Ukuba Ngabantu Abapheleleyo: Black Queer Space Making and the unfinished business of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa
- Authors: Lupindo, Esihle
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: To be added
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/178479 , vital:42943
- Description: Access restricted until April 2023. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lupindo, Esihle
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: To be added
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/178479 , vital:42943
- Description: Access restricted until April 2023. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
The impact of labour legislation on selected small firms in Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Authors: Dlamini, Sikhulile Blessing
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Small business -- Law and legislation-- South Afric , Small business -- South Africa -- Mbombela -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170781 , vital:41959
- Description: This study uses the theoretical framework of industrial relations pluralism, to study and analyse the impacts of labour legislation on six small firms (employing less than 50 workers) based in Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit), Mpumalanga province, South Africa. The analysis is based on the viewpoints of six managers and how they see the impacts of labour legislation on their respective firms. The analysis is aided by utilising theory and literature to make sense of the manager perspectives on the topic. Also, utilising a qualitative research design to collect and analyse the data, the study presents diverse findings in terms of how the participants perceived and experienced certain types of legislation. Some managers believed that the benefits of labour legislation outweighed the costs. While others believed the exact opposite. At an overall level, the study revealed that most of the participants were not as severely affected by labour legislation as might be expected; given the scarcity of resources in most small firms. This was partly because of various coping strategies and practices (mostly involving the use of informal procedures) that were adopted by the firms. Also, some small firms who aimed at expanding their businesses strategised to adopt some formal procedures and practices in order to easily absorb labour legislation and subsequently mordenise their businesses in the process. While a few firms persisted with more informal customs as they appeared cost-effective and necessary in their particular market positioning.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dlamini, Sikhulile Blessing
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Small business -- Law and legislation-- South Afric , Small business -- South Africa -- Mbombela -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170781 , vital:41959
- Description: This study uses the theoretical framework of industrial relations pluralism, to study and analyse the impacts of labour legislation on six small firms (employing less than 50 workers) based in Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit), Mpumalanga province, South Africa. The analysis is based on the viewpoints of six managers and how they see the impacts of labour legislation on their respective firms. The analysis is aided by utilising theory and literature to make sense of the manager perspectives on the topic. Also, utilising a qualitative research design to collect and analyse the data, the study presents diverse findings in terms of how the participants perceived and experienced certain types of legislation. Some managers believed that the benefits of labour legislation outweighed the costs. While others believed the exact opposite. At an overall level, the study revealed that most of the participants were not as severely affected by labour legislation as might be expected; given the scarcity of resources in most small firms. This was partly because of various coping strategies and practices (mostly involving the use of informal procedures) that were adopted by the firms. Also, some small firms who aimed at expanding their businesses strategised to adopt some formal procedures and practices in order to easily absorb labour legislation and subsequently mordenise their businesses in the process. While a few firms persisted with more informal customs as they appeared cost-effective and necessary in their particular market positioning.
- Full Text:
A critical analysis of NGOs in addressing HIV and AIDS in the context of gendered inequality: The case of Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mhavika, Moreblessing
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Sex factors , AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , HIV infections -- Sex factors , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , HIV-positive women -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143225 , vital:38212
- Description: South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV and AIDS in the world. The HIV pandemic has, and continues to have, negative implications for communities and individuals, especially women, in South Africa and beyond. HIV and AIDS has left women disproportionately more infected and affected than men because of social, cultural and economic factors, leading to the feminisation of HIV. South African NGOs have tried to fill in the gap and to respond to the HIV pandemic, either independently or in partnership with government departments. In this context, the purpose of this thesis is to provide a critical analysis of NGO programmes in Makhanda (in the Eastern Cape Province) to ascertain whether NGOs address the feminisation of HIV and, if so, how. In doing so, the study utilises qualitative analysis with the use of interviews, a focus group discussion and primary documents as research methods. The study concludes that local government in Makhanda has failed to address women’s vulnerabilities to HIV and that it does not provide a sufficiently enabling environment for NGOs in this regard. In addition, inadequate funding from donors, alongside issues of accountability and the failure to engage in HIV programmes from a perspective founded in feminism, were factors found to contribute to NGOs not fully considering women’s vulnerabilities to HIV. Resultantly, NGOs in Makhanda rarely, at least intentionally, address the feminisation of HIV.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mhavika, Moreblessing
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Sex factors , AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , HIV infections -- Sex factors , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , HIV-positive women -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143225 , vital:38212
- Description: South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV and AIDS in the world. The HIV pandemic has, and continues to have, negative implications for communities and individuals, especially women, in South Africa and beyond. HIV and AIDS has left women disproportionately more infected and affected than men because of social, cultural and economic factors, leading to the feminisation of HIV. South African NGOs have tried to fill in the gap and to respond to the HIV pandemic, either independently or in partnership with government departments. In this context, the purpose of this thesis is to provide a critical analysis of NGO programmes in Makhanda (in the Eastern Cape Province) to ascertain whether NGOs address the feminisation of HIV and, if so, how. In doing so, the study utilises qualitative analysis with the use of interviews, a focus group discussion and primary documents as research methods. The study concludes that local government in Makhanda has failed to address women’s vulnerabilities to HIV and that it does not provide a sufficiently enabling environment for NGOs in this regard. In addition, inadequate funding from donors, alongside issues of accountability and the failure to engage in HIV programmes from a perspective founded in feminism, were factors found to contribute to NGOs not fully considering women’s vulnerabilities to HIV. Resultantly, NGOs in Makhanda rarely, at least intentionally, address the feminisation of HIV.
- Full Text:
A sociological analysis of the involvement of men in campaigns against sexual violence towards women at Rhodes University: the aftermath of the #RUReference protest
- Authors: Roboji, Philasande Milisa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: #RUReferenceList , Rhodes University -- Students -- Attitudes , Rape in universities and colleges -- South Africa , Social movements -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Women college students -- Violence against -- South Africa , Male college students -- South Africa -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148059 , vital:38706
- Description: Gender-based violence more especially sexual violence towards women is one of the biggest social issus affecting South Africa including higher institutions of learning, universities in this context. In recent years, we have seen students in universities protesting sexual violence demanding universities to improve their ways of dealing with this violence. The motivation behind this thesis is the notion that sexual violence is a women’s issue and how most men in our communities and universities do not involve themselves in campaigns that are designed to end sexual violence towards women. There is an assumption that women should be the ones fighting against sexual violence because it affects them when in fact sexual violence affects everyone and more importantly, is mostly perpetuated by men. Therefore, the main purpose of this thesis was to sociologically analyze the involvement of men in campaigns against sexual violence towards women and the aftermath of the #RUReferenceList protest that took place at Rhodes University in 2016. This protest started immediately after a list of students who were said to be alleged sexual perpetrators was published online. Attached to this primary objective, the sub-goals that informed the entire study were to investigate how the involvement of men in the #RUReferenceList protest has contributed to challenging rape culture at Rhodes University. Also, to investigate if there are any ongoing campaigns and/or projects that includes men and that are still addressing the issue of sexual violence towards women. There is however, a dearth of research on the involvement of men in campaigns against sexual violence in South Africa. Therefore, it was difficult finding existing literature that touches on the involvement of men in campaigns against sexual violence towards women particularly in the context of universities. This thesis was conducted within the premises of Rhodes University through a qualitative research approach in a form of in-depth interviews. Five participants were selected through purposive sampling which included the Chair of the Gender Action Forum, one former student representative council member, a sub-warden from a male residence and two students. The findings of this research are not the full representation of the entire university but opinions and perspective of the participants that were interviewed. Their opinions and perspectives have a potential of contributing to the factors and reasons as to why majority of men have not engaged themselves in issues of gender-based violence or involved themselves in campaigns against sexual violence towards women.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Roboji, Philasande Milisa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: #RUReferenceList , Rhodes University -- Students -- Attitudes , Rape in universities and colleges -- South Africa , Social movements -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Women college students -- Violence against -- South Africa , Male college students -- South Africa -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148059 , vital:38706
- Description: Gender-based violence more especially sexual violence towards women is one of the biggest social issus affecting South Africa including higher institutions of learning, universities in this context. In recent years, we have seen students in universities protesting sexual violence demanding universities to improve their ways of dealing with this violence. The motivation behind this thesis is the notion that sexual violence is a women’s issue and how most men in our communities and universities do not involve themselves in campaigns that are designed to end sexual violence towards women. There is an assumption that women should be the ones fighting against sexual violence because it affects them when in fact sexual violence affects everyone and more importantly, is mostly perpetuated by men. Therefore, the main purpose of this thesis was to sociologically analyze the involvement of men in campaigns against sexual violence towards women and the aftermath of the #RUReferenceList protest that took place at Rhodes University in 2016. This protest started immediately after a list of students who were said to be alleged sexual perpetrators was published online. Attached to this primary objective, the sub-goals that informed the entire study were to investigate how the involvement of men in the #RUReferenceList protest has contributed to challenging rape culture at Rhodes University. Also, to investigate if there are any ongoing campaigns and/or projects that includes men and that are still addressing the issue of sexual violence towards women. There is however, a dearth of research on the involvement of men in campaigns against sexual violence in South Africa. Therefore, it was difficult finding existing literature that touches on the involvement of men in campaigns against sexual violence towards women particularly in the context of universities. This thesis was conducted within the premises of Rhodes University through a qualitative research approach in a form of in-depth interviews. Five participants were selected through purposive sampling which included the Chair of the Gender Action Forum, one former student representative council member, a sub-warden from a male residence and two students. The findings of this research are not the full representation of the entire university but opinions and perspective of the participants that were interviewed. Their opinions and perspectives have a potential of contributing to the factors and reasons as to why majority of men have not engaged themselves in issues of gender-based violence or involved themselves in campaigns against sexual violence towards women.
- Full Text:
A sociological analysis of the sex education of young adult white womxn and their understandings and practices of ‘Safe Sex’
- Authors: Guerra, Cassandra Gadelha
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Sex instruction , Sex instruction for girls , Women, White -- Psychology , Women, White -- Sexual behavior
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147267 , vital:38610
- Description: This research sets out to examine the experiences and perspectives of young adult white womxn regarding their respective sex education. This is in terms of how sex education may shape and influence sexual practices. The relevance of exploring the sex education of this group is to gain an understanding of how constructions of sex education may facilitate the negotiation of sexual practices, particularly as these practices relate to the negotiation of ‘safe sex’. This involves an exploration of definitions of ‘safe sex’ as well as an examination of the various sources of sex education. This research argues that sex education has been socially constructed within a ‘heterosexual matrix’ where both gender identities and sexuality are constructed in heterosexual terms in accordance with compulsory heterosexuality. Furthermore, that sex education as well as understandings and practices of ‘safe sex’ intersect with other social categories such as race, gender and sexuality. Much of the sex-related research conducted in South Africa focuses on people of colour, as a result very little is known about the sexual behaviours and practices of the white demographic. This research accounts for the absence of analysis of sexual practices and behaviour among white people by examining the sex education and sexual practices of young adult white womxn between the ages of 19 and 24. The research observed key sources of sex education which included parents, schools, religious institutions and the internet. Findings indicate that the sex education of participants reflected ideals of heteronormativity and misogyny which were found to directly influence their understandings and practices of both sex and ‘safe sex’. Furthermore, that the sex education participants received has ultimately failed to promote ‘safe’ sexual practices.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Guerra, Cassandra Gadelha
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Sex instruction , Sex instruction for girls , Women, White -- Psychology , Women, White -- Sexual behavior
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147267 , vital:38610
- Description: This research sets out to examine the experiences and perspectives of young adult white womxn regarding their respective sex education. This is in terms of how sex education may shape and influence sexual practices. The relevance of exploring the sex education of this group is to gain an understanding of how constructions of sex education may facilitate the negotiation of sexual practices, particularly as these practices relate to the negotiation of ‘safe sex’. This involves an exploration of definitions of ‘safe sex’ as well as an examination of the various sources of sex education. This research argues that sex education has been socially constructed within a ‘heterosexual matrix’ where both gender identities and sexuality are constructed in heterosexual terms in accordance with compulsory heterosexuality. Furthermore, that sex education as well as understandings and practices of ‘safe sex’ intersect with other social categories such as race, gender and sexuality. Much of the sex-related research conducted in South Africa focuses on people of colour, as a result very little is known about the sexual behaviours and practices of the white demographic. This research accounts for the absence of analysis of sexual practices and behaviour among white people by examining the sex education and sexual practices of young adult white womxn between the ages of 19 and 24. The research observed key sources of sex education which included parents, schools, religious institutions and the internet. Findings indicate that the sex education of participants reflected ideals of heteronormativity and misogyny which were found to directly influence their understandings and practices of both sex and ‘safe sex’. Furthermore, that the sex education participants received has ultimately failed to promote ‘safe’ sexual practices.
- Full Text:
An Analysis of Self-Help Agricultural Projects in Rothe Village, Lesotho
- Authors: Phiri, Bokang
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Community development -- Lesotho , Rural development -- Lesotho , Rural development projects - Lesotho -- Case studies , Agricultural development projects - Lesotho -- Case studies , Agricultural development projects - Lesotho -- Evaluation , Rural Self-Help Development Association
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144242 , vital:38324
- Description: The study analysed self-help agricultural projects in Rothe, Lesotho to ascertain whether they improve the quality lives of Rothe villagers. As much as government driven self-help projects in Lesotho contribute to growing the rural economy, there is limited research that looks the sustainability of these interventions. Much of the literature in Lesotho reveal that self-help agricultural projects have focused on people being provided with food-for-work, or cash-for-work, these offered little benefits and temporary relief for hunger for beneficiaries. This study seeks to understand how self-help agricultural projects can sustainable improve the lives of Rothe community in Lesotho. The study drew from Sustainable Livelihoods Approach to understand self-help agricultural projects in Rothe, Lesotho. The study employed a qualitative case study approach, supplemented by purposive and snowball sampling methods and semi-structured interviews to select and interview self-help project beneficiaries and Field Officers of RSDA in Rothe Village. The findings revealed that self-help agricultural projects are alternative development interventions for improving the quality lives of poor rural villagers. These development interventions enable people to access livelihoods resources, assets, and social capitals that are important to improve, and sustain livelihoods. Additionally, they improve capabilities of the poor, and contribute to their overall development. The thesis concludes that these development interventions have a role to play in alleviating rural poverty lives as a way to ensure equitable distribution of resources. The study recommends that the government, people on the ground and RSDA should work together to strengthen people’s capabilities through self-help agricultural projects to promote welfare and well-being of rural people.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Phiri, Bokang
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Community development -- Lesotho , Rural development -- Lesotho , Rural development projects - Lesotho -- Case studies , Agricultural development projects - Lesotho -- Case studies , Agricultural development projects - Lesotho -- Evaluation , Rural Self-Help Development Association
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144242 , vital:38324
- Description: The study analysed self-help agricultural projects in Rothe, Lesotho to ascertain whether they improve the quality lives of Rothe villagers. As much as government driven self-help projects in Lesotho contribute to growing the rural economy, there is limited research that looks the sustainability of these interventions. Much of the literature in Lesotho reveal that self-help agricultural projects have focused on people being provided with food-for-work, or cash-for-work, these offered little benefits and temporary relief for hunger for beneficiaries. This study seeks to understand how self-help agricultural projects can sustainable improve the lives of Rothe community in Lesotho. The study drew from Sustainable Livelihoods Approach to understand self-help agricultural projects in Rothe, Lesotho. The study employed a qualitative case study approach, supplemented by purposive and snowball sampling methods and semi-structured interviews to select and interview self-help project beneficiaries and Field Officers of RSDA in Rothe Village. The findings revealed that self-help agricultural projects are alternative development interventions for improving the quality lives of poor rural villagers. These development interventions enable people to access livelihoods resources, assets, and social capitals that are important to improve, and sustain livelihoods. Additionally, they improve capabilities of the poor, and contribute to their overall development. The thesis concludes that these development interventions have a role to play in alleviating rural poverty lives as a way to ensure equitable distribution of resources. The study recommends that the government, people on the ground and RSDA should work together to strengthen people’s capabilities through self-help agricultural projects to promote welfare and well-being of rural people.
- Full Text:
Now that we have the land: analysing the experiences of land reform beneficiaries in the Makana Municipal District of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Msuthu, Simela Thuleka
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Land reform , Sustainable development , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land settlement -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Restitution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167551 , vital:41491
- Description: The “land question” in South Africa goes back more than a century to the 1913 Natives Land Act which facilitated the dispossession of African people from fertile land to arid homelands and congested townships. This mass dispossession of Africans from their land was accompanied by an array of legislation aimed at restricting their upward mobility, thus laying the foundations of structural inequality in South Africa. The advent of democracy in 1994 brought about a number of legislative reforms aimed at addressing the injustices that were imposed by the colonial and apartheid governments on the African people. At the forefront of these legislative efforts was the restoration of land to the original inhabitants of the country. Research indicates that, since 1994, the South African government has issued out land to different individuals and communities around the country in an attempt to address structural unemployment and poverty that plague the country. Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Theoretical framework, this study sought to examine the experiences of land reform beneficiaries in the Makana Municipal district of the Eastern Cape, in order to determine the extent to which the transfer of land to landless people has met the governments’ agenda to alleviate poverty and unemployment in the rural regions of South Africa. The findings in this study show that, successful land reform in South Africa is hindered mostly by two factors. Firstly, the inability of land beneficiaries to access quality education, skills training, finances and formal agricultural value chains. Secondly, land beneficiaries are further placed at a disadvantage by the poor quality of public services in their local municipalities and inconsistent post-settlement support from the state. The conclusion made in this study, is that the government has to be cognizant of the aforementioned structural barriers, when designing and rolling out land reform projects throughout the country. Failure to address these glaring structural barriers, will result in the creation of a peasant class of people living on underutilized land.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Msuthu, Simela Thuleka
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Land reform , Sustainable development , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land settlement -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Restitution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167551 , vital:41491
- Description: The “land question” in South Africa goes back more than a century to the 1913 Natives Land Act which facilitated the dispossession of African people from fertile land to arid homelands and congested townships. This mass dispossession of Africans from their land was accompanied by an array of legislation aimed at restricting their upward mobility, thus laying the foundations of structural inequality in South Africa. The advent of democracy in 1994 brought about a number of legislative reforms aimed at addressing the injustices that were imposed by the colonial and apartheid governments on the African people. At the forefront of these legislative efforts was the restoration of land to the original inhabitants of the country. Research indicates that, since 1994, the South African government has issued out land to different individuals and communities around the country in an attempt to address structural unemployment and poverty that plague the country. Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Theoretical framework, this study sought to examine the experiences of land reform beneficiaries in the Makana Municipal district of the Eastern Cape, in order to determine the extent to which the transfer of land to landless people has met the governments’ agenda to alleviate poverty and unemployment in the rural regions of South Africa. The findings in this study show that, successful land reform in South Africa is hindered mostly by two factors. Firstly, the inability of land beneficiaries to access quality education, skills training, finances and formal agricultural value chains. Secondly, land beneficiaries are further placed at a disadvantage by the poor quality of public services in their local municipalities and inconsistent post-settlement support from the state. The conclusion made in this study, is that the government has to be cognizant of the aforementioned structural barriers, when designing and rolling out land reform projects throughout the country. Failure to address these glaring structural barriers, will result in the creation of a peasant class of people living on underutilized land.
- Full Text:
Poor whites and the post-apartheid labour market: a study of perceptions and experiences of work among residents in a homeless shelter in Johannesburg
- Authors: Wollnik, Nadjeschda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Poor whites -- South Africa , Poor whites -- South Africa -- Atitudes , Shelters for the homeless -- South Africa , Unemployed -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Unemployed -- South Africa , South Africa -- Social conditions -- 1994- , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991-
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148540 , vital:38748
- Description: Despite historical precedents, poverty among white people in South Africa remains an anomaly and a paradox. Likewise, the perceptions of work and employment among poor (under- and unemployed) whites in contemporary South Africa have received scant attention in the scholarly literature. Using the conceptual frameworks of critical whiteness studies and segmented labour market theory – as a way of combining subjective and objective considerations – this research seeks to describe and explain the perceptions and experiences of the labour market among poor whites living in a homeless shelter in Johannesburg. Eight respondents were chosen for extended, in-depth interviews in an effort to develop a fine-grained understanding of the pre-existing circumstances that affected their access to information and thus shaped their choices in the labour market, as well as to ascertain what they believed to be the barriers that they face in the labour market. The findings varied, with most of the interviewees seeing ‘being white’ as the reason for their poverty and unemployment, while others exhibited some awareness of the role of their lack of skills and qualifications in their capacity to compete in higher segments of the labour market. The findings were also varied in the sense that not all interviewees experienced poverty in the same manner, with some having been part of the middle class prior to becoming poor, while others having been poor their entire lives. It was also found that class or socio-economic status seemed to have a greater impact than race on the labour market prospects of the interviewees. It is argued that the perceptions of these poor whites, which are informed by their lack of information about the workings of the labour market, rather than their lack of qualifications or their race, most affected their prospects in the labour market. The mechanisms they rely on when seeking employment reveal a poor knowledge of the local labour market and the ways in which they think their skillsets match up to the types of jobs they desire. The lack of understanding of the South African labour market and the policies that are in place to redress the legacies of apartheid are among the factors influencing the lack of success these poor whites are experiencing in their search for work.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Wollnik, Nadjeschda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Poor whites -- South Africa , Poor whites -- South Africa -- Atitudes , Shelters for the homeless -- South Africa , Unemployed -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Unemployed -- South Africa , South Africa -- Social conditions -- 1994- , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991-
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148540 , vital:38748
- Description: Despite historical precedents, poverty among white people in South Africa remains an anomaly and a paradox. Likewise, the perceptions of work and employment among poor (under- and unemployed) whites in contemporary South Africa have received scant attention in the scholarly literature. Using the conceptual frameworks of critical whiteness studies and segmented labour market theory – as a way of combining subjective and objective considerations – this research seeks to describe and explain the perceptions and experiences of the labour market among poor whites living in a homeless shelter in Johannesburg. Eight respondents were chosen for extended, in-depth interviews in an effort to develop a fine-grained understanding of the pre-existing circumstances that affected their access to information and thus shaped their choices in the labour market, as well as to ascertain what they believed to be the barriers that they face in the labour market. The findings varied, with most of the interviewees seeing ‘being white’ as the reason for their poverty and unemployment, while others exhibited some awareness of the role of their lack of skills and qualifications in their capacity to compete in higher segments of the labour market. The findings were also varied in the sense that not all interviewees experienced poverty in the same manner, with some having been part of the middle class prior to becoming poor, while others having been poor their entire lives. It was also found that class or socio-economic status seemed to have a greater impact than race on the labour market prospects of the interviewees. It is argued that the perceptions of these poor whites, which are informed by their lack of information about the workings of the labour market, rather than their lack of qualifications or their race, most affected their prospects in the labour market. The mechanisms they rely on when seeking employment reveal a poor knowledge of the local labour market and the ways in which they think their skillsets match up to the types of jobs they desire. The lack of understanding of the South African labour market and the policies that are in place to redress the legacies of apartheid are among the factors influencing the lack of success these poor whites are experiencing in their search for work.
- Full Text:
Re-adjustment of masculinities and sexualities amongst first year male students at Rhodes University in the wake of the residence Consent Talk’s programme
- Authors: Ntisana, Thulani
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Communication in higher education - South Africa -- Makhanda , Rape in universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Masculinity -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Male college students -- Social life and customs -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Male college students -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Male college students -- Conduct of life -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Men -- Identity , Male domination (Social structure) , Patriarchy -- South Africa , Women -- Violence against -- South Africa , Social problems -- South Africa , Consent Talks , #RUreferencelist
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148956 , vital:38790
- Description: This study seeks to understand how Rhodes University first-year male students adjusted and re-adjusted their masculinities and sexualities in light of the Consent Talk programme offered by the university, the aim of which is to liberate masculinities and femininities from patriarchal and dominant discourses. In the past 26 years, South Africa has seen an increase in academic research establishing causal links between boys, men, masculinities and a number of social ills such as the HIV/AIDs epidemic, violence against women, substance abuse, homophobia, gender-based violence and a lower pass rate amongst boys. This in turn inspired an increase in interventions seeking to involve boys and men in order to identify and address their role in combating gender based violence. These various forms of social deviances that have been linked to masculinity have indicated that young men's masculinity is in crisis and as a result needs great attention in order to address the social issues linked to them. Institutions of higher learning have proven to be microcosms of the larger society. Universities have become highly sexualised spaces; coercive sexual practices in heterosexual relationships are a norm, young women don't feel safe and have lost confidence in universities addressing their concerns. With the emergence of the #RUreferencelist in 2016, the spotlight fell on Rhodes University; young women challenged the rape culture and sexual assaults on campus. In 2016, staff members who are well-informed and educated on issues of gender, sexuality and rape initiated discussions with students in their residences; these discussions were later to be called the Consent Talks. This research makes use of Pierre Bourdieu’s critical theory in understanding how young men negotiate their masculinity within the field of higher education, at Rhodes University. Bourdieu’s three main concepts, field, habitus and capital are used to describe how young men negotiate their masculinity and how the field of gender intersects with the field of higher education. A qualitative paradigm has been employed. The study has collected data through the use of in-depth interviews to get a richer insight into the participants’ perspectives. There were 15 interviews conducted in total for this study, 14 were with first year male students, and one with a senior official of the University. The data was analysed through a qualitative thematic analysis. The findings of the research reveal that some of the participants were exposed to patriarchal and dominant forms of masculinity when growing up. However, most of the participants revealed they were also exposed to alternative masculinities. These were either taught or learnt at home, from family members, circumcision school, church or peers in society. Both the dominant and alternative masculinities were revealed in the discourses of what it means to be a man and in how the young men performed their masculinities. Furthermore, one of the major themes that emerged was that most of the young men in the study were raised by single mothers with mothers playing a significant role in encouraging healthy masculinities. The findings went on to reveal that families (mothers, fathers, older siblings and culture) play a role in socialising and shaping healthy masculinities. The acceptance or rejection of either dominant or alternative masculinities was influenced by an exposure to an environment that either encouraged or shunned either dominant or alternative masculinities. The findings further unveils that different societies are strongly identified with their own definitions of what it means to be a man and are not open to other definitions of masculinity. Moreover, most of the participants accepted the content of what was taught in the Consent Talks; however sought healthy participation, interaction and inclusion of female students. Lastly, the study has also revealed that knowledge of the consequences of breaking (the law) university’s policy does affect some change of behaviour in potential perpetrators.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntisana, Thulani
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Communication in higher education - South Africa -- Makhanda , Rape in universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Masculinity -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Male college students -- Social life and customs -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Male college students -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Male college students -- Conduct of life -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Men -- Identity , Male domination (Social structure) , Patriarchy -- South Africa , Women -- Violence against -- South Africa , Social problems -- South Africa , Consent Talks , #RUreferencelist
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148956 , vital:38790
- Description: This study seeks to understand how Rhodes University first-year male students adjusted and re-adjusted their masculinities and sexualities in light of the Consent Talk programme offered by the university, the aim of which is to liberate masculinities and femininities from patriarchal and dominant discourses. In the past 26 years, South Africa has seen an increase in academic research establishing causal links between boys, men, masculinities and a number of social ills such as the HIV/AIDs epidemic, violence against women, substance abuse, homophobia, gender-based violence and a lower pass rate amongst boys. This in turn inspired an increase in interventions seeking to involve boys and men in order to identify and address their role in combating gender based violence. These various forms of social deviances that have been linked to masculinity have indicated that young men's masculinity is in crisis and as a result needs great attention in order to address the social issues linked to them. Institutions of higher learning have proven to be microcosms of the larger society. Universities have become highly sexualised spaces; coercive sexual practices in heterosexual relationships are a norm, young women don't feel safe and have lost confidence in universities addressing their concerns. With the emergence of the #RUreferencelist in 2016, the spotlight fell on Rhodes University; young women challenged the rape culture and sexual assaults on campus. In 2016, staff members who are well-informed and educated on issues of gender, sexuality and rape initiated discussions with students in their residences; these discussions were later to be called the Consent Talks. This research makes use of Pierre Bourdieu’s critical theory in understanding how young men negotiate their masculinity within the field of higher education, at Rhodes University. Bourdieu’s three main concepts, field, habitus and capital are used to describe how young men negotiate their masculinity and how the field of gender intersects with the field of higher education. A qualitative paradigm has been employed. The study has collected data through the use of in-depth interviews to get a richer insight into the participants’ perspectives. There were 15 interviews conducted in total for this study, 14 were with first year male students, and one with a senior official of the University. The data was analysed through a qualitative thematic analysis. The findings of the research reveal that some of the participants were exposed to patriarchal and dominant forms of masculinity when growing up. However, most of the participants revealed they were also exposed to alternative masculinities. These were either taught or learnt at home, from family members, circumcision school, church or peers in society. Both the dominant and alternative masculinities were revealed in the discourses of what it means to be a man and in how the young men performed their masculinities. Furthermore, one of the major themes that emerged was that most of the young men in the study were raised by single mothers with mothers playing a significant role in encouraging healthy masculinities. The findings went on to reveal that families (mothers, fathers, older siblings and culture) play a role in socialising and shaping healthy masculinities. The acceptance or rejection of either dominant or alternative masculinities was influenced by an exposure to an environment that either encouraged or shunned either dominant or alternative masculinities. The findings further unveils that different societies are strongly identified with their own definitions of what it means to be a man and are not open to other definitions of masculinity. Moreover, most of the participants accepted the content of what was taught in the Consent Talks; however sought healthy participation, interaction and inclusion of female students. Lastly, the study has also revealed that knowledge of the consequences of breaking (the law) university’s policy does affect some change of behaviour in potential perpetrators.
- Full Text:
Rhodes University students’ experiences of living as students on National'Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding
- Authors: Mgwili, Thab’sile
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: National Student Financial Aid Scheme (South Africa) , Rhodes University -- Students -- Finance , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Finance -- South Africa , Student aid -- South Africa , Welfare state -- South Africa , Student financial aid administration -- South Africa , Student financial aid administration -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147961 , vital:38697
- Description: This study explores Rhodes University students’ experiences of living as students on National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding. The Marxist theoretical framework critique of neoliberalism and welfare systems is used. The Marxist theory is the main theory that underpins the study. Eighteen participants were involved in an in-depth interview process. Out of 18 participants, one is a staff member at Rhodes University Financial Aid Office. The key findings of this research revealed the unfavorable circumstances of students on NSFAS at Rhodes University. Secondly, it was discovered that students shared similar sentiments as NSFAS and DHET: They recognize the major areas that need to be addressed by NSFAS. Thirdly, NSFAS had to some extent made a positive contribution to the higher education sector. Suggestions have been made on how my study may be improved to yield even better results.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mgwili, Thab’sile
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: National Student Financial Aid Scheme (South Africa) , Rhodes University -- Students -- Finance , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Finance -- South Africa , Student aid -- South Africa , Welfare state -- South Africa , Student financial aid administration -- South Africa , Student financial aid administration -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147961 , vital:38697
- Description: This study explores Rhodes University students’ experiences of living as students on National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding. The Marxist theoretical framework critique of neoliberalism and welfare systems is used. The Marxist theory is the main theory that underpins the study. Eighteen participants were involved in an in-depth interview process. Out of 18 participants, one is a staff member at Rhodes University Financial Aid Office. The key findings of this research revealed the unfavorable circumstances of students on NSFAS at Rhodes University. Secondly, it was discovered that students shared similar sentiments as NSFAS and DHET: They recognize the major areas that need to be addressed by NSFAS. Thirdly, NSFAS had to some extent made a positive contribution to the higher education sector. Suggestions have been made on how my study may be improved to yield even better results.
- Full Text:
South Africa’s mohair value chain: institutional framework, governance and the perceptions of management and labour
- Authors: Heald, Arisa Oka
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Management -- Employee participation , Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa , Agriculture -- South Africa -- History , Mohair industry -- South Africa , Mohair industry -- South Africa -- Employees
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/164669 , vital:41153
- Description: The primary objective of this research is to understand the ways in which the (working and living) conditions confronting employers and employees on mohair farms are the complex outcome of their position in the global mohair value chain, the nature of the labour process, and the ‘contours of voice’ (i.e., how and why employees voice). These three bodies of literature represent different levels of analysis: at the broadest level, the political economy of the mohair value chain is explained by drawing on the chain literature. This literature has been supplemented, at the level of the production process, by deploying the concepts of labour process theory (LPT), which focus on the control of work processes by management as well as workers’responses to this control. These responses were analysed by incorporating insights from the burgeoning research on employee voice (EV) in an effort to understand the practical ways in which workers on mohair farms articulate their needs and interests. The cross-collination of these three bodies of literature is, to my knowledge, a novel feature of this research on the mohair industry in South Africa, which, in turn, has itself been woefully under-researched. The research design consisted of a qualitative approach in which I used in-depth, semi-structured interviews and focus-group discussions as the primary sources of data collection. The secondary source of data was available publications and documents from the agriculture industry and mohair sector. A qualitative approach acknowledges and gives great insight and meaning into the research topic. Twenty participants were interviewed for my research: six from key organisations within the mohair industry, ten farmers, two mohair farm workers and two mohair shearers. The main findings of the research include the following: first, institutions in South Africa’s mohair industry not only determine (in part) the structure of the mohair value chain but also play a vital role in governing the chain. Each institution and actor plays a significant role in adding value to the mohair product that leads to economic upgrading. Second, understanding the actions of farmers (as employers) by drawing on LPT allows me to show how the systemic pressures of capitalist accumulation compel employers to continuously enhance their control over production – and, by extension, over workers – who, in turn, resist and/or accommodate to these impositions by management. Lastly, the research shows that employee voice at the farm level is complex and contested – not surprisingly, given South Africa’s troubled history – yet, it is increasingly exercised by farm workers and accepted by mohair farmers as a necessary and inescapable means of resolving issues that arise in the employment relationship at the workplace and remaining competitive in a global market.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Heald, Arisa Oka
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Management -- Employee participation , Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa , Agriculture -- South Africa -- History , Mohair industry -- South Africa , Mohair industry -- South Africa -- Employees
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/164669 , vital:41153
- Description: The primary objective of this research is to understand the ways in which the (working and living) conditions confronting employers and employees on mohair farms are the complex outcome of their position in the global mohair value chain, the nature of the labour process, and the ‘contours of voice’ (i.e., how and why employees voice). These three bodies of literature represent different levels of analysis: at the broadest level, the political economy of the mohair value chain is explained by drawing on the chain literature. This literature has been supplemented, at the level of the production process, by deploying the concepts of labour process theory (LPT), which focus on the control of work processes by management as well as workers’responses to this control. These responses were analysed by incorporating insights from the burgeoning research on employee voice (EV) in an effort to understand the practical ways in which workers on mohair farms articulate their needs and interests. The cross-collination of these three bodies of literature is, to my knowledge, a novel feature of this research on the mohair industry in South Africa, which, in turn, has itself been woefully under-researched. The research design consisted of a qualitative approach in which I used in-depth, semi-structured interviews and focus-group discussions as the primary sources of data collection. The secondary source of data was available publications and documents from the agriculture industry and mohair sector. A qualitative approach acknowledges and gives great insight and meaning into the research topic. Twenty participants were interviewed for my research: six from key organisations within the mohair industry, ten farmers, two mohair farm workers and two mohair shearers. The main findings of the research include the following: first, institutions in South Africa’s mohair industry not only determine (in part) the structure of the mohair value chain but also play a vital role in governing the chain. Each institution and actor plays a significant role in adding value to the mohair product that leads to economic upgrading. Second, understanding the actions of farmers (as employers) by drawing on LPT allows me to show how the systemic pressures of capitalist accumulation compel employers to continuously enhance their control over production – and, by extension, over workers – who, in turn, resist and/or accommodate to these impositions by management. Lastly, the research shows that employee voice at the farm level is complex and contested – not surprisingly, given South Africa’s troubled history – yet, it is increasingly exercised by farm workers and accepted by mohair farmers as a necessary and inescapable means of resolving issues that arise in the employment relationship at the workplace and remaining competitive in a global market.
- Full Text:
The impact of minimum wages on human resource management practices in the hospitality industry: a case study of selected firms in Polokwane, Limpopo Province
- Authors: Nkoana, Lekgoa Julia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Minimum wage -- South Africa , Minimum wage -- Sociological aspects -- South Africa -- Polokane , Minimum wage -- South Africa -- Polokane -- Case studies , Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Polokwane , Hospitality industry -- Sociological aspects -- South Africa -- Polokwane , Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Polokwane -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167188 , vital:41445
- Description: This thesis sought to identify and isolate the impact of the minimum wage in the hospitality industry of Polokwane. To achieve this, qualitative research methods were used. These methods enabled an in-depth understanding of minimum wages. Thus in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted as they provided detailed information by enabling the researcher and the participant to have an informal, but expressive conversation about the minimum wage. Contrary to the assumptions of orthodox economics, which claim minimum wages create a ‘shock’ resulting in job losses, this research found that the minimum wage was absorbed causing few disruptions in existing work and employment relations in the selected establishments. This capacity to absorb the minimum wage is largely the outcome of informal labour relations policies and practices.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nkoana, Lekgoa Julia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Minimum wage -- South Africa , Minimum wage -- Sociological aspects -- South Africa -- Polokane , Minimum wage -- South Africa -- Polokane -- Case studies , Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Polokwane , Hospitality industry -- Sociological aspects -- South Africa -- Polokwane , Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Polokwane -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167188 , vital:41445
- Description: This thesis sought to identify and isolate the impact of the minimum wage in the hospitality industry of Polokwane. To achieve this, qualitative research methods were used. These methods enabled an in-depth understanding of minimum wages. Thus in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted as they provided detailed information by enabling the researcher and the participant to have an informal, but expressive conversation about the minimum wage. Contrary to the assumptions of orthodox economics, which claim minimum wages create a ‘shock’ resulting in job losses, this research found that the minimum wage was absorbed causing few disruptions in existing work and employment relations in the selected establishments. This capacity to absorb the minimum wage is largely the outcome of informal labour relations policies and practices.
- Full Text:
The impact of the minimum wage on poverty and industrial relations in the hospitality industry in Grahamstown, South Africa
- Authors: Maqubela, Zikisa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Minimum wage -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Poverty -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Wages -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Service industries workers -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/118685 , vital:34658
- Description: This dissertation endeavours to unpack and understand the impact of the minimum wage on the hospitality industry with a specific focus on Grahamstown. The areas of impact that are of immediate interest were the impact on poverty and industrial relations. In operationalising this research, a qualitative research approach was adopted. The overall design of the study was a case study in a bid to ensure deeper insights may be extracted from semi-structured interviews that were then thematically analysed. Theoretically, the study was guided by the understanding of citizenship as articulated by Mamdani as well as Keynesian theory. The central theme when exploring the minimum wage in relation to poverty is that the minimum wage that is currently paid is enough to aid workers and their families in escaping abject poverty, however, it does not go far enough to further ensure that they totally escape poverty as measured by the Upper Bound Poverty Line. The inadequacy of the minimum wage in ensuring that people are pushed out of poverty would then mean that their claims to citizenship are compromised and the quality of life they can access is often below what would be readily accepted of a citizen of South Africa. Lifestyle entrepreneurs offer an alternative approach to doing business that can see higher pay as further entrench claims to citizenship. The central case around industrial relations is that the impact of the minimum wage is indeterminate for two reasons. Broadly speaking, the impact would need to be reviewed at a macro-level and not simply within the impacted sectors. This is the various interconnected value chains that could feel indirect impacts at the initiation of a minimum wage. Further, the impact such changes has to individual firms is also indeterminate as employers have a range of choices that they can adopt in absorbing the impact of a minimum wage, which may include simply increasing the price the end consumer pays or retrenching some staff members. However, the choice that employers would make in this context is not predetermined but rather would vary between firms due to the very specifics of each firm.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Maqubela, Zikisa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Minimum wage -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Poverty -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Wages -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Service industries workers -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/118685 , vital:34658
- Description: This dissertation endeavours to unpack and understand the impact of the minimum wage on the hospitality industry with a specific focus on Grahamstown. The areas of impact that are of immediate interest were the impact on poverty and industrial relations. In operationalising this research, a qualitative research approach was adopted. The overall design of the study was a case study in a bid to ensure deeper insights may be extracted from semi-structured interviews that were then thematically analysed. Theoretically, the study was guided by the understanding of citizenship as articulated by Mamdani as well as Keynesian theory. The central theme when exploring the minimum wage in relation to poverty is that the minimum wage that is currently paid is enough to aid workers and their families in escaping abject poverty, however, it does not go far enough to further ensure that they totally escape poverty as measured by the Upper Bound Poverty Line. The inadequacy of the minimum wage in ensuring that people are pushed out of poverty would then mean that their claims to citizenship are compromised and the quality of life they can access is often below what would be readily accepted of a citizen of South Africa. Lifestyle entrepreneurs offer an alternative approach to doing business that can see higher pay as further entrench claims to citizenship. The central case around industrial relations is that the impact of the minimum wage is indeterminate for two reasons. Broadly speaking, the impact would need to be reviewed at a macro-level and not simply within the impacted sectors. This is the various interconnected value chains that could feel indirect impacts at the initiation of a minimum wage. Further, the impact such changes has to individual firms is also indeterminate as employers have a range of choices that they can adopt in absorbing the impact of a minimum wage, which may include simply increasing the price the end consumer pays or retrenching some staff members. However, the choice that employers would make in this context is not predetermined but rather would vary between firms due to the very specifics of each firm.
- Full Text:
‘Regulated Flexibility’ and labour market regulation: a case Study of Twizza Soft Drinks in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Flatau, Scott
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Labor market -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141288 , vital:37959
- Description: Following the negotiated settlement, which led to the ANC assuming power in South Africa in1994, debates concerning the nature of the South African labour market ensued between policy makers and economists alike. Central to understanding the South African labour market was the policy objective of regulated flexibility that has guided the formation of labour legislation in the post-1994 period, including the Labour Relations Act of 1995, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act of 1997, the Employment Equity Act of 1998 and the Skills Development Act of 1998. Regulated flexibility attempts to accommodate the interests of the employer for flexibility and the interests of the employee in regulation or security. These four Acts and the relevant provisions contained within them are the central focus of this research paper, in particular how they affect the case study firm Twizza Soft Drinks. An interpretivist approach was utilised as the preferred research methodology with in-depth, semi-structured interviews being the primary source of data collection. This research paper attempts to situate more clearly the impact of South Africa’s macro-economic policies since 1994 on labour market policy and undertakes an exploration of internal dynamics of firms in response to exogenous factors, such as government regulation. The key finding suggest that some Acts (BCEA, LRA) do not impose a significant burden on the firm and some provisions can lead to beneficial outcomes such as business modernisation and the adoption of formal Human Resource Practices. Conversely, some provisions contained in the EEA increase the administrative burden and therefore increase the indirect cost on the firm.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Flatau, Scott
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Labor market -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141288 , vital:37959
- Description: Following the negotiated settlement, which led to the ANC assuming power in South Africa in1994, debates concerning the nature of the South African labour market ensued between policy makers and economists alike. Central to understanding the South African labour market was the policy objective of regulated flexibility that has guided the formation of labour legislation in the post-1994 period, including the Labour Relations Act of 1995, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act of 1997, the Employment Equity Act of 1998 and the Skills Development Act of 1998. Regulated flexibility attempts to accommodate the interests of the employer for flexibility and the interests of the employee in regulation or security. These four Acts and the relevant provisions contained within them are the central focus of this research paper, in particular how they affect the case study firm Twizza Soft Drinks. An interpretivist approach was utilised as the preferred research methodology with in-depth, semi-structured interviews being the primary source of data collection. This research paper attempts to situate more clearly the impact of South Africa’s macro-economic policies since 1994 on labour market policy and undertakes an exploration of internal dynamics of firms in response to exogenous factors, such as government regulation. The key finding suggest that some Acts (BCEA, LRA) do not impose a significant burden on the firm and some provisions can lead to beneficial outcomes such as business modernisation and the adoption of formal Human Resource Practices. Conversely, some provisions contained in the EEA increase the administrative burden and therefore increase the indirect cost on the firm.
- Full Text:
“When the rainbow is enuf”: black postgraduate women’s experiences and perceptions of higher education and institutional culture – a case study of Rhodes University
- Authors: Gamedze, Ayanda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Rhodes University , College students, Black -- South Afrca , Women college students, Black -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147215 , vital:38605
- Description: This thesis sets out to investigate the perceptions which Black postgraduate students hold of the present-day toward Historically White Universities (hereafter referred to as HWUs) in South Africa as unique sites from which to investigate institutional culture and the legacy of educational marginalisation. Black women are of particular focus because of the interlocking nature of social inequalities that uniquely influence their comparable experience in the academy. Rhodes University, a top-ranked traditional university provides the institutional site for this investigation into HWUs. This thesis seeks to further explore the suggestion that desegregation of South Africa's institutions of higher learning have meant access, but not always acceptance. The paper explores what Black women students perceive to be Rhodes University's institutional culture and its impact on their lived realities. Subsequently, these women have learned who they are, and what place they occupy in South Africa today, through navigating a space not necessarily accommodating to Blackness and difference. There exists a plethora of literature on the issues which Black women scholars systematically encounter daily in the academy, in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. Nonetheless, there needs to be a further inquiry on the question of belonging of Black womanhood in HWU post the student-led movements of the past few years that have renewed the challenge to South Africa's colonial past, its neoliberal present, and its scourge of gender-based violence. This paper captures an ongoing conversation around the role of Black women in addressing transformation in HWU. As a Black woman in an HWU, I found myself wondering whether there are certain experiences students like me have in common – realities with nuances we call to identify with to some extent. I collected data from six Black women with whom I conducted interviews, and used it to compile this report and its analysis. I believe that the social significance of this study speaks to the importance of hearing the stories of subaltern groups that are positioned in spaces of privilege, yet continue to be defined by the disadvantage of their gender, race, and various other factors.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gamedze, Ayanda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Rhodes University , College students, Black -- South Afrca , Women college students, Black -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147215 , vital:38605
- Description: This thesis sets out to investigate the perceptions which Black postgraduate students hold of the present-day toward Historically White Universities (hereafter referred to as HWUs) in South Africa as unique sites from which to investigate institutional culture and the legacy of educational marginalisation. Black women are of particular focus because of the interlocking nature of social inequalities that uniquely influence their comparable experience in the academy. Rhodes University, a top-ranked traditional university provides the institutional site for this investigation into HWUs. This thesis seeks to further explore the suggestion that desegregation of South Africa's institutions of higher learning have meant access, but not always acceptance. The paper explores what Black women students perceive to be Rhodes University's institutional culture and its impact on their lived realities. Subsequently, these women have learned who they are, and what place they occupy in South Africa today, through navigating a space not necessarily accommodating to Blackness and difference. There exists a plethora of literature on the issues which Black women scholars systematically encounter daily in the academy, in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. Nonetheless, there needs to be a further inquiry on the question of belonging of Black womanhood in HWU post the student-led movements of the past few years that have renewed the challenge to South Africa's colonial past, its neoliberal present, and its scourge of gender-based violence. This paper captures an ongoing conversation around the role of Black women in addressing transformation in HWU. As a Black woman in an HWU, I found myself wondering whether there are certain experiences students like me have in common – realities with nuances we call to identify with to some extent. I collected data from six Black women with whom I conducted interviews, and used it to compile this report and its analysis. I believe that the social significance of this study speaks to the importance of hearing the stories of subaltern groups that are positioned in spaces of privilege, yet continue to be defined by the disadvantage of their gender, race, and various other factors.
- Full Text:
“Why me, Lord?”: some social factors associated with the receipt of a donor heart in South Africa
- Authors: Hartle, Raymond
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Heart -- Transplantation -- Social aspects , Heart -- Transplantation -- Recipients -- Psychology , Heart -- Transplantation -- South Africa , Chronic diseases -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146265 , vital:38510
- Description: Since the first human-to-human heart transplant in the world was performed by Prof Chris Barnard in Cape Town in 1967, heart transplantation has become the gold standard to treat people suffering from end stage heart failure. This thesis explores heart recipients’ perceptions and experiences of their chronic heart illness before and after transplantation. It examines the medical experience in terms of the clinical diagnosis, the standard of communication about the illness and the proposed treatment, and the post-transplant regime. It also reflects how recipients make sense of heart disease and learn to live with a transplanted heart. The thesis also shows the extent to which the recipients’ culture and individual identity impact such complex medical issues as end stage heart failure and transplantation. Qualitative research was undertaken in private sector heart transplant programmes in South Africa. The study is underpinned by Mishel’s (1990) uncertainty theory as well as by social constructionism.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hartle, Raymond
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Heart -- Transplantation -- Social aspects , Heart -- Transplantation -- Recipients -- Psychology , Heart -- Transplantation -- South Africa , Chronic diseases -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146265 , vital:38510
- Description: Since the first human-to-human heart transplant in the world was performed by Prof Chris Barnard in Cape Town in 1967, heart transplantation has become the gold standard to treat people suffering from end stage heart failure. This thesis explores heart recipients’ perceptions and experiences of their chronic heart illness before and after transplantation. It examines the medical experience in terms of the clinical diagnosis, the standard of communication about the illness and the proposed treatment, and the post-transplant regime. It also reflects how recipients make sense of heart disease and learn to live with a transplanted heart. The thesis also shows the extent to which the recipients’ culture and individual identity impact such complex medical issues as end stage heart failure and transplantation. Qualitative research was undertaken in private sector heart transplant programmes in South Africa. The study is underpinned by Mishel’s (1990) uncertainty theory as well as by social constructionism.
- Full Text:
A critical analysis of A2 Fast Track Lowveld sugar cane farms in Zimbabwe in global value chains: interrogating the lives of farmers and farm labourers
- Chingono, Kudakwashe Rejoice
- Authors: Chingono, Kudakwashe Rejoice
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: International trade , Sugar trade -- Zimbabwe , Sugar growing -- Zimbabwe -- Social aspects , Agriculture -- Zimbabwe -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/93933 , vital:30972
- Description: The sugar cane industry has for many years been a lucrative business with a booming global market. In Zimbabwe, the sugar cane industry is no exception, as it has been regarded as one of the most efficient in the region and even in the world. The sugar cane farms and mills in Zimbabwe are located in Triangle and Chiredzi, in the south-eastern part of the country and they are under the ownership of Tongaat Hullet and the Zimbabwean A2 farmers. The focus of this is on the A2 fast track farms in Hippo Valley, which are now owned by black farmers but as out-growers for Tongaat Hullet. The crucial question addressed in the thesis is whether the A2 sugar cane farmers and their workers, located at the production end of the sugar cane global value chain, are benefitting from their involvement in this value chain. A number of scholars argue that global value chains lead to economic and social upgrading at the production end of the chain, based on thoughts contained in modernisation and trickledown theory. There is an assumption, then, that integration into the global economy leads to economic upgrading which translates into social upgrading. In drawing upon critical global value theorists, bolstered by the Marxist perspective, considers the importance of a more critical view of global value chains in relation to the sugar cane industry in Zimbabwe, with the particular focus on A2 farms. Thus, the main objective of the thesis is to consider the lives and livelihoods of A2 sugar cane farmers and sugar cane workers through a case study, in the context of global value chains and arguments around economic and social upgrading. This is pursued through a case study of six A2 farms, which involved interviewing farmers, supervisors, and both permanent and temporary workers. The thesis concludes that there is no significant evidence of social upgrading amongst the labour force, and that the A2 farmers are in constant tension with Tongaat Hullet in seeking to engage in economic upgrading of their status as commercial farmers.
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- Authors: Chingono, Kudakwashe Rejoice
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: International trade , Sugar trade -- Zimbabwe , Sugar growing -- Zimbabwe -- Social aspects , Agriculture -- Zimbabwe -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/93933 , vital:30972
- Description: The sugar cane industry has for many years been a lucrative business with a booming global market. In Zimbabwe, the sugar cane industry is no exception, as it has been regarded as one of the most efficient in the region and even in the world. The sugar cane farms and mills in Zimbabwe are located in Triangle and Chiredzi, in the south-eastern part of the country and they are under the ownership of Tongaat Hullet and the Zimbabwean A2 farmers. The focus of this is on the A2 fast track farms in Hippo Valley, which are now owned by black farmers but as out-growers for Tongaat Hullet. The crucial question addressed in the thesis is whether the A2 sugar cane farmers and their workers, located at the production end of the sugar cane global value chain, are benefitting from their involvement in this value chain. A number of scholars argue that global value chains lead to economic and social upgrading at the production end of the chain, based on thoughts contained in modernisation and trickledown theory. There is an assumption, then, that integration into the global economy leads to economic upgrading which translates into social upgrading. In drawing upon critical global value theorists, bolstered by the Marxist perspective, considers the importance of a more critical view of global value chains in relation to the sugar cane industry in Zimbabwe, with the particular focus on A2 farms. Thus, the main objective of the thesis is to consider the lives and livelihoods of A2 sugar cane farmers and sugar cane workers through a case study, in the context of global value chains and arguments around economic and social upgrading. This is pursued through a case study of six A2 farms, which involved interviewing farmers, supervisors, and both permanent and temporary workers. The thesis concludes that there is no significant evidence of social upgrading amongst the labour force, and that the A2 farmers are in constant tension with Tongaat Hullet in seeking to engage in economic upgrading of their status as commercial farmers.
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A critical analysis of development NGO programmes in rural areas: a case study of East Cape Agricultural Research Project in South Africa
- Authors: Sanyangore, Agnes
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: East Cape Agricultural Research Project , Non-governmental organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96187 , vital:31248
- Description: For a number of decades now, development non-governmental organisations (DNGOs) have been central to the world-wide development system which involves funding from international donors. Overall, DNGOs rely quite fundamentally on their donors for organisational sustainability, such that upward accountability to donors is inevitable. At the same time, as development agents, DNGOs are often celebrated for the deep participatory methodologies used when engaging with the beneficiaries of their programmes, leading to significant downward accountability – as least potentially. Often, for DNGOs, an awkward tension between upward and downward accountability exists. This thesis considers this tension by examining a DNGO in South Africa, namely, the East Cape Agricultural Research Project (ECARP), which focuses on questions around land redistribution. ECARP works with farm labourers and dwellers on commercial farms and small-scale farmers on redistributed farms. In the context of a broader understanding of ECARP’s mission, capacities and programmes, the thesis looks specifically at ECARP’s food security and sovereignty programme amongst small-scale farmers on redistributed farms. By drawing upon Interface theory, the thesis discusses in detail the diverse manner in which ECARP uses participatory methodologies in this particular programme. The thesis concludes that there is a reasonable degree of downward accountability in this programme, but that this does not distract from the fact that ECARP remains within the tension-riddled space marked by dual demands for accountability.
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- Authors: Sanyangore, Agnes
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: East Cape Agricultural Research Project , Non-governmental organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96187 , vital:31248
- Description: For a number of decades now, development non-governmental organisations (DNGOs) have been central to the world-wide development system which involves funding from international donors. Overall, DNGOs rely quite fundamentally on their donors for organisational sustainability, such that upward accountability to donors is inevitable. At the same time, as development agents, DNGOs are often celebrated for the deep participatory methodologies used when engaging with the beneficiaries of their programmes, leading to significant downward accountability – as least potentially. Often, for DNGOs, an awkward tension between upward and downward accountability exists. This thesis considers this tension by examining a DNGO in South Africa, namely, the East Cape Agricultural Research Project (ECARP), which focuses on questions around land redistribution. ECARP works with farm labourers and dwellers on commercial farms and small-scale farmers on redistributed farms. In the context of a broader understanding of ECARP’s mission, capacities and programmes, the thesis looks specifically at ECARP’s food security and sovereignty programme amongst small-scale farmers on redistributed farms. By drawing upon Interface theory, the thesis discusses in detail the diverse manner in which ECARP uses participatory methodologies in this particular programme. The thesis concludes that there is a reasonable degree of downward accountability in this programme, but that this does not distract from the fact that ECARP remains within the tension-riddled space marked by dual demands for accountability.
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A platform for women’s experiences? a case of the hip hop scene in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Kabwato, Sasha Nyasha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Hip-hop -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Popular culture -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Rap musicians -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Musicians, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Women musicians, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Women, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96503 , vital:31287
- Description: The main aim of this research is to examine the hip hop scene in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape and whether hip hop can serve as a significant platform to discuss women’s lived experiences. This study also places focus on how female rappers construct their rap personas, as well as how they are perceived by their male counterparts. In order to understand the multifaceted viewpoints, it was necessary to interview both male and female hip hop artists. Eight interviews were conducted with eight young black rappers who are actively involved in the Grahamstown hip hop scene. It was found that hip hop, like any other art form, is a significant platform for women to express themselves, however gender constraints limit who is willing to listen to and promote their music. Male rappers advocate for women to talk about their stories, yet are more unlikely to listen because it does not relate to their struggles. In addition, there seem to be four specific tropes that female rappers choose to construct their identities from. Female rappers tend to create their personas around: Queen Mother, Fly Sista, Bitch with Attitude, and Lesbian. However, these categories are fluid and it was found that women navigate these categories depending on their audience and message they want to convey at a particular moment. Lastly, there is a split between Grahamstown West (Rhodes University) and Grahamstown East (township). University students are unlikely to perform in the township, and township residents rarely perform at organised events in Grahamstown West. In addition, Rhodes University students are more likely to feature on the university run radio station, rather than Radio Grahamstown, the local community radio.
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- Authors: Kabwato, Sasha Nyasha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Hip-hop -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Popular culture -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Rap musicians -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Musicians, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Women musicians, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Women, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96503 , vital:31287
- Description: The main aim of this research is to examine the hip hop scene in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape and whether hip hop can serve as a significant platform to discuss women’s lived experiences. This study also places focus on how female rappers construct their rap personas, as well as how they are perceived by their male counterparts. In order to understand the multifaceted viewpoints, it was necessary to interview both male and female hip hop artists. Eight interviews were conducted with eight young black rappers who are actively involved in the Grahamstown hip hop scene. It was found that hip hop, like any other art form, is a significant platform for women to express themselves, however gender constraints limit who is willing to listen to and promote their music. Male rappers advocate for women to talk about their stories, yet are more unlikely to listen because it does not relate to their struggles. In addition, there seem to be four specific tropes that female rappers choose to construct their identities from. Female rappers tend to create their personas around: Queen Mother, Fly Sista, Bitch with Attitude, and Lesbian. However, these categories are fluid and it was found that women navigate these categories depending on their audience and message they want to convey at a particular moment. Lastly, there is a split between Grahamstown West (Rhodes University) and Grahamstown East (township). University students are unlikely to perform in the township, and township residents rarely perform at organised events in Grahamstown West. In addition, Rhodes University students are more likely to feature on the university run radio station, rather than Radio Grahamstown, the local community radio.
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A social capital analysis of citizen participation and service delivery in metropolitan government in Zimbabwe: the case of Glenview, Harare since 2013
- Authors: Sachikonye, Tafadzwa I
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social capital (Sociology) -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Municipal services -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Local government -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Public administration -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Citizen particpation -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Local government --Citizen participation -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Harare (Zimbabwe). City Council
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96236 , vital:31253
- Description: Significant challenges exist in contemporary Zimbabwe with regard to urban government, including with specific reference to citizenship participation and service delivery capacities. One of the crucial factors considered in the existing literature when examining urban government is the extent to which the central government intrudes in the affairs of urban government. This is particularly important given that, in recent years, many urban governments have been controlled by the main opposition party in the country. In this context, the thesis offers a critical examination of urban government in contemporary Zimbabwe by focusing on urban government in Harare (the capital) and, even more specifically, on the high-density, low-income area of Glenview. Harare is one of two metropolitan urban areas in Zimbabwe, along with Bulawayo, and is governed by the Harare City Council. While the central state’s relationship with urban governments (including Harare) in Zimbabwe is important, and is examined in this thesis, the primary concern is how this and other factors affect citizenship participation and service delivery in Harare. In pursuing this, the thesis draws upon social capital theory (including questions around trust and networks) to facilitate a critical analysis of urban government, citizenship participation and service delivery in Harare and Glenview specifically. The fieldwork for this thesis involved a qualitative research methodology, including informal interviews with relevant local stakeholders in Harare and associated documents. The thesis concludes that localised political, social and other contextual factors in Harare undercut the prospects for meaningful citizenship participation (with forms of social exclusion existing) and that this has negative implications for effective and efficient service delivery mechanisms.
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- Authors: Sachikonye, Tafadzwa I
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social capital (Sociology) -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Municipal services -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Local government -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Public administration -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Citizen particpation -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Local government --Citizen participation -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Harare (Zimbabwe). City Council
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96236 , vital:31253
- Description: Significant challenges exist in contemporary Zimbabwe with regard to urban government, including with specific reference to citizenship participation and service delivery capacities. One of the crucial factors considered in the existing literature when examining urban government is the extent to which the central government intrudes in the affairs of urban government. This is particularly important given that, in recent years, many urban governments have been controlled by the main opposition party in the country. In this context, the thesis offers a critical examination of urban government in contemporary Zimbabwe by focusing on urban government in Harare (the capital) and, even more specifically, on the high-density, low-income area of Glenview. Harare is one of two metropolitan urban areas in Zimbabwe, along with Bulawayo, and is governed by the Harare City Council. While the central state’s relationship with urban governments (including Harare) in Zimbabwe is important, and is examined in this thesis, the primary concern is how this and other factors affect citizenship participation and service delivery in Harare. In pursuing this, the thesis draws upon social capital theory (including questions around trust and networks) to facilitate a critical analysis of urban government, citizenship participation and service delivery in Harare and Glenview specifically. The fieldwork for this thesis involved a qualitative research methodology, including informal interviews with relevant local stakeholders in Harare and associated documents. The thesis concludes that localised political, social and other contextual factors in Harare undercut the prospects for meaningful citizenship participation (with forms of social exclusion existing) and that this has negative implications for effective and efficient service delivery mechanisms.
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