Official development assistance as a means to poverty alleviation: evidence from Cameroon
- Authors: Anong, Moussa Moses
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development -- Cameroon , Community development -- Cameroon Cameroon -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13800 , vital:27309
- Description: Despite the increased popularity of development aid flows from rich nations to poorer ones in the form of Official Development Assistance (ODA), rampant poverty still prevails in the recipient nations. This perhaps explains the lingering debate on the effectiveness of ODA in curbing poverty. Based on Cameroon, this study aims to ascertain if ODA can be relied upon as a tool to fight poverty. The researcher seeks to determine if ODA disbursed to Cameroon has resulted in poverty alleviation among the impoverished from 1980 to 2014, be it directly or indirectly. To this effect, the first research question looks at what the possible causes of poverty in Cameroon are. The second research question dwells on the pattern of ODA to Cameroon over the study period from 1980 to 2014. The final research question seeks to determine the Cameroonian poverty levels over the same period. The definition of poverty in terms of the Human Development Index (HDI) and its three poverty determinants as utilized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is adopted as a theoretical base for this research. These determinants of poverty are life expectancy at birth, mean years of schooling, and Gross National Income (GNI) per capita. While the literature review is utilised to outline the on-going debate on the effects of ODA on economic growth and poverty alleviation, it equally provides possible causes of poverty in Cameroon. These include the prevalence of factors such as poor governance, the swindling of public funds without fear, the normalisation of bribes in return for public services, the lack of decentralized administrative and civil services, and the disproportionate distribution of state earnings. Meanwhile, secondary published data sourced from reputable multilateral bodies is used to determine the trend of ODA to Cameroon over the period from 1980 to 2014. This is then correlated with poverty figures over the same period as expressed by the three human development factors or poverty determinants. The research adopts a quantitative approach as correlations and regressions of obtained secondary data are made used of. The results of the correlations reveal that ODA may not be relied upon as a tool for alleviating poverty in Cameroon due to the statistically insignificant relationships it seems to display with all three poverty determinants. The regression results show on the one hand that ODA has insignificant relationships with life expectancy at birth and mean years of schooling, while on the other hand, ODA and GNI per capita display an inverse relationship that is judged to be statistically significant. High ODA figures can therefore be associated with lower GNI per capita values in Cameroon, based on this study. This means that ODA can be assumed to negatively affect the real income of Cameroonians. A reduction in real income might equally lead to a reduced potential to afford basic necessities like healthcare, schooling and housing. As these essentials are not provided for free in Cameroon, this reduced real income may further be held responsible for an overall deterioration of the quality of life. Based on the above findings, the researcher recommends that aid recipient governments put in place supportive systems and strong institutions that are void of corruption and unnecessary bureaucracy so as to better benefit from foreign aid inflows. African countries like Cameroon also need to develop their internal resources and use them to finance and promote their own growth instead of rely on donor funding with diminishing returns. Likewise, the government needs to improve its level of human development through diverting more funds towards developing and facilitating the poor’s access to the country’s education, healthcare, road network and basic amenities like water and sanitation. Finally, inflows in the form of loans rather than grants can better be utilized to promote positive economic growth. While loans are mostly diverted to productive activities, grants may promote dependency, rent-seeking behaviour and bureaucracy. This study is one of the few that relies on country-level data. Most existing studies on foreign aid and its related effects on poverty alleviation were conducted using cross-country data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Perceptions of South African foreign policy in the African Union
- Authors: Lobo, Daniel Furahini Østerhus
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: International relations , South Africa -- Foreign relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8308 , http://hdl/handle.net/10948/d1020029
- Description: South Africa plays a very important role on the African continent, both politically and economically. She is often the main protagonist behind various peace-making efforts both regionally and continentally, and now she plays an even more important part in the African Union. In July 2012 South African candidate Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was elected as chairperson of the African Union Commission, in an election which highlighted a need to investigate the perception of South Africa in the African Union. South African foreign policy has gone through various stages, from being internationally isolated during the apartheid era to being on the forefront continentally during the successive post-apartheid presidents. The electoral discourse in 2012 however, highlighted some divergent opinions on South African foreign policy which this study investigates. What was identified during the election campaign was a possible negative perception of South African foreign policy, both politically and in terms of the private sector. The study sought to investigate how South Africa is perceived on the African continent, and in order to reach a conclusion it performed a policy analysis as well as a qualitative discourse analysis of the statements given during the election. The policy analysis contextualises and explains South African foreign policy agendas and choices, and the discourse analysis sought to reveal any negative perceptions of South African foreign policy. The findings of the study are that there is a general negative perception of South Africa and her foreign policy in Africa, due to several reasons, which will be discussed in the following study. The negative perceptions stem from the Eastern region, the Western region, as well as from South Africa itself, through political analysts and experts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Perceptions of tourism in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality with special reference to the Red location in New Brighton
- Authors: Mfo, Ntomboxolo Siphokazi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Heritage tourism -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , New Brighton (Port Elizabeth, South Africa) Blacks -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Social life and customs Tourism -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41316 , vital:36443
- Description: Township tourism is a relatively growing sector of the tourism market; therefore, many large cities in developed and developing countries, such as Brazil, have adopted tourism-led approaches to township tourism. Township tourism now forms part of the South African local and regional economic development strategies of some of the major cities, such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. In turn, it is perceived as the fastest growing type of tourism in the world and can function as a powerful tool in township development and transformation. Township tourism has the potential to produce economic benefits, improve physical environment, inner-city image and the welfare of community members. The focus of the research was to study the perception of tourism in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality with special reference to the community of the Red Location in New Brighton. Additionally, this study explored to understand how tourism stakeholders (government, provincial government and local municipality), tourism development agencies, as well as the community of the Red Location, could use tourism as a tool for township development, local economic growth and to increase visitors to the Nelson Mandela Bay area. The research adopted a qualitative research method. The research builds on an extensive review of a broad range of secondary sources from different academic and institutional backgrounds to give a more objective and nuanced analysis. The qualitative literature that was used include, but is not limited to, academic articles, books, official reports from the various tourism organisations, publications from tourism authorities, news media, South African legislation and publications from government organisations. Based on this study, it was found that tourism has the capacity to rejuvenate the area and contribute to the local economic development, poverty reduction, as well as create the identity of a place, and serve as a part of the solution for township problems. The potential of tourism to stimulate township development strongly depends on the presence of tourism resources that can be developed into consumable products or visitor attraction as well as on the financial capacity of public and private partners to strengthen and increase visitor facilities, infrastructure and activities. The study employed a descriptive study to capture detailed and meaningful information from the literature search. The literature search gave the researcher an understanding of the research area, tourism policies and the role of the communities in tourism. This understanding improved the quality of the study. Furthermore, the literature provides township tourism precondition guidelines which may be followed to develop tourism in South Africa, especially in communities, such as the Red Location. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate the need to draft and adopt a township tourism strategy, one that is unique to the culture and community of the Red Location in New Brighton.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Preventive diplomacy and conflict provention in Africa
- Authors: Mandela, Siyabulela
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Diplomatic negotiations in international disputes Conflict management -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13435 , vital:27185
- Description: South Africa‟s participation in international peace missions is guided by the White Paper of 1998 and premised specifically on the country‟s foreign policy objectives based on its vision of “a better South Africa, a better Africa and a better world”. South Africa recognises itself as an integral part of the African continent and therefore sees its national interests as being intrinsically linked to Africa‟s stability, unity and prosperity. Since 1994, South Africa has placed itself at the forefront of Africa's peace and security endeavours, trying to transform itself from international villain during apartheid years to Pan-Africanist peacemaker. The country has played an instrumental role in both shaping and setting the normative agenda of the African Union and Southern African Development Community. South Africa‟s participation in conflict resolution and peace missions in Africa is informed by an understanding of the nexus that exists between peace, security and sustainable development. This research focuses on South Africa‟s diplomatic and peacekeeping engagement in Lesotho, covering the constitutional and electoral crises from 1994 - 2015 constitutional crisis. The author shows the importance and way forward to resolve conflicts before they become escalated and deadly. The study calls for a „timely‟ reaction to disputes and conflicts on the African continent via preventive diplomacy, conflict provention and addressing of underlying issues that give rise to disputes and conflict.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Public participation in integrated development planning, New Brighton, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality : 2006-2010
- Authors: Mbewana, Stembiso Matthews
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Citizen participation , Local governement -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8178 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1775 , Local government -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Citizen participation , Local governement -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The most important difference between the new form of local government and that of the past is the creative and dynamic “developmental role” for local government to ensure maximum impact on poverty alleviation within resource constraints, and to address spatially entrenched socio‐economic inequalities. This needs to take place within the framework of integrated development planning, which is linked to the annual budgeting cycles. The IDP process is intended to provide communities with opportunities for participation in articulating, monitoring, reviewing and evaluating their needs. The aim of the research was to establish to what extent cooperation between the communities and the ward committees in the ward of New Brighton exists, with specific reference to consultation and participation in terms of IDP. A qualitative study was undertaken and literature review on public participation in terms of the IDP was conducted. Relevant secondary data was sourced and structured interviews were conducted with councillors representing New Brighton. Focus group interviews were also conducted with ward committee members from New Brighton. The research revealed that the priorities and genuine needs of the communities were often ignored by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. There is no correlation between the genuine needs of the communities and those perceived to be the needs of the communities by the public officials. Challenges on public participation in IDP process were also found to be associated with the relationship between the councillors and public officials on what constitute the genuine needs of the communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Remittances as an external source of finance for investments in developing countries
- Authors: Gadzikwa, Francis
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Emigrant remittances -- Developing countries Economic development -- Developing countries , Economic development -- Developing countries Developing countries -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7664 , vital:22785
- Description: A number of studies by academics, scholars and researchers have been conducted on the subject of remittances. The focus of these studies has been on developing countries where remittance corridors have long been established. These studies have focused more on the effects of remittances at micro level, in other words poverty alleviation as result of the decline of FDI; PI and ODA. Established remittance corridors are found in Asia, the Pacific Rim, the Middle East, South America, the Caribbean, West Africa as well as North Africa. Few studies have been conducted into new emerging corridors that are still being established, such as the South Africa-Zimbabwe, Botswana-Zimbabwe and the Namibian-Zimbabwe corridors where a large number of Zimbabweans have migrated to. Economic growth and development are major challenges facing developing countries due to lack of finance. With the decline of FDI, PI, ODA as well as credit since the global financial crisis in 2008, there is a need for research to determine other alternative sustainable sources of finance to enable economic growth and development. Available literature and empirical evidence on the subject matter suggest remittances as a complementary source not a substitute of FDI, PI, ODA and credit. This means that governments in developing countries should not neglect their duty to collect revenue, should promote FDI and PI and not be dependant solely on remittances. Like FDI, PI and ODA, the flow of remittances is also determined by the socio-economic and political factors. Any negative effect on the socio-economic and political factors may also lead to the decline of remittance flows. Whilst other developing countries in established remittance corridors have put policies and systems in place to harness and ensure maximum benefits of remittances, countries such as Zimbabwe have not done much to realise potential and the impact that remittances can make. This is evidenced from the lack of reliable data which according to Chami et al. (2008:21) places severe constraints on the types of questions that can be asked and conclusions that can be drawn from statistical analyses. Secondly, emigration from Zimbabwe can be regarded to be in its infancy stage compared countries like Nigeria and Egypt where migration to developed countries has reached maturity stage. The evidence of this is seen on the volume of remittances currently being received by these two countries. Therefore, this study will complement existing data and literature available particularly on this corridor. Remittances are channelled either through formal or informal channels. The literature available and empirical evidence suggests that the bulk of remittances are channelled through informal channels as opposed to formal channels (Crush et al.,2012:20). Within the South Africa-Zimbabwe corridor, 85 percent of remittances to Zimbabwe are channelled informally (von Burgsdorff, 2012: 17) and are not captured in the official statistics such as the Balance of Payments. The drawback of this is lack of accurate data which precludes more rigorous statistical analysis in this field (von Burgsdorff, 2010:12). This study will endeavour to capture valuable statistics with regards to remittances. Most developing countries that have relied on aid are also burdened with huge unsustainable external debts (Obasanjo, 2000). The external debts continue to have an adverse effect of slowing down economic growth and development as these countries have an obligation to pay back the debts. Settling of external debts has been one of the biggest challenges facing developing countries. With the rise of remittances, Olubiyi (2013:1) sees them as a replacement to credit to a country that is constrained. Instead of borrowing finance for growth and development, remittances can be used instead. Apart from substituting credit with remittances, countries which are not burdened with external debts are able to use remittances as a leverage to obtain foreign loans (Taylor, 1999:69). The loans acquired can used for supplementing revenue derived from the fiscus and other sources of external finance such as FDI, PI and ODA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Renewable energy project financing for economic growth and development: the case of Zambia
- Authors: Banda, Zondwayo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Renewable energy sources -- Economic aspects -- Zambia , Energy industries -- Zambia -- Finance Economic development -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21527 , vital:29533
- Description: Energy is a critical component for the economic growth and development of developing countries. In particular Zambia’s economy requires energy in order to contribute to the reduction of poverty and inequalities in income and gender. Zambia faces an energy deficit which is compounded by lack of adequate financing and low electricity tariffs. The current energy deficit can challenge the achievement of such goals by Zambia. The aim of this research was to explore the impact of renewable energy project financing on Zambia’s economic growth and development. The mixed research methods through the use of questionnaires and interviews were used in achieving the research aim and objectives. In addition primary and secondary data were used as data sources for this research study. The current energy deficit in Zambia has negatively affected all the sectors in Zambia. In order to address the energy deficit, investments in the energy sector particularly through the use of project finance are required as such investments have the potential to improve energy generation, distribution and supply. Zambia has many sources of renewable energy such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass and geothermal making renewable energy project financing as the potential energy source to plug the energy deficit. By extension investments in renewable energy provide an opportunity for investors to expand their businesses and recoup their investments with high returns. Thus many sectors such as health, education, agriculture and service among others would benefit from the increased energy supply thereby improving their operations and spurring economic activities. Furthermore, renewable energy would improve access to energy in both urban and rural areas where electrification rates are as low as 25% and 3% respectively. Despite such positive impacts of renewable energy project the following account for the negative impacts: Externalisation of profits by investors; and, Over dependence on hydro-power. As energy is critical for economic growth and development of Zambia the major recommendations include the following: Seizing Project Finance Opportunities – with the abundance renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, geothermal and biomass, project finance in the form of debt and equity can be utilised to develop and implement renewable energy projects in order to improve energy generation, supply and distribution; Accelerating Renewable Energy Projects - Given the positive impacts of renewable energy project financing on economic growth and development in Zambia, renewable energy projects should be accelerated to result in increased economic growth and development; Removal of Red Tape - The government should reduce the red tape to ensure attraction of investments and implementation of renewable energy projects. Removal of red tape can accelerate investments and implementation of renewable energy projects as was the case in Kenya; Raising Awareness on Renewable Energy Benefits - Making investors and citizens aware (through investment forums and government websites) about the benefits of renewable energy would attract investors but would also allow local people to participate in the implementation of renewable energy projects. Further research – As this research involved organisations and participants in Lusaka province further research involving more participants and organisations outside Lusaka province is required to improve the research results. In addition further research is required to be conducted during reduced levels of energy deficits to improve research results. In this regard the recommendations are aimed at improving energy generation, distribution and supply so as to contribute to the economic growth and development of Zambia.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Risks associated with infrastructure project finance in developing countries: the case of Zambia
- Authors: Mweemba, Bruno N
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) -- Finance , Infrastructure (Economics) -- Risk management -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6389 , vital:21081
- Description: Since the enactment of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Act of 2009, there has not been a single successful PPP transaction entered into between the Government of Zambia and any private sector entity under the PPP Act of 2009 (Zambia Development Agency, 2014: 7). According to the Zambia Development Agency (2014:7), 75% of the PPPs that were entered into by the government of Zambia prior to the promulgation of the PPP Act of 2009 were canceled. These include: the Kasumbalesa Border Post, Mpulungu Harbour and Railways Systems of Zambia with an exception of the 65 year concession of the Luburma Market (popularly known as Kamwala Market). These cancellations of PPP concessions coupled with revelations in the Zambian Parliament that concession documentation for the Luburma market which is the only surviving PPP had since gone missing, this led to the research problem statement with an assertion that risks associated with infrastructure project finance are endemic in Zambia. In seeking to explore the validity of this assertion, three research objectives guided the study, namely: assessing Zambia’s general infrastructure project finance and PPP framework in comparison to theoretical normative criteria and selected country experiences; identifying and rating risks through a questionnaire; and proposing an ideal project finance risk management model which can be used as a reference by sponsors in Zambia as they design and structure infrastructure project finance deals. On a scale of 1-5 which was guided by the overal risk score outlined in the study, the average mean score ranking for all the 40 risks under investigation was found to be 3.25 .This indicates that the sentiments among respondents is that risks associated with infrastructure project finance in Zambia are average and not endemic as was affirmed in the problem statement. Despite this ‘comforting’ statistical result, the little progress in terms of earmarked infrastructure PPP deals coupled with deal cancellations as outlined above may be an indication that even the average risks appear to impede on the development of project finance and PPPs in Zambia. There is therefore an urgent need for Government and other relevant stakeholders to begin paying attention to some of the risks discussed in this study especially those with a mean score ranking in excess of 3.50 (high risk). The study in chapter 9 provides recommendations which are grouped under four key headings: addressing the environment for PPPs; providing capacity to procuring entities; paying attention to critical success factors for project development; as well as exploring a variety of possible credit enhancement mechanisms such as guarantees as a way of wooing project investors and improving the bankability of planned infrastructure deals. The Government of Zambia is further advised to avoid using ‘political feasibility “as the core investment criteria in the infrastructure agenda for the country. The study encourages that conventional benchmarks which are a mix of technical soundness, economic viability, environmental and social sustainability, financial/commercial viability as well as market readiness remain the core guiding principle in the project identification process. This will be the only way to avoid developing “white elephants” that may perpetually be a burden to the treasury and tax payers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Satisfaction levels of visitors at the Tsitsikamma National Park
- Authors: Maluwa, Lutendo Obed
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Tourism -- Research -- South Africa Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Customer relations -- South Africa National parks and reserves -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18058 , vital:28569
- Description: The literature reviews on tourist satisfaction revealed that a satisfied tourist leads to positive word of mouth recommendation to friends and family, loyalty (return visits), competitive advantage and long-term profitability and sustainability. These favourable benefits resulting from satisfaction are necessary for any destination to survive in the competitive tourism industry. South African National Parks (SANParks) manages all 21 national parks in South Africa, with the TNP being the third in terms of visitor numbers and income generated from tourism products. Data captured from visitors to the TNP was used to achieve the goal and objective of this study. This goal was achieved by conducting a questionnaire survey at Storm’s River rest camp within the TNP from 01 May to 31 July 2015. A total of 120 questionnaires were completed and included in further analysis. The aim of this research was to determine the relationship between satisfaction, service and travel motivations of the visitors to the TNP. The statistical test was used to determine whether or not visitors’ expectations were met. This was also used to determine the relationship between travel behaviour, travel motives, and service satisfaction of the visitors to the TNP. Park management can use these results as tools to ensure that the product offered guarantees visitors’ satisfaction and therefore contributes to long-term park sustainability. Therefore, park management is able to obtain the ideal tourist experience by not only focusing on the travel motives but also on the quality of service delivered at the park. The results showed that park management needs to become aware of what the visitor sees as important factors for a memorable visitor experience and they can adapt certain aspects to improve the visitor’s experience. Park management can therefore improve their services and products as well as the quality thereof by knowing what the tourists see as important when visiting a national park to obtain a memorable experience, which will lead to positive word of mouth sharing, loyalty, increased revenue and sustainability of the TNP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
SME development policy and financing of women-owned enterprises in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chikwavarara, Bigbouy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Women-owned business enterprises -- Zimbabwe , Small business -- women -- Zimbabwe Business enterprises -- Finance -- Zimbabwe Small business -- Finance -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37969 , vital:34275
- Description: This cross-sectional quasi-experimental research applied a combination of an indepth literature review, key informant interviews and a small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) survey to identify key policies which influence access to formal finance for women-owned SMEs in Zimbabwe. The study then applied Sandiford and Rossmiller’s 4Es (effectiveness, efficiency, enforceability and equity) framework for policy analysis to identify gaps in the SME development policy framework, which inhibit female entrepreneurs from access to formal finance. The study also reviewed India’s SME development policy framework to identify lessons that Zimbabwe could learn. The study found that female entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe are rarely engaged during the design and implementation of SME policies; hence they lack knowledge of interventions which affect their businesses. The study also found that Zimbabwe lacks current data and knowledge on how the current SME policy framework affects women-owned SMEs to access finance. As a result, SME policies are not evidence based, are hurriedly implemented and lead to duplication and uncoordinated efforts. In addition, SME policies are not systematically evaluated so as to better inform implementation thereof or follow on policies. The study concluded that Zimbabwe’s SME development policy ranks low on all the 4Es - effectiveness, efficiency, enforceability and equity in promoting access to finance for women-owned SMEs. The study recommends the Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) to invest in timely policy research and analysis to better understand women-owned SMEs’ access to finance challenges and adopt evidence based policy making and implementation. The study also recommends the GoZ to learn from India how to enhance the SME development policy framework by building the capacity of female entrepreneurs and financial institutions to close the deeply entrenched information and confidence gaps on access to finance issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
South African labour law and conflict resolution: towards a theoretical critique
- Authors: Jooste, Nico
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Labor disputes -- South Africa , Conflict management -- South Africa , Mediation -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7417 , vital:21357
- Description: The intention of this treatise is to reflect on the concept, as well as on the theory, of conflict resolution and to investigate whether the mechanisms of true conflict resolution are afforded within the structures and instruments provided for by the South African Labour Relations Act (66 of 1995). The Act aims to give effect to one of its primary purpose of advancing labour peace by attempting to promote the effective resolution of labour disputes through a very sophisticated system of dispute resolution. What is of great significance is that The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has been experiencing an increasingly high rate of disputes referred to it since its inception in 1996. In my review I established that the dispute resolution system is a construction of rules and statutes which concentrates on rights, rather than on conflict management. However, rights only imperfectly reflect basic human needs, which continue to dominate human behaviour mechanisms that indeed facilitate processes and guidelines of resolving labour disputes, but fail to acknowledge and make provision for the resolution of a latent or manifest conflict. The instruments afforded by the Labour Relations Act (66 of 1995) fail to explore and entertain the needs most relevant and significant to the perception of social conflicts such as security, identity, personal development and recognition as suggested by conflict theorists and scholars. It also fails to acknowledge that parties to a dispute undergo psychological changes that could flow over to community changes and group dynamics as the parties become polarised and become more contentious as the conflict escalates. My review gave more substance to my original assumption that the current South African labour dispute resolution system does not harmonize itself with its own objective of promoting true labour peace.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
South African police service deploys its first peacekeepers to Darfur, Sudan : a descriptive study on the deployment preparations and the role of the South African police peacekeepers in African union mission in Sudan (AMIS)
- Authors: Mokhine, Ntime Samson
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Peacekeeping forces , Conflict management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8214 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1027 , Peacekeeping forces , Conflict management
- Description: The focus of this research will be on the question as to whether the South African Police Service adequately prepares its police officials for the functions they will be performing in Sudan: Darfur. This broad question leads to further questions that include the following: What are the peacekeeping recruitment and selection criteria for the South African Police Service members who need to be deployed in Sudan: Darfur? Is the South African Police Service peacekeeping training curriculum adequate enough to prepare its members for their deployment in Sudan: Darfur? Does the South African Police Service have any measures to evaluate the role played by its members in Sudan: Dafur? What measures have been introduced to utilise the new skills brought by members that have been deployed? Are there any properly posted members with mission experience, who are capable of presenting and further developing peacekeeping training in the South African Police Service? Does the South African Police Service senior management have knowledge of generic peacekeeping concepts?.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
South African school teachers' perceptions of sustainable tourism
- Authors: Vosloo, Penelope Leigh
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sustainable tourism -- South Africa Tourism -- South Africa Leisure industry -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13215 , vital:27162
- Description: Although much research has been conducted on sustainable tourism and the education thereof internationally, a limited number of studies have focussed on education of sustainable tourism in South African secondary schools. A literature overview identified various approaches to the education of sustainability on the international front. Despite South Africa’s reliance on the tourism industry, the concept of sustainability has received little focus in classrooms where this pertinent issue should be receiving attention in order to ensure that future sustainability is ensured in the South African tourism industry. From the literature overview it was possible to identify topics pertaining to sustainability in the Tourism Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement implemented in the Further Education and Training Phase (FET) in South African secondary schools. These assisted in the development of the research tool for this study. The New Ecological Paradigm (NEP), an instrument used to establish the level of environmental concerns of groups of people, also provided guidance in the development of the research tool. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the perceptions of Tourism educators in secondary schools towards sustainability. A framework to investigate this was developed and three hypotheses formulated. To give effect to this, an empirical investigation was conducted. Tourism educators who were successful in their application to mark 2014 National Senior Certificate Tourism examinations were included in the sample of this study. The result of the descriptive statistics performed on the data showed that the level of education of the respondents was the main contributing demographic that impacted on their perceptions of sustainable tourism. It is, however, of concern to note that a very low percentage of the respondents (6.2%) have received formal training in Tourism. This situation should be cause for concern for Tourism education in the Eastern Cape. Two of the three hypotheses were accepted. The researcher believes that specialised subject relevant training is required to empower educators to teach sustainable tourism in the South African secondary school classrooms in order to ensure future sustainability in the tourism industry of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Structural violence on economically independent women aged between 30 and 50 years in Nairobi
- Authors: Ndungu, Shelmith
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Women -- Violence against -- Kenya -- Nairobi , Sex role -- Kenya -- Nairobi Social role -- Kenya -- Nairobi Women -- Economic conditions Women and socialism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42891 , vital:36703
- Description: The reasons patriarchal structural violence on economically independent women continues to happen are not fully understood. Most studies have been focused on socio-economic factors that influence women to stay in abusive relationships and the interventions that address these factors. However, the problem goes beyond economic ability. This study aimed to provide insight which can serve as the basis for remedial action and ultimately the development of an international standard prohibiting women’s abuse and domestic violence in families. The study focused on two key objectives; the role of culture and patriarchy in maintaining structural violence. The study aimed to investigate how these variables influence women’s decision to continue staying in abusive relationships. The target population was people working in non-governmental organisations which deal with domestic violence survivors in Nairobi, Kenya. A sample of 12 respondents was utilised in a qualitative study. The study employed qualitative interviews whose data were thematically analysed. Results indicate that gender based violence can start early in the relationship sometimes even during courtship. What changes over time is the severity of the violence. The main type of abuse experienced by the women visiting the sampled centres was physical abuse. The main reason given for staying in an abusive relationship is the fear that their children would be abused if left with the abusive partner. Societal norms also emerged as a barrier for women in abusive relationships. The study recommends creation of awareness in the general population on how to identify gender-based violence for the purpose of intervention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Teacher adaptation of a curriculum during implementation
- Authors: Childs, Margaret Mary
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Curriculum change -- South Africa , Educational change -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:9486 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/377 , Curriculum change -- South Africa , Educational change -- South Africa
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate to what extent foundation phase teachers adapt Curriculum 2005. The study was guided by two research questions: (1) What are the critical components of Curriculum 2005 (foundation phase)? (2) What are the adaptations that teachers have made in teaching this curriculum? The specific focus of this study is foundation phase teachers’ initial implementation of the revised version of Curriculum 2005, the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS). An Innovation Configuration Checklist was developed identifying the critical components of the RNCS and the variations of each. Using the checklist, foundation phase teachers were surveyed to establish the adaptations being made during implementation. The findings of this study indicate that there is less active learning and more teacher directed activity than is required by the RNCS. Assessment appears to be a problem area. Most teachers understand what is expected of them in terms of assessment and attempt to put it into practice. Assessment has however, proved to be burdensome and time consuming. Teachers’ planning demonstrates a sound understanding of the procedures to be followed. Teachers do however, need support in terms of deeper pedagogical content knowledge. Although teachers comply with the technical aspects of curriculum development they neglect the emancipatory aspects of the RNCS. The situation in foundation phase classrooms might be described as one where much change is taking place, but little transformation is happening at present. Teachers are nevertheless, reflecting on how to improve their teaching and continue to explore ways to adapt and improve the RNCS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Teacher receptivity of an integrated curriculum with special reference to the foundation phase of curriculum 2005
- Authors: Nthulanyane, Malefa Regina
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Interdisciplinary approach in education -- South Africa , Primary school teachers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Primary -- South Africa -- Curricula
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:11011 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/378 , Interdisciplinary approach in education -- South Africa , Primary school teachers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Primary -- South Africa -- Curricula
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate teacher receptivity of a new curriculum, in particular, the new integrated curriculum of South Africa. As the New Revised national curriculum Statement is starting to be operational this year, Curriculum 2005 was used as a model of an integrated curriculum in this study. The study focused on the following sub-problems: the meaning of an integrated curriculum; teacher receptivity of an integrated curriculum; and the extent to which teachers are receptive of the new integrated foundation phase curriculum. The review of relevant literature provided a conceptual framework for the study. Six dimensions of a curriculum that were regarded as critical in classroom practice for practicing teachers were identified and used to describe an integrated curriculum. These were: platform, learning outcomes, content, instructional materials, teaching and learning strategies and assessment. The conceptual framework for teacher receptivity was also identified by means of review of relevant literature. Teacher receptivity was conceptualised as comprising of attitudes and behavioral intentions. The empirical part of the study was undertaken to determine the attitudes of teachers towards an integrated foundation phase curriculum and the extent to which foundation phase teachers were receptive of the new curriculum. The sample for the empirical part of the study included 63 foundation phase teachers randomly selected from 21 schools in Herschel District. The schools were randomly selected from 3 zones which had been randomly selected from 7 zones that make up Hershel Educational District in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Empirical data on teachers’ attitudes towards an integrated curriculum indicated that the majority of teachers were viewed the curriculum in an extremely positive light/somewhat positive light. There were responses which indicated that some teachers regarded the curriculum as complicated, restrictive, and idealistic. This situation is highlighted in their responses to the semantic differential on the attitude objects of the curriculum. Data on teacher receptivity indicated positive responses but vi there were some area of concern such as, for example, support from the district manager, school and the community. Data indicated that teachers were not so positive abut learning outcomes and assessment as a basis of teaching an integrated curriculum. Based on the empirical part of the study, conclusions and recommendations were made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Teachers' perceptions of the implementation of the arts and culture learning area in the senior phase
- Authors: Van Blerk, Susan
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Competency-based education , Arts -- Study and teaching (Secondary) , Culture -- Study and teaching (Secondary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:9546 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/627 , Competency-based education , Arts -- Study and teaching (Secondary) , Culture -- Study and teaching (Secondary)
- Description: Teachers are the primary implementers of a curriculum as they need to bring the curriculum to life in the classroom. In order to optimize the success of the implementation of a specific curriculum, it is necessary to monitor the experiences of the educator in the classroom and in drawing conclusions from the data gained, make recommendations for the continued improvement of implementation. As mentioned earlier, Fullan’s reference (1991:117) to the significant effect of teachers thoughts on the implementation gave rise to the central research question, namely to determine teachers’ perceptions about the implementation of the Arts and Culture learning area at a particular school ‘Perceptions’ however, is a subjective concept and thus any form of quantitative research would appear to be inappropriate. Based on the above it was decided to approach this investigation qualitatively and so this project was done within the qualitative paradigm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The challenges facing non-governmental organisations in transforming conflict through capacity-building in Nothern Uganda
- Authors: Akurut, Catherine
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Conflict management -- Uganda , Peace-building -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8189 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1412 , Conflict management -- Uganda , Peace-building -- Uganda
- Description: Capacity-building is an essential component of post-conflict reconstruction (PCR) and peace-building in the aftermath of violent conflict. Civilians, mainly women and children are driven or abducted from their homes during violent conflict and suffer various abuses and atrocities. Many spend the duration of the conflict as refugees in Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps in neighbouring countries. Violent conflict impinges on their psychological well-being and socio-economic development making their re-integration into their former communities extremely complex and challenging. In the case of Northern Uganda, the conflict lasted for over two decades. However, since the ―Cessation of Hostilities Agreement‖ of 2006, the peace-building process has been particularly evident here. Numerous stakeholders have been involved in the capacity-building processes in Northern Uganda, and one such organisation is the Friends of Orphans (FRO) in Pader district, Northern Uganda. The purpose of this research study is to explore the challenges facing the FRO in transforming conflict and building sustainable peace through capacity-building in Pader district. The study explores the programmes the organisation implements and investigates how these programmes are relevant for the transformation of conflict. Apart from reviewing the literature, the researcher conducted semi-structured interviews and used participant observation. The employees of the FRO – all of whom are involved with capacity-building in these communities – participated in these interviews in their capacities as social workers, teachers, administrators and field workers. The beneficiaries of these programmes include former child soldiers, abductees, child mothers, land mine survivors and orphans. Lessons learned by the FRO, as well as the researcher‘s recommendations, are discussed in the study in order to assist the future work of the organisation and other stakeholders who have devoted their efforts to the recovery of areas emerging from conflict.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The challenges of banks in financing SMEs in Harare, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Msimanga, Dumisile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Small business -- Finance , Business enterprises -- Zimbabwe -- Harare -- Finance Credit -- Zimbabwe -- Harare Entrepreneurship -- Zimbabwe -- Harare
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14058 , vital:27412
- Description: This research is a diagnosis of the supply side of SME (small and medium enterprises) credit. Its objectives are to determine the current level of bank lending to SMEs to validate the financing gap, to explore the strategies and mechanisms employed by banks to provide tailor-made lending for SMEs and finally to conclude by identifying some of the key challenges the banks face in their quest to lend to SMEs. This, then, culminated in some recommendations for increasing bank funding to SMEs. This study employed a deductive qualitative research.. The research used a non-probability, purposive/judgmental sampling method to choose the heads of bank SME units to include in the research. There are twelve banks with dedicated SME units, out of a total of 18. The researcher carried out in-depth face to face interviews using semi-structured questions. The qualitative data was coded, deductively analysed and conclusions drawn and incorporated into a report. Banks’ most outstanding challenges in dealing with SMEs in terms of information asymmetry, an unsupportive business environment, poor quality of SME clients and inflexible regulatory requirements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The community response to the demarcation of the Merafong Municipality into the North West Province
- Authors: Chaphatso, Motswantweng Ephraim
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa -- West Rand , Violence -- South Africa -- West Rand
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3489 , vital:20435
- Description: This study was undertaken to describe how the community responded to the incorporation of the Merafong Municipality into the North West Province. The study examined the protracted conflict in Khutsong as well as why the strategies to end the conflict failed. The study was concerned about latent conflict; how differences are raised; dissatisfaction amongst members of the communities and that power asymmetry is the main driver of emotions leading to aggressive behaviour. Service delivery protests are characterised by violence in South Africa and more often communities turn violent in their engagement with their leaders or council officials. This is because it is believed that violence is the only language that authorities understand and they have nothing to lose as government property gets destroyed. Late invitations of third parties who have regulatory skills (negotiations, mediation, conciliation or judicial processes) when conflicts begin, lead to their escalation. A qualitative research method was chosen for this study. A qualitative case study better explained the phenomenon of interest. It allowed me to collect data from the respondents who were active members of the community through interviews. Twelve members of the community (from politicians, ordinary members, educators and the clergy) were part of the respondents. The report was of the respondents own personal experiences as active members of the community. Collected data from the transcripts was coded. Codes with similar meaning were put together in the same categories and the themes were formed from the categories. The qualitative content analysis method was used to analyse the data. From the analysis, it emerged that there was lack of communication and consultation from the side of the government before the implementation of the 16th Amendment Bill which was aimed at removing the cross border municipalities. The announcement was finally made of the incorporation of the Merafong Municipality into North West Province in 2005. The announcement was met with anger and frustration by the Khutsong Demarcation Forum and the community whose expectations were that the incorporation will not go ahead given the reasons they put forth when they met the government officials in the meetings after the demarcation board had proposed it. Violence was the only option for the community to show that their talks with government officials failed and that they are seriously opposed to the incorporation. That led to a protracted violence in Khutsong until 2009 when the Cross-Boundary Municipalities Laws Repeal and Related Matters Amendment Act of 2009 act was passed to reincorporate the Merafong Municipality back into Gauteng.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016