The relationship between employability and labour market participation
- Authors: Uwuoruya, Nosayaba Frederick
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Labor supply -- South Africa , Unemployment -- South Africa Work environment Work -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36111 , vital:33894
- Description: Unemployment is an urgent socio- economic issue facing not just Sub-Saharan Africa but also the global world at large (Yu, 2013). Globally, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that 201 million people were unemployed in 2014. Almost 74 million of those unemployed were young people (aged 15-24) in 2014. The ILO report further states that the number of people seeking employment was over 30 million more than in 2008, because several people lost their jobs due to the world economic recession. One of the results recorded from the ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook 2016, show that youth unemployment is still three times that of the adult unemployment rate at 13.1% (ILO, 2016). Unemployed youths are estimated to be 73.3 million, a 3.3% decline from the global crisis in 2008 (ILO,2016:6). Crisp and Powell, (2016) indicate youth are vulnerable due to the economic fragility of the labour market and uneven recovery over the past years.The case of Sub-Saharan Africa is no different. South Africa is one of the countries grappling with high rates of unemployment, especially among youths (Burger & Fintel, 2009). According to a report by Statistics South Africa in 2015, 5.2 million of the labour force were unemployed, while 15.1 million South Africans are not economically active- resulting in an unemployment rate of 24.5% in the fourth quarter of 2015 (Statistics South Africa, 2015). Since- 2010, the first quarter of each year recorded increases in unemployment levels. The number of unemployed individuals had increase by more than half a million (626000, 521000) in the first quarter of 2015 and 2016 respectively (Statistics South Africa, 2016). The youth unemployment rate in South Africa decreased to 47.60% in the third quarter of 2016 from 53.70% in the second quarter of 2016.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Vulnerability and coping strategies of the Missionvale informal settlement community to flood hazards
- Authors: Tele, Asanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Squatter settlements -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Urbanization -- South Africa Floods -- Health aspects Floods -- Economic aspects Floods -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Emergency management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35796 , vital:33848
- Description: While many governments and organisations across the globe have programmes in place to control flood disasters, the challenges, unpreparedness and vulnerability to flooding in many parts of the world persist. This study used the low-lying area of Missionvale township in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa as a case study to investigate the extent of the vulnerability of informal settlement dwellers to flooding, and to understand how the community deals with and recovers from severe flood disasters. The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. The empirical data for the study was obtained through a survey of 90 residents of the area, as well as interviews with the members of the community. Fieldwork and observations were also conducted. These focused on examining the area in terms of disaster relief. Secondary data was obtained through a literature review as well as a review of legislative frameworks. The findings indicate that since 1994, the government has put in place a disaster management system but the system still needs to be reinforced as periodic severe flooding continues to destroy properties and infrastructure in many communities. Crime as well as the emergence of water-borne diseases are negative spin-offs of these disasters. The research elaborates on the coping strategies of the community to floods and makes recommendations on vulnerability and coping strategies to floods in low-income settlements in South Africa. With climate change likely to aggravate flood disasters, it is recommended that the policy directions need stakeholders to improve disaster preparedness, provide flood measures to houses and storm water drainage, develop early warning systems and improve community participation in disaster preparedness planning and efforts. In addition, it is crucial to improve post-disaster responses such as service delivery and support for the flood victims with needed resources and rebuilding of homes and lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Worker participation and involvement in a Zimbabwean mining environment
- Authors: Nyamahowa, Takudzwa Frank
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Management -- Employee participation -- Zimbabwe , Industrial relations -- Zimbabwe Industrial sociology -- Zimbabwe Job satisfaction Work environment -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34432 , vital:33378
- Description: Harmonious work relations can be achieved when worker involvement and participation structures are used effectively to ensure that workers‟ interests and rights are addressed. Literature has established the relationship between employee participation and worker satisfaction with working conditions. However, the extent to which employees are happy at work is also affected by their social and living conditions. It is therefore important to know the worker levels of satisfaction with participation on issues that affect them, and if the channels are being used to create an enabling environment. The objective of the study was to look at the influence employee participation has on worker satisfaction with work-life and workers satisfaction with social and living conditions, and the relationship between worker satisfaction with work-life and satisfaction with social and living conditions. The research questions were structured around this premise. The research was quantitative and used a 5-Likert scale using the three factors of employee participation, social and living conditions, and working life. The major findings revealed that there is strong relationship between worker satisfaction with employee participation and worker satisfaction with working life. Social and living conditions through an Exploratory Factor Analysis divided into exterior and interior social and living conditions. Working life was strongly correlated with interior social and living conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A poverty alleviation strategy of Vukuzenzele gardening project in Motherwell township
- Authors: Zitho, Andiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Economic development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Community development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Poor -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13724 , vital:27302
- Description: Poverty is one of the issues that affects the development in our country. the strategies that are used differ from one to person to another. development is said to be measured through a lot of things but mostly through economic growth which influenced by poverty. the purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the strategies being used to alleviate poverty in the Motherwell township, in Port Elizabeth. The study focused mainly on Vukuzenzele gardening project, where a sample of 15 participants were purposovely selected to be part of the study. Furthermore, the aim of the study was to contribute towards community development by investigating the social issues that directly influence poverty eradication.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Clusters as a vehicle for industrial development in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mtati, Odwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Industrial clusters -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrialization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7106 , vital:21235
- Description: This study examines the cluster approach as a means for promoting industrial development in the Eastern Cape Province, Republic of South Africa. The Province is unevenly developed, with pockets that are well-integrated into the national and global economies, but with some areas being severely underdeveloped. However, the Province retains a high potential for industrial revitalisation and expansion. The option of applying the cluster approach, most closely associated with Michael Porter’s work, The Comparative Advantage of Nations, to unlock this potential is examined, with a particular focus on the factors affecting the efficiency of the cluster as a vehicle for promoting industrialisation. Existing works on success factors for clusters and comparative case studies are examined, while responses from a survey among provincial stakeholders on the adaptation of the cluster concept to the circumstances of the province are analysed. The study finds that the management of a cluster is critical to its success or demise. Further to this, the key role that exists for industry is in building inter-firm co-operation, improving government and business cooperation, skills development of local labour pools and facilitating interactions between buyers and sellers. While Government Policy is not always necessary for establishment of clusters, in the specific circumstances of the Eastern Cape, it is desirable due to underdevelopment in most regions. The case for introduction of a cluster policy is supported by global experiences with clusters. A cluster approach for promotion of industrialisation is therefore recommended for the Province, with steps that may be taken towards the formation of clusters suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Crop production and sustainable livehoods for rural women of Sutterheim in Eastern Cape
- Authors: September, Lwandlekazi Christina
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Farms, Small -- Women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20488 , vital:29296
- Description: The study focuses on investigating the impact of crop production to sustainable livelihood strategies among rural women. The main objective of the study are as follows: to investigate the extent to which Silwindlala crop production cooperative has improved the lives of Jerseyville rural women, to investigate the new skills that Jerseyville rural women have obtained from Silwindlala crop production cooperative, to explore on challenges that would contribute to failure of crop production cooperative and to come up with the recommendations that would contribute to policy formulation and skills on management of crop production cooperative of rural women. The study employed qualitative method for data collection and analysis. The main findings of this study were that, the impact of crop production on sustainable livelihood is still seasonal, during harvesting period. Data showed low educational status and lack of business management skills among rural women, however, technical skills and collective interest contributed to the success of the cooperative
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Customer preferences with regard to milk packaging
- Authors: Herbst, Ruben Andreas
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Consumer behavior Consumers' preferences , Consumer satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15967 , vital:28295
- Description: The milk industry in the Eastern Cape is very competitive and milk suppliers must use all means, including packaging, to influence buying behaviour. The aim of the study was to investigate customer preferences with regard to milk packaging in the Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) area. The purpose was to develop a better understanding of customer preferences so that packaging could be designed to satisfy customer expectations and needs. The research design was based on a quantitative approach (non-experimental) and the study was descriptive in nature. The measuring instrument was a self-developed questionnaire, which was developed based on the literature study and previous empirical studies conducted by Adam and Ali (2014a) and Ahmed, Pumar and Amin (2014). The sample consisted of 199 adult shoppers in the Nelson Mandela Bay area, selected through snowball and quota sampling. Data was collected with the help of fieldworkers, coded into Microsoft Excel and processed with statistical software. Descriptive statistics and canonical correlation analysis were used to identify customer preferences and relationships between the different dimensions of milk packaging. The results revealed that size, materials, convenience in handing and product information (expiry date) were important. Colour and design were not regarded as important by the target group.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Development of aquaculture practitioner’s business skills to enhance income sustainability
- Authors: Koyo, Sichumile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Aquaculture industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Success in business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18025 , vital:28561
- Description: The Eastern Cape Province is endowed with numerous aquatic resources with aquaculture potential. Farmers in suitable areas across the province are turning to fish farming as a way of producing high quality food, either for their families or for the market, and as a way of earning extra income. This research study therefore sought to examine the business management skills of the current aquaculture practitioners in the province as to enhance them. Literature reviewed showed that various business management skills that an aquaculture practitioner is required to have in order to enhance income sustainability. The business management that seemed to be of importance in enhancing income generation were identified, and those included, marketing management skills, financial management skills, operations management skills, and supporting skills which include, computer skills, technical skills , negotiation and time management skills. The study employed descriptive survey design and stratified sampling design was used in order to select a sample size of 55 respondents. The study adopted online survey questionnaires as instruments of data collection. Quantitative research approach then took place from chapter three in the empirical data collection, analysis and interpretation. Data collection tool was the constructed using the developed theoretical framework to determine the perception about the level of business management skills of aquaculture practitioners. Data was then collected using an online survey because it was seen as convenient and time saving to the researcher. The collected data was the recorded, organised and cleaned. The necessary statistical calculations which include; Pearson r counts, mean, mode, median, standard deviations, percentiles, chi-square, Spearman rank and percentages were performed. These statistical analyses were used to describe and interpreted the data. The findings indicate that the most aquaculture practitioners are the middle aged people from the age group 45 to 50 years. The results also show that the present aquaculture practitioners marketing management skills are still not considered in the aquaculture business because in the aquaculture industry there is currently less advertising as the demand for the products surpasses the production. The marketing management skills elements that appeared to be low negative include, considering the needs of the market, identifying target market, working out marketing strategy and finding ways to do better that the competition. The findings also indicate that the respondents also seem not to be confident about applying their personal life skill like time management and negotiation skills. The majority the respondents have on average had received education training in Honours/B.Tech Degree qualification. More of the respondents had on average worked more than 11 years. The abalone industry aquaculture sub-sector seems to be the most dominating sub sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Effectiveness of school governing bodies in rural schools of Ngcobo district
- Authors: Lugalo, Simo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: School boards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18222 , vital:28590
- Description: This study focused on school governing bodies in the rural schools in Ngcobo. In this study, the researcher established that in rural schools, parent members of school governing bodies are still reluctant, or ill equipped to do their duty as governors of the schools. They rely on what the principals ask them to do. They need more training and empowerment to fulfill their duties as members of the school governing bodies. Most of the parents who are members of school governing bodies are older and their level of education is generally low. The principals are complaining that not enough training was being given to parent members to fulfill their task as school governors. However, it remains the principals’ responsibility to coach SGB parent-members in order for the school functionality to go on. The findings of this study show that much more need to be done to empower parental-members of SGBs in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape and most probably in most, if not all, rural areas of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Exploring the management-union relationship in an Eastern Cape public sector department
- Authors: Mkalipi, Nosivatho Getrude
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Labor unions -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor movement -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Work environment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Government business enterprises -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18365 , vital:28627
- Description: This study explored the relationship between management and the union in an Eastern Cape Public Sector Department. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research tools to collect information from the respondents, who gave a view on their experiences of what the relationship is, and how it could be improved. The sample consisted of members of management and union executives, across employment levels. Both statistical and thematic analysis were used to analyse data from questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The literature review defined the concept of trade unionism, management and trade union relationship in the workplace, and different frames of reference of the labour relations system. From the literature review it is noted that management and union relationships are more of a formal arrangement in the workplace; as such government, has developed tools to assist in this regard. Although that is not the case in the Department it is noted that the informal arrangement in the relationship between management and union is ‘working’ to some extent. Quality and sustainability of that, however, is questionable. The findings indicate that most members of management acknowledge the existence of the relationship between management and the union, but they are dissatisfied, as most members are not part of the engagements with the union. They are also of the view that it is in favour of the union. Unions on the other hand, view the existing relationship as working in favour of one union instead of the union collective. The union which finds favour is satisfied, and the other is not. It is recommended that the management and union engagement be formalized in order for the Department to work with unions in a more structured, professional manner, which would be inclusive of other members of management who feel left out. Not only that, but management would also be able to engage with the union as a collective, and not as an individual union.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Factors inhibiting rural development in the Amahlathi Local Municipality
- Authors: Ngamile, Nolundi Cordelia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19431 , vital:28872
- Description: In South Africa, since 1994 when democratic government came into power, the issue of development was raised as one of the priorities of government. Government promised citizens livelihoods to be improved through quality, effective and efficient services. Rural development was identified as one priorities of government to ensure better life for all the citizens. The issue of rural development was still a challenge in South Africa especially in the Eastern Cape Province. Amahlathi local municipality is not an exception from these challenges. Transformation of rural communities in this area through rural development is very slow. It is quite evident that although rural development was a priority initiative this municipality is still facing challenges. There are factors and constraints inhibiting rural development. The primary objective of this research was to obtain a better understanding of poverty and development in rural areas and also to identify the underlying factors and challenges inhibiting rural development. The study had three objectives. The first objective was to identify factors inhibiting rural development in the Amahlathi Local Municipality; the second objective was to identify the constraints on economic activities in Amahlathi Municipality. The third objective was to ascertain what has been done to address the needs of rural people in Amahlathi Local Municipality by agents of development, such as government and non-governmental organisations. The study employed a qualitative approach for an in-depth understanding and verification. Source of documents included academic and non -academic books, journal articles published and unpublished dissertations, official documents of the government and the magazines and the internet were used as sources of secondary data. The main finding in terms of the research objective is that there a number of factors inhibiting rural development include lack of basic infrastructure, lack of access to markets, low employment, and training and capacity building. Infrastructure such as roads, transport and irrigation is crucial for improving and stabilising the livelihoods of rural households and providing access to markets and key social services in the Amahlathi Municipality. The recommends that a serious interventions by the states should be employed and also has to encourage investment in infrastructure using labour-intensive methods to reduce service backlogs in underserviced areas in Amahlathi. Government has to develop service-improvement programmes that generate income and employment in order to reduce poverty in Amahlathi Municipality. This includes empowerment of people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Land restitution policy in old West Bank location, East London
- Authors: Bhe, Ntomboxolo Grace
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Land tenure -- Political aspects -- South Africa -- East London Land titles -- South Africa -- East London , Land tenure -- South Africa -- East London Land titles -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14620 , vital:27804
- Description: This thesis summarises research on the implementation of land restitution policy in the old West Bank Location, in East London. Apartheid legislation dispossessed many Black people of their land. After 1994, the new democratic government implemented a land reform programme, land policy was reviewed, and people were compensated for the loss of land either financially or through restoration of their land. The original cut-off date for claims was 1998, but the window for claims was reopened in July 2014 because of difficulties in implementation. The period for the lodging of claims was extended to end June 2019 to allow people who had not yet been able to do so to participate in the process. In case of the old West Bank Location claims, compensation was in the form of land restoration, including houses which would be built for the claimants. This study documents the successes and challenges encountered in the implementation of land policy in the old West Bank Location. Triangulation of methods was used: data were collected from documents, interviews with claimants, interviews with government officials, and observation of meetings. Recommendations with regard to land policy are made on the basis of the research findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Livelihood strategies in rural areas of Makhoaseng village
- Authors: Lehlapa, Kgotsofalang
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- Developing countries Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18156 , vital:28581
- Description: Despite the establishment of local municipalities, rural villages are still under-developed. Under-development is an economic situation in which there are persistent discriminatory customary laws, high inequality, low levels of income and employment, low consumption, high dependence, weak community structures, little or no access to resources and inadequate services. Rural communities have not reached a satisfactory stage of economic development. This is due to the fact that these communities start from a low developmental base. They require assistance from government and other development agencies, such as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in order to achieve economic stability and a sense that they are living a meaningful life. The fundamental purpose of this study is to gain better understanding of rural livelihoods, and unpack efficiency of policy interventions that assist people in rural areas to pursue livelihood strategies that could help them to reduce poverty. The study mainly used documents from Statistics South Africa and Integrated Development Plan (IDP) documents from Elundini Local Municipality that made it possible to access socio-economic information about the village. The study found that, education levels, hawkership, welfare grants, Expanded Public Works Programme, livestock production and migration are strategies that determine livelihood in Makhoaseng village. The socio-economic conditions such as low levels of education, age, lack of access to basic infrastructure have effect on poverty and kind of livelihoods pursuit in different households. These conditions hinder people in the village to meet their basic needs. On the hand, the agricultural sector has a potential to boost Local Economic Development (LED) in the village. Lack of financial and social support from the government and private sector causes deficiencies in agricultural sector. Moreover, the village has weak structures with strong patriarchal norms. This confirms the need for holistic support from the government because few private sectors are willing to invest in such village. The implications are that, without community interest in education, attainment of better educational qualifications, skills and jobs will remain a challenge in the village. Other sectors of the population such as women will remain disadvantaged if community structures do not abandon patriarchal norms. Rural people are not waiting for government or development agencies to come up with interventions but they are engaging in some economic activities such as hawkership and wool production that enable them to go out of poverty. The government must partner with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to support community economic initiatives. On-farm activities ought to be intensified by venturing into mutton and beef production in the village. Government and development agencies must support women hawkers by developing them as cooperatives and explore other economic opportunities such as stone brick making and thatch for roofing. Low levels of education worsen the low living standards and create high dependency in the village. These conditions force the majority of the households in the Makhoaseng village to pursue involuntary livelihood strategies, while very few pursue deliberate livelihood strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Management of official accommodation in the Department of Roads and Public Works in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Mthathi, Noxolo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Public works -- Housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape South Africa -- Government -- Housing , Housing policy -- South Africa -- Government Occupancy (Law) -- South Africa Eviction -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19234 , vital:28802
- Description: The study investigates management of official accommodation in the Department of Roads and Public Works. Government immovable asset plays an essential role in ser-vice delivery. The official accommodation policies were not implemented as intendant and as a result, the former government employees are illegal occupants in government properties. The implementation of legislation and departmental policy for official ac-commodation are problematic when illegal occupants occupied government immova-ble assets without lease agreement. The present of illegal occupants has a negative impact to officials who qualify to occupy government properties in terms of the depart-mental policy for service delivery purposes. The study proposed to provide literature search using books, legislation, policies, and personal interviews among others. The research methodology employed in this study was described, followed by the legislative framework employed in this study. Some of the findings on a legislative framework for official accommodation in the department of Roads and Public Works in the department of Roads and Public Works include gaps at the implementation of departmental policy on Allocation of Official Housing in rela-tion to the lease of state owned properties. Recommendations as a result of descriptive literature search are presented and how the existing problem of implementation of official accommodation policies can be changed to enhance service delivery and to provide accommodation to officials who qualify to occupy government immovable assets. The recommendations will enable the Department of Roads and Public Works as custodian of immovable assets, to fulfil its Constitutional mandate to provide official accommodation to their officials and cli-ents departments who qualify in terms of the policy for service delivery purposes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Mhlontlo Municipality local economic development strategy as a driver of economic development
- Authors: Zipete, Zwelixolile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13316 , vital:27174
- Description: The main aim of the research study was to review the Mhlontlo Municipality Local Economic Development Strategy as a driver of economic development. The Mhlontlo LED Strategy was developed in 2007 to guide economic development of Mhlontlo Local Municipality. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa(Act 108 of 1996), the White Paper on Local Government (1998), Section B, the National Framework for LED in South Africa (2006), and other pieces of legislation gave direction in the development of LED Strategies in South# Africa, including the Mhlontlo LED Strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Perceptions of social and living conditions and quality of working life: a study of border-post employees
- Authors: Geldenhuys, Linda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Quality of work life , Work environment Work and family -- South Africa Job stress
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14289 , vital:27520
- Description: Research problem: Yadav and Khanna (2015) argue that the quality of work life defines the life at work and at home with family members. There is no existing definition of social and living conditions in the literature although it can be considered to include dimensions such as recreation, accommodation, health, education, family, religion and food (SLCB questionnaire). The social and living conditions of employees in rural towns situated close to borders is unique and, in order to offer suggestions with regard to what and how to improve the social and living conditions, their relationship with the quality of work life was investigated. Research objectives: The main objective of this study was to determine the possible relationship between the social and living conditions of employees in rural areas situated close to the South African border and the quality of work-related life. To address the research problem, research objectives and questions were formulated.Research questions: Four research questions were formulated:- What is the relationship between the overall quality of working life (WRQoL.Ovl1) and that of the social and living conditions (SLCB.Ovl1)?, -What is the relationship between the seven dimensions of social and living conditions and the seven dimensions of quality of working life? -Are there differences among the groups regarding the dimensions and overall social and living conditions? Are there differences among the groups regarding the dimensions and overall quality of working life? -Research design: This study is descriptive in nature, and used a self-administered questionnaire to collect data on work-related quality of life and social and living conditions from employees from rural towns close to the border posts. Major findings: The results showed a significant correlation between social and living conditions and the quality of working life. Furthermore, they revealed that accommodation, food and health are the three dimensions of social and living conditions that have the strongest relationship with quality of working life, with accommodation bearing the most significant relation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Poverty alleviation through the development of subsistence harvesters at Ngqushwa Municipality
- Authors: Sunduza, Nosipho Gloria
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Subsistence farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9228 , vital:26481
- Description: The broad objective of the study was poverty alleviation through the development of subsistence harvesters at Ngqushwa Municipality. The research objectives were to explore - ways of advancing from being subsistence level producers, opportunities available to these harvesters, if they, (subsistence harvesters), want to be commercialized and what actions do they need to take to become successful businesses. The study was conducted in the the coastal area of Ngqushwa Municipality. The researcher conducted face-to-face interviews with 2 key informants. The respondents provided information on the marine species harvested by the subsistence harvesters of the Ngqushwa Municipality and the type of tools they use for harvesting. They mentioned how subsistence harvesters could advance from subsistence level to producers, about opportunities available to these harvesters, and what actions they need to take if they want to become successful businesses. The key informants also informed the researcher that subsistence harvesters are now classified as Small Scale Fisheries and informed about villages that engage in subsistence harvesting within the Ngqushwa Municipality area. 15 subsistence harvesters were randomly sampled in Polar Park, Qolweni, Gcinisa and Wesley villages which fall under the Ngqushwa Municipality. These harvesters shared their willingness to move from subsistence to commercial fisheries. The use of storytelling interviews (4 subsistence), was also used by the researcher to get more information about their experiences and challenges. The survey was conducted over 7 days. One day in June, 2016 and 6 days in September, 2016. The total number of people interviewed was 21, made up of 2 key informants, 15 subsistence and 4 story telling interviews. The results showed that the community of subsistence harvesters is very discontented because they do not benefit from the sea and the marine resources although they live near the ocean. They also believe that in 22 years of democracy there is no way forward from the government. They are irate as they have witnessed the top down management style from the government. The current subsistence harvesters have little or no formal school education, (23% with no formal schooling at all, 23% with high school education between grades 8 - 12). Without the educational and skills programs from the government the subsistence harvesters will not be able to grow and create further employment opportunities for the rest of the community of Ngqushwa Municipality. The following recommendations have suggested that co-management must come from the community. It must not be people from parliament who do not feel the pain the communities are suffering. The top down approach should stop and a bottom up approach should be implemented, which will allow decisions to be made by the communities involved in harvesting. The government only needs to monitor. They (Government), have good policies, but are they are not monitored. The harvesters need training from the government. There is a need for the formulation of a development forum with learned people, churches, community leaders, young people, women, disabled, and the fishing community all represented. There is also need of support in terms of equipment, boats and education. The government needs to conduct training on fisheries and business management and provide financial support and assistance with business plans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Role of disaster management in urban sustainability: case study of Red House
- Authors: Banda, Cisomo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Emergency management -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Natural disasters -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17448 , vital:28340
- Description: Disasters are inevitable events that impact negatively on humanity in South Africa and globally. Though disasters are global the most at risk populations are predominantly from developing countries and particularly poor communities experience multi-layered threats from floods, droughts, poor energy supply, inter alia. However, the urban communities have not been spared the effects of these disasters and have cause of concern. Millions of people have suffered and passed on because of disasters. These disasters cannot be prevented in certain environments but mechanisms can be put in place by the relevant officials such as government institutions or relevant stakeholders to help mitigate and reduce the effects of these disasters and further contribute to sustainable development. The Disaster Management Act in South Africa provides clear mandates, through policy and guidelines, on how to identify and reduce risk to disasters and how to prepare and respond to emergencies and disasters, structures and mechanisms, as well as the necessary systems. The local authorities such as the Disaster Management Department‘s roles and responsibility have been clearly stipulated and emphasised. It is therefore the mandate of the department to ensure that each and every community receives the adequate services that are entitled to them to help reduce the effects of the natural disasters and in turn contribute to the promotion of sustainable development. The overall aim of the Case Study in Redhouse was to investigate the effectiveness of the NMBM Disaster Management Department in urban sustainability. The research made use of the qualitative research methodology and followed the inductive approach. This was supported by a survey which was administered to willing participants chosen at random whose extensive experience is relevant to this research topic. Interviews involved direct personal contact with participants who were asked to respond to questions relating to the research study. The research sample consisted of a total number of eight participants. The Disaster Management Official was represented by two participants: the Redhouse community, which was represented by five participants, and the local NGO, which was represented by 1 participant. Current knowledge on the topic has been analysed and new knowledge with recommendations, has been generated through findings from this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Single women's land ownership arrangements and land utilisation: Hopewell Farm in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Samati, Rugare
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Women and land use planning -- Zimbabwe -- Chegutu Women farmers -- Zimbabwe -- Chegutu
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21141 , vital:29450
- Description: This study investigates the land ownership patterns of Hopewell Farm in Chegutu, Zimbabwe. The ownership patterns demonstrate an unequal distribution of land that places women, particularly single women, at a disadvantage when compared to land ownership by their male counterparts. Land distribution patterns, ownership and control of resources, do not accurately reflect the investment that is made into the land through farming activities carried out by women. It is, therefore, questionable, as to whether women are being granted the opportunity to own land or being provided with adequate information needed to successfully facilitate land acquisition. For the purposes of answering this question, rich, qualitative data was collected by means of focus groups and in-depth interviews with community members in Hopewell Farm. The study found that most single women do not own land in Hopewell Farm; out of a total of 114 farms, only eighteen are owned by women and fourteen of these women inherited the land from their late spouses. This ownership pattern is a consequence of low levels of knowledge amongst women about land acquisition, patriarchal structures that inhibit their development, as well as weak policy formulation and implementation by the state. Based on these findings, the study recommends special attention be paid to single women through the establishment of a lands office that specifically caters for the facilitation of land allocation to women. This would ensure that single women start to utilise a greater portion of the forty percent land allocation lobbied for women by the Women Land and Lobby Group (WLLG). It is also important to implement awareness programs that allow women to share their views around issues of land ownership and control. Thus, the research concludes, that the unequal land distribution that remains in favour of men in Hopewell Farm, must be addressed and treated as a matter of urgency.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Social entrepreneurship and development in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Nwauche, Sokeibelemaye
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Social entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Economic development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19817 , vital:28976
- Description: Focusing on the policy context for social entrepreneurship in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), this dissertation examines the processes through which social entrepreneurs participate in the processes of development of the municipality because; social entrepreneurship is increasingly being recognised as a mechanism for creating social and economic value. Social entrepreneurs play a significant role in fulfilling unmet societal needs and in filling gaps, particularly in areas where government and the market fall short. Based on this view, this study raises questions about the integrated policy guiding social entrepreneurship for better development outcomes. It aims to contribute to the body of literature on social entrepreneurship and development by examining the processes through which social entrepreneurs participate in the development of the communities at the local level. Using the Grounded Theory method, this study found that there is no integrated policy on social entrepreneurship in the NMBM and that the deficiency created by the lack of an integrated policy engenders Social Revisioning. The substantive theory of Social Revisioning emerged from the data to explain the processes through which social entrepreneurs participate in the development of communities when there is no integrated policy on social entrepreneurship. In response to the deficiencies in the policy context, differentiated and autonomous entities within and outside of the municipal government step in and support social entrepreneurs to provide services and participate in the processes of development. However, even though Social Revisioning can be used to address the policy deficiencies in social entrepreneurship and development, the differentiations and autonomy that characterise the entities, role players and processes embodied in Social Revisioning prevent cohesion among them and again beg for an integrated policy that will incorporate them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017