Matodzi Godfrey Sikhwari
Biographic Data
| ID | 9586396 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Matodzi Godfrey Sikhwari |
| GIVEN NAMES | Matodzi Godfrey |
| FAMILY NAME | Sikhwari |
| SIGNATURE | SIKHWARI M G |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Venda |
| ORCID | 0009-0000-4434-7338 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 12 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 0 |
| WORKS AS AUTHOR | 12 |
| WORKS AS EDITOR | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2024 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 0 |
Exploring gender representation in leadership roles in Early Childhood Education in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Gender representation in leadership roles within early childhood education (ECE) has been a topic of global concern, as leadership positions are often disproportionately occupied by men despite women forming the majority of educators. This study investigated gender representation in leadership roles in ECE settings in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Using a qualitative research approach within a critical interpretivist paradi…
Assessing the role of Play-Based Sport pedagogies in enhancing cognitive and social skills for Early Childhood Development in Rural Vhembe schools
This study investigated the role of play-based sport pedagogies in enhancing cognitive and social skills among Early Childhood Development (ECD) learners in resource-scarce rural Vhembe District schools, South Africa, where infrastructure deficits and poverty impede holistic growth. Employing a qualitative multiple case study design, the research targeted 8 experienced ECD practitioners across 8 rural centers, using triangulated data collection o…
A sociolinguistic analysis of gratitude expressions in Tshivenḓa
This article presents a sociolinguistic analysis of gratitude expressions in Tshivenḓa, focusing on two gift-giving scenarios: a birthday gift exchange between friends; and a gift given to a sibling on the completion of their studies. Drawing on Brown and Levinson’s politeness theory, this research investigates how Tshivenḓa speakers manage positive and negative face in these culturally significant interactions. Through a qualitative approach, da…
A sociolinguistic inquiry into code-switching in Tshivenḓa in beerhall environments
This research article explores code-switching practices in Tshivenḓa-speaking beerhall environments, focusing on the sociolinguistic factors that influence language use. Code-switching, the alternation between languages during conversations, is common in multilingual settings. Beerhalls provide a unique, informal space to observe how social and cultural factors shape these linguistic practices. The article uses Myers-Scotton’s markedness model as…
The Influence of Indigenous Knowledge Systems on Youth Behaviour in Mutale Municipality, South Africa
This article explores the influence of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) on youth behaviour in Mutale Municipality, South Africa. Rooted in traditional values, practices, and beliefs passed down through generations, IKS plays a crucial role in shaping cultural identity and behavioural norms among indigenous communities. The research was motivated by concerns about the erosion of traditional knowledge and its potential impact on youth behaviour. …
Breaking Barriers
Amongst recorded benefits, sports and recreation activities increase physical movement and mobility. They also improve fitness and flexibility, which promotes a greater range of motion and causes of movement for people with physical disabilities. This study aimed to identify the challenges faced by learners with physical disabilities while participating in sports and recreation activities at selected special schools in the Vhembe District of Sout…
Gender-Based Preferences in Movement Activities among Young Children
Movement activities are crucial in early childhood development, shaping cognitive, physical, and social skills. The influence of gender on activity preferences and participation, particularly within the human movement, remains underexplored. Through a human movement framework, this study investigates gender-based preferences in movement activities among preschool children (ages 3-6) in diverse educational settings. Grounded in human movement and …
The symbolism of character naming
This qualitative study explores the symbolism of character naming in Tshivenḓa novels, emphasising its role in moral guidance and inspiration. It addresses the limited scholarly attention given to the moral implications of character names in literature. Grounded in semiotic theory, the study employs textual analysis, specifically thematic analysis, to examine how names encapsulate virtues and flaws, shaping reader perceptions and character develo…
The Impact of Sociocultural Theory on Teaching African Languages in the Foundation Phase
This article explores the application of Vygotsky's sociocultural theory in teaching African languages in the Foundation Phase, emphasizing the importance of social interaction and cultural context in early language learning.Despite the critical role of African languages in fostering cultural identity and cognitive development, effective instruction is hindered by limited teaching resources, inadequate teacher training, and insufficient integrati…
From Playground to Classroom
This study explored how Grade 1 learners use language differently in informal playground settings and formal classroom contexts.The problem addressed is that many young learners struggle to adjust their speech according to social contexts, which affects communication, participation, and academic development.Guided by a sociocultural research paradigm, the study adopted a qualitative case study design.The method used included naturalistic observat…
Transformative Leadership and the Implementation of Decolonised Language Pedagogies in Higher Education
The transformation of higher education in post-apartheid South Africa requires the decolonisation of language pedagogies and leadership capable of driving this shift.Many universities still rely on Eurocentric language models that marginalise indigenous languages and reinforce epistemic injustices.This study examines the influence of transformative leadership on the adoption of decolonized language pedagogies in higher education institutions in L…
Cultural Barriers to Education
Absenteeism is a significant issue in South African education, particularly among marginalized communities in rural and impoverished areas. Despite policy efforts to improve access to education, learners in these regions face challenges that limit their regular attendance and participation. This paper explores the cultural and socio-economic factors that contribute to absenteeism, with a focus on language barriers, traditional gender roles, and p…
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Cultural Barriers to Education
Absenteeism is a significant issue in South African education, particularly among marginalized communities in rural and impoverished areas. Despite policy efforts to improve access to education, learners in these regions face challenges that limit their regular attendance and participation. This paper explores the cultural and socio-economic factors that contribute to absenteeism, with a focus on language barriers, traditional gender roles, and p…
The Influence of Indigenous Knowledge Systems on Youth Behaviour in Mutale Municipality, South Africa
This article explores the influence of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) on youth behaviour in Mutale Municipality, South Africa. Rooted in traditional values, practices, and beliefs passed down through generations, IKS plays a crucial role in shaping cultural identity and behavioural norms among indigenous communities. The research was motivated by concerns about the erosion of traditional knowledge and its potential impact on youth behaviour. …
Breaking Barriers
Amongst recorded benefits, sports and recreation activities increase physical movement and mobility. They also improve fitness and flexibility, which promotes a greater range of motion and causes of movement for people with physical disabilities. This study aimed to identify the challenges faced by learners with physical disabilities while participating in sports and recreation activities at selected special schools in the Vhembe District of Sout…
Gender-Based Preferences in Movement Activities among Young Children
Movement activities are crucial in early childhood development, shaping cognitive, physical, and social skills. The influence of gender on activity preferences and participation, particularly within the human movement, remains underexplored. Through a human movement framework, this study investigates gender-based preferences in movement activities among preschool children (ages 3-6) in diverse educational settings. Grounded in human movement and …
The symbolism of character naming
This qualitative study explores the symbolism of character naming in Tshivenḓa novels, emphasising its role in moral guidance and inspiration. It addresses the limited scholarly attention given to the moral implications of character names in literature. Grounded in semiotic theory, the study employs textual analysis, specifically thematic analysis, to examine how names encapsulate virtues and flaws, shaping reader perceptions and character develo…
The Impact of Sociocultural Theory on Teaching African Languages in the Foundation Phase
This article explores the application of Vygotsky's sociocultural theory in teaching African languages in the Foundation Phase, emphasizing the importance of social interaction and cultural context in early language learning.Despite the critical role of African languages in fostering cultural identity and cognitive development, effective instruction is hindered by limited teaching resources, inadequate teacher training, and insufficient integrati…
From Playground to Classroom
This study explored how Grade 1 learners use language differently in informal playground settings and formal classroom contexts.The problem addressed is that many young learners struggle to adjust their speech according to social contexts, which affects communication, participation, and academic development.Guided by a sociocultural research paradigm, the study adopted a qualitative case study design.The method used included naturalistic observat…
Transformative Leadership and the Implementation of Decolonised Language Pedagogies in Higher Education
The transformation of higher education in post-apartheid South Africa requires the decolonisation of language pedagogies and leadership capable of driving this shift.Many universities still rely on Eurocentric language models that marginalise indigenous languages and reinforce epistemic injustices.This study examines the influence of transformative leadership on the adoption of decolonized language pedagogies in higher education institutions in L…
Exploring gender representation in leadership roles in Early Childhood Education in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Gender representation in leadership roles within early childhood education (ECE) has been a topic of global concern, as leadership positions are often disproportionately occupied by men despite women forming the majority of educators. This study investigated gender representation in leadership roles in ECE settings in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Using a qualitative research approach within a critical interpretivist paradi…
Assessing the role of Play-Based Sport pedagogies in enhancing cognitive and social skills for Early Childhood Development in Rural Vhembe schools
This study investigated the role of play-based sport pedagogies in enhancing cognitive and social skills among Early Childhood Development (ECD) learners in resource-scarce rural Vhembe District schools, South Africa, where infrastructure deficits and poverty impede holistic growth. Employing a qualitative multiple case study design, the research targeted 8 experienced ECD practitioners across 8 rural centers, using triangulated data collection o…
A sociolinguistic analysis of gratitude expressions in Tshivenḓa
This article presents a sociolinguistic analysis of gratitude expressions in Tshivenḓa, focusing on two gift-giving scenarios: a birthday gift exchange between friends; and a gift given to a sibling on the completion of their studies. Drawing on Brown and Levinson’s politeness theory, this research investigates how Tshivenḓa speakers manage positive and negative face in these culturally significant interactions. Through a qualitative approach, da…
A sociolinguistic inquiry into code-switching in Tshivenḓa in beerhall environments
This research article explores code-switching practices in Tshivenḓa-speaking beerhall environments, focusing on the sociolinguistic factors that influence language use. Code-switching, the alternation between languages during conversations, is common in multilingual settings. Beerhalls provide a unique, informal space to observe how social and cultural factors shape these linguistic practices. The article uses Myers-Scotton’s markedness model as…
Psychology (4 works) · Early Childhood Education and Development (3 works) · Qualitative research (3 works) · African cultural and philosophical studies (2 works) · Children's Physical and Motor Development (2 works) · Early childhood education (2 works) · Focus group (2 works) · Gender Roles and Identity Studies (2 works) · Geography (2 works) · Indigenous (2 works)