‘I am not a criminal!’: social semiotics and ideology in cartoons related to the #EndSARS movement

‘I am not a criminal!’: social semiotics and ideology in cartoons related to the #EndSARS movement

by | Dec 4, 2024 | IJAR 2024

‘I am not a criminal!’: social semiotics and ideology in cartoons related to the #EndSARS movement

Author: Samuel Akindeji Akinmusuyi

ISSN: 3078-2821
Affiliations: Babcock University (Department of Languages and Literary Studies: School of Education and Humanities), Nigeria
Source: International Journal of African Reflections 2024, p. 1 – 23
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2024/a1

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Samuel Akindeji Akinmusuyi
‘I am not a criminal!’: social semiotics and ideology in cartoons related to the #EndSARS movement
International Journal of African Reflections 2024, p. 1 – 23

Abstract

The #EndSARS social movement in Nigeria garnered considerable attention in 2020 as activists employed diverse means of communication to increase awareness of police brutality and advocate justice. This research aimed to examine the verbal and non-verbal communication strategies employed in cartoons associated with the #EndSARS social movement. Drawing upon the theoretical framework of Kress and Van Leeuwen’s (2006) Social Semiotics, this study sought to unveil the underlying ideologies and socio-political messages conveyed through the strategic use of semiotic resources in the cartoons. The research undertook a qualitative analysis of 12 cartoons purposively selected and published on various social media outlets between October and December 2020. The study reveals that non-verbal resources such as symbolism and iconic representations played a vital role in representing the power dynamics, social inequalities and oppressive structures prevalent in Nigerian society. The analysis also reveals that textual elements in the cartoons, including captions, inscriptions, speech bubbles and headlines, were strategically employed to reinforce the ideologies and socio-political messages conveyed in the cartoons, complementing the visual messages. The ideologies and sociopolitical messages evident in the analysis include power dynamics, resistance to oppression, police brutality, youth empowerment, social inequalities, accountability and justice, and profiling and victimisation. The study concludes that the strategic use of visual metaphors, iconic representations, facial expressions, body language, colour and verbal resources allows cartoonists to communicate the urgency for justice, challenge authority, call for social change and mobilise support for the #EndSARS social movement.

‘I am not a criminal!’: social semiotics and ideology in cartoons related to the #EndSARS movement

Peer-to-peer facilitators’ perceptions of gender-based violence in a higher-education institution

by | Dec 4, 2024 | IJAR 2024

Peer-to-peer facilitators’ perceptions of gender-based violence in a higher-education institution

Authors: Tandiwe Veronica Mangxa, Khuzekazi Ntakana and Prince Dabula

ISSN: 3078-2821
Affiliations: Student Health and Wellness, Student Affairs Division, Walter Sisulu University, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Student Counselling Unit, Student Affairs Division, Walter Sisulu University, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Student Affairs Division, Walter Sisulu University, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Source: International Journal of African Reflections 2024, p. 24 – 43
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2024/a2

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Tandiwe Veronica Mangxa, Khuzekazi Ntakana and Prince Dabula
Peer-to-peer facilitators’ perceptions of gender-based violence in a higher-education institution
International Journal of African Reflections 2024, p. 24 – 43
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2024/a2

Abstract

Engagements with peer-to-peer facilitators in a higher-education institution (HEI) highlighted the fact that students have varying perceptions of genderbased violence (GBV). This article explores the pre-intervention perceptions of GBV among peer-to-peer facilitators on a university campus in South Africa. A qualitative descriptive research design was employed and the participants were selected using non-probability purposive sampling. Preintervention open-ended questionnaires were administered to 30 peer-topeer facilitators, followed by three days of training. The data obtained were analysed using Tesch’s eight steps. This analysis led to the development of themes and an understanding of GBV, its occurrence and its impact. The findings on understanding GBV revealed that it could affect anyone and manifest itself in physical, emotional, psychological and sexual ways. And women, men and children can be affected. GBV can be directed from women to women, men to men, men to women, women to men and can be associated with sexual orientation. Regarding its occurrence, most of the participants revealed that it occurs on campus and in intimate relationships and that some incidents are not reported. The participants perceived that the effects of GBV can include poor academic performance, students dropping out of their studies, depression, emotional trauma, suicidal behaviours and a violation of human rights. This article discusses the peerto-peer facilitators’ perceptions of GBV on campus prior to their training.

‘I am not a criminal!’: social semiotics and ideology in cartoons related to the #EndSARS movement

Safeguarding dance, body archives and living traditions: exploring the Bamoun kpalùm traditional dance

by | Dec 4, 2024 | IJAR 2024

Safeguarding dance, body archives and living traditions: exploring the Bamoun kpalùm traditional dance

Author: Mirelle Flore Chamba Nana

ISSN: 3078-2821
Affiliations: Senior Lecturer, Institute of Fine Arts, University of Dschang, Foumban, Cameroon
Source: International Journal of African Reflections 2024, p. 44 – 66
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2024/a3

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Mirelle Flore Chamba Nana
Safeguarding dance, body archives and living traditions: exploring the Bamoun kpalùm traditional dance
International Journal of African Reflections 2024, p. 44 – 66
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2024/a3

Abstract

Current discussions about dance history and studies focus on various forms of archiving, including the body, which is viewed as a repository of knowledge. This article explores dance history from the point of view of safeguarding and documenting dance, with specific attention being paid to traditional dances. It reflects on the challenges related to dancing bodies as archives and the living traditions in kpalùm, a traditional dance performed among the Bamoun people of Cameroon. The concept of ‘body as archive’ is examined by drawing on the work of Lepecki and also on that of other scholars, such as Manning’s ‘anarchive’ and Taylor’s ‘repertoire’. This text explores the concept of the body as a living archive and its relevance to the preservation of traditional dance. It adopts a constructivist qualitative approach and highlights the ways in which the bodies of kpalùm dancers move beyond the constraints of traditional dance as a fixed and unchanging practice. The author delves into the embodied knowledge present in kpalùm dance revival and re-enactment and discusses the way dancers and choreographers bring a dance’s past to life, emphasising the relationship between past, present and future in re-enactment and dance preservation. The research indicates that kpalùm dancers embody a living archive of tradition, evoking past experiences, transmitting knowledge and memory, and anticipating future experiences through imagination. Each gesture is a new occurrence. Amid the seemingly overwhelming forces of urbanisation and globalisation, the dancers grapple with issues of identity and authenticity.

‘I am not a criminal!’: social semiotics and ideology in cartoons related to the #EndSARS movement

Cost of reskilling employees versus the profitability of a business: a reflection on selected small businesses in Mthatha, Eastern Cape

by | Dec 4, 2024 | IJAR 2024

Cost of reskilling employees versus the profitability of a business: a reflection on selected small businesses in Mthatha, Eastern Cape

Authors: Baseza Wonderfull Totobayo, Sookdhev Rajkaran and Cebile Ntuli

ISSN: 3078-2821
Affiliations: Walter Sisulu University
Source: International Journal of African Reflections 2024, p. 67 – 91
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2024/a4

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Baseza Wonderfull Totobayo, Sookdhev Rajkaran and Cebile Ntuli
Cost of reskilling employees versus the profitability of a business: a reflection on selected small businesses in Mthatha, Eastern Cape
International Journal of African Reflections 2024, p. 67 – 91
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2024/a4

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish the impact of the cost of reskilling employees on the profitability of a business. This explanatory study collected quantitative data from 56 managers of small businesses in Mthatha, Eastern Cape province, South Africa. A pilot study was conducted prior to the actual fieldwork. This study used self-administered questionnaires which contained both closed and open-ended questions. The quantitative data were analysed using SPSS whereas the qualitative data were analysed by means of thematic analysis. The data were further tested statistically to establish the significance levels and the correlations between the variables. The analysis on the impact of the cost of reskilling on the profitability of a business showed that reskilling the current workforce improves the profitability of a business. The empirical result of this study indicates that the benefits of reskilling the current employees of a business outweighs the costs involved in the process. This study also found that it is less costly to a business to retain and reskill the current workforce than to recruit new employees. This indicates that small businesses should invest in reskilling their workers.

‘I am not a criminal!’: social semiotics and ideology in cartoons related to the #EndSARS movement

Migrant integration for sustainable socio-economic and political development: insights and suggestions from immigrant adolescent learners in South Africa

by | Dec 4, 2024 | IJAR 2024

Migrant integration for sustainable socio-economic and political development: insights and suggestions from immigrant adolescent learners in South Africa

Author: Agrippa Mabvira, Roshini Pillay and Poppy Masinga

ISSN: 3078-2821
Affiliations: Teaching Assistant, University of the Witwatersrand; Senior Lecturer, University of the Witwatersrand; Senior Lecturer and Head of Faculty, South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP)
Source: International Journal of African Reflections 2024, p. 92 – 113
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2024/a5

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Agrippa Mabvira, Roshini Pillay and Poppy Masinga
Migrant integration for sustainable socio-economic and political development: insights and suggestions from immigrant adolescent learners in South Africa
International Journal of African Reflections 2024, p. 92 – 113
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2024/a5

Abstract

The African continent has witnessed an unprecedented surge in intra-African migration in the past two decades. It is commendable that research has been conducted on the role of regional immigrants in the socioeconomic and political development of host and home countries. However, there is limited research on how the youth, particularly immigrant adolescents, can be integrated in learning institutions so that they acquire the proper foundation to be in a better condition to contribute to the socioeconomic and political development of their host countries. This study used the Participatory Action Research (PAR) framework within qualitative research methodology to capture the challenges of and recommendations from immigrant adolescent learners through the technique of Photovoice. The human capabilities approach and the acculturation theory were the underlining theoretical frameworks. The study was conducted in strict accordance with established ethical guidelines and a comprehensive set of measures was implemented to ensure trustworthiness. The evidence recommends intercultural training for educators, awareness campaigns, methodical and continuous language support, concerted effort by civil society and the government against xenophobia in addition to responsible reporting by media outlets to avoid the perpetuation of stereotypes against immigrants.

‘I am not a criminal!’: social semiotics and ideology in cartoons related to the #EndSARS movement

The art of writing a judgment: an appraisal of the form and content of a judgment of a trial court under the Cameroon Criminal Procedure Code

by | Dec 4, 2024 | IJAR 2024

The art of writing a judgment: an appraisal of the form and content of a judgment of a trial court under the Cameroon Criminal Procedure Code

Author: Akame Winslow Melle

ISSN: 3078-2821
Affiliations: University of Buea
Source: International Journal of African Reflections 2024, p. 114 – 136
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2024/a6

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Akame Winslow Melle
The art of writing a judgment: an appraisal of the form and content of a judgment of a trial court under the Cameroon Criminal Procedure Code
International Journal of African Reflections 2024, p. 114 – 136
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2024/a6

Abstract

A judgment of a trial court in a criminal case in Cameroon is the decision of the Court that disposes of the charge or a committal order and renders the Court functus officio. This paves the way for any of the parties to file a notice of appeal to challenge the judgment or, failing that, to cause it to be executed. A judgment is, however, not only the explanation of the position of the Court: it is also a means of proving that due process was respected during a trial. In order to render it regular, a Court decision should contain adequate proof of compliance with the mandatory formalities required by law. This is because failure to mention that these formalities were accomplished leads to the presumption of their violation. The legal instruments regulating the form and contents of a judgment in a criminal case before a trial court in Cameroon are Law No 2005/007 of 27 July 2005 instituting the Criminal Procedure Code, Law No 2006/015 of 29 December 2006 on Judicial Organization, as amended and supplemented by Law No 2011/027 of 14 December 2011, and Law No 2016/7 of 12 July 2016 relating to the Cameroon Penal Code. Translation from French into English is at times faulty, inaccurate and misleading. The absence of the precise form and contents of a judgment under the Code D’Instruction Criminelle and the Criminal Procedure Ordinance has been a major setback in writing judgments and, therefore, in the absence of a unique format, recourse has to be made to the good practices of writing judgments. In this regard, the unification of laws and the inception of the Criminal Procedure Code has resolved many problems. This article reveals that a proper judgment has three parts: the introduction or heading, the evaluation of evidence or reason, and the verdict. It recommends that these should be read in open court and should have a suit number at the beginning and end with orders, a reminder to the parties of their right of appeal, an executory formula and signatures. Therefore, any judgment shy of all the parts and contents as analysed in this article will be an absolute nullity.

‘I am not a criminal!’: social semiotics and ideology in cartoons related to the #EndSARS movement

Reviewing artificial intelligence (AI) in the 21st century: a study of David Hanson’s Sophia – a gynoid

by | Dec 4, 2024 | IJAR 2024

Reviewing artificial intelligence (AI) in the 21st century: a study of David Hanson’s Sophia – a gynoid

Authors: Emily Oghale God’spresence and Azuka FN God’spresence

ISSN: 3078-2821
Affiliations: Reader, Department of Film and Multimedia Studies, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Port Harcourt; Instructional/Tutorial Facilitator and Project Supervisor, Faculty of Education, National Open University of Nigeria
Source: International Journal of African Reflections 2024, p. 137 – 163
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2024/a7

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Emily Oghale God’spresence and Azuka FN God’spresence
Reviewing artificial intelligence (AI) in the 21st century: a study of David Hanson’s Sophia – a gynoid
International Journal of African Reflections 2024, p. 137 – 163
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2024/a7

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI), otherwise referred to as ‘Intelligent Machine’ or ‘Electronic Brain’, is a technological innovation which came into the limelight in the mid-20th century. It is referred to as AI because it displays fabulous intelligence and emotions, yet only as digital electronics. However, there are critical ethical and economic considerations about AI: the first is the fear that they are built to undertake difficult and various tasks capably with great ease, economy of time and remarkable accuracy. In this way, they give rise to a speculative fear that these ‘thinking machines’ may take over human economic activity. The second consideration is the high cost of building a robotic project. This article sets out (1) to create and provoke academic debate on the desirability of Intelligent Machines in a world plagued by human rights violations, material poverty and structural violence; (2) to investigate the interaction between human beings and innovative technology; (3) to interrogate the usability of AI as a possible threat or asset to human existence and activity; and (4) to view the gender profiling of Sophia as a ‘multi-tasking’ fembot. The methodology adopted for this study is qualitative, using an analytical approach to examine the relationship between human beings and AI. Utilitarian Ethical Theory forms the theoretical framework for the study. This article suggests that the existence of humanity is in a precarious state and therefore recommends that control measures be imposed on the use of AI in order to prevent infringements of human rights and to limit the predictable but uncontrolled activities of robots in the immediate future.

‘I am not a criminal!’: social semiotics and ideology in cartoons related to the #EndSARS movement

Revamping the productivity of rural firms: a strategy for developing a transformational rural employment, welfare and capital accumulation attitude

by | Dec 4, 2024 | IJAR 2024

Revamping the productivity of rural firms: a strategy for developing a transformational rural employment, welfare and capital accumulation attitude

Authors: Yiseyon S Hosu and Fikiswa Mpopoma-Conway

ISSN: 3078-2821
Affiliations: Department of Business Management and Economics, Walter Sisulu University, Eastern Cape province, South Africa: Small-scale agribusiness and rural non-farm enterprise research niche, Walter Sisulu University, Eastern Cape province, South Africa; Department of Business Management and Economics, Walter Sisulu University, Eastern Cape province, South Africa
Source: International Journal of African Reflections 2024, p. 164 – 190
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2024/a8

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Yiseyon S Hosu and Fikiswa Mpopoma-Conway
Revamping the productivity of rural firms: a strategy for developing a transformational rural employment, welfare and capital accumulation attitude
International Journal of African Reflections 2024, p. 164 – 190
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2024/a8

Abstract

The productivity of rural firms in the Eastern Cape province’s rural areas was examined in this study. It investigated the way readily available natural resources attract abundant labour to create jobs and reduce poverty. This article aims to define the demographics, examine how working for a rural company can improve an individual’s well-being, investigate the advantages of working for a rural company and identify the variables that affect the workers’ welfare status. The study also examined the extent to which income, savings and consumption expenditure contribute to an individual’s financial well-being when they work for rural businesses. To meet its goals, the study postulated that working for rural businesses could improve the welfare of employees through the accumulation of economic components such as income, savings and consumption expenditure. According to the regression analysis, consumption spending is the most significant economic factor. Even though savings and income did not show much improvement, the findings demonstrate an improvement in the welfare of the respondents who worked for the rural enterprises. This article accordingly makes the following recommendations: adequate funding should be made available for rural areas; appropriate rural institutions should be in place to promote economic development; well-paying jobs that boost local productivity and reduce poverty must be created; and improved skills development that could have positive multiplier effects should be pursued.

Mapping Corruption Hotspots in Ghana’s Criminal Justice System and Processes

by | Dec 1, 2024 | AJCJ, AJCJ 2023

Mapping Corruption Hotspots in Ghana’s Criminal Justice System and Processes

Author: Moses Agaawena Amagnya

ISSN: 2958-8162
Affiliations: Community and Criminal Justice Division, School of Applied Social Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University
Source: Africa Journal of Crime and Justice 2023, p. 1 – 23
https://doi.org/10.47348/AJCJ/2023/a1

Abstract

‘Corruption’ may be defined as the use or misuse of entrusted power for private, institutional or third-party gain. It is a serious global problem, particularly in developing countries. Corruption becomes more dangerous when criminal justice institutions and officials, who are usually the last resort to address conflicts and grievances, are affected by corruption. Unfortunately, research shows that criminal justice systems are often perceived as among the most corrupt public institutions in the world. One of the ways to help address corruption in criminal justice systems and institutions is to map out areas, procedures and processes that are prone to corruption – corruption hotspots. This paper maps out corruption hotspots in Ghana’s criminal justice system. It does this by examining the institutions, processes and procedures that members of the public navigate when accessing justice services in Ghana. The analysis reveals that entry points to the criminal justice system and/or institutions, particularly those that are complex and difficult for the public to understand, are significant hotspots for corruption. This paper also discusses the implications of these findings for corruption prevention in Ghana and beyond.

The Spatiotemporal Patterns and Drivers of Kidnappings for Ransom in Ethiopia

by | Dec 1, 2024 | AJCJ, AJCJ 2023

The Spatiotemporal Patterns and Drivers of Kidnappings for Ransom in Ethiopia

Author: Daniel K. Waktola

ISSN: 2958-8162
Affiliations: Professor of Geography, Austin Community College, TX, USA
Source: Africa Journal of Crime and Justice 2023, p. 24 – 50
https://doi.org/10.47348/AJCJ/2023/a2

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the spatio-temporal dynamics of kidnapping for ransom (KfR) in Ethiopia. Utilising 155 reported kidnapping incidents and advanced geospatial techniques, the research reveals a 500 percent increase in KfR incidents between 2020 and 2021, with continued growth thereafter. Oromia emerged as the epicentre, followed by Amhara and Tigray regions. Over 50 percent of cases occurred within 125 km of Addis Ababa by 2023, indicating a strategic focus on economically active areas. Our analysis uncovered crucial spatial patterns, revealing a concentration of incidents along regional borders and near main roads. These findings challenge conventional assumptions about criminal behaviour, suggesting that perpetrators strategically exploit jurisdictional complexities and leverage transportation networks rather than seeking isolation. The study underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to address root causes of KfR, including conflict resolution, economic development, and strengthening governance structures. While acknowledging data limitations, this research provides crucial insights for policymakers and law enforcement, contributing to broader discussions on crime prevention in complex environments and informing geographically-tailored strategies to combat this growing threat.