'n Vergelykende studie van Ingrid Winterbach se Die boek van toeval en toeverlaat (2006) en Etienne van Heerden se Asbesmiddag (2007)
- Authors: Strydom, Gideon Louwrens
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Winterbach, Ingrid. Die boek van toeval en toeverlaat , Van Heerden, Etienne 1954- . Asbesmiddag , Afrikaans literature -- 21st century -- History and criticism
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8449 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1419 , Winterbach, Ingrid. Die boek van toeval en toeverlaat , Van Heerden, Etienne 1954- . Asbesmiddag , Afrikaans literature -- 21st century -- History and criticism
- Description: The focus of this dissertation is a comparative study of Ingrid Winterbach's Die boek van toeval en toeverlaat (2006) [The Book of Happenstance (2008)] and Etienne van Heerden's Asbesmiddag (2007) [Asbestos Afternoon] within an intertextual and socio-political framework. Both novels show strong links to the literary traditions of which they form part through a high degree of intertextuality with literary predecessors (intertexts from Afrikaans and South African English literature, but also classical intertexts emanating from the larger field of world literature). Both texts exhibit an overt metatextual consciousness. The protagonists in each of these novels are portrayed as novelists. One of the main aims of the study is to interrogate the implied ideological perspectives in both novels - the nature and extent of the reflection of the current South African socio-political system. Winterbach and Van Heerden‘s texts may both be read as fictionalised forms of "protest" against the extrinsic South African socio-political order. These forms of protest focus on the inevitable change from one stage/era to the next, the old South Africa to the new, in a quest for artistic (creative writing and literature) and cultural (Afrikaner identity and language) survival. Die boek van toeval en toeverlaat (2006) and Asbesmiddag (2007) contribute to contemporary discourse by offering implied ideological insights into specific socio-political and metatextual phenomena. This is done in fictional guise - through the characters populating the fictional world of the novel, and also through the authors' implied ideological views. Both novels are intensely concerned with language issues, as well as the status of literature as cultural product. On the metatextual level theoretical issues concerning literature are in the focus, such as the precarious position of the novelist (and the academic) in contemporary South African society, and the status of literature and Afrikaans as a minority language. The purpose of this comparative study is to look at the metatextual, ideological and linguistic aspects of the novels through an extensive intertextual study, in order to interrogate and illustrate the socio-political discourse embedded in them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Strydom, Gideon Louwrens
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Winterbach, Ingrid. Die boek van toeval en toeverlaat , Van Heerden, Etienne 1954- . Asbesmiddag , Afrikaans literature -- 21st century -- History and criticism
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8449 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1419 , Winterbach, Ingrid. Die boek van toeval en toeverlaat , Van Heerden, Etienne 1954- . Asbesmiddag , Afrikaans literature -- 21st century -- History and criticism
- Description: The focus of this dissertation is a comparative study of Ingrid Winterbach's Die boek van toeval en toeverlaat (2006) [The Book of Happenstance (2008)] and Etienne van Heerden's Asbesmiddag (2007) [Asbestos Afternoon] within an intertextual and socio-political framework. Both novels show strong links to the literary traditions of which they form part through a high degree of intertextuality with literary predecessors (intertexts from Afrikaans and South African English literature, but also classical intertexts emanating from the larger field of world literature). Both texts exhibit an overt metatextual consciousness. The protagonists in each of these novels are portrayed as novelists. One of the main aims of the study is to interrogate the implied ideological perspectives in both novels - the nature and extent of the reflection of the current South African socio-political system. Winterbach and Van Heerden‘s texts may both be read as fictionalised forms of "protest" against the extrinsic South African socio-political order. These forms of protest focus on the inevitable change from one stage/era to the next, the old South Africa to the new, in a quest for artistic (creative writing and literature) and cultural (Afrikaner identity and language) survival. Die boek van toeval en toeverlaat (2006) and Asbesmiddag (2007) contribute to contemporary discourse by offering implied ideological insights into specific socio-political and metatextual phenomena. This is done in fictional guise - through the characters populating the fictional world of the novel, and also through the authors' implied ideological views. Both novels are intensely concerned with language issues, as well as the status of literature as cultural product. On the metatextual level theoretical issues concerning literature are in the focus, such as the precarious position of the novelist (and the academic) in contemporary South African society, and the status of literature and Afrikaans as a minority language. The purpose of this comparative study is to look at the metatextual, ideological and linguistic aspects of the novels through an extensive intertextual study, in order to interrogate and illustrate the socio-political discourse embedded in them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
A comparison between the written English of deaf and hearing children in the Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Authors: Weir, Carolyn Louise
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Deaf children -- Education -- South Africa , English language -- Written English
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8361 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1083 , Deaf children -- Education -- South Africa , English language -- Written English
- Description: The main purposes of this thesis are to investigate the difference between the written English of deaf children and the written English of hearing children and to make recommendations on how to improve the writing of deaf children. In order to achieve this goal, both quantitative and qualitative research was done. The comparison of the writing of deaf and hearing children relies on quantitative research while the recommendations are based on qualitative analysis. The dissertation is divided into seven chapters. The first chapter discusses the problem, the significance of the research, the purpose of the study, the background to the problem and the theoretical framework. This chapter indicates the prevalence of deafness worldwide and in South Africa and its negative impact on the writing abilities of children. The second chapter provides a literature review on the theory behind reading and writing, with specific emphasis on emergent literacy and its relevance to the language acquisition and print language learning of deaf children. Another aspect of this chapter is the effect of different aspects of deafness on language acquisition and learning. The chapter also highlights the challenges for deaf children in South Africa and debates regarding the language of instruction that should be used to teach deaf children writing/reading, as well as arguments concerning bottom-up, top-down, and interactive approaches to writing. The third chapter provides the overall philosophical framework for the quantitative and qualitative research as well as the methodology used for the qualitative research. This is followed by the results of the quantitative research and a discussion of these results in Chapter 4. The fifth chapter is in the form of a second literature review that contains recommendations for improving the writing of deaf children. Following this, in Chapter 6, is a discussion of some of the theory behind interview interaction, as well as an analysis of how to develop a valid study. The researcher also sets out the interview structure. The seventh chapter contains a discussion of the findings of the interview to see if they confirm the findings in Chapter 5, as well as overall conclusions about assisting deaf children with their writing, a reflection on the study as a whole and suggestions for future research. This study argues that in order for deaf children in South Africa to develop their writing, immediate government assistance is necessary in order to implement countrywide newborn hearing screening, followed by medical and/or language-based ii intervention to minimise the impact of deafness on the language and writing abilities of deaf children. This is an essential foundation from which parents and teachers can build and play a key role in helping their children reach age-appropriate levels of written English.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Weir, Carolyn Louise
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Deaf children -- Education -- South Africa , English language -- Written English
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8361 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1083 , Deaf children -- Education -- South Africa , English language -- Written English
- Description: The main purposes of this thesis are to investigate the difference between the written English of deaf children and the written English of hearing children and to make recommendations on how to improve the writing of deaf children. In order to achieve this goal, both quantitative and qualitative research was done. The comparison of the writing of deaf and hearing children relies on quantitative research while the recommendations are based on qualitative analysis. The dissertation is divided into seven chapters. The first chapter discusses the problem, the significance of the research, the purpose of the study, the background to the problem and the theoretical framework. This chapter indicates the prevalence of deafness worldwide and in South Africa and its negative impact on the writing abilities of children. The second chapter provides a literature review on the theory behind reading and writing, with specific emphasis on emergent literacy and its relevance to the language acquisition and print language learning of deaf children. Another aspect of this chapter is the effect of different aspects of deafness on language acquisition and learning. The chapter also highlights the challenges for deaf children in South Africa and debates regarding the language of instruction that should be used to teach deaf children writing/reading, as well as arguments concerning bottom-up, top-down, and interactive approaches to writing. The third chapter provides the overall philosophical framework for the quantitative and qualitative research as well as the methodology used for the qualitative research. This is followed by the results of the quantitative research and a discussion of these results in Chapter 4. The fifth chapter is in the form of a second literature review that contains recommendations for improving the writing of deaf children. Following this, in Chapter 6, is a discussion of some of the theory behind interview interaction, as well as an analysis of how to develop a valid study. The researcher also sets out the interview structure. The seventh chapter contains a discussion of the findings of the interview to see if they confirm the findings in Chapter 5, as well as overall conclusions about assisting deaf children with their writing, a reflection on the study as a whole and suggestions for future research. This study argues that in order for deaf children in South Africa to develop their writing, immediate government assistance is necessary in order to implement countrywide newborn hearing screening, followed by medical and/or language-based ii intervention to minimise the impact of deafness on the language and writing abilities of deaf children. This is an essential foundation from which parents and teachers can build and play a key role in helping their children reach age-appropriate levels of written English.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
A study of parental participation in school governance in selected high schools : Zwelitsha Township, Province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Zuma, Nandipha
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: School management and organization -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , High schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8165 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1305 , School management and organization -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , High schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Administration
- Description: This study investigates parental involvement in school governance in selected high schools in Zwelitsha, King Williams Town District in the Eastern Cape Province. The research study was conducted in three high schools in Zwelitsha Township. These schools are Nompendulo Senior Secondary, Thembalabantu High School and Xolani Senior Secondary School. Questionnaires were designed and distributed to the principals, educators and parents whose children are learners in these schools. The interview questions were designed and distributed to parents whose children are learners in these selected schools, educators and school principals and members of the school governing body from each school. Respondents were asked about the levels of parental involvement in their schools, parents’ awareness of school governance and the relationship between schools and communities. However, the objectives of the study were to: Assess parental involvement in school governance in selected high schools in Zwelitsha, King Williams Town District in the Province of the Eastern Cape; To determine the nature and extent of parental participation in school academic activities; To examine the role of parents in the school governing body; To determine measures that can be taken to encourage the participation of parents in school governance These objectives have been achieved by providing empirical evidences which shows that the levels of parental involvement in the previously disadvantaged high schools are very low. This is related to the parents’ level of education. Parents who are literate are more involved than those are illiterate. This research also reveals that high v. levels of working parents contributes to the low levels of parental involvement in school governance. Most parents in this area know nothing about school governance and those that are aware are not keen to be involved. The class structure of the society has an influence in the participation of parents in school governance. Parents’ meetings that are held on Sunday afternoon are a challenge to parents that come from the villages outside Zwelitsha because of the scarcity of transport on this day. and these situations discourage them from being actively involved in their children’s education. The study provides the factors that cause non-involvement of parents in school governance. Subsequently, the following strategies for participation of parents in school governance were given: Capacitating of parents Establishment of teacher-parent collegiality Recognition of cultural capital Establishment of parent organisations Utilisation of non-governmental organisations Establishment of centres of learning. This study also indicates the following strategies that may assist to enhance the parental involvement in school governance: Parents engagement and empowerment Co-operation between schools and parents Collaboration with other community, private and other public institutions Invitation of complaints and welcoming of criticism. In conclusion, the findings provide clear indication that the participation of parents in school governance is low. Recommendations that could assist the schools to encourage and to enhance parents to participate in school governance are given.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Zuma, Nandipha
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: School management and organization -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , High schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8165 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1305 , School management and organization -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , High schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Administration
- Description: This study investigates parental involvement in school governance in selected high schools in Zwelitsha, King Williams Town District in the Eastern Cape Province. The research study was conducted in three high schools in Zwelitsha Township. These schools are Nompendulo Senior Secondary, Thembalabantu High School and Xolani Senior Secondary School. Questionnaires were designed and distributed to the principals, educators and parents whose children are learners in these schools. The interview questions were designed and distributed to parents whose children are learners in these selected schools, educators and school principals and members of the school governing body from each school. Respondents were asked about the levels of parental involvement in their schools, parents’ awareness of school governance and the relationship between schools and communities. However, the objectives of the study were to: Assess parental involvement in school governance in selected high schools in Zwelitsha, King Williams Town District in the Province of the Eastern Cape; To determine the nature and extent of parental participation in school academic activities; To examine the role of parents in the school governing body; To determine measures that can be taken to encourage the participation of parents in school governance These objectives have been achieved by providing empirical evidences which shows that the levels of parental involvement in the previously disadvantaged high schools are very low. This is related to the parents’ level of education. Parents who are literate are more involved than those are illiterate. This research also reveals that high v. levels of working parents contributes to the low levels of parental involvement in school governance. Most parents in this area know nothing about school governance and those that are aware are not keen to be involved. The class structure of the society has an influence in the participation of parents in school governance. Parents’ meetings that are held on Sunday afternoon are a challenge to parents that come from the villages outside Zwelitsha because of the scarcity of transport on this day. and these situations discourage them from being actively involved in their children’s education. The study provides the factors that cause non-involvement of parents in school governance. Subsequently, the following strategies for participation of parents in school governance were given: Capacitating of parents Establishment of teacher-parent collegiality Recognition of cultural capital Establishment of parent organisations Utilisation of non-governmental organisations Establishment of centres of learning. This study also indicates the following strategies that may assist to enhance the parental involvement in school governance: Parents engagement and empowerment Co-operation between schools and parents Collaboration with other community, private and other public institutions Invitation of complaints and welcoming of criticism. In conclusion, the findings provide clear indication that the participation of parents in school governance is low. Recommendations that could assist the schools to encourage and to enhance parents to participate in school governance are given.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
A study of the competencies and skills required by senior municipal managers in the O.R. Tambo District Municipality
- Authors: Kwinana, Jimmy Thozamile
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Local government officials -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8181 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1470 , Local government officials -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This research document addresses the study of the competencies and skills required by executive municipal managers in the O.R. Tambo District Municipality. Dissertation focuses on questions such as “What is it that executive municipal managers, manage?” What generic management processes do these executive municipal managers, apply?” “What management technique and strategies do these managers employ to deliver services?”; “Under what circumstances do executive municipal managers manage?” In order for executive municipal managers to claim proficiency (competitiveness and skills), a clear discussion of the meaning and competency and skills is provided in this. Identifying and providing a meaningful narration of the characteristics of a competent and skilful executive municipal manager as being a person who has self-respect, high level of emotional intelligence, qualitative in nature, with reasonable adaptive ability by continuously learning and developing with high ethical and professional integrity. In all his/her attempts these executive municipal managers need to be innovative in nature, undertake constant networking and always be informative by character. Such a person is productive problem solver and continuously communicates vertically and horizontally within the hierarchy of the organization. All these discussions are denoted in the diagram indicate below. This research document has undertaken an empirical research to analyze the perception of executive municipal managers in terms of the diagram below and ultimately provide a narrative analysis of the developmental government such as the O.R. Tambo District Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Kwinana, Jimmy Thozamile
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Local government officials -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8181 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1470 , Local government officials -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This research document addresses the study of the competencies and skills required by executive municipal managers in the O.R. Tambo District Municipality. Dissertation focuses on questions such as “What is it that executive municipal managers, manage?” What generic management processes do these executive municipal managers, apply?” “What management technique and strategies do these managers employ to deliver services?”; “Under what circumstances do executive municipal managers manage?” In order for executive municipal managers to claim proficiency (competitiveness and skills), a clear discussion of the meaning and competency and skills is provided in this. Identifying and providing a meaningful narration of the characteristics of a competent and skilful executive municipal manager as being a person who has self-respect, high level of emotional intelligence, qualitative in nature, with reasonable adaptive ability by continuously learning and developing with high ethical and professional integrity. In all his/her attempts these executive municipal managers need to be innovative in nature, undertake constant networking and always be informative by character. Such a person is productive problem solver and continuously communicates vertically and horizontally within the hierarchy of the organization. All these discussions are denoted in the diagram indicate below. This research document has undertaken an empirical research to analyze the perception of executive municipal managers in terms of the diagram below and ultimately provide a narrative analysis of the developmental government such as the O.R. Tambo District Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
A study of the relationship between rural-urban migration and housing delivery : a case of Clermont Township in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal
- Authors: Mvuyana, Bongekile Y C
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rural-urban migration -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Urbanization -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Public housing -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Housing development -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8180 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1504 , Rural-urban migration -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Urbanization -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Public housing -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Housing development -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Description: Rural-urban migration appears to be an ongoing process in South Africa. This is attributed to various reasons. In itself, the process contributes towards an ongoing demand for services such as housing, water, sanitation and transportation systems. Rural – urban migration plays a key role in urbanization. The living conditions in rural areas appear to be the main contributing factors towards rural-urban migration. This indicates that the challenges facing rural communities include the creation of conducive environments within those communities. Hence, the issue of rural-urban migration should be addressed from the spatial and socio – economic perspectives. In an attempt to address human settlements needs, South Africa has a policy framework which supports the right to housing as it has been accorded to South African citizens by their Constitution. The objective is to ensure that there is adequate housing for South Africans. This study investigated and analysed the relationship between rural-urban migration and housing delivery in Clermont Township in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. The participants included the residents of Clermont Township and the representatives of the eThekwini Municipality. Among others, the study found that rural-urban migration is an ongoing process which affects housing delivery in urban areas. As a result it continues to make the objective of ensuring that there is adequate housing for South Africans unattainable. Hence, attention should be paid to the effects of rural-urban migration in housing delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mvuyana, Bongekile Y C
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rural-urban migration -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Urbanization -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Public housing -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Housing development -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8180 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1504 , Rural-urban migration -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Urbanization -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Public housing -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Housing development -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Description: Rural-urban migration appears to be an ongoing process in South Africa. This is attributed to various reasons. In itself, the process contributes towards an ongoing demand for services such as housing, water, sanitation and transportation systems. Rural – urban migration plays a key role in urbanization. The living conditions in rural areas appear to be the main contributing factors towards rural-urban migration. This indicates that the challenges facing rural communities include the creation of conducive environments within those communities. Hence, the issue of rural-urban migration should be addressed from the spatial and socio – economic perspectives. In an attempt to address human settlements needs, South Africa has a policy framework which supports the right to housing as it has been accorded to South African citizens by their Constitution. The objective is to ensure that there is adequate housing for South Africans. This study investigated and analysed the relationship between rural-urban migration and housing delivery in Clermont Township in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. The participants included the residents of Clermont Township and the representatives of the eThekwini Municipality. Among others, the study found that rural-urban migration is an ongoing process which affects housing delivery in urban areas. As a result it continues to make the objective of ensuring that there is adequate housing for South Africans unattainable. Hence, attention should be paid to the effects of rural-urban migration in housing delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An analysis of challenges facing decentralisation of sector education and training authorities in the province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Gazi, Luvo Ndileka
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Schools -- Decentralization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8193 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1346 , Schools -- Decentralization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: It is largely believed that decentralisation promotes efficiency in organisations. This paper analyses the challenges facing decentralisation of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) in the Province of the Eastern Cape. It is demonstrated that the form of decentralisation followed by SETAs in the Province of the Eastern Cape, where constant referral of matters to head offices for decisions and instruction before any action is taken, by them is the biggest challenge. Yet these important institutions are mandated by government to equip South Africans with skills to enable them to succeed in the global market and to offer opportunities to individuals and communities for self advancement and to play a productive role in society are frustrated by unnecessary interference from SETA national offices on their affairs at the provincial government level, which constrains effective decentralisation. However, the objectives of the study are to: - Analyse the challenges of decentralisation by SETAs in the Province of the Eastern Cape; - Provide an overview of the impact of SETA provincial offices on requisite skills in the province; - Investigate the advantages and disadvantages of decentralising SETAs in the provinces. These objectives have been achieved by providing empirical evidence as indicated in chapter four, where it shows that participants believe that decentralisation promotes efficiency and SETAs in the Province of the Eastern Cape are not granted discretionary powers to make decisions a primary reason that leads to delays being experienced. This lack of discretionary power is proof that decision-making is still centralised. The study has the following strategies for the SETAs in the Province of the Eastern Cape to carry out their skills development mandate: - Clear strategic intent about SETA provincial offices; - Sector Skills Plans (SSP) to reflect provincial focus; - Provincial offices to exercise some discretionary powers; - Adequate financial resources; - Skilled workforce. In order to be more effective and efficient, a variety of recommendations to SETAs, with respect to decentralisation of SETAs, were made. It is hoped that these recommendations assist in improvement of the implementation of a decentralisation strategy. More importantly decentralisation of SETAs should allow and enable branch offices to exercise discretionary powers. In addition, they should have adequate financial resources to manage their affairs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Gazi, Luvo Ndileka
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Schools -- Decentralization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8193 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1346 , Schools -- Decentralization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: It is largely believed that decentralisation promotes efficiency in organisations. This paper analyses the challenges facing decentralisation of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) in the Province of the Eastern Cape. It is demonstrated that the form of decentralisation followed by SETAs in the Province of the Eastern Cape, where constant referral of matters to head offices for decisions and instruction before any action is taken, by them is the biggest challenge. Yet these important institutions are mandated by government to equip South Africans with skills to enable them to succeed in the global market and to offer opportunities to individuals and communities for self advancement and to play a productive role in society are frustrated by unnecessary interference from SETA national offices on their affairs at the provincial government level, which constrains effective decentralisation. However, the objectives of the study are to: - Analyse the challenges of decentralisation by SETAs in the Province of the Eastern Cape; - Provide an overview of the impact of SETA provincial offices on requisite skills in the province; - Investigate the advantages and disadvantages of decentralising SETAs in the provinces. These objectives have been achieved by providing empirical evidence as indicated in chapter four, where it shows that participants believe that decentralisation promotes efficiency and SETAs in the Province of the Eastern Cape are not granted discretionary powers to make decisions a primary reason that leads to delays being experienced. This lack of discretionary power is proof that decision-making is still centralised. The study has the following strategies for the SETAs in the Province of the Eastern Cape to carry out their skills development mandate: - Clear strategic intent about SETA provincial offices; - Sector Skills Plans (SSP) to reflect provincial focus; - Provincial offices to exercise some discretionary powers; - Adequate financial resources; - Skilled workforce. In order to be more effective and efficient, a variety of recommendations to SETAs, with respect to decentralisation of SETAs, were made. It is hoped that these recommendations assist in improvement of the implementation of a decentralisation strategy. More importantly decentralisation of SETAs should allow and enable branch offices to exercise discretionary powers. In addition, they should have adequate financial resources to manage their affairs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An analysis of factors affecting the performance of ward committees in the Buffalo City Municipality in the province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Henna, Thandisizwe
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City -- Citizen participation , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8185 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1437 , Local government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City -- Citizen participation , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In 1994, democracy in South Africa brought about a developmental local government characterized by democratic and accountable governance. Municipalities are supposed to encourage the involvement of communities and community organizations in the matters of local government. Municipalities are obliged to establish ward committees and ensure that they succeed in facilitating public participation. However, critiques contend that ward committees have not been able to live up to expectations. The institution is said to be faced by countless challenges that inhibit its functioning. This study has, therefore, been undertaken with the purpose of analyzing the factors that affect the performance of ward committees in the Buffalo City Municipality. The research found that ward committees in the municipality were properly constituted, functional and handle serious issues for the benefit of communities. Communities are not very interested in ward committee meetings and do not solicit assistance from them. Based on the results of this study, the following are the factors which compromise and limit the ability of ward committees to facilitate public participation: lack of remuneration, low levels of education and skills, unavailability of information on municipal issues and activities; and a lack of municipal support. Following the research, it is recommended that municipalities put in stringent measures to detect and curb corrupt practices in ward committees. On annual basis they should provide a meaningful budget allocation for the remuneration and provision of facilities and equipment necessary for ward committees to effect public participation. Municipalities should involve ward committees in decision-making
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Henna, Thandisizwe
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City -- Citizen participation , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8185 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1437 , Local government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City -- Citizen participation , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In 1994, democracy in South Africa brought about a developmental local government characterized by democratic and accountable governance. Municipalities are supposed to encourage the involvement of communities and community organizations in the matters of local government. Municipalities are obliged to establish ward committees and ensure that they succeed in facilitating public participation. However, critiques contend that ward committees have not been able to live up to expectations. The institution is said to be faced by countless challenges that inhibit its functioning. This study has, therefore, been undertaken with the purpose of analyzing the factors that affect the performance of ward committees in the Buffalo City Municipality. The research found that ward committees in the municipality were properly constituted, functional and handle serious issues for the benefit of communities. Communities are not very interested in ward committee meetings and do not solicit assistance from them. Based on the results of this study, the following are the factors which compromise and limit the ability of ward committees to facilitate public participation: lack of remuneration, low levels of education and skills, unavailability of information on municipal issues and activities; and a lack of municipal support. Following the research, it is recommended that municipalities put in stringent measures to detect and curb corrupt practices in ward committees. On annual basis they should provide a meaningful budget allocation for the remuneration and provision of facilities and equipment necessary for ward committees to effect public participation. Municipalities should involve ward committees in decision-making
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An analysis of the role of a community-based project on poverty alleviation: a case of Daantjie Bakery in the Mbombela municipaty, Mpumalanga Province
- Authors: Mbontsi, Dunyiswa Koliswa
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- Evaluation , Economic development -- South Africa -- Mpumalanga
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8195 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1339 , Economic development projects -- Evaluation , Economic development -- South Africa -- Mpumalanga
- Description: The South African policy framework on Local Economic Development encourages the establishment of community-based projects in an attempt to address the challenges posed by poverty in local communities. It appears that community-based projects have a role to play in poverty alleviation. Municipalities are supposed to encourage and support the establishment of projects aimed at poverty alleviation in their jurisdictions. The Mbombela Local Municipality has played its role in this regard by supporting the establishment of the Daantjie Bakery Project in 2000. In an attempt to evaluate the impact of community-based projects on poverty alleviation, this study investigated the role played by the Daantjie Bakery Project in local economic development of the Daantjie local community in the Mbombela Local Municipality. Participants included community members of Daantjie, employees of the bakery, and the project manager. The study found that, indeed community-based projects play a role in local economic development since they contribute towards employment creation and poverty alleviation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mbontsi, Dunyiswa Koliswa
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- Evaluation , Economic development -- South Africa -- Mpumalanga
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8195 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1339 , Economic development projects -- Evaluation , Economic development -- South Africa -- Mpumalanga
- Description: The South African policy framework on Local Economic Development encourages the establishment of community-based projects in an attempt to address the challenges posed by poverty in local communities. It appears that community-based projects have a role to play in poverty alleviation. Municipalities are supposed to encourage and support the establishment of projects aimed at poverty alleviation in their jurisdictions. The Mbombela Local Municipality has played its role in this regard by supporting the establishment of the Daantjie Bakery Project in 2000. In an attempt to evaluate the impact of community-based projects on poverty alleviation, this study investigated the role played by the Daantjie Bakery Project in local economic development of the Daantjie local community in the Mbombela Local Municipality. Participants included community members of Daantjie, employees of the bakery, and the project manager. The study found that, indeed community-based projects play a role in local economic development since they contribute towards employment creation and poverty alleviation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An analysis of the views of Minibus Taxi drivers and commuters to road safety : a case study of the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Ferreira, Bernice Aloma
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Transportation -- South Africa -- Public opinion , Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Urban transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Commuters -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Commuting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Transportation -- Safety measures , Traffic safety -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8191 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1402 , Transportation -- South Africa -- Public opinion , Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Urban transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Commuters -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Commuting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Transportation -- Safety measures , Traffic safety -- South Africa
- Description: People without private transport are dependent on public transportation. Public transport, particularly minibus taxis, is the most popular mode of transport in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth. The objective of the minibus taxi industry is to provide public transport to minibus taxi commuters in an economically, reliable and safe manner. The focus of this case study was to explore and determine the views of minibus taxi commuters who utilised minibus taxis as a form of public transport, as well as the views of minibus taxi drivers in terms of adhering to road safety requirements on Stanford Road in Port Elizabeth. The literature survey revealed that transport in South Africa has had a political dimension arising from the Group Areas Act 41 of 1950. One consequence of this Act, which imposed residential segregation on the country, was that poor black commuters were forced to live far out of town, forcing them to travel long distances to places of work and commercial centres, with a commensurate increase in transport costs. Data was collected by means of two structured questionnaires which were administered to minibus taxi drivers and minibus taxi commuters to explore their views and experience of road safety on Stanford Road in Port Elizabeth. A discussion on the minibus taxi industry, minibus taxi associations and law enforcement agencies in Port Elizabeth, as well as the sustainability of the minibus taxi industry, followed in Chapter Three. Through this case study, valuable insight was gained regarding the minibus taxi industry and road safety in Port Elizabeth. Finally, recommendations to improve road safety were made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Ferreira, Bernice Aloma
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Transportation -- South Africa -- Public opinion , Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Urban transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Commuters -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Commuting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Transportation -- Safety measures , Traffic safety -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8191 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1402 , Transportation -- South Africa -- Public opinion , Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Urban transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Commuters -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Commuting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Transportation -- Safety measures , Traffic safety -- South Africa
- Description: People without private transport are dependent on public transportation. Public transport, particularly minibus taxis, is the most popular mode of transport in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth. The objective of the minibus taxi industry is to provide public transport to minibus taxi commuters in an economically, reliable and safe manner. The focus of this case study was to explore and determine the views of minibus taxi commuters who utilised minibus taxis as a form of public transport, as well as the views of minibus taxi drivers in terms of adhering to road safety requirements on Stanford Road in Port Elizabeth. The literature survey revealed that transport in South Africa has had a political dimension arising from the Group Areas Act 41 of 1950. One consequence of this Act, which imposed residential segregation on the country, was that poor black commuters were forced to live far out of town, forcing them to travel long distances to places of work and commercial centres, with a commensurate increase in transport costs. Data was collected by means of two structured questionnaires which were administered to minibus taxi drivers and minibus taxi commuters to explore their views and experience of road safety on Stanford Road in Port Elizabeth. A discussion on the minibus taxi industry, minibus taxi associations and law enforcement agencies in Port Elizabeth, as well as the sustainability of the minibus taxi industry, followed in Chapter Three. Through this case study, valuable insight was gained regarding the minibus taxi industry and road safety in Port Elizabeth. Finally, recommendations to improve road safety were made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An assessment of the effect of absenteeism on service delivery in the Eastern Cape department of health: Nelson Mandela Bay municipality district
- Mwanda, Prophetta Ukho-Yena Jadedeja
- Authors: Mwanda, Prophetta Ukho-Yena Jadedeja
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8209 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1139
- Description: This study is an assessment of the effect of absenteeism on service delivery in the Eastern Cape Department of Health: Nelson Mandela Bay District Municipality. The work was a corollary of repetitive negative feedback from the press that the researcher was concerned and embarked to investigate possible causes of these allegations by the press. The Department of Health being a public entity has a responsibility to provide quality health services to the community. Government introduced a service delivery mechanism which is enshrined in the White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service in 1997, through the Batho Pele principles. The researcher argued that if the Batho Pele principles were practiced in the delivery of services the aforementioned repetitive feedback on health services would be minimal. Among a variety of possibilities that could cause the Batho Pele principles not to be practiced the researcher was interested to ascertain if absenteeism could be among them. The researcher asserted that, if human capital is the delivery tool of services, the absence of the human capital therefore posed a negative effect on the delivery of such services. Therefore an inverse relationship exists between absenteeism and service delivery. This relationship was affirmed by the responses of participants through the analysis of questionnaires on absenteeism and service delivery. Absenteeism is a management aspect that has a negative effect in both the financial and delivery aspect of the organisational performance. It is therefore the researchers’ sincere hope that the Department of Health will consider the deductions drawn from this study and recommendations thereof. The researcher further hopes that this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge in relation to organisational behaviour and becomes employer ammunition for service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mwanda, Prophetta Ukho-Yena Jadedeja
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8209 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1139
- Description: This study is an assessment of the effect of absenteeism on service delivery in the Eastern Cape Department of Health: Nelson Mandela Bay District Municipality. The work was a corollary of repetitive negative feedback from the press that the researcher was concerned and embarked to investigate possible causes of these allegations by the press. The Department of Health being a public entity has a responsibility to provide quality health services to the community. Government introduced a service delivery mechanism which is enshrined in the White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service in 1997, through the Batho Pele principles. The researcher argued that if the Batho Pele principles were practiced in the delivery of services the aforementioned repetitive feedback on health services would be minimal. Among a variety of possibilities that could cause the Batho Pele principles not to be practiced the researcher was interested to ascertain if absenteeism could be among them. The researcher asserted that, if human capital is the delivery tool of services, the absence of the human capital therefore posed a negative effect on the delivery of such services. Therefore an inverse relationship exists between absenteeism and service delivery. This relationship was affirmed by the responses of participants through the analysis of questionnaires on absenteeism and service delivery. Absenteeism is a management aspect that has a negative effect in both the financial and delivery aspect of the organisational performance. It is therefore the researchers’ sincere hope that the Department of Health will consider the deductions drawn from this study and recommendations thereof. The researcher further hopes that this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge in relation to organisational behaviour and becomes employer ammunition for service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An evaluation into the implemation of the arts and culture learning area in Bizana schools of the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Mbeshu, Nonceba Cynthia
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Arts -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Culture -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Curriculum evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:8508 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1189 , Arts -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Culture -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Curriculum evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: “Arts in education are arts that play a radical different role in the open classroom than traditional school. Arts are the real business of reading, writing, math or science” Siberman cited in Mark, (1995:160). This view by Siberman sharply contrasts with my observations in my school. During CASS moderation sessions, teachers bring learner portfolios with no learning activities, others prefer to teach learning areas they are qualified for rather than teaching Arts and Culture because they have no background knowledge in Arts and Culture. The question I wrestled with was: what could be the challenges faced by the Arts and Culture teachers given the fact that training has been conducted since the inclusion of the learning area in the curriculum from 1999 to date? In an implementation evaluation study that I conducted among four schools in the Bizana Area of the Eastern Cape Province, I found out through participant observation, questionnaires and interviews from four sampled senior phase teachers, that some of the participants have stopped teaching Arts and Culture in their schools because ‘they do not know what to teach’. Through the use of a thematic content analysis approach, I found out that many teachers complain about their lack of background knowledge of the art forms and that there is limited time provided in the timetable to teach this learning area. Seemingly, there are still challenges in the implementation of the learning area in this district. The results indicate a serious need for formal training of the Arts and Culture teachers with proper qualifications in more than one art form.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mbeshu, Nonceba Cynthia
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Arts -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Culture -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Curriculum evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:8508 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1189 , Arts -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Culture -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Curriculum evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: “Arts in education are arts that play a radical different role in the open classroom than traditional school. Arts are the real business of reading, writing, math or science” Siberman cited in Mark, (1995:160). This view by Siberman sharply contrasts with my observations in my school. During CASS moderation sessions, teachers bring learner portfolios with no learning activities, others prefer to teach learning areas they are qualified for rather than teaching Arts and Culture because they have no background knowledge in Arts and Culture. The question I wrestled with was: what could be the challenges faced by the Arts and Culture teachers given the fact that training has been conducted since the inclusion of the learning area in the curriculum from 1999 to date? In an implementation evaluation study that I conducted among four schools in the Bizana Area of the Eastern Cape Province, I found out through participant observation, questionnaires and interviews from four sampled senior phase teachers, that some of the participants have stopped teaching Arts and Culture in their schools because ‘they do not know what to teach’. Through the use of a thematic content analysis approach, I found out that many teachers complain about their lack of background knowledge of the art forms and that there is limited time provided in the timetable to teach this learning area. Seemingly, there are still challenges in the implementation of the learning area in this district. The results indicate a serious need for formal training of the Arts and Culture teachers with proper qualifications in more than one art form.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An evaluation of the local economic development strategy: the case of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Pillay, Sareesha
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Local Economic Development (Programme) , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8207 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1160 , Local Economic Development (Programme) , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The central objective of the research study was to evaluate the 2020 Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy, with reference to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). The Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy for the NMBM was developed in 2004 in relation to the need for Local Economic Development. The need for Local Economic Development (LED) has been mandated by the national government of South Africa as prescribed in the direction toward developmental local government post - 2000. The National Framework for Local Economic Development in South Africa serves as a strategic implementation guide for municipalities. The National Framework for Local Economic Development provides a supportive foundation to assist municipalities such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in improving its economic development through concentrations on suggested actions. Through support for municipal Local Economic Development strategies, the objective of Local Economic Development was to offer local government, private sectors, non - profit organisations and local communities the opportunity to work together to improve the local economy. The aim has thus been to enhance competitiveness and encourage inclusive sustainable growth. The 2020 Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality includes its strategic approach to promote sustainable growth within its specified municipal environment. Formulation of the strategy includes descriptions of sector strategies as a mechanism to promote transformation and improved economic development in a sustainable manner. Content Analysis and the case study methods were utilised to evaluate the 2020 Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy in the undertaking of the research study as a way of examining the formulation of the Local Economic Development strategy of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, in order to determine v the shortcomings in Local Economic Development as brought about by ineffective policy formulation process. Discourse Analysis was also used to understand the policy foundations as influenced by the previous apartheid regime and its accompanied injustices on the citizens of South Africa. The brief descriptions of major economic developments and sector strategies for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality shows the detachment of policy content from clear strategic action plans has depicted an incongruence in efficiency and sustainable development. This has placed developmental policy formulation under scrutinisation and evaluation. The findings indicate that there is a need for revision and/ or reformulation of the current 2020 Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in promotion of effective sustainable development and an improved local economy. The impact of a failure to revise and rework the strategy has detrimental effects on the promotion of an effective and efficient economy in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Therefore, the lack of detail within the 2020 Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy must be tackled by policy formulators to ensure economic growth and an alignment with the objectives as contained in the national mandate for economic development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Pillay, Sareesha
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Local Economic Development (Programme) , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8207 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1160 , Local Economic Development (Programme) , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The central objective of the research study was to evaluate the 2020 Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy, with reference to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). The Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy for the NMBM was developed in 2004 in relation to the need for Local Economic Development. The need for Local Economic Development (LED) has been mandated by the national government of South Africa as prescribed in the direction toward developmental local government post - 2000. The National Framework for Local Economic Development in South Africa serves as a strategic implementation guide for municipalities. The National Framework for Local Economic Development provides a supportive foundation to assist municipalities such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in improving its economic development through concentrations on suggested actions. Through support for municipal Local Economic Development strategies, the objective of Local Economic Development was to offer local government, private sectors, non - profit organisations and local communities the opportunity to work together to improve the local economy. The aim has thus been to enhance competitiveness and encourage inclusive sustainable growth. The 2020 Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality includes its strategic approach to promote sustainable growth within its specified municipal environment. Formulation of the strategy includes descriptions of sector strategies as a mechanism to promote transformation and improved economic development in a sustainable manner. Content Analysis and the case study methods were utilised to evaluate the 2020 Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy in the undertaking of the research study as a way of examining the formulation of the Local Economic Development strategy of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, in order to determine v the shortcomings in Local Economic Development as brought about by ineffective policy formulation process. Discourse Analysis was also used to understand the policy foundations as influenced by the previous apartheid regime and its accompanied injustices on the citizens of South Africa. The brief descriptions of major economic developments and sector strategies for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality shows the detachment of policy content from clear strategic action plans has depicted an incongruence in efficiency and sustainable development. This has placed developmental policy formulation under scrutinisation and evaluation. The findings indicate that there is a need for revision and/ or reformulation of the current 2020 Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in promotion of effective sustainable development and an improved local economy. The impact of a failure to revise and rework the strategy has detrimental effects on the promotion of an effective and efficient economy in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Therefore, the lack of detail within the 2020 Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy must be tackled by policy formulators to ensure economic growth and an alignment with the objectives as contained in the national mandate for economic development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An explanatory study into the rehabilitation of ex-freedom fighters in Gweru, Zimbabwe from 1990 to 1995
- Authors: Charema, John
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Guerrillas -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Political rehabilitation -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Nationalism -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1990-1995 , Zimbabwe -- History -- 1990-1995
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8202 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1223 , Guerrillas -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Political rehabilitation -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Nationalism -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1990-1995 , Zimbabwe -- History -- 1990-1995
- Description: The purpose of the study was to explore the rehabilitation of ex-combatants who fought the Zimbabwe liberation war, thus to find out if these ex-combatants received counseling and were resettled or reintegrated within the period 1990 to 1995. In order to maintain focus the aims of the study were set out as follows: • to focus on rehabilitation which encompasses taking care of the ex-combatants who were disabled and or injured during the war, as well as counseling, reintegrating and resettling them and • to explore whether the ex-combatants who were demobilized and those who opted for a civilian life were rehabilitated. • to explore if the ex-combatants were reintegrated. • to understand how the ex-combatants were coping with their lives and • to discover how they perceived their support from the government at the time of their demobilisation. The study concentrated on ex-combatants in Gweru, who were to be rehabilitated from 1990 to 1995. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted to achieve the objectives set out for the study. The results of the study indicate that there was no rehabilitation, counseling, resettlement and real integration. The findings clearly indicate that these ex-combatants still think of being resettled, allocated good land for farming. They went on to suggest being paid pension by the government and to have their children employed, educated and supported by the government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Charema, John
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Guerrillas -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Political rehabilitation -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Nationalism -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1990-1995 , Zimbabwe -- History -- 1990-1995
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8202 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1223 , Guerrillas -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Political rehabilitation -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Nationalism -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1990-1995 , Zimbabwe -- History -- 1990-1995
- Description: The purpose of the study was to explore the rehabilitation of ex-combatants who fought the Zimbabwe liberation war, thus to find out if these ex-combatants received counseling and were resettled or reintegrated within the period 1990 to 1995. In order to maintain focus the aims of the study were set out as follows: • to focus on rehabilitation which encompasses taking care of the ex-combatants who were disabled and or injured during the war, as well as counseling, reintegrating and resettling them and • to explore whether the ex-combatants who were demobilized and those who opted for a civilian life were rehabilitated. • to explore if the ex-combatants were reintegrated. • to understand how the ex-combatants were coping with their lives and • to discover how they perceived their support from the government at the time of their demobilisation. The study concentrated on ex-combatants in Gweru, who were to be rehabilitated from 1990 to 1995. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted to achieve the objectives set out for the study. The results of the study indicate that there was no rehabilitation, counseling, resettlement and real integration. The findings clearly indicate that these ex-combatants still think of being resettled, allocated good land for farming. They went on to suggest being paid pension by the government and to have their children employed, educated and supported by the government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An exploration of myth in the adaptation processes of Zimbabwean migrants residing in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Kritzinger, Barbara
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Migrant labor -- Zimbabwe , Migrant labor -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Xenophobia -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- Violence against -- South Africa , Migration, Internal -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16136 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1430 , Migrant labor -- Zimbabwe , Migrant labor -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Xenophobia -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- Violence against -- South Africa , Migration, Internal -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Migration is recognised as an escalating phenomenon of human behaviour worldwide. In the Southern African region African migrations and migrants have remained a focal point of discussion amongst politicians, citizens and migrants themselves in recent years. In South Africa, a major destination of migrants from various African Diasporas, this renewed interest in the topic has occurred in the context of xenophobic related violence aimed at foreigners within the broader economic, political and social arena. These factors extend to South Africa’s relationships with her near neighbours. Thus, Zimbabwe’s political, economic and social crisis has overflowed into South African borders, contributing large numbers of migrants to her population. Previous research has underrepresented the perspectives of migrants and Zimbabwean migrants in particular. Zimbabwean migrants seek economic opportunities to better themselves and maintain the survival of their families who remain in their country of origin. They are transnationals who engage in continuous movement between one place and the next, supporting various livelihoods. Little is understood about migrant adaptation to their complex contexts. In this research project, content analysis was conducted of data gathered during interviews and participant-observation of Zimbabwean migrant traders on the beachfront informal market in Port Elizabeth. The maintenance of the cultural values and identity of the myth of the hero as upholder of household honour was found to be significant in the adaptation of migrants to their multi-faceted lives. The findings indicate that migrant life is indeed uncertain and ever-changing. Their resilience in the face of continual change illustrated both conflict and compromise between “social cohesiveness (and) social flexibility” (Bauman, 1998: 15-16)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An exploration of myth in the adaptation processes of Zimbabwean migrants residing in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Kritzinger, Barbara
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Migrant labor -- Zimbabwe , Migrant labor -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Xenophobia -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- Violence against -- South Africa , Migration, Internal -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16136 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1430 , Migrant labor -- Zimbabwe , Migrant labor -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Xenophobia -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- Violence against -- South Africa , Migration, Internal -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Migration is recognised as an escalating phenomenon of human behaviour worldwide. In the Southern African region African migrations and migrants have remained a focal point of discussion amongst politicians, citizens and migrants themselves in recent years. In South Africa, a major destination of migrants from various African Diasporas, this renewed interest in the topic has occurred in the context of xenophobic related violence aimed at foreigners within the broader economic, political and social arena. These factors extend to South Africa’s relationships with her near neighbours. Thus, Zimbabwe’s political, economic and social crisis has overflowed into South African borders, contributing large numbers of migrants to her population. Previous research has underrepresented the perspectives of migrants and Zimbabwean migrants in particular. Zimbabwean migrants seek economic opportunities to better themselves and maintain the survival of their families who remain in their country of origin. They are transnationals who engage in continuous movement between one place and the next, supporting various livelihoods. Little is understood about migrant adaptation to their complex contexts. In this research project, content analysis was conducted of data gathered during interviews and participant-observation of Zimbabwean migrant traders on the beachfront informal market in Port Elizabeth. The maintenance of the cultural values and identity of the myth of the hero as upholder of household honour was found to be significant in the adaptation of migrants to their multi-faceted lives. The findings indicate that migrant life is indeed uncertain and ever-changing. Their resilience in the face of continual change illustrated both conflict and compromise between “social cohesiveness (and) social flexibility” (Bauman, 1998: 15-16)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An exploration of the role of a strategic internal communication system in the merging Walter Sisulu University
- Authors: Soha, Sandi
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Communication systems -- Evaluation , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8485 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1458 , Universities and colleges -- Communication systems -- Evaluation , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The merger of institutions of higher learning in South Africa has demonstrated to the study an exploration of the role of strategic internal communication system – in the merging of the Walter Sisulu University. The purpose of the study is to determine to what extent employees of the Walter Sisulu University have perceived that the internal communication system of this university has contributed towards an effectively merged organisation. The study was conducted after three historically disadvantaged institutions of higher learning merged to form one comprehensive university. The three merged institutions are: the Border Technikon, the Eastern Cape Technikon and the University of Transkei. It was foreseeable during the process of the merger, that combining three institutions could possibly result in lower staff morale and uncertainty. The study has explored the theoretical framework for understanding the role of strategic internal communication systems in an organisation. The study was approached from a systems' perspective and that of a transformational model. A survey research design was utilised for the purpose of this study – in order to assess the validity and reliability of the data. A qualitative research design was used for the purpose of this study – in order to acquire the desired outcomes of the research. Questionnaires were used and the sample was drawn from a large population of the Walter Sisulu University – from, four campuses – with the aim of allowing one to make inferences about the population as a whole. The questionnaire was structured in four main sections namely: Biographical information, internal-communication systems, tools of internal communication, and line-management communication. The findings of the study aids the understanding behind the view of internal communication systems as having contributed – or not contributed – to a successfully merged university.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Soha, Sandi
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Communication systems -- Evaluation , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8485 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1458 , Universities and colleges -- Communication systems -- Evaluation , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The merger of institutions of higher learning in South Africa has demonstrated to the study an exploration of the role of strategic internal communication system – in the merging of the Walter Sisulu University. The purpose of the study is to determine to what extent employees of the Walter Sisulu University have perceived that the internal communication system of this university has contributed towards an effectively merged organisation. The study was conducted after three historically disadvantaged institutions of higher learning merged to form one comprehensive university. The three merged institutions are: the Border Technikon, the Eastern Cape Technikon and the University of Transkei. It was foreseeable during the process of the merger, that combining three institutions could possibly result in lower staff morale and uncertainty. The study has explored the theoretical framework for understanding the role of strategic internal communication systems in an organisation. The study was approached from a systems' perspective and that of a transformational model. A survey research design was utilised for the purpose of this study – in order to assess the validity and reliability of the data. A qualitative research design was used for the purpose of this study – in order to acquire the desired outcomes of the research. Questionnaires were used and the sample was drawn from a large population of the Walter Sisulu University – from, four campuses – with the aim of allowing one to make inferences about the population as a whole. The questionnaire was structured in four main sections namely: Biographical information, internal-communication systems, tools of internal communication, and line-management communication. The findings of the study aids the understanding behind the view of internal communication systems as having contributed – or not contributed – to a successfully merged university.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An exploration of voluntary counselling and testing : a Port Elizabeth-based study
- Authors: Foster, Caron
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , HIV Infections -- Diagnosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Diagnosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16139 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1204 , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , HIV Infections -- Diagnosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Diagnosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The purpose of this study was to explore and identify factors that either facilitate or inhibit individuals volunteering for HIV-testing. The target group was comprised of Xhosa first-language construction workers in a company with an HIV/AIDS workplace policy and programme. This programme provides basic education and awareness about HIV/AIDS. This education includes information about where to access voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services. Interpretive qualitative research was undertaken in order to explore the beliefs, perceptions and intentions of the target group in regard to the utilisation VCT services. Data was collected using an unstructured interview guide. The data was analysed using Tesch’s approach to content analysis. Concerns about validity and reliability were engaged throughout the research process and supported further by using researcher reflexivity and an independent researcher. The independent researcher analysed data separately and only after discussion and consensus being found between the two researchers were final categories and codes agreed upon and data analysis considered complete. Findings revealed that an HIV/AIDS workplace programme has a positive impact on the health-seeking behaviour of workers in the construction company used in this research. Respondents knew how HIV/AIDS is transmitted, how to prevent transmission and where to find HIV-testing treatment and support. In this case HIV-testing services can easily be accessed further facilitating respondents volunteering for HIV-testing. It was also found that family, friends and churches support HIV-testing behaviour by providing education, guidance and support to respondents encouraging behaviour change. On the other hand, respondents held that community members who had not benefited from an HIV/AIDS workplace programme such as theirs are exposed daily to the devastating effects of HIV leading to AIDS deaths and live in fear of the disease. Debilitating illness and eventual death is equated with an HIV-positive diagnosis which causes community members to believe it is better not to volunteer for HIV-testing than to ascertain one’s HIV-status. The HIV/AIDS workplace policy and xv programme on the other hand is seen to have provided respondents with HIV/AIDS knowledge enabling them to overcome their fear of an HIV-positive diagnosis and to volunteer for regular HIV-testing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Foster, Caron
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , HIV Infections -- Diagnosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Diagnosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16139 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1204 , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , HIV Infections -- Diagnosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Diagnosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The purpose of this study was to explore and identify factors that either facilitate or inhibit individuals volunteering for HIV-testing. The target group was comprised of Xhosa first-language construction workers in a company with an HIV/AIDS workplace policy and programme. This programme provides basic education and awareness about HIV/AIDS. This education includes information about where to access voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services. Interpretive qualitative research was undertaken in order to explore the beliefs, perceptions and intentions of the target group in regard to the utilisation VCT services. Data was collected using an unstructured interview guide. The data was analysed using Tesch’s approach to content analysis. Concerns about validity and reliability were engaged throughout the research process and supported further by using researcher reflexivity and an independent researcher. The independent researcher analysed data separately and only after discussion and consensus being found between the two researchers were final categories and codes agreed upon and data analysis considered complete. Findings revealed that an HIV/AIDS workplace programme has a positive impact on the health-seeking behaviour of workers in the construction company used in this research. Respondents knew how HIV/AIDS is transmitted, how to prevent transmission and where to find HIV-testing treatment and support. In this case HIV-testing services can easily be accessed further facilitating respondents volunteering for HIV-testing. It was also found that family, friends and churches support HIV-testing behaviour by providing education, guidance and support to respondents encouraging behaviour change. On the other hand, respondents held that community members who had not benefited from an HIV/AIDS workplace programme such as theirs are exposed daily to the devastating effects of HIV leading to AIDS deaths and live in fear of the disease. Debilitating illness and eventual death is equated with an HIV-positive diagnosis which causes community members to believe it is better not to volunteer for HIV-testing than to ascertain one’s HIV-status. The HIV/AIDS workplace policy and xv programme on the other hand is seen to have provided respondents with HIV/AIDS knowledge enabling them to overcome their fear of an HIV-positive diagnosis and to volunteer for regular HIV-testing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An exploration of Zimbabwean migrant women's perceptions of their identity : selected case studies in Gqebera, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- Authors: Moorhouse, Lesley
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Women immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Women -- Identity , Emigration and immigration -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Gender identity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16140 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1200 , Women immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Women -- Identity , Emigration and immigration -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Gender identity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This study explores the perceptions of women who had migrated to Gqebera, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, from Zimbabwe, in terms of their own identity. In-depth interviews were conducted, situated within a phenomenological paradigm with a feminist epistemological orientation, in order to describe the rich detail of a woman’s quotidian existence subsequent to the migratory experience. Findings suggest that women’s identities are constructed in relation to other people, both those who form their in-group and their out-group. The process of migration and difficulties associated with assimilation into the host community impacts on felt ethnicity, strengthening ties to the homeland and to fellow Zimbabweans. Identity is also impacted on by spatiality, or lived space, in terms of both memories of home and present space occupied. Migration incorporating even the post-migration period may well form an extended liminal experience for women.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Moorhouse, Lesley
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Women immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Women -- Identity , Emigration and immigration -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Gender identity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16140 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1200 , Women immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Women -- Identity , Emigration and immigration -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Gender identity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This study explores the perceptions of women who had migrated to Gqebera, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, from Zimbabwe, in terms of their own identity. In-depth interviews were conducted, situated within a phenomenological paradigm with a feminist epistemological orientation, in order to describe the rich detail of a woman’s quotidian existence subsequent to the migratory experience. Findings suggest that women’s identities are constructed in relation to other people, both those who form their in-group and their out-group. The process of migration and difficulties associated with assimilation into the host community impacts on felt ethnicity, strengthening ties to the homeland and to fellow Zimbabweans. Identity is also impacted on by spatiality, or lived space, in terms of both memories of home and present space occupied. Migration incorporating even the post-migration period may well form an extended liminal experience for women.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An investigation into the competencies associated with change leadership : a case study analysis of an information technology organisation
- Authors: Britton, Leola
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16138 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1227 , Organizational change -- Management
- Description: In this research, the researcher-consultant together with the management corps of a merged IT organisation, embarked on a process of participative research with the aim to identify the competencies and skills that are required of the management-leadership corps to drive a process of change management and to ensure the organisation will be characterised by sustained growth and development. In using participative research methodology, qualitative data was mainly gathered through informal interviews and focus group sessions to identify the competencies and skills that are defined as important for the change manager-cum-leader role within the merged IT organisation. In addition, a matrix was compiled to enable each manager/leader to undertake a self-assessment of how capable they are in using the identified competencies and skills. The outcome of the assessment provided an indication of the areas of competencies and skills that through various interventions would enable the management-leadership corps to deal with the challenges of change, as well as to guide those that report to them through a process of change. While the management-leadership corps – referred to as the Executive, Senior, and Middle Management cohorts – all require enhancing their change management / leadership competencies and skills capability, it is the Middle Management cohort that is better equipped to perform their change management and leadership role. During the research, focus group sessions enhanced a participative methodology to enable identification of competencies important to the IT Company’s vision, mission and core values, as well as opportunity to identify interventions that will encourage an on-going process of change, growth and development. However, there is indication that the members of the Executive and Senior Management cohorts assessed themselves higher on those competencies that relate directly to their functionary roles, rather than the change management-leadership role. The scope of a treatise limits an in-depth and expanded research endeavour; however, the methodology used provided information on how a platform for participation in a change management process can be enabled. Furthermore, this research gives indication of how a management-leadership strata can ‘buy-in’ to the process of change, growth and development, commencing with the self and, which is aimed to encourage the same in those that share responsibility for sustained growth and development of the IT company. The research is also example of how an applied sociology endeavour can be undertaken.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Britton, Leola
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16138 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1227 , Organizational change -- Management
- Description: In this research, the researcher-consultant together with the management corps of a merged IT organisation, embarked on a process of participative research with the aim to identify the competencies and skills that are required of the management-leadership corps to drive a process of change management and to ensure the organisation will be characterised by sustained growth and development. In using participative research methodology, qualitative data was mainly gathered through informal interviews and focus group sessions to identify the competencies and skills that are defined as important for the change manager-cum-leader role within the merged IT organisation. In addition, a matrix was compiled to enable each manager/leader to undertake a self-assessment of how capable they are in using the identified competencies and skills. The outcome of the assessment provided an indication of the areas of competencies and skills that through various interventions would enable the management-leadership corps to deal with the challenges of change, as well as to guide those that report to them through a process of change. While the management-leadership corps – referred to as the Executive, Senior, and Middle Management cohorts – all require enhancing their change management / leadership competencies and skills capability, it is the Middle Management cohort that is better equipped to perform their change management and leadership role. During the research, focus group sessions enhanced a participative methodology to enable identification of competencies important to the IT Company’s vision, mission and core values, as well as opportunity to identify interventions that will encourage an on-going process of change, growth and development. However, there is indication that the members of the Executive and Senior Management cohorts assessed themselves higher on those competencies that relate directly to their functionary roles, rather than the change management-leadership role. The scope of a treatise limits an in-depth and expanded research endeavour; however, the methodology used provided information on how a platform for participation in a change management process can be enabled. Furthermore, this research gives indication of how a management-leadership strata can ‘buy-in’ to the process of change, growth and development, commencing with the self and, which is aimed to encourage the same in those that share responsibility for sustained growth and development of the IT company. The research is also example of how an applied sociology endeavour can be undertaken.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An investigation of the African subjectivity represented in Gavin Hood's Tsotsi (2006)
- Authors: Siwak, Jakub
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Subjectivity in literature , Subjectivity Drama , Violence in motion pictures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8391 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1093 , Subjectivity in literature , Subjectivity Drama , Violence in motion pictures
- Description: This treatise will focus on a critical examination of Gavin Hood’s South African Oscar-winning film, Tsotsi (2006), in the interest of exploring how the mass media creates a problematic configuration of the subject, in virtue of its valorization of the continued discursive colonization of Africans (identified broadly in geographical rather than racial terms). That is, within the narrative of the film, the protagonist, after engaging in a crime spree, gives himself over to the state authorities and emotively confesses to his transgressions. Importantly, this dramatic confession is represented as a triumph of the human spirit – in the form of an autonomous rehabilitation on the part of the criminal. However, if one understands the protagonist as a subject constituted by what Foucault terms the discursive regimes of disciplinary/bio-power, what emerges into conspicuity is that the protagonist’s actions rather than being the result of his growing maturity and concomitant augmenting ‘humanity’ are the consequence of a set of discursive imperatives which render him docile and prostrate. Arguably, what this serves to represent, and, indeed, propagate, is more of a superimposition of Western cultural discourses on African subjects, and less of a negotiation with such discourses by such subjects. The treatise aims to provide a theoretical solution to the negation of alternative modes of being by disciplinary/bio-power imperatives inextricable from neo-liberal subjectivity. However, in its attempts to encourage cultural negotiation between North and South, the treatise will avoid simplistic, ‘orthodox’, Marxist solutions and will instead critically contend with the theory of Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe, and their perspectives on how radical democracy can be achieved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Siwak, Jakub
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Subjectivity in literature , Subjectivity Drama , Violence in motion pictures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8391 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1093 , Subjectivity in literature , Subjectivity Drama , Violence in motion pictures
- Description: This treatise will focus on a critical examination of Gavin Hood’s South African Oscar-winning film, Tsotsi (2006), in the interest of exploring how the mass media creates a problematic configuration of the subject, in virtue of its valorization of the continued discursive colonization of Africans (identified broadly in geographical rather than racial terms). That is, within the narrative of the film, the protagonist, after engaging in a crime spree, gives himself over to the state authorities and emotively confesses to his transgressions. Importantly, this dramatic confession is represented as a triumph of the human spirit – in the form of an autonomous rehabilitation on the part of the criminal. However, if one understands the protagonist as a subject constituted by what Foucault terms the discursive regimes of disciplinary/bio-power, what emerges into conspicuity is that the protagonist’s actions rather than being the result of his growing maturity and concomitant augmenting ‘humanity’ are the consequence of a set of discursive imperatives which render him docile and prostrate. Arguably, what this serves to represent, and, indeed, propagate, is more of a superimposition of Western cultural discourses on African subjects, and less of a negotiation with such discourses by such subjects. The treatise aims to provide a theoretical solution to the negation of alternative modes of being by disciplinary/bio-power imperatives inextricable from neo-liberal subjectivity. However, in its attempts to encourage cultural negotiation between North and South, the treatise will avoid simplistic, ‘orthodox’, Marxist solutions and will instead critically contend with the theory of Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe, and their perspectives on how radical democracy can be achieved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An investigation of the continued relevance of Faludi's Backlash (1992) for the negotiation of gender identity, in the wake of the "Lara Croft" phenomenon
- Authors: Van Antwerpen, Lee-Anne
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Gender identity in mass media , Feminism , Feminism -- Public opinion , Women -- Social conditions , Women -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8390 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1129 , Gender identity in mass media , Feminism , Feminism -- Public opinion , Women -- Social conditions , Women -- Psychology
- Description: In the 1990s, Susan Faludi’s Backlash: The Undeclared War Against Women (1992) was arguably of signal importance in the thematization of the limits imposed by the media on the negotiation of gender identity. However, the utilization of Faludi’s various analyses, in the interest of rendering social critique, has become progressively more problematic during the first decade of the 21st century. This is because her analyses engage neither with the development of media technologies subsequent to the early 1990s, nor with the way in which such technological developments now engage audiences on a greater multiplicity of levels than before, in a manner that consequently stands to inform their subjectivity to a degree hitherto unimagined. (A good example of the latter would, of course, be the proliferation of interactive exchanges on the World Wide Web). As such, in the light of such technological developments, this treatise is orientated around an investigation of the continued relevance of Faludi’s Backlash (1992) for the negotiation of gender identity in the contemporary era. In particular, its focus falls on West’s film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), which is considered against the backdrop of the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider phenomenon, which encompasses sequels to the film, online interactive sites, graphic novels, figurines, and video games, among other products. This investigation draws on the reception theory of, on the one hand, Adorno and Horkheimer, and, on the other hand, Stuart Hall.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Van Antwerpen, Lee-Anne
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Gender identity in mass media , Feminism , Feminism -- Public opinion , Women -- Social conditions , Women -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8390 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1129 , Gender identity in mass media , Feminism , Feminism -- Public opinion , Women -- Social conditions , Women -- Psychology
- Description: In the 1990s, Susan Faludi’s Backlash: The Undeclared War Against Women (1992) was arguably of signal importance in the thematization of the limits imposed by the media on the negotiation of gender identity. However, the utilization of Faludi’s various analyses, in the interest of rendering social critique, has become progressively more problematic during the first decade of the 21st century. This is because her analyses engage neither with the development of media technologies subsequent to the early 1990s, nor with the way in which such technological developments now engage audiences on a greater multiplicity of levels than before, in a manner that consequently stands to inform their subjectivity to a degree hitherto unimagined. (A good example of the latter would, of course, be the proliferation of interactive exchanges on the World Wide Web). As such, in the light of such technological developments, this treatise is orientated around an investigation of the continued relevance of Faludi’s Backlash (1992) for the negotiation of gender identity in the contemporary era. In particular, its focus falls on West’s film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), which is considered against the backdrop of the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider phenomenon, which encompasses sequels to the film, online interactive sites, graphic novels, figurines, and video games, among other products. This investigation draws on the reception theory of, on the one hand, Adorno and Horkheimer, and, on the other hand, Stuart Hall.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010