The significance of mentorship in supporting the career advancement of women in the public sector
- Authors: Mcilongo, M , Strydom, K
- Date: 2021-06-11
- Subjects: Career development Career advancement ; Career ladder ; Career management ; Career planning ; Development, Career ; Development, Professional ; Employee development ; Organizational career development ; Professional development Computer File , Mentoring Mentorship Computer File
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6434 , vital:45498 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07321
- Description: Historically, patriarchy has manifested itself in the workplace and influenced career opportunities afforded to women in the public sector. The slow progress in the transformation of organisations indicates there is a need for a structural developmental approach for women's career advancement. Mentoring has been recognised as a valuable development strategy and an affirmative action tool that can be used to support and promote women and groups that have been viewed as previously disadvantaged. The aim of the study was to highlight the significance of mentorship as a career advancement mechanism for women in the South African public sector. The study identified dimensions of mentorship (female mentors, career support, mentoring policy and leadership development) and tested the proposed hypotheses to determine whether a statistically significant relationship existed between mentorship and career advancement. A quantitative approach was followed to collect data from a sample of 200 women employed in the public sector in the different provinces of South Africa. Statistical methods used to conduct the data analysis included descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The results indicate that women employees in the public sector view mentorship as an important factor for development; however, the gender of the mentor does not necessarily influence career advancement. Mechanisms to support mentoring have not been established in the public sector, highlighting the urgency for managers in the public sector to ensure that mentorship policies are put in place.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-06-11
- Authors: Mcilongo, M , Strydom, K
- Date: 2021-06-11
- Subjects: Career development Career advancement ; Career ladder ; Career management ; Career planning ; Development, Career ; Development, Professional ; Employee development ; Organizational career development ; Professional development Computer File , Mentoring Mentorship Computer File
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6434 , vital:45498 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07321
- Description: Historically, patriarchy has manifested itself in the workplace and influenced career opportunities afforded to women in the public sector. The slow progress in the transformation of organisations indicates there is a need for a structural developmental approach for women's career advancement. Mentoring has been recognised as a valuable development strategy and an affirmative action tool that can be used to support and promote women and groups that have been viewed as previously disadvantaged. The aim of the study was to highlight the significance of mentorship as a career advancement mechanism for women in the South African public sector. The study identified dimensions of mentorship (female mentors, career support, mentoring policy and leadership development) and tested the proposed hypotheses to determine whether a statistically significant relationship existed between mentorship and career advancement. A quantitative approach was followed to collect data from a sample of 200 women employed in the public sector in the different provinces of South Africa. Statistical methods used to conduct the data analysis included descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The results indicate that women employees in the public sector view mentorship as an important factor for development; however, the gender of the mentor does not necessarily influence career advancement. Mechanisms to support mentoring have not been established in the public sector, highlighting the urgency for managers in the public sector to ensure that mentorship policies are put in place.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-06-11
The significance of mentorship in supporting the career advancement of women in the public sector
- Mcilongo, M, Strydom, K (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-8141-7673)
- Authors: Mcilongo, M , Strydom, K (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-8141-7673)
- Date: 2021-06-11
- Subjects: Career development Career advancement ; Career ladder ; Career management ; Career planning ; Development, Career ; Development, Professional ; Employee development ; Organizational career development ; Professional development Computer File , Mentoring Mentorship Computer File
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6423 , vital:45497 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07321
- Description: Historically, patriarchy has manifested itself in the workplace and influenced career opportunities afforded to women in the public sector. The slow progress in the transformation of organisations indicates there is a need for a structural developmental approach for women's career advancement. Mentoring has been recognised as a valuable development strategy and an affirmative action tool that can be used to support and promote women and groups that have been viewed as previously disadvantaged. The aim of the study was to highlight the significance of mentorship as a career advancement mechanism for women in the South African public sector. The study identified dimensions of mentorship (female mentors, career support, mentoring policy and leadership development) and tested the proposed hypotheses to determine whether a statistically significant relationship existed between mentorship and career advancement. A quantitative approach was followed to collect data from a sample of 200 women employed in the public sector in the different provinces of South Africa. Statistical methods used to conduct the data analysis included descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The results indicate that women employees in the public sector view mentorship as an important factor for development; however, the gender of the mentor does not necessarily influence career advancement. Mechanisms to support mentoring have not been established in the public sector, highlighting the urgency for managers in the public sector to ensure that mentorship policies are put in place.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-06-11
- Authors: Mcilongo, M , Strydom, K (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-8141-7673)
- Date: 2021-06-11
- Subjects: Career development Career advancement ; Career ladder ; Career management ; Career planning ; Development, Career ; Development, Professional ; Employee development ; Organizational career development ; Professional development Computer File , Mentoring Mentorship Computer File
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6423 , vital:45497 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07321
- Description: Historically, patriarchy has manifested itself in the workplace and influenced career opportunities afforded to women in the public sector. The slow progress in the transformation of organisations indicates there is a need for a structural developmental approach for women's career advancement. Mentoring has been recognised as a valuable development strategy and an affirmative action tool that can be used to support and promote women and groups that have been viewed as previously disadvantaged. The aim of the study was to highlight the significance of mentorship as a career advancement mechanism for women in the South African public sector. The study identified dimensions of mentorship (female mentors, career support, mentoring policy and leadership development) and tested the proposed hypotheses to determine whether a statistically significant relationship existed between mentorship and career advancement. A quantitative approach was followed to collect data from a sample of 200 women employed in the public sector in the different provinces of South Africa. Statistical methods used to conduct the data analysis included descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The results indicate that women employees in the public sector view mentorship as an important factor for development; however, the gender of the mentor does not necessarily influence career advancement. Mechanisms to support mentoring have not been established in the public sector, highlighting the urgency for managers in the public sector to ensure that mentorship policies are put in place.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-06-11
The dictionary in examinations at a South African university: a linguistic or a pedagogic intervention?
- Authors: Nkomo, Dion
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67559 , vital:29111 , http://dx.doi.org/10.5788/27-1-1406
- Description: Publisher version , This paper interrogates students' use of dictionaries for examination purposes at Rhodes University in South Africa. The practice, which is provided for by the university's language policy, is widely seen as a linguistic intervention particularly aimed at assisting English additional language students, the majority of whom speak African languages, with purely linguistic information. Such a view is misconceived as it ignores the fact that the practice predates the present institutional language policy which was adopted in 2006. Although it was difficult to establish the real motivation prior to the language policy, this study indicates that both English mother-tongue and English additional language students use the dictionary in examinations for assistance that may be considered to be broadly pedagogic rather than purely linguistic. This then invites academics to reconsider the manner in which they teach and assess, cognisant of the pedagogic value of the dictionary which transcends linguistic assistance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nkomo, Dion
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67559 , vital:29111 , http://dx.doi.org/10.5788/27-1-1406
- Description: Publisher version , This paper interrogates students' use of dictionaries for examination purposes at Rhodes University in South Africa. The practice, which is provided for by the university's language policy, is widely seen as a linguistic intervention particularly aimed at assisting English additional language students, the majority of whom speak African languages, with purely linguistic information. Such a view is misconceived as it ignores the fact that the practice predates the present institutional language policy which was adopted in 2006. Although it was difficult to establish the real motivation prior to the language policy, this study indicates that both English mother-tongue and English additional language students use the dictionary in examinations for assistance that may be considered to be broadly pedagogic rather than purely linguistic. This then invites academics to reconsider the manner in which they teach and assess, cognisant of the pedagogic value of the dictionary which transcends linguistic assistance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effectiveness and impacts of subsidies to film industries
- Collins, Alan, Snowball, Jeanette D
- Authors: Collins, Alan , Snowball, Jeanette D
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68511 , vital:29273 , https://www.southafricanculturalobservatory.org.za/
- Description: Publisher version , Conference paper presented at the South African Cultural Observatory, First National Conference: Counting Culture, The Cultural and Creative Industries in National and International Context, 16-17 May 2016, The Boardwalk International Convention Centre, Nelson Mandela Bay.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Collins, Alan , Snowball, Jeanette D
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68511 , vital:29273 , https://www.southafricanculturalobservatory.org.za/
- Description: Publisher version , Conference paper presented at the South African Cultural Observatory, First National Conference: Counting Culture, The Cultural and Creative Industries in National and International Context, 16-17 May 2016, The Boardwalk International Convention Centre, Nelson Mandela Bay.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
New Unity Movement Bulletin
- Date: 2011-03
- Subjects: Government, Resistance to -- South Africa , South Africa -- History -- 20th century , South Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31929 , vital:31863 , Bulk File 7
- Description: The Bulletin was the official newsletter of the New Unity Movement. It was published about twice a year and contained articles reflecting the organisation's views on resistance to the Apartheid government.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011-03
- Date: 2011-03
- Subjects: Government, Resistance to -- South Africa , South Africa -- History -- 20th century , South Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31929 , vital:31863 , Bulk File 7
- Description: The Bulletin was the official newsletter of the New Unity Movement. It was published about twice a year and contained articles reflecting the organisation's views on resistance to the Apartheid government.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011-03
New Unity Movement Bulletin
- Date: 2010-11
- Subjects: Government, Resistance to -- South Africa , South Africa -- History -- 20th century , South Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32110 , vital:31963 , Bulk File 7
- Description: The Bulletin was the official newsletter of the New Unity Movement. It was published about twice a year and contained articles reflecting the organisation's views on resistance to the Apartheid government.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2010-11
- Date: 2010-11
- Subjects: Government, Resistance to -- South Africa , South Africa -- History -- 20th century , South Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32110 , vital:31963 , Bulk File 7
- Description: The Bulletin was the official newsletter of the New Unity Movement. It was published about twice a year and contained articles reflecting the organisation's views on resistance to the Apartheid government.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2010-11
In-service training for academic librarians : a pilot programme for staff
- Authors: Shepherd, Eileen
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6992 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012418 , http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/full/10.1108/02640471011065346
- Description: This paper discusses the need for continuing professional development for librarians in academic libraries in general and at Rhodes University Library, South Africa in particular. It describes the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of a staff-development and training pilot programme for professional librarians at Rhodes Library. A group of 15 librarians, drawn from the library staff complement, participated in an 8-session training course developed by Information Services librarians. The course, which covered basic information-finding skills using a variety of research databases and offered an introduction to concepts in 21st century academic librarianship, was presented using course management software in a face-to-face environment and required homework exercises and the completion of a 2-hour final test. The results of the project demonstrated the urgent need for such development programmes for professional library staff. 80% of the participants completed the course. The final test results indicated below average database search skills and an inability to think laterally. An unexpected finding was a lack of IT competencies. Important lessons were learned with regard to course-construction, content and timing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Shepherd, Eileen
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6992 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012418 , http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/full/10.1108/02640471011065346
- Description: This paper discusses the need for continuing professional development for librarians in academic libraries in general and at Rhodes University Library, South Africa in particular. It describes the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of a staff-development and training pilot programme for professional librarians at Rhodes Library. A group of 15 librarians, drawn from the library staff complement, participated in an 8-session training course developed by Information Services librarians. The course, which covered basic information-finding skills using a variety of research databases and offered an introduction to concepts in 21st century academic librarianship, was presented using course management software in a face-to-face environment and required homework exercises and the completion of a 2-hour final test. The results of the project demonstrated the urgent need for such development programmes for professional library staff. 80% of the participants completed the course. The final test results indicated below average database search skills and an inability to think laterally. An unexpected finding was a lack of IT competencies. Important lessons were learned with regard to course-construction, content and timing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Tribute to the late Violet Seboni, 1965-2009
- South African Clothing and Textile Workers' Union
- Authors: South African Clothing and Textile Workers' Union
- Date: 2009?
- Subjects: South African Clothing and Textile Workers' Union , Labour unions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , pamphlet
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/110537 , vital:33297
- Description: Violet Seboni was born on 18 September 1965. It was to be a turbulent start to life for this young girl who never got to know her father, in a story that started in sadness. And shortly after her birth, it was her mother too that she lost in circumstances that no one should experience. She knew pain and later in life she stood up for those in pain. Young Violet was raised by her grandmother for the first few years of her life, and when her grandmother died, it was her granny’s friend - in a culture where ubuntu requires that we reach out to others - who took on the responsibility to rear the young girl and to become her comforter, her provider, her mother. Violet went to primary school and later to Madibane High School in Diepkloof, where she developed a love for netball and a passion for activism. After high school, she became pregnant and her beloved daughter Lesego was born. She looked for work, and like generations of young, working- class women before her, she turned to the clothing industry, to use her hands, her dexterity and her skill to earn a living to feed her young family. The role the industry plays, to give work, bread and life to those in need, is in itself a reason not to let the industry die simply due to the cold, harsh winds of global competition and indifference or inaction from those who have the power to intervene, to use trade measures and to use industrial policy tools to save jobs and absorb our people into decent work opportunities. The industry that young Violet chose is one whose factories in Joburg grew with the discovery of minerals and the rapid growth of an urban population that needed to be clothed. Violet’s predecessors in the industry were white women sewing machinists, mainly Afrikaners, often the wives and daughters of the Afrikaner mineworkers who as 'by-woners', were like their black brethren, driven off the land and into the cities hungry for labour. Trade unionism took root among the male mineworkers - Die Mynwerkers Unie was their vehicle - and among female garment workers - through the Garment Workers Union. , A new growth path for decent work in the clothing, textile, footwear and leather industry
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009?
- Authors: South African Clothing and Textile Workers' Union
- Date: 2009?
- Subjects: South African Clothing and Textile Workers' Union , Labour unions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , pamphlet
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/110537 , vital:33297
- Description: Violet Seboni was born on 18 September 1965. It was to be a turbulent start to life for this young girl who never got to know her father, in a story that started in sadness. And shortly after her birth, it was her mother too that she lost in circumstances that no one should experience. She knew pain and later in life she stood up for those in pain. Young Violet was raised by her grandmother for the first few years of her life, and when her grandmother died, it was her granny’s friend - in a culture where ubuntu requires that we reach out to others - who took on the responsibility to rear the young girl and to become her comforter, her provider, her mother. Violet went to primary school and later to Madibane High School in Diepkloof, where she developed a love for netball and a passion for activism. After high school, she became pregnant and her beloved daughter Lesego was born. She looked for work, and like generations of young, working- class women before her, she turned to the clothing industry, to use her hands, her dexterity and her skill to earn a living to feed her young family. The role the industry plays, to give work, bread and life to those in need, is in itself a reason not to let the industry die simply due to the cold, harsh winds of global competition and indifference or inaction from those who have the power to intervene, to use trade measures and to use industrial policy tools to save jobs and absorb our people into decent work opportunities. The industry that young Violet chose is one whose factories in Joburg grew with the discovery of minerals and the rapid growth of an urban population that needed to be clothed. Violet’s predecessors in the industry were white women sewing machinists, mainly Afrikaners, often the wives and daughters of the Afrikaner mineworkers who as 'by-woners', were like their black brethren, driven off the land and into the cities hungry for labour. Trade unionism took root among the male mineworkers - Die Mynwerkers Unie was their vehicle - and among female garment workers - through the Garment Workers Union. , A new growth path for decent work in the clothing, textile, footwear and leather industry
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009?
Wealth differentiation in household use and trade in non-timber forest products in South Africa
- Paumgarten, Fiona, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Paumgarten, Fiona , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6646 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006892
- Description: Findings from southern Africa and internationally indicate the local use and trade of NTFPs to be significant however most present a composite picture, failing to account for intra-community socio-economic differences. These differences may have implications for policy and practice related to poverty alleviation and sustainable use. This paper reports on a study in South Africa which explored the relationship between household wealth and the use, procurement and sale of NTFPs in two villages. There was no influence of wealth on the proportion of households using or purchasing most of the NTFPs, or the number used. However, wealthier households bought significantly more resources per household, and poor households (at one village) sold significantly more. These results are discussed within the context of local conditions and poverty alleviation debates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Paumgarten, Fiona , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6646 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006892
- Description: Findings from southern Africa and internationally indicate the local use and trade of NTFPs to be significant however most present a composite picture, failing to account for intra-community socio-economic differences. These differences may have implications for policy and practice related to poverty alleviation and sustainable use. This paper reports on a study in South Africa which explored the relationship between household wealth and the use, procurement and sale of NTFPs in two villages. There was no influence of wealth on the proportion of households using or purchasing most of the NTFPs, or the number used. However, wealthier households bought significantly more resources per household, and poor households (at one village) sold significantly more. These results are discussed within the context of local conditions and poverty alleviation debates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Bandwidth management with the Squid caching proxy server
- Authors: Halse, Guy A
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Conference paper
- Identifier: vital:6975 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009335
- Description: Presentation on the use of the Squid caching proxy server as a tool for bandwidth management. This formed part of the International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications' Bandwidth Management and Optimisation Open Source Tools and Solutions project, being a series of workshops conducted throughout the developing world.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Halse, Guy A
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Conference paper
- Identifier: vital:6975 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009335
- Description: Presentation on the use of the Squid caching proxy server as a tool for bandwidth management. This formed part of the International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications' Bandwidth Management and Optimisation Open Source Tools and Solutions project, being a series of workshops conducted throughout the developing world.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Structure and distribution of the slope fish community in the vicinity of the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Archipelago
- Pakhomov, Evgeny A, Bushula, T, Kaehler, Sven, Watkins, B P, Leslie, Rob W
- Authors: Pakhomov, Evgeny A , Bushula, T , Kaehler, Sven , Watkins, B P , Leslie, Rob W
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6958 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012000
- Description: Demersal fish community structure, distribution and trophic relationships on the slope (depth range 200–1500 m) of the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands and surrounding sea rises were investigated during a pilot survey conducted in April 2001 onboard fishing vessel MV Iris. A total of 56 fish taxa were collected during the survey, of which 44 were identified to the species level, seven to the genus level and five to the family level. Among the identified taxa, 36 constituted new records for the area investigated. Total catch per unit effort (cpue) during the survey ranged from 1•1 to 241•2 individuals h 1. Both average fish diversity and total cpue positively correlated with trawling depth. Overall, mean sampling depth and near-bottom temperature explained 56% of total fish cpue. Hierarchal cluster analysis identified three distinct fish assemblages with pronounced dominant species. Major shifts in fish community composition occurred at 500–600 m and 800–900 m depth strata and could probably be a result of physical and biological vertical zonation. Analysis of the diet of selected fish species showed that they were generalist feeders, consuming predominantly pelagic, including epipelagic, meso- and benthopelagic, prey. Diets of six species and nitrogen stable isotope signatures of 22 species revealed that with a few exceptions most fishes occupied the fourth trophic level and were tertiary consumers. Wide variability in carbon isotopic signatures is discussed with respect to alternative, e.g. possible importance of high Antarctic and chemoautotrophic v. photoautotrophic sub-Antarctic primary production, organic matter sources at the base of deep-sea food webs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Pakhomov, Evgeny A , Bushula, T , Kaehler, Sven , Watkins, B P , Leslie, Rob W
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6958 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012000
- Description: Demersal fish community structure, distribution and trophic relationships on the slope (depth range 200–1500 m) of the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands and surrounding sea rises were investigated during a pilot survey conducted in April 2001 onboard fishing vessel MV Iris. A total of 56 fish taxa were collected during the survey, of which 44 were identified to the species level, seven to the genus level and five to the family level. Among the identified taxa, 36 constituted new records for the area investigated. Total catch per unit effort (cpue) during the survey ranged from 1•1 to 241•2 individuals h 1. Both average fish diversity and total cpue positively correlated with trawling depth. Overall, mean sampling depth and near-bottom temperature explained 56% of total fish cpue. Hierarchal cluster analysis identified three distinct fish assemblages with pronounced dominant species. Major shifts in fish community composition occurred at 500–600 m and 800–900 m depth strata and could probably be a result of physical and biological vertical zonation. Analysis of the diet of selected fish species showed that they were generalist feeders, consuming predominantly pelagic, including epipelagic, meso- and benthopelagic, prey. Diets of six species and nitrogen stable isotope signatures of 22 species revealed that with a few exceptions most fishes occupied the fourth trophic level and were tertiary consumers. Wide variability in carbon isotopic signatures is discussed with respect to alternative, e.g. possible importance of high Antarctic and chemoautotrophic v. photoautotrophic sub-Antarctic primary production, organic matter sources at the base of deep-sea food webs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A narrative study of teachers' life stories and their work identity
- Authors: Heaton, Pamela Jane
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Identity (Psychology) -- Case studies , Teachers -- Case studies , Women teachers -- South Africa , Education -- South Africa -- History , Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women teachers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2989 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002498 , Identity (Psychology) -- Case studies , Teachers -- Case studies , Women teachers -- South Africa , Education -- South Africa -- History , Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women teachers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Media coverage of the poor state of this country's education system has described public images of the teaching profession which provide a context for the research described in this paper. The research is concerned with how and to what extent work identity is reflected in the life stories of five female teachers from a rural village in the Eastern Cape. A social constructionist approach is taken to the meaning and construction of identity, and the paper describes the process of a narrative method of analyzing and interpreting the stories. An initial analysis reveals that the participants had few career options and little choice of career. Further analysis is concerned with interpreting how the teachers create coherence in their stories around this lack of choice as well as within the larger social and historical context. Simultaneously there is an interpretation of the participants' work identity. The teachers create coherence in their narratives around their families and their socioeconomic or cultural circumstances, but make no explicit reference to the political context of their work choices, which were made in the context of the restraints of the Apartheid era. From each teacher's story an understanding of their unique work identity emerges. These alternative understandings provide a contrast to the images constructed by the media.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Heaton, Pamela Jane
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Identity (Psychology) -- Case studies , Teachers -- Case studies , Women teachers -- South Africa , Education -- South Africa -- History , Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women teachers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2989 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002498 , Identity (Psychology) -- Case studies , Teachers -- Case studies , Women teachers -- South Africa , Education -- South Africa -- History , Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women teachers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Media coverage of the poor state of this country's education system has described public images of the teaching profession which provide a context for the research described in this paper. The research is concerned with how and to what extent work identity is reflected in the life stories of five female teachers from a rural village in the Eastern Cape. A social constructionist approach is taken to the meaning and construction of identity, and the paper describes the process of a narrative method of analyzing and interpreting the stories. An initial analysis reveals that the participants had few career options and little choice of career. Further analysis is concerned with interpreting how the teachers create coherence in their stories around this lack of choice as well as within the larger social and historical context. Simultaneously there is an interpretation of the participants' work identity. The teachers create coherence in their narratives around their families and their socioeconomic or cultural circumstances, but make no explicit reference to the political context of their work choices, which were made in the context of the restraints of the Apartheid era. From each teacher's story an understanding of their unique work identity emerges. These alternative understandings provide a contrast to the images constructed by the media.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Workers are parents too
- SACCAWU
- Authors: SACCAWU
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: SACCAWU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/113858 , vital:33838
- Description: This booklet is a follow-up to the Parental Rights' Manual for negotiators produced by SACCAWU in 1999. These publications have been the product of painful soul- searching. They are attempts to highlight the plight of women in the workplace and represent the uncompromising resolve of the union to challenge the inequalities and discrimination that workers, especially women, suffer as parents. This booklet is intended to assist negotiators, shop stewards and ordinary workers in knowing and exercising their parental rights. In order to win the struggle for parental rights, the understanding of worker rights must reach all the way to the shop floor. This booklet will help to make that understanding a reality. We wish to thank the commitment and dedication by all workers and union officials who have worked tirelessly for the realisation of the noble goal of parental rights and have forced the bosses to reason beyond dogmatic greed to maximise profits. Achievements won thus far have not been easy victories, nor can they be attributed to kindness or a change of heart by the employers. This booklet builds on our manual and further inspires us to translate our dreams into reality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: SACCAWU
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: SACCAWU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/113858 , vital:33838
- Description: This booklet is a follow-up to the Parental Rights' Manual for negotiators produced by SACCAWU in 1999. These publications have been the product of painful soul- searching. They are attempts to highlight the plight of women in the workplace and represent the uncompromising resolve of the union to challenge the inequalities and discrimination that workers, especially women, suffer as parents. This booklet is intended to assist negotiators, shop stewards and ordinary workers in knowing and exercising their parental rights. In order to win the struggle for parental rights, the understanding of worker rights must reach all the way to the shop floor. This booklet will help to make that understanding a reality. We wish to thank the commitment and dedication by all workers and union officials who have worked tirelessly for the realisation of the noble goal of parental rights and have forced the bosses to reason beyond dogmatic greed to maximise profits. Achievements won thus far have not been easy victories, nor can they be attributed to kindness or a change of heart by the employers. This booklet builds on our manual and further inspires us to translate our dreams into reality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
SAMWU's Anti-Privatisation campaign 1997-1999
- SAMWU
- Authors: SAMWU
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: SAMWU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/111213 , vital:33414
- Description: Last week, SAMWU held lunchtime demonstrations around the country to protest against the privatisation of municipal services. The demonstrations were well attended with reports from the regions indicating that thousands of workers turned out. SAMWU has received an overwhelming show of solidarity from the international community. The General Secretary of UNISON, Britain’s largest public sector union with over 1 million members, wrote that “The UK experience of water privatisation has been huge windfall profits for the companies, record dividends for their shareholders, and massive pay rises for those at the top of these companies. At the same time, employees have suffered job losses, while consumers have had massive price rises. Drought restrictions are widespread and almost one third of all water leaks from old pipes.” The Community and Public Sector Union is Australia wrote that “the Victorian government has pursued similar policies since its election in 1992, and this has resulted in the loss of over 30 000 jobs. Despite the massive effort at privatisation, the state remains the highest taxed state in the nation!” The President of the Public Services Association in Trinidad and Tobago wrote “Our own experience is that Severn Trent of the UK has been granted a loan facility by our government to cover all operational losses for the three year period, thereby taking no risks and collecting management fees of millions of dollars. Water is the most essential commodity for humans and it should never be handed over to the private sector profiteers.” The Executive Committee of Algemene Onderwijsbond, Netherlands wrote: “the evil of privatisation of public holdings is a worldwide problem.. .be convinced of our solidarity and support with your struggle.” SINTAP, the Portuguese Union representing public administration personnel wrote: “We hope the Ministry of Constitutional Development will be able to accept your pilot projects for public sector alternatives to privatisation of water and waste services.” The International Secretary of the 1.3 million member AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) wrote: “given its central importance to sustaining life, water must remain in public hands. We applaud your actions to ensure working conditions for those employed in these critical public services and your leadership in educating the community of the danges associated with privatisation.” The President of the Lithuanian Trade Union Federation of Public Services faxed SAMWU’s President a message saying that “in Lithuania, the capital city of Vilnius has been fighting French multinational Lyonnaise Des Eaux for four years. They want to buy our city’s water system for 5 million US dollars and get 30% of the shares, which is valued at 660 000 US dollars. Its profit the company will get from our citizens pockets.”
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: SAMWU
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: SAMWU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/111213 , vital:33414
- Description: Last week, SAMWU held lunchtime demonstrations around the country to protest against the privatisation of municipal services. The demonstrations were well attended with reports from the regions indicating that thousands of workers turned out. SAMWU has received an overwhelming show of solidarity from the international community. The General Secretary of UNISON, Britain’s largest public sector union with over 1 million members, wrote that “The UK experience of water privatisation has been huge windfall profits for the companies, record dividends for their shareholders, and massive pay rises for those at the top of these companies. At the same time, employees have suffered job losses, while consumers have had massive price rises. Drought restrictions are widespread and almost one third of all water leaks from old pipes.” The Community and Public Sector Union is Australia wrote that “the Victorian government has pursued similar policies since its election in 1992, and this has resulted in the loss of over 30 000 jobs. Despite the massive effort at privatisation, the state remains the highest taxed state in the nation!” The President of the Public Services Association in Trinidad and Tobago wrote “Our own experience is that Severn Trent of the UK has been granted a loan facility by our government to cover all operational losses for the three year period, thereby taking no risks and collecting management fees of millions of dollars. Water is the most essential commodity for humans and it should never be handed over to the private sector profiteers.” The Executive Committee of Algemene Onderwijsbond, Netherlands wrote: “the evil of privatisation of public holdings is a worldwide problem.. .be convinced of our solidarity and support with your struggle.” SINTAP, the Portuguese Union representing public administration personnel wrote: “We hope the Ministry of Constitutional Development will be able to accept your pilot projects for public sector alternatives to privatisation of water and waste services.” The International Secretary of the 1.3 million member AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) wrote: “given its central importance to sustaining life, water must remain in public hands. We applaud your actions to ensure working conditions for those employed in these critical public services and your leadership in educating the community of the danges associated with privatisation.” The President of the Lithuanian Trade Union Federation of Public Services faxed SAMWU’s President a message saying that “in Lithuania, the capital city of Vilnius has been fighting French multinational Lyonnaise Des Eaux for four years. They want to buy our city’s water system for 5 million US dollars and get 30% of the shares, which is valued at 660 000 US dollars. Its profit the company will get from our citizens pockets.”
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Profile on POTWA
- Post and Telecommunications Workers Association (Potwa)
- Authors: Post and Telecommunications Workers Association (Potwa)
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: POTWA
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/250717 , vital:52042
- Description: POTWA was formed in August 1986 in Soweto after workers’ rejection of the liaison committees and workers’ councils tailored by management for black workers in the Department of Post and Telecommunications. Racist salaries also helped to mobilise workers into the union. At the launching congress, Potwa had already signed-up 10 000 members year, the union settled wage claims in nine regions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
- Authors: Post and Telecommunications Workers Association (Potwa)
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: POTWA
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/250717 , vital:52042
- Description: POTWA was formed in August 1986 in Soweto after workers’ rejection of the liaison committees and workers’ councils tailored by management for black workers in the Department of Post and Telecommunications. Racist salaries also helped to mobilise workers into the union. At the launching congress, Potwa had already signed-up 10 000 members year, the union settled wage claims in nine regions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
Transforming Local Government to meet the needs of the people
- SAMWU
- Authors: SAMWU
- Date: Oct 1997
- Subjects: SAMWU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/111074 , vital:33370
- Description: The implementation of our previous resolutions on socialism has always created misunderstanding amongst our members. Believing that an effective, achievable education programme for our members will ensure understanding amongst our members. SAMWU’s continued commitment to socialism requires that it develops a counter to the ideological war against socialism. Socialism is the only system which can solve the social and economic problems of working people across the globe and any attempts to reform capitalism will merely lead to greater levels of poverty, unemployment, homelessness, disease, starvation, crime and civil war. Resolves that SAMWU, with COSATU, shall mount a counter-offensive campaign against ' capitalism aimed at proving the superiority of socialism by: Engaging in relentless public criticism of capitalism By conducting, throughout the Federation, ongoing education on the fundamental ideas of socialism and nurturing a working class consciousness and outlook. Fostering a climate of free and fraternal debate on how socialism is to be achieved. SAMWU should forge links with other working class formations internationally as part of the international fight against neo-liberal globalisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Oct 1997
- Authors: SAMWU
- Date: Oct 1997
- Subjects: SAMWU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/111074 , vital:33370
- Description: The implementation of our previous resolutions on socialism has always created misunderstanding amongst our members. Believing that an effective, achievable education programme for our members will ensure understanding amongst our members. SAMWU’s continued commitment to socialism requires that it develops a counter to the ideological war against socialism. Socialism is the only system which can solve the social and economic problems of working people across the globe and any attempts to reform capitalism will merely lead to greater levels of poverty, unemployment, homelessness, disease, starvation, crime and civil war. Resolves that SAMWU, with COSATU, shall mount a counter-offensive campaign against ' capitalism aimed at proving the superiority of socialism by: Engaging in relentless public criticism of capitalism By conducting, throughout the Federation, ongoing education on the fundamental ideas of socialism and nurturing a working class consciousness and outlook. Fostering a climate of free and fraternal debate on how socialism is to be achieved. SAMWU should forge links with other working class formations internationally as part of the international fight against neo-liberal globalisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Oct 1997
Workers News - 15 000 comrades out on strike against privatisation
- SAMWU
- Authors: SAMWU
- Date: Sep 1997
- Subjects: SAMWU
- Language: English, Afrikaans
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/113336 , vital:33749
- Description: The servicing of the members is a very important instrument that has to be sharpened every day if need be. In essence it is absolutely necessary to service the members, for the capacity building on policy of worker control of the organisation; building confidence, defending, developing and advancing the programmes of the organisation. We need to also build organisational skills based not on reckless or appetite militancy, but on radical concrete co-ordinated militancy. The correct flow of information is the key on empowering of the members, so that they can be able to contribute in solving the problems and take an appropriate decisions on organisational issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Sep 1997
- Authors: SAMWU
- Date: Sep 1997
- Subjects: SAMWU
- Language: English, Afrikaans
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/113336 , vital:33749
- Description: The servicing of the members is a very important instrument that has to be sharpened every day if need be. In essence it is absolutely necessary to service the members, for the capacity building on policy of worker control of the organisation; building confidence, defending, developing and advancing the programmes of the organisation. We need to also build organisational skills based not on reckless or appetite militancy, but on radical concrete co-ordinated militancy. The correct flow of information is the key on empowering of the members, so that they can be able to contribute in solving the problems and take an appropriate decisions on organisational issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Sep 1997
Southern African Journal of Gerontology, volume 5, number 1, April 1996
- Ferreira, Monica (editor), Moller, Valerie, HSRC/UCT Centre for Gerontology
- Authors: Ferreira, Monica (editor) , Moller, Valerie , HSRC/UCT Centre for Gerontology
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: Gerontology -- South Africa , Older people -- Care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:8072 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012865
- Description: [From Editorial] This issue comprises a transdisciplinary mix of interesting and relevant papers ranging from a community-development intervention, to gerontolinguistics, to guidelines for new legislation, to community services in China. The issue begins with an article on infrastructure and equity for the elderly, in which authors Ross, Lerer and Phillips investigate the attitudes of older residents of Elim, a village situated in South Africa's Western Cape province, towards electrification of their village and homes. The creation of basic infrastructure in historically-disadvantaged areas throughout South Africa is a priority under the government's RDP. However, in this case study of Elim, the utility company which provides electricity to the village failed to consult the elderly residents on the developmental intervention and the benefits which electrification might have for them. The majority of the older residents who were interviewed were consequently negative about this new energy source. The advantages which electricity has over other fuels have distinct health and other developmental benefits, and in rural households older members are important decision makers on energy use. The study's findings indicate that developmental interventions in ruralbased communities should include a social-marketing component targeting older members of the community. The article by Makoni on discourse practices in first-time encounters between old and young Xhosa-speaking women represents an exciting development in gerontological research in the Southern African region. As far as we know, this is a first report on a linguistics study in an older population in the region. In his analysis of the conversations, Makoni notes the sociohistorical background against which the old women try to retain status and respect. He points out that while the elderly are a marginalized group, the youth in South African society have become empowered through their contributions to the political changes, which along with other social changes are seen by some to destabilize traditional seniority respect norms. , In his article Van Dokkum makes out a case for the development of legislation to protect older South Africans against abuse. He uses examples of new South African legislation to deter child abuse and vast legislation in the United States to protect older Americans, in outlining a proposal for local activists to campaign for adequate protection of elderly citizens. Zhu gives us an update on a massive community social-services programme for older people being implemented in the People's Republic of China. The programme partly aims to assist an increasing number of older people who find that they are no longer able to live with kin and must live independently. The programme already serves a staggering proportion of China's 104 million persons aged 60 years and above, although it is estimated that it currently only meets 30 percent of the demand. pensions and household structure in Namibia by Adamchak published in SAJG Volume 4, No 2 (October 1995), and Adamchak's response are welcome additions to this number. The journal encourages debate on papers that it publishes, and the letters also reflect the development and growth of gerontology and research on ageing in the Southern African region. Finally, gerontolinguist Makoni reviews Hamilton's (1994) book in which the author analyses her conversations with Elsie, an Alzheimer's disease patient in a "total institution" (Goffman, 1961). The book contributes to understanding of losses and changes in language use in sufferers of this disease as the dementia progresses. Makoni proposes topics for studies on this subject which might be carried out in Southern African countries, where the majority of dementing older Africans are cared for within the community and not in a long-term care institution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
- Authors: Ferreira, Monica (editor) , Moller, Valerie , HSRC/UCT Centre for Gerontology
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: Gerontology -- South Africa , Older people -- Care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:8072 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012865
- Description: [From Editorial] This issue comprises a transdisciplinary mix of interesting and relevant papers ranging from a community-development intervention, to gerontolinguistics, to guidelines for new legislation, to community services in China. The issue begins with an article on infrastructure and equity for the elderly, in which authors Ross, Lerer and Phillips investigate the attitudes of older residents of Elim, a village situated in South Africa's Western Cape province, towards electrification of their village and homes. The creation of basic infrastructure in historically-disadvantaged areas throughout South Africa is a priority under the government's RDP. However, in this case study of Elim, the utility company which provides electricity to the village failed to consult the elderly residents on the developmental intervention and the benefits which electrification might have for them. The majority of the older residents who were interviewed were consequently negative about this new energy source. The advantages which electricity has over other fuels have distinct health and other developmental benefits, and in rural households older members are important decision makers on energy use. The study's findings indicate that developmental interventions in ruralbased communities should include a social-marketing component targeting older members of the community. The article by Makoni on discourse practices in first-time encounters between old and young Xhosa-speaking women represents an exciting development in gerontological research in the Southern African region. As far as we know, this is a first report on a linguistics study in an older population in the region. In his analysis of the conversations, Makoni notes the sociohistorical background against which the old women try to retain status and respect. He points out that while the elderly are a marginalized group, the youth in South African society have become empowered through their contributions to the political changes, which along with other social changes are seen by some to destabilize traditional seniority respect norms. , In his article Van Dokkum makes out a case for the development of legislation to protect older South Africans against abuse. He uses examples of new South African legislation to deter child abuse and vast legislation in the United States to protect older Americans, in outlining a proposal for local activists to campaign for adequate protection of elderly citizens. Zhu gives us an update on a massive community social-services programme for older people being implemented in the People's Republic of China. The programme partly aims to assist an increasing number of older people who find that they are no longer able to live with kin and must live independently. The programme already serves a staggering proportion of China's 104 million persons aged 60 years and above, although it is estimated that it currently only meets 30 percent of the demand. pensions and household structure in Namibia by Adamchak published in SAJG Volume 4, No 2 (October 1995), and Adamchak's response are welcome additions to this number. The journal encourages debate on papers that it publishes, and the letters also reflect the development and growth of gerontology and research on ageing in the Southern African region. Finally, gerontolinguist Makoni reviews Hamilton's (1994) book in which the author analyses her conversations with Elsie, an Alzheimer's disease patient in a "total institution" (Goffman, 1961). The book contributes to understanding of losses and changes in language use in sufferers of this disease as the dementia progresses. Makoni proposes topics for studies on this subject which might be carried out in Southern African countries, where the majority of dementing older Africans are cared for within the community and not in a long-term care institution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
Southern African Journal of Gerontology, volume 2, number 2, October 1993
- Ferreira, Monica (editor), Møller, Valerie (editor), HSRC/UCT Centre for Gerontology
- Authors: Ferreira, Monica (editor) , Møller, Valerie (editor) , HSRC/UCT Centre for Gerontology
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: Gerontology -- South Africa , Older people -- Care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:8067 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012859
- Description: Care of the elderly in the community. No society or government can offer total care for all elderly people in the population - no matter how developed or wealthy the country is. The financial and manpower implications of doing so would be enormous. This fact particularly applies to states in southern Africa, where a large proportion of the populations comprise poor or indigent persons. What this means is that a great deal of the responsibility for the care of these persons devolves upon caregivers in the community, usually the family. The capacity of such caregivers to render care, albeit at a subsistence level and in a piecemeal manner, must be supported. It is encouraging to note that there are local initiatives in this regard- even in the most impoverished squatter camps in South Africa. In such cases people come together in informal groups to help and support one another. The Black Pensioners' Association of Khayelitsha is one such group. Another way in which people help one another is through the practice of stokvels, where individuals put money into an informal joint banking system, and take turns in accessing large amounts of money for major purchases. Despite common understanding in official planning circles that people should themselves mainly take responsibility for their care, a large commitment nevertheless rests with the state. The state is committed to a large number of its citizens who are elderly, needy, and must be provided for. Such provision does not stop with the payment of a social pension. The primary units of care will remain the family and the community. The aim should be to assist the elderly to remain living independently within the community for as long as possible, despite disability and frailty where these conditions are present. The state should target its endeavours in this direction. There are many ways in which this can be done, e.g. through the provision of financial and other support to informal caregivers, and the rendering of geriatric nursing services and home-help services. could easily be implemented in southern African countries. Regular physical examinations and attention to the nutritional needs of older persons are important, for this can prevent many forms of ill health. This is where research comes in. We need to investigate practical and affordable ways of enhancing the health and welfare of elderly persons in our own context, i.e. in southern Africa countries. The articles in this number of SAJG point a way in this direction. , This issue: In an article on community involvement in health (CIH), Hildebrandt offers valuable suggestions based on her experience with a demonstration project in a South African black urban settlement. She shows how the situation of township residents can be improved by actively involving a community in practical endeavours, e.g. starting nutrition and reading programmes, and a basic health-screening programme. The project which she describes can serve as a model for similar projects in other developing communities. McCallum and Mathers present a paradigm for health services which, although developed in Australia, has wide relevance and should be taken into account in all planning for the aged. The authors demonstrate that a concomitant effect of a general improvement in the health of older persons gained by better health care is, paradoxically, an increased rate of disability and physical frailty. The authors point out that the burden of these disabilities has largely to be borne by informal caregivers at home. The article by Visser, van Wyk, Senekal and Uys deals with an entirely different area of ageing: the clothing needs and preferences of older women. This subject is not often dealt with in gerontological literature; to our knowledge this is the first article on this topic in southern Africa. The article presents some interesting findings. New sections: Two new sections are included in this number of SAJG. A section under the rubric Forum has been added. The section is intended to include reviews and overviews of current knowledge and advanced thinking on specific topics or subject areas in gerontology. The first contribution printed in Forum is a brief guide to the biological basis of ageing. In his guide Louw offers a unified hypothesis of the biology of ageing. The number also includes a correspondence section for the first time. A letter to the editor and a reply, in which the writers give their views on the measurement of successful ageing, have been printed. It is appropriate that SAJG, regarded as the most important peer-reviewed gerontology journal in Africa, should encourage high-level argument and polemics. Further responses to published material are therefore welcomed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993
- Authors: Ferreira, Monica (editor) , Møller, Valerie (editor) , HSRC/UCT Centre for Gerontology
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: Gerontology -- South Africa , Older people -- Care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:8067 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012859
- Description: Care of the elderly in the community. No society or government can offer total care for all elderly people in the population - no matter how developed or wealthy the country is. The financial and manpower implications of doing so would be enormous. This fact particularly applies to states in southern Africa, where a large proportion of the populations comprise poor or indigent persons. What this means is that a great deal of the responsibility for the care of these persons devolves upon caregivers in the community, usually the family. The capacity of such caregivers to render care, albeit at a subsistence level and in a piecemeal manner, must be supported. It is encouraging to note that there are local initiatives in this regard- even in the most impoverished squatter camps in South Africa. In such cases people come together in informal groups to help and support one another. The Black Pensioners' Association of Khayelitsha is one such group. Another way in which people help one another is through the practice of stokvels, where individuals put money into an informal joint banking system, and take turns in accessing large amounts of money for major purchases. Despite common understanding in official planning circles that people should themselves mainly take responsibility for their care, a large commitment nevertheless rests with the state. The state is committed to a large number of its citizens who are elderly, needy, and must be provided for. Such provision does not stop with the payment of a social pension. The primary units of care will remain the family and the community. The aim should be to assist the elderly to remain living independently within the community for as long as possible, despite disability and frailty where these conditions are present. The state should target its endeavours in this direction. There are many ways in which this can be done, e.g. through the provision of financial and other support to informal caregivers, and the rendering of geriatric nursing services and home-help services. could easily be implemented in southern African countries. Regular physical examinations and attention to the nutritional needs of older persons are important, for this can prevent many forms of ill health. This is where research comes in. We need to investigate practical and affordable ways of enhancing the health and welfare of elderly persons in our own context, i.e. in southern Africa countries. The articles in this number of SAJG point a way in this direction. , This issue: In an article on community involvement in health (CIH), Hildebrandt offers valuable suggestions based on her experience with a demonstration project in a South African black urban settlement. She shows how the situation of township residents can be improved by actively involving a community in practical endeavours, e.g. starting nutrition and reading programmes, and a basic health-screening programme. The project which she describes can serve as a model for similar projects in other developing communities. McCallum and Mathers present a paradigm for health services which, although developed in Australia, has wide relevance and should be taken into account in all planning for the aged. The authors demonstrate that a concomitant effect of a general improvement in the health of older persons gained by better health care is, paradoxically, an increased rate of disability and physical frailty. The authors point out that the burden of these disabilities has largely to be borne by informal caregivers at home. The article by Visser, van Wyk, Senekal and Uys deals with an entirely different area of ageing: the clothing needs and preferences of older women. This subject is not often dealt with in gerontological literature; to our knowledge this is the first article on this topic in southern Africa. The article presents some interesting findings. New sections: Two new sections are included in this number of SAJG. A section under the rubric Forum has been added. The section is intended to include reviews and overviews of current knowledge and advanced thinking on specific topics or subject areas in gerontology. The first contribution printed in Forum is a brief guide to the biological basis of ageing. In his guide Louw offers a unified hypothesis of the biology of ageing. The number also includes a correspondence section for the first time. A letter to the editor and a reply, in which the writers give their views on the measurement of successful ageing, have been printed. It is appropriate that SAJG, regarded as the most important peer-reviewed gerontology journal in Africa, should encourage high-level argument and polemics. Further responses to published material are therefore welcomed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993
New Nation - Govt-Inkatha clash looms
- New Nation - SA's Biggest Independent Weekly
- Authors: New Nation - SA's Biggest Independent Weekly
- Date: Dec 1992
- Subjects: New Nation - SA's Biggest Independent Weekly
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/112906 , vital:33675
- Description: clash is looming between the National Party (NP) government and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) following this week's unveiling by kwaZulu chief minister, Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi of a constitutional blueprint which envisages a kwaZulu/- Natal state. Following the unveiling of the document this week, state president FW de Klerk, warned that kwaZulu’s constitutional initiatives had the potential of escalating violence and of bringing the kwaZulu government into "direct confrontation" with Pretoria. An urgent meeting between De Klerk and Buthelezi is expected within the week. And sources in the government have indicated that senior NP leaders were disillusioned with the IFP and were looking for the "best way to ditch Chief Buthelezi". The sources said that although the NP recognised that Buthelezi was a factor in finding a solution to South Africa's political conflict, the party was disillusioned with the IFP and felt that the government had been misled into believing that the organisation commanded the support it claimed. The NP leadership, as well as their strategists, now believed that the De Klerk government should rather direct all its energy towards striking a deal with the ANC - provided such a deal secured a future for whites. The ANC's newly adopted "Strategic Perspective" document - which envisages powersharing between the ANC and the Nationalists from the transition phase up to the postapartheid era - is viewed as a positive signal which justifies the need for closer ties between the Nats and the ANC. There is also concern within the NP that Buthelezi's latest moves - of steering a conference of right wing parties and this week's constitutional proposals - are "driving" whites away from NP to the Conservative Party (CP). The CP is one of the parties KwaZulu chief minister, Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi that has welcomed kwaZulu's constitutional blueprint and said it was in line with the CP’s vision of the "self-determination of nations in a commonwealth of independent states”. Meanwhile, Democratic Party (DP) Member of Parliament for Umhlanga, Kobus jordaan, who was among those involved in the kwaZulu/Natal Indaba plan in the mid-1980s, said there was no comparison between that initiative and this week's constitutional proposals. "The Buthelezi that was involved in the kwaZulu/Natal Indaba, is not the same Buthelezi that we have today," said Jordaan. "He had a national approach, and never spoke about secession. This proposal smacks of secession ," added Jordaan. Scholars of Natal politics have argued that Buthelezi’s undertaking to test his proposals of a kwaZulu/Natal state in a referendum were logisti- cally impossible. The calling of a referendum was also described as "legally impossible", especially now that De Klerk has poured cold water on the initiative. KwaZulu would have no powers to call a referendum for people who live in Natal. Records of the kwaZulu interior department state that only 770 000 people - in a population of 3- million - in the homeland had registered for the 1988 elections. It is suggested that people in the province would either refuse to go to a referendum or Buthelezi would simply lose it. They have pointed out that the Inkatha leader might be over estimating his support. Economists said Natal alone could not be economically viable. The region comprises of about 25 percent of South Africa's population, but it was responsible for only 16 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Dec 1992
- Authors: New Nation - SA's Biggest Independent Weekly
- Date: Dec 1992
- Subjects: New Nation - SA's Biggest Independent Weekly
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/112906 , vital:33675
- Description: clash is looming between the National Party (NP) government and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) following this week's unveiling by kwaZulu chief minister, Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi of a constitutional blueprint which envisages a kwaZulu/- Natal state. Following the unveiling of the document this week, state president FW de Klerk, warned that kwaZulu’s constitutional initiatives had the potential of escalating violence and of bringing the kwaZulu government into "direct confrontation" with Pretoria. An urgent meeting between De Klerk and Buthelezi is expected within the week. And sources in the government have indicated that senior NP leaders were disillusioned with the IFP and were looking for the "best way to ditch Chief Buthelezi". The sources said that although the NP recognised that Buthelezi was a factor in finding a solution to South Africa's political conflict, the party was disillusioned with the IFP and felt that the government had been misled into believing that the organisation commanded the support it claimed. The NP leadership, as well as their strategists, now believed that the De Klerk government should rather direct all its energy towards striking a deal with the ANC - provided such a deal secured a future for whites. The ANC's newly adopted "Strategic Perspective" document - which envisages powersharing between the ANC and the Nationalists from the transition phase up to the postapartheid era - is viewed as a positive signal which justifies the need for closer ties between the Nats and the ANC. There is also concern within the NP that Buthelezi's latest moves - of steering a conference of right wing parties and this week's constitutional proposals - are "driving" whites away from NP to the Conservative Party (CP). The CP is one of the parties KwaZulu chief minister, Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi that has welcomed kwaZulu's constitutional blueprint and said it was in line with the CP’s vision of the "self-determination of nations in a commonwealth of independent states”. Meanwhile, Democratic Party (DP) Member of Parliament for Umhlanga, Kobus jordaan, who was among those involved in the kwaZulu/Natal Indaba plan in the mid-1980s, said there was no comparison between that initiative and this week's constitutional proposals. "The Buthelezi that was involved in the kwaZulu/Natal Indaba, is not the same Buthelezi that we have today," said Jordaan. "He had a national approach, and never spoke about secession. This proposal smacks of secession ," added Jordaan. Scholars of Natal politics have argued that Buthelezi’s undertaking to test his proposals of a kwaZulu/Natal state in a referendum were logisti- cally impossible. The calling of a referendum was also described as "legally impossible", especially now that De Klerk has poured cold water on the initiative. KwaZulu would have no powers to call a referendum for people who live in Natal. Records of the kwaZulu interior department state that only 770 000 people - in a population of 3- million - in the homeland had registered for the 1988 elections. It is suggested that people in the province would either refuse to go to a referendum or Buthelezi would simply lose it. They have pointed out that the Inkatha leader might be over estimating his support. Economists said Natal alone could not be economically viable. The region comprises of about 25 percent of South Africa's population, but it was responsible for only 16 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
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- Date Issued: Dec 1992