"It takes a whole village to raise a child": youth development in Grahamstown
- Authors: Van Hees, Charlotte
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Households -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Income -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Schools -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Youth -- Employment -- South Africa Youth -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Youth -- South Africa -- Social conditions Youth -- South Africa -- Societies, etc. Youth, Black -- Employment -- South Africa Youth, Black -- South Africa -- Social conditions Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Economic conditions Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Book , Text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/2431 , vital:20290 , ISBN 0868103691
- Description: This research report is an edited version of a thesis written by Charlotte van Hees for a Master’s degree in organisational anthropology. The degree was awarded by the University of Utrecht, the Netherlands in May 2000. The fieldwork for her thesis was carried out in the first half of 1999 when Charlotte joined the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) project team investigating development opportunities for local youth. For a town of its size Grahamstown has an exceptionally large number of development organisations and community initiatives. In short, it is the ideal setting for an organisational anthropologist. Over a six-month period Charlotte met with members of local organisations to compile a directory or, as she prefers to call it, a ‘social map’. The social map, published as ISER Research Report No. 3, sets out the manner in which local organisations are linked in their activities and services. Report No. 3 should be read in conjunction with this report. In her thesis Charlotte analyses the ideal characteristics of youth organisations and matches local examples to the ideal. On a ladder of perfection, an organisation run by youth for youth optimises youth development. Youth will benefit most if organisations join forces to offer comprehensive and coordinated services. Charlotte observed that although Grahamstown boasts a large number of organisations serving the youth, their services tend to be fragmented or overlapping. As a young outsider, Charlotte van Hees has the advantage of ‘seeing’ the local maze of organisations from a fresh vantage point. Her sizing up of the local situation has benefited from her considerable experience of youth work in the Netherlands. Apart from theoretical insights the report offers practical guidelines to enhance the success of local initiatives for youth. One recommendation, which youth volunteers might wish to adopt as their project, is to continuously update the social map. South Africa is a country experiencing rapid social change. Charlotte’s analysis is based on time- bound observations and a particular constellation of organisations. There have been major changes in the local government system since the study was written up which will inevitably affect the operations of organisations serving the youth. However, the basic lessons to be learnt from her analysis will remain valid in future and continue to serve as useful pointers for scholars and practitioners. Charlotte revisited Grahamstown briefly in April 2000 to present results to local organisations which had participated in the social mapping research. The workshop participants asked the ISER to make Charlotte’s analysis more widely available to stimulate debate and action among local youth and their organisations. It is in response to this wish that ISER has published this report. Thanks go to ISER’s publication officer, Nova de Villiers, for undertaking to edit Charlotte’s thesis for this publication. Anjanette Haller assisted with typing. Readers will appreciate their handiwork. This report is dedicated to the youth of Grahamstown. It is hoped it will revitalise their enthusiasm for personal development, and shape fresh ideas and action to make Grahamstown a better place to grow up in. , Digitised by Rhodes University Library on behalf of the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Van Hees, Charlotte
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Households -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Income -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Schools -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Youth -- Employment -- South Africa Youth -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Youth -- South Africa -- Social conditions Youth -- South Africa -- Societies, etc. Youth, Black -- Employment -- South Africa Youth, Black -- South Africa -- Social conditions Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Economic conditions Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Book , Text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/2431 , vital:20290 , ISBN 0868103691
- Description: This research report is an edited version of a thesis written by Charlotte van Hees for a Master’s degree in organisational anthropology. The degree was awarded by the University of Utrecht, the Netherlands in May 2000. The fieldwork for her thesis was carried out in the first half of 1999 when Charlotte joined the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) project team investigating development opportunities for local youth. For a town of its size Grahamstown has an exceptionally large number of development organisations and community initiatives. In short, it is the ideal setting for an organisational anthropologist. Over a six-month period Charlotte met with members of local organisations to compile a directory or, as she prefers to call it, a ‘social map’. The social map, published as ISER Research Report No. 3, sets out the manner in which local organisations are linked in their activities and services. Report No. 3 should be read in conjunction with this report. In her thesis Charlotte analyses the ideal characteristics of youth organisations and matches local examples to the ideal. On a ladder of perfection, an organisation run by youth for youth optimises youth development. Youth will benefit most if organisations join forces to offer comprehensive and coordinated services. Charlotte observed that although Grahamstown boasts a large number of organisations serving the youth, their services tend to be fragmented or overlapping. As a young outsider, Charlotte van Hees has the advantage of ‘seeing’ the local maze of organisations from a fresh vantage point. Her sizing up of the local situation has benefited from her considerable experience of youth work in the Netherlands. Apart from theoretical insights the report offers practical guidelines to enhance the success of local initiatives for youth. One recommendation, which youth volunteers might wish to adopt as their project, is to continuously update the social map. South Africa is a country experiencing rapid social change. Charlotte’s analysis is based on time- bound observations and a particular constellation of organisations. There have been major changes in the local government system since the study was written up which will inevitably affect the operations of organisations serving the youth. However, the basic lessons to be learnt from her analysis will remain valid in future and continue to serve as useful pointers for scholars and practitioners. Charlotte revisited Grahamstown briefly in April 2000 to present results to local organisations which had participated in the social mapping research. The workshop participants asked the ISER to make Charlotte’s analysis more widely available to stimulate debate and action among local youth and their organisations. It is in response to this wish that ISER has published this report. Thanks go to ISER’s publication officer, Nova de Villiers, for undertaking to edit Charlotte’s thesis for this publication. Anjanette Haller assisted with typing. Readers will appreciate their handiwork. This report is dedicated to the youth of Grahamstown. It is hoped it will revitalise their enthusiasm for personal development, and shape fresh ideas and action to make Grahamstown a better place to grow up in. , Digitised by Rhodes University Library on behalf of the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
An annotated checklist of the species of the Labroid fish families Labridae and Scaridae
- Parenti, Paolo, Randall, John E, 1924-
- Authors: Parenti, Paolo , Randall, John E, 1924-
- Date: 2000
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:15028 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019894 , ISSN 0073-4381 , Ichthyological Bulletin J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology; No. 68
- Description: An annotated checklist of the species of the fish families Labridae and Scaridae is presented; 541 valid species are recognized, including 68 genera and 453 species of labrids and 10 genera and 88 species of scarids. Thirty undescribed species of wrasses and two undescribed parrotfish species are also included. A list of nominal species is given, with their present assignments; nominal species of uncertain status are placed as incertae sedis and listed separately. A list of nomina nuda is also provided. The valid genera and species are listed alphabetically, with their synonyms and distributions. Examination of the original descriptions and type material (when extant) of previously unplaced nominal species of labroid fishes led to identification of 69 new synonyms. The generic names Artisia de Beaufort, 1939 and Emmeekia Jordan & Evermann, 1896 are here recognized as new synonyms of Halichoeres Ruppell, 1835. For the Labridae, 65 new synonyms of valid species are listed. Labrus psittaculus Richardson, 1840, a valid species of Pseudolabrus, is a primary homonym of Labrus psittaculus Lacepede, 1801; the next available name for this species is Labrichthys rubicunda Macleay, 1881 and the new combination Pseudolabrus rubicundus is proposed. The following new combinations are included: Pseudojulis inornatus Gilbert, 1890 is a valid species of Pseudojuloides; Xyrichtys perlas Wellington et al., 1994 is a valid species of Novaculichthys. For Scaridae, Sparus abildgaardi Bloch, 1791 is a senior synonym of Sparisoma chrysopterum (Bloch & Schneider, 1801), but a request of the International Commission has been made to reject abildgaardi in order to conserve S. chrysopterum; and Scarus visayanus Herre, 1933 is a new synonym of Scarus tricolor Bleeker, 1847. Pseudoscarus microcheilos Bleeker, 1861 is a synonym of Chlorurus strongylocephalus (Bleeker, 1854). , Rhodes University Libraries (Digitisation)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Parenti, Paolo , Randall, John E, 1924-
- Date: 2000
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:15028 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019894 , ISSN 0073-4381 , Ichthyological Bulletin J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology; No. 68
- Description: An annotated checklist of the species of the fish families Labridae and Scaridae is presented; 541 valid species are recognized, including 68 genera and 453 species of labrids and 10 genera and 88 species of scarids. Thirty undescribed species of wrasses and two undescribed parrotfish species are also included. A list of nominal species is given, with their present assignments; nominal species of uncertain status are placed as incertae sedis and listed separately. A list of nomina nuda is also provided. The valid genera and species are listed alphabetically, with their synonyms and distributions. Examination of the original descriptions and type material (when extant) of previously unplaced nominal species of labroid fishes led to identification of 69 new synonyms. The generic names Artisia de Beaufort, 1939 and Emmeekia Jordan & Evermann, 1896 are here recognized as new synonyms of Halichoeres Ruppell, 1835. For the Labridae, 65 new synonyms of valid species are listed. Labrus psittaculus Richardson, 1840, a valid species of Pseudolabrus, is a primary homonym of Labrus psittaculus Lacepede, 1801; the next available name for this species is Labrichthys rubicunda Macleay, 1881 and the new combination Pseudolabrus rubicundus is proposed. The following new combinations are included: Pseudojulis inornatus Gilbert, 1890 is a valid species of Pseudojuloides; Xyrichtys perlas Wellington et al., 1994 is a valid species of Novaculichthys. For Scaridae, Sparus abildgaardi Bloch, 1791 is a senior synonym of Sparisoma chrysopterum (Bloch & Schneider, 1801), but a request of the International Commission has been made to reject abildgaardi in order to conserve S. chrysopterum; and Scarus visayanus Herre, 1933 is a new synonym of Scarus tricolor Bleeker, 1847. Pseudoscarus microcheilos Bleeker, 1861 is a synonym of Chlorurus strongylocephalus (Bleeker, 1854). , Rhodes University Libraries (Digitisation)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Grahamstown and its environs
- Daniel, J B M (John Benjamin McIntyre)
- Authors: Daniel, J B M (John Benjamin McIntyre)
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Miscellanea Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Description and travel Grahamstown (South Africa) -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Book , Text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/2601 , vital:20308 , ISBN 094998051X
- Description: The aim of this brochure is to provide a reasonably comprehensive guide to Grahamstown and its environs. The area has much to offer the person who is prepared to explore and to observe the many facets offered by the human and physical landscapes. It is hoped that the sections on the development of the town and selected historical aspects, the geology, the vegetation, the mammals and the birds will provide sufficient information for the region to be seen and appreciated as a whole, while still leaving room for new discoveries. The interrelationships between geology, altitude, vegetation and the use of the land form a valuable starting point in the study of the countryside. In the towns the buildings and the street grids often help to unravel complex aspects of growth and development. These are some of the features which can be observed on the recommended excursion routes. If the brochure contributes to a greater understanding, and therefore appreciation, of Grahamstown and its environs its purpose will have been fulfilled. , Digitised by Rhodes University Library on behalf of the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Daniel, J B M (John Benjamin McIntyre)
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Miscellanea Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Description and travel Grahamstown (South Africa) -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Book , Text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/2601 , vital:20308 , ISBN 094998051X
- Description: The aim of this brochure is to provide a reasonably comprehensive guide to Grahamstown and its environs. The area has much to offer the person who is prepared to explore and to observe the many facets offered by the human and physical landscapes. It is hoped that the sections on the development of the town and selected historical aspects, the geology, the vegetation, the mammals and the birds will provide sufficient information for the region to be seen and appreciated as a whole, while still leaving room for new discoveries. The interrelationships between geology, altitude, vegetation and the use of the land form a valuable starting point in the study of the countryside. In the towns the buildings and the street grids often help to unravel complex aspects of growth and development. These are some of the features which can be observed on the recommended excursion routes. If the brochure contributes to a greater understanding, and therefore appreciation, of Grahamstown and its environs its purpose will have been fulfilled. , Digitised by Rhodes University Library on behalf of the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Patterns of belief in Bushman creation tales: an interpretive study relating to /Xam, Maluti, and Zu/'oasi sources
- Authors: Howard, Nadine B
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: South Africa , Creation -- Mythology , Spirituality -- Africa , San (African people) -- Religion , San (African people) -- Folklore
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:549 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019978 , Donated by Geoffrey Howard, 2010.
- Description: “Patterns of Belief in Bushman Creation Tales” regard /Xam, Maluti, and Zu/’oasi mythology. The study divides into three sections. The Early Period of Conceptual Unity concerns creation of the eland, a symbolic antelope. All beings are animal-persons of the early race. The /Xam deity /Kaggen creates and secretly cares for an eland to whom he feeds honey. The family, missing honey, sends Mongoose to spy on /Kaggen. He sees the eland and informs his father who kills it without Kaggen’s knowledge. Kaggen weeps bitterly. Elsewhere, when Cagn’s away Maluti sons hunt and discover an unknown creature. They try repeatedly to stab it as it breaks away, but returns to lay down. Finally Gewi kills it. They take meat and blood home, but later see Cagn’s snares and feel afraid. The Transition Period of Conceptual Separation and Restoration follows. Separation of animals and people takes place through re-creation and naming. The former animal-person world passes away. Maluti elands are re-created as Gewi tries to undo his “mischief”. Churning the eland’s blood, it scatters, becoming snakes, then hartebeests. Cagn and his wife help: spinning blood, adding fat from the heart. They produce multitudes of untamed elands. Gewi who “spoilt” them must hunt and kill one, but he fails. Cagn then teaches both sons to hunt. However, his elands are swift, and he will now dwell in their bones. “That day game were given to men to eat,” and the transition to knowing is made. Zu/’oasi animal-persons journey to the fire of creation; there to be beautifully marked or otherwise distinguished. /Xam antelope await their naming through the eating or drinking of liquid honeys which colour their hides. The Third Section offers an overview of concepts the thesis presents. It also bears the key to unlock a very old mystery. , Intended as a Masters of Arts thesis for the University of Natal, the author was unable to complete the final chapter before her death, and the thesis was never submitted for examination. It was the wish of her husband that her careful study should be brought to light and be made available to other students of this field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Howard, Nadine B
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: South Africa , Creation -- Mythology , Spirituality -- Africa , San (African people) -- Religion , San (African people) -- Folklore
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:549 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019978 , Donated by Geoffrey Howard, 2010.
- Description: “Patterns of Belief in Bushman Creation Tales” regard /Xam, Maluti, and Zu/’oasi mythology. The study divides into three sections. The Early Period of Conceptual Unity concerns creation of the eland, a symbolic antelope. All beings are animal-persons of the early race. The /Xam deity /Kaggen creates and secretly cares for an eland to whom he feeds honey. The family, missing honey, sends Mongoose to spy on /Kaggen. He sees the eland and informs his father who kills it without Kaggen’s knowledge. Kaggen weeps bitterly. Elsewhere, when Cagn’s away Maluti sons hunt and discover an unknown creature. They try repeatedly to stab it as it breaks away, but returns to lay down. Finally Gewi kills it. They take meat and blood home, but later see Cagn’s snares and feel afraid. The Transition Period of Conceptual Separation and Restoration follows. Separation of animals and people takes place through re-creation and naming. The former animal-person world passes away. Maluti elands are re-created as Gewi tries to undo his “mischief”. Churning the eland’s blood, it scatters, becoming snakes, then hartebeests. Cagn and his wife help: spinning blood, adding fat from the heart. They produce multitudes of untamed elands. Gewi who “spoilt” them must hunt and kill one, but he fails. Cagn then teaches both sons to hunt. However, his elands are swift, and he will now dwell in their bones. “That day game were given to men to eat,” and the transition to knowing is made. Zu/’oasi animal-persons journey to the fire of creation; there to be beautifully marked or otherwise distinguished. /Xam antelope await their naming through the eating or drinking of liquid honeys which colour their hides. The Third Section offers an overview of concepts the thesis presents. It also bears the key to unlock a very old mystery. , Intended as a Masters of Arts thesis for the University of Natal, the author was unable to complete the final chapter before her death, and the thesis was never submitted for examination. It was the wish of her husband that her careful study should be brought to light and be made available to other students of this field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Pineapples in the Eastern Cape: a study of the farm economy and marketing patterns
- Authors: Strauss, Conrad Barend
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Pineapple industry -- South Africa -- Cape of Good Hope Pineapples -- Marketing Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Book , Text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/2442 , vital:20291
- Description: The major objective of this study was to seek a better knowledge and greater understanding of the factors associated with successful pineapple farming in the Eastern Cape Region of the Union of South Africa. As no previous investigation equally representative of commercial pineapple farming patterns in the Eastern Cape has been made, this study can be regarded as a pilot survey of the labour structures, rates of production, combination of enterprises, marketing channels and the suitability of various districts in the region of study for the production of pineapples. In addition, the history of the pineapple in South Africa will be traced briefly, and the position the Union holds as a supplier of pineapples on the world market, will be investigated. The importance of the Eastern Cape as a producer of pineapples in South Africa is well known, but is also unequivocally illustrated by the information in Table 1. According to estimates made by the Division of Economics and Markets for 1955/56 season, no less than 86.5 per cent of the total acreage planted to pineapples in South Africa, was located in this area. Bathurst, East London and Albany, three of the six districts included in the estimate, were particularly prominent. Taken together, they cultivated more than three-quarters of the total area planted to pineapples in the Eastern Cape, and nearly 70 per cent of the total for South Africa. The remaining quarter of the area cultivated in the Eastern Cape was located in the districts of Peddie, Komgha and Alexandria. , Digitised by Rhodes University Library on behalf of the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Strauss, Conrad Barend
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Pineapple industry -- South Africa -- Cape of Good Hope Pineapples -- Marketing Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Book , Text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/2442 , vital:20291
- Description: The major objective of this study was to seek a better knowledge and greater understanding of the factors associated with successful pineapple farming in the Eastern Cape Region of the Union of South Africa. As no previous investigation equally representative of commercial pineapple farming patterns in the Eastern Cape has been made, this study can be regarded as a pilot survey of the labour structures, rates of production, combination of enterprises, marketing channels and the suitability of various districts in the region of study for the production of pineapples. In addition, the history of the pineapple in South Africa will be traced briefly, and the position the Union holds as a supplier of pineapples on the world market, will be investigated. The importance of the Eastern Cape as a producer of pineapples in South Africa is well known, but is also unequivocally illustrated by the information in Table 1. According to estimates made by the Division of Economics and Markets for 1955/56 season, no less than 86.5 per cent of the total acreage planted to pineapples in South Africa, was located in this area. Bathurst, East London and Albany, three of the six districts included in the estimate, were particularly prominent. Taken together, they cultivated more than three-quarters of the total area planted to pineapples in the Eastern Cape, and nearly 70 per cent of the total for South Africa. The remaining quarter of the area cultivated in the Eastern Cape was located in the districts of Peddie, Komgha and Alexandria. , Digitised by Rhodes University Library on behalf of the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Southern African Journal of Gerontology 1992-2000: Content pages
- Authors: Ferreira, Monica (editor)
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Gerontology
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:8064 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012657
- Description: Southern African Journal of Gerontology 1992-2000: Content pages compiled by Monica Ferreira
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Ferreira, Monica (editor)
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Gerontology
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:8064 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012657
- Description: Southern African Journal of Gerontology 1992-2000: Content pages compiled by Monica Ferreira
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Southern African Journal of Gerontology, volume 9, number 1, April 2000
- Ferreira, Monica (editor), Moller, Valerie, HSRC/UCT Centre for Gerontology
- Authors: Ferreira, Monica (editor) , Moller, Valerie , HSRC/UCT Centre for Gerontology
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Gerontology -- South Africa , Older people -- Care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:8080 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012914
- Description: [From Editorial] Four of the five articles in this issue either deal explicitly with or refer to the effects of the AIDS epidemics in the authors' countries. The fifth paper deals with late-life chronic diseases of life-style. In the first paper, Akinsola examines effects of the epidemic on older Batswana and evaluates the effectiveness of his country's Community Home-Based Care programme against the programme's objectives, with special reference to the situation of older persons as primary caregivers to PWAs and AIDS orphans. He concludes that the situation of older carers calls for strong and urgent policy action to assist this highly vulnerable and marginalized group in its critical and valuable role and function as carers. In her paper on the provision of housing and care for older persons in Zambia, Sichingabula considers implications of the anticipated increases in AIDS morbidity and mortality, in the form of an increased demand for formal housing and care by older Zambians in the face of diminished traditional support. Given effects of the country's Structural Adjustment Programme and the Zambian government's inability to expand provision of formal support for the older population, the author makes recommendations for initiatives which NGOs can undertake towards meeting the needs and improving the quality of life of older persons. Next, Shaibu examines the experiences of caregivers to older persons in Botswana within a context of pervasive, abject poverty and multiple, unmet basic needs. The author notes how the HIV I AIDS epidemic, in addition to other social forces, impacts family structures and the capacity of Batswana to care for older relatives. In their paper, authors Patel, Steyn, Charlton, Bourne, Laubscher, Fourie and Jooste describe the risk-factor profile for chronic diseases of life-style, such as hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and obesity, in the older black population of Cape Town and compare it with risk profiles in other South African ethnic groups. The authors note that although the study population is still at low risk of cardiovascular disease - for example, demographic changes, including urbanisation and the adoption of urban life-styles, are likely to lead to an increase in chronic morbidity in future older cohorts in this population. In a second paper, Sichingabula assesses the physical and social environment of Divine Providence Home, a residential care facility for destitute older persons in Lusaka, Zambia. She draws practitioners' attention to the prudence of incorporating design features in facilities built for older persons which enhance the users' mobility, independence and quality of life. She also highlights a lack of social stimulation and the inactivity of the residents at the home. The author makes the point that given an anticipated increased demand for admission to residential care facilities as a result of AIDS-related deaths and loss of traditional support for older persons, living environments in these facilities must be optimized. In sum, the AIDS-related research papers in this number highlight a need to identify and to strengthen social and care systems which can assist older persons in Africa, as traditional systems are increasingly affected by demographic forces, particularly the effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemics. Finally, Moller reviews a recent, landmark Help Age International report (1999), which is a compilation of 15 papers on ageing in developing countries and challenges facing research, policy and practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Ferreira, Monica (editor) , Moller, Valerie , HSRC/UCT Centre for Gerontology
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Gerontology -- South Africa , Older people -- Care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:8080 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012914
- Description: [From Editorial] Four of the five articles in this issue either deal explicitly with or refer to the effects of the AIDS epidemics in the authors' countries. The fifth paper deals with late-life chronic diseases of life-style. In the first paper, Akinsola examines effects of the epidemic on older Batswana and evaluates the effectiveness of his country's Community Home-Based Care programme against the programme's objectives, with special reference to the situation of older persons as primary caregivers to PWAs and AIDS orphans. He concludes that the situation of older carers calls for strong and urgent policy action to assist this highly vulnerable and marginalized group in its critical and valuable role and function as carers. In her paper on the provision of housing and care for older persons in Zambia, Sichingabula considers implications of the anticipated increases in AIDS morbidity and mortality, in the form of an increased demand for formal housing and care by older Zambians in the face of diminished traditional support. Given effects of the country's Structural Adjustment Programme and the Zambian government's inability to expand provision of formal support for the older population, the author makes recommendations for initiatives which NGOs can undertake towards meeting the needs and improving the quality of life of older persons. Next, Shaibu examines the experiences of caregivers to older persons in Botswana within a context of pervasive, abject poverty and multiple, unmet basic needs. The author notes how the HIV I AIDS epidemic, in addition to other social forces, impacts family structures and the capacity of Batswana to care for older relatives. In their paper, authors Patel, Steyn, Charlton, Bourne, Laubscher, Fourie and Jooste describe the risk-factor profile for chronic diseases of life-style, such as hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and obesity, in the older black population of Cape Town and compare it with risk profiles in other South African ethnic groups. The authors note that although the study population is still at low risk of cardiovascular disease - for example, demographic changes, including urbanisation and the adoption of urban life-styles, are likely to lead to an increase in chronic morbidity in future older cohorts in this population. In a second paper, Sichingabula assesses the physical and social environment of Divine Providence Home, a residential care facility for destitute older persons in Lusaka, Zambia. She draws practitioners' attention to the prudence of incorporating design features in facilities built for older persons which enhance the users' mobility, independence and quality of life. She also highlights a lack of social stimulation and the inactivity of the residents at the home. The author makes the point that given an anticipated increased demand for admission to residential care facilities as a result of AIDS-related deaths and loss of traditional support for older persons, living environments in these facilities must be optimized. In sum, the AIDS-related research papers in this number highlight a need to identify and to strengthen social and care systems which can assist older persons in Africa, as traditional systems are increasingly affected by demographic forces, particularly the effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemics. Finally, Moller reviews a recent, landmark Help Age International report (1999), which is a compilation of 15 papers on ageing in developing countries and challenges facing research, policy and practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Southern African Journal of Gerontology, volume 9, number 2, October 2000
- Ferreira, Monica (editor), Moller, Valerie, HSRC/UCT Centre for Gerontology
- Authors: Ferreira, Monica (editor) , Moller, Valerie , HSRC/UCT Centre for Gerontology
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Gerontology -- South Africa , Older people -- Care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:8081 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012915
- Description: [From Editorial] In this special issue of SAJG, an attempt is made to demonstrate how a selection of studies were conducted and how the research outcomes have been translated into action. Heslop, Agyarko, Adjetey-Sorsey and Mapetla give us a paper in which they have evaluated the methodology used in studies in Ghana and South Africa to determine the contributions of older people. After long periods of implementation and learning, this participatory-research methodology has become synonymous with HAl's research work. The authors take us through the methodology, describe the studies carried out in the two countries, and provide us with a vivid picture of not only the problems which older people in the countries face, but also the immense contribution which they make to the well-being of other people. The impact which this work has had in both countries is notable. Older participants in the studies have taken it upon themselves to advocate their rights, and the governments in the two countries have started to put measures in place to address some of the problems identified in the studies. The paper by Van Vuuren and Groenewald examines the pattern of expenditure of pension income by black pension beneficiaries in the Free State Province of South Africa, against a backdrop of these persons' living circumstances. It goes into detail about issues regarding the payment of pensions, pension sharing within households and expenditure of pension money on specific items, and challenges allegations that pensioners are frequently robbed of their pension money and that they lose this income to loan sharks. Some of the findings of this paper contrast with the findings of the HAl studies conducted with partners in the Northem, Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal provinces of South Africa (see the first paper in this issue by Heslop and colleagues). In their paper, Kowal, Wolfson and Dowd point out that there is a dearth of empirical and credible data on older people in Africa. Although some research has been conducted on this population, the authors note that by and large the available data derive from small samples, are scattered, and have neither been widely disseminated nor shared. The authors further note a lack of common approaches to data collection. Realising these gaps, the World Health Organisation arranged a workshop in Harare, Zimbabwe in January 2000, to begin a process to develop a minimum data set (MDS) for use by researchers in Africa. An overall aim of the MDS project is to provide data to influence policy and decision makers in various areas which affect older persons. , Needs-driven research on nutrition and ageing, carried out by HAl in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, is reported by Busolo, Ismail and Peachey in their paper. Nutrition and ageing in developing countries is an area which bas received scant attention. The nutritional requirements of older persons in these countries have not only been inadequately investigated but as a result, nutrition practitioners in various settings simply shoot in the dark. The authors take us down the path which the research took, from bow the needs were identified, to how the research was conducted, to how an intervention programme was set up. They give us some key findings of the research, describe the dissemination process and the application of the findings, and suggest a way forward. An Africa-wide programme currently being implemented as a direct result of this work is aimed at providing knowledge and information on the nutritional requirements of older people to key nutrition institutes, older people's organisations, N GOs (particularly those working in emergency situations), donors and governments. HelpAge International earlier conducted research in the Magu district of Tanzania on the plight of older women who are victimised on suspicion of their being witches (cf. Forrester Kibuga, 1999). Forrester Kibuga and Dianga now draw on this work in their paper. The authors take us through facts pertaining to the witchcraft-related killings, some of the problems which older people in the district face, the changing roles of older people in that area, beliefs and customs of the communities, and the stance of the government and the church on witchcraft. The dynamics of gender issues are also discussed. Following on this research, HAl designed and is now implementing a programme aimed at addressing some of the factors which lead up to these killings and developing sustainable structures to protect older people from violence. In his paper, Gorman draws on the work of HAl in various parts of the world, particularly in Africa - including Tanzania, Ghana, South Africa and Kenya. He argues that violence against older women and men in Africa cannot be attributed to a single, straight-forward problem but must be understood within a complex web that touches on history, family structures, and social and economic factors. He makes practical suggestions on what needs to be done to deal with the problem of violence. HelpAge International will soon be implementing an Africa-wide programme as a response to some of the issues which have been raised in its research on violence. While there is a clear need for more research on ageing in Africa, the research should not be done in a vacuum. There is a simultaneous need for greater collaboration and sharing of research results, and perhaps most importantly, for more action based on research outcomes. At the end of the day researchers should never forget that they have an ethical commitment to their subjects, to society and to their colleagues. , Thanks are due to Karen Peachey and Alex Dianga in the HAl Africa Regional Development Centre for the co-ordination of this special issue. Special thanks are due to Monica Ferreira for dedicating the issue to the experience and work of HAl, and for her commitment to addressing issues pertaining to ageing in Africa. She has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of not only this issue of SAJG but of previous issues as well. I have found her a pillar of support and a pleasure to work with. Tavengwa M. Nhongo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Ferreira, Monica (editor) , Moller, Valerie , HSRC/UCT Centre for Gerontology
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Gerontology -- South Africa , Older people -- Care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:8081 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012915
- Description: [From Editorial] In this special issue of SAJG, an attempt is made to demonstrate how a selection of studies were conducted and how the research outcomes have been translated into action. Heslop, Agyarko, Adjetey-Sorsey and Mapetla give us a paper in which they have evaluated the methodology used in studies in Ghana and South Africa to determine the contributions of older people. After long periods of implementation and learning, this participatory-research methodology has become synonymous with HAl's research work. The authors take us through the methodology, describe the studies carried out in the two countries, and provide us with a vivid picture of not only the problems which older people in the countries face, but also the immense contribution which they make to the well-being of other people. The impact which this work has had in both countries is notable. Older participants in the studies have taken it upon themselves to advocate their rights, and the governments in the two countries have started to put measures in place to address some of the problems identified in the studies. The paper by Van Vuuren and Groenewald examines the pattern of expenditure of pension income by black pension beneficiaries in the Free State Province of South Africa, against a backdrop of these persons' living circumstances. It goes into detail about issues regarding the payment of pensions, pension sharing within households and expenditure of pension money on specific items, and challenges allegations that pensioners are frequently robbed of their pension money and that they lose this income to loan sharks. Some of the findings of this paper contrast with the findings of the HAl studies conducted with partners in the Northem, Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal provinces of South Africa (see the first paper in this issue by Heslop and colleagues). In their paper, Kowal, Wolfson and Dowd point out that there is a dearth of empirical and credible data on older people in Africa. Although some research has been conducted on this population, the authors note that by and large the available data derive from small samples, are scattered, and have neither been widely disseminated nor shared. The authors further note a lack of common approaches to data collection. Realising these gaps, the World Health Organisation arranged a workshop in Harare, Zimbabwe in January 2000, to begin a process to develop a minimum data set (MDS) for use by researchers in Africa. An overall aim of the MDS project is to provide data to influence policy and decision makers in various areas which affect older persons. , Needs-driven research on nutrition and ageing, carried out by HAl in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, is reported by Busolo, Ismail and Peachey in their paper. Nutrition and ageing in developing countries is an area which bas received scant attention. The nutritional requirements of older persons in these countries have not only been inadequately investigated but as a result, nutrition practitioners in various settings simply shoot in the dark. The authors take us down the path which the research took, from bow the needs were identified, to how the research was conducted, to how an intervention programme was set up. They give us some key findings of the research, describe the dissemination process and the application of the findings, and suggest a way forward. An Africa-wide programme currently being implemented as a direct result of this work is aimed at providing knowledge and information on the nutritional requirements of older people to key nutrition institutes, older people's organisations, N GOs (particularly those working in emergency situations), donors and governments. HelpAge International earlier conducted research in the Magu district of Tanzania on the plight of older women who are victimised on suspicion of their being witches (cf. Forrester Kibuga, 1999). Forrester Kibuga and Dianga now draw on this work in their paper. The authors take us through facts pertaining to the witchcraft-related killings, some of the problems which older people in the district face, the changing roles of older people in that area, beliefs and customs of the communities, and the stance of the government and the church on witchcraft. The dynamics of gender issues are also discussed. Following on this research, HAl designed and is now implementing a programme aimed at addressing some of the factors which lead up to these killings and developing sustainable structures to protect older people from violence. In his paper, Gorman draws on the work of HAl in various parts of the world, particularly in Africa - including Tanzania, Ghana, South Africa and Kenya. He argues that violence against older women and men in Africa cannot be attributed to a single, straight-forward problem but must be understood within a complex web that touches on history, family structures, and social and economic factors. He makes practical suggestions on what needs to be done to deal with the problem of violence. HelpAge International will soon be implementing an Africa-wide programme as a response to some of the issues which have been raised in its research on violence. While there is a clear need for more research on ageing in Africa, the research should not be done in a vacuum. There is a simultaneous need for greater collaboration and sharing of research results, and perhaps most importantly, for more action based on research outcomes. At the end of the day researchers should never forget that they have an ethical commitment to their subjects, to society and to their colleagues. , Thanks are due to Karen Peachey and Alex Dianga in the HAl Africa Regional Development Centre for the co-ordination of this special issue. Special thanks are due to Monica Ferreira for dedicating the issue to the experience and work of HAl, and for her commitment to addressing issues pertaining to ageing in Africa. She has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of not only this issue of SAJG but of previous issues as well. I have found her a pillar of support and a pleasure to work with. Tavengwa M. Nhongo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Youth development in Grahamstown: a social map: a guide to organisations catering for youth development
- Authors: Van Hees, Charlotte
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Arts -- Study and teaching Associations, institutions, etc. -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Directories Community development -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Community education -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Culture -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Mass media -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Public health -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Public welfare -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Schools -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Sports -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Unemployment -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Youth -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Youth -- South Africa Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Directories Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Book , Text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/2420 , vital:20288 , ISBN 0868103640
- Description: Grahamstown is a town in the Eastern Cape with a population of approximately 110 000 of which the vast majority live in the former black township, known as Grahamstown East. Unemployment, poor housing, a high crime rate and a lack of primary facilities like toilets, electricity and water are daily facts for a large number of the inhabitants of Grahamstown East. Every day government departments, non-government organisations (NGOs) and volunteers work to improve the lives of the people. Youth merit special attention, after all “youth make the future”. The spectrum of organisations catering for youth development is broad: from local schools providing basic education to organisations like the Grahamstown Foundation trying to involve youth in national art projects. They all have one thing in common. They are all aiming to give youth a grip on their lives, to give them a future by empowering them. But what do we actually know about the youth? Where do they come from? What are their expectations and aspirations in life? What kind of leisure activities do they have? What kind of organisations do they use to get ahead in life? And what do we actually know about these organisations? How do they form their policy and activities? Which role does the government play and which role is left for the non-governmental organisations? In what ways do they work together? How do youth participate in the policy making of these organisations? The Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) of Rhodes University is working together with the Centre for Policy and Management of the University of Utrecht (The Netherlands) to find answers to these questions. A sample survey was conducted in May 1999 to compile baseline information on youth from Grahamstown East in terms of social characteristics, motivations for personal and collective development, and expectations for the future. From January until July 1999 the project team has visited organisations in Grahamstown focusing on (youth) development to identify existing youth programmes and to see how these programmes are incorporated in the town’s context. This social map is a product of this research. The research defines youth as young people living in Grahamstown East in the age category of 14 to 25 years old. This social map however also includes organisations catering for younger children, by displaying the pre-schools and organisations like Child and Family Welfare Society that focus on children up to the age of 13. The National Youth Commission defines youth development in “Youth Policy 2000” (1997) as a process whereby young men and women are able to improve their skills, talents and abilities to extend their intellectual, physical and emotional capabilities to express themselves and to live full lives. This definition is used in this research. , Digitised by Rhodes University Library on behalf of the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Van Hees, Charlotte
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Arts -- Study and teaching Associations, institutions, etc. -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Directories Community development -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Community education -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Culture -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Mass media -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Public health -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Public welfare -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Schools -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Sports -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Unemployment -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Youth -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Youth -- South Africa Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Directories Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Book , Text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/2420 , vital:20288 , ISBN 0868103640
- Description: Grahamstown is a town in the Eastern Cape with a population of approximately 110 000 of which the vast majority live in the former black township, known as Grahamstown East. Unemployment, poor housing, a high crime rate and a lack of primary facilities like toilets, electricity and water are daily facts for a large number of the inhabitants of Grahamstown East. Every day government departments, non-government organisations (NGOs) and volunteers work to improve the lives of the people. Youth merit special attention, after all “youth make the future”. The spectrum of organisations catering for youth development is broad: from local schools providing basic education to organisations like the Grahamstown Foundation trying to involve youth in national art projects. They all have one thing in common. They are all aiming to give youth a grip on their lives, to give them a future by empowering them. But what do we actually know about the youth? Where do they come from? What are their expectations and aspirations in life? What kind of leisure activities do they have? What kind of organisations do they use to get ahead in life? And what do we actually know about these organisations? How do they form their policy and activities? Which role does the government play and which role is left for the non-governmental organisations? In what ways do they work together? How do youth participate in the policy making of these organisations? The Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) of Rhodes University is working together with the Centre for Policy and Management of the University of Utrecht (The Netherlands) to find answers to these questions. A sample survey was conducted in May 1999 to compile baseline information on youth from Grahamstown East in terms of social characteristics, motivations for personal and collective development, and expectations for the future. From January until July 1999 the project team has visited organisations in Grahamstown focusing on (youth) development to identify existing youth programmes and to see how these programmes are incorporated in the town’s context. This social map is a product of this research. The research defines youth as young people living in Grahamstown East in the age category of 14 to 25 years old. This social map however also includes organisations catering for younger children, by displaying the pre-schools and organisations like Child and Family Welfare Society that focus on children up to the age of 13. The National Youth Commission defines youth development in “Youth Policy 2000” (1997) as a process whereby young men and women are able to improve their skills, talents and abilities to extend their intellectual, physical and emotional capabilities to express themselves and to live full lives. This definition is used in this research. , Digitised by Rhodes University Library on behalf of the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
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