A critical analysis of challenges facing developmental local government : a case study of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Tsatsire, Israel
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (Eastern Cape, South Africa) , Local government -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8239 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/778 , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (Eastern Cape, South Africa) , Local government -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This thesis investigates the challenges facing developmental local government in South Africa, using the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality as a reference. The thesis comprises eight chapters. The study is based on the assumption that the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality, like other municipalities in South Africa, is confronted by numerous challenges in implementing its constitutional developmental mandate conferred on it by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996. It is vital that local government understands and contextualises these challenges, so that appropriate interventions may be developed. The widespread recent service delivery protests which, in many instances, have turned violent, have sounded an alarm that cannot be ignored. If local government is already struggling to fulfill its traditional mandate of service delivery, then it would find it difficult to spearhead social and economic transformation and development. This study proposes to provide a brief historical background on the evolution and transformation of local government in South Africa. Issues such as the new status and developmental mandate of local government, the extent to which local government has succeeded in complying with its developmental mandate, as well as the challenges it has encountered along the way, will be addressed. Recommendations are presented on how the existing status quo can be changed to enhance service delivery and development and enable low government to fulfil its developmental role more efficient and effectively, with particular reference to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The empirical survey and research methodology employed in the study is described. This is followed by the operationalisation of the survey questionnaire used for gathering the data needed for analysis. The research findings of the empirical survey are then statistically analysed and reported. The concept of models is introduced, and selected models are explained. This is followed by an explanation of the proposed normative model for monitoring and evaluating service delivery and development in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality, for possible replication in other South African municipalities. Various recommendations flowing from the results of the empirical study, namely the responses made by the respondents during the empirical survey, are proposed in the final chapter. If adopted, these recommendations will enable the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality to deal with the developmental challenges facing it, ultimately rendering the Municipality a more efficient and effective developmental agent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Tsatsire, Israel
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (Eastern Cape, South Africa) , Local government -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8239 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/778 , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (Eastern Cape, South Africa) , Local government -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This thesis investigates the challenges facing developmental local government in South Africa, using the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality as a reference. The thesis comprises eight chapters. The study is based on the assumption that the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality, like other municipalities in South Africa, is confronted by numerous challenges in implementing its constitutional developmental mandate conferred on it by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996. It is vital that local government understands and contextualises these challenges, so that appropriate interventions may be developed. The widespread recent service delivery protests which, in many instances, have turned violent, have sounded an alarm that cannot be ignored. If local government is already struggling to fulfill its traditional mandate of service delivery, then it would find it difficult to spearhead social and economic transformation and development. This study proposes to provide a brief historical background on the evolution and transformation of local government in South Africa. Issues such as the new status and developmental mandate of local government, the extent to which local government has succeeded in complying with its developmental mandate, as well as the challenges it has encountered along the way, will be addressed. Recommendations are presented on how the existing status quo can be changed to enhance service delivery and development and enable low government to fulfil its developmental role more efficient and effectively, with particular reference to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The empirical survey and research methodology employed in the study is described. This is followed by the operationalisation of the survey questionnaire used for gathering the data needed for analysis. The research findings of the empirical survey are then statistically analysed and reported. The concept of models is introduced, and selected models are explained. This is followed by an explanation of the proposed normative model for monitoring and evaluating service delivery and development in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality, for possible replication in other South African municipalities. Various recommendations flowing from the results of the empirical study, namely the responses made by the respondents during the empirical survey, are proposed in the final chapter. If adopted, these recommendations will enable the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality to deal with the developmental challenges facing it, ultimately rendering the Municipality a more efficient and effective developmental agent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A critical analysis of land redistribution and economic development of farm workers in the Stellenbosch Agricultural Area : a research treatise
- Authors: Stemela, Mbuyiselo
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa , Land tenure -- South Africa , Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development (South Africa) , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Compensation (Law) -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa -- Stellenbosch
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8232 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/852 , Land reform -- South Africa , Land tenure -- South Africa , Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development (South Africa) , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Compensation (Law) -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa -- Stellenbosch
- Description: This study critically analyzed land redistribution and economic empowerment of farm workers in the Stellenbosch agricultural area. Past socio-economic and political policies have resulted in a racially skewed and inequitable distribution of land as well as overcrowding, overstocking and poverty in the countryside. It has become imperative that fundamental change is brought about in order to improve economical opportunities of all South Africans to access land for beneficial and productive use. Land reform, as the central thrust of land policy, is not only part of the effort towards the creation of equitable land distribution, but also of national reconciliation and stability. This study analyzed the notion of economic empowerment of farm workers. It looked at historical overview of the evolution of politics in South Africa and contemporary legislative framework pertaining to land redistribution and farm workers in the Western Cape. A case study of Bouwland farm in the Stellenbosch agricultural area was used as an example of how land redistribution can contribute to economically empower farm workers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Stemela, Mbuyiselo
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa , Land tenure -- South Africa , Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development (South Africa) , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Compensation (Law) -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa -- Stellenbosch
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8232 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/852 , Land reform -- South Africa , Land tenure -- South Africa , Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development (South Africa) , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Compensation (Law) -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa -- Stellenbosch
- Description: This study critically analyzed land redistribution and economic empowerment of farm workers in the Stellenbosch agricultural area. Past socio-economic and political policies have resulted in a racially skewed and inequitable distribution of land as well as overcrowding, overstocking and poverty in the countryside. It has become imperative that fundamental change is brought about in order to improve economical opportunities of all South Africans to access land for beneficial and productive use. Land reform, as the central thrust of land policy, is not only part of the effort towards the creation of equitable land distribution, but also of national reconciliation and stability. This study analyzed the notion of economic empowerment of farm workers. It looked at historical overview of the evolution of politics in South Africa and contemporary legislative framework pertaining to land redistribution and farm workers in the Western Cape. A case study of Bouwland farm in the Stellenbosch agricultural area was used as an example of how land redistribution can contribute to economically empower farm workers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A critical analysis of the portrayal of women in some selected Xhosa dramas
- Authors: Mntanga, Overman Mziwakhe
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Xhosa literature , Culture in motion pictures , Gender identity in motion pictures , Women -- Africa -- Drama , Xhosa (African people) -- Conduct of life
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
- Identifier: vital:8458 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1030 , Xhosa literature , Culture in motion pictures , Gender identity in motion pictures , Women -- Africa -- Drama , Xhosa (African people) -- Conduct of life
- Description: This thesis entitled “a critical analysis of the portrayal of women in some selected Xhosa dramas”, endeavours to examine the effect of gender inequality. Women who are iv submissive toward some cultural aspects. It endeavours to give a critical analysis of women’s self assertion in some selected Xhosa dramas. According to the findings in this study, in African tradition women like to enforce patriarchy upon younger women. Older women feel that they have the duty of passing on cultural practices from generation to generation. Everything from manner of dress, posture, appropriate seating positions, eating patterns, performance of household chores, sexual expression, and voice tone and infection, self-esteem and self-concept, flows from the gender one is assigned at birth. From birth then, women and men are set on different physically based psychological paths. Of all the obstacles that limit the advancement of women, those touching upon knowledge and values are the most difficult to remove. When a woman lacks the independent capacity to assert her own positive truths and values, she is unable to contribute her insights and experiences to the various fields of human knowledge. When denied opportunities for higher forms of self expression, women may out of frustration attack the modes of understanding upheld by men. In this study theories such as black criticism, psychoanalysis, feminism and African womanism are relevant for discussing the portrayal of women. The descriptive method of research has been applied. Both observation and participation have been used for exposing barriers that block the development of women. This study will enable literature students and researchers to view culture in a broader perspective. It will enable them to consider conventions which determine the way human experience is presented in literature. Chapter one provides literature students and the researchers with a broad overview about how to develop an introductory perspective. Chapter two aims at developing a theoretical framework which serves as the basis of this study. Chapter three examines the effect of gender inequality. It opens an area of extensive examination that differentiates sexual practice from the sexual roles assigned to women and men. Chapter four examines women who are submissive or radical in some cultural aspects. Chapter five discusses women’s self assertion. Chapter six concludes this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Mntanga, Overman Mziwakhe
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Xhosa literature , Culture in motion pictures , Gender identity in motion pictures , Women -- Africa -- Drama , Xhosa (African people) -- Conduct of life
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
- Identifier: vital:8458 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1030 , Xhosa literature , Culture in motion pictures , Gender identity in motion pictures , Women -- Africa -- Drama , Xhosa (African people) -- Conduct of life
- Description: This thesis entitled “a critical analysis of the portrayal of women in some selected Xhosa dramas”, endeavours to examine the effect of gender inequality. Women who are iv submissive toward some cultural aspects. It endeavours to give a critical analysis of women’s self assertion in some selected Xhosa dramas. According to the findings in this study, in African tradition women like to enforce patriarchy upon younger women. Older women feel that they have the duty of passing on cultural practices from generation to generation. Everything from manner of dress, posture, appropriate seating positions, eating patterns, performance of household chores, sexual expression, and voice tone and infection, self-esteem and self-concept, flows from the gender one is assigned at birth. From birth then, women and men are set on different physically based psychological paths. Of all the obstacles that limit the advancement of women, those touching upon knowledge and values are the most difficult to remove. When a woman lacks the independent capacity to assert her own positive truths and values, she is unable to contribute her insights and experiences to the various fields of human knowledge. When denied opportunities for higher forms of self expression, women may out of frustration attack the modes of understanding upheld by men. In this study theories such as black criticism, psychoanalysis, feminism and African womanism are relevant for discussing the portrayal of women. The descriptive method of research has been applied. Both observation and participation have been used for exposing barriers that block the development of women. This study will enable literature students and researchers to view culture in a broader perspective. It will enable them to consider conventions which determine the way human experience is presented in literature. Chapter one provides literature students and the researchers with a broad overview about how to develop an introductory perspective. Chapter two aims at developing a theoretical framework which serves as the basis of this study. Chapter three examines the effect of gender inequality. It opens an area of extensive examination that differentiates sexual practice from the sexual roles assigned to women and men. Chapter four examines women who are submissive or radical in some cultural aspects. Chapter five discusses women’s self assertion. Chapter six concludes this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A critical ethnography of HIV-positive women attending public health care facilities in Gauteng
- Authors: Du Plessis, Gretchen Erika
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: HIV-positive women -- South Africa -- Gauteng , HIV-positive women -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:16129 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/777 , HIV-positive women -- South Africa -- Gauteng , HIV-positive women -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Description: Women living with HIV have a variety of reproductive health and psychosocial needs. The purpose of this critical ethnographic study was to examine how HIV, empowerment and reproduction are experienced by a volunteer sample of HIVpositive women attending public health care facilities in Gauteng. Feminist and critical approaches were used to guide the methodology of the research and the interpretation of the findings. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and observation. An overview of literature pertaining to the social construction of HIV-AIDS, women’s empowerment and reproductive decision-making is presented. A discourse of “healthy lifestyle” as technologies of the self is considered. Women’s empowerment as an ideal is described and structural barriers to its achievement are discussed. Stigma and discrimination as products of hegemony are discussed as important issues in the disempowerment of women living with HIV. HIV-AIDS as illness experience is reviewed with reference to the social context and to the individual context. Reproductive decision-making models and theories are critically analysed for their applicability to women living with HIV. The need for a conceptual shift in the notion of empowerment in order to understand constrained decision-making for women living with HIV is propagated. The stories of women living with HIV and dependent on public health care services are presented. Through the principles of a critical ethnography the lived experiences of these women are described by means of emerging themes. A historiography of family planning and HIV-AIDS services throws the narrations of the research participants into broader historic relief. Findings revealed that biomedical hegemonic power contoured and marked the lived experiences of women following an HIV-positive diagnosis. Taken-for-granted views of passivity and of own responsibilities regarding reproductive health are challenged. The women in the study were dependent upon public health care personnel for treatment, testing, dietary advice/supplementation and recommendations for a social xii disability grant. ARV-treatment was regarded as a low point in the illness career. All of the participants reported that the overriding problems in their lives were having too few material resources and not having the means to change this. This made them vulnerable to compounded health problems and decreased their ability to voice their own opinions about treatment. They did not regard themselves as having been at risk for contracting HIV and some harboured resentment towards men who were seen as being absolved from testing and responsibilities towards female partners, born and unborn children. Women who were not tested as part of antenatal sentinel groups tended to suffer symptoms of ill health for some time prior to being tested for HIV. Social support systems were either absent or consisted of trusted family members and friends. In many cases, women became the silent care-givers for those affected and infected by HIV. Anticipated stigma permeated the participants’ narrations of living with HIV and disclosure of their statuses was difficult. The use of male condoms, stressed during counselling sessions, was narrated as a difficult burden for women to bear. Although the research participants expressed low fertility preferences, HIV-AIDS was seen as disrupting the link between heterosexual conjugal relations and the taken-for-grantedness of procreation. HIV-AIDS also disrupted norms in infant feeding practices and bottle-feeding was regarded as a sign of possible HIV-infection and hidden. The research participants were not empowered with knowledge about how to deal with side-effects, condom failures and the reluctance of male partners to be tested for HIV. They enacted, resisted and lived with HIV in different ways, incorporating some of the biomedically prescribed posturing as women living positively and blending it with stigma-negating performances and gender-prescribed ways of dressing, walking and acting. Participation in a support group validated their experiences and promoted positive self-perception. The formation of a collective voice in the support group was hampered by irregular attendance, the interference of community leaders and horizontal violence. Power relations, yielded by biomedical hegemony, androcentric sociocultural practices, material deprivation, fear, discrimination and stigma potentially undermined the women’s abilities to become empowered. Expansion of choices in various spheres or fields and collective action xiii are proposed as dimensions to be added to an empowerment-of-women approach to the problems of reproductive health in the age of HIV-AIDS. The contribution of the study as an emancipatory project is evaluated and implications for policy and practice are suggested. On a methodological level, this study is a demonstration of the contribution to be made by a micro-level, critical analysis to the body of knowledge about female reproductive health in the era of HIV-AIDS in South Africa. On a theoretical level, this study contributes to a wider conceptualisation of women’s empowerment by recognising the interplay between micro-level elements of situated experience, knowledge and preferences and the macro-level elements of sociocultural, biomedical and material influences on health and reproductive behavior.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Du Plessis, Gretchen Erika
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: HIV-positive women -- South Africa -- Gauteng , HIV-positive women -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:16129 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/777 , HIV-positive women -- South Africa -- Gauteng , HIV-positive women -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Description: Women living with HIV have a variety of reproductive health and psychosocial needs. The purpose of this critical ethnographic study was to examine how HIV, empowerment and reproduction are experienced by a volunteer sample of HIVpositive women attending public health care facilities in Gauteng. Feminist and critical approaches were used to guide the methodology of the research and the interpretation of the findings. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and observation. An overview of literature pertaining to the social construction of HIV-AIDS, women’s empowerment and reproductive decision-making is presented. A discourse of “healthy lifestyle” as technologies of the self is considered. Women’s empowerment as an ideal is described and structural barriers to its achievement are discussed. Stigma and discrimination as products of hegemony are discussed as important issues in the disempowerment of women living with HIV. HIV-AIDS as illness experience is reviewed with reference to the social context and to the individual context. Reproductive decision-making models and theories are critically analysed for their applicability to women living with HIV. The need for a conceptual shift in the notion of empowerment in order to understand constrained decision-making for women living with HIV is propagated. The stories of women living with HIV and dependent on public health care services are presented. Through the principles of a critical ethnography the lived experiences of these women are described by means of emerging themes. A historiography of family planning and HIV-AIDS services throws the narrations of the research participants into broader historic relief. Findings revealed that biomedical hegemonic power contoured and marked the lived experiences of women following an HIV-positive diagnosis. Taken-for-granted views of passivity and of own responsibilities regarding reproductive health are challenged. The women in the study were dependent upon public health care personnel for treatment, testing, dietary advice/supplementation and recommendations for a social xii disability grant. ARV-treatment was regarded as a low point in the illness career. All of the participants reported that the overriding problems in their lives were having too few material resources and not having the means to change this. This made them vulnerable to compounded health problems and decreased their ability to voice their own opinions about treatment. They did not regard themselves as having been at risk for contracting HIV and some harboured resentment towards men who were seen as being absolved from testing and responsibilities towards female partners, born and unborn children. Women who were not tested as part of antenatal sentinel groups tended to suffer symptoms of ill health for some time prior to being tested for HIV. Social support systems were either absent or consisted of trusted family members and friends. In many cases, women became the silent care-givers for those affected and infected by HIV. Anticipated stigma permeated the participants’ narrations of living with HIV and disclosure of their statuses was difficult. The use of male condoms, stressed during counselling sessions, was narrated as a difficult burden for women to bear. Although the research participants expressed low fertility preferences, HIV-AIDS was seen as disrupting the link between heterosexual conjugal relations and the taken-for-grantedness of procreation. HIV-AIDS also disrupted norms in infant feeding practices and bottle-feeding was regarded as a sign of possible HIV-infection and hidden. The research participants were not empowered with knowledge about how to deal with side-effects, condom failures and the reluctance of male partners to be tested for HIV. They enacted, resisted and lived with HIV in different ways, incorporating some of the biomedically prescribed posturing as women living positively and blending it with stigma-negating performances and gender-prescribed ways of dressing, walking and acting. Participation in a support group validated their experiences and promoted positive self-perception. The formation of a collective voice in the support group was hampered by irregular attendance, the interference of community leaders and horizontal violence. Power relations, yielded by biomedical hegemony, androcentric sociocultural practices, material deprivation, fear, discrimination and stigma potentially undermined the women’s abilities to become empowered. Expansion of choices in various spheres or fields and collective action xiii are proposed as dimensions to be added to an empowerment-of-women approach to the problems of reproductive health in the age of HIV-AIDS. The contribution of the study as an emancipatory project is evaluated and implications for policy and practice are suggested. On a methodological level, this study is a demonstration of the contribution to be made by a micro-level, critical analysis to the body of knowledge about female reproductive health in the era of HIV-AIDS in South Africa. On a theoretical level, this study contributes to a wider conceptualisation of women’s empowerment by recognising the interplay between micro-level elements of situated experience, knowledge and preferences and the macro-level elements of sociocultural, biomedical and material influences on health and reproductive behavior.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A historic-hermeneutic critique of luthiery with specific reference to selected South African guiter builders
- Authors: Bower, Rudi
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Guitar -- Construction , Guitar -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8512 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/779 , Guitar -- Construction , Guitar -- History
- Description: This study uses a general historical overview of luthiery that provides the reader with a basic understanding of construction techniques and terminology as a point of departure. From the outset the lack of consensus over an ideal or desired construction technique is highlighted. However, Torres is credited with the establishing of a perceived Spanish tradition of guitar construction and acknowledged as the “father” of the modern guitar. This will serve as a basic framework in which a discussion of six prominent past and present international luthiers can occur. These luthiers, namely Antonio de Torres, Hermann Hauser, Robert Bouchet, Daniel Friederich, Jose Romanillos and Greg Smallman are included in this study by virtue of their influence on the South African luthiers that are featured here. It is noted that these six luthiers, with the exception of Greg Smallman, all adhere to the “Spanish tradition” of guitar construction. Smallman can be considered a foremost proponent of a more recent “modern” school of guitar construction characterized by various innovative construction techniques. These are a result of new demands placed on the guitar as performance instrument because of larger concert venues and more collaboration with different instruments, resulting in a need for a stronger tone and more projection and penetration in sound. These two “poles” of luthiery are then manifested in the discussion on the seven featured South African luthiers. Alistair Thompson, Colin Cleveland, Mervyn Davis, Garth Pickard, Marc Maingard, Rodney Stedall and Hans van den Berg are discussed with special mention made of the features of their instruments, woods used and thoughts on luthiery, against the backdrop of their biographies. The four South African luthiers who build within the “Spanish tradition” (Pickard, Maingard, Stedall and Van den Berg) are distinguished from the three who build outside this so-called tradition (Thompson, Cleveland, Davis). South African luthiery is therefore shown to be an accurate microcosm of luthiery in global terms with styles of construction ranging from very “traditional” to very “modern”. The critical reflection on the information contained in this study appears in the form of a hermeneutic critique on luthiery that occurs within the parameters of the thought of two prominent hermeneutic thinkers, Martin Heidegger and his student, Hans-Georg Gadamer. It is shown that the collaboration that often occurs between guitar makers and performers can be related back to Gadamer and his analysis of Heidegger’s notion of the the hermeneutic circle. It is also argued that luthiery as practiced by the international and South African luthiers featured in this study can be seen both as art and technology in ancient Greek terms in that they are both a mode of revealing. Finally, it is shown how luthiery in its entirety can be viewed as a tradition and that different luthiers respond and add to this tradition in various ways.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Bower, Rudi
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Guitar -- Construction , Guitar -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8512 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/779 , Guitar -- Construction , Guitar -- History
- Description: This study uses a general historical overview of luthiery that provides the reader with a basic understanding of construction techniques and terminology as a point of departure. From the outset the lack of consensus over an ideal or desired construction technique is highlighted. However, Torres is credited with the establishing of a perceived Spanish tradition of guitar construction and acknowledged as the “father” of the modern guitar. This will serve as a basic framework in which a discussion of six prominent past and present international luthiers can occur. These luthiers, namely Antonio de Torres, Hermann Hauser, Robert Bouchet, Daniel Friederich, Jose Romanillos and Greg Smallman are included in this study by virtue of their influence on the South African luthiers that are featured here. It is noted that these six luthiers, with the exception of Greg Smallman, all adhere to the “Spanish tradition” of guitar construction. Smallman can be considered a foremost proponent of a more recent “modern” school of guitar construction characterized by various innovative construction techniques. These are a result of new demands placed on the guitar as performance instrument because of larger concert venues and more collaboration with different instruments, resulting in a need for a stronger tone and more projection and penetration in sound. These two “poles” of luthiery are then manifested in the discussion on the seven featured South African luthiers. Alistair Thompson, Colin Cleveland, Mervyn Davis, Garth Pickard, Marc Maingard, Rodney Stedall and Hans van den Berg are discussed with special mention made of the features of their instruments, woods used and thoughts on luthiery, against the backdrop of their biographies. The four South African luthiers who build within the “Spanish tradition” (Pickard, Maingard, Stedall and Van den Berg) are distinguished from the three who build outside this so-called tradition (Thompson, Cleveland, Davis). South African luthiery is therefore shown to be an accurate microcosm of luthiery in global terms with styles of construction ranging from very “traditional” to very “modern”. The critical reflection on the information contained in this study appears in the form of a hermeneutic critique on luthiery that occurs within the parameters of the thought of two prominent hermeneutic thinkers, Martin Heidegger and his student, Hans-Georg Gadamer. It is shown that the collaboration that often occurs between guitar makers and performers can be related back to Gadamer and his analysis of Heidegger’s notion of the the hermeneutic circle. It is also argued that luthiery as practiced by the international and South African luthiers featured in this study can be seen both as art and technology in ancient Greek terms in that they are both a mode of revealing. Finally, it is shown how luthiery in its entirety can be viewed as a tradition and that different luthiers respond and add to this tradition in various ways.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A study of the reintergration of former child soldiers : the case study of Gusco Northern Uganda
- Authors: Obika, Juliana
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Children and war -- Uganda -- Gusco , Child soldiers -- Uganda -- Gusco , Soldiers -- Rehabilitation -- Uganda , Lord's Resistance Army
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8256 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/786 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012067 , Children and war -- Uganda -- Gusco , Child soldiers -- Uganda -- Gusco , Soldiers -- Rehabilitation -- Uganda , Lord's Resistance Army
- Description: The provision of basic needs such as food, shelter, security, identity and recognition is central in the rebuilding and reconstruction of the war-torn areas of Africa and indeed around the world. The war in northern Uganda, in particular, has taken its toll on the people of that area for more than 20 years and in the process, has witnessed the children facing some of the worst effects of armed conflicts known to man. This study investigated the role played by the Gulu Support the Children Organisation (GUSCO) in the reintegration of former child soldiers in Northern Uganda. GUSCO is however in favour of the term Formerly Abducted Children (FAC) as this is less prone to acts of stigmatisation against those who have faced some of the most horrific abuses known to human kind. It focused on the process of reintegration of the FAC in relation to the human needs theory which has been used as a basis for conflict resolution practices. The researcher conducted extensive face-to-face interviews with the employees of GUSCO who work in various fields as social workers, counsellors, health workers and teachers, who tend to the needs of the FAC daily. The researcher was also able to carryout observations of the activities that take place at the GUSCO reception centre where the children are rehabilitated. The organisation’s official documents were also consulted in order to carryout this triangular study and collect data. The major themes constructed from the study include: the empowerment and development of the FAC through education and skills training; health care provision to meet both physical and psychological needs; community empowerment and development and finally peacebuilding and reconciliation which involves the participation of whole communities to meet their needs and rebuild the war-torn northern Uganda. The researcher highlights some challenges that GUSCO faces in trying to reintegrate the former combatants albeit children into a routine of a community that struggles to recover from a war that continues to persist after twenty years. Several recommendations are made for GUSCO and civil societies who have given themselves the mandate to work towards salvaging the future generations of Uganda and Africa as a whole.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Obika, Juliana
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Children and war -- Uganda -- Gusco , Child soldiers -- Uganda -- Gusco , Soldiers -- Rehabilitation -- Uganda , Lord's Resistance Army
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8256 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/786 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012067 , Children and war -- Uganda -- Gusco , Child soldiers -- Uganda -- Gusco , Soldiers -- Rehabilitation -- Uganda , Lord's Resistance Army
- Description: The provision of basic needs such as food, shelter, security, identity and recognition is central in the rebuilding and reconstruction of the war-torn areas of Africa and indeed around the world. The war in northern Uganda, in particular, has taken its toll on the people of that area for more than 20 years and in the process, has witnessed the children facing some of the worst effects of armed conflicts known to man. This study investigated the role played by the Gulu Support the Children Organisation (GUSCO) in the reintegration of former child soldiers in Northern Uganda. GUSCO is however in favour of the term Formerly Abducted Children (FAC) as this is less prone to acts of stigmatisation against those who have faced some of the most horrific abuses known to human kind. It focused on the process of reintegration of the FAC in relation to the human needs theory which has been used as a basis for conflict resolution practices. The researcher conducted extensive face-to-face interviews with the employees of GUSCO who work in various fields as social workers, counsellors, health workers and teachers, who tend to the needs of the FAC daily. The researcher was also able to carryout observations of the activities that take place at the GUSCO reception centre where the children are rehabilitated. The organisation’s official documents were also consulted in order to carryout this triangular study and collect data. The major themes constructed from the study include: the empowerment and development of the FAC through education and skills training; health care provision to meet both physical and psychological needs; community empowerment and development and finally peacebuilding and reconciliation which involves the participation of whole communities to meet their needs and rebuild the war-torn northern Uganda. The researcher highlights some challenges that GUSCO faces in trying to reintegrate the former combatants albeit children into a routine of a community that struggles to recover from a war that continues to persist after twenty years. Several recommendations are made for GUSCO and civil societies who have given themselves the mandate to work towards salvaging the future generations of Uganda and Africa as a whole.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An analysis of current East African higher education systems and institutions
- Authors: Gouws, Jeanine
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- Africa, East -- Evaluation , Universities and colleges -- Africa, East
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16147 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/785 , Education, Higher -- Africa, East -- Evaluation , Universities and colleges -- Africa, East
- Description: Higher education (HE) institutions play a vital role in the generation of new knowledge in the 21st Century, as HE is recognised as a key force for modernisation and development. The development and advancement of information technology have led to an interconnected, borderless world of knowledge, and HE institutions have become part of what is known as the global HE network society. HE institutions in developed countries are the most actively involved in producing and disseminating knowledge, and compete with one another in adding to this world stock of knowledge. In addition, HE has become a national priority in developed countries, and governments place pressure on HE institutions to form part of and remain active in the global HE network society in order to contribute to the knowledge-centred economy of today. However, the developing world lags far behind in becoming part of the global HE network society. As long as the developing world face constraints in attempts to improve national economies, alleviate poverty and maintain sustainability, prospects of contributing to, and participating in the global HE network society seem unlikely. HE can be used as a tool in addressing national development needs. With the necessary support and recognition from governments, HE should play a vital role in the process of reform and the revitalisation of developing countries. Africa is the least developed in terms of HE institutions. Approximately 300 institutions fit the definition of a university across the continent. While some countries on the continent, especially in Southern and Northern Africa, can claim comprehensive academic systems, most have just a few academic institutions and some countries have not yet even established differentiated post-secondary systems. It is generally assumed that most countries south of the Sahara lack adequate HE systems, or that they have no HE systems at all. Very little information on African HE systems and institutions, and how they function, is available, and there is a need for a deeper investigation into African HE systems and institutions. The vastness and diversity of the African continent does not allow for a single study of all African countries and their HE systems and institutions. It is for this reason that East Africa, comprising Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, was chosen for this study. This specific region exhibits common characteristics amongst its countries. A British colonial history, similar secondary schooling systems and a predominance of the English language, set East Africa apart from the rest of the African continent. East African HE functions on a regional, national, and institutional level, and their way of functioning is interdependent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Gouws, Jeanine
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- Africa, East -- Evaluation , Universities and colleges -- Africa, East
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16147 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/785 , Education, Higher -- Africa, East -- Evaluation , Universities and colleges -- Africa, East
- Description: Higher education (HE) institutions play a vital role in the generation of new knowledge in the 21st Century, as HE is recognised as a key force for modernisation and development. The development and advancement of information technology have led to an interconnected, borderless world of knowledge, and HE institutions have become part of what is known as the global HE network society. HE institutions in developed countries are the most actively involved in producing and disseminating knowledge, and compete with one another in adding to this world stock of knowledge. In addition, HE has become a national priority in developed countries, and governments place pressure on HE institutions to form part of and remain active in the global HE network society in order to contribute to the knowledge-centred economy of today. However, the developing world lags far behind in becoming part of the global HE network society. As long as the developing world face constraints in attempts to improve national economies, alleviate poverty and maintain sustainability, prospects of contributing to, and participating in the global HE network society seem unlikely. HE can be used as a tool in addressing national development needs. With the necessary support and recognition from governments, HE should play a vital role in the process of reform and the revitalisation of developing countries. Africa is the least developed in terms of HE institutions. Approximately 300 institutions fit the definition of a university across the continent. While some countries on the continent, especially in Southern and Northern Africa, can claim comprehensive academic systems, most have just a few academic institutions and some countries have not yet even established differentiated post-secondary systems. It is generally assumed that most countries south of the Sahara lack adequate HE systems, or that they have no HE systems at all. Very little information on African HE systems and institutions, and how they function, is available, and there is a need for a deeper investigation into African HE systems and institutions. The vastness and diversity of the African continent does not allow for a single study of all African countries and their HE systems and institutions. It is for this reason that East Africa, comprising Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, was chosen for this study. This specific region exhibits common characteristics amongst its countries. A British colonial history, similar secondary schooling systems and a predominance of the English language, set East Africa apart from the rest of the African continent. East African HE functions on a regional, national, and institutional level, and their way of functioning is interdependent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An analysis of factors affecting housing delivery in the Nyandeni local municipality with specific reference to the Extension 4 Housing Project: a case study of Ward 21 in Ngqeleni
- Authors: Madzidzela, Liyanda
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Housing policy -- South Africa , Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing development -- South Africa , Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8219 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1004 , Housing policy -- South Africa , Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing development -- South Africa , Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The study investigates problems and challenges that, the Nyandeni local municipality faces in terms of housing delivery to its communities. The purpose is to look at the factors that affect housing delivery at Nyandeni local municipality in the Extension 4 Housing Project in Ngqeleni and what can be done in order to improve it. The housing development at Nyandeni Local Municipality is not up to standard, the situation is worse in rural areas where there is not a single rural housing project that has been implemented thus far instead, there is a lack of infrastructure and other essential services. This is a serious problem that the Nyandeni local municipality faces, as a result the most vulnerable people are the poorest of the poor particularly those residing in rural areas. The study has investigated housing delivery at Nyandeni local municipality with reference to the Extension 4 Housing Project in Ngqeleni. The investigation indicates that there are serious challenges facing housing delivery. Hence the beneficiaries of the project could not get their houses in time and the project could not be completed within the scheduled period.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Madzidzela, Liyanda
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Housing policy -- South Africa , Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing development -- South Africa , Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8219 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1004 , Housing policy -- South Africa , Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing development -- South Africa , Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The study investigates problems and challenges that, the Nyandeni local municipality faces in terms of housing delivery to its communities. The purpose is to look at the factors that affect housing delivery at Nyandeni local municipality in the Extension 4 Housing Project in Ngqeleni and what can be done in order to improve it. The housing development at Nyandeni Local Municipality is not up to standard, the situation is worse in rural areas where there is not a single rural housing project that has been implemented thus far instead, there is a lack of infrastructure and other essential services. This is a serious problem that the Nyandeni local municipality faces, as a result the most vulnerable people are the poorest of the poor particularly those residing in rural areas. The study has investigated housing delivery at Nyandeni local municipality with reference to the Extension 4 Housing Project in Ngqeleni. The investigation indicates that there are serious challenges facing housing delivery. Hence the beneficiaries of the project could not get their houses in time and the project could not be completed within the scheduled period.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An assessment of the accelerated professional trade competency development programme within the department of public works in the province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: George, Thembakazi Caroline
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Construction workers -- Training of -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Construction workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8223 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/959 , Construction workers -- Training of -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Construction workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In an attempt to address the challenges relating to the lack of well-trained and skilled workers, which directly impacts on the quality of products delivered by the construction sector, this study focuses on an assessment of the Accelerated Professional Trade Competency Development Programme within the Department of Public Works in the province of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The main focal area of the study is the OR Tambo Region. These challenges manifest themselves through, among others, backlogs in the delivery of housing by the Eastern Cape Department of Housing and Local Government where the majority of houses demonstrate poor workmanship. Hence the Department of Public works has introduced the Accelerated Professional Trade Competency Development Programme. This study investigates the effectiveness of the implementation of the Accelerated Professional Trade Competency Development Programme. Particular attention is paid to the extent to which the Programme contributes towards the development of qualified artisans and what improvement areas can be effected to achieve its objectives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: George, Thembakazi Caroline
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Construction workers -- Training of -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Construction workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8223 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/959 , Construction workers -- Training of -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Construction workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In an attempt to address the challenges relating to the lack of well-trained and skilled workers, which directly impacts on the quality of products delivered by the construction sector, this study focuses on an assessment of the Accelerated Professional Trade Competency Development Programme within the Department of Public Works in the province of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The main focal area of the study is the OR Tambo Region. These challenges manifest themselves through, among others, backlogs in the delivery of housing by the Eastern Cape Department of Housing and Local Government where the majority of houses demonstrate poor workmanship. Hence the Department of Public works has introduced the Accelerated Professional Trade Competency Development Programme. This study investigates the effectiveness of the implementation of the Accelerated Professional Trade Competency Development Programme. Particular attention is paid to the extent to which the Programme contributes towards the development of qualified artisans and what improvement areas can be effected to achieve its objectives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An assessment of the African Peer Review Mechanism with specific reference to South Africa
- Authors: Sibuyi, Lucas Nkosana
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: African Peer Review Mechanism , Peer review -- South Africa , Peer review -- Political aspects -- Africa , African cooperation , Political leadership -- Africa , Africa -- Politics and government -- 1960- , Democratization -- Africa , Civil society -- Africa , Political participation -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8242 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/758 , African Peer Review Mechanism , Peer review -- South Africa , Peer review -- Political aspects -- Africa , African cooperation , Political leadership -- Africa , Africa -- Politics and government -- 1960- , Democratization -- Africa , Civil society -- Africa , Political participation -- Africa
- Description: The Heads of State and Government Implementation Committee (HSGIC) of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad) acknowledged and recognised the centrality of good governance within the context of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), an innovative mechanism acceded to by member states of the African Union (AU) as a self- monitoring mechanism for good governance. South Africa is one of the countries which acceded to the APRM in 2003. Accordingly, South Africa appointed a National Governing Council (NGC) under the chairpersonship of the Minister of Public Services and Administration as the focal point to develop a strategy to manage the national APRM process. The NGC was constituted of business, the disabled, civil society, churches, trade unions, government and women’s coalitions thus ensuring all relevant stakeholders are represented. As part of South Africa’s country assessment, questionnaires dealing with the four core thematic areas of the APRM were sent through to the public by community development workers. In addition, four technical assessment agencies were appointed to assist in conducting research on the four thematic areas. The primary objective of this study is to examine the theoretical approach to the study and the African Peer Review Mechanism’s contemporary relevance to South Africa, its intended beneficiaries and an assessment of South Africa for the period 2006. The study revealed that Proportional Representation (PR) and floor-crossing have an impact on the sustainability, relevance, long term development, vibrancy and profundity of constitutional democracy in the country. Clearly, since the dawn of the democratic dispensation in South Africa the electoral system introduced is such that it had to take into account the challenges the country faced during the apartheid system of governance. In this context, enough space for free political competition in the country was created. On the basis of the findings of the study, it is patently clear that the time allocated for the CSAR was minimal and the country should have been given at least two years so that the self assessment could have been extensively done. On the issue of HIV and AIDS and its relationship to socio-economic conditions, it was revealed that the country has a lot to do in this regard. The debilitating effect that HIV and AIDS has on the lives of the citizens requires clarity of policy and strategy, consistency in public communication and the need for sustained partnerships amongst all relevant stakeholders. At another level, there was a call for a basic income grant although government does not necessarily support it. Based on the research findings above, a new research area outlined under recommendations can be conceptualized for further research and it requires some attention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Sibuyi, Lucas Nkosana
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: African Peer Review Mechanism , Peer review -- South Africa , Peer review -- Political aspects -- Africa , African cooperation , Political leadership -- Africa , Africa -- Politics and government -- 1960- , Democratization -- Africa , Civil society -- Africa , Political participation -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8242 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/758 , African Peer Review Mechanism , Peer review -- South Africa , Peer review -- Political aspects -- Africa , African cooperation , Political leadership -- Africa , Africa -- Politics and government -- 1960- , Democratization -- Africa , Civil society -- Africa , Political participation -- Africa
- Description: The Heads of State and Government Implementation Committee (HSGIC) of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad) acknowledged and recognised the centrality of good governance within the context of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), an innovative mechanism acceded to by member states of the African Union (AU) as a self- monitoring mechanism for good governance. South Africa is one of the countries which acceded to the APRM in 2003. Accordingly, South Africa appointed a National Governing Council (NGC) under the chairpersonship of the Minister of Public Services and Administration as the focal point to develop a strategy to manage the national APRM process. The NGC was constituted of business, the disabled, civil society, churches, trade unions, government and women’s coalitions thus ensuring all relevant stakeholders are represented. As part of South Africa’s country assessment, questionnaires dealing with the four core thematic areas of the APRM were sent through to the public by community development workers. In addition, four technical assessment agencies were appointed to assist in conducting research on the four thematic areas. The primary objective of this study is to examine the theoretical approach to the study and the African Peer Review Mechanism’s contemporary relevance to South Africa, its intended beneficiaries and an assessment of South Africa for the period 2006. The study revealed that Proportional Representation (PR) and floor-crossing have an impact on the sustainability, relevance, long term development, vibrancy and profundity of constitutional democracy in the country. Clearly, since the dawn of the democratic dispensation in South Africa the electoral system introduced is such that it had to take into account the challenges the country faced during the apartheid system of governance. In this context, enough space for free political competition in the country was created. On the basis of the findings of the study, it is patently clear that the time allocated for the CSAR was minimal and the country should have been given at least two years so that the self assessment could have been extensively done. On the issue of HIV and AIDS and its relationship to socio-economic conditions, it was revealed that the country has a lot to do in this regard. The debilitating effect that HIV and AIDS has on the lives of the citizens requires clarity of policy and strategy, consistency in public communication and the need for sustained partnerships amongst all relevant stakeholders. At another level, there was a call for a basic income grant although government does not necessarily support it. Based on the research findings above, a new research area outlined under recommendations can be conceptualized for further research and it requires some attention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An assessment of the role of ward committees in public participation with reference to the Kouga local municipality
- Authors: Simanga, Linda
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8230 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/858 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Republic of South Africa became a democratic country in 1994 after the historic democratic elections. This year also marks the year when South Africa’s first democratic parliament was convened. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act (no. 108 of 1996) was enacted in 1996. This Constitution provides for the creation of the three spheres of government, namely, the national level, which deals with matters of national importance, the provincial level, which deals with matters of provincial importance, and the local level which deals with matters of local importance. Section 152(1) (e) of the above-mentioned Constitution stipulates that the object of local government, amongst others, is to ensure the involvement of communities and community organizations in the matters of local governance. Section 73 of the Municipal Structures Act (no.117 of 1998) also requires municipalities to establish ward committees in a manner that seeks to enhance participatory democracy at the local level. Municipalities are established in terms of Section 12 of the Municipal Structures Act (no. 117 of 1998), wherein Members of Executive Councils (MEC’s) may, by notice in the Provincial Gazette, establish a municipality in each municipal area which the Demarcation Board demarcates in the province in terms of the Municipal Demarcation Act (no. 27 of 1998). Sections 7 and 8 of the Municipal Structures Act (no. 117 of 1998) further stipulate the categories of municipalities as A, B and C. Category A is a metropolitan municipality with wards and ward committees. B is a local municipality characterized by the existence of wards and ward committees to enhance public participation. C is a district municipality, whose responsibility is to support local municipalities within its area of jurisdiction so that they are self sufficient and can manage their own affairs. This study focuses on the Kouga Local Municipality, which is a Category B Municipality as promulgated by the then MEC for Housing, Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Honourable MEC S. Kwelita in the Provincial Gazette (Gazette No. 1537) dated 23 May 2006. The scenario above indicates that in the Kouga Local Municipality, ward committees are supposed to play a critical role in public participation. The study seeks to assess their role and to establish whether or not the ward committee system is effective in this regard. It is common knowledge that, whilst various pieces of legislation are clear in terms of what the role of ward committees should be, the question remains whether there is any adherence in municipalities to ensure that they fulfill their role in public participation, and hence the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Simanga, Linda
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8230 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/858 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Republic of South Africa became a democratic country in 1994 after the historic democratic elections. This year also marks the year when South Africa’s first democratic parliament was convened. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act (no. 108 of 1996) was enacted in 1996. This Constitution provides for the creation of the three spheres of government, namely, the national level, which deals with matters of national importance, the provincial level, which deals with matters of provincial importance, and the local level which deals with matters of local importance. Section 152(1) (e) of the above-mentioned Constitution stipulates that the object of local government, amongst others, is to ensure the involvement of communities and community organizations in the matters of local governance. Section 73 of the Municipal Structures Act (no.117 of 1998) also requires municipalities to establish ward committees in a manner that seeks to enhance participatory democracy at the local level. Municipalities are established in terms of Section 12 of the Municipal Structures Act (no. 117 of 1998), wherein Members of Executive Councils (MEC’s) may, by notice in the Provincial Gazette, establish a municipality in each municipal area which the Demarcation Board demarcates in the province in terms of the Municipal Demarcation Act (no. 27 of 1998). Sections 7 and 8 of the Municipal Structures Act (no. 117 of 1998) further stipulate the categories of municipalities as A, B and C. Category A is a metropolitan municipality with wards and ward committees. B is a local municipality characterized by the existence of wards and ward committees to enhance public participation. C is a district municipality, whose responsibility is to support local municipalities within its area of jurisdiction so that they are self sufficient and can manage their own affairs. This study focuses on the Kouga Local Municipality, which is a Category B Municipality as promulgated by the then MEC for Housing, Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Honourable MEC S. Kwelita in the Provincial Gazette (Gazette No. 1537) dated 23 May 2006. The scenario above indicates that in the Kouga Local Municipality, ward committees are supposed to play a critical role in public participation. The study seeks to assess their role and to establish whether or not the ward committee system is effective in this regard. It is common knowledge that, whilst various pieces of legislation are clear in terms of what the role of ward committees should be, the question remains whether there is any adherence in municipalities to ensure that they fulfill their role in public participation, and hence the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An evaluation of the assessment criteria of the Unit Standard 115789
- Authors: Danster, Franscesca Olivia
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Education -- Standards -- South Africa , Accreditation (Education) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8366 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1215 , Education -- Standards -- South Africa , Accreditation (Education) -- South Africa
- Description: This study investigates the assessment criteria of Unit Standard 115789: Communication Studies and Language. In general unit standards are registered, standardised statements of expected education and training outcomes including assessment criteria and other regulatory information required by training providers and assessors to train and assess learners under the Skills Development Act of 1998. However, it was found that many training providers and assessors share the view that in the case of Unit Standard 115789, among others, the assessment criteria and their descriptors are generic, vague and non-context specific to the extent that trainers and assessors have difficulty in developing appropriate and reliable assessment tools and instruments that allow them to adhere to the basic principles of assessment, namely transparency, validity, reliability, consistency, practicability, fairness, flexibility and usability. The main concern of the study is that learners will be declared communicatively competent individuals in a variety of professional and industrial environments when in fact they are not. The study traces the origins and development processes of Unit Standard 115789 in order to gain a clearer understanding of the problems experienced by training providers and assessors in the implementation of the assessment criteria. It then proposes a set of guidelines that will assist training providers and assessors to make the assessment criteria more accessible and the assessment processes more reliable, valid and consistent. Finally, it makes a number of recommendations to ensure that the problems of implementation of Unit Standard 115789 currently experienced by training providers and assessors are alleviated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Danster, Franscesca Olivia
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Education -- Standards -- South Africa , Accreditation (Education) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8366 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1215 , Education -- Standards -- South Africa , Accreditation (Education) -- South Africa
- Description: This study investigates the assessment criteria of Unit Standard 115789: Communication Studies and Language. In general unit standards are registered, standardised statements of expected education and training outcomes including assessment criteria and other regulatory information required by training providers and assessors to train and assess learners under the Skills Development Act of 1998. However, it was found that many training providers and assessors share the view that in the case of Unit Standard 115789, among others, the assessment criteria and their descriptors are generic, vague and non-context specific to the extent that trainers and assessors have difficulty in developing appropriate and reliable assessment tools and instruments that allow them to adhere to the basic principles of assessment, namely transparency, validity, reliability, consistency, practicability, fairness, flexibility and usability. The main concern of the study is that learners will be declared communicatively competent individuals in a variety of professional and industrial environments when in fact they are not. The study traces the origins and development processes of Unit Standard 115789 in order to gain a clearer understanding of the problems experienced by training providers and assessors in the implementation of the assessment criteria. It then proposes a set of guidelines that will assist training providers and assessors to make the assessment criteria more accessible and the assessment processes more reliable, valid and consistent. Finally, it makes a number of recommendations to ensure that the problems of implementation of Unit Standard 115789 currently experienced by training providers and assessors are alleviated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An evaluation of the implementation of the preferential procurement policy framework act (No 5 of 2000) with reference to selected municipalities in the province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Nano, Nandipha
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Government purchasing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8216 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1019 , Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Government purchasing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Background and Rationale: South Africa is in its second decade of democracy. Since the introduction of democracy in 1994, the South African government and its citizens are making strides into overhauling the country to make it one of the best habitable countries in the world. All these changes are accompanied by challenges regarding the types of resources required to accomplish this when delivering services to the communities. In order for the government to accomplish this, systems and procedures which are supported by legislation and operational frameworks should be developed, implemented, monitored and reviewed when necessary. Legislation which has been developed to guide and regulate public procurement includes the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act 5 of 2000). The previous procurement approaches had various fallacies. For example, there was no accountability, no transparency, no equitable distribution of economic resources and no supporting structures to oversee the process. The government then realised the need for having an integrated approach towards public acquisition of goods and services. The public service should operate in an environment where there will be fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and value for money in procurement. 2 The objective of the Preferential Procurement Policy Act (Act 5 of 2000) is to give effect to section 217(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996). Section 217 (3) stipulates that national legislation must prescribe a framework within which the procurement policy may be implemented. Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act 5 of 2000) aims at redressing the past racial imbalances, where race and gender were used to control productive resources. In order to address the shortfalls of the previous systems which failed to provide equal competition opportunities to all the people of South Africa, the mandate, as stipulated in the amended Section 217 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996), has been implemented. This section calls on government and organs of the state to apply a preference point system to enhance and give preference to the historically disadvantaged individuals or designated groups, who in the past, were victims of unfair discrimination on the basis of race, gender or disability. The Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act 5 of 2000) and its related regulations and systems emanate from Section 217 (3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, (Act 108 of 1996). The government has, since 1995, started engaging in a number of initiatives with the purpose of restructuring the procurement. One of the initiatives was the development of the Green Paper on Public Sector Procurement Reform in South Africa in 1997. This paper is a discussion document which contains various proposals aimed at achieving the objectives of good governance, developing and utilising the country’s human resources potential to the full, and encouraging a well-developed and competitive business sector (http://www.info.gov.za/greenpapers/1997/publicproc.htm). 3 Subsequent to the Green Paper on Public Sector Procurement Reform the government published the Preferential Procurement Regulations in 2001, in terms of Section 5 of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework. The government’s aim was to elicit contributions and discussions from role- players and interested parties. These inputs are crucial in a country that is committed to democracy. It can be deduced that the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework is a tool that is intended to provide direction and guidance to public officials when they engage in the acquisition of goods and services whilst giving leverage and preference to those who have been victims of the past imbalances. There is a perception that business opportunities favour individuals and businesses that are well established and the emerging business owners are marginalised. The reforms in the procurement processes that have been put in place are intended to ensure that there is equality, transparency and accountability in the allocation of business opportunities. Preference has to be afforded to the previously marginalised people to play a role in the public sector procurement and enhance income generation. The aims of the Preferential Procurement will be defeated if there are no systems to control and monitor the engagement of historically disadvantaged individuals. The affirming of such business owners should be viewed as a tool for the distribution of wealth, job creation and a poverty alleviation strategy from the side of government. The rationale for the research, therefore, is to establish whether the historically disadvantaged individuals’ lives are improving and bringing about sustainable economic development in their lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Nano, Nandipha
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Government purchasing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8216 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1019 , Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Government purchasing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Background and Rationale: South Africa is in its second decade of democracy. Since the introduction of democracy in 1994, the South African government and its citizens are making strides into overhauling the country to make it one of the best habitable countries in the world. All these changes are accompanied by challenges regarding the types of resources required to accomplish this when delivering services to the communities. In order for the government to accomplish this, systems and procedures which are supported by legislation and operational frameworks should be developed, implemented, monitored and reviewed when necessary. Legislation which has been developed to guide and regulate public procurement includes the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act 5 of 2000). The previous procurement approaches had various fallacies. For example, there was no accountability, no transparency, no equitable distribution of economic resources and no supporting structures to oversee the process. The government then realised the need for having an integrated approach towards public acquisition of goods and services. The public service should operate in an environment where there will be fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and value for money in procurement. 2 The objective of the Preferential Procurement Policy Act (Act 5 of 2000) is to give effect to section 217(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996). Section 217 (3) stipulates that national legislation must prescribe a framework within which the procurement policy may be implemented. Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act 5 of 2000) aims at redressing the past racial imbalances, where race and gender were used to control productive resources. In order to address the shortfalls of the previous systems which failed to provide equal competition opportunities to all the people of South Africa, the mandate, as stipulated in the amended Section 217 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996), has been implemented. This section calls on government and organs of the state to apply a preference point system to enhance and give preference to the historically disadvantaged individuals or designated groups, who in the past, were victims of unfair discrimination on the basis of race, gender or disability. The Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act 5 of 2000) and its related regulations and systems emanate from Section 217 (3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, (Act 108 of 1996). The government has, since 1995, started engaging in a number of initiatives with the purpose of restructuring the procurement. One of the initiatives was the development of the Green Paper on Public Sector Procurement Reform in South Africa in 1997. This paper is a discussion document which contains various proposals aimed at achieving the objectives of good governance, developing and utilising the country’s human resources potential to the full, and encouraging a well-developed and competitive business sector (http://www.info.gov.za/greenpapers/1997/publicproc.htm). 3 Subsequent to the Green Paper on Public Sector Procurement Reform the government published the Preferential Procurement Regulations in 2001, in terms of Section 5 of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework. The government’s aim was to elicit contributions and discussions from role- players and interested parties. These inputs are crucial in a country that is committed to democracy. It can be deduced that the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework is a tool that is intended to provide direction and guidance to public officials when they engage in the acquisition of goods and services whilst giving leverage and preference to those who have been victims of the past imbalances. There is a perception that business opportunities favour individuals and businesses that are well established and the emerging business owners are marginalised. The reforms in the procurement processes that have been put in place are intended to ensure that there is equality, transparency and accountability in the allocation of business opportunities. Preference has to be afforded to the previously marginalised people to play a role in the public sector procurement and enhance income generation. The aims of the Preferential Procurement will be defeated if there are no systems to control and monitor the engagement of historically disadvantaged individuals. The affirming of such business owners should be viewed as a tool for the distribution of wealth, job creation and a poverty alleviation strategy from the side of government. The rationale for the research, therefore, is to establish whether the historically disadvantaged individuals’ lives are improving and bringing about sustainable economic development in their lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An evaluation of the relationship between payment of rates and service charges and the capacity of the municipality to deliver services with reference to Mnquma local municipality
- Authors: Zondani, Nosiphiwo V
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Municipal services -- South Africa -- Mnquma Municipality , Electric utilities -- South Africa -- Finance , Water utilities -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8164 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/862 , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Mnquma Municipality , Electric utilities -- South Africa -- Finance , Water utilities -- South Africa -- Finance
- Description: Various allegations have been levelled against certain local authorities in South Africa. These allegations include poor governance, maladministration, corruption and poor service delivery. Some of the South African municipalities are unable to deliver sufficient services to the people due to financial instability. On the other side the fact that the municipalities have to generate their own revenue is no longer sufficient. However, government, both national and provincial has to support the municipalities in terms of their capacity to provide services. While government has to provide services to the people to ensure their welfare, people from local communities should also support the continuous provision of `these services by paying for municipal rates and services. These may include services such as water, refuse removal and electricity as well as property taxes. The main issue is that these services are not readily available, for instance water has to be purified. The situation at Mnquma Local Municipality as indicated in the financial and other reports is such that there is a very slow payment of rates and services, which leads to the municipality relying mostly on government grants, and this puts a heavy strain on service delivery by the municipality. Seemingly, it has been long that rates and services have not been paid in Butterworth-even before the restructuring of the municipality (i.e. before the Mnquma Municipality came into being). However, if alternatives could be found to enhance regular payment of rates and services the municipality might improve in terms of its capacity to deliver services.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Zondani, Nosiphiwo V
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Municipal services -- South Africa -- Mnquma Municipality , Electric utilities -- South Africa -- Finance , Water utilities -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8164 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/862 , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Mnquma Municipality , Electric utilities -- South Africa -- Finance , Water utilities -- South Africa -- Finance
- Description: Various allegations have been levelled against certain local authorities in South Africa. These allegations include poor governance, maladministration, corruption and poor service delivery. Some of the South African municipalities are unable to deliver sufficient services to the people due to financial instability. On the other side the fact that the municipalities have to generate their own revenue is no longer sufficient. However, government, both national and provincial has to support the municipalities in terms of their capacity to provide services. While government has to provide services to the people to ensure their welfare, people from local communities should also support the continuous provision of `these services by paying for municipal rates and services. These may include services such as water, refuse removal and electricity as well as property taxes. The main issue is that these services are not readily available, for instance water has to be purified. The situation at Mnquma Local Municipality as indicated in the financial and other reports is such that there is a very slow payment of rates and services, which leads to the municipality relying mostly on government grants, and this puts a heavy strain on service delivery by the municipality. Seemingly, it has been long that rates and services have not been paid in Butterworth-even before the restructuring of the municipality (i.e. before the Mnquma Municipality came into being). However, if alternatives could be found to enhance regular payment of rates and services the municipality might improve in terms of its capacity to deliver services.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An exploratory study of an environmental conflict : the case of Thyspunt, Oyster Bay in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Potts, Glynn Shirley
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Nuclear power plants -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Oyster Bay , Human beings -- Effect of environment on -- South Africa -- Oyster Bay , Environmental economics -- South Africa -- Oyster Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8228 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/861 , Nuclear power plants -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Oyster Bay , Human beings -- Effect of environment on -- South Africa -- Oyster Bay , Environmental economics -- South Africa -- Oyster Bay
- Description: As the global energy crisis continues to have an impact on developing countries such as South Africa, stakeholders form an increasingly significant role especially around the concerns of development and the impact on the environment. Environmental conflicts have risen to the forefront in many areas in South Africa. Environmental conflicts fall under public disputes, which often occur as a result of human needs. This study is an attempt to explore the environmental conflict surrounding the proposed Nuclear Power station at Thyspunt, Oyster Bay in the Eastern Cape. Stakeholders are an integral part of environmental conflicts, and analyzing interests of stakeholders is vital in understanding environmental conflicts. This explorative study, seeks explore and to describe the interests of homeowners who are one of the key stakeholders involved the environmental conflict at Thyspunt, Oyster Bay in the Eastern Cape. The homeowners are represented by the St Francis Residents/ Ratepayers Association. The researcher conducted extensive face-face interviews with these homeowners. The organizations official documents, minutes of their meetings, letters to the media and various publications in which homeowners expressed their feelings were also made use of by the researcher in order to triangulate findings, as well as for data collection methods. The major themes were constructed from the study include: Security, Trust, Power and the various sources thereof, as well as a need for self-actualization based on values, and a final theme of the positive functions of conflict. The challenges facing the homeowners in terms of human security and environmental impact of the nuclear development are highlighted. Further recommendations for a more in-depth study are also made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Potts, Glynn Shirley
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Nuclear power plants -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Oyster Bay , Human beings -- Effect of environment on -- South Africa -- Oyster Bay , Environmental economics -- South Africa -- Oyster Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8228 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/861 , Nuclear power plants -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Oyster Bay , Human beings -- Effect of environment on -- South Africa -- Oyster Bay , Environmental economics -- South Africa -- Oyster Bay
- Description: As the global energy crisis continues to have an impact on developing countries such as South Africa, stakeholders form an increasingly significant role especially around the concerns of development and the impact on the environment. Environmental conflicts have risen to the forefront in many areas in South Africa. Environmental conflicts fall under public disputes, which often occur as a result of human needs. This study is an attempt to explore the environmental conflict surrounding the proposed Nuclear Power station at Thyspunt, Oyster Bay in the Eastern Cape. Stakeholders are an integral part of environmental conflicts, and analyzing interests of stakeholders is vital in understanding environmental conflicts. This explorative study, seeks explore and to describe the interests of homeowners who are one of the key stakeholders involved the environmental conflict at Thyspunt, Oyster Bay in the Eastern Cape. The homeowners are represented by the St Francis Residents/ Ratepayers Association. The researcher conducted extensive face-face interviews with these homeowners. The organizations official documents, minutes of their meetings, letters to the media and various publications in which homeowners expressed their feelings were also made use of by the researcher in order to triangulate findings, as well as for data collection methods. The major themes were constructed from the study include: Security, Trust, Power and the various sources thereof, as well as a need for self-actualization based on values, and a final theme of the positive functions of conflict. The challenges facing the homeowners in terms of human security and environmental impact of the nuclear development are highlighted. Further recommendations for a more in-depth study are also made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An investigation into the factors affecting the pass rate of Grade Twelve learners with specific reference to the English subject : a case study of selected schools in Libode district
- Authors: Mzokwana, Nomnikelo Nondwe
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School failure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , English ability -- Testing , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8215 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1022 , Language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School failure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , English ability -- Testing , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Case studies
- Description: Libode district is a rural district within the Eastern Cape Province. It has forty-two senior secondary schools. All schools in Libode district offer the English subject as the first additional language (second language). Schools in Libode district use English as the medium of instruction. English as the medium of instruction was seen by the National Department of Education as an important aspect of teaching and learning and as an effective tool through which teachers and learners can express their knowledge. The pass rate of grade twelve learners had declined from 2004 showing very low success rates. The quality of grade twelve results in English had deprived learners of their future career prospects. This treatise investigated the factors that might have affected the pass rate of grade twelve learners with specific reference to the English subject: a case study of selected schools in Libode district. A sample of 165 grade 12 learners and six English teachers from randomly selected senior secondary schools participated in the study. The study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Some factors affecting the pass rate of grade twelve learners with specific reference to the English subject were identified which included the non-implementation of English as medium of instruction, the non-availability of teaching facilities, and the influence of the mother tongue on the English subject. The treatise offers some recommendations such as improved in-service training on language teaching, assessment techniques and learner-centredness, involvement of all education stakeholders in the implementation of English as a language of teaching and learning, and the provision of teaching facilities in schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Mzokwana, Nomnikelo Nondwe
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School failure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , English ability -- Testing , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8215 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1022 , Language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School failure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , English ability -- Testing , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Case studies
- Description: Libode district is a rural district within the Eastern Cape Province. It has forty-two senior secondary schools. All schools in Libode district offer the English subject as the first additional language (second language). Schools in Libode district use English as the medium of instruction. English as the medium of instruction was seen by the National Department of Education as an important aspect of teaching and learning and as an effective tool through which teachers and learners can express their knowledge. The pass rate of grade twelve learners had declined from 2004 showing very low success rates. The quality of grade twelve results in English had deprived learners of their future career prospects. This treatise investigated the factors that might have affected the pass rate of grade twelve learners with specific reference to the English subject: a case study of selected schools in Libode district. A sample of 165 grade 12 learners and six English teachers from randomly selected senior secondary schools participated in the study. The study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Some factors affecting the pass rate of grade twelve learners with specific reference to the English subject were identified which included the non-implementation of English as medium of instruction, the non-availability of teaching facilities, and the influence of the mother tongue on the English subject. The treatise offers some recommendations such as improved in-service training on language teaching, assessment techniques and learner-centredness, involvement of all education stakeholders in the implementation of English as a language of teaching and learning, and the provision of teaching facilities in schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An investigation into the representation of the mentally ill in popular film
- Authors: Vermeulen, Monique
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Mental illness in motion pictures , Mental illness , Mass media
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8403 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/800 , Mental illness in motion pictures , Mental illness , Mass media
- Description: There is a common perception that media depiction of mental health and illness is overwhelmingly negative and inaccurate. Media portrayal of mental illness is also viewed as an important element in forming and influencing society’s attitudes towards mental health issues, although there is no causal link to prove this. People with mental illness are most commonly shown as being violent and aggressive. Movie stereotypes that contribute to the stigmatisation of mentally ill persons include the mental patient as rebellious free spirit, homicidal maniac, seductress, enlightened member of society, narcissistic parasite, and zoo specimen. The profession of psychiatry is, has always been, and will likely continue to be a much enjoyed subject among filmmakers and their audiences, as it tends to provide exciting and emotionally compelling opportunities to portray personal struggles feared by most of humanity. This research will analyse the entertainment media in an attempt to provide evidence to support the above statement. The research will, furthermore, analyse the manner in which entertainment media represent the mentally ill with reference to popular films invariably produced in the US
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Vermeulen, Monique
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Mental illness in motion pictures , Mental illness , Mass media
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8403 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/800 , Mental illness in motion pictures , Mental illness , Mass media
- Description: There is a common perception that media depiction of mental health and illness is overwhelmingly negative and inaccurate. Media portrayal of mental illness is also viewed as an important element in forming and influencing society’s attitudes towards mental health issues, although there is no causal link to prove this. People with mental illness are most commonly shown as being violent and aggressive. Movie stereotypes that contribute to the stigmatisation of mentally ill persons include the mental patient as rebellious free spirit, homicidal maniac, seductress, enlightened member of society, narcissistic parasite, and zoo specimen. The profession of psychiatry is, has always been, and will likely continue to be a much enjoyed subject among filmmakers and their audiences, as it tends to provide exciting and emotionally compelling opportunities to portray personal struggles feared by most of humanity. This research will analyse the entertainment media in an attempt to provide evidence to support the above statement. The research will, furthermore, analyse the manner in which entertainment media represent the mentally ill with reference to popular films invariably produced in the US
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An investigation into the use of whistle-blowing as a means to curb unethical behaviour of police officers in the Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Mboyi, Sabelo Advocate
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Police -- South Africa , Whistle blowing -- South Africa , Misconduct in office -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8241 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/760 , Police -- South Africa , Whistle blowing -- South Africa , Misconduct in office -- South Africa
- Description: The use of whistle-blowing as means to curb unethical behaviour of police officers in the Nelson Mandela Bay is investigated in this study. In order to investigate this, various instruments were used, these are interviews and questionnaires. However the objectives of the study were: - To examine the implementation of whistle-blowing in the SAPS. - To develop strategies and measures that can be used to encourage whistle-blowing in the SAPS. Broadly speaking, these objectives have been achieved by providing empirical evidence which shows that: - Unethical behaviour by police officers is the most ethical challenge facing police officers in the Nelson Mandela Bay Area. This is based on the findings which eminate from the interviews. - Whistle-blowing is used by police officers as an early warning system that alerts the superiors about misconduct before it is too late as it defects and deters wrongdoing. However, the study suggests various strategies and measures to assist the implementation of whistle-blowing. These strategies include: - Development of hotlines. - Assurance of confidentiality and anonymity of disclosures. - Response plan development. - Training development. - Regarding whistle-blowing as an ongoing communication. This study also indicates that misconduct by police officers in the Nelson Mandela Bay area is not high. While whistle-blowing is considered as a key tool in promoting individual responsibility and accountability among police officers. In conclusion, recommendations are provided which could assist the SAPS and individual police officers to improve ethical conduct, and for improved measures and mechanisms to deal with unethical behaviour of police officers and recommendations for improved implementation of whistle-blowing process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Mboyi, Sabelo Advocate
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Police -- South Africa , Whistle blowing -- South Africa , Misconduct in office -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8241 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/760 , Police -- South Africa , Whistle blowing -- South Africa , Misconduct in office -- South Africa
- Description: The use of whistle-blowing as means to curb unethical behaviour of police officers in the Nelson Mandela Bay is investigated in this study. In order to investigate this, various instruments were used, these are interviews and questionnaires. However the objectives of the study were: - To examine the implementation of whistle-blowing in the SAPS. - To develop strategies and measures that can be used to encourage whistle-blowing in the SAPS. Broadly speaking, these objectives have been achieved by providing empirical evidence which shows that: - Unethical behaviour by police officers is the most ethical challenge facing police officers in the Nelson Mandela Bay Area. This is based on the findings which eminate from the interviews. - Whistle-blowing is used by police officers as an early warning system that alerts the superiors about misconduct before it is too late as it defects and deters wrongdoing. However, the study suggests various strategies and measures to assist the implementation of whistle-blowing. These strategies include: - Development of hotlines. - Assurance of confidentiality and anonymity of disclosures. - Response plan development. - Training development. - Regarding whistle-blowing as an ongoing communication. This study also indicates that misconduct by police officers in the Nelson Mandela Bay area is not high. While whistle-blowing is considered as a key tool in promoting individual responsibility and accountability among police officers. In conclusion, recommendations are provided which could assist the SAPS and individual police officers to improve ethical conduct, and for improved measures and mechanisms to deal with unethical behaviour of police officers and recommendations for improved implementation of whistle-blowing process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An investigation of masculinity in J. M. Coetzee's disgrace (1999)
- Authors: Kok, Marina Susan
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Coetzee, J. M., 1940- -- Criticism and interpretation , Masculinity in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8463 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/783 , Coetzee, J. M., 1940- -- Criticism and interpretation , Masculinity in literature
- Description: The study of Masculinity is a fairly new phenomenon which developed as a refinement of gender studies. The theoretical frameworks on masculinity are still under development and are often severely contested. This study proposes to examine the dynamics of masculinity studies, critiquing the notion of ‘masculinity in crisis’. The premise of the masculinity in crisis debate is that men are experiencing an increasing sense of powerlessness. This dissertation aims to examine the masculine identities represented in Disgrace and to test whether they are better understood through the lens of masculine theory. The disgraceful situation of David Lurie is arguably not merely a result of hapless circumstance, but rather illustrates significant parallels with the crisis debate. The basic premise of this debate is that the behaviour previously condoned and applauded as healthy 'manliness' is now being labelled as anti-social and destructive. It is not just masculine roles that are under threat. Other forces behind the crisis are “the loss of masculine rights and changes in the pattern of employment” (Beynon 2002:75). One view held by theorists of masculinity studies is that for real change to occur, a fluid definition of masculine identity is needed. In J.M. Coetzee’s Disgrace (1999), the main protagonist is David Lurie. He may arguably be said to typify a masculinity that is in a state of crisis because of his stoic refusal throughout the novel to change or reform: “I was offered a compromise, which I would not accept”, he says, and: “Re-education. Reformation of the character. The code word was counselling” (1999:66). His aversion to such counselling and refusal to compromise mark his resistance to change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Kok, Marina Susan
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Coetzee, J. M., 1940- -- Criticism and interpretation , Masculinity in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8463 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/783 , Coetzee, J. M., 1940- -- Criticism and interpretation , Masculinity in literature
- Description: The study of Masculinity is a fairly new phenomenon which developed as a refinement of gender studies. The theoretical frameworks on masculinity are still under development and are often severely contested. This study proposes to examine the dynamics of masculinity studies, critiquing the notion of ‘masculinity in crisis’. The premise of the masculinity in crisis debate is that men are experiencing an increasing sense of powerlessness. This dissertation aims to examine the masculine identities represented in Disgrace and to test whether they are better understood through the lens of masculine theory. The disgraceful situation of David Lurie is arguably not merely a result of hapless circumstance, but rather illustrates significant parallels with the crisis debate. The basic premise of this debate is that the behaviour previously condoned and applauded as healthy 'manliness' is now being labelled as anti-social and destructive. It is not just masculine roles that are under threat. Other forces behind the crisis are “the loss of masculine rights and changes in the pattern of employment” (Beynon 2002:75). One view held by theorists of masculinity studies is that for real change to occur, a fluid definition of masculine identity is needed. In J.M. Coetzee’s Disgrace (1999), the main protagonist is David Lurie. He may arguably be said to typify a masculinity that is in a state of crisis because of his stoic refusal throughout the novel to change or reform: “I was offered a compromise, which I would not accept”, he says, and: “Re-education. Reformation of the character. The code word was counselling” (1999:66). His aversion to such counselling and refusal to compromise mark his resistance to change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An investigation of the themes and techniques in L.L. Sebe's "Ucamngco" = Uphando ngemixholo nesimo sokubhala esisetyenziswe kwincwadi ke L.L. Sebe "Ucamngco"
- Authors: Grootboom, Zoleka Faith
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Sebe, L. L. W. (Lennox L. W.) -- Criticism and interpretation , Xhosa fiction -- History and criticism
- Language: Xhosa
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8465 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/781 , Sebe, L. L. W. (Lennox L. W.) -- Criticism and interpretation , Xhosa fiction -- History and criticism
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Grootboom, Zoleka Faith
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Sebe, L. L. W. (Lennox L. W.) -- Criticism and interpretation , Xhosa fiction -- History and criticism
- Language: Xhosa
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8465 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/781 , Sebe, L. L. W. (Lennox L. W.) -- Criticism and interpretation , Xhosa fiction -- History and criticism
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008