Water under troubled bridge: the (ir)relevance of Development Studies pedagogies in African universities
- Authors: Makuwira, Jonathan
- Subjects: Development economics , Universities and colleges -- Africa -- Curricula , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20375 , vital:29271
- Description: The demand for “methodologies of education and learning” is very significant in the current FeesMustFall discourse. This is not just because it is necessary to consider education methodologies, but in the broader scheme of things, it is also a call to both mental and ideological transformation. It challenges university lecturers and educators alike to question their own preconceived pedagogies and engage in an introspection - a 2 reflective moment in their teaching. I will come back to this later in my presentation. The point I am trying to emphasis is that the call for “The-Fall-in-Fees” is a development issue. It is a development issue because it gravitates around access to [Higher] education. We just need to remind ourselves by what Nelson Mandela once said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. We all know-education is a fundamental human right; so too is development (United Nations, 1986). The denial to education is an act of injustice. But like Martin Luther King Jr. said: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” (Luther King Jr, 1963). In this regard, there is a lot of development injustice to which my lecture this evening alludes to.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Makuwira, Jonathan
- Subjects: Development economics , Universities and colleges -- Africa -- Curricula , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20375 , vital:29271
- Description: The demand for “methodologies of education and learning” is very significant in the current FeesMustFall discourse. This is not just because it is necessary to consider education methodologies, but in the broader scheme of things, it is also a call to both mental and ideological transformation. It challenges university lecturers and educators alike to question their own preconceived pedagogies and engage in an introspection - a 2 reflective moment in their teaching. I will come back to this later in my presentation. The point I am trying to emphasis is that the call for “The-Fall-in-Fees” is a development issue. It is a development issue because it gravitates around access to [Higher] education. We just need to remind ourselves by what Nelson Mandela once said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. We all know-education is a fundamental human right; so too is development (United Nations, 1986). The denial to education is an act of injustice. But like Martin Luther King Jr. said: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” (Luther King Jr, 1963). In this regard, there is a lot of development injustice to which my lecture this evening alludes to.
- Full Text:
Democratization of state institutions and processes: a critical ingredient for good governance
- Authors: Masango, Sebenzile
- Subjects: Democracy -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20341 , vital:29265
- Description: In itself ‘democratization’ is a wide field of study which can be subdivided into various subfields. The content of this lecture is mainly derived from the key focus areas of the research I have conducted. My research mainly contributes to the building and strengthening of democracy and good governance.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Masango, Sebenzile
- Subjects: Democracy -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20341 , vital:29265
- Description: In itself ‘democratization’ is a wide field of study which can be subdivided into various subfields. The content of this lecture is mainly derived from the key focus areas of the research I have conducted. My research mainly contributes to the building and strengthening of democracy and good governance.
- Full Text:
Drugs: cures or curse?
- McCarthy, T J (Terence John)
- Authors: McCarthy, T J (Terence John)
- Subjects: Drugs , Pharmacy , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21887 , vital:29798
- Description: With Pharmacy established in our midst at UPE it seems fitting to speak about drugs, since the name pharmacy is derived from pharmakon, the Greek word for drug. The derivation of apteker from the English word apothecary and the German Apotheker is also relevant. Interestingly the Greek root for apothecary means storekeeper, so perhaps things have not changed much in the last few centuries. However, the use of drugs precedes the Greeks, English or Germans by many centuries, and both the Chinese (over 2000 years BC) and the Babylonians (over 4000 years BC) had drug lists or pharmacopoeias. In fact the Babylonians also had a strict medical code and I recall reading that "if the surgeons's knife should slip, the surgeon's hand will be cut off" which seems far better than the modern idea of trying to sue the surgeon after the event, but must have seriously hampered the recruitment of surgeons in those days.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: McCarthy, T J (Terence John)
- Subjects: Drugs , Pharmacy , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21887 , vital:29798
- Description: With Pharmacy established in our midst at UPE it seems fitting to speak about drugs, since the name pharmacy is derived from pharmakon, the Greek word for drug. The derivation of apteker from the English word apothecary and the German Apotheker is also relevant. Interestingly the Greek root for apothecary means storekeeper, so perhaps things have not changed much in the last few centuries. However, the use of drugs precedes the Greeks, English or Germans by many centuries, and both the Chinese (over 2000 years BC) and the Babylonians (over 4000 years BC) had drug lists or pharmacopoeias. In fact the Babylonians also had a strict medical code and I recall reading that "if the surgeons's knife should slip, the surgeon's hand will be cut off" which seems far better than the modern idea of trying to sue the surgeon after the event, but must have seriously hampered the recruitment of surgeons in those days.
- Full Text: false
Stigma syndemics & symbolic (isms) in the context of HIV: ways of knowing in health care
- Authors: Naidoo, Joanne Rachel
- Subjects: Stigma (Social psychology) , HIV-positive persons -- Care , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55010 , vital:48778
- Description: The negating effect of stigma on health outcomes has been widely established. Described as a hidden burden of disease, stigma significantly influences the inequities in health. The seminal work of Sociologist, Erving Goffman’s initially published in 1963 continue to underpin our current understanding of stigma as socially influenced through the symbolic interactions of everyday experiences that influences behaviour. Within the context of HIV, stigma remains a barrier in ending the epidemic and is associated with diminished health outcomes, health seeking patterns and poor quality of life. The significant advances in HIV treatment, has increased the life expectancy of people living with HIV, and has shifted the management of HIV as a manageable chronic illness. However the negative stigma outcomes experienced by people living with HIV remains. Moreover, the interactions of other syndemics (that is the co-existence of another disease/s, or social factors) further contributes to the stigma experienced by people living with HIV. This may refer to the co-existence of TB, depressive or other mental health disorder, younger woman, pregnancy, and occupations or work type industry, such as mini-bus taxi drivers, sex workers to name a few syndemics. Central to the health are the values and attributes of caring, towards the restorative process for sustained health and improved wellbeing. To enable care, there is a need for health care professionals to know how to care. Patterns of Knowing or Ways of Knowing developed by nurse theorist Barbra Carper (1975, 1978) and extended by Chinn and Kramer (2008) has become widely applied in nursing and health professions education and training. Ways of knowing acknowledges five inter related facets (empirical, ethical, personal, aesthetic and emancipatory) inherent in the provision of holistic care. The lecture will reflect on the syndemics associated with HIV related stigma, and the symbolic interactions with health care; in the provision of health care and in education and training of health care professionals. This will be framed against ways of knowing, how health care professionals know how to care, the inherent and learnt symbolic meanings in how care is provided, and its potential to demystify and eliminate the perpetuated HIV related stigma.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Naidoo, Joanne Rachel
- Subjects: Stigma (Social psychology) , HIV-positive persons -- Care , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55010 , vital:48778
- Description: The negating effect of stigma on health outcomes has been widely established. Described as a hidden burden of disease, stigma significantly influences the inequities in health. The seminal work of Sociologist, Erving Goffman’s initially published in 1963 continue to underpin our current understanding of stigma as socially influenced through the symbolic interactions of everyday experiences that influences behaviour. Within the context of HIV, stigma remains a barrier in ending the epidemic and is associated with diminished health outcomes, health seeking patterns and poor quality of life. The significant advances in HIV treatment, has increased the life expectancy of people living with HIV, and has shifted the management of HIV as a manageable chronic illness. However the negative stigma outcomes experienced by people living with HIV remains. Moreover, the interactions of other syndemics (that is the co-existence of another disease/s, or social factors) further contributes to the stigma experienced by people living with HIV. This may refer to the co-existence of TB, depressive or other mental health disorder, younger woman, pregnancy, and occupations or work type industry, such as mini-bus taxi drivers, sex workers to name a few syndemics. Central to the health are the values and attributes of caring, towards the restorative process for sustained health and improved wellbeing. To enable care, there is a need for health care professionals to know how to care. Patterns of Knowing or Ways of Knowing developed by nurse theorist Barbra Carper (1975, 1978) and extended by Chinn and Kramer (2008) has become widely applied in nursing and health professions education and training. Ways of knowing acknowledges five inter related facets (empirical, ethical, personal, aesthetic and emancipatory) inherent in the provision of holistic care. The lecture will reflect on the syndemics associated with HIV related stigma, and the symbolic interactions with health care; in the provision of health care and in education and training of health care professionals. This will be framed against ways of knowing, how health care professionals know how to care, the inherent and learnt symbolic meanings in how care is provided, and its potential to demystify and eliminate the perpetuated HIV related stigma.
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The Entrepreneur as a disequilibrating factor in economic process
- Authors: Ncwadi, Mcebisi Ronney
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Equilibrium (Economics) , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55844 , vital:54275
- Description: The evidence of entrepreneurship's significant contribution to economic growth and development, challenges the dominance of general equilibrium theory in microeconomics. The assumptions of the neoclassical economic model which underlies general equilibrium theory has long time been criticised; yet its consideration in policy formulation has not been dismissed despite the fact that general equilibrium theory does not incorporate entrepreneurship. The assumptions embedded in neoclassical economic theory exclude entrepreneurship as an economic variable. However, as microeconomic research finds more and more evidence confirming the importance of new business formation and growth, general equilibrium theory remains incapable of adapting to this reality. To this end general equilibrium theory produces policy prescriptions which favour mainly large, established firms over new, small firms. It is therefore no wonder that a large number of small businesses in South Africa are failing. This lecture presents the theory of the firm and also defines an entrepreneur within the context of the theory of the firm. In doing so, this lecture exposes the shortcomings of the general equilibrium theory which is used to explain entrepreneurship. Based on Schumpeter’s description of an entrepreneur, namely, a Disequilibrating factor of economic processes; this lecture demonstrates how entrepreneurship should be understood and developed within a broader scope of microeconomics discourse.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ncwadi, Mcebisi Ronney
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Equilibrium (Economics) , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55844 , vital:54275
- Description: The evidence of entrepreneurship's significant contribution to economic growth and development, challenges the dominance of general equilibrium theory in microeconomics. The assumptions of the neoclassical economic model which underlies general equilibrium theory has long time been criticised; yet its consideration in policy formulation has not been dismissed despite the fact that general equilibrium theory does not incorporate entrepreneurship. The assumptions embedded in neoclassical economic theory exclude entrepreneurship as an economic variable. However, as microeconomic research finds more and more evidence confirming the importance of new business formation and growth, general equilibrium theory remains incapable of adapting to this reality. To this end general equilibrium theory produces policy prescriptions which favour mainly large, established firms over new, small firms. It is therefore no wonder that a large number of small businesses in South Africa are failing. This lecture presents the theory of the firm and also defines an entrepreneur within the context of the theory of the firm. In doing so, this lecture exposes the shortcomings of the general equilibrium theory which is used to explain entrepreneurship. Based on Schumpeter’s description of an entrepreneur, namely, a Disequilibrating factor of economic processes; this lecture demonstrates how entrepreneurship should be understood and developed within a broader scope of microeconomics discourse.
- Full Text:
Sea turtles as ocean ambassadors: opportunities and challenges
- Authors: Nel, Ronel
- Subjects: Sea turtles -- South Africa , Sea turtles -- Conservation , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55258 , vital:51136
- Description: Sea turtles are ocean migrants that nest on the same beaches where they were born but forage on reefs and oceanic waters great distances away. Movement between these locations is sometimes years or even decades apart. Because of these broad-ranging movements and the many countries, they visit throughout their lives, effective conservation can only be achieved through international cooperation. However, wherever and whenever sea turtles come ashore, they fascinate people. Watching a sea turtle nest is like looking back through a window into deep time. This appearance and disappearing act of sea turtles create an enigma that elicits a multitude of disciplinary, inter-, and intradisciplinary teaching, research and engagement opportunities ranging from archaeology to social sciences, including tourism, biology and ecology, conservation and policy. In these different spheres, I operated over the last two decades to understand sea turtles, their biology and behaviour to affect their conservation. The biggest question I have pursued in my research career is to understand why the leatherback sea turtle population (Dermochelys coriacea) nesting in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa, has not increased despite decades of protection. Another sea turtle species, namely loggerheads (Caretta caretta) nesting in the same area, experiencing similar conditions, has responded positively to conservation. Through two decades of research evaluating the intrinsic and extrinsic population drivers, such as reproductive output, age to maturity, natality and mortality, it seems evident that the population dynamics of sea turtles is much more complicated than what a simple population model would predict. From the literature, it is clear that other species, like the Mediterranean monk seal, red knot (a sandpiper) and other coastal species, are suffering a similar fate, i.e., lack of recovery despite conservation. These trends suggest that these species have become refugees in their own habitat. Marine habitats are transformed through human activities and may now be unsuitable to support larger populations under the current climate for these complex species. Current research is aimed to disentangle past and present distributions to assess if these species have responded by using alternative habitats over time or if there are body condition parameters (such as individual size, offspring size or survivorship, or metabolomics) that will point us in the direction to grow these endangered populations. Our research suggests that sea turtles, with their very complex life history facing multiple threats, live at the edge of success and extinction. Understanding and managing their path to success is a delicate balance with many aspects that need consideration.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nel, Ronel
- Subjects: Sea turtles -- South Africa , Sea turtles -- Conservation , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55258 , vital:51136
- Description: Sea turtles are ocean migrants that nest on the same beaches where they were born but forage on reefs and oceanic waters great distances away. Movement between these locations is sometimes years or even decades apart. Because of these broad-ranging movements and the many countries, they visit throughout their lives, effective conservation can only be achieved through international cooperation. However, wherever and whenever sea turtles come ashore, they fascinate people. Watching a sea turtle nest is like looking back through a window into deep time. This appearance and disappearing act of sea turtles create an enigma that elicits a multitude of disciplinary, inter-, and intradisciplinary teaching, research and engagement opportunities ranging from archaeology to social sciences, including tourism, biology and ecology, conservation and policy. In these different spheres, I operated over the last two decades to understand sea turtles, their biology and behaviour to affect their conservation. The biggest question I have pursued in my research career is to understand why the leatherback sea turtle population (Dermochelys coriacea) nesting in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa, has not increased despite decades of protection. Another sea turtle species, namely loggerheads (Caretta caretta) nesting in the same area, experiencing similar conditions, has responded positively to conservation. Through two decades of research evaluating the intrinsic and extrinsic population drivers, such as reproductive output, age to maturity, natality and mortality, it seems evident that the population dynamics of sea turtles is much more complicated than what a simple population model would predict. From the literature, it is clear that other species, like the Mediterranean monk seal, red knot (a sandpiper) and other coastal species, are suffering a similar fate, i.e., lack of recovery despite conservation. These trends suggest that these species have become refugees in their own habitat. Marine habitats are transformed through human activities and may now be unsuitable to support larger populations under the current climate for these complex species. Current research is aimed to disentangle past and present distributions to assess if these species have responded by using alternative habitats over time or if there are body condition parameters (such as individual size, offspring size or survivorship, or metabolomics) that will point us in the direction to grow these endangered populations. Our research suggests that sea turtles, with their very complex life history facing multiple threats, live at the edge of success and extinction. Understanding and managing their path to success is a delicate balance with many aspects that need consideration.
- Full Text:
Research and professional work in Gender Based Violence: lessons learned and perceived risks
- Authors: Ngcobo-Sithole, Magnolia
- Subjects: Rural women -- Violence against -- South Africa , Women -- Violence against , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32386 , vital:32078
- Description: South Africa has made some strides in recognizing women’s rights in this country. However, women in the rural areas have not benefitted from most of the developments. They are still exposed to cultural practices that are dehumanising. I explore how these practices are linked to gender based violence. There are also well-articulated policy frameworks and laws aimed at the protection of women. However, gender-based violence (GBV) remains very high in the country and can lead to death. GBV has been understood from a western perspective with limited attention to the traditional perspective. Perhaps the controversies in the legal and policy framework are a reflection of an application of a Western perspective on cultural African beliefs. In this lecture, I present these contrasting views in the legal framework. The lecture aims to advance an understanding of African customs linked to GBV. It is a timely lecture in view of the drive towards Afrocentric psychology. The available literature has focused extensively on cultural aspects related to mental illness and therapy with a limited focus on cultural aspects linked to GBV. Finally, interventions that take cognisance of the dynamic nature of cultural beliefs and practices are highlighted. In conclusion, it is indicated that we must choose to adhere to cultural practices that are not discriminating against women.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ngcobo-Sithole, Magnolia
- Subjects: Rural women -- Violence against -- South Africa , Women -- Violence against , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32386 , vital:32078
- Description: South Africa has made some strides in recognizing women’s rights in this country. However, women in the rural areas have not benefitted from most of the developments. They are still exposed to cultural practices that are dehumanising. I explore how these practices are linked to gender based violence. There are also well-articulated policy frameworks and laws aimed at the protection of women. However, gender-based violence (GBV) remains very high in the country and can lead to death. GBV has been understood from a western perspective with limited attention to the traditional perspective. Perhaps the controversies in the legal and policy framework are a reflection of an application of a Western perspective on cultural African beliefs. In this lecture, I present these contrasting views in the legal framework. The lecture aims to advance an understanding of African customs linked to GBV. It is a timely lecture in view of the drive towards Afrocentric psychology. The available literature has focused extensively on cultural aspects related to mental illness and therapy with a limited focus on cultural aspects linked to GBV. Finally, interventions that take cognisance of the dynamic nature of cultural beliefs and practices are highlighted. In conclusion, it is indicated that we must choose to adhere to cultural practices that are not discriminating against women.
- Full Text:
Resource nationalism: a threat or a panacea to economic development
- Authors: Ocran, Matthew
- Subjects: Natural resources , Nationalism , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20901 , vital:29412
- Description: I seek to achieve three objectives in my lecture: first I attempt an outline of the evolution of economic thought regarding progress from the medieval period to contemporary times. Following the discussion of the mainstream theories of economic growth I then review the associated empirical literature. I also consider a brief case study on two successful countries before addressing the question whether resource nationalism matter in determining economic development. Lastly, I provide some policy recommendations for economic development in South Africa and other resource rich countries on the continent.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ocran, Matthew
- Subjects: Natural resources , Nationalism , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20901 , vital:29412
- Description: I seek to achieve three objectives in my lecture: first I attempt an outline of the evolution of economic thought regarding progress from the medieval period to contemporary times. Following the discussion of the mainstream theories of economic growth I then review the associated empirical literature. I also consider a brief case study on two successful countries before addressing the question whether resource nationalism matter in determining economic development. Lastly, I provide some policy recommendations for economic development in South Africa and other resource rich countries on the continent.
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Social cohesion: is it possible in a diverse society?
- Authors: Pauw, H C
- Subjects: Social interaction -- South Africa , South Africa -- Social conditions , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21914 , vital:29801
- Description: The Faculty of Arts has been requested to drive one of the NMMU research themes, namely "Social cohesion". Being a memeber of the Faculty of Arts and from the School of Governance and Social Sciences I have decided to provide some input regarding this theme. South Africa experienced violent xenophobic attacks on non-South African Africans during May 2008. In a report in The Times (17 June 2008) under the title Mandela calls for 'Social cohesion', former president Nelson Mandela urged the youth of South Africa to work for social cohesion in the country. "The struggle for democracy has never been a matter pursued by one race, class, religious community or gender among South Africans. As future leaders of this country, your challenge is to foster a nation in which all people, irrespective of race, colour, sex, religion or creed, can ascertain a social cohesion fully," (http://www.TheTimes-Mandela calls for 'social cohesion'.htm). My perspective regarding humans is, to paraphrase the late Clyde Kluckhohn, that: Every human is like all other humans, some other humans and no other human.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Pauw, H C
- Subjects: Social interaction -- South Africa , South Africa -- Social conditions , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21914 , vital:29801
- Description: The Faculty of Arts has been requested to drive one of the NMMU research themes, namely "Social cohesion". Being a memeber of the Faculty of Arts and from the School of Governance and Social Sciences I have decided to provide some input regarding this theme. South Africa experienced violent xenophobic attacks on non-South African Africans during May 2008. In a report in The Times (17 June 2008) under the title Mandela calls for 'Social cohesion', former president Nelson Mandela urged the youth of South Africa to work for social cohesion in the country. "The struggle for democracy has never been a matter pursued by one race, class, religious community or gender among South Africans. As future leaders of this country, your challenge is to foster a nation in which all people, irrespective of race, colour, sex, religion or creed, can ascertain a social cohesion fully," (http://www.TheTimes-Mandela calls for 'social cohesion'.htm). My perspective regarding humans is, to paraphrase the late Clyde Kluckhohn, that: Every human is like all other humans, some other humans and no other human.
- Full Text: false
South African estuaries in the Anthropocene
- Authors: Perissinotto, Renzo
- Subjects: Estuaries -- South Africa , Geology, Stratigraphic -- Anthropocene , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20977 , vital:29424
- Description: In the new geological epoch of total human dominance of the planet, already widely referred to as the “Anthropocene”, estuaries are among the most vulnerable ecosystems to the changes that man’s activities have imposed on the coastal zone. For the non-specialist, an estuary is a “semi-enclosed coastal body of water, which has a permanent or temporary connection with the open sea, and within which sea water is diluted with fresh water from land drainage”.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Perissinotto, Renzo
- Subjects: Estuaries -- South Africa , Geology, Stratigraphic -- Anthropocene , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20977 , vital:29424
- Description: In the new geological epoch of total human dominance of the planet, already widely referred to as the “Anthropocene”, estuaries are among the most vulnerable ecosystems to the changes that man’s activities have imposed on the coastal zone. For the non-specialist, an estuary is a “semi-enclosed coastal body of water, which has a permanent or temporary connection with the open sea, and within which sea water is diluted with fresh water from land drainage”.
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Local economic development: disseminating global best practices to affect futuristic thinking in SA
- Authors: Perks, Sandra
- Subjects: Economic development , Economic development -- South Africa , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20966 , vital:29423
- Description: The aim of Local Economic Development (LED) is to ensure that the economy of a community, region or country grows faster than the population, so that there can be surplus resources for future expansion (Rucker, Kinnett & Barbash 2012). This suggests that LED is more than economic development at local level. LED is often not viewed from an economic perspective but from a political perspective. Birkhölzer (2005:3) outlines four possible political LED viewpoints. The first perspective is “development from above” with an authoritarian state dictating to regional government and local authorities. This perspective has been proven flawed when political or economic turbulences occur. The second perspective is “development from outside” with reliance on outside investors to bring into the country the necessary resources, mostly funding. This perspective is risky from a sustainability point of view. The third perspective is the “wait and see” where migration occurs if there are problems. This perspective is equally flawed as it is becoming increasingly difficult to migrate because it is so costly, and also finding the right place to go can prove to be problematic. The last perspective is the “development from within” where people play a key role, and do not rely on government or the economy to serve their needs or solve their problems; this points to self-sufficiency.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Perks, Sandra
- Subjects: Economic development , Economic development -- South Africa , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20966 , vital:29423
- Description: The aim of Local Economic Development (LED) is to ensure that the economy of a community, region or country grows faster than the population, so that there can be surplus resources for future expansion (Rucker, Kinnett & Barbash 2012). This suggests that LED is more than economic development at local level. LED is often not viewed from an economic perspective but from a political perspective. Birkhölzer (2005:3) outlines four possible political LED viewpoints. The first perspective is “development from above” with an authoritarian state dictating to regional government and local authorities. This perspective has been proven flawed when political or economic turbulences occur. The second perspective is “development from outside” with reliance on outside investors to bring into the country the necessary resources, mostly funding. This perspective is risky from a sustainability point of view. The third perspective is the “wait and see” where migration occurs if there are problems. This perspective is equally flawed as it is becoming increasingly difficult to migrate because it is so costly, and also finding the right place to go can prove to be problematic. The last perspective is the “development from within” where people play a key role, and do not rely on government or the economy to serve their needs or solve their problems; this points to self-sufficiency.
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The role of renewable energy in de-urbanizing post COVID Africa
- Authors: Phillips, Russell
- Subjects: Renewable energy sources -- Africa , Telecommuting -- Africa , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52484 , vital:43673
- Description: The world is becoming increasingly urbanized with more than half of the world population living in cities. In many instances urbanization is seen as a positive phenomenon, however in Africa, urbanization is shown to result in a large proportion of the urban population living in slum conditions. The recent COVID pandemic has necessitated that many persons work remotely and has shown that this arrangement can be both cost effective and efficient. The notion of promoting a remote work concept beyond the pandemic with a view to encouraging de-urbanization is proposed in this research. To achieve meaningful levels of de-urbanization in Africa, particularly in remote, rural areas two major challenges need to be overcome, namely internet connectivity and energy supply. The imminent rollout of Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEO) for affordable remote connectivity coupled with the maturity of the current solar photovoltaic offerings present seemingly perfect solutions to the identified challenges. Additionally, the record low prices recently reached by Photovoltaic modules and Lithium-ion batteries seem to present fortuitous timing for a mass de-urbanization drive which may have the potential to improve the lives of many people in Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Phillips, Russell
- Subjects: Renewable energy sources -- Africa , Telecommuting -- Africa , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52484 , vital:43673
- Description: The world is becoming increasingly urbanized with more than half of the world population living in cities. In many instances urbanization is seen as a positive phenomenon, however in Africa, urbanization is shown to result in a large proportion of the urban population living in slum conditions. The recent COVID pandemic has necessitated that many persons work remotely and has shown that this arrangement can be both cost effective and efficient. The notion of promoting a remote work concept beyond the pandemic with a view to encouraging de-urbanization is proposed in this research. To achieve meaningful levels of de-urbanization in Africa, particularly in remote, rural areas two major challenges need to be overcome, namely internet connectivity and energy supply. The imminent rollout of Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEO) for affordable remote connectivity coupled with the maturity of the current solar photovoltaic offerings present seemingly perfect solutions to the identified challenges. Additionally, the record low prices recently reached by Photovoltaic modules and Lithium-ion batteries seem to present fortuitous timing for a mass de-urbanization drive which may have the potential to improve the lives of many people in Africa.
- Full Text:
Innovation through education: rediscovering the lost generation
- Authors: Pieterse, Koot
- Subjects: Business incubators , Entrepreneurship , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20889 , vital:29411
- Description: Innovation implies the generation as well as the practical implementation of new ideas. These ideas could appear as new product opportunities, new markets or new management systems and business schools are ideally situated to promote their exploitation and implementation. This study emphasises the need for business schools to elevate innovation to one of the core values in their mission. The need for innovation in the local business environment is explored along with reasons why these opportunities have not always been pursued with the required vigour. The results of a literature study are represented, that demonstrate what initiatives on the incorporation of innovation into their activities have been taken by a selection of business schools around the world and the study is concluded by exploring similar opportunities open to the Business School of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
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- Authors: Pieterse, Koot
- Subjects: Business incubators , Entrepreneurship , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20889 , vital:29411
- Description: Innovation implies the generation as well as the practical implementation of new ideas. These ideas could appear as new product opportunities, new markets or new management systems and business schools are ideally situated to promote their exploitation and implementation. This study emphasises the need for business schools to elevate innovation to one of the core values in their mission. The need for innovation in the local business environment is explored along with reasons why these opportunities have not always been pursued with the required vigour. The results of a literature study are represented, that demonstrate what initiatives on the incorporation of innovation into their activities have been taken by a selection of business schools around the world and the study is concluded by exploring similar opportunities open to the Business School of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
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Demystifying leadership connectivity: rediscovering the soul of leadership
- Authors: Poisat, Paul
- Subjects: Leadership , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35773 , vital:33811
- Description: INTRODUCTION: A Google search on ‘leadership’ produced 4.2 million articles, books, blogs and webinars on how to become a better leader. Most of the literature, comprising experts and the popular press, abound with formulistic prescriptive steps endorsed by two or three iconic figures that support their regimen. Regardless of the plethora of literature in leadership providing practical and logical tactics, many fall short on implementation and thus result in failure. What numerous sources fail to acknowledge is that the great leaders apply these tactics together with their innate skills to offer clear direction for themselves and their followers. Providing a clear vision and/or strategy to deal with uncertainty and ambiguity is one of the foremost abilities distinguishing leaders in our rapidly changing world and the ability to take employees with them. In addition, various individual (personality, values, cultural, ability) and contextual (nature of the business, complexity, rate of change, work team, diversity) factors may contribute to leadership failure that is characterised by a lack of vision, uncertainty, bullying, management by exclusion, and in extreme cases fraud and corruption. Regardless of the proliferation of leadership literature the world has never been more desperate for sound leadership. We have enough leaders but not enough leadership. With all the literature on leadership, how do you find the essence of leadership?
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- Authors: Poisat, Paul
- Subjects: Leadership , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35773 , vital:33811
- Description: INTRODUCTION: A Google search on ‘leadership’ produced 4.2 million articles, books, blogs and webinars on how to become a better leader. Most of the literature, comprising experts and the popular press, abound with formulistic prescriptive steps endorsed by two or three iconic figures that support their regimen. Regardless of the plethora of literature in leadership providing practical and logical tactics, many fall short on implementation and thus result in failure. What numerous sources fail to acknowledge is that the great leaders apply these tactics together with their innate skills to offer clear direction for themselves and their followers. Providing a clear vision and/or strategy to deal with uncertainty and ambiguity is one of the foremost abilities distinguishing leaders in our rapidly changing world and the ability to take employees with them. In addition, various individual (personality, values, cultural, ability) and contextual (nature of the business, complexity, rate of change, work team, diversity) factors may contribute to leadership failure that is characterised by a lack of vision, uncertainty, bullying, management by exclusion, and in extreme cases fraud and corruption. Regardless of the proliferation of leadership literature the world has never been more desperate for sound leadership. We have enough leaders but not enough leadership. With all the literature on leadership, how do you find the essence of leadership?
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Consumer health informatics in the information age and beyond
- Authors: Pottas, Dalenca
- Subjects: Medical informatics , Information technology , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20757 , vital:29386
- Description: This paper reviews current and future trends and challenges in the field of consumer health informatics. Emergent innovations driving consumer health informatics in the information age include devices, tools and applications supporting personalised healthcare, electronic personal health record (PHR) systems and a plethora of tools in the health social media domain. Within this domain, a new kind of social media citizen, the consumer specialist or patient opinion leader, is taking the lead in online communities of patients. A new generation of personal health records combining PHRs and social media is emerging, even though pervasive adoption and use of PHRs remains elusive. The accuracy of information, security and privacy of personal health information, legislative matters and the digital divide remain recurring challenges of consumer health informatics. In future, PHR vendors will have to address the lack of espousal of PHRs in innovative ways to provide a compelling case for adoption. The continued uptake of health social media necessitates efforts to understand, through longitudinal studies, precisely who the users are, what they use it for and how it contributes to the achievement of both personal and public health outcomes. Health information consumers, of varying levels of techno-literacy, needs and preferences, must be assisted to move from simply accessing information to distilling relevant and credible information and making informed decisions. Further research is required to understand the changing relationships between patients and healthcare providers and how consumer health information technologies can best support these. There is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of consumer health information technologies to inform both public policy and the next generation of tools, technologies and artefacts that could better facilitate improved health outcomes. Lastly, more effort is required to erode digital inequalities. As we move into a future emphasising both the global and the individual, accelerated connectedness and speed of change, consumer health informatics must respond such that it remains germane and amplifies the value that can be gained by all stakeholders.
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- Authors: Pottas, Dalenca
- Subjects: Medical informatics , Information technology , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20757 , vital:29386
- Description: This paper reviews current and future trends and challenges in the field of consumer health informatics. Emergent innovations driving consumer health informatics in the information age include devices, tools and applications supporting personalised healthcare, electronic personal health record (PHR) systems and a plethora of tools in the health social media domain. Within this domain, a new kind of social media citizen, the consumer specialist or patient opinion leader, is taking the lead in online communities of patients. A new generation of personal health records combining PHRs and social media is emerging, even though pervasive adoption and use of PHRs remains elusive. The accuracy of information, security and privacy of personal health information, legislative matters and the digital divide remain recurring challenges of consumer health informatics. In future, PHR vendors will have to address the lack of espousal of PHRs in innovative ways to provide a compelling case for adoption. The continued uptake of health social media necessitates efforts to understand, through longitudinal studies, precisely who the users are, what they use it for and how it contributes to the achievement of both personal and public health outcomes. Health information consumers, of varying levels of techno-literacy, needs and preferences, must be assisted to move from simply accessing information to distilling relevant and credible information and making informed decisions. Further research is required to understand the changing relationships between patients and healthcare providers and how consumer health information technologies can best support these. There is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of consumer health information technologies to inform both public policy and the next generation of tools, technologies and artefacts that could better facilitate improved health outcomes. Lastly, more effort is required to erode digital inequalities. As we move into a future emphasising both the global and the individual, accelerated connectedness and speed of change, consumer health informatics must respond such that it remains germane and amplifies the value that can be gained by all stakeholders.
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Instruments available to the public to assess audit quality
- Authors: Prinsloo, Frans
- Subjects: Auditing -- South Africa , Quality control -- Auditing , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21928 , vital:29802
- Description: With the separation of ownership from day-to-day management that began to characterise many businesses following the industrial revolution, concern arose whether the day-to-day management (as agents) would bias information flows to the business owners (as principals) in order to enhance, say, their remuneration and their reputations as managers (AQF, 2005a: 6). To address these concerns, business owners require mechanisms, such as the external audit, to enable the effective assessment of the stewardship of the agents. Currently the role of the external auditor is to express an opinion on the fair representation of the annual financial statements prepared by management for the business owners.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Prinsloo, Frans
- Subjects: Auditing -- South Africa , Quality control -- Auditing , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21928 , vital:29802
- Description: With the separation of ownership from day-to-day management that began to characterise many businesses following the industrial revolution, concern arose whether the day-to-day management (as agents) would bias information flows to the business owners (as principals) in order to enhance, say, their remuneration and their reputations as managers (AQF, 2005a: 6). To address these concerns, business owners require mechanisms, such as the external audit, to enable the effective assessment of the stewardship of the agents. Currently the role of the external auditor is to express an opinion on the fair representation of the annual financial statements prepared by management for the business owners.
- Full Text: false
Research in financial services: professing a way forward
- Authors: Rootman, Chantal
- Subjects: Financial services industry -- South Africa , Financial services industry -- Customer services -- South Africa , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21066 , vital:29435
- Description: Outline: What do we know about financial services research? What is the current state of financial services in South Africa? Professing the way forward for financial services research.
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- Authors: Rootman, Chantal
- Subjects: Financial services industry -- South Africa , Financial services industry -- Customer services -- South Africa , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21066 , vital:29435
- Description: Outline: What do we know about financial services research? What is the current state of financial services in South Africa? Professing the way forward for financial services research.
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SEK Mqhayi in the 21st Century: Mzantsi youth ideologies within the African renaissance paradigm for sustainable economic and political development
- Authors: Saule, Ncedile
- Subjects: Pan-Africanism , Mqhayi, S E K , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21011 , vital:29427
- Description: I am advancing a celebratory synopsis of Mqhayi, uMzima, uBhomoyi kaCedume at a time when the South African contemporary society is attempting to restructure itself in order to regain lost values before it can successfully and rationally embrace values of other people. In my presentation, I have mindfully taken cognisance of the plight of the so called lost generation, especially among our youth, those who have become strangers in their own land – no language, only misguided and distorted cultural values, no self, distorted history - this of course because of indoctrinations of some psycho-socio-histori-cultural and political imperatives. Strangely enough these are some of the issues that SEK Mqhayi warns us about in his creative works and has made efforts for us to see, but unfortunately no one listened or saw anything. Now that we “have the truth but denied the truth and now that we have the light, but we sit in darkness, Shivering, benighted in the bright noon-day sun,” and now that we are all blind, I think, this evening is the right time to see.
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- Authors: Saule, Ncedile
- Subjects: Pan-Africanism , Mqhayi, S E K , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21011 , vital:29427
- Description: I am advancing a celebratory synopsis of Mqhayi, uMzima, uBhomoyi kaCedume at a time when the South African contemporary society is attempting to restructure itself in order to regain lost values before it can successfully and rationally embrace values of other people. In my presentation, I have mindfully taken cognisance of the plight of the so called lost generation, especially among our youth, those who have become strangers in their own land – no language, only misguided and distorted cultural values, no self, distorted history - this of course because of indoctrinations of some psycho-socio-histori-cultural and political imperatives. Strangely enough these are some of the issues that SEK Mqhayi warns us about in his creative works and has made efforts for us to see, but unfortunately no one listened or saw anything. Now that we “have the truth but denied the truth and now that we have the light, but we sit in darkness, Shivering, benighted in the bright noon-day sun,” and now that we are all blind, I think, this evening is the right time to see.
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Key drivers of change and their implications for Construction Management in the next decade: an eclectic approach
- Authors: Shakantu, Winston
- Subjects: Change , Construction industry , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20912 , vital:29416
- Description: I chose to look at ‘key drivers of change’ as change is the only constant in our lives; its winds keep blowing in perpetuity. Drivers of change are factors that induce or compel organisations to modify their actions in response to change. The drivers of change originate mainly in the macro-environment and in most cases in the micro-environment. As for why ‘implications for construction management research’ it is because of the four areas of responsibility for an academic, that is, Teaching, Research, Engagement and Administration, research informs all the four. Therefore, it seems to be the logical departure point for a professorial exposition.
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- Authors: Shakantu, Winston
- Subjects: Change , Construction industry , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20912 , vital:29416
- Description: I chose to look at ‘key drivers of change’ as change is the only constant in our lives; its winds keep blowing in perpetuity. Drivers of change are factors that induce or compel organisations to modify their actions in response to change. The drivers of change originate mainly in the macro-environment and in most cases in the micro-environment. As for why ‘implications for construction management research’ it is because of the four areas of responsibility for an academic, that is, Teaching, Research, Engagement and Administration, research informs all the four. Therefore, it seems to be the logical departure point for a professorial exposition.
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Beyond greening: reflections on the business sustainability imperative
- Authors: Smith, Elroy Eugene
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Environmental economics , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20768 , vital:29387
- Description: This paper sets out to reflect that organisations should go beyond greening and embrace the sustainability imperative. The concept of greening and environmentalism reached a ceiling as it focuses only on short-term green issues rather than on long-term sustainability goals. Narrow concerns for the natural environment often dilute the true meaning of sustainability. Yet, the field of sustainability is much broader than just focusing on environmental issues. Most contemporary executives know that their response to the challenges of sustainability could seriously affect the competitiveness and survival of their organisations. Despite this notion, most are failing by launching a few greening initiatives without a clear sustainability vision and plan. The sustainability discourse expanded the manner in which organisational success is measured, using values and criteria from the economic, environmental and social realms – commonly known as the triple bottom line. The idea is to balance the needs of people, the planet and the organisation’s profits to create long-term shareholder value. The concept of sustainability has suffered from a proliferation of definitions, meaning many things to different people. However, consensus is forming that sustainability refers to the process by which sound economic systems operate well within the biophysical constraints of the ecosystem to provide a good quality of life that is socially appropriate for current and future generations. Sustainability is bigger than a publicity stunt, green products or occasional acknowledgement to on-going efforts to save the planet. Although greening will be a central part of the way business is conducted, green alone is not a broad enough platform to sustain a business in the long-run. There is a need to look beyond the green aspects of sustainability and also using the social, economic and cultural aspects to build a successful and sustainable organisation. 2 This paper addresses aspects such as the sustainability paradigm, dimensions and drivers of sustainability, statistical evidence of sustainability, national framework for sustainable development in South Africa, a sustainability case example and challenges of sustainability.
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- Authors: Smith, Elroy Eugene
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Environmental economics , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20768 , vital:29387
- Description: This paper sets out to reflect that organisations should go beyond greening and embrace the sustainability imperative. The concept of greening and environmentalism reached a ceiling as it focuses only on short-term green issues rather than on long-term sustainability goals. Narrow concerns for the natural environment often dilute the true meaning of sustainability. Yet, the field of sustainability is much broader than just focusing on environmental issues. Most contemporary executives know that their response to the challenges of sustainability could seriously affect the competitiveness and survival of their organisations. Despite this notion, most are failing by launching a few greening initiatives without a clear sustainability vision and plan. The sustainability discourse expanded the manner in which organisational success is measured, using values and criteria from the economic, environmental and social realms – commonly known as the triple bottom line. The idea is to balance the needs of people, the planet and the organisation’s profits to create long-term shareholder value. The concept of sustainability has suffered from a proliferation of definitions, meaning many things to different people. However, consensus is forming that sustainability refers to the process by which sound economic systems operate well within the biophysical constraints of the ecosystem to provide a good quality of life that is socially appropriate for current and future generations. Sustainability is bigger than a publicity stunt, green products or occasional acknowledgement to on-going efforts to save the planet. Although greening will be a central part of the way business is conducted, green alone is not a broad enough platform to sustain a business in the long-run. There is a need to look beyond the green aspects of sustainability and also using the social, economic and cultural aspects to build a successful and sustainable organisation. 2 This paper addresses aspects such as the sustainability paradigm, dimensions and drivers of sustainability, statistical evidence of sustainability, national framework for sustainable development in South Africa, a sustainability case example and challenges of sustainability.
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