Suid-Afrikaanse universiteite: CAP ondersoek(University of the Free State, 2010) Wolhuter, Charl; De Wet, Corene; Higgs, Philip; Higgs, Leonie; Ntshoe, IsaacEnglish: This article aims to explain how South African academics experience their professional lives during different career phases by employing data from the international Changing Academic Profession (CAP) investigation into the academic profession. Two perturbing aspects emanate from the research. First, how academics during the early career phase (ages 20-39 years) experience being constricted, in view of their roles as researchers and the fact that this phase is typically the most creative in one’s career. Similarly, the fact that academics in the mid-career phase (ages 40-55 years) show the lowest levels of job satisfaction is a cause for concern, as these years are typically the most productive in one’s career.Item Open Access Group identities in Kenyan SMS messages(University of the Free State, 2010) Ong’onda, Nancy; Matu, Peter Maina; Oketch, OmondiEnglish: Short Message Service (SMS) as a new form of Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) seems to dissolve interaction and social hierarchies, thus resulting in the emergence of social groups. To determine how SMS has resulted in the emergence of social groups, this article explores the issues of group identities and language use in Kenyan text messages. Group identities and language use are examined in terms of age, social hierarchy and gendered identity. An integration of social structures and linguistic structures is emphasised. The findings reveal that a “new” language which presents the group identity of the users has evolved through SMS. Group identities are determined through the social agents of SMS language.Item Open Access The enterprise of craft: constraints and policy challenges in South Africa(University of the Free State, 2010) Rogerson, ChristianEnglish:In South Africa a growing policy focus is support for the development of craft enterprises. Policy interest in the craft sector derives from its close linkages with tourism. The aim of this article is to provide a critical analysis of the major constraints that confront the craft sector in South Africa. It is argued that policy interventions must deal with the problems of both those groups of craft enterprises which are oriented to external markets as well as those which are more narrowly focused on local markets.Item Open Access Socio-demographic profile and travel behaviour of biltong hunters in South Africa(University of the Free State, 2010) Van der Merwe, Peet; Saayman, Melville; Warren, Retha; Krugell, WaldoEnglish: This article examines the socio-demographic characteristics and travel behaviour of biltong hunters in South Africa. It attempts to determine the relationship between these factors and local tourist expenditure. In order to achieve the goal, a survey was conducted among members of the three main South African hunting associations. The behavioural variables that exerted the greatest influence on hunter expenditure were the number of hunting trips per year and the length of stay at a hunting destination. The contribution of the research is primarily, that from a methodological point of view, it was the first time that a more advanced statistical analysis has been applied to data concerning biltong hunting in South Africa, and secondly, findings will assist game-farm owners to market and develop their products in order to attract the higher spending market.Item Open Access A descriptive overview of the interpreting service in Parliament(University of the Free State, 2010) Lesch, HaroldEnglish: Language and language policy played a seminal role in the transformation of South Africa. The legislative framework laid down a multilingual language policy with the recognition of eleven official languages. Besides questions regarding its economic viability, there is a perception that the language policy is merely an attempt at political correctness. Nevertheless, societal issues and linguistic realities in the public arena necessitate that language service delivery in a multilingual country be granted a prominent role. This article portrays the reality of an interpreting service within the context of the public domain with specific reference to the highest state organs – nationally and provincially – as transformed entities, but also critically investigates the tasks to be fulfilled by language practitioners.Item Open Access The image and the brazen serpent: division, mediation and the translatability of cultures(University of the Free State, 2010) De Villiers-Human, SuzanneEnglish: This article confronts possible effects of the crisis of intercultural communication by investigating the transforming power of images to reorient or transfigure accepted cultural meanings. With current image theorists such as W J T Mitchell and Hans Belting it emphasises that the image’s power to self-create or to possess a life, presence or soul of its own – that aspect of the image that makes it seem animated and able to trap or immerse – is not merely a relic of ritual, cultic or idolatrous comprehensions, but may rather be one of the constant features in ontologies of the image.