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School of Languages and Literatures

An analysis of ukuthwasa as a component of oral literature in the 21st century

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

This qualitative study explores the initiation process of ukuthwasa among young individuals, including the personal experience of a researcher with an ancestral calling. The research investigates how oral literature has influenced African culture despite the challenges posed by the convergence and divergence of civilizations, languages, lifestyles, and environmental dynamics. Data were collected from ten participants who shared their frustrations with ukuthwasa, revealing that people are on different paths and destinations, and that healing is not possible until individuals are willing to learn and understand. The study focuses on intwaso, highlighting the presence of uninformed, sceptical, and inspired individuals who approach it differently. Overall, the study sheds light on the challenges of preserving oral literature and the importance of adaptation and understanding to ensure its continued significance in the modern era.

Degree

thesis:*
Grantor dc:publisher.institution
School of Languages and Literatures
Year dc:date.issued
2024

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Mtombeni, Ncebakazi
Advisor dc:contributor.advisor
  • Possa, Rethabile

Subjects

dc:subject × 4

Rights

Language dc:language.iso
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Handle dc:identifier.uri
http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41105
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/41105

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
University of Cape Town
Base URL
open.uct.ac.za/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Mtombeni, Ncebakazi. An analysis of ukuthwasa as a component of oral literature in the 21st century. School of Languages and Literatures, 2024. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41105