TRANS Nr. 17: 8-4. - Section report

Erhabor S. Idemudia (University of Limpopo – Turfloop Campus, South Africa) [BIO]

The concepts KNOWLEDGE (defined as the “information in mind: general awareness or possession of information, facts, ideas, truths, or principles”) and TRANSFORMATION (defined as a complete change: a complete change, usually into something with an improved appearance or usefulness) were seen to be the anchor point and departure ground for discussions in this section particularly as it affects developmental issues in the developing and developed worlds with a view of fostering developments in underdeveloped societies.

Five (5) papers were presented and one workshop with ten participants. Papers presented in the Section include: (1) Knowledge, Transformation and diseases in Africa: The case of HIV/AIDS in Africa as a 3rd world Continent. (Erhabor Sunday Idemudia, University of Limpopo, South Africa), (2) Babane Connie (University of Limpopo, South Africa) Transformations in Migrations in Africa: Evaluating educational challenges of refugee children in Giyani, South Africa, (3) Akinpelu O. Olutayo (University of Botswana, Gaborone) Politics, Received Knowledge and the Subordination of indigenous creativity, (4) Jonathan Ohiorenuan Osiki (University of Lesotho). Transformations in sexual behaviour of adolescents and young adults: A study of deception and its implication in the persistent spread of HIV/AIDS in Lesotho, Southern Africa and (5) Kazuvire R. H. Veii African colonization and transformations: A theoretical psychological analysis of colonialism and apartheid in Namibia.

Prof. Idemudia’s paper critically evaluated the pandemic of HIV/AIDS in Africa, the political and socio-cultural dynamics of the pandemic and areas of future research and focus were discussed. Ms Babane’s paper was qualitative in nature and highlighted the problems and psychological analysis of refugee children who migrated from Mozambique into South Africa. The study is reach in content and it is our hope that when the paper is published that the South African government will benefit from the many recommendations made in the paper. Dr Olutayo’s paper was discussed from a sociological/anthropological perspective which was a cry of how the West have attempted to derail the indigenous growth of the African people. The paper was sharp and concisely delivered. Dr Osiki’s paper empirical in nature with well articulated methods, data was collected from participants who responded to a questionnaire. The implications and recommendations from the study were also made and finally Dr Veii’s paper was another volatile paper which dealt incisively with the issues of colonialism, apartheid and development in Namibia. A detailed review of colonialism and apartheid was reviewed from historical context and the dynamics of the history within the contemporary economic and political-social issues in Namibia.

After a brief tea break, another one hour of intensive workshop was held on two thematic issues on HIV/AIDS in Africa and post colonial developments in Africa and implications for future developments.

Papers presented attracted questions from participants such as “how can Africa deal with the issues with AIDS/HIV infections?”, “what and how were the politics of western countries affecting HIV spread in Africa?” “What is the state of post-colonial situation in Namibia?” “How are the South African governments dealing with the general situation of migrants etc?”

Questions asked and the answers presented had implications for future research and consequent INST conferences/seminars. The talk on HIV/AIDS and Post colonial developments were points of hallmarks and as a result, sparked off a lot of debates which necessitated the workshops on those issues after presentations.

The KCTOS-INST conference, no doubt created the expected medium for exchange of experiences among Africans and those working with Africans and black societies. The opportunity helped us to cross-fertilize ideas on issues confronting Africa as a continent. The KCTOS gave the speakers and other participating members the opportunity to have an enriching academic discourse on some of the countries in Africa.

However, it is important to state that due to some flaws on venue arrangements, the section started with some hiccups as we were moved from rooms 052 (due to a clash with another section) to 51 (with another clash) and finally to room 011. As a result of the changes, many people who would have participated had problems locating us.

8.4. Knowledge, Creativity and Transformations in Developing and Developed Societies

For quotation purposes:
Erhabor S. Idemudia: Section report 8.4. Knowledge, Creativity and Transformation in Developing and Developed Societies - In: TRANS. Internet-Zeitschrift für Kulturwissenschaften. No. 17/2008. WWW: http://www.inst.at/trans/17Nr/8-4/8-4_sektionsbericht17.htm

	Internet-Zeitschrift für Kulturwissenschaften	17. Nr.	Mai 2010

Sektion 8.4.	Knowledge, Creativity and Transformations in Developing and Developed Societies Sektionsleiter \| Section Chair: Erhabor S. Idemudia (University of Limpopo / Turfloop Campus, South Africa) Dokumentation \| Documentation \| Documentation