OpenUCT :: Browsing by Author "Ramugondo, Elelwani"

Browsing by Author "Ramugondo, Elelwani"

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Open Access
Adult family members' perspectives on the play of a young disabled child within the family
(2007) Davies, Belinda; Ramugondo, Elelwani; Galvaan, Roshan
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 107-118).
Open Access
A case study of professional role transition for occupational therapists in specialised education in post-apartheid South Africa : a critical narrative perspective
(2016) Sonday, Amshuda; Ramugondo, Elelwani; Kathard, Harsha
Background: This study is a critical description and explanation of the situated nature of the professional role transition process experienced by occupational therapists working in specialised education in post-apartheid South Africa. The study posed the research question: How do occupational therapists experience the process of professional role transition within specialised education in the Western Cape? The study was framed conceptually within critical social theory and occupational science. Aim: The study aimed to describe and analyse a single instrumental case of professional role transition experienced by five occupational therapists currently working at special school resource centres in two education districts in the Western Cape, South Africa Objectives: The objectives of the study were to: Describe and explain the process of professional role transition as experienced by occupational therapists along a trajectory from 1994 to 2013; Provide insights into the occupational therapists' perceptions, thoughts, feelings and attitudes on their professional role transition experience; Determine whether there are any role changes present and the possible impact this might have on the role and scope and development of occupational therapy practice within specialised education; and Outline the influences the socio political context has on the role of occupational therapists working in special school resource centres in the Western Cape.
Open Access
Children need others: Triggers for playfulness in pre-schoolers with multiple disabilities living within an informal settlement
(2008) Bross, Helen; Ramugondo, Elelwani; Taylor, Claire; Sinclair, Claire
It is undisputed that play is the primary occupation of children 1 and that playfulness is an essential element of play. If more were understood about the circumstances allowing for playfulness, it would be possible for therapists to create optimal conditions to promote it. This paper highlights the findings of an instrumental collective case study describing triggers for playfulness for pre-schoolers with multiple disabilities. The pre-schoolers were observed in a school setting, as well as at home, to determine potential triggers for playfulness. Results from the pre-school show positive and negative conditions both allowing for playful responses. Being included or excluded, experiencing adversity, and noticing others merely nearby were all conditions that saw disabled children respond playfully. Observations at the children's homes revealed only positive conditions as pre-requisites for playful behaviour. These results provide some insight into what inclusive education may offer disabled children.
Open Access
Development of a play-based intervention to promote play skills of children with HIV/Aids living in a low resourced setting
(2021) Munambah, Nyaradzai; Ramugondo, Elelwani; Cordier, Reinie
The lack of contextually relevant conceptual tools to promote play makes implementing playbased, occupation-centred practice challenging for occupational therapists working with children with HIV/Aids in low resourced settings. This doctoral thesis focussed on reviewing and generating evidence, and further proposed a play-based intervention framework for children with HIV/Aids living in a low resourced setting. Theoretical frameworks used to guide the intervention development process and content of the play-based intervention were the United Kingdom Medical Research Council (UK MRC) framework for development and evaluation of complex interventions and Cooper's Model of children's play. The development of the play-based intervention involved four phases: 1) conducting a systematic review, 2) profiling of the play of children with HIV/Aids, 3) drawing perspectives of caregivers through in-depth interviews, and 4) gaining consensus from experts on components to include in the play-based intervention framework. In phase 1, a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines was conducted to identify evidence that support the development of play-based interventions. Eighteen studies that focused on play as an outcome and compared the play of children with Special Health Care Needs (SHCN) to that of typically developing children met the eligibility criteria. The Kmet checklist was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies included. The systematic review revealed paucity of research on the play of children with SHCN such as those with HIV/Aids. Phase 2 was undertaken to generate more evidence by comparing the play profiles of 44 children with HIV/Aids aged 4-7 years to that of 52, age and gender matched typically developing children. The children were video-recorded while playing with a playmate at school or clinic and home settings. The Test of playfulness was used to score the videos by two independent raters and the scores were subjected to rasch analysis. A comparison of play profiles revealed that children with HIV/Aids were significantly less playful outdoors as compared to typically developing children (t(94) = 3.57, p = 0.001). Children with HIV/Aids also had more challenges with social play skills. In phase 3, contextual understanding of the play of children with HIV/Aids was sought through in-depth interviews with fifteen purposively selected caregivers whose children with HIV/Aids had participated in phase 2 of the study. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. The following four themes emerged: ‘Ubuntu is no more'; ‘survival is primary (chikuru kurarama)'; ‘play affirms that my child is still like other children'; and ‘more is required for a child with HIV'. Caregivers also reported on how contextual factors such as HIV/Aids stigma, poverty and cultural beliefs shaped the play of their children. In phase 4, findings from phases 1, 2 and 3 were synthesised and presented to experts in the field of play, HIV/Aids and intervention development during a two-round Delphi study. Experts were asked about their opinions and to rate what should be included in the play-based intervention framework. Consensus agreement was reached when at least 70% of Delphi experts rated each item at 3 or higher on a 5-point Likert Scale. Experts agreed on the application of Cooper's Model of children's play as a theoretical framework, as well as principles and techniques for the play-based intervention. This study is the second in occupational therapy to report on the play of children with HIV/Aids. It is the first one to review and generate evidence to support play-based interventions targeted at children with HIV/Aids. Evidence generated in this study showcased the need for occupation-centred, play-based services for children with HIV/Aids, particularly those living in low resourced settings. The play-based intervention proposed is child-led, allowing for physical and active involvement of the child. To increase social interaction and continuity into the home environment, playmates and caregivers must be included. Unique to this play-based intervention is advocacy for more play opportunities, access to nutrition and inclusion of culturally sensitive practices. Future studies should include feasibility on various aspects of the play-based intervention before implementing randomised controlled trials to test the effectiveness of the intervention are conducted.
Open Access
Disability and violence : a narrative inquiry into the journey of healing.
(2013) Motiimele, Mapheyeledi; Ramugondo, Elelwani
Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.
Open Access
The experience of being an occupational therapy student with an underrepresented ethnic and cultural background
(2000) Ramugondo, Elelwani; Watson, Ruth
Bibliography: leaves 91-96.
Open Access
The experiences of parenting a physically disabled child in the Thohoyandou Vhembe district of the Limpopo Province
(2007) Sadiki, Christina; Ramugondo, Elelwani
This study explored the experience of parenting a physically disabled child in the Thohoyandou Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, from the perspective of mothers. The objectives of the study were to investigate feelings linked to parenting a physically disabled child in the community within which the parents find themselves, to explore the impact of raising a physically disabled child, as well as strategies that parents employ in coping with raising a physically disabled child.
Open Access
An exploration of work environment adaptive mechanisms used by women living with HIV/AIDS in Gaborone-Botswana
(2017) Malonza, Patrice; Buchanan, Helen; Ramugondo, Elelwani
BACKGROUND: Cycling has become increasingly popular as a recreational and competitive sport, and the positive health benefits of cycling are well known. However, there are negative health effects associated with cycling. Exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD) and fatigue are common in cycling populations, and require a period of recovery so as not to progress into more serious chronic injury and overtraining, and allow for improved performance through adaptation. There are many recovery methods currently available to facilitate this recovery process. However, there is little information regarding the use of these modalities, and further, the understanding of these modalities. An understanding of the specific use of recovery modalities in cycling is necessary to guide further research, and to promote safe and efficient use of recovery strategies. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the use of recovery interventions in road and mountain bike (MTB) cyclists in South Africa. The specific objectives of this study were: (a) to determine the pattern of use of recovery modalities by endurance cyclists, specifically which modalities are being used, the frequency of use of each modality, and the use of each modality during training and races; (b) to determine the factors that influence road and MTB endurance cyclists' choices of recovery modalities and the rationale for use of specific recovery modalities; (c) to explore associations between the use of recovery modalities by road and MTB endurance cyclists and socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, body mass index (BMI), monthly income, level of education; and training and competition history. METHODS: This study had a descriptive, cross-sectional correlational design. Healthy adult cyclists who had been cycling for at least six months of the previous two years were included in the study. Participants who failed to provide informed consent or did not complete mandatory sections of the questionnaire were excluded. Participants were recruited by social media and word of mouth. Participants were required to complete a purpose-developed online questionnaire that included demographic and medical, training and race history, and use of recovery sections. The questionnaire was validated by a panel of topic experts. RESULTS: The study sample included 95 participants. Participants were predominantly middle- to higher-income, tertiary educated males. Participants reported using an average of 9 ± 2 recovery modalities, with protein (86%), carbohydrate (82%), sleep (75%) and passive recovery (74%) being the most commonly used. Recovery modality use was prevalent after all kinds of races (road and MTB), whether single or multiple stage. Personal experience, followed by coaches and trainers, fellow cyclists, and healthcare providers were the strongest influencers of which recovery modalities cyclists used. Participants aged 40 years or older were more likely to use ice/cold therapy, compression garments, active recovery, and carbohydrates. A BMI of 18.5-24.9 was predictive of the use of compression garments, passive recovery, and protein. Monthly income of more than R50 000 was a predictor for the use of stretching. Pre-race cycling volume of four or more training sessions per week was predictive of the use of active recovery, protein and carbohydrate. There were no predictive demographic characteristics explaining the use of anti-inflammatory medication, contrast therapy, massage, sleep, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and vitamins and minerals. Cycling history, pre-race cycling frequency and race experience were not predictive for the use of any of the listed recovery modalities. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that while there is widespread use of recovery modalities, the practice of use is inconsistent. In the case of modalities that are shown to be beneficial, correct protocols for use need to be disseminated to ensure safe and efficient practice going forward.
Open Access
The impact of play-informed caregiver-implemented home-based intervention on the academic learning outcomes for HIV positive children (aged 5 years to 8 years) on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) living in low income conditions: a randomized control trial
(2016) Otto, Caraleigh; Gretschel, Pam; Ramugondo, Elelwani
BACKGROUND: The academic learning of HIV positive children is often negatively impacted by cognitive and learning deficits associated with HIV, and usually leads to poor performance at school. Occupational therapy, a profession that promotes and enhances participation in meaningful occupations, has yet to demonstrate its impact in promoting the occupation of academic learning in HIV positive children on ART. OBJECTIVES: This study investigates and compares the impact of two occupational therapy interventions; conventional one-on-one occupational therapy (control group) and play-informed caregiver-implemented home-based intervention (PICHIBI) (experimental group), in promoting academic learning for HIV positive children aged 5 to 8 year olds on ART. METHODS: The research project followed a pragmatic, single-blinded, randomised baseline, mid and post-test control-group design. From a possible population of 60 dyads who attend the Groote Schuur Hospital (Cape Town, South Africa) ARV clinic, 27 child-caregiver dyads (n=27) were recruited. One dyad was excluded from the study, due to home circumstances, leaving 26 dyads that went through the randomisation and allocation process into the two intervention groups. Randomisation was carried out by a central computer system, before the start of the intervention period. The final total sample (n=23) completed the intervention, a slight decrease from the recruited sample size. Four dyads were lost to follow up after the baseline test. This resulted in 12 dyads in the control group and 11 dyads in the experimental group. Baseline, mid (after 5 months of the intervention) and post (after 10 months of intervention) test data was collected using the Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales-Extended Revised (GMDS-ER) and the short form Beery-Buktenica Visual Motor Integration test , 5th edition (Beery-VMI) as outcome measures. RESULTS: Following randomisation there were minimal variations in the baseline demographics and measurements for the two groups, with the exception of a significant difference in time on ART (p=.021). The majority of each group had suppressed viral loads. The total sample showed delays in all the performance components linked to academic learning at baseline, that is, low for visual motor integration and visual perception, below average for motor coordination, borderline delay in language, and practical reasoning, and low average in eye hand co-ordination, performance and the overall level of functioning (general quotient). Severe delays (<70) were detected in the control group at baseline for visual perception, and at post test for language. Average scores (90-109) at post test for visual perception and motor co-ordination were only seen in the experimental group. No statistical significance was noted for between-group differences at baseline, mid and post test. For within-group changes, statistically significant improvements were observed in the following performance components linked to academic learning: in the experimental group, visual motor integration from baseline to mid test (p=.019); in the control group, visual perception from baseline to post test (p=.009) and visual perception baseline to mid test (p=.001), and in performance from baseline to mid test (p=.027). Following interventions the overall GMDS-ER quotient scores for both groups improved with 70% of the experimental group and 58.3% of the control group scoring more than -2 z-score. In the total sample, the level of severe delay at baseline (68.2%) improved to only 8 out of the 23 (36.4%) of the total sample showing a severe overall delay post intervention. These scores still classified the groups as below average (90-109) under the GMDS-ER UK classifications. Despite these scores, 95.7% of the total sample progressed to the next grade during intervention, with only one child repeating a grade. CONCLUSION: Improvements were seen in both groups from baseline to post test. The advantage of PICHIBI however is that it is better suited for expanding access to occupational therapy services in a context where the occupational therapist/patient ratio in the public health sector is low. The continued underperformance of both groups in academic learning outcomes post intervention, displays the need for ongoing intervention for HIV-infected school going children. This information will inform occupational therapy practice, guide policies and legislations relating to academic learning for children with HIV on ART, in South Africa. It is recommended that future research look into using a larger sample size for generalisability of findings, consider conducting a longitudinal study linking results with school report outcomes and comparing the effects of the intervention at various levels of health care.
Open Access
Intergenerational shifts and continuities in children's play within a rural Venda family in the early 20th and 21st centuries
(2009) Ramugondo, Elelwani; Amosun, Seyi L
This research involved studying the childhood play of three generations within one family based in the Venda region, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Two main questions were asked: 1. What is the nature of intergenerational shifts or continuities in children?s play within one Venda family? 2. What are the factors that bring about the shifts or continuities? The Gudani family was studied as a single case. The case study was approached with an understanding proposed by Stake (1998, 2008) and supported by others like Flyvbjerg (2006), who regard it not always a research method, but also the object of study. Handling the family as a bounded system, information was gathered from multiple sources, situating the case within its context. Interviews were conducted with a grandparent, the parents and children in order to gain an understanding of their childhood play, foregrounding participants' own view of what constitutes play. In addition, an ethnographic lens was used to investigate the third generation's everyday culture, with specific attention to their play.
Open Access
Medicine and the Arts Week 3 - In dialogue about mind, art and play
(2015-01-21) Levine, Susan; Ndlovu, Malika; Ramugondo, Elelwani; Solms, Mark
In this video, Susan Levine asks Elelwani Ramugondo, Mark Solms, and Malika Ndlovu to elaborate on several aspects of play from their unique disciplinary perspectives. Elelwani reflects on how what people do has a fundamental influence on health. Mark expands on the way modern urban society has changed the traditional ways we live, work, and play. Malika details how the applied arts can be used as part of patient-centred treatment. This is the seventh video in Week 3 of the Medicine and the Arts Massive Open Online Course.
Open Access
Medicine and the Arts Week 3 - Play in everyday contexts
(2015-01-21) Ramugondo, Elelwani
In this video, Elelwani Ramugondo, a medical anthropologist, talks about play in everyday contexts. She argues that play is often overlooked as a valuable tool for healing. She believes that play can help people to cope with stress, anxiety, and trauma. It can also help people to develop new skills and perspectives. This is the third video in Week 3 of the Medicine and the Arts Massive Open Online Course.
Open Access
Occupations of women who live and/or work in a rural farming community and who are at risk of having children with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
(2005) Cloete, Lizahn; Ramugondo, Elelwani; London, Leslie
This collective case study explores the occupations of women who live and/or work in a rural farming community and who are at risk of having children with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Although FAS is incurable, it is completely preventable. This study approached the issue of FAS from an occupational perspective, highlighting historical and current political, economic, social and individual influences on the occupational engagement of study participants. In-depth unstructured interviews were conducted with three famale farm workers from a rural farming community in the Western Cape, South Africa. Other methods of data collection included direct observation, field notes and an interview with a key informant and gatekeeper. Four themes emerged from a process of inductive analysis. The findings show that despite progressive human rights and labour law policies in South Africa participants still experience extreme forms of occupational injustice. A central theme of suffering is associated with the harsh lives of these three female farm workers. Although feelings of worthlessness, helplessness and powerlessness persist, a strong sense of hope helps these women to make it through yet another day. Ond day they will rise amidst their circumstances, like fully baked bread. Ineffective coping strategies to deal with the stress of having to survive within this context lead to occupational risk behaviour (e.g. abusing alcohol), and hence occupational imbalance. Strategies for addressing individual coping mechanisms are suggested. Deconstructing disabling environments and building support for women in the home and work environment as a combined strategy for all role players (government, local authorities, farmers and farm workers) should be geared towards facilitating healthful participation in occupation of choice. A broader occupational repertoire should be provided from which farm workers can choose.
Open Access
Playfulness and prenatal alcohol exposure : a comparative study
(2012) Pearton, Jordan; Ramugondo, Elelwani; Cloete, Lizahn
Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.
Open Access
A randomised control trial comparing occupational therapy interventions that aim to improve developmental outcomes for HIV9positive children (aged 6 months - 5 years) on ART
(2016) Meissner, Robyn Jess; Gretschel, Pam; Ramugondo, Elelwani
Background: Antiretroviral treatment (ART) has reduced the mortality rate of HIV-positive children significantly, and is known to prevent the development and progression of HIV encephalopathy. However, even with ART, perinatal HIV infection places HIV-infected children at increased risk for encephalopathy and associated developmental delays. Research is lacking in the extent of developmental delay on children established on ART, along with evidence-based occupational therapy interventions to treat these developmental delays. A play-informed, caregiver-implemented, home-based group occupational therapy intervention (PICIHBI) presents one possible service delivery option to be explored. Aim: To determine whether children attending an experimental group (PICIHBI) versus children attending a control group (conventional, individual occupational therapy intervention) would present similar results in their total developmental quotient – on the Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales (GMDS) and Paediatric Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM). Methods: A randomised control trial, which was pragmatic in nature and single-blinded, was used. The research population was all HIV-positive children, pre-formal school-going aged (6 months – 5 years), on ART attending the Groote Schuur Hospital paediatric HIV clinic at the time of the study. Caregiver and child dyads were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group, and attended a monthly occupational therapy session. Differences in the GMDS and WeeFIM scores of each child after 5 and 10 months' intervention were compared. Results: Inter-rater reliability was established among the five researchers performing the GMDS before baseline assessments. Forty-two participants were recruited from a possible population of 72 participants and 39 participated in the baseline assessment. Twenty-eight participants completed mid and post assessments, 15 in the experimental PICIHBI group and 13 in the control group (90% power). Baseline averages on the GMDS showed the participants scoring at a borderline mental retardation level, with better performance in the locomotor and personal-social subscales, before interventions. Both groups had an average attendance of 5 sessions. Post-interventions, average total GMDS and WeeFIM scores between the two groups revealed similar scores within the predetermined non-inferiority margin and no significant differences at any time point. Conclusion: In conclusion, the low baseline scores confirm the need for occupational therapy intervention in pre-formal school-going HIV-positive children on ART. The PICIHBI intervention demonstrates a non-inferior impact in child development in this group compared to conventional, individual occupational therapy intervention. PICIHBI thus has potential for impacting occupational therapy practice in this field by providing an alternative equivalent treatment with increased reach.
Open Access
A randomized control trial investigating the effects of a play-informed care-giver implemented home-based intervention on playfulness for HIV positive children aged 10 months to 8 years on HAART from a low socio-economic status
(2016) Uys, Anandé; Ramugondo, Elelwani; Cordier, Reinie
Introduction: Play is foundational to learning and well-being, and prepares children for functional participation later in life. Playfulness forms a critical aspect to play, and describes a general disposition to play. There is currently no reported research study on playfulness levels for children with HIV/AIDS. The play needs of this population are therefore not adequately understood. The play-informed caregiver implemented home-based intervention (PICIHBI) was developed by pediatric occupational therapists as part of occupation-centred occupational therapy practice. PICIHBI appears to have potential for promoting play and development in children with HIV/AIDS who have been on Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Treatment (HAART) since early childhood. The current study forms part of a larger project investigating the effects of a play-informed caregiver implemented home-based intervention on participation outcomes for HIV positive children on HAART and living in families with low socio-economic status (SES). Objectives: This study aimed to establish a playfulness profile for HIV positive children on HAART as well as compare differences in playfulness between children with HIV on HAART since early childhood attending traditional one-on-one occupational therapy, and those attending PICIHBI.
Open Access
Students’ negotiation of practice education in occupational therapy: a case study
(2018) Ramafikeng, Matumo Catherine; Kapp, Rochelle; Ramugondo, Elelwani
There are persistent problems with the graduation rates of black Occupational Therapy students. The transition from classroom to the practice-based component of occupational therapy education is particularly challenging, and yet, very little research has been conducted on students’ learning in this area. This study explores learning processes in practice education as experienced by African language speakers studying occupational therapy in a relatively elite English medium university in South Africa. The thesis draws on poststructuralist theory to describe and analyse the complex ways in which three students experience, interpret and act within the multiple teaching and learning spaces that characterise the transition to practice education. A single instrumental qualitative case study design was adopted and semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and document reviews were conducted. Methods of analysis included discourse analysis, thematic analysis and genre analysis. The findings show the complexity of the process of negotiating access to the occupational therapy practice education discourse. This process was marked by navigation of issues that stem from language, curriculum, pedagogy and identity. Three themes emerged that signal creative ways in which participants navigated these issues. These are; enacting primary and previous secondary discourses, negotiating and re-negotiating identities and discovering curriculum expectations through trial-and-error. The findings question commonplace assumptions that language is the reason why African language speakers struggle with the transition from theory to practice. While language is central to learning, the study illustrates the multiple ways in which aspects of practice and the relationship between theory and practice are implicit. The study also shows ways in which varying expectations, past experiences of learning and mismatches between curriculum aims, pedagogy and assessment impact on how students learn. The study also highlights the ways in which the resources that students bring into the academy such as their multilingualism and life experiences, are often under-valued within the practice education context. These findings will be useful in guiding the development of curriculum and pedagogic practices that embrace and value diversity. This thesis recommends a shift of perspective in understanding learning in the practice context that conceives of students as social beings engaged in social practices.
Open Access
A study on the discernment by occupational therapists on whether mental health service users' occupations of a spiritual nature are health seeking behaviours or manifestations of illness
(2011) Hess, Ka Yan; Ramugondo, Elelwani
Spirituality has been a topic of debate in occupational therapy. However, incorporating spirituality into occupational therapy practice has remained a challenge due to its subjective nature. Limited exploration has been done on how clinical reasoning may assist occupational therapists in this regard within mental health practice, especially within the African context. In this study, the clinical reasoning process used by occupational therapists in determining whether their clients’ spiritual occupations were health seeking behaviours or manifestations of a psychiatric illness are described. Five occupational therapists within mental health practice were interviewed and transcribed data were analysed using Nvivo and Stake (2006)’s cross case analysis worksheets. Member checking, peer reviews, research journal, data triangulation and visual presentation of data were used to enhance research rigor.Three themes emerged from the study: Clinical Reasoning: Complex, dynamic and multi-layered; Multiple resources: People as key; and Rewarding and challenging experience.
Open Access
The nature and enactment of African dance that produces neurogenic tremors
(2021) Toto, Sivuyisiwe; Ramugondo, Elelwani; Ramafikeng, Matumo
Distinctly African health-promoting human occupations are under-researched in occupational therapy. Many occupational therapy interventions used in South Africa have been developed elsewhere and may be inaccessible to many. African dance that produces neurogenic tremors (ADNT) is an occupation that may already be accessible to many, and a potential resource for health and could be used in occupational therapy. Research Question: What is the nature and enactment of ADNT? Aim: The study aimed to explore, describe and explain the nature and enactment of ADNT among professional dancers in Cape Town, South Africa. Research objectives: To explore the perceived temporal, spatial and sociocultural conditions conducive for ADNT. To describe and explain the enactment of ADNT in terms of format, pace, and the sequence of steps involved in performing African dance repertoires that are known to produce neurogenic tremors. To describe the experience of those who participate in ADNT by exploring the subjective effect it has had on stress levels or during stressful periods. Methodology: Case study methodology was used. Semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and participant observation were the data collection methods used. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. Findings: Four themes emerged from the study (1) Triggers: Improvisation, Energy and pushing beyond limits. (2) Essence of self: Embodying Africa through dance. (3) Leaving and returning to the body and (4) Creatures of the soil: Connected to the ground and beyond…for health. Discussion: ADNT is healing, relational, transcendent, and contextually situated. It facilitates self-acceptance (ubuwena) through embodying Africa (KwaNtu) and holds potential to promote social cohesion (ubuntu). It is mainly enacted through improvisation (on and off-stage), through which socio-historical-cultural intergenerational resources (isintu) embedded within, are tapped into. ADNT offers opportunities for connectedness with the self, other people, as well as with transcendent beings. Conclusion: This study has illuminated the nature of ADNT as an extraordinary human occupation that offers participants instances of personal and collective meaning-making, healing, and transcendence. Transcendence is proposed as a source of personal and shared meaning.
Open Access
The Ngoma Consciousness: IsiNgqi neSandi as existing and accessible tools for healing and therapy in Africa
(2025) Koela, Nkosenathi; Ramugondo, Elelwani; Pather, Jayendran; Bam-Hutchison, June
This thesis explores the ritual archive of isingqi (energy, rhythm and vibration) used in Ngoma (the divination arts and ecology) through ingoma (traditional sound and chants) as accessible tools for healing and therapy. Ngoma, etymologically, is a proto-Bantu term for an African praxis within which exists an ecology of related institutions such as the practice of medicine, divination, crafts, music, and ritual. Central in this thesis is the systemic dispossession and destruction of indigene ecologies of healing in South Africa as a result of coloniality, which De Sousa Santos (2015) unpacks through the framework of epistimicide and I unpack through the framework of ecolocide and musicolocide. The central question this thesis seeks to answer is: How is ritual involving isingqi used and preserved in the divination arts of/through ingoma (traditional sound and chants)? The overall objective is to unpack and explore this African (Ngoma) philosophical praxis and its related ecology of knowledge, through the applied method of ritual music as vibrations of healing in Southern Africa, and to offer an informed and decolonial use of ritual technologies such as ingoma and isingqi. To do this, I draw from inter-disciplinary research and archival literature that explores various epistemologies and uses of sound in African indigene communities. I also use the existing ritual archive of Ngoma and its modalities through a co-operative co-design method. The practical elements of my research provide a repository within which to explore some of the possibilities of Ngoma as consciousness, an ecology of divination arts, and praxis in the current context. This thesis argues that African indigenous scholars must engage deeply with African epistemologies like Ngoma to develop authentic technologies and healing modalities that can enrich South Africa's cultural and healing ecology. Doing so may help reinstate African- conscious institutions of healing in various sectors of society and introduce hybrid forms of sound therapy and psychosomatic treatments, involving unique healing methods through Ngoma rhythmic manipulation. My findings argue for a clear distinction between performance studies and indigene ritual studies. This distinction can provide a platform for interdisciplinary models of scholarship that enrich indigene knowledge systems and encourage research into African healing praxes.

Browsing by Author "Ramugondo, Elelwani"

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