Development Studies

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A quantitative analysis of public attitudes towards the fourth industrial revolution: an integrated technology adoption model in South Africa.
(2024) Mthombeni, Zama Mabel.; Mtapuri, Oliver.
The impact of technology on society is a multifaceted and intricate issue in a rapidly changing world of constant technological advancements. The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has sparked a growing debate regarding its potential opportunities and challenges for various societies. While robots have been utilized for over 50 years in previous industrial revolutions, their recent integration into domestic and different work environments through the 4IR is a modern development. Social robots are now deployed to perform tasks that were previously performed by humans and are used in scenarios where they must interact with people. Despite the significance of these changes for human development, there has been limited research on public attitudes towards such advancements of the 4IR in South Africa. This study investigated the relationship between micro-level sociological characteristics and attitudes towards the 4IR using survey data from the South African Social Attitudes Survey (SASAS) among a sample of adult respondents (n=2736) in South Africa. The study adopted a positivist paradigm and a quantitative approach and sought to contribute to the understanding of public perceptions of the 4IR in South Africa. Existing attitudinal adoption models were reviewed, and the study used these to develop an integrated framework that harmonized these theories. This framework incorporated a dimension of micro-sociological indicators and categorized attitudes into two distinct categories. The use of micro-sociological indicators in the technology adoption model was an important approach that allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of public attitudes towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in South Africa at the micro-level. Unlike traditional adoption models that focus solely on macro-level factors such as economic and institutional conditions, micro-sociological indicators consider individual-level characteristics such as race, social class, knowledge, age, and gender. . The study findings revealed a distinct social class effect, highlighting heightened scepticism toward the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) among individuals in lower social classes, those with worker vulnerability, and those lacking internet access. A crucial recommendation is to challenge the prevailing narrative of elitism linked to technological progress and emphasizes targeted investments in historically marginalized communities. South Africa can learn from the experiences of other nations and consider implementing comprehensive strategies involving policy interventions, public-private partnerships, and social initiatives. Exploring the feasibility of universal basic income as a social safety net would be prudent, aligning with global trends in addressing the socio-economic impact of automation and technological advancements.
Access to justice for victims of aggravated robbery in the Tongaat area.
(2013) Zoutenberg, Shinaaz.; Frescura, Franco.
To a large extent, the transition from an Apartheid state to democracy, disrupted state-run agencies such as policing and the criminal justice system, as well as informal institutions of society, thus influencing a breakdown of families, schools and communities. As a result social problems such as poverty, high unemployment rates, and inequality remain rife in South Africa, and contribute to a high level of crime and violence in the country. Tongaat is a dormitory suburb situated on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, and it is one of the oldest Indian communities in South Africa. Unfortunately, statistics on violent crime show a strong increase between the years 2003 to 2012 in the area, something which parallels the spread of such crime at a national level. The researcher set out to study the experience of direct and indirect victims of aggravated robbery, particularly in relation to access to justice, and with a specific reference to the services available to them in the area. At first, the research focused upon victims of crime, aiming to provide an in-depth understanding of the challenges they faced, and meeting their overall needs. These included such factors as personal safety, medical assistance, advice, emotional support and trauma counselling, reception of information about cases, the status of an offender and the process of the CJS, availability of compensation, and an ability on the part of victims to provide information and to contribute to decision making. However, in time, the research developed into an evaluation of service delivery. Information was obtained from individuals who had been victims of aggravated robbery at their homes, on the streets, and in their place of business. In addition, information was collected from a range of individuals in relevant government and non-government organisations who are meant to deal with crime victims. Primary data was collected through the use of personal interviews. The findings indicated that there were several problems related to issues of service delivery to victims of crime. Some of which included, amongst others, aspects of police sensitivity, secondary victimization, malpractice, and a general lack of awareness of victim rights and access to services. As part of the recommendations, the researcher has proposed the implementation of a docket checklist which could be used to make government departments, and its relevant personnel accountable to victims and the processes of the criminal justice processes.
Access to sexual and reproductive health services for persons with disabilities : a case study of Clarendon home for persons with disabilities, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2013) Mavuso, Sibusisiwe Siphelele.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
Sexual and reproductive health are integral parts of the health and well-being of every human being, however they remain sensitive and controversial issues, particularly when they concern persons with disabilities. Within the legal framework, sexual and reproductive health is recognized as basic human rights. They are also essential components of good health and personal development. Making sure that persons with disabilities have access to sexual and reproductive health services contributes to the fulfillment of their sexual and reproductive rights by providing them with more choices that potentially best suit their reproductive health needs. South Africa has one of the most progressive and liberal sexual and reproductive health laws and policies in the world, yet persons with disabilities still face major barriers in accessing these services. In fact, their sexuality has been largely overlooked or actively suppressed and in turn, their reproductive rights denied. With this background information, the study aims to shed more insights into the experiences and perspectives of persons with disabilities in accessing sexual and reproductive health in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Following the rights-based approach it assesses their awareness of sexual and reproductive health services and determines the factors that hinder their access to sexual and reproductive health services. The findings from the sample of 16 persons with different types of disabilities suggest that access to sexual and reproductive health services is complex and involve a variety of factors. The majority of respondents revealed that sexual and reproductive health services are a big part of their lives. However, there seemed to be a huge gap between their needs for services and their right to access these services. The general consensus was that persons with disabilities face challenges and multiple barriers to access services. Significantly these barriers are not raised by the disability itself but are related to specific contexts or instances of persons with disabilities trying to access services. From the discussions it was apparent that respondents‟ rights to be treated with dignity and to access sexual and reproductive health services is often overshadowed by social isolation, discrimination and other stereotypical assumptions that the society holds about the sexuality of persons with disabilities. Often, persons with disabilities are percieved as not sexually active hence information on sexual and reproductive health matters is not widely available in formats accessible to them. Health providers appeared surprised that person with disabilities will require assistant with family planning services and they are not given choices about suitable birth control methods rather often the nurses suggested that they terminate their pregnancies or to be sterilized. This reveals a need to address access to sexual and reproductive health services for persons with disabilities especially, through public health facilities in South Africa.
Adaptation to the impacts of climate Change on agriculture in eThekwini: a literature review.
(University of KwaZulu-Natal., 2016-09-14) Shezi, Nokubonga.; Ngcoya, Mvuselelo.
The eThekwini Municipality has shown strong innovative strategies and activities on climate change adaptation. Putting the improvement of the quality of life of its urban poor remains the main goal in the official planning systems of the municipality and its counterparts. In this era of the changing climate affecting agricultural activities across the world, both small-scale and commercial farmers are adjusting their practices. Commercially, farming has had to adapt to diversified land use plans as well make choices of inputs which would be resilient and work within forecasted conditions. There is also evidence of shifting public policy to adapt to forthcoming changes. The Municipality has designed a food security strategic plan that intends to complement its climate change policy documents. Certainly, the Municipality’s food security vision declaration aims to guarantee that eThekwini population has a strong and resilient food security status. Urban agriculture is one of eThekwini’s policies supporting urban agricultural programmes and activities, although this policy is complemented with the rural agricultural policy (under the rural area-based management). These include the organic and sustainable agricultural initiatives, essential food sovereignty, food security, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability for eThekwini residents and the Municipality’s green leadership, which is mainly responsible for implementing approaches to aid poor citizens to adapt to climate change.
Adaption and survival: perspectives and experiences of migrants in an urban township in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2022) Mazibuko, Philane Bongumusa.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
South Africa is currently facing a growing number of migrants from other countries. This qualitative study investigates the dilemma of being a migrant in South Africa. The overall objective was to explore the perspectives and experiences of migrants in Newcastle, South Africa. Particular attention is given to exploring how the migrants negotiate the often controversial social, economic, cultural, and political realities in the urban towns of KwaZulu-Natal. The South African case is subject to investigation, particularly regarding the migration system. In this study, the data was collected using in-depth interviews. Interviews were held with 20 migrants, both men, and women, living in Newcastle KwaZulu-Natal. All participants were migrants from various African countries such as Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Congo, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Nigeria. The study found that migrants use different livelihood strategies to survive in South Africa, and their level of education does not allow them to work in the formal sector. This study found that migrants work as street traders to earn income, buy, and sell goods at an affordable price, and they use their skills to make and sell a range of products. Furthermore, migrants work as hairdressers, restaurant waiters, welders, bricklayers, and shopkeepers to earn income. Other migrants have families in South Africa as well as in their home countries. Migrants send home part of their earnings in the form of either cash or goods to support their families, these transfers are known as a worker or migrant remittances. Migrants are vulnerable to crime and xenophobia, they become abused and exploited by the local people since they are not from South Africa, they even call them derogatory names. Most participants observed that they are surviving in South Africa, nevertheless, they are concerned with their safety. The study recommends that there must be a strong awareness among police that everyone has a right and deserves respect and protection, regardless of who they are and whether they have any legal documentation.
Adding value through logistics : a value chain analysis of steel product handling in Durban Port.
(2008) Rasenyalo, Nonduduzo Maureen.; Morris, Michael.
Trade liberalization and globalization have resulted in the free flow of goods, services, capital and people. In this regard ports play a vital role in linking supply chains, as goods flow from the point of inception through the chain up to the customer at the end. This research was conducted to determine and evaluate the role of logistics in the value chain of steel products that pass through Durban Port. The impact of logistics - measured in terms of costreduction, shorter lead times and better customer service - that would contribute to the competitive advantage of businesses was evaluated. Other countries like China and India are also manufacturers of steel products, and it is therefore important for South Africa not to lose international markets due to prices and products that are not internationally competitive. In essence, this paper unpacks the debates surrounding the high prices of steel products from South Africa, and suggests how these prices can be reduced. In this regard the investigation into steel products provided an excellent case study, as steel contributes significantly to the GDP of the country. The study analyses all logistics activities like transportation, warehousing, handling, quality control of goods and a just-in-time management approach. Informal interviews and a case study based on Durban Port highlight the role that logistics activities play in adding value to goods that pass through Durban Port. The implications of the findings are discussed and proposals for redefining the role of logistics in an organization are offered.
Addressing employability and fostering entrepreneurship among university students in South Africa : an analysis of the 'junior enterprise concept'.
(2008) Govender, Kruschen Deenadayalan.; Valodia, Imraan.
Higher education is instrumental in the economic development of any country, as a resource of skilled personnel and knowledge production. In South Africa there is a need for higher education institutions (HEIs) to develop innovative responses to address graduate employability and entrepreneurship education. Moreover, there is a need to catalyse entrepreneurship activity among students in order to cultivate skilled opportunity-orientated entrepreneurs. This study explores the application the ‘Junior Enterprise (JE) concept’ (an international best practice) as a mechanism of improving employability and fostering entrepreneurship. To discern if this practice is appropriate for South African students, the research investigates students’ perceptions. Overall the findings suggest that there is relevant student demand for this type of experiential and cooperative learning practice. However, conflicting studies infer that the widespread implementation of this type of learning practice will face implicit challenges in the indigenous context. To further examine the feasibility of applying the JE-concept in South African HEIs, it is essential to design, implement and evaluate a pilot project.
Adolescent risk taking behaviour in an era of HIV/AIDS infection : a case study if youth in Kwazulu-Natal Province, South Africa.
(2000) Dallimore, Anthea.; Ubomba-Jaswa, Peter.
In light of the current HIV/ AIDS epidemic. the sexual risk taking and health seeking behaviour of South African adolescents is of extreme interest to rescearchers and programme implementers. Using a database of adolescents between the ages of 14 and 22 from Durban Metro and Mtunzini Magisterial District in KwaZulu-Natal Province. This paper seeks to investigate which antecedents impact most on adolescent sexual behaviour. Risk taking behaviour of interest is whether or not a condom was worn at last intercourse. The analysis also seeks to test the impact of Life Skills education in school on this behavioural outcome. Although much of the literature has pointed to more distal factors having greater influence on adolescent health seeking and risk taking behaviour. This analysis has showed that issues relating more closely to levels of communication within a relationship, attitudes towards the use of condoms. and previous health seeking behaviour. have the greatest impact on condom use. Those adolescents who wore a condom the first time they had sex. who felt they could confidently convince their partner to use a condom and who maintain high levels of communication with their partner. were found most likely to have used a condom the last time they had intercourse.
Adolescent school drop-out in South Africa : an asset-vulnerability framework.
(2002) Hunter, Nina.; May, Julian Douglas.
This article investigates the impact of poverty and shocks on adolescents, particularly their role in early school drop-out. Data consisting of 3043 adolescent interviews and 1945 household interviews, from a recent survey entitled Transitions to Adulthood among Adolescents in Durban, South Africa, has been used. While conventional explanations of drop-out acknowledge the role of socio-economic factors, this paper attempts to understand, through an asset-vulnerability framework, the explicit contribution of poverty and shocks to drop-out in the South African context. The results indicate that the poverty-based theory of drop-out put forward, while appealing, does not fully account for drop-out. Instead, it would seem that among poor households the education of their children is seen as an asset that is to be protected. It is proposed that school feeding schemes be reconsidered as a social welfare tool to support poor households in their attempts to keep their children in school.
Adolescents' perception of risk of AIDS and condom use.
(2002) Mgwaba, Mbongeleni Thembalihle.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
A significant proportion of people living with HIV/AIDS are aged 15-24. The aim of this study is to investigate adolescent's perception of risk of AIDS and their use of condoms. The study draws on focus group discussions with adolescents in two districts in KwaZulu-Natal. The study found that awareness of AIDS is high. Most adolescents had heard of AIDS. However, there were some common misconceptions about AIDS. African adolescents are more likely to perceive themselves at risk than other race groups. Perception of risk is imp01iant to promote protective behaviour. There are however many barriers to condom use. One of the major barriers to condom use is the association of condoms with lack of trust.
African and Indians in game reserves : a study of African and Indian views on the recreational use of game reserves.
(2003) Ramlagan, Shandir.; Witt, Harald Andreas.
Throughout the world, tourism is booming and South Africa, like many developing countries, has a phenomenal resource base for tourism that includes unspoilt wilderness areas, varied and impressive scenery, accessible wildlife, good weather conditions, cultural diversity, as well as an increasingly developed infrastructure. South Africa though is mainly seen and experienced by international tourists and a small number of privileged locals and therefore, South Africa's full potential in local tourism has not been realised. In 2000, the World Bank financed a quantitative research project on Nature Tourism and Conservation in South Africa to assess the domestic tourism market. This study found that there might be a latent unrealised demand for nature tourism among the African and Indian population. It was this broader finding that prompted this study. Information for this study was gathered through household surveys and a two-week on-site survey in a game reserve. Three sets of participants were chosen to participate in this qualitative study. These were African youth (age 18 to 26 years), African adults (>30 years old) with children and finally Indian couples (aged < 30 years). Participants were also chosen based on their current income level or potential incomes once they leave university. In this case, only the middle to upper income group was targeted. All three groups participated in pre field focus groups and a select group were taken to the HluhluwelUmflozi Game Reserve for three days where additional focus groups were held. The methodology also encompassed a literature review, telephonic interviews and field observations. Information gathered during this study was used to understand the reasoning behind the vacation trends of middle to upper income Africans and Indians and to develop a marketing strategy to be used to attract other Africans and Indians to the game reserves of South Africa. The study found that there is a latent unrealised demand for nature tourism among the middle to upper income Africans and Indians. The vacation trends among Africans and Indians are also very similar in that those with families prefer to vacation in large groups cons isting of both friends and families. It was also found that their past vacation destinations included mainly built up, urban areas and that both the African and Indian participants had great misconceptions regarding game reserves. These misconceptions formed part of the reasons for them not vacationing at game reserves. With regards to an advertising strategy, the study found that current advertising strategies are not working. Participants were encouraged to come up with advertising strategies that would entice other middle to upper income African and Indian families to vacation at game reserves. The participants recommended the use of television, cinema, radio , and newspaper advertisements; as well as the use of brochures and competitions to encourage vis itation. Included in their detailed view of how each strategy should play out, they recommended that when developing advertisements and brochures, it is imperative that African and Indian models are used in the adverts. The current advertising only makes use of white models and this discourages potential African and Indian tourists.
Agricultural credit under volatile macroeconomic conditions : perspectives of Zimbabwean stakeholders.
(2009) Chibango, Conrad.; Padayachee, Vishnu.
According to the World Development Report 2008, if the world is committed to reducing poverty and achieving sustainable growth, it would unleash the powers of agriculture because the majority of the world’s poor depend on agriculture for their livelihood. The financial sector can play an important role in supporting agriculture through the extension of agricultural credit. Literature shows that this can only be successfully achieved when financial institutions operate under stable macroeconomic conditions. This study explores the experience of giving agricultural credit under volatile macroeconomic conditions. It focuses on a case study of Zimbabwe, whose hyperinflationary levels reached over 3 000% in 2007 and a monthly rate of 79,6 billion percent in mid-November 2008. Findings from interviews with informants from stakeholder institutions in the agricultural sector revealed that the problem of agricultural credit in Zimbabwe was not only due to hyperinflation but also due to poor institutional capacity and dual agricultural policies. Some of these problems existed before hyperinflation. The paper argues that the future of agricultural credit in Zimbabwe is anchored on three pillars. The first is a stable macroeconomic environment. This involves bringing down hyperinflation, establishing land tenure security and other rights and improving rural infrastructure. The second is development of financial institutions and systems (building institutional capacity, building a culture of loan repayment and capitalisation through private partnership). Finally, the third is necessary political will.
Agriculture and poverty reduction : a critical assessment of the impact of avocado industry on small-scale farmers in Giheta-Burundi.
(2011) Hakizimana, Cyriaque.; May, Julian Douglas.
The role of agriculture in rural development is widely documented in literature. Many analysts regard agriculture, specifically small-scale agriculture, as the cornerstone for viable and sustainable economic growth. Furthermore, the agricultural sector is seen as an effective instrument for poverty reduction, particularly in rural communities of developing countries where a large amount of poor people are concentrated. Indeed, analysts now agree that developing the agricultural sector is perhaps one of the most effective ways to address high levels of poverty evident in the developing world, and call on the world leaders to commit themselves to direct more investment into this sector. Using the avocado industry in Giheta-Burundi, this dissertation argues that some emerging crops (such as avocados) present enormous opportunities to income generation for small-scale farmers with the potentiality of diversifying cash crop farming in Burundi, an area currently dominated by coffee, tea and cotton. This study further suggests that avocado farming presents the economic, market and health potentiality to contribute to a viable and sustainable rural economy in Giheta Burundi, thereby reducing levels of poverty in this area. The main research question is as follows: “To what extent does the production of avocados benefit the income and wellbeing of small-scale farming households in Giheta?” Accordingly, the main policy concern is that if avocados are playing a crucial role for income generation, wellbeing and diet of the small-scale farmers in Giheta, the avocado sector needs to be substantially supported by both the private and public sectors in order to increase the capacity of avocado production in this area and subsequently enable small-scale farmers to gain greater income from this sector. All of which will contribute significantly to reducing levels of poverty in Giheta. This dissertation is 42 266 words in length excluding references and appendices.
An examination of the role of antenatal care attendance in preventing adverse birth outcomes in South Africa.
(2007) Ntuli, Abigail Nozipho.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
Increasing adverse birth outcome are a major concern in South African maternal care and globally In South Africa, perinatal mortality rate of 40/1000 and maternal mortality ratio of 150/100 000 are poor considering the fact that 95.1 percent of women attend antenatal care and 83.7 percent of women deliver in a medical facility. This study focuses on the effect of lack of adequate antenatal care on adverse birth outcome using data from the 1998 South African Demographic and Health Survey. The analysis is based on univariate and bivariate analysis to examine the effect of socio- demographic characteristics on adverse birth outcomes. In addition, binary logistic regression is used to examine the impact of antenatal and sociodemographic characteristics on adverse birth outcome. The results show majority of women reporting adverse birth outcome are those who delivered though caesarean section (53 percent) and that most of these women are likely to be educated and have better socio economic status and that they are likely to be Non African. It is also shows that the proportion of women attending antenatal care adequately is very high in South Africa. The results show that the use of antenatal care is determined by a range of socio demographic factors including the level of education and the economic status of the mother. Only timing of antenatal care, place of delivery and race had a significant effect on adverse birth outcome. All other variables were not significant. Results from the binary regression analysis show that women who started their antenatal care during second and third trimester (95%CI: 0.211-0.975), were Non African (95%CI: 1.082 to 2.098) and delivered in a private health facilities (95%CI: 0.28 to 0.73) were more likely to have adverse birth outcome compared to their counterparts. Most women choosing caesarean section do so without adequate information on the disadvantages of delivering through caesarean section. Therefore, there is a need to focus maternal health education to all women in South Africa regardless of their socio- economic status background
Analysing South African indigenous knowledge policy and its alignment to government's attempts to promote indigenous vegetables.
(2016) Shonhai, Venencia Fortunate.; Ngcoya, Mvuselelo.
The study was concerned with examining if DST policy on indigenous knowledge is aligned with practice on the ground. It focussed on understanding the formulation process of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) policy enacted by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in 2004. It also explored the implementation process of IKS policy by investigating the Agriculture Research Council (ARC) project funded by DST that promoted indigenous vegetables as a component of IKS. The first phase of the study was an investigation of the formulation of the 2004 IKS policy using FaircIough‘s critical discourse analysis method and a decolonial theoretical framework. The study revealed that the formulation of the DST‘s, IKS policy of 2004 involved the co-operation and participation of stakeholders from various backgrounds, including indigenous knowledge holders and practitioners. The policy formulation process included people from different backgrounds in order to recognise the diverse nature of the subject as well as to redress colonial tendencies that discriminate against IKS holders and practitioners in decision-making and benefitting from the knowledge and resources. Critical discourse analysis revealed the African Renaissance, the commodification of IKS, the integration of indigenous knowledge and science, and Equity as dominant discourses in the policy. The study shows how ‗naturalisation‘ of the above discourses in the IKS policy has tended to promote some IKS components while marginalising others. The second phase of the study employed a food sovereignty theoretical framework to investigate the practices, successes and challenges of the KwaMkhwanazi community in KwaZulu-Natal, where the ARC and the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) promoted indigenous vegetables. Food sovereignty analysis of the case study shows that indigenous vegetables (IVs) were promoted because of their many positive attributes, namely their high nutritional value, adaptation to adverse climate conditions, potential for income generation, and resistance to disease and pest. Small-scale farmers were shown as embracing indigenous vegetables and farming practices that enables them to be food secure. Small-scale famers were hindered by numerous challenges in attaining food sovereignty with the question of land shortage taking center stage. The study adds to the body of knowledge that reveals experiences of food sovereignty on the ground. It departs from previous investigations on IVs that predominantly examined the nutritional, medicinal and agronomical factors, instead, this study places IVs in the context of food politics, identity issues, and cultural and socio-economic factors. This study has implications for policy makers and small-scale farmers in their practices.
An analysis of livelihood strategies of HIV/AIDS affected households receiving support from Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Chegutu, Zimbabwe.
(2009) Chademana-Munodawafa, Kudzai E.; Preston-Whyte, Eleanor.
The AIDS epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa threatens to roll back decades of development progress as the epidemic has contributed to rising child mortality, sharp reductions in life expectancy and has already orphaned a generation of children (Andrews et al 2006). UNAIDS (2007) notes that sub-Saharan Africa is the epicentre of the epidemic with an estimated figure of 22.5 million people having said to be living with HIV at the end of 2007. Approximately 1.7 million people were infected with HIV during the same year. UNAIDS (2007) further notes that one fifth of the adult population in Zimbabwe are living with HIV/AIDS. A total of 135 000 adults are estimated to have died between January 2003 and August 2003 as a result of HIV/AIDS related complications (Kujinga 2004:126). The HIV epidemic infects mostly the economically active household members and thus has the potential to draw households into poverty and even deeper poverty for those already in a state of deprivation. When hit by HIV/AIDS, like any other shock, households will adopt coping mechanisms; but in Zimbabwe’s context of hyperinflation and economic instability, how viable are these livelihood strategies? The objectives of this study were to explore the livelihood strategies that urban households resort to in response to the effects of HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe; and to assess the feasibility of these strategies in the context of the country’s current socio-economic turmoil. A qualitative methodology making use of ethnographic techniques such as semistructured individual interviews, focus group discussions and observations was employed to gather this data. Results indicate that households are limited in livelihood options due to underlying structural problems such as hyperinflation, resource and cash shortages as well as market failure. Households engaged in livelihood strategies such as use of savings, the sale of assets and commercial sex work.
An analysis of municipal approaches to incorporating the informal economy into the urban fabric : a comparative study of Msunduzi Local Municipality (Pietermaritzburg) and Hibiscus Coast Municipality (Port Shepstone)
(2011) Quazi, Tasmi.; Robbins, Glen.
This study is necessitated by the emergence of the notions of a developmental approach towards the informal economy within urban governance. Using the case-study methodology to draw a comparative analysis between Msunduzi Local Municipality and Hibiscus Coast Municipality, the study highlights various key challenges facing the development of the informal economy in South Africa. The study reveals that there has been a slight shift towards a developmental approach, for instance, where some level of infrastructure investment and skills support has become a part of the intervention strategies for the informal economy. However, it is argued that local government lacks adequate institutional arrangements, and is characterized by an underdeveloped policy and legislative environment with regards to the development of the informal economy. These issues at the local government level are exacerbated by a lack of direction at the national level in terms of structuring the outcomes of policy, legislation and the institutional environments in addressing the dual objectives of poverty alleviation and economic development through the informal economy. At the local level, these factors have subsequently led to unstructured, uneven and uncoordinated interventions, which have collectively hampered the development of the informal economy. This has also been aggravated by the wider struggles of stakeholders such as urban elites, political interests and informal traders’ agencies at the local level, competing to influence urban development and policy for their preferential gains. Furthermore, the state continues to determinedly institutionalise global economic competitiveness between its cities and towns in the pursuit of reaching ‘world class’ standards. This leaves local governments ill-equipped to deal with the socio-economic issues and challenges of developing the growing informal economy as an unfunded mandate. Moreover, the political ambivalence at all levels of government is fundamentally limiting the creative assimilation of alternative urban configurations that meet and synthesize the diverse needs of both formal and informal economy actors in reimagining a hybrid economy. Finally, the study raises key recommendations around the need for a deeper democratization process which attempts to overcome the barriers to more deliberative policy making and implementation. This also includes the need for aligned national, provincial and local government policy and legislative frameworks for the development of the informal economy. These should outline clear implementation plans and mechanisms, and the coordination and integration of interventions between various stakeholders as a multi-disciplinary approach.
An analysis of sustainable livelihoods : a case study of low-wage employment of African woman at a tertiary institution in Durban, South Africa.
(2015) Stotler, Elizabeth Ryan.; Posel, Dorrit Ruth.
For many workers throughout the world, earnings from employment do not provide a way out of poverty. Given their low earnings, the working poor often rely on additional resources in order to make ends meet. Employing a combination of diverse assets as part of a livelihood strategy allows a poor household to minimize their vulnerability to shocks and stresses. The sustainable livelihoods framework is a useful tool for analyzing livelihoods, and how livelihood strategies can help a household reduce their economic vulnerability. When viewed within the context of the sustainable livelihoods framework, low-wage employment can be regarded as one of many tools poor households use to sustain their livelihood. In South Africa, the households of African women are typically the most vulnerable to poverty, and their access to labor earnings and other resources is often limited. In this study, I investigate the livelihood strategies of a group of African women engaged in very low-wage employment at a tertiary institution. I adopt a qualitative methodology and collect primary data from semi-structured interviews with 20 cleaners who work at a university in the city of Durban. Although the sample is small and select, there are many characteristics of the women and the households in which they live, which mirror national patterns. The majority of women in the sample were not married but all had at least one child, and most of the women received no support from the child’s father. Although these women receive very low returns to their employment, their earnings are a critical component of their livelihood strategy. However, social grant income is also important in augmenting income earned from very low-wage work. Notwithstanding very low earnings, there is also some attempt to insure their livelihoods against negative shocks through an insurance policy and participation in a savings club. The livelihoods of the women remain vulnerable, however, because their job is outsourced, their employment is secured only through short-term contracts, and they have little opportunity for advancement. Nonetheless, for these women, an insecure low-paying job is better than no job at all.
An analysis of the implementation of a monitoring and evaluation system : the case of the NGO SaveAct.
(2013) Honu-Siabi, MacCarthy Kofi.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
The importance of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) during programme implementation has driven many governments, organisations and donors to invest substantial means in developing comprehensive M&E and tools. However, research reveals that, while some of these comprehensive M&E systems have been successfully implemented, others could not be used to achieve the purposes for which resources were utilised in designing them. Some writers have explained that, even though great effort is invested in the development of M&E systems, not all of them actually get implemented, or even if they do, they are only partially implemented. One reason cited was the complexity of M&E systems, which makes implementation difficult. The Non-Governmental (NGO) sector in its implementation of social programmes, uses M&E systems and frameworks to monitor programmes for various reasons, including accountability and organisational learning purposes. A case study approach, using in-depth qualitative methods, was used to analyse the implementation of the M&E systems in SaveAct, an NGO based in Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect primary data. Interviews were conducted with various role-players within the system to gather information about their experiences of implementing M&E systems. Documents and reports were analysed to investigate the nature of the M&E systems, and their purposes and uses and implementation successes and challenges. The findings of the study revealed that in SaveAct the M&E is done for the purpose of accountability to donors and for organisational learning and improvement in programmes. Two previous frameworks were designed for intensive evaluation purposes, but could not be fully implemented. Challenges that emerged include the comprehensive nature of the frameworks, lack of human capacity and limited finances for implementation. However, regular data collection for monitoring was being successfully undertaken. Some of the success factors identified include the simple and easy-to-understand data collection tools and the inclusion of M&E activities in the routine work of staff (mainstreaming). M&E systems that have simple tools which clearly outline the goals and where the functions are included in the daily routine of the staff, are more likely to be implementable. The conclusions of the study were that M&E systems can be made more implementable if they are designed with an understanding that the system components are interrelated and an attempt is made to see to it that each component is functional, to ensure the mode of action of the entire system. M&E systems and frameworks should be designed to be simple and clear. They should contain fewer tools and should be easily understood by the people who do the actual data collection. The tools with fewer questions were easier to implement than those with many questions. M&E functions in SaveAct were more successful when included in normal routine work of the staff, or mainstreamed, and not undertaken as a separate activity and also when they are located within planning and budgeting functions of the organisation.
An analysis of the role of non-governmental organizations working with refugees in Durban.
(2007) Marthinsen, Astrid.; Skinner, Caroline.
No abstract available.

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