Should passive euthanasia be made legal in South Africa?
- Chidoori, Rumbidzai Elizabeth Portia
- Authors: Chidoori, Rumbidzai Elizabeth Portia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Euthanasia -- South Africa , Euthanasia -- Law and legislation , Terminally ill -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (Human Rights)
- Identifier: vital:11098 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/253 , Euthanasia -- South Africa , Euthanasia -- Law and legislation , Terminally ill -- South Africa
- Description: In In 1999 the South African Law Reform Commission proposed a draft bill on End of Life Decisions and tabled the Bill before Parliament. To date the Bill is still yet to be put up for discussion perhaps due to the sensitive nature of the subject. This mini-dissertation will examine South African people’s perception and awareness of passive euthanasia and whether the procedure should be regulated. The research will look at the current position in South Africa, arguments for and against passive euthanasia, and the factors influencing society’s reactions to this growing phenomenon.1999 the South African Law Reform Commission proposed a draft bill on End of Life Decisions and tabled the Bill before Parliament. To date the Bill is still yet to be put up for discussion perhaps due to the sensitive nature of the subject. This mini-dissertation will examine South African people’s perception and awareness of passive euthanasia and whether the procedure should be regulated. The research will look at the current position in South Africa, arguments for and against passive euthanasia, and the factors influencing society’s reactions to this growing phenomenon.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chidoori, Rumbidzai Elizabeth Portia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Euthanasia -- South Africa , Euthanasia -- Law and legislation , Terminally ill -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (Human Rights)
- Identifier: vital:11098 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/253 , Euthanasia -- South Africa , Euthanasia -- Law and legislation , Terminally ill -- South Africa
- Description: In In 1999 the South African Law Reform Commission proposed a draft bill on End of Life Decisions and tabled the Bill before Parliament. To date the Bill is still yet to be put up for discussion perhaps due to the sensitive nature of the subject. This mini-dissertation will examine South African people’s perception and awareness of passive euthanasia and whether the procedure should be regulated. The research will look at the current position in South Africa, arguments for and against passive euthanasia, and the factors influencing society’s reactions to this growing phenomenon.1999 the South African Law Reform Commission proposed a draft bill on End of Life Decisions and tabled the Bill before Parliament. To date the Bill is still yet to be put up for discussion perhaps due to the sensitive nature of the subject. This mini-dissertation will examine South African people’s perception and awareness of passive euthanasia and whether the procedure should be regulated. The research will look at the current position in South Africa, arguments for and against passive euthanasia, and the factors influencing society’s reactions to this growing phenomenon.
- Full Text:
Social security and the national orphan care policy in Zimbabwe: challenges from the child headed household
- Authors: Muronda, Yeukai
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Orphanages -- Zimbabwe , Social security -- Zimbabwe , Child welfare -- Zimbabwe , Households -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11417 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/564 , Orphanages -- Zimbabwe , Social security -- Zimbabwe , Child welfare -- Zimbabwe , Households -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This study focused on the policy responses formulated by the government of Zimbabwe and their implementation to meet the social needs of the people with special emphasis on the Zimbabwe National Orphan Care Policy (ZNOCP) of 1999. The challenges this policy is facing from the newly evolving structure of the child headed households was the centre of this study. At independence, the government adopted the incremental approach to policy making and extended formal social policy to the previously marginalized black majority. The ZNOCP was introduced in 1999 during the second phase of ESAP. The same period saw the spread of the HIV and AIDS pandemic. HIV and AIDS led to an increase in the number of orphans some of whom ended up in CHH without adult supervision. The day to day challenges of this group of orphans was investigated in Masvingo rural district. For this study both the qualitative and quantitative methodology paradigms were used. Secondary sources such as journal articles, published books and computer databases helped in complementing the field work. Four sets of questionnaires were administered to four groups of people which were the heads of CHH, extended families, community leadership and government officials. The analysis of this study led to the following conclusions about social policy and the plight of children in CHH. Firstly, that social policy has failed in Zimbabwe due to the incremental approach to policy making which was taken by the government because of its nature of being reformist as opposed to being transformative. Secondly, that the xiii ZNOCP is not being properly implemented therefore it does not have any impact on the lives of children in CHH. These children are struggling for basic social services like food and nutrition, clothing, education health, shelter and birth registration. Thirdly, the extended families and the community have been weakened by HIV and AIDS and impoverished by ESAP such that they cannot take care of their own families, let alone their deceased relatives‟ orphaned children as stipulated by the ZNOCP. Finally, the passive role being taken by the government in the care and protection of the children in CHH is detrimental to their welfare. The comparative case study of the Slangspruit informal settlement in South Africa shows that challenges faced by orphans are common. This study therefore recommends that there is need for the review of the ZNOCP. The new policy should come up with child care strategies which take into cognizance the evolutionary nature of the community. A human rights based approach ought to be the basis of child protection interventions in Zimbabwe. The study recommends that all stakeholders from the government down to the community need to fully participate in their various capacities in child care and protection. Resources in terms of finance and human resources should be made available and channeled to the intended beneficiaries. There is also need for capacity building in the communities and to intensify HIV and AIDS prevention, mitigation, care and treatment interventions to reduce the prevalence of orphans.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Muronda, Yeukai
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Orphanages -- Zimbabwe , Social security -- Zimbabwe , Child welfare -- Zimbabwe , Households -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11417 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/564 , Orphanages -- Zimbabwe , Social security -- Zimbabwe , Child welfare -- Zimbabwe , Households -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This study focused on the policy responses formulated by the government of Zimbabwe and their implementation to meet the social needs of the people with special emphasis on the Zimbabwe National Orphan Care Policy (ZNOCP) of 1999. The challenges this policy is facing from the newly evolving structure of the child headed households was the centre of this study. At independence, the government adopted the incremental approach to policy making and extended formal social policy to the previously marginalized black majority. The ZNOCP was introduced in 1999 during the second phase of ESAP. The same period saw the spread of the HIV and AIDS pandemic. HIV and AIDS led to an increase in the number of orphans some of whom ended up in CHH without adult supervision. The day to day challenges of this group of orphans was investigated in Masvingo rural district. For this study both the qualitative and quantitative methodology paradigms were used. Secondary sources such as journal articles, published books and computer databases helped in complementing the field work. Four sets of questionnaires were administered to four groups of people which were the heads of CHH, extended families, community leadership and government officials. The analysis of this study led to the following conclusions about social policy and the plight of children in CHH. Firstly, that social policy has failed in Zimbabwe due to the incremental approach to policy making which was taken by the government because of its nature of being reformist as opposed to being transformative. Secondly, that the xiii ZNOCP is not being properly implemented therefore it does not have any impact on the lives of children in CHH. These children are struggling for basic social services like food and nutrition, clothing, education health, shelter and birth registration. Thirdly, the extended families and the community have been weakened by HIV and AIDS and impoverished by ESAP such that they cannot take care of their own families, let alone their deceased relatives‟ orphaned children as stipulated by the ZNOCP. Finally, the passive role being taken by the government in the care and protection of the children in CHH is detrimental to their welfare. The comparative case study of the Slangspruit informal settlement in South Africa shows that challenges faced by orphans are common. This study therefore recommends that there is need for the review of the ZNOCP. The new policy should come up with child care strategies which take into cognizance the evolutionary nature of the community. A human rights based approach ought to be the basis of child protection interventions in Zimbabwe. The study recommends that all stakeholders from the government down to the community need to fully participate in their various capacities in child care and protection. Resources in terms of finance and human resources should be made available and channeled to the intended beneficiaries. There is also need for capacity building in the communities and to intensify HIV and AIDS prevention, mitigation, care and treatment interventions to reduce the prevalence of orphans.
- Full Text:
Technologicalship in e-banking services: a constraint or contributor to relationship marketing in retail banking in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Masocha, Reginald
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Bank management , Electronic funds transfers , Banks and banking -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electronic data interchange , Electronic commerce
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11316 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/306 , Bank management , Electronic funds transfers , Banks and banking -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electronic data interchange , Electronic commerce
- Description: Contemporarily, one of the major business demands is to extensively understand the impact of technology on the major business strategies and practices. Technologicalship marketing, a concept investigated in this study, emanates from a symbiosis of technology and relationship marketing. Per se, a prevalent area of debate pertains to whether technology promotes or constrains relationships. Outstandingly, this study pursued the technologicalship marketing concept, a new and vital 21st century suggestion in literature (Zineldin, 2000:16). Secondly, against the scarcity of empirical studies in mass marketing environments, the study at hand focused on retail banking client relationships. Lastly, the proposed meta-construct hypothetical model is an essential relationship marketing instrument. The proposed model consists of four major relationship marketing construct categories, namely, personal contact, customer retention, customer switching and relational exchange. At the hand of these constructs, the research primarily aimed to determine the impact of technology on client relationships in e-banking with the focus of closing the gap prevalent in literature on whether technology constraints or supports relationship marketing. The study focused on retail banking client relationships of the four major commercial banks in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa. A survey was conducted of a sample of 200 clients selected using the convenience sampling method. The study hypothesised that technology is resulting in more transactional than relationship marketing in retail banking by constraining social constructions, customer retention and relational exchange, whilst, promoting customer switching mobility. Through the GLM regression analysis method, findings of the study established that technology was to a larger extent supporting relationship marketing. However, it is envisaged that technology is resulting in the disappearance of human contact which is a critical aspect of relationships. Conclusively, the researcher recommended that the only plausible strategy is to endeavour to integrate the human aspect at self-service podiums e.g. mounting of staff at ATM points, which most banks have been doing.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Masocha, Reginald
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Bank management , Electronic funds transfers , Banks and banking -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electronic data interchange , Electronic commerce
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11316 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/306 , Bank management , Electronic funds transfers , Banks and banking -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electronic data interchange , Electronic commerce
- Description: Contemporarily, one of the major business demands is to extensively understand the impact of technology on the major business strategies and practices. Technologicalship marketing, a concept investigated in this study, emanates from a symbiosis of technology and relationship marketing. Per se, a prevalent area of debate pertains to whether technology promotes or constrains relationships. Outstandingly, this study pursued the technologicalship marketing concept, a new and vital 21st century suggestion in literature (Zineldin, 2000:16). Secondly, against the scarcity of empirical studies in mass marketing environments, the study at hand focused on retail banking client relationships. Lastly, the proposed meta-construct hypothetical model is an essential relationship marketing instrument. The proposed model consists of four major relationship marketing construct categories, namely, personal contact, customer retention, customer switching and relational exchange. At the hand of these constructs, the research primarily aimed to determine the impact of technology on client relationships in e-banking with the focus of closing the gap prevalent in literature on whether technology constraints or supports relationship marketing. The study focused on retail banking client relationships of the four major commercial banks in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa. A survey was conducted of a sample of 200 clients selected using the convenience sampling method. The study hypothesised that technology is resulting in more transactional than relationship marketing in retail banking by constraining social constructions, customer retention and relational exchange, whilst, promoting customer switching mobility. Through the GLM regression analysis method, findings of the study established that technology was to a larger extent supporting relationship marketing. However, it is envisaged that technology is resulting in the disappearance of human contact which is a critical aspect of relationships. Conclusively, the researcher recommended that the only plausible strategy is to endeavour to integrate the human aspect at self-service podiums e.g. mounting of staff at ATM points, which most banks have been doing.
- Full Text:
The effect of literacy on access to and utilization of agricultural information for household food security at Chirau communal lands in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Gundu, Moira
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Community information services -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture -- Information services , Women farmers -- Zimbabwe , Literacy -- Zimbabwe , Commons -- Zimbabwe , Food supply -- Zimbabwe , Communication in agriculture -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Bibl
- Identifier: vital:11570 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/251 , Community information services -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture -- Information services , Women farmers -- Zimbabwe , Literacy -- Zimbabwe , Commons -- Zimbabwe , Food supply -- Zimbabwe , Communication in agriculture -- Zimbabwe
- Description: The research sought to examine the effect of literacy on access to, and utilization of agricultural information for household food security at Chirau Communal lands in Zimbabwe. The study was influenced by the diffusion of innovations approach based on interviews, observation and document study. Selected female farmers from Chirau communal lands were respondents to the self administered interviews and focus group discussions. Representatives from, Agriculture Extension and the Ministry of Agriculture were key informants. Systematic Random sampling was used to select 100 female respondents from the age of 18 to above 80 from wards 1 to 10 of Chirau Rural District in Zimbabwe. Data was analyzed into themes and coded for statistical analysis using the SPSS. The country is faced with food insecurity and the main findings of this study support the view that women play an active role in food production but their potential is limited by inadequate levels of literacy that affect the way they access and utilize resources for sustainable agriculture and household food security among other factors. This may be generalized to the situation of female farmers in Zimbabwe. Improved literacy competencies among the female farmers in Zimbabwe lends itself as one of the interventions that may assist in improving access to information and its effective utilization.. This calls decision-makers to boost literacy for women, develop available agricultural information resources and harness effort towards making them accessible. While interventions may be multi-sectored, the role of government is stressed in this report.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gundu, Moira
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Community information services -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture -- Information services , Women farmers -- Zimbabwe , Literacy -- Zimbabwe , Commons -- Zimbabwe , Food supply -- Zimbabwe , Communication in agriculture -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Bibl
- Identifier: vital:11570 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/251 , Community information services -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture -- Information services , Women farmers -- Zimbabwe , Literacy -- Zimbabwe , Commons -- Zimbabwe , Food supply -- Zimbabwe , Communication in agriculture -- Zimbabwe
- Description: The research sought to examine the effect of literacy on access to, and utilization of agricultural information for household food security at Chirau Communal lands in Zimbabwe. The study was influenced by the diffusion of innovations approach based on interviews, observation and document study. Selected female farmers from Chirau communal lands were respondents to the self administered interviews and focus group discussions. Representatives from, Agriculture Extension and the Ministry of Agriculture were key informants. Systematic Random sampling was used to select 100 female respondents from the age of 18 to above 80 from wards 1 to 10 of Chirau Rural District in Zimbabwe. Data was analyzed into themes and coded for statistical analysis using the SPSS. The country is faced with food insecurity and the main findings of this study support the view that women play an active role in food production but their potential is limited by inadequate levels of literacy that affect the way they access and utilize resources for sustainable agriculture and household food security among other factors. This may be generalized to the situation of female farmers in Zimbabwe. Improved literacy competencies among the female farmers in Zimbabwe lends itself as one of the interventions that may assist in improving access to information and its effective utilization.. This calls decision-makers to boost literacy for women, develop available agricultural information resources and harness effort towards making them accessible. While interventions may be multi-sectored, the role of government is stressed in this report.
- Full Text:
The effectiveness of traditional leaders in the development of the rural Eastern Cape
- Authors: Kewana, Nonzaliseko Gladys
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tribal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11411 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/296 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tribal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political leadership -- South Africa
- Description: Traditional leadership is a contested field in social and political environments. The new, democratic government has created an environment that accommodates the existence of traditional leadership by introducing policies that guide their functioning. The White Paper on Traditional Leadership of 2003 spells out the roles and responsibilities of traditional leaders. This document when used with the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 2003 may minimise the existing tensions between the traditional leaders and the democratically elected councillors. The White Paper on Traditional Leadership of 2003 has been designed accordingly with the Bill of Rights. Equality and prevention of unfair discrimination, has been entrenched in the Bill of Rights of the Republic of South Africa. Traditional leaders, therefore, do have a space in the governance of South Africa. They are expected to participate in development programmes and in promoting service delivery. This study used the method of a case study. It is a qualitative study. Questionnaires and interviews are tools used to collect data. Various observations and findings were made with proposed recommendations. Most important to note is that, the traditional leaders are aware of the White Paper on Traditional Leadership but do not know what to do about it. This reveals that there is a gap between practice and policy. is the recommendation of the study that, the officials from Local Government and Traditional Affairs and those from the municipalities workshop and mentor the traditional leaders as well as the democratically elected councillors. Such a practice could minimise if not eliminate the tensions that result in poor service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kewana, Nonzaliseko Gladys
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tribal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11411 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/296 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tribal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political leadership -- South Africa
- Description: Traditional leadership is a contested field in social and political environments. The new, democratic government has created an environment that accommodates the existence of traditional leadership by introducing policies that guide their functioning. The White Paper on Traditional Leadership of 2003 spells out the roles and responsibilities of traditional leaders. This document when used with the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 2003 may minimise the existing tensions between the traditional leaders and the democratically elected councillors. The White Paper on Traditional Leadership of 2003 has been designed accordingly with the Bill of Rights. Equality and prevention of unfair discrimination, has been entrenched in the Bill of Rights of the Republic of South Africa. Traditional leaders, therefore, do have a space in the governance of South Africa. They are expected to participate in development programmes and in promoting service delivery. This study used the method of a case study. It is a qualitative study. Questionnaires and interviews are tools used to collect data. Various observations and findings were made with proposed recommendations. Most important to note is that, the traditional leaders are aware of the White Paper on Traditional Leadership but do not know what to do about it. This reveals that there is a gap between practice and policy. is the recommendation of the study that, the officials from Local Government and Traditional Affairs and those from the municipalities workshop and mentor the traditional leaders as well as the democratically elected councillors. Such a practice could minimise if not eliminate the tensions that result in poor service delivery.
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The experiences of women of their HIV/AIDS status disclosure to sexual partners: an exploratory study of Magunje township, Zimbabwe
- Kambarami, Maureen Cresencia
- Authors: Kambarami, Maureen Cresencia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Rural women -- Zimbabwe , Promiscuity -- Zimbabwe , HIV-positive women -- Zimbabwe , AIDS (Disease) in women -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11757 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/231 , Rural women -- Zimbabwe , Promiscuity -- Zimbabwe , HIV-positive women -- Zimbabwe , AIDS (Disease) in women -- Zimbabwe
- Description: The African continent has been hit the hardest by the HIV/AIDS epidemic which has seen more women becoming infected than men (Hunter, 2003; UNAIDS, 2004). This has been attributed to the permissible nature of the African culture which is lenient on male promiscuity (Foreman, 1999; Colvin 2000; Leclerc-Madlala 2001; Dube 2003). African women are not only vulnerable to infection but are also vulnerable to negative disclosure experiences when they disclose their status to sexual partners. This double impact of culture has not been addressed by past researches (UNAIDS 2004). The present research thus attempts to fill that gap. It explores the interplay between culture and HIV transmission as well as the interplay between culture and disclosure experiences. The study’s setting is Magunje Township, a rural village in Mashonaland Central province in Zimbabwe. Taking into consideration the limitations of the present analysis, data gathered indicates that African women are vulnerable to both HIV infection and negative disclosure experiences. Their vulnerability also hampers prevention and treatment efforts as it makes them decide to keep their status a secret from sexual partners for fear of losing the financial income tied to sexual partners. The present researcher concludes with some suggestions for policy makers and programme implementers, highlighting the importance of focusing on HIV/AIDS status disclosure as a prevention and treatment method in the absence of a cure for HIV.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kambarami, Maureen Cresencia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Rural women -- Zimbabwe , Promiscuity -- Zimbabwe , HIV-positive women -- Zimbabwe , AIDS (Disease) in women -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11757 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/231 , Rural women -- Zimbabwe , Promiscuity -- Zimbabwe , HIV-positive women -- Zimbabwe , AIDS (Disease) in women -- Zimbabwe
- Description: The African continent has been hit the hardest by the HIV/AIDS epidemic which has seen more women becoming infected than men (Hunter, 2003; UNAIDS, 2004). This has been attributed to the permissible nature of the African culture which is lenient on male promiscuity (Foreman, 1999; Colvin 2000; Leclerc-Madlala 2001; Dube 2003). African women are not only vulnerable to infection but are also vulnerable to negative disclosure experiences when they disclose their status to sexual partners. This double impact of culture has not been addressed by past researches (UNAIDS 2004). The present research thus attempts to fill that gap. It explores the interplay between culture and HIV transmission as well as the interplay between culture and disclosure experiences. The study’s setting is Magunje Township, a rural village in Mashonaland Central province in Zimbabwe. Taking into consideration the limitations of the present analysis, data gathered indicates that African women are vulnerable to both HIV infection and negative disclosure experiences. Their vulnerability also hampers prevention and treatment efforts as it makes them decide to keep their status a secret from sexual partners for fear of losing the financial income tied to sexual partners. The present researcher concludes with some suggestions for policy makers and programme implementers, highlighting the importance of focusing on HIV/AIDS status disclosure as a prevention and treatment method in the absence of a cure for HIV.
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The green revolution and poverty alleviation challenges faced by women in small-scale agriculture: an investigation into the Siyazondla Homestead Food Production Programme, Mbhashe local municipality Eastern Cape
- Authors: Blaai-Mdolo, Bulelwa
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Women in agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Rural Development)
- Identifier: vital:11935 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/133 , Women in agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The researcher is perturbed by the escalating levels of poverty and unemployment in Mbhashe Local Municipality (Integrated Development Plan, 2008/9) despite the poverty alleviation programmes that have been established since 1994. The main objective of this study is to identify the underlying factors and challenges faced by women of the Impumelelo Isezandleni Community Garden and Poultry Project in meeting the set objectives of the programme such as improving food security and job creation through sustainable agricultural development. This project falls under the Siyazondla Homestead Food Production Programme (SHFPP), which is one of the programmes developed under the Green Revolution strategy of the Department of Agriculture. SHFPP is proclaimed to be running successfully in improving food security in the Mbhashe Local Municipality (MECDoA: 2008/9). 7 ABSTRACT The researcher is perturbed by the escalating levels of poverty and unemployment in Mbhashe Local Municipality (Integrated Development Plan, 2008/9) despite the poverty alleviation programmes that have been established since 1994. The main objective of this study is to identify the underlying factors and challenges faced by women of the Impumelelo Isezandleni Community Garden and Poultry Project in meeting the set objectives of the programme such as improving food security and job creation through sustainable agricultural development. This project falls under the Siyazondla Homestead Food Production Programme (SHFPP), which is one of the programmes developed under the Green Revolution strategy of the Department of Agriculture. SHFPP is proclaimed to be running successfully in improving food security in the Mbhashe Local Municipality (MECDoA: 2008/9). The dissertation argues that women, the beneficiaries of the project, are faced with a variety of challenges which make it impossible to meet the set objectives. Using a qualitative research methodology where semi-structured interviews gather data from 15 respondents who are beneficiaries in the project, findings indicate that there are a number of challenges and constraints that are experienced by women in the project. These challenges amongst others range from gender equity, culture and tradition; lack of provisions for diverse women population in the project; violation of the people-centered approach; limited women empowerment; insufficient support and lack of capacity from the Department of Agriculture (DoA) officials, the non-existent Land Reform Programme etc. While women seem committed and want the project to grow to sustain them, this is not complemented with enough support by the DoA. The study anticipates that should these women find viable alternatives, they will soon abandon the project. To avoid a total anticipated collapse of the project in future, the study recommends that a serious intervention by the state should occur coupled with the revitalization of the programme and a paradigm shift towards an effective food security programme which emphasizes women and their important role in agriculture.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Blaai-Mdolo, Bulelwa
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Women in agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Rural Development)
- Identifier: vital:11935 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/133 , Women in agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The researcher is perturbed by the escalating levels of poverty and unemployment in Mbhashe Local Municipality (Integrated Development Plan, 2008/9) despite the poverty alleviation programmes that have been established since 1994. The main objective of this study is to identify the underlying factors and challenges faced by women of the Impumelelo Isezandleni Community Garden and Poultry Project in meeting the set objectives of the programme such as improving food security and job creation through sustainable agricultural development. This project falls under the Siyazondla Homestead Food Production Programme (SHFPP), which is one of the programmes developed under the Green Revolution strategy of the Department of Agriculture. SHFPP is proclaimed to be running successfully in improving food security in the Mbhashe Local Municipality (MECDoA: 2008/9). 7 ABSTRACT The researcher is perturbed by the escalating levels of poverty and unemployment in Mbhashe Local Municipality (Integrated Development Plan, 2008/9) despite the poverty alleviation programmes that have been established since 1994. The main objective of this study is to identify the underlying factors and challenges faced by women of the Impumelelo Isezandleni Community Garden and Poultry Project in meeting the set objectives of the programme such as improving food security and job creation through sustainable agricultural development. This project falls under the Siyazondla Homestead Food Production Programme (SHFPP), which is one of the programmes developed under the Green Revolution strategy of the Department of Agriculture. SHFPP is proclaimed to be running successfully in improving food security in the Mbhashe Local Municipality (MECDoA: 2008/9). The dissertation argues that women, the beneficiaries of the project, are faced with a variety of challenges which make it impossible to meet the set objectives. Using a qualitative research methodology where semi-structured interviews gather data from 15 respondents who are beneficiaries in the project, findings indicate that there are a number of challenges and constraints that are experienced by women in the project. These challenges amongst others range from gender equity, culture and tradition; lack of provisions for diverse women population in the project; violation of the people-centered approach; limited women empowerment; insufficient support and lack of capacity from the Department of Agriculture (DoA) officials, the non-existent Land Reform Programme etc. While women seem committed and want the project to grow to sustain them, this is not complemented with enough support by the DoA. The study anticipates that should these women find viable alternatives, they will soon abandon the project. To avoid a total anticipated collapse of the project in future, the study recommends that a serious intervention by the state should occur coupled with the revitalization of the programme and a paradigm shift towards an effective food security programme which emphasizes women and their important role in agriculture.
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The human resource alignment with the strategic plan 2006-2011 in the Eastern Cape Chris Hani District Municipality with specific reference to the Emalahleni Local Municipality
- Authors: Nyukwana, Nomveliso
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manpower policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11641 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001250 , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manpower policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the alignment of human resources with the strategic plan at Emalahleni Local Municipality in Chris Hani District Municipality, Eastern Cape. The alignment of the human resources plan with the strategic plan is the requirement for inclusive integrated planning legislated in local government acts. The research in this area does not investigate the alignment of the human resources plan with the strategic plan especially in Eastern Cape local government. Integrated planning which is inclusive of human resource development and performance management is a legal requirement legislated in the Local Government Municipal Systems Act no. 32 of 2000. From the literature review it was evident that it is essential for organisations to have a clear vision and measurable specific attainable time-bound objectives which could transpire into measurable performance standards. For achievement of the strategic objectives human resource planning of the organisation has to be informed by the objectives of the organisation so that there can be a relationship between the employees and the business in which they are employed. The literature raised the importance of the involvement of the human resource manager and employees in general in the development of human resource strategy and strategy planning in the organisation and the performance of the organisation. A combination of the qualitative and quantitative approaches was used to achieve the objectives of evaluation research used as the research design in the study. A document study, interviews, and questionnaires were used to investigate the alignment studied. The participants were employees ranging from managers to lowest-level employees. The main patterns that emerged from collected data were the lack of clear strategic objectives, lack of alignment of the strategic plan and human resources, the lack of human resource strategy and development, and performance management systems. Emalahleni Local Municipality was then advised to review and reconceptualise its strategy plan to contain objectives which were clear, specific and measurable, and strategic objectives to include a human resource strategy for human resource alignment with the strategic plan. Such alignment could lead to integrated planning which could be measured to evaluate failure or success in the achievement of the strategic objectives.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nyukwana, Nomveliso
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manpower policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11641 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001250 , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manpower policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the alignment of human resources with the strategic plan at Emalahleni Local Municipality in Chris Hani District Municipality, Eastern Cape. The alignment of the human resources plan with the strategic plan is the requirement for inclusive integrated planning legislated in local government acts. The research in this area does not investigate the alignment of the human resources plan with the strategic plan especially in Eastern Cape local government. Integrated planning which is inclusive of human resource development and performance management is a legal requirement legislated in the Local Government Municipal Systems Act no. 32 of 2000. From the literature review it was evident that it is essential for organisations to have a clear vision and measurable specific attainable time-bound objectives which could transpire into measurable performance standards. For achievement of the strategic objectives human resource planning of the organisation has to be informed by the objectives of the organisation so that there can be a relationship between the employees and the business in which they are employed. The literature raised the importance of the involvement of the human resource manager and employees in general in the development of human resource strategy and strategy planning in the organisation and the performance of the organisation. A combination of the qualitative and quantitative approaches was used to achieve the objectives of evaluation research used as the research design in the study. A document study, interviews, and questionnaires were used to investigate the alignment studied. The participants were employees ranging from managers to lowest-level employees. The main patterns that emerged from collected data were the lack of clear strategic objectives, lack of alignment of the strategic plan and human resources, the lack of human resource strategy and development, and performance management systems. Emalahleni Local Municipality was then advised to review and reconceptualise its strategy plan to contain objectives which were clear, specific and measurable, and strategic objectives to include a human resource strategy for human resource alignment with the strategic plan. Such alignment could lead to integrated planning which could be measured to evaluate failure or success in the achievement of the strategic objectives.
- Full Text:
The impact of organizational culture of employees' behaviour within tertiary institutions in the Eastern Cape region
- Authors: Ntontela, Zintle Asiyena
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Attitudes , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11546 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/219 , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Attitudes , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: According to Nel, van Dyk, Haasbroek, Schultz, Sono and Werner (2004:19), organizational culture is simply the manner in which things are done in an organization. It is also known as the personality of the organization. Irrespective of what is called, the culture of the organization develops overtime, and employees are often not even aware of its existence. Organizational culture is, however, of particular importance to management because it helps them understand how employees feel about their work. Culture involves general assumptions about the manner in which work should be done, appropriate goals for the organization as a whole and for departments within the organization, and personal goals for employees. It is particularly the latter that makes the nature of the psychological contract of special importance in the pursuit of organizational success. It is represented by formal goals, structures, policy and communication. Shaw (1997:15) agrees with Nel et al (2004) that organizational culture composes of the shared values which are important concerns and goals shared by people in the organization that tend to influence the behaviour of the employees. These values persist overtime even with changes in group membership. In the light of the above literature, I’m conducting a research for a masters’ degree in Industrial Psychology at the University of Fort Hare, the topic being “The impact of organizational culture on employees’ behaviour within tertiary institutions in the Eastern Cape Region”. This study seeks to investigate: 1) Determine the extent of influence of organizational culture on employees’ behaviour. 2) Identify how management enforces such a culture into the workplace. 3) Determine the significance of creating organizational culture and its implementation. This questionnaire was designed, in this regard, by the researcher to assess the above mentioned objectives. This questionnaire was distributed to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and the University of Fort Hare.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntontela, Zintle Asiyena
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Attitudes , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11546 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/219 , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Attitudes , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: According to Nel, van Dyk, Haasbroek, Schultz, Sono and Werner (2004:19), organizational culture is simply the manner in which things are done in an organization. It is also known as the personality of the organization. Irrespective of what is called, the culture of the organization develops overtime, and employees are often not even aware of its existence. Organizational culture is, however, of particular importance to management because it helps them understand how employees feel about their work. Culture involves general assumptions about the manner in which work should be done, appropriate goals for the organization as a whole and for departments within the organization, and personal goals for employees. It is particularly the latter that makes the nature of the psychological contract of special importance in the pursuit of organizational success. It is represented by formal goals, structures, policy and communication. Shaw (1997:15) agrees with Nel et al (2004) that organizational culture composes of the shared values which are important concerns and goals shared by people in the organization that tend to influence the behaviour of the employees. These values persist overtime even with changes in group membership. In the light of the above literature, I’m conducting a research for a masters’ degree in Industrial Psychology at the University of Fort Hare, the topic being “The impact of organizational culture on employees’ behaviour within tertiary institutions in the Eastern Cape Region”. This study seeks to investigate: 1) Determine the extent of influence of organizational culture on employees’ behaviour. 2) Identify how management enforces such a culture into the workplace. 3) Determine the significance of creating organizational culture and its implementation. This questionnaire was designed, in this regard, by the researcher to assess the above mentioned objectives. This questionnaire was distributed to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and the University of Fort Hare.
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The role of property rights to land and water resources in smallholder development: the case of Kat River Valley
- Authors: Rantlo, Montoeli
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Right of property -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11189 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/386 , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Right of property -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Property rights are social institutions that define and delimit the range of privileges granted to individuals of specific resources, such as land and water. They are the authority to determine different forms of control over resources thus determining the use, benefits and costs resulting from resource use. That is, they clearly specify who can use the resources, who can capture the benefits from the resources, and who should incur costs of any socially harmful impact resulting from the use of a resource. In order to be efficient property rights must be clearly defined by the administering institution whether formal or informal and must be accepted, understood and respected by all the involved individuals and should be enforceable. These institutions influence the behaviour of individuals hence the impact on economic performance and development. The thesis has attempted to determine how the situation of property rights to land and water affects the development of smallholders in the Kat River Valley. Data was collected from 96 households who were selected using random sampling. To capture data, a questionnaire was administered through face-to-face interviews. Institutional analysis and ANOVA were used for descriptive analysis to describe the property rights situation, security of property rights and the impact of property rights on the development of smallholder farming. The results show that individual land rights holders have secure rights to land and water resources while communal smallholders and farmers on the invaded state land have insecure rights to land and water resources. The results from institutional analysis show that the situation of property rights negatively affects development of all smallholder farmers in the Kat River Valley. There are various institutional factors that negatively affect development of smallholder farmers in the Kat River Valley. Based on the research findings, some policy recommendations are made. These include consideration of the local context and strengthening of the protection of property rights.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Rantlo, Montoeli
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Right of property -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11189 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/386 , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Right of property -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Property rights are social institutions that define and delimit the range of privileges granted to individuals of specific resources, such as land and water. They are the authority to determine different forms of control over resources thus determining the use, benefits and costs resulting from resource use. That is, they clearly specify who can use the resources, who can capture the benefits from the resources, and who should incur costs of any socially harmful impact resulting from the use of a resource. In order to be efficient property rights must be clearly defined by the administering institution whether formal or informal and must be accepted, understood and respected by all the involved individuals and should be enforceable. These institutions influence the behaviour of individuals hence the impact on economic performance and development. The thesis has attempted to determine how the situation of property rights to land and water affects the development of smallholders in the Kat River Valley. Data was collected from 96 households who were selected using random sampling. To capture data, a questionnaire was administered through face-to-face interviews. Institutional analysis and ANOVA were used for descriptive analysis to describe the property rights situation, security of property rights and the impact of property rights on the development of smallholder farming. The results show that individual land rights holders have secure rights to land and water resources while communal smallholders and farmers on the invaded state land have insecure rights to land and water resources. The results from institutional analysis show that the situation of property rights negatively affects development of all smallholder farmers in the Kat River Valley. There are various institutional factors that negatively affect development of smallholder farmers in the Kat River Valley. Based on the research findings, some policy recommendations are made. These include consideration of the local context and strengthening of the protection of property rights.
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Urban community development: an understanding of social change and identity in a social housing estate in post-apartheid South Africa
- Authors: Packery, Rajendra
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Communities , Social change , Community development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc
- Identifier: vital:11967 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/241 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001312 , Communities , Social change , Community development -- South Africa
- Description: This study focuses on the lives of people living in a social housing estate which was a joint venture between the Housing Association of South Africa (HASA), a Netherlands based foundation and the Buffalo City Municipality. This type of social housing estate is a relatively new concept in post-apartheid South Africa and a first for the City of East London. Apartheid spawned the separation of different groups of people into racial enclaves. It also created barriers between races, advantaged certain races over others and created fear, hatred and general distrust among different racial groups in South Africa. The dislocation of apartheid was accompanied by rapid urbanization and ‘reconstruction’ of infrastructure and inter-racial relationships. The opening up of the country’s borders in compliance with Globalisation made South Africa a melting pot to people of different cultures. South African cities became fragmented and fear and strangeness was everywhere. Housing or the lack of it has been a constant problem that the new post apartheid government has grappled with. The solution of building RDP housing estates has not solved this burgeoning problem. But even more importantly it has failed to reorganize urban life in South Africa. In approaching this study I look at how these new social housing estates have reorganized urban life. I explore the concepts of community, home, generation, gender, material culture and ‘new’ urbanization to provide a framework for my study. This study is a qualitative study based in the city of East London in the Eastern Cape. It is a community study which attempts to go inside the home to unlock some of the intricacies of urban life. Ethnography is the research key used to unlock these intricacies.In conclusion, this study attempts to examine a non-western narrative of community life. Are these housing estates a solution to South Africa’s housing problem? Do they conform only to western narratives of urban life? What kind of citizens do these housing estates produce? These are some of the questions that this study hopes to answer.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Packery, Rajendra
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Communities , Social change , Community development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc
- Identifier: vital:11967 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/241 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001312 , Communities , Social change , Community development -- South Africa
- Description: This study focuses on the lives of people living in a social housing estate which was a joint venture between the Housing Association of South Africa (HASA), a Netherlands based foundation and the Buffalo City Municipality. This type of social housing estate is a relatively new concept in post-apartheid South Africa and a first for the City of East London. Apartheid spawned the separation of different groups of people into racial enclaves. It also created barriers between races, advantaged certain races over others and created fear, hatred and general distrust among different racial groups in South Africa. The dislocation of apartheid was accompanied by rapid urbanization and ‘reconstruction’ of infrastructure and inter-racial relationships. The opening up of the country’s borders in compliance with Globalisation made South Africa a melting pot to people of different cultures. South African cities became fragmented and fear and strangeness was everywhere. Housing or the lack of it has been a constant problem that the new post apartheid government has grappled with. The solution of building RDP housing estates has not solved this burgeoning problem. But even more importantly it has failed to reorganize urban life in South Africa. In approaching this study I look at how these new social housing estates have reorganized urban life. I explore the concepts of community, home, generation, gender, material culture and ‘new’ urbanization to provide a framework for my study. This study is a qualitative study based in the city of East London in the Eastern Cape. It is a community study which attempts to go inside the home to unlock some of the intricacies of urban life. Ethnography is the research key used to unlock these intricacies.In conclusion, this study attempts to examine a non-western narrative of community life. Are these housing estates a solution to South Africa’s housing problem? Do they conform only to western narratives of urban life? What kind of citizens do these housing estates produce? These are some of the questions that this study hopes to answer.
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Women in organisational management in Zimbabwe: theory and practice
- Authors: Zikhali, Whitehead
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Businesswomen , Discrimination in employment -- Zimbabwe , Women executives -- Zimbabwe , Success in business -- Zimbabwe , Corporate culture -- Zimbabwe , Leadership -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Social Science Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11415 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001185 , Businesswomen , Discrimination in employment -- Zimbabwe , Women executives -- Zimbabwe , Success in business -- Zimbabwe , Corporate culture -- Zimbabwe , Leadership -- Zimbabwe
- Description: The study was premised on the truism that men have historically served in higher echelons of organizational management structures and women are under-represented. The principal objective was to explore the constraints faced by women in accessing higher leadership and senior management positions in public, private and non-governmental organisations in Zimbabwe. This study adopted the triangulation method, that is, qualitative and quantitative approaches. These mixed research methods, were upgraded by the feminist research methodologies, thereby making a contribution in the field of research. The study found out that the constraints that mostly hinder women from accessing leadership and senior management positions in public, private and NGOs were cultural practices, which represent levels of power and control that in turn hinder reforms; and women's socialisation into feminised roles. The study also found out that in most organisations, most females work under male leadership, and this traditional organisational culture, needs to be deconstructed and reversed in order to achieve gender equality. The study recommended for a human centric and integrated organizational management strategy for public, private and NGOs in Zimbabwe. The adoption of a human centric and integrated management approach should aim at gender equity and reduce women's under-representation. A human centred organizational culture has to be practiced, that would create organisational ethos that guide organizational management. An integrated organizational management approach should integrate all systems and processes into one complete framework, enabling people to work as a single unit, unified by organizational goals, shared vision and common values. The system should depend on a balanced mix of the masculine and feminine attributes. The approach should put its weight towards adoption of measures to attract, advance and empower women so as to benefit from their qualifications, experience and talent in a highly competitive environment.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Zikhali, Whitehead
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Businesswomen , Discrimination in employment -- Zimbabwe , Women executives -- Zimbabwe , Success in business -- Zimbabwe , Corporate culture -- Zimbabwe , Leadership -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Social Science Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11415 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001185 , Businesswomen , Discrimination in employment -- Zimbabwe , Women executives -- Zimbabwe , Success in business -- Zimbabwe , Corporate culture -- Zimbabwe , Leadership -- Zimbabwe
- Description: The study was premised on the truism that men have historically served in higher echelons of organizational management structures and women are under-represented. The principal objective was to explore the constraints faced by women in accessing higher leadership and senior management positions in public, private and non-governmental organisations in Zimbabwe. This study adopted the triangulation method, that is, qualitative and quantitative approaches. These mixed research methods, were upgraded by the feminist research methodologies, thereby making a contribution in the field of research. The study found out that the constraints that mostly hinder women from accessing leadership and senior management positions in public, private and NGOs were cultural practices, which represent levels of power and control that in turn hinder reforms; and women's socialisation into feminised roles. The study also found out that in most organisations, most females work under male leadership, and this traditional organisational culture, needs to be deconstructed and reversed in order to achieve gender equality. The study recommended for a human centric and integrated organizational management strategy for public, private and NGOs in Zimbabwe. The adoption of a human centric and integrated management approach should aim at gender equity and reduce women's under-representation. A human centred organizational culture has to be practiced, that would create organisational ethos that guide organizational management. An integrated organizational management approach should integrate all systems and processes into one complete framework, enabling people to work as a single unit, unified by organizational goals, shared vision and common values. The system should depend on a balanced mix of the masculine and feminine attributes. The approach should put its weight towards adoption of measures to attract, advance and empower women so as to benefit from their qualifications, experience and talent in a highly competitive environment.
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Workers' perceptions of occupational safety and health administration measures at Sasol Infrachem in Sasolburg
- Authors: Kwayiba, Thamsanqa Felix
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Petroleum chemicals industry -- Sasolburg , Industrial hygiene -- South Africa -- Sasolburg , Industrial safety -- South Africa -- Sasolburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil (Environmental Studies)
- Identifier: vital:11878 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001090 , Petroleum chemicals industry -- Sasolburg , Industrial hygiene -- South Africa -- Sasolburg , Industrial safety -- South Africa -- Sasolburg
- Description: This is a qualitative study that seeks to explore the workers’ perceptions towards the occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) system at the petrochemical industrial plant Sasol Infrachem in Sasolburg. It provides a platform for shop floor workers to express their subjective perceptions of the company’s OSHA measures by answering open ended questions. The study advances the notion that notwithstanding the safety managers’ efforts towards ensuring a safety regime in the workplace, however lucrative these might be, to really ensure a safe working environment in the workplace will always depend on the individual workers’ motivation to participate safely at work at any given time to ensure his/her safety and that of others. The study explores this subject by considering how they perceive these safety strategies, their vigilance, attitudes, their ownership of these and their inclination to comply with the occupational safety and health administration measures of Sasol. This study follows a Postmodernist theoretical framework emphasizing differences. Difference is a first and foremost identity feature of human beings. This goes for both their external and internal qualities. How workers perceive and relate to safety concepts will always be shaped by the differences among them. The study also makes use of the Environmental Justice Theory as a central theme, that holds that one life lost is one too many. At the forefront of industries are shop floor workers who are most vulnerable to workplace incident.The study assumes this premise with regard to their safety and health in the workplace
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kwayiba, Thamsanqa Felix
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Petroleum chemicals industry -- Sasolburg , Industrial hygiene -- South Africa -- Sasolburg , Industrial safety -- South Africa -- Sasolburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil (Environmental Studies)
- Identifier: vital:11878 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001090 , Petroleum chemicals industry -- Sasolburg , Industrial hygiene -- South Africa -- Sasolburg , Industrial safety -- South Africa -- Sasolburg
- Description: This is a qualitative study that seeks to explore the workers’ perceptions towards the occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) system at the petrochemical industrial plant Sasol Infrachem in Sasolburg. It provides a platform for shop floor workers to express their subjective perceptions of the company’s OSHA measures by answering open ended questions. The study advances the notion that notwithstanding the safety managers’ efforts towards ensuring a safety regime in the workplace, however lucrative these might be, to really ensure a safe working environment in the workplace will always depend on the individual workers’ motivation to participate safely at work at any given time to ensure his/her safety and that of others. The study explores this subject by considering how they perceive these safety strategies, their vigilance, attitudes, their ownership of these and their inclination to comply with the occupational safety and health administration measures of Sasol. This study follows a Postmodernist theoretical framework emphasizing differences. Difference is a first and foremost identity feature of human beings. This goes for both their external and internal qualities. How workers perceive and relate to safety concepts will always be shaped by the differences among them. The study also makes use of the Environmental Justice Theory as a central theme, that holds that one life lost is one too many. At the forefront of industries are shop floor workers who are most vulnerable to workplace incident.The study assumes this premise with regard to their safety and health in the workplace
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An evaluation of the integrated approach to community development: case study of Alfred Nzo Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Manqina, Nzaliseko Erasmus
- Date: 2009-01
- Subjects: Community development
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25162 , vital:63984
- Description: Development in South Africa during the apartheid era was characterized by separate development, where social welfare services and programmes for individuals and communities were fragmented and administered along racial lines (White Paper for Social Welfare, 1997). The segregated social policies prevented inter-sectoral collaboration and a holistic approach to the development of communities. This lack of integration resulted in fragmentation, duplication of services, inefficiency and ineffectiveness in meeting the needs of the majority of individuals and communities. This legacy continues to impact on the implementation of social services in the current context of democratic South Africa (White Paper for Social Welfare, 1997:5-6). This study examined how integration and the integrated approach by stakeholders/role players is applied in community development in the Alfred Nzo District Municipality. Alfred Nzo District was chosen as the case study area since it is one of the nodal points for the implementation in 2004 of the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Program (ISRDP) initiated by the National government to address poverty in the rural areas of the Province. The research was qualitative in nature. The sample comprised of nine managers, fourteen practitioners and sixty two community members in eight focus groups. Data was collected through self administered interview schedules for managers and practitioners while focus group interviews were conducted by the researcher for community members involved in community development projects. The findings suggest varied understanding of the concepts of integration, ISRDP, community development and collaboration. The findings also revealed challenges in terms of integration and co-ordination by stakeholders in community development. The study established that there is a need for improvement of the integration efforts for community development processes that involves a number of role players. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2009
- Full Text:
- Authors: Manqina, Nzaliseko Erasmus
- Date: 2009-01
- Subjects: Community development
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25162 , vital:63984
- Description: Development in South Africa during the apartheid era was characterized by separate development, where social welfare services and programmes for individuals and communities were fragmented and administered along racial lines (White Paper for Social Welfare, 1997). The segregated social policies prevented inter-sectoral collaboration and a holistic approach to the development of communities. This lack of integration resulted in fragmentation, duplication of services, inefficiency and ineffectiveness in meeting the needs of the majority of individuals and communities. This legacy continues to impact on the implementation of social services in the current context of democratic South Africa (White Paper for Social Welfare, 1997:5-6). This study examined how integration and the integrated approach by stakeholders/role players is applied in community development in the Alfred Nzo District Municipality. Alfred Nzo District was chosen as the case study area since it is one of the nodal points for the implementation in 2004 of the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Program (ISRDP) initiated by the National government to address poverty in the rural areas of the Province. The research was qualitative in nature. The sample comprised of nine managers, fourteen practitioners and sixty two community members in eight focus groups. Data was collected through self administered interview schedules for managers and practitioners while focus group interviews were conducted by the researcher for community members involved in community development projects. The findings suggest varied understanding of the concepts of integration, ISRDP, community development and collaboration. The findings also revealed challenges in terms of integration and co-ordination by stakeholders in community development. The study established that there is a need for improvement of the integration efforts for community development processes that involves a number of role players. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2009
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Assessment of the implementation of performance management system at Mnquma Local municipality of the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Mbiko, Khanyiso Livingstone
- Date: 2008-12
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24165 , vital:62439
- Description: The intention of this study was to assess the implementation of performance management system at the Mnquma local municipality. The municipality of Mnquma has in the past been plagued by service delivery challenges and thus the study sought to ascertain whether the challenges could be attributed to the failures of the performance management system within the municipality. It became apparent from the literature review that for any local municipality to play a meaningful role in ensuring that South Africa achieves the goal of becoming a developmental state, capable of confronting service delivery challenges, there needs to be a proper implementation of the performance management system. The study was also aimed at identifying the factors that support or hinder the implementation of the performance management system within the Mnquma local municipality. In order to achieve this objective, scheduled interviews were conducted with various respondents in the municipality. The respondents included the councilors from the four political parties comprising the municipality council, municipal manager and the rest of the Section 57 managers. The key findings that emerged from the data collected, was that the implementation of the performance management system has not been successful. It is also became apparent that there are brewing political tensions that are likely to affect the political stability of the municipality. In addition, it was also evident that there was a minimal or lack of involvement of the local communities in the municipal affairs such as the development of the Municipal Key Performance Indicators. It would therefore be critical important for the management of the Mnquma local municipality to take into account the results of this study and its recommendations so as to ensure that there is a proper implementation of the performance management system within the municipality. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2008
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mbiko, Khanyiso Livingstone
- Date: 2008-12
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24165 , vital:62439
- Description: The intention of this study was to assess the implementation of performance management system at the Mnquma local municipality. The municipality of Mnquma has in the past been plagued by service delivery challenges and thus the study sought to ascertain whether the challenges could be attributed to the failures of the performance management system within the municipality. It became apparent from the literature review that for any local municipality to play a meaningful role in ensuring that South Africa achieves the goal of becoming a developmental state, capable of confronting service delivery challenges, there needs to be a proper implementation of the performance management system. The study was also aimed at identifying the factors that support or hinder the implementation of the performance management system within the Mnquma local municipality. In order to achieve this objective, scheduled interviews were conducted with various respondents in the municipality. The respondents included the councilors from the four political parties comprising the municipality council, municipal manager and the rest of the Section 57 managers. The key findings that emerged from the data collected, was that the implementation of the performance management system has not been successful. It is also became apparent that there are brewing political tensions that are likely to affect the political stability of the municipality. In addition, it was also evident that there was a minimal or lack of involvement of the local communities in the municipal affairs such as the development of the Municipal Key Performance Indicators. It would therefore be critical important for the management of the Mnquma local municipality to take into account the results of this study and its recommendations so as to ensure that there is a proper implementation of the performance management system within the municipality. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2008
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Re-imagining rural agrarian transformation in the Eastern Cape
- Mwangolela, Tafadzwa Fungayi
- Authors: Mwangolela, Tafadzwa Fungayi
- Date: 2008-11
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects , Agricultural innovations , Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26559 , vital:65642
- Description: The research report is submitted to the School of Public Management and Development, University of Fort Hare as part of Masters in Public Administration requirements. The Provincial Growth and Development Plan 2004 2014 has identified agriculture as a critical pillar strategy of poverty reduction and growth in the Eastern Cape Province. The main aim of the study was to assess the viability of the agrarian transformation initiatives in the Eastern Cape. The study therefore was measuring the progress made by the agrarian transformation initiatives in selected areas versus the following variables food security, household community growth, participation and community involvement, and production support. In the attempt to achieve the main objectives, the study focused on the political economy of the rural as the policy context. The literature was an in-depth engagement with body of knowledge on agrarian transformations, with particular interest in governance participation and the impacts of agrarian initiatives in some countries. The product of literature analysis is the hypothetical model, termed the democratised rural agrarian transformation that should shape the policy implementation of agrarian reform. The study also undertook a field work that was guided by research methodology protocols from social science. The study thus collected primary data from 54 farmers participants drawn from 4 local municipalities within Chris Hani and Amathole District Municipalities. The findings of the study showed that there is still a challenge on the potential of rural agriculture to stimulate the improvement of food security status, and rural incomes. This reality is due to various factors such as poor farmer participation, weakness in coordination of the projects, limited access to extension services as a matter of capacity building. The study makes recommendations which are outlined a building local linkages integration with Local Economic Development initiatives and improvement of agrarian social infrastructure dynamic extension services, and political interventions. Conclusively there is need for an intergovernmental approach to the redress of the agrarian question in rural Eastern Cape. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2008
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mwangolela, Tafadzwa Fungayi
- Date: 2008-11
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects , Agricultural innovations , Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26559 , vital:65642
- Description: The research report is submitted to the School of Public Management and Development, University of Fort Hare as part of Masters in Public Administration requirements. The Provincial Growth and Development Plan 2004 2014 has identified agriculture as a critical pillar strategy of poverty reduction and growth in the Eastern Cape Province. The main aim of the study was to assess the viability of the agrarian transformation initiatives in the Eastern Cape. The study therefore was measuring the progress made by the agrarian transformation initiatives in selected areas versus the following variables food security, household community growth, participation and community involvement, and production support. In the attempt to achieve the main objectives, the study focused on the political economy of the rural as the policy context. The literature was an in-depth engagement with body of knowledge on agrarian transformations, with particular interest in governance participation and the impacts of agrarian initiatives in some countries. The product of literature analysis is the hypothetical model, termed the democratised rural agrarian transformation that should shape the policy implementation of agrarian reform. The study also undertook a field work that was guided by research methodology protocols from social science. The study thus collected primary data from 54 farmers participants drawn from 4 local municipalities within Chris Hani and Amathole District Municipalities. The findings of the study showed that there is still a challenge on the potential of rural agriculture to stimulate the improvement of food security status, and rural incomes. This reality is due to various factors such as poor farmer participation, weakness in coordination of the projects, limited access to extension services as a matter of capacity building. The study makes recommendations which are outlined a building local linkages integration with Local Economic Development initiatives and improvement of agrarian social infrastructure dynamic extension services, and political interventions. Conclusively there is need for an intergovernmental approach to the redress of the agrarian question in rural Eastern Cape. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2008
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An evaluation of citizen participation in policy implementation in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality
- Authors: Pafa, Zolekile Willie
- Date: 2008-09
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Policy sciences -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24476 , vital:62980
- Description: The new political dispensation in South Africa requires that the municipal authorities should involve citizens in policy implementation. In this mini-dissertation, a study is undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of the citizen participation in policy implementation at the King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality. The study emanates from the assumption that citizens are not effectively involved in municipal matters. The main objectives of the study are provide a theoretical framework for policy implementation by describing and explaining its nature and place in Public Administration; provide a constitutional framework for citizen participation in South Africa; evaluate the role of citizens in policy implementation in the King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality; evaluate the interaction between citizens, the councillors and the chief officials in the above municipal authority; and where possible, include recommendations for the improvement of citizen participation in policy implementation in the above municipal authority. The study is envisaged as providing possible solution to the ineffective participation of citizens in municipal matters. The study presents an overview of the legislative framework and the role citizens can play. This is followed by the theoretical framework of the policy implementation within the municipal policy process. Based on the theoretical framework presented, an analysis is then made to prove whether citizens do participate in municipal matters in King Sabata Dalindyebo. It is envisaged that this study will promote the involvement of citizens in municipal matters in King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality. Finally, the study ends by providing recommendations to the problem of ineffective citizen participation in King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2008
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- Authors: Pafa, Zolekile Willie
- Date: 2008-09
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Policy sciences -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24476 , vital:62980
- Description: The new political dispensation in South Africa requires that the municipal authorities should involve citizens in policy implementation. In this mini-dissertation, a study is undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of the citizen participation in policy implementation at the King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality. The study emanates from the assumption that citizens are not effectively involved in municipal matters. The main objectives of the study are provide a theoretical framework for policy implementation by describing and explaining its nature and place in Public Administration; provide a constitutional framework for citizen participation in South Africa; evaluate the role of citizens in policy implementation in the King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality; evaluate the interaction between citizens, the councillors and the chief officials in the above municipal authority; and where possible, include recommendations for the improvement of citizen participation in policy implementation in the above municipal authority. The study is envisaged as providing possible solution to the ineffective participation of citizens in municipal matters. The study presents an overview of the legislative framework and the role citizens can play. This is followed by the theoretical framework of the policy implementation within the municipal policy process. Based on the theoretical framework presented, an analysis is then made to prove whether citizens do participate in municipal matters in King Sabata Dalindyebo. It is envisaged that this study will promote the involvement of citizens in municipal matters in King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality. Finally, the study ends by providing recommendations to the problem of ineffective citizen participation in King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2008
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A Biblical theology of ministry to refugees for Baptist Churches in South Africa
- Authors: Stemmett, David John
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Baptists -- South Africa , Church and social problems -- South Africa , Church work with refugees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Th
- Identifier: vital:11799 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/131 , Baptists -- South Africa , Church and social problems -- South Africa , Church work with refugees
- Description: The issue of refugees in South Africa has come under the spotlight recently, particularly in the light of the xenophobic violence that swept the country in 2008. As a Baptist pastor, working in a congregation which has a vital ministry towards refugees, the writer became aware that only a handful of Baptist congregations in the Western Cape had a similar concern for refugees and asylum seekers. These observations raised the question of ministry to refugees on the part of Baptist churches in SA. As Baptist churches adhere to the principle of the supremacy of Scripture, the motivation for churches to minister to refugees should to be based upon biblical theology. This dissertation seeks to provide such a biblical theology of ministry to refugees that can in turn provide a basis from which local congregation can develop such ministry. To provide the context of refugees in SA, this study begins by outlining the phenomenon of refugees in the context of SA, as well as the conditions experienced by refugees. This dissertation further seeks to delineate a number of Baptist principles that relate to the issue of Baptist churches and ministry to refugees. It also seeks to look at the role that various Baptist agencies such as the Baptist Union of Southern Africa (BUSA) and the Western Province Baptist Association have to play in ministry to refugees. The study then goes on to discuss biblical material from both the Old and New The issue of refugees in South Africa has come under the spotlight recently, particularly in the light of the xenophobic violence that swept the country in 2008. As a Baptist pastor, working in a congregation which has a vital ministry towards refugees, the writer became aware that only a handful of Baptist congregations in the Western Cape had a similar concern for refugees and asylum seekers. These observations raised the question of ministry to refugees on the part of Baptist churches in SA. As Baptist churches adhere to the principle of the supremacy of Scripture, the motivation for churches to minister to refugees should to be based upon biblical theology. This dissertation seeks to provide such a biblical theology of ministry to refugees that can in turn provide a basis from which local congregation can develop such ministry. To provide the context of refugees in SA, this study begins by outlining the phenomenon of refugees in the context of SA, as well as the conditions experienced by refugees. This dissertation further seeks to delineate a number of Baptist principles that relate to the issue of Baptist churches and ministry to refugees. It also seeks to look at the role that various Baptist agencies such as the Baptist Union of Southern Africa (BUSA) and the Western Province Baptist Association have to play in ministry to refugees. The study then goes on to discuss biblical material from both the Old and New Testaments pertaining to refugees. The dissertation then seeks to develop a theology of ministry to refugees based upon the biblical material that can be used to motivate local Baptist congregations to minister to refugees. In the final section the theology of ministry to refugees is used to evaluate current models of ministry directed towards refugees.
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- Authors: Stemmett, David John
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Baptists -- South Africa , Church and social problems -- South Africa , Church work with refugees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Th
- Identifier: vital:11799 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/131 , Baptists -- South Africa , Church and social problems -- South Africa , Church work with refugees
- Description: The issue of refugees in South Africa has come under the spotlight recently, particularly in the light of the xenophobic violence that swept the country in 2008. As a Baptist pastor, working in a congregation which has a vital ministry towards refugees, the writer became aware that only a handful of Baptist congregations in the Western Cape had a similar concern for refugees and asylum seekers. These observations raised the question of ministry to refugees on the part of Baptist churches in SA. As Baptist churches adhere to the principle of the supremacy of Scripture, the motivation for churches to minister to refugees should to be based upon biblical theology. This dissertation seeks to provide such a biblical theology of ministry to refugees that can in turn provide a basis from which local congregation can develop such ministry. To provide the context of refugees in SA, this study begins by outlining the phenomenon of refugees in the context of SA, as well as the conditions experienced by refugees. This dissertation further seeks to delineate a number of Baptist principles that relate to the issue of Baptist churches and ministry to refugees. It also seeks to look at the role that various Baptist agencies such as the Baptist Union of Southern Africa (BUSA) and the Western Province Baptist Association have to play in ministry to refugees. The study then goes on to discuss biblical material from both the Old and New The issue of refugees in South Africa has come under the spotlight recently, particularly in the light of the xenophobic violence that swept the country in 2008. As a Baptist pastor, working in a congregation which has a vital ministry towards refugees, the writer became aware that only a handful of Baptist congregations in the Western Cape had a similar concern for refugees and asylum seekers. These observations raised the question of ministry to refugees on the part of Baptist churches in SA. As Baptist churches adhere to the principle of the supremacy of Scripture, the motivation for churches to minister to refugees should to be based upon biblical theology. This dissertation seeks to provide such a biblical theology of ministry to refugees that can in turn provide a basis from which local congregation can develop such ministry. To provide the context of refugees in SA, this study begins by outlining the phenomenon of refugees in the context of SA, as well as the conditions experienced by refugees. This dissertation further seeks to delineate a number of Baptist principles that relate to the issue of Baptist churches and ministry to refugees. It also seeks to look at the role that various Baptist agencies such as the Baptist Union of Southern Africa (BUSA) and the Western Province Baptist Association have to play in ministry to refugees. The study then goes on to discuss biblical material from both the Old and New Testaments pertaining to refugees. The dissertation then seeks to develop a theology of ministry to refugees based upon the biblical material that can be used to motivate local Baptist congregations to minister to refugees. In the final section the theology of ministry to refugees is used to evaluate current models of ministry directed towards refugees.
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A comparative analysis of the rights of the child with particular reference to child soldiers
- Authors: Anwo, Joel Olasunkanmi
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Children's rights -- Child welfare -- Demobilization of children , Disarmament -- Reintegration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , LLD
- Identifier: vital:11108 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/102 , Children's rights -- Child welfare -- Demobilization of children , Disarmament -- Reintegration
- Description: The recruitment, enlistment and forceful conscription of children as soldiers is a cause for grave concern all over the world and most especially in Africa, where years of factional fighting, civil wars and cross border conflicts have raged, children and youth have been pulled into violence not only as victims, but also as perpetrators. The involvement of children in war posses a severe challenge to prevailing moral and legal norms of the conduct of modern warfare. A major problem and most controversial issue, among others, is on the age at which children should be eligible to become combatants. Children, who may be viewed as a valuable resource due to their often inherent malleability, wish to avenge family member(s) killed in war, sense of immunity to danger, and or feeling of power in participating in the violence. Can the use of children as soldiers be effectively regulated in Africa? All efforts to assist child soldiers in recovering from the devastating effects of wars often unwillingly helped promote the growing number of child soldiers. This is in part because wars are now more fought internally among rebel armies and factions vying for power with the government and thus enlist children into their various armies. The study comes to a conclusion that drastic steps need to be taken to ameliorate this unfortunate situation. This formed the basis of the recommendations offered in the thesis to assist the African continent.
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- Authors: Anwo, Joel Olasunkanmi
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Children's rights -- Child welfare -- Demobilization of children , Disarmament -- Reintegration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , LLD
- Identifier: vital:11108 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/102 , Children's rights -- Child welfare -- Demobilization of children , Disarmament -- Reintegration
- Description: The recruitment, enlistment and forceful conscription of children as soldiers is a cause for grave concern all over the world and most especially in Africa, where years of factional fighting, civil wars and cross border conflicts have raged, children and youth have been pulled into violence not only as victims, but also as perpetrators. The involvement of children in war posses a severe challenge to prevailing moral and legal norms of the conduct of modern warfare. A major problem and most controversial issue, among others, is on the age at which children should be eligible to become combatants. Children, who may be viewed as a valuable resource due to their often inherent malleability, wish to avenge family member(s) killed in war, sense of immunity to danger, and or feeling of power in participating in the violence. Can the use of children as soldiers be effectively regulated in Africa? All efforts to assist child soldiers in recovering from the devastating effects of wars often unwillingly helped promote the growing number of child soldiers. This is in part because wars are now more fought internally among rebel armies and factions vying for power with the government and thus enlist children into their various armies. The study comes to a conclusion that drastic steps need to be taken to ameliorate this unfortunate situation. This formed the basis of the recommendations offered in the thesis to assist the African continent.
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A critical study of Charles Dickens' representation of the socially disadvantage
- Authors: Makati, Pamela
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: People with disabilities
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (English)
- Identifier: vital:11501 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/173 , People with disabilities
- Description: This research is an examination of Charles Dickens’ representation of the underprivileged in the Victorian society. The socially disadvantaged members that will be under discussion are the poor, women and children, who are of major concern in Dickens’ selected texts namely Bleak House, Great Expectations, Hard Times and Oliver Twist. It is evident that Dickens noted the impact of industrialisation on the Victorian society as it created a massive urban development, leading to a higher class division. Initially, the English society consisted of the aristocracy, the landed gentry and the servants who belonged to the lower class. The influx of industrialisation created a further division of these classes in which there emerged the capitalists or bourgeoisie, who were the industrialists like Mr. Bounderby in Hard Times, and the working class, who were the industrial workers. Although the Industrial Revolution fostered urban growth, it is unfortunate that the number of the poor also increased. Many of them lived under squalid conditions with poor sanitation leading to fatal diseases and even death. Being a socially conscious writer, Dickens depicts the world in which he lives, as a strategy to raise awareness in his readers of what was really happening, and hopefully, to bring social reforms. Apart from the poor, Dickens also portrays the brutal treatment of children at the workhouses. This research will show that Dickens was an obstinate critique of the Poor Law and its administration. Furthermore, it will be proven that Dickens also abhorred child labour because of his own childhood experience. Moreover, his repugnance is also noted in the way he creates child characters like Oliver Twist who are mistreated and exploited as child workers. Dickens representation of women is largely influenced by the Victorian ideology surrounding the role of women in society. It is evident that the English society was very patriarchal and strongly confined women to domesticity. Women were also expected to uphold virtue and purity and if they lost both, they were despised and not tolerated at all by society. Although Dickens creates both the Victorian stereotypical woman who is the “angel in the house,” and the antitypical women who comprise of the prostitutes, those who bear children out of wedlock and the larger than life characters like Mrs. Joe Gargery and Molly in Great Expectations, he is revealing the different types of women one can find in society. Moreover, the juxtaposition of the stereotype and the antitype is also a suggestion of the latter’s struggle to fight against patriarchy by assuming the unexpected. Therefore, this research will prove that Dickens is not a patriarchal writer but he actually sympathizes with the plight of women. A realist and naturalist reading of Dickens’ selected texts will provide literary theory for this research. Writing during the time that both theories were grounded, it is evident that Dickens adopted both elemental forms of writing. A feminist approach to Dickens’ female characters will also foster the analysis. Being a realist and naturalist writer, Dickens is comparable to writers of his time such as Nikolai Gogol from Russia who also employs a similar mode of writing in his works. Dickens’ antitypical female characters are comparable to those of the later feminist writers who have placed much emphasis on the independent female characters. It is evident that Dickens’ creation of violent or impure female characters influenced the feminist writers to use them as representations of female independence.
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- Authors: Makati, Pamela
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: People with disabilities
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (English)
- Identifier: vital:11501 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/173 , People with disabilities
- Description: This research is an examination of Charles Dickens’ representation of the underprivileged in the Victorian society. The socially disadvantaged members that will be under discussion are the poor, women and children, who are of major concern in Dickens’ selected texts namely Bleak House, Great Expectations, Hard Times and Oliver Twist. It is evident that Dickens noted the impact of industrialisation on the Victorian society as it created a massive urban development, leading to a higher class division. Initially, the English society consisted of the aristocracy, the landed gentry and the servants who belonged to the lower class. The influx of industrialisation created a further division of these classes in which there emerged the capitalists or bourgeoisie, who were the industrialists like Mr. Bounderby in Hard Times, and the working class, who were the industrial workers. Although the Industrial Revolution fostered urban growth, it is unfortunate that the number of the poor also increased. Many of them lived under squalid conditions with poor sanitation leading to fatal diseases and even death. Being a socially conscious writer, Dickens depicts the world in which he lives, as a strategy to raise awareness in his readers of what was really happening, and hopefully, to bring social reforms. Apart from the poor, Dickens also portrays the brutal treatment of children at the workhouses. This research will show that Dickens was an obstinate critique of the Poor Law and its administration. Furthermore, it will be proven that Dickens also abhorred child labour because of his own childhood experience. Moreover, his repugnance is also noted in the way he creates child characters like Oliver Twist who are mistreated and exploited as child workers. Dickens representation of women is largely influenced by the Victorian ideology surrounding the role of women in society. It is evident that the English society was very patriarchal and strongly confined women to domesticity. Women were also expected to uphold virtue and purity and if they lost both, they were despised and not tolerated at all by society. Although Dickens creates both the Victorian stereotypical woman who is the “angel in the house,” and the antitypical women who comprise of the prostitutes, those who bear children out of wedlock and the larger than life characters like Mrs. Joe Gargery and Molly in Great Expectations, he is revealing the different types of women one can find in society. Moreover, the juxtaposition of the stereotype and the antitype is also a suggestion of the latter’s struggle to fight against patriarchy by assuming the unexpected. Therefore, this research will prove that Dickens is not a patriarchal writer but he actually sympathizes with the plight of women. A realist and naturalist reading of Dickens’ selected texts will provide literary theory for this research. Writing during the time that both theories were grounded, it is evident that Dickens adopted both elemental forms of writing. A feminist approach to Dickens’ female characters will also foster the analysis. Being a realist and naturalist writer, Dickens is comparable to writers of his time such as Nikolai Gogol from Russia who also employs a similar mode of writing in his works. Dickens’ antitypical female characters are comparable to those of the later feminist writers who have placed much emphasis on the independent female characters. It is evident that Dickens’ creation of violent or impure female characters influenced the feminist writers to use them as representations of female independence.
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