Investigating the potential of social media in instigating protest action : comparative study between Occupy Wall Street and Occupy JSE events
- Authors: Koen, Devon William
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Social media -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Social change -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , User-generated content -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8428 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020064
- Description: In light of the cyber-activist simulated incidences dubbed Occupy Wall Street in New York City, New York, USA and the mirrored Occupy JSE movement in Johannesburg, South Africa, the internet and its social media networking sites have been instrumental in facilitating both the dissemination of information as well as facilitating a mediated environment for activists to coordinate online and offline protest action. This research examines the extent to which activists for social change have used social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube, web blogs and other online forums to garner support for their cause as well as generate social mobilization by creating awareness of the economic disparities in their respective societies. Established theories of social presence have been used to explain the relevance and role of social media tools in instigating social mobilization whether online or offline. This discussion focuses on the Occupation Movements staged in various countries globally and to what extent social media played in facilitating social change. It is important to note that the video footage and other social media data under analysis is specifically that which was uploaded onto YouTube and the subsequent URL links posted on Facebook. By scrutinizing these videos and calls for action as well as the comments posted by the international online community, this research elucidates the ‘trickling down effect’ of this type of cyber-activism on the behavioural patterns of contemporary South African society, and further argues that this process is indicative in the resultant Occupy JSE movement
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Koen, Devon William
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Social media -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Social change -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , User-generated content -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8428 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020064
- Description: In light of the cyber-activist simulated incidences dubbed Occupy Wall Street in New York City, New York, USA and the mirrored Occupy JSE movement in Johannesburg, South Africa, the internet and its social media networking sites have been instrumental in facilitating both the dissemination of information as well as facilitating a mediated environment for activists to coordinate online and offline protest action. This research examines the extent to which activists for social change have used social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube, web blogs and other online forums to garner support for their cause as well as generate social mobilization by creating awareness of the economic disparities in their respective societies. Established theories of social presence have been used to explain the relevance and role of social media tools in instigating social mobilization whether online or offline. This discussion focuses on the Occupation Movements staged in various countries globally and to what extent social media played in facilitating social change. It is important to note that the video footage and other social media data under analysis is specifically that which was uploaded onto YouTube and the subsequent URL links posted on Facebook. By scrutinizing these videos and calls for action as well as the comments posted by the international online community, this research elucidates the ‘trickling down effect’ of this type of cyber-activism on the behavioural patterns of contemporary South African society, and further argues that this process is indicative in the resultant Occupy JSE movement
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Investigating the potential of social media in instigating protest action: comparative study between Occupy Wall Street and Occupy JSE events
- Authors: Koen, Devon William
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Social media -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Social change -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , User-generated content -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8438 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021071
- Description: In light of the cyber-activist simulated incidences dubbed Occupy Wall Street in New York City, New York, USA and the mirrored Occupy JSE movement in Johannesburg, South Africa, the internet and its social media networking sites have been instrumental in facilitating both the dissemination of information as well as facilitating a mediated environment for activists to coordinate online and offline protest action. This research examines the extent to which activists for social change have used social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube, web blogs and other online forums to garner support for their cause as well as generate social mobilization by creating awareness of the economic disparities in their respective societies. Established theories of social presence have been used to explain the relevance and role of social media tools in instigating social mobilization whether online or offline. This discussion focuses on the Occupation Movements staged in various countries globally and to what extent social media played in facilitating social change. It is important to note that the video footage and other social media data under analysis is specifically that which was uploaded onto YouTube and the subsequent URL links posted on Facebook. By scrutinizing these videos and calls for action as well as the comments posted by the international online community, this research elucidates the ‘trickling down effect’ of this type of cyber-activism on the behavioural patterns of contemporary South African society, and further argues that this process is indicative in the resultant Occupy JSE movement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Koen, Devon William
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Social media -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Social change -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , User-generated content -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8438 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021071
- Description: In light of the cyber-activist simulated incidences dubbed Occupy Wall Street in New York City, New York, USA and the mirrored Occupy JSE movement in Johannesburg, South Africa, the internet and its social media networking sites have been instrumental in facilitating both the dissemination of information as well as facilitating a mediated environment for activists to coordinate online and offline protest action. This research examines the extent to which activists for social change have used social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube, web blogs and other online forums to garner support for their cause as well as generate social mobilization by creating awareness of the economic disparities in their respective societies. Established theories of social presence have been used to explain the relevance and role of social media tools in instigating social mobilization whether online or offline. This discussion focuses on the Occupation Movements staged in various countries globally and to what extent social media played in facilitating social change. It is important to note that the video footage and other social media data under analysis is specifically that which was uploaded onto YouTube and the subsequent URL links posted on Facebook. By scrutinizing these videos and calls for action as well as the comments posted by the international online community, this research elucidates the ‘trickling down effect’ of this type of cyber-activism on the behavioural patterns of contemporary South African society, and further argues that this process is indicative in the resultant Occupy JSE movement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Learning across projects in the African Development Bank
- Authors: Mukuvari, Itai
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Development banks , Economic development projects -- Africa , Banks and banking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9226 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020974
- Description: In this study, the focus will be on the possibility of a lack of learning during execution of projects, which could lead to poor performance in development effectiveness. This study will particularly look at the lessons learnt by individual road infrastructure projects and examine whether or not the learning points were embraced into other projects. The African Development Bank (AfDB) is an example of a multilateral donor agency that predominantly operates in Africa where there are some challenges with aid effectiveness as described earlier. The study is not an attempt to represent the use of lessons learnt and knowledge management in multilateral agencies in general; it is rather a start from which other researchers can build on in order to answer the question: What can donor agencies do to improve aid effectiveness in their project execution? The major contribution of this study is to encourage donor agencies to look at whether their organisations are learning from their different projects as they seek better development effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mukuvari, Itai
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Development banks , Economic development projects -- Africa , Banks and banking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9226 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020974
- Description: In this study, the focus will be on the possibility of a lack of learning during execution of projects, which could lead to poor performance in development effectiveness. This study will particularly look at the lessons learnt by individual road infrastructure projects and examine whether or not the learning points were embraced into other projects. The African Development Bank (AfDB) is an example of a multilateral donor agency that predominantly operates in Africa where there are some challenges with aid effectiveness as described earlier. The study is not an attempt to represent the use of lessons learnt and knowledge management in multilateral agencies in general; it is rather a start from which other researchers can build on in order to answer the question: What can donor agencies do to improve aid effectiveness in their project execution? The major contribution of this study is to encourage donor agencies to look at whether their organisations are learning from their different projects as they seek better development effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Local economic development in former homeland areas since 1994
- Authors: Dasheka, Xolile Elson
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Mangaung , Social status -- South Africa -- Mangaung , Homelands (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3275 , vital:20419
- Description: This study seeks to focus on the extent to which the newly formed Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM) in the Free State Province of South Africa has been able to close the socio-economic gap between the former homelands’ socio economic status and the current MMM such that the local development in former homeland areas post 1994 is scruitinised with the MMM serving as a unit of study for the scrutiny. A brief history of the three towns that form the Mangaung Metro Police such as Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu, the population statistics and economic sectors contributing to its economic environment will be provided. The study will also look into the historical background of Local Economic Development and practices in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Dasheka, Xolile Elson
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Mangaung , Social status -- South Africa -- Mangaung , Homelands (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3275 , vital:20419
- Description: This study seeks to focus on the extent to which the newly formed Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM) in the Free State Province of South Africa has been able to close the socio-economic gap between the former homelands’ socio economic status and the current MMM such that the local development in former homeland areas post 1994 is scruitinised with the MMM serving as a unit of study for the scrutiny. A brief history of the three towns that form the Mangaung Metro Police such as Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu, the population statistics and economic sectors contributing to its economic environment will be provided. The study will also look into the historical background of Local Economic Development and practices in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Local economic development projects in the Amathole District Municipality
- Authors: Boqwana, Nyameka Patience
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality -- Evaluation , Community development -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9181 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020165
- Description: The global economy has been reeling from the continued effects of the economic crisis since 2007. A range of approaches to economic recovery have been followed, ranging from financial bailout during the 2007/08 financial crisis, to austerity measures in the most recent 2011/12 sovereign debt crisis, but each with limited success. South Africa has similarly experienced significant shockwaves from the meltdown. The South African economy officially entered into recession in the second quarter of 2009. The economy was quick to emerge from economic recession by the first quarter of 2010, but has been on a bumpy path of recovery since. Moreover, economic recovery has been thwarted by the ensuing sovereign debt crisis in the Euro. South Africa is characterised by inequitable growth and development, a high incidence of poverty, a relatively underdeveloped economic base, low levels of skills development and low levels of access to basic services and infrastructure. LED has had a difficult birth in South Africa with regards to accomplishing its objectives of job creation and poverty alleviation. In an attempt to address these problems, the Amathole District Municipality has implemented a number of local economic development projects within the area aimed at improving the wellbeing of communities through the creation of job opportunities and sustainable livelihoods. The study is intended to assist the municipality to identify and address challenges that affect the successful implementation of LED projects. The following research aims to identify and assess the impacts that these projects have had on beneficiaries and the district as a whole. Furthermore the research aims to identify project successes as well as highlight shortcomings in order to enhance the economic impact of these projects in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Boqwana, Nyameka Patience
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality -- Evaluation , Community development -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9181 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020165
- Description: The global economy has been reeling from the continued effects of the economic crisis since 2007. A range of approaches to economic recovery have been followed, ranging from financial bailout during the 2007/08 financial crisis, to austerity measures in the most recent 2011/12 sovereign debt crisis, but each with limited success. South Africa has similarly experienced significant shockwaves from the meltdown. The South African economy officially entered into recession in the second quarter of 2009. The economy was quick to emerge from economic recession by the first quarter of 2010, but has been on a bumpy path of recovery since. Moreover, economic recovery has been thwarted by the ensuing sovereign debt crisis in the Euro. South Africa is characterised by inequitable growth and development, a high incidence of poverty, a relatively underdeveloped economic base, low levels of skills development and low levels of access to basic services and infrastructure. LED has had a difficult birth in South Africa with regards to accomplishing its objectives of job creation and poverty alleviation. In an attempt to address these problems, the Amathole District Municipality has implemented a number of local economic development projects within the area aimed at improving the wellbeing of communities through the creation of job opportunities and sustainable livelihoods. The study is intended to assist the municipality to identify and address challenges that affect the successful implementation of LED projects. The following research aims to identify and assess the impacts that these projects have had on beneficiaries and the district as a whole. Furthermore the research aims to identify project successes as well as highlight shortcomings in order to enhance the economic impact of these projects in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Local government food security strategies: the Qamata Irrigation Scheme
- Authors: Libala, Phumlani
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/2919 , vital:20363
- Description: Many households in South Africa are exposed to extreme food insecurity that threatens their livelihoods. Authorities in the local sphere of government have employed food security strategies to curb the trail of food insecurity that prevails in many rural households. However, high levels of food insecurity in many households in across the country, especially those living in rural areas like Qamata Village, are noteworthy. Contributing factors to this problem are attributed to local government’s inability to successfully stimulate agricultural production in the face of climate change. The research aimed at assessing the impact of Qamata Irrigation Scheme intervention programmes or strategies in Qamata Village. It was discovered that livelihoods of many households in Qamata Village rely heavily on agricultural production to access food. Limited government support, poor planning and failure to invest on climate change adaptation strategies were identified as serious impediments in the implementation of food security strategies. Due to the enormity of the problem and extensive nature of local government, this study focussed on the Qamata Irrigation Scheme, in the Qamata Village within Chris Hani District Municipality. For the purposes of this study, qualitative research methods were used to gather an in-depth understanding and verification of the problem. Research tools used were mainly semi structured interviews and focus group discussions. Interviews were conducted with farmers in the Qamata Irrigation Scheme and focus group discussion were held with dry land farming households in the Qamata Village and representatives from the CHDM. Findings of the study revealed that the decline in agricultural production due to climate changes has not only fuelled food insecurity for dry land farming households but put these households in an economically disadvantaged position. This was a major concern for this research especially with agricultural production being identified as a livelihood strategy for many households in the Qamata Village.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Libala, Phumlani
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/2919 , vital:20363
- Description: Many households in South Africa are exposed to extreme food insecurity that threatens their livelihoods. Authorities in the local sphere of government have employed food security strategies to curb the trail of food insecurity that prevails in many rural households. However, high levels of food insecurity in many households in across the country, especially those living in rural areas like Qamata Village, are noteworthy. Contributing factors to this problem are attributed to local government’s inability to successfully stimulate agricultural production in the face of climate change. The research aimed at assessing the impact of Qamata Irrigation Scheme intervention programmes or strategies in Qamata Village. It was discovered that livelihoods of many households in Qamata Village rely heavily on agricultural production to access food. Limited government support, poor planning and failure to invest on climate change adaptation strategies were identified as serious impediments in the implementation of food security strategies. Due to the enormity of the problem and extensive nature of local government, this study focussed on the Qamata Irrigation Scheme, in the Qamata Village within Chris Hani District Municipality. For the purposes of this study, qualitative research methods were used to gather an in-depth understanding and verification of the problem. Research tools used were mainly semi structured interviews and focus group discussions. Interviews were conducted with farmers in the Qamata Irrigation Scheme and focus group discussion were held with dry land farming households in the Qamata Village and representatives from the CHDM. Findings of the study revealed that the decline in agricultural production due to climate changes has not only fuelled food insecurity for dry land farming households but put these households in an economically disadvantaged position. This was a major concern for this research especially with agricultural production being identified as a livelihood strategy for many households in the Qamata Village.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Measuring progress towards developmental social welfare: social worker perceptions and experiences
- Nyereyemhuka, Christie Tamuka
- Authors: Nyereyemhuka, Christie Tamuka
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Public welfare -- South Africa , Social service -- South Africa , Social workers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8003 , vital:24441
- Description: The introduction of a new policy and approach to South Africa’s welfare system saw a shift in focus and advancement made towards, the redress of past socio-economic imbalances which was brought on by apartheid laws and legislations which deliberately discriminated against South Africa’s majority groups. Within this new welfare system, came the introduction of The White Paper for Social Development (1997) which advances Developmental Social Welfare as the new approach to social welfare in South Africa.The body of literature around this approach focuses on transformation of welfare services since the adaptation of the new developmental welfare policy in 1997. Amongst scholars there is consensus on the need to continuously explore and to make an analysis of the transformation process advocated by this new approach. Interests in recent times suggest the need to bench mark the transformation process against a set of indicators. This and the study of available literature resulted in this qualitative, exploratory-descriptive and contextual research study with the following goal: To contribute to the proposed evaluation of the implementation of the developmental social welfare approach by measuring progress towards developmental social welfare through social workers’ perceptions and experiences. On the backdrop of the research goal a qualitative research approach was used. A purposive sampling method was used to draw participants from two Non-governmental organisations in Pretoria. Data was collected by means of two focus group interviews and two individual interviews which were tape recorded for data analysis. All the interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was done using Tesch’s model for data analysis and the findings were displayed in the form of themes subthemes and categories. Data verification occurred in reference to Guba’s model for trustworthiness. The researcher then drew conclusions from this analysis of data and used literature control to discuss the findings. Through these processes this research presents findings in relation to social workers perceptions of the concept of developmental social welfare, their perception on the implementation progress of the developmental social welfare approach, perceptions on Indicators of developmental social work and social welfare and in relation to the principles of the proposed framework by Patel and Hochfeld (2008).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Nyereyemhuka, Christie Tamuka
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Public welfare -- South Africa , Social service -- South Africa , Social workers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8003 , vital:24441
- Description: The introduction of a new policy and approach to South Africa’s welfare system saw a shift in focus and advancement made towards, the redress of past socio-economic imbalances which was brought on by apartheid laws and legislations which deliberately discriminated against South Africa’s majority groups. Within this new welfare system, came the introduction of The White Paper for Social Development (1997) which advances Developmental Social Welfare as the new approach to social welfare in South Africa.The body of literature around this approach focuses on transformation of welfare services since the adaptation of the new developmental welfare policy in 1997. Amongst scholars there is consensus on the need to continuously explore and to make an analysis of the transformation process advocated by this new approach. Interests in recent times suggest the need to bench mark the transformation process against a set of indicators. This and the study of available literature resulted in this qualitative, exploratory-descriptive and contextual research study with the following goal: To contribute to the proposed evaluation of the implementation of the developmental social welfare approach by measuring progress towards developmental social welfare through social workers’ perceptions and experiences. On the backdrop of the research goal a qualitative research approach was used. A purposive sampling method was used to draw participants from two Non-governmental organisations in Pretoria. Data was collected by means of two focus group interviews and two individual interviews which were tape recorded for data analysis. All the interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was done using Tesch’s model for data analysis and the findings were displayed in the form of themes subthemes and categories. Data verification occurred in reference to Guba’s model for trustworthiness. The researcher then drew conclusions from this analysis of data and used literature control to discuss the findings. Through these processes this research presents findings in relation to social workers perceptions of the concept of developmental social welfare, their perception on the implementation progress of the developmental social welfare approach, perceptions on Indicators of developmental social work and social welfare and in relation to the principles of the proposed framework by Patel and Hochfeld (2008).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Parents' experiences of monitoring their adolescents' compliance with diversion orders
- Authors: Abdulla, Zurina
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Juvenile delinquents , Juvenile delinquents -- Family relationships -- South Africa , Juvenile justice, Administration of -- South Africa , Parent and child
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10006 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020090
- Description: The increased incidence of children committing crime and the realisation that the existing legislature dealing with offenders failed to cater for the rights and needs of child offenders gave rise to the introduction of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008. This Act enables the South African criminal justice system to deal with children in a manner appropriate to their developmental stage. One of the initiatives introduced by the Act is termed ‘diversion’, where children are diverted from the criminal justice system into restorative developmental programmes, offered by organisations such as NICRO (National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders). Their parents or guardians are tasked with the responsibility of monitoring their compliance with the diversion order in terms of Section 24(5) of the aforementioned Act. The monitoring responsibility assigned to the parents of diverted adolescents prompted the research question and aim of this study, namely to explore parents’ experiences in monitoring their adolescents’ compliance with diversion orders and to identify service needs in supporting parents in fulfilling their role as stipulated in the Act. This was a qualitative study that was exploratory-descriptive and contextual in nature. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was employed to identify the parents or guardians of adolescents aged 14 to 17 years that had been diverted to NICRO between June 2011 and June 2012. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with the selected parents, and the data collected was analysed using thematic data analysis. The trustworthiness of the research process and the findings was enhanced by employing a variety of data verification strategies. This research contributes to a greater understanding of parents’ monitoring experiences of their adolescents’ compliance with diversion orders. The study revealed that most parents experienced their role as an additional responsibility; they needed access to counseling and information on the child justice process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Abdulla, Zurina
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Juvenile delinquents , Juvenile delinquents -- Family relationships -- South Africa , Juvenile justice, Administration of -- South Africa , Parent and child
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10006 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020090
- Description: The increased incidence of children committing crime and the realisation that the existing legislature dealing with offenders failed to cater for the rights and needs of child offenders gave rise to the introduction of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008. This Act enables the South African criminal justice system to deal with children in a manner appropriate to their developmental stage. One of the initiatives introduced by the Act is termed ‘diversion’, where children are diverted from the criminal justice system into restorative developmental programmes, offered by organisations such as NICRO (National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders). Their parents or guardians are tasked with the responsibility of monitoring their compliance with the diversion order in terms of Section 24(5) of the aforementioned Act. The monitoring responsibility assigned to the parents of diverted adolescents prompted the research question and aim of this study, namely to explore parents’ experiences in monitoring their adolescents’ compliance with diversion orders and to identify service needs in supporting parents in fulfilling their role as stipulated in the Act. This was a qualitative study that was exploratory-descriptive and contextual in nature. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was employed to identify the parents or guardians of adolescents aged 14 to 17 years that had been diverted to NICRO between June 2011 and June 2012. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with the selected parents, and the data collected was analysed using thematic data analysis. The trustworthiness of the research process and the findings was enhanced by employing a variety of data verification strategies. This research contributes to a greater understanding of parents’ monitoring experiences of their adolescents’ compliance with diversion orders. The study revealed that most parents experienced their role as an additional responsibility; they needed access to counseling and information on the child justice process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Political and religious identities : an exploration of changing identities amongst religious leaders in the Northern areas of Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Abrahams, Andre John
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Religion and politics -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Identification (Religion)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020087
- Description: The political transition from the oppressive apartheid system to post-apartheid South Africa has brought considerable change to the political climate. As a result of this transition, political and religious identities were also affected. This study explores the changing identities amongst religious leaders particularly in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth. The research has also explored how the advent of democracy has affected the political perspectives of these religious leaders who were ministering during apartheid. A qualitative research approach was used to frame the study, which employed an exploratory research design so as to understand the current political identities of these religious leaders. The sample of the study was purposively selected using the snowball sampling technique. As a means of collecting data in-depth interviews were conducted. The themes emanating from the study were recognised as being: - Church leaders reflecting on the political climate apparent in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth - Church leaders reflect reasons for limited political action from certain segments of the community sighting fear and poverty as central tenets. - Church leaders reveal close link between the church and politics during the apartheid period - The activities of the church in opposing the apartheid structure - Participants reflect on the role of Church leaders specifically during this period. - Church leaders articulate their disappointment in the political environment since 1994. - Church leaders reflect how race has affected the political climate since 1994 - The changing role of the church since 1994 - The growing silence on current political issues since 1994 Based on the identified themes conclusions could be drawn on the current political and religious identities of religious leaders compared to those adopted during the apartheid period. The outcome showed that religious leaders within the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth are disappointed in the current political government but despite this have remained silent on political issues unlike the visible activism and vocal upheaval waged against the apartheid system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Abrahams, Andre John
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Religion and politics -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Identification (Religion)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020087
- Description: The political transition from the oppressive apartheid system to post-apartheid South Africa has brought considerable change to the political climate. As a result of this transition, political and religious identities were also affected. This study explores the changing identities amongst religious leaders particularly in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth. The research has also explored how the advent of democracy has affected the political perspectives of these religious leaders who were ministering during apartheid. A qualitative research approach was used to frame the study, which employed an exploratory research design so as to understand the current political identities of these religious leaders. The sample of the study was purposively selected using the snowball sampling technique. As a means of collecting data in-depth interviews were conducted. The themes emanating from the study were recognised as being: - Church leaders reflecting on the political climate apparent in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth - Church leaders reflect reasons for limited political action from certain segments of the community sighting fear and poverty as central tenets. - Church leaders reveal close link between the church and politics during the apartheid period - The activities of the church in opposing the apartheid structure - Participants reflect on the role of Church leaders specifically during this period. - Church leaders articulate their disappointment in the political environment since 1994. - Church leaders reflect how race has affected the political climate since 1994 - The changing role of the church since 1994 - The growing silence on current political issues since 1994 Based on the identified themes conclusions could be drawn on the current political and religious identities of religious leaders compared to those adopted during the apartheid period. The outcome showed that religious leaders within the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth are disappointed in the current political government but despite this have remained silent on political issues unlike the visible activism and vocal upheaval waged against the apartheid system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Poverty alleviation through income generation: Khuphuka Bakery in Stutterheim
- Authors: Nini, Linda Frances
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8934 , vital:26444
- Description: Income generating projects play a significant role in the lives of rural people and make a significant contribution to rural development in South Africa. Although, income generating projects play a major contribution to rural development, problems of funding for such projects and the high levels of unskilled personnel to run those projects is still a challenge in most, if not all rural areas of South Africa. With the government failing to meet employment demands of most unskilled people and with most vacancies demanding work experiences of up to 10 years, most people especially the youth have found themselves unqualified for such vacancies hence they have resorted to projects in their communities in way boosting family incomes and at the same time alleviating poverty. Therefore this study has undertaken with the objectives of assessing income generating projects in relation to its contribution to rural development in the study area. The sustainable livelihoods and basic needs approaches were used to assess the contribution of income generating projects in poverty alleviation in rural areas. Such approaches to rural development can help in reducing the poverty gap that exists in society and at the same time help achieve sustainable rural development. Findings show that there are a number of challenges and constraints that are experienced by the Amahlathi community, like poverty in the form of poor water and sanitation services, education and health services and landlessness. Moreover, serious service delivery protests are a daily occurrence, corruption at local government level have all hindered the successful support of the government needed to boost these rural income generating projects. To have a successful rural development, there is need for the government to support these projects in the form of skills training programmes or finance. The study recommends that a serious state intervention should occur coupled with the visitation and revitalization of the RDP programme correct its mistakes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Nini, Linda Frances
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8934 , vital:26444
- Description: Income generating projects play a significant role in the lives of rural people and make a significant contribution to rural development in South Africa. Although, income generating projects play a major contribution to rural development, problems of funding for such projects and the high levels of unskilled personnel to run those projects is still a challenge in most, if not all rural areas of South Africa. With the government failing to meet employment demands of most unskilled people and with most vacancies demanding work experiences of up to 10 years, most people especially the youth have found themselves unqualified for such vacancies hence they have resorted to projects in their communities in way boosting family incomes and at the same time alleviating poverty. Therefore this study has undertaken with the objectives of assessing income generating projects in relation to its contribution to rural development in the study area. The sustainable livelihoods and basic needs approaches were used to assess the contribution of income generating projects in poverty alleviation in rural areas. Such approaches to rural development can help in reducing the poverty gap that exists in society and at the same time help achieve sustainable rural development. Findings show that there are a number of challenges and constraints that are experienced by the Amahlathi community, like poverty in the form of poor water and sanitation services, education and health services and landlessness. Moreover, serious service delivery protests are a daily occurrence, corruption at local government level have all hindered the successful support of the government needed to boost these rural income generating projects. To have a successful rural development, there is need for the government to support these projects in the form of skills training programmes or finance. The study recommends that a serious state intervention should occur coupled with the visitation and revitalization of the RDP programme correct its mistakes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Practitioners' views of the Griffiths scales : informing the revision process
- Authors: Samuel, Candice
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Psychological tests for children -- South Africa , Griffiths Developmental Scales , Child development -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9975 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021062
- Description: The Association for Research in Infant and Child Development (ARICD) is currently in the process of revising the Griffiths Scales. When revising measures, obtaining practitioners’ views on the measure is common practice. The purpose of the present study was to explore the themes emerging from a group of practitioners surveyed on their opinions about the Griffiths Scales in order to inform the Griffiths Scales revision process. A qualitative, survey methodology was used. A survey questionnaire was designed and distributed by the ARICD to ascertain practitioners’ and researchers’ views on assessing child development, insights into practicalities and the usability of the Griffiths Scales, as well as their opinions on potential changes and improvements. Data were also gathered on the frequency, purpose and age range with which practitioners used the Griffiths Scales. The questionnaire was distributed to Registered Griffiths Scales Users (practitioners) via the ARICD members’ email distribution list. The practitioners and researchers were either current or past users of the Griffiths Scales. Eighty-five completed questionnaires were returned of which 52 were from current, regular users of the Griffiths Scales and 33 were from non-users. The data obtained from the 85 returned questionnaires were analysed in the present research study using thematic analysis to extract themes for both users and non-users of the Griffiths Scales. The results of the data analysis revealed four over-arching themes, namely, purpose and use of the Griffiths Scales; domains, content, and structure of the Griffiths Scales; psychometric properties, standardisation, and norms; and merits, limitations, and improvements. Based on the themed views of practitioners, recommendations were made regarding the support for the next revision cycle as well as strengths of the Griffiths Scales that should be retained and improvements and additions needed. It is hoped that these recommendations will guide aspects of the revision process. Consequently, the recommendations have been submitted to the Project Board.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Samuel, Candice
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Psychological tests for children -- South Africa , Griffiths Developmental Scales , Child development -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9975 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021062
- Description: The Association for Research in Infant and Child Development (ARICD) is currently in the process of revising the Griffiths Scales. When revising measures, obtaining practitioners’ views on the measure is common practice. The purpose of the present study was to explore the themes emerging from a group of practitioners surveyed on their opinions about the Griffiths Scales in order to inform the Griffiths Scales revision process. A qualitative, survey methodology was used. A survey questionnaire was designed and distributed by the ARICD to ascertain practitioners’ and researchers’ views on assessing child development, insights into practicalities and the usability of the Griffiths Scales, as well as their opinions on potential changes and improvements. Data were also gathered on the frequency, purpose and age range with which practitioners used the Griffiths Scales. The questionnaire was distributed to Registered Griffiths Scales Users (practitioners) via the ARICD members’ email distribution list. The practitioners and researchers were either current or past users of the Griffiths Scales. Eighty-five completed questionnaires were returned of which 52 were from current, regular users of the Griffiths Scales and 33 were from non-users. The data obtained from the 85 returned questionnaires were analysed in the present research study using thematic analysis to extract themes for both users and non-users of the Griffiths Scales. The results of the data analysis revealed four over-arching themes, namely, purpose and use of the Griffiths Scales; domains, content, and structure of the Griffiths Scales; psychometric properties, standardisation, and norms; and merits, limitations, and improvements. Based on the themed views of practitioners, recommendations were made regarding the support for the next revision cycle as well as strengths of the Griffiths Scales that should be retained and improvements and additions needed. It is hoped that these recommendations will guide aspects of the revision process. Consequently, the recommendations have been submitted to the Project Board.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Primary caregivers' experiences of caring for HIV infected adolescents
- Authors: Matebese, Dineo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Caregivers -- Family relationships , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Family relationships , HIV-positive youth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5745 , vital:20994
- Description: HIV/AIDS has affected families in a profound and tragic way. Children whose parents have succumbed due to HIV/AIDS related infections have to be cared for by their relatives. This study focused on the experiences of primary caregivers of adolescents who are living with HIV in a semi-rural area of Eastern Cape Province, Grahamstown. There is a dearth of literature that is addressing the well-being, experiences and challenges of primary caregivers of adolescents living with HIV. Adolescence is a complex life stage during which adolescents usually present challenging behaviours and are grappling with moral issues. Caregiving to these youngsters who are burdened with HIV infection places additional demands on caregivers, especially so when they are experiencing poverty and poor social and welfare support. A qualitative study was most appropriate to explore and describe the experiences of adolescents infected with HIV. The population of this study was the primary caregivers of adolescents caring for adolescents with HIV in the area of Grahamstown, who are between 11 to 19 years old. A purposive sample of nine primary caregivers of adolescents living with HIV was selected. Data was collected by conducting individual interviews, using a semi-structured interview schedule. Data was analysed thematically according to prescribed theoretical guidelines. Data was verified by means of guidelines for the truth value, applicability, consistency, and neutrality of the study. The findings of the study indicated that primary caregivers experience that caring for adolescents who are living with HIV places a huge burden due to adolescents' negative behaviour, HIV stigma and discrimination, poor support from their families, being confronted with adolescents' emotional issues that they are not capacitated to deal with, and no adequate community resources to assist them. The challenges primary caregivers experience lead to negative effects on their health status. The findings of the study could be useful for informing intervention programmes that are targeting this group and policy development, and implementation of programmes benefiting both infected adolescents and their primary caregivers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Matebese, Dineo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Caregivers -- Family relationships , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Family relationships , HIV-positive youth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5745 , vital:20994
- Description: HIV/AIDS has affected families in a profound and tragic way. Children whose parents have succumbed due to HIV/AIDS related infections have to be cared for by their relatives. This study focused on the experiences of primary caregivers of adolescents who are living with HIV in a semi-rural area of Eastern Cape Province, Grahamstown. There is a dearth of literature that is addressing the well-being, experiences and challenges of primary caregivers of adolescents living with HIV. Adolescence is a complex life stage during which adolescents usually present challenging behaviours and are grappling with moral issues. Caregiving to these youngsters who are burdened with HIV infection places additional demands on caregivers, especially so when they are experiencing poverty and poor social and welfare support. A qualitative study was most appropriate to explore and describe the experiences of adolescents infected with HIV. The population of this study was the primary caregivers of adolescents caring for adolescents with HIV in the area of Grahamstown, who are between 11 to 19 years old. A purposive sample of nine primary caregivers of adolescents living with HIV was selected. Data was collected by conducting individual interviews, using a semi-structured interview schedule. Data was analysed thematically according to prescribed theoretical guidelines. Data was verified by means of guidelines for the truth value, applicability, consistency, and neutrality of the study. The findings of the study indicated that primary caregivers experience that caring for adolescents who are living with HIV places a huge burden due to adolescents' negative behaviour, HIV stigma and discrimination, poor support from their families, being confronted with adolescents' emotional issues that they are not capacitated to deal with, and no adequate community resources to assist them. The challenges primary caregivers experience lead to negative effects on their health status. The findings of the study could be useful for informing intervention programmes that are targeting this group and policy development, and implementation of programmes benefiting both infected adolescents and their primary caregivers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Re-imagining love and intimacy in the poetry of Gabeba Baderoon, Ingrid De Kok, and Makhosazana Xaba
- Authors: Du Preez, Jenny Bozena
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Women in literature -- History and criticism , Sex discrimination against women
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8479 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020039
- Description: This dissertation explores the ways in which the poetry of Gabeba Baderoon, Ingrid de Kok and Makhosazana Xaba challenge the sexist discourses that allow for the exploitation of women‘s bodies. It will also examine how they re-imagine the script 1 of heterosexual romantic love which places women in a submissive position and closes down possibilities for human connections which do not fit within the narrow strictures of this notion of love. The poems selected come from Baderoon‘s two collections, The Dream in the Next Body (2005) and A Hundred Silences (2006), an anthology of Ingrid de Kok‘s poetry spanning all her previous collections entitled Seasonal Fires: New and Selected Poems (2006), and Makhosazana‘s Xaba‘s first poetry collection, These Hands (2005). All three of these contemporary, South African, woman poets present critiques of the sexual exploitation of women and offer explorations of romantic love, relationships and sexual intimacy alternative to contemporary, patriarchal heteronormativity. This analysis will take cognizance of the influence of apartheid and colonial history on the formation of gender politics. It will also examine the representation of women as sexual objects and the spectacularized and graphic depictions of sex and how these poets can be seen to re-present women and re-script sex. Whilst Baderoon and De Kok are concerned with re-imagining heterosexual romantic love and sexual intimacy, their rethinking of love can also be read as useful in engaging with 'queer'2 sexuality and romantic love outside of the heterosexual norm along with Xaba, who is concerned with lesbian desire. Finally, all three poets experiment with traditional poetic form and techniques and it is through this experimentation with poetic language, and the employment of what Julia Kristeva calls the semiotic, that these poets are able to re-imagine love and intimacy. Thus they might be said, to use Kristeva‘s phrase, to stage a 'revolution in poetic language'.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Re-imagining love and intimacy in the poetry of Gabeba Baderoon, Ingrid De Kok, and Makhosazana Xaba
- Authors: Du Preez, Jenny Bozena
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Women in literature -- History and criticism , Sex discrimination against women
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8479 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020039
- Description: This dissertation explores the ways in which the poetry of Gabeba Baderoon, Ingrid de Kok and Makhosazana Xaba challenge the sexist discourses that allow for the exploitation of women‘s bodies. It will also examine how they re-imagine the script 1 of heterosexual romantic love which places women in a submissive position and closes down possibilities for human connections which do not fit within the narrow strictures of this notion of love. The poems selected come from Baderoon‘s two collections, The Dream in the Next Body (2005) and A Hundred Silences (2006), an anthology of Ingrid de Kok‘s poetry spanning all her previous collections entitled Seasonal Fires: New and Selected Poems (2006), and Makhosazana‘s Xaba‘s first poetry collection, These Hands (2005). All three of these contemporary, South African, woman poets present critiques of the sexual exploitation of women and offer explorations of romantic love, relationships and sexual intimacy alternative to contemporary, patriarchal heteronormativity. This analysis will take cognizance of the influence of apartheid and colonial history on the formation of gender politics. It will also examine the representation of women as sexual objects and the spectacularized and graphic depictions of sex and how these poets can be seen to re-present women and re-script sex. Whilst Baderoon and De Kok are concerned with re-imagining heterosexual romantic love and sexual intimacy, their rethinking of love can also be read as useful in engaging with 'queer'2 sexuality and romantic love outside of the heterosexual norm along with Xaba, who is concerned with lesbian desire. Finally, all three poets experiment with traditional poetic form and techniques and it is through this experimentation with poetic language, and the employment of what Julia Kristeva calls the semiotic, that these poets are able to re-imagine love and intimacy. Thus they might be said, to use Kristeva‘s phrase, to stage a 'revolution in poetic language'.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Regional intergration: the impact of a one stop border post between South Africa and Mozabique in enhancing trade facilitation
- Authors: Mamkeli, Xolani
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: International economic integration , Border stations -- South Africa , Border stations -- Mozambique , Trade blocs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8279 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016263
- Description: The Ressano Garcia Border Post on the Mozambique side and the Lebombo Border post on the South African side represent the link between two of the three Maputo Corridor countries that receives the largest amount of freight traffic along the Corridor. The link has been identified as a major obstacle to the free movement of goods. As a result the process of the establishment of a One Stop Border Post was mooted by the former president Thabo Mbeki and his counter-part in Mozambique Mr. Joaquim Chissano in a bilateral agreement between these two countries. The reasons for these developments are prompted by the protracted problems that have beset intra-regional trade. For example, transport infrastructure in the region imposes significant costs on intra-regional and regional trade transactions. Long delays at border posts add to the intra-regional trade costs. The requirements by the 1996 SADC trade protocol, the basis of the FTA — that member states eliminate non-tariff barriers — poses special problems as it represents different things to different SADC member states. Addressing the SADC summit on 16 August 2006, the then South African President Thabo Mbeki said “the launch of the FTA was much more than a simple acknowledgement that the majority of traded goods in the region are duty-free. Rather we should view the achievement of this milestone as a major step towards addressing the fundamental challenges of poverty and underdevelopment through deeper integration and economic development” (Mbeki, 2006:16). Now that there will be one centre that clears all the documents for the transporters this will effectively culminate in the speedy processing of the documents. There will be no need for the transporters to stop at the other country’s customs offices to do the same job. Once the documents are complete the process is complete, because the barriers are removed between the two countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mamkeli, Xolani
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: International economic integration , Border stations -- South Africa , Border stations -- Mozambique , Trade blocs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8279 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016263
- Description: The Ressano Garcia Border Post on the Mozambique side and the Lebombo Border post on the South African side represent the link between two of the three Maputo Corridor countries that receives the largest amount of freight traffic along the Corridor. The link has been identified as a major obstacle to the free movement of goods. As a result the process of the establishment of a One Stop Border Post was mooted by the former president Thabo Mbeki and his counter-part in Mozambique Mr. Joaquim Chissano in a bilateral agreement between these two countries. The reasons for these developments are prompted by the protracted problems that have beset intra-regional trade. For example, transport infrastructure in the region imposes significant costs on intra-regional and regional trade transactions. Long delays at border posts add to the intra-regional trade costs. The requirements by the 1996 SADC trade protocol, the basis of the FTA — that member states eliminate non-tariff barriers — poses special problems as it represents different things to different SADC member states. Addressing the SADC summit on 16 August 2006, the then South African President Thabo Mbeki said “the launch of the FTA was much more than a simple acknowledgement that the majority of traded goods in the region are duty-free. Rather we should view the achievement of this milestone as a major step towards addressing the fundamental challenges of poverty and underdevelopment through deeper integration and economic development” (Mbeki, 2006:16). Now that there will be one centre that clears all the documents for the transporters this will effectively culminate in the speedy processing of the documents. There will be no need for the transporters to stop at the other country’s customs offices to do the same job. Once the documents are complete the process is complete, because the barriers are removed between the two countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Representing women's holocaust trauma across genres and eras
- Authors: Pabel, Annemarie Luise
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Jewish women in the Holocaust , Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) , Patriarchy in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3245 , vital:20416
- Description: This dissertation situates itself within the problematic (mis)representation of women’s traumatic Holocaust experiences that are subjected to and underplayed by the patriarchal paradigm of Holocaust literature, in which male survivor-narratives constitute the norm. In using Holocaust texts from three different genres and periods, namely Anne Frank’s Diary of 1947, Ruth Klüger’s 2001 autobiography Still Alive: a Holocaust Girlhood Remembered, and Bernhard Schlink’s 1995 novel The Reader, this project approaches the role of genres in the re-articulation of traumatic experiences. It is the aim of this dissertation to explore the epistolary, autobiographic and fictional forms and their inherent conventions and to examine how they facilitate the articulation of women’s experiences that have long been underplayed and sanitized by rigid, patriarchal historical and literary discourses. In doing so, the project follows the structurally fragmenting impact of trauma on the mind and thus moves from short, fragmented forms, such as The Diary, to the more coherent autobiography, Still Alive, and eventually to the novel The Reader. In this analysis of the potential, conventions and complexities that each genre poses to the articulation of trauma, this project outlines and crosses boundaries of genre, gender, language and memory. In aiming at a comparative analysis of how different genres may facilitate the articulation of traumatic experiences differently, this project is based on the argument that the verbalization of trauma is essential for a person to regain control over their memories. This project is based on the different issues regarding the treatment of women, which arise in the selected texts. In selecting epistolary, autobiographic and fictional primary Holocaust texts, all of which address women’s trauma in various forms, I investigate the problematic and distorted representations of women’s experiences. These distortions of women’s traumatic experiences of the Holocaust undermine the validity of such experiences themselves. In order to show the extent of this misrepresentation across genres, I choose three very different primary texts. Firstly, a strong educational component has been ascribed to the diary of Anne Frank, which will be read as a subversive tool. Secondly, the autobiographic text chosen deals extensively with the issue of German/English translation and the representation of trauma that is affected by a bilingual condition. Thirdly, I select a postmodern novel that challenges conventional readings of Holocaust experiences through the use of very complex female characters. In approaching these issues, I will first identify such problematic distortions in the representations of women’s experiences in all three selected texts. I will then use the framework of literary theory as well as trauma and gender theorists to substantiate and evaluate my findings. In doing so, I seek to establish a comparative analysis of how the different forms allow women to re-articulate their traumatic experiences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Pabel, Annemarie Luise
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Jewish women in the Holocaust , Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) , Patriarchy in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3245 , vital:20416
- Description: This dissertation situates itself within the problematic (mis)representation of women’s traumatic Holocaust experiences that are subjected to and underplayed by the patriarchal paradigm of Holocaust literature, in which male survivor-narratives constitute the norm. In using Holocaust texts from three different genres and periods, namely Anne Frank’s Diary of 1947, Ruth Klüger’s 2001 autobiography Still Alive: a Holocaust Girlhood Remembered, and Bernhard Schlink’s 1995 novel The Reader, this project approaches the role of genres in the re-articulation of traumatic experiences. It is the aim of this dissertation to explore the epistolary, autobiographic and fictional forms and their inherent conventions and to examine how they facilitate the articulation of women’s experiences that have long been underplayed and sanitized by rigid, patriarchal historical and literary discourses. In doing so, the project follows the structurally fragmenting impact of trauma on the mind and thus moves from short, fragmented forms, such as The Diary, to the more coherent autobiography, Still Alive, and eventually to the novel The Reader. In this analysis of the potential, conventions and complexities that each genre poses to the articulation of trauma, this project outlines and crosses boundaries of genre, gender, language and memory. In aiming at a comparative analysis of how different genres may facilitate the articulation of traumatic experiences differently, this project is based on the argument that the verbalization of trauma is essential for a person to regain control over their memories. This project is based on the different issues regarding the treatment of women, which arise in the selected texts. In selecting epistolary, autobiographic and fictional primary Holocaust texts, all of which address women’s trauma in various forms, I investigate the problematic and distorted representations of women’s experiences. These distortions of women’s traumatic experiences of the Holocaust undermine the validity of such experiences themselves. In order to show the extent of this misrepresentation across genres, I choose three very different primary texts. Firstly, a strong educational component has been ascribed to the diary of Anne Frank, which will be read as a subversive tool. Secondly, the autobiographic text chosen deals extensively with the issue of German/English translation and the representation of trauma that is affected by a bilingual condition. Thirdly, I select a postmodern novel that challenges conventional readings of Holocaust experiences through the use of very complex female characters. In approaching these issues, I will first identify such problematic distortions in the representations of women’s experiences in all three selected texts. I will then use the framework of literary theory as well as trauma and gender theorists to substantiate and evaluate my findings. In doing so, I seek to establish a comparative analysis of how the different forms allow women to re-articulate their traumatic experiences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Service delivery protests and development in Zandspruit informal settlements
- Authors: Jobo, Qhamani Naledi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Protest movements -- South Africa -- Randburg , Community development -- South Africa -- Randburg , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Randburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8879 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020632
- Description: At the dawn of democracy, the ANC led government inherited an economy with wide spread socio-economic imbalances and geo-spatial challenges. Since 1994, policies have been put in place to try and close the gap between the haves and the have nots in society. It is twenty years on, and significant in-roads have been made towards improving the lives of the masses. Twenty years has not been enough time however, to eliminate the remnants of the oppressive regime. Since 2004, there has been a steady rise in the number of service delivery protests witnessed across the country. The masses of the poor are showing their dissatisfaction with the slow pace of change and development. Service delivery protests as they are known are community protests driven primarily by complaints around inadequate basic service provision. These protests have however been proven to be about a variety of other complaints against municipalities. These include: lack of proper housing, inadequate job opportunities, and allegations of nepotism, fraud and corruption against municipal officials and a general feeling of alienation from the structures of democracy. These inadequacies and frustrations are compounded in the case of informal settlements, where the most basic of services are scarce. The City of Johannesburg has one hundred and eighty four informal settlements, which present the city with major service provision challenges. A substantial amount of research has been done on the causes of service delivery protests and yet a gap exists in terms of literature on the impact of these on development. The main aim of this study was therefore to determine the impact of service delivery protests on development in the Zandspruit informal settlement. The research was carried out in the form of unstructured and semi-structured interviews with the Ward Councillor for Zandspruit (which is in Ward 114, Region C of the City of Johannesburg), the Ward Administrator, Ward Committee as well as members of the community. The findings of the study show a community in distress, with little or no access to basic services such as water and sanitation. The housing challenges in the area are representative of some of the worst housing challenges faced by the city. Lack of communication and a general distrust between the ward councillor and her ward committee make for very poor ward governance. The apparent apathy shown by the municipality is alarming. The pace of development in Zandspruit is incredibly slow, and not even the often violent service delivery protests witnessed in the area have improved the situation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Jobo, Qhamani Naledi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Protest movements -- South Africa -- Randburg , Community development -- South Africa -- Randburg , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Randburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8879 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020632
- Description: At the dawn of democracy, the ANC led government inherited an economy with wide spread socio-economic imbalances and geo-spatial challenges. Since 1994, policies have been put in place to try and close the gap between the haves and the have nots in society. It is twenty years on, and significant in-roads have been made towards improving the lives of the masses. Twenty years has not been enough time however, to eliminate the remnants of the oppressive regime. Since 2004, there has been a steady rise in the number of service delivery protests witnessed across the country. The masses of the poor are showing their dissatisfaction with the slow pace of change and development. Service delivery protests as they are known are community protests driven primarily by complaints around inadequate basic service provision. These protests have however been proven to be about a variety of other complaints against municipalities. These include: lack of proper housing, inadequate job opportunities, and allegations of nepotism, fraud and corruption against municipal officials and a general feeling of alienation from the structures of democracy. These inadequacies and frustrations are compounded in the case of informal settlements, where the most basic of services are scarce. The City of Johannesburg has one hundred and eighty four informal settlements, which present the city with major service provision challenges. A substantial amount of research has been done on the causes of service delivery protests and yet a gap exists in terms of literature on the impact of these on development. The main aim of this study was therefore to determine the impact of service delivery protests on development in the Zandspruit informal settlement. The research was carried out in the form of unstructured and semi-structured interviews with the Ward Councillor for Zandspruit (which is in Ward 114, Region C of the City of Johannesburg), the Ward Administrator, Ward Committee as well as members of the community. The findings of the study show a community in distress, with little or no access to basic services such as water and sanitation. The housing challenges in the area are representative of some of the worst housing challenges faced by the city. Lack of communication and a general distrust between the ward councillor and her ward committee make for very poor ward governance. The apparent apathy shown by the municipality is alarming. The pace of development in Zandspruit is incredibly slow, and not even the often violent service delivery protests witnessed in the area have improved the situation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Social housing in South Africa: a study of Walmer Link
- Authors: Gxogxo, Vulisango Thanklord
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Right to housing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Public housing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7544 , vital:21805
- Description: Shelter is a basic human right that was recognised by the South African constitution and this led to the government's partnership with the private sector together with NGO's in responding to the huge housing demand for the poor. Due to the RDP's failure in delivering houses to the poor masses, the government introduced a social housing programme in Walmer, Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. The Walmer Link social housing programme has been able to give poor people an alternative than being backyard shack dwellers. The rental complex offers good quality housing with secured features at very low prices based on individual income. This initiative has been able to ease the pressure of providing houses to the poor from government and has also been able to lower poverty levels in the Port Elizabeth area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Gxogxo, Vulisango Thanklord
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Right to housing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Public housing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7544 , vital:21805
- Description: Shelter is a basic human right that was recognised by the South African constitution and this led to the government's partnership with the private sector together with NGO's in responding to the huge housing demand for the poor. Due to the RDP's failure in delivering houses to the poor masses, the government introduced a social housing programme in Walmer, Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. The Walmer Link social housing programme has been able to give poor people an alternative than being backyard shack dwellers. The rental complex offers good quality housing with secured features at very low prices based on individual income. This initiative has been able to ease the pressure of providing houses to the poor from government and has also been able to lower poverty levels in the Port Elizabeth area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Social housing in South Africa: the Walmer Links example
- Authors: Nsor, Sledge Adokoh
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Public housing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8597 , vital:26410
- Description: Dakhil, Ural, & Tewfik (1987) noted that majority of people particularly in the developing world live in poverty and as a result, the acquisition of proper housing is becoming a major problem. Dakhil, Ural, & Tewfik (1987) explained that, after the Second World War, many developing countries gained independence and due to political and economic reasons, population exodus in different parts of the world occurred. This coupled with the ever increase in the population growth has contributed to increasing the housing problems in these part of the world. This problem has led governments, private sector and scholars alike to devote time to searching for mechanisms and policies that would lead to the construction of proper dwellings at a cost that would be within the reach of all concerned especially the poor and needy (Malpass & Murie, 1990). Within South Africa, an example of such policies is the social housing policy. Social housing is a relatively new concept in South Africa (SA) (Du Preez & Sale, 2013). The aim for its development is first, to restructure SA societies in order to address structural, economic, social and spatial dysfunctions and secondly, to improve and contribute to the overall functioning of the housing sector in order to widen the range of housing options available to the poor (Department of Local Government and Housing, DLGH, 2005). The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of a Social Housing Project, the Walmer Links Development, as an affordable and quality housing option for low income earners in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Nsor, Sledge Adokoh
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Public housing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8597 , vital:26410
- Description: Dakhil, Ural, & Tewfik (1987) noted that majority of people particularly in the developing world live in poverty and as a result, the acquisition of proper housing is becoming a major problem. Dakhil, Ural, & Tewfik (1987) explained that, after the Second World War, many developing countries gained independence and due to political and economic reasons, population exodus in different parts of the world occurred. This coupled with the ever increase in the population growth has contributed to increasing the housing problems in these part of the world. This problem has led governments, private sector and scholars alike to devote time to searching for mechanisms and policies that would lead to the construction of proper dwellings at a cost that would be within the reach of all concerned especially the poor and needy (Malpass & Murie, 1990). Within South Africa, an example of such policies is the social housing policy. Social housing is a relatively new concept in South Africa (SA) (Du Preez & Sale, 2013). The aim for its development is first, to restructure SA societies in order to address structural, economic, social and spatial dysfunctions and secondly, to improve and contribute to the overall functioning of the housing sector in order to widen the range of housing options available to the poor (Department of Local Government and Housing, DLGH, 2005). The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of a Social Housing Project, the Walmer Links Development, as an affordable and quality housing option for low income earners in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Socio-economic impacts of development initiatives led by international aid agencies in the local community of Msunduza
- Simelane, Batsabile Nokulunga
- Authors: Simelane, Batsabile Nokulunga
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Community development -- Economic aspects -- Swaziland -- Mbabane , Community development -- Social aspects -- Swaziland -- Mbabane
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9218 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020818
- Description: Development is central to the existence of every society including demographic entities that constitute a community of people. Community development is a process designed to create conditions of economic and social progress for the entire community with its active participation and fullest possible reliance on the community development initiatives. The support of either individuals or organisations for the community to realise its full potential is essential, likewise is the role of development agencies in community development a good omen towards the advancement of human development. This research looks at a number of development initiatives presented by aid agencies aimed at improving community life, solving serious problems of quality life, social exclusion, and resources availability. The research explores the socio-economic impacts of development initiatives led by development agencies in local communities, a case study of a peri-urban community of Msunduza, Swaziland. The study was guided by five objectives: i) To evaluate the positive and negative impacts of development initiatives led by development agencies; ii) To establish to what extent the Msunduza community know community development initiatives and how they perceive them; iii) To analyse the sustainability of development initiatives/projects led by the development agencies; iv) To determine what the participatory principles of community development are in the area; v) To draw conclusions and make recommendations that will improve community development through organisational interventions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Simelane, Batsabile Nokulunga
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Community development -- Economic aspects -- Swaziland -- Mbabane , Community development -- Social aspects -- Swaziland -- Mbabane
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9218 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020818
- Description: Development is central to the existence of every society including demographic entities that constitute a community of people. Community development is a process designed to create conditions of economic and social progress for the entire community with its active participation and fullest possible reliance on the community development initiatives. The support of either individuals or organisations for the community to realise its full potential is essential, likewise is the role of development agencies in community development a good omen towards the advancement of human development. This research looks at a number of development initiatives presented by aid agencies aimed at improving community life, solving serious problems of quality life, social exclusion, and resources availability. The research explores the socio-economic impacts of development initiatives led by development agencies in local communities, a case study of a peri-urban community of Msunduza, Swaziland. The study was guided by five objectives: i) To evaluate the positive and negative impacts of development initiatives led by development agencies; ii) To establish to what extent the Msunduza community know community development initiatives and how they perceive them; iii) To analyse the sustainability of development initiatives/projects led by the development agencies; iv) To determine what the participatory principles of community development are in the area; v) To draw conclusions and make recommendations that will improve community development through organisational interventions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Storying the career development of black South African female university students
- Authors: Chetty, Candice
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Career development , Counseling in higher education , College students, Black
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9974 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021056
- Description: Career psychology in South Africa has traditionally been constituted by assessment methods, counselling practices and research objectives of a modernist-positivist paradigm. This paradigm has been limited in its consideration and integration of the broad range of contextual factors that may influence the career development of individuals. This study is based on the Systems Theory Framework of career development, an overarching theoretical framework of career development that is able to acknowledge the complexity of career development processes and assist in engaging with contexts of that complexity. Seven Xhosa-speaking Black South African female university students were invited to story their career development within their unique individual contexts. In collaborating with the participants, the study adopted an exploratory collective case study research design. The My Systems of Career Influences reflection process was primarily used to obtain the qualitative data. Based on the need that arose in the career counselling process, the quantitative data were generated from the Values Scale (VS), the Life Roles Inventory (LRI), the Commitment to Career Choices Scale (CCCS), and the Jung Personality Questionnaire (JPQ). The study is particularly relevant given the growing need for the development of non-discriminatory career assessment and counselling collaborations between counsellors and clients who need to navigate unique and diverse South African contexts. Key words: career counselling, career development, constructivism, My System of Career Influences (MSCI), narrative career counselling, qualitative career assessment, South African female university students, storytelling approach, Systems Theory Framework (STF).
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- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Chetty, Candice
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Career development , Counseling in higher education , College students, Black
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9974 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021056
- Description: Career psychology in South Africa has traditionally been constituted by assessment methods, counselling practices and research objectives of a modernist-positivist paradigm. This paradigm has been limited in its consideration and integration of the broad range of contextual factors that may influence the career development of individuals. This study is based on the Systems Theory Framework of career development, an overarching theoretical framework of career development that is able to acknowledge the complexity of career development processes and assist in engaging with contexts of that complexity. Seven Xhosa-speaking Black South African female university students were invited to story their career development within their unique individual contexts. In collaborating with the participants, the study adopted an exploratory collective case study research design. The My Systems of Career Influences reflection process was primarily used to obtain the qualitative data. Based on the need that arose in the career counselling process, the quantitative data were generated from the Values Scale (VS), the Life Roles Inventory (LRI), the Commitment to Career Choices Scale (CCCS), and the Jung Personality Questionnaire (JPQ). The study is particularly relevant given the growing need for the development of non-discriminatory career assessment and counselling collaborations between counsellors and clients who need to navigate unique and diverse South African contexts. Key words: career counselling, career development, constructivism, My System of Career Influences (MSCI), narrative career counselling, qualitative career assessment, South African female university students, storytelling approach, Systems Theory Framework (STF).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014