International and Public Affairs

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Africa's bid for permanent seat in the united Nations Security Council (UNSC): prospects and challenges for Nigeria and South Africa.
(2015) Mbhense, Khalesakhe Samuel.; Mngomezulu, Bhekithemba Richard.
This study explored the three aspects: political, economic and crime and corruption factors on South Africa and Nigeria as they compete for the permanent seat on the United National Security council (UNSC). The recent announcement that Nigeria is now a superpower in Africa in terms of economic growth, is one of the factors that prompted the study. On the other hand, South Africa had been enjoying the status of being a superpower economically in Africa for decades. On top of that the recent reports say that Nigeria will continue to increase its economic budget from Nairas 4, 4 trillion this year to 8 trillion in 2016 (Reuters, 2015: 17). This shows that South Africa needs to work harder to reclaim its status. But the arguments amongst the economists that Nigeria will not enjoy the status for a long time is one issue that is discussed in the study. They economic analysts believe that Nigeria is far behind from South Africa in terms of infrastructure. The living conditions of Nigerian people have not changed. What does this mean in terms of the prospects for either of the two countries claiming a place on the UNSC? This is the core question addressed in this study. The study followed a qualitative research paradigm which leaned more towards desktop research. Data were collected using existing sources – both historical and current – as well as document analysis. Statements and comments by experts on the issues addressed in the study were also solicited and analysed in order to get a better sense of the current situation and postulate on the likely prospects for each of the two countries. The findings show that both countries have advantages and disadvantages that will either bolster or retard each country’s prospects should the permanent seat in the UNSC become available. These are both endogenous and exogenous. The conclusion is that both Nigeria and South Africa have prospects and challenges. Therefore, the recommendation is that neither of these countries should take it as a given that it will automatically get the UNSC seat should it become available.
African identity and an African renaissance.
(2000) Jili, Philani.; Jones, Alison Rae.; Sithole, Dennis Jabulani.
Abstract not available.
“African solutions to African problems.” challenges in implementing African mechanisms in transforming conflict: selected case studies (2007 to 2016)
(2018) Ndlovu, James.; Nadvi, Syeda Lubna Bano.
The study is premised on the understanding that African conflict challenges have been consistent and seem rather unending even after attempted peace, due to the application of external solutions. Hence, the research is built on the argument that African solutions to African conflict challenges lie within her own bosom. This research acknowledges the existence of other useful external solutions but argues that these solutions should not take precedence in addressing African conflict challenges as identified in most cases. In this light, this study adhered to the objective of clarifying perspectives around the notion of ASAP and its importance in developing effective mechanisms that are localized and indigenous in addressing African conflict challenges. The study traces the concept of ASAP to the ideals of Pan-Africanism and outlines how it is an important cause to pursue if effective peace and security are to be established in Africa’s conflict-ridden societies. The study utilizes conflict transformation and positive peace theories as a measure to bring understanding to the various dynamics of conflict, understanding the diversity of society and also promote alternative thinking as vital components in addressing African conflicts. The study employs the use of case studies (of Somalia, Darfur and Burundi) which provided three unique backdrops which exposed different variations in peace approaches. They exposed the weaknesses and strengths that are encountered in addressing typical African challenges. There are also various traditional and indigenous societal tools that are identified in these communities that can be key in addressing conflict which has often been neglected or undermined because they do not exist in the guidelines of liberal peace structures. The adoption of hybrid peace meant the promotion of the bridging of top-down and bottom-up approaches, encourage inclusive peace initiatives between external and local/indigenous peace approaches and to ensure that there is local ownership of peace processes which allows sustainable peace. However, the study identifies that the challenge of hybrid paternalism replaced liberal peace frameworks such that localized/ indigenous peace mechanisms and the effect of ASAP remain undermined. The implementation of the peace processes examined still exposes huge limitations and setbacks. This research concludes that despite the existence and adoption of a perfect platform, ASAP as a mechanism remains far from being a reality and the role of indigenous peace is still undermined in practice.
African solutions to African problems: assessing the African Union's application of endogenous conflict resolution approaches.
Ani, Ndubuisi Christian.; Mtshali, Khondlo Phillip Thabo.
This dissertation advances the discourse on Africa’s substantive values and priorities in conflict resolution. This is done by exploring the principles of ‘African solutions to African problems’, particularly in conflict resolution, and the implications of the identified ‘African solutions’ for the African Union’s conflict resolution efforts. The thesis is premised on the background that the maxim ‘African solutions to African problems’ was developed in the context of growing misgivings about the reliability, motive and efficiency of external interventions in Africa. This is coupled with the belief among African thinkers and politicians that the lasting solutions to Africa’s challenges can only be secured by African-oriented solutions. However, there have been inadequate explorations of what constitutes African solutions and its influence on Pan-African conflict resolution interventions. Using a constructivist framework and a qualitative methodology with reliance on interview data from African peace and security experts as well as literary discourses on African indigenous conflict resolution, this dissertation explores the substantive value of the maxim ‘African solutions to African problems’ and the implications for the interventionist outlook employed by the African Union. The research employs the case study of the African Union’s intervention in Somalia to assess the achievements, challenges and prospects in the application of African solutions. The findings of the dissertation highlights that ‘African solutions’ in conflict resolution does not refer to unique elements. Rather they refer to Africa’s prioritized values in conflict resolution that may be in consonant or discordant with those of other geopolitical regions, but significant enough to advance self-determination, local ownership and the quest for sustainable solutions in Africa. Although it emerged from the misgivings about external impositions and interventions in Africa, the maxim ‘African Solutions to African problems’ indicts African actors for their failure to exhibit appropriate agency in terms of advancing context-sensitive solutions to the continent’s challenges. In line with the theoretical framework of constructivism which argues that the international system is influenced by prevailing ideas, the ideals of African solutions obliges Africa to critic and enhance its values and priorities, and negotiate them within the prevailing theory and practice of conflict resolution without being constrained by the dictates and approaches of dominant powers. Keywords: Pan-Africanism; Constructivism; African Union; Indigenous conflict resolution; African solutions to African problems; African Peace and Security Architecture; Identity.
An agenda setting analysis : the application of Kingdon's framework to the Road Accident Fund (RAF).
(2008) Ndlovu, Lindokuhle Angel.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.; Cloete, Kirsten.
This study aimed at exploring the agenda setting process of the Road Accident Fund (RAF), a road accident compensation system operating in South Africa using Kingdon's model of Agenda Setting. This study focused on the period between 1996 when the RAF was introduced to 2005 when the focus in the Fund was put mainly on how to deal with fraud and corruption issues. When the RAF was put into place, the main aim was to establish a compensation system that will be able to deal with the effects of road accidents that the people suffer. These are mostly the vulnerable road users and public transport passengers who account for most of the road casualties. However there has been a shift in the focus of the Road Accident Fund Act of 1996, hence the majority of the people who were meant to be beneficiaries ended up not benefiting from the Fund due to corruption. A theoretical framework based on the work of John Kingdon (1995) is used to explore the developments in the RAF that led to the Road Accident Benefit Scheme (RABS) as a proposed system. Qualitative research method was used in order to trace the unfolding of the events and action of participants in the RAF in order to see whether the developments in the Fund can be explained using Kingdon's framework of agenda setting. Historical documents were used to collect data and to trace the chronology of events. These include formal records, including Annual Reports on the RAF and media articles, including newspapers. Content analysis method was done on material such as: Annual Reports on the Road Accident Fund, Meeting Minutes, Parliamentary Proceedings, Newspaper Articles and Speeches, primarily from the Department of Transport in order to analyse data. The findings of this study revealed that using Kingdon's theory of agenda setting, it is possible to come to a better understanding of the agenda setting process that led to a current state of the RAF. In the RAF case study, the three policy streams proposed by Kingdon namely: problem stream, policy stream and political stream, were identified. In the problem stream, the financial 'crisis' together with feedback from the formal as well as the media reports that indicated that the financial condition of the RAF was getting worse served as an indication that there was a problem in the Fund. Several ideas were generated in the policy stream of the Fund. Amongst other things, studies, discussions, hearings, meetings and conferences conducted by the RAF Commission for the purpose of investigating the Fund and come up with alternative solutions, created pressure for policy change. While RABS which incorporated in it a "no fault" system of compensation was proposed as a solution by the RAF Commission, liquidation of the Fund was also a concern. In the political stream, the national mood, change of administration and interest group pressure were evident and contributed to the agenda setting of the RAF. Media reports also contributed to the whole agenda setting process of the Fund. The implications of the analysis for future processes are drawn.
An analysis of agenda setting : the management of the New England road landfill site in the Msunduzi Municipality.
(2011) Mkhize, Thabani Wiseman.; Lawrence, Ralph Bruce.
The constitutional democracy in South Africa, ushered in by the first democratic elections of 1994, has opened up opportunities for the rise of various issues that were previously marginalised. The current political dispensation, supported by new progressive legislation, has rendered reckless management of waste management unacceptable. As a result, the management of waste, particularly the dominant landfill site waste management facilities, has come under increasing scrutiny from civil society organisations, the public and affected communities. Whilst the new constitutional order has demarcated responsibility for the management of solid waste, reality indicates that in spite of various legislative attempts to ensure the institutionalisation of sound and integrated waste management, solid waste is still poorly managed by responsible authorities. It has also been evident that many municipalities in South Africa still rely on the problematic landfill sites as the dominant waste disposal facility, this despite the obvious environmental problems that land filling engenders. It has been noted that waste problems are still marginalised from the mainstream development initiatives of responsible municipalities. The poor management of solid waste and the negation of responsibility, as in the case in the Msunduzi Municipality, are indicative of the politics involved in the identification of policy issues that government attends to from the available pool of existing social concerns. The failure to find policy solutions to identified waste problems in the Msunduzi Municipality has provoked questions around how policy issues negotiate their way onto the government agenda. The biggest issue from a public policy perspective is how does government decide on which issues they will address amongst the numerous and equally pressing social problems that warrant government attention. Using Kingdon‟s agenda-setting theory, this dissertation found that problem definition, policy dynamics and political interests all play influential roles in the agenda status of social problems and whether they are addressed or not. As a result, the study argues that there must be positive interaction between the three, problem, policy and political streams, in order to produce a solution to the policy issues of waste management in the Msunduzi Municipality.
An analysis of governance in further education and training colleges in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2014) Juan, Andrea Liesel.; Lawrence, Ralph Bruce.; Stanton, Anne Sylvie.
The governance of Further Education and Training (FET) colleges in South Africa has been cited as an obstacle to the sector contributing to the developmental needs of the country. There has, however, been little academic research in this area. This thesis analyses the governance of FET colleges in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) by means of constructing a conceptual framework which examines governance from an organisational perspective and applies this framework to two FET colleges in the province. This is achieved through a largely qualitative methodology. The key question posed in this thesis is: Is the governance of FET colleges significantly affected by the environment? Through this investigation, this study is able to determine: (i) the external environmental characteristics that affect the governance of FET colleges; (ii) the effects of the external environment on FET colleges; (iii) how FET colleges respond to these external environmental demands; and (iv) why the FET colleges respond in the manner that they do. In answering the key question, the economic, political, policy and geographic environments in which FET colleges in the province operate are explored. It is concluded that the state of governance in these colleges is the result of external environmental influences and resource dependency. This investigation has highlighted that the external environment has placed demands on the system of further education, which has resulted in adaptive and avoidant governance practices in FET colleges that have been adopted out of necessity. While the study has not reported on all colleges in South Africa, it does identify factors that impact on the manner in which FET colleges are governed. The concern is raised that any national government interventions need to be cognisant of the policy implementation challenges that the external environment will impose on FET colleges. Failure to do so will lead to ongoing and increasing governance practices of avoidance and adaptation.
An analysis of the growing need for municipalities in South Africa to develop sound informal trading policies.
(2002) Khoza, Makhosi B.; Lawrence, Ralph Bruce.
Despite numerous research efforts and a number of 'friendly' national policies on the field of the informal economy in South Africa, there does seem to be a continuous public policy conflict at local government level in this country. The evolution of the informal economy and the policy crisis at local government level seem to be largely shaped by the legacy of colonialism and racial capitalism. This study focuses on three critical policy areas of informal trading, namely; the taxi industry; the shebeens that belong to the category of home based economy; and street traders. These three are the oldest form of informal economic activities pursued by the Africans (indigenous people). The study will investigate the progress of informal trading as a critical policy area for municipalities made thus far since the democratisation of South Africa in 1994. It confronts the lack of progress by this sphere of government. It concludes by exposing the neglect of the three types of informal trading. It also concludes that the development of sound informal economic policies at municipal level is a prerequisite as there are national policies and legislation that need to be adhered to. The study recognises that despite the development of sound informal economic policies being obligatory, there is an underlying social, political, environmental and economic need for this important process. It finally identifies the specific critical areas that need to be addressed and recommends a policy process that is participatory, credible and progressive.
An analysis of the purposes and uses of monitoring and evaluation within NGOs : a case study of the Centre for Criminal Justice (CCJ).
(2011) Johnson, Uduak Friday.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
This study aimed to critically analyze the purposes and uses of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) within NGOs. It proceeded from the criticisms often levelled against M&E with regards to its relevance and its numerous failures. Moreover, if development programme interventions are already justified through useful services rendered to beneficiaries, what impact does development assistance projects like M&E have in the lives of individual beneficiaries of these programmes, especially considering the fact that significant resources and time are expended on M&E? Prompted by this question, the study investigated the strengths and challenges experienced by NGOs in using M&E in programme implementation. Given the numerous and diverse definitions of M&E and its diversity in practice among organizations, it was necessary to carry out the investigation through a case study; using a qualitative research method. The Centre for Criminal Justice (CCJ) was chosen for the case-study, given its history of the use of M&E in its outreach programme implementation. A semi-structured interview was used to gather data from a sample of seven members of the organization from different levels, ranging from management, the evaluator, head office staff and implementation staff who are either directly or indirectly involved in a vital way in the M&E process. This was to solicit diverse and in-depth responses from different perspectives on the purposes and uses of M&E within the organization. Findings revealed that the organization has institutionalized a well-structured, top-down and ongoing monitoring process to gather data daily from the services provided by the implementation staff. It also boasts an ongoing M&E system that follows the three-year cycle of the programme. This is besides other M&E related research carried out in the organization. The study found that some of those involved in the M&E process within CCJ have little or no understanding of the role of M&E within the organization. The implementation staff, for instance, who gather routine monitoring data, were found not to understand the full significance of their services to the M&E and development process as a whole. Beneficiaries were found not to understand the role of M&E within the organization and the impact it has on the services which they receive. The implications of such lack of knowledge to the development process is based on the assertion that the ‘objectives of social development programmes should be to help the indigenous communities or underprivileged groups (such as women, landless labourers, ...) develop the organizational capacity and knowledge needed to identify and satisfy their own needs’ (Valadez & Bamberger 1994: 9). In other words, if their participation should have more relevant outcomes, they need to be aware of what they are engaged in. This is a precondition for sustainable development and ownership of the development process. When this is lacking, there can be resistance or poor participation in the process and the threat of paternalism. The dilemma is that M&E is very technical.
Appropriate policy education in the South African context: a study of the Public Policy Partnership.
(2004) Jackson-Plaatjies, Madeleine Chantal.; Lawrence, Ralph Bruce.
This study deals with appropriate policy education in the South African Context, using the Public Policy Partnership (PPP) as a case study. The first part of this portfolio is a theoretical framework, which looks at the evolution of public policy as an academic field of study and the study of public policy in a changing, global environment. This section highlights the challenges in terms of public policy within governments and the skills that policy practitioners need to be equipped with in order to address these problems. Part Two of this study looks at the PPP as a case study. The PPP was chosen as a case study as it is a current example of a public policy training and education programme within the new South African dispensation. The PPP is a programme based on partnership. It is the goal of the PPP programme to create a new breed of public policy practitioners who are able to make a meaningful contribution to policy-making, implementation and analysis in post 1994 South Africa. The PPP is a long-term policy training programme which consists of various programme components, namely: Winter Institutes, internship, and postgraduate study. These components are all dealt with in detail in Part Two. Part Three is a final report which discusses the current context of policy-making in South Africa in terms of the challenges that are discussed in Part One. It is important to address these challenges within a local context, as these are the problems that public policy practitioners in post 1994 are faced with. Accordingly, these public policy practitioners need to be equipped with specific skills and competencies in order to deal with such challenges effectively. This section also looks at some of the key issues that arise out of Part Two (case study) in terms of the PPP approach to public policy education in South Africa., namely: the student of public policy, an interdisciplinary approach to public policy education, skills and competencies acquired through the PPP programme, and the sustainability of the PPP programme. Public Policy Partnership (PPP) as a case study. The first part of this portfolio is a theoretical framework, which looks at the evolution of public policy as an academic field of study and the study of public policy in a changing, global environment. This section highlights the challenges in terms of public policy within governments and the skills that policy practitioners need to be equipped with in order to address these problems. Part Two of this study looks at the PPP as a case study. The PPP was chosen as a case study as it is a current example of a public policy training and education programme within the new South African dispensation. The PPP is a programme based on partnership. It is the goal of the PPP programme to create a new breed of public policy practitioners who are able to make a meaningful contribution to policy-making, implementation and analysis in post 1994 South Africa. The PPP is a long-term policy training programme which consists of various programme components, namely: Winter Institutes, internship, and postgraduate study. These components are all dealt with in detail in Part Two. Part Three is a final report which discusses the current context of policy-making in South Africa in terms of the challenges that are discussed in Part One. It is important to address these challenges within a local context, as these are the problems that public policy practitioners in post 1994 are faced with. Accordingly, these public policy practitioners need to be equipped with specific skills and competencies in order to deal with such challenges effectively. This section also looks at some of the key issues that arise out of Part Two (case study) in terms of the PPP approach to public policy education in South Africa., namely: the student of public policy, an interdisciplinary approach to public policy education, skills and competencies acquired through the PPP programme, and the sustainability of the PPP programme.
An assessment of retrospective birth history reporting for the measurement of fertility in South Africa.
(2010) Khan, Neloufar.
Fertility is one of the major tenets of demography. Its importance lies in the determination of fertility trends in a country, in a specific time period. These statistical inferences of fertility play an imperative role in population policy formation and planning. Thus the importance of the measurement of fertility remains undisputed. Due to the significance of fertility, its measurement and its profound impact on societies, acknowledging and addressing the quality of fertility data is of great importance. This research study was conceived in response to the above concern. This study aims at addressing and providing insight into birth history data irregularities and determining interventions of working with this issue in the context of South Africa. Through secondary analysis (i.e. descriptive exploratory and comparative analysis) the study sought to firstly establish a demographic profile of women associated with inconsistent and inaccurate reporting of their birth histories. Secondly the research attempted to ascertain a relationship between the socio-economic statuses of individuals and retrospective reporting. A third objective was to note the sex-selectiveness of reporting (i.e. were more girls or boys reported or misreported on in the retrospective birth histories). The study has established that older, married women with some educational attainment, of rural areas from either the middle and lower income categories tend to misreport more frequently than their converse counterparts. Furthermore, a plausible relationship between the socio-economic statuses of individuals was observed. In terms of the sex-selectiveness of reporting, in general, boys were reported on more consistently than girls. However in certain cases, it was found that rural and middle income women reported accurately on girl children born alive and dead girl children. Recommendations made with respect to improve the quality of fertility data for include the proper training of enumerators and data capturers, quality control during data collection, testing of questionnaires, dealing with social, cultural and language barriers and the reinforcement of publicity campaigns for censuses and surveys.
The challenges and benefits of policy networks : a case study of labour policy implementation at the Centre for Criminal Justice.
(2010) Aduojo, Obaje Timothy.; Rieker, Mark Ivan.
This study investigates the challenges and benefits of policy networks. It focuses specifically on the experiences of the Centre for Crimlnal Justice, examining the challenges and benefits it experiences in its networks. In spite of the widely applauded benefits of networks in this study and in other publications, findings from this study still highlight the challenges of networks in labour policy implementation. The study reveals that the element of diversity and the complicated nature of networks' management threaten networks' ability to realize their objectives. The lack of binding regulations and managerial structures in certain networks reveals the drawback in networks' management. Firstly, it raises questions about the legitimacy of any self-initiated coordination in networks since such might not be formally accepted by network members. Secondly, the thesis argues that the lack of binding regulations in some networks deepen the likelihood of uncooperative attitude among actors, especially when it suits them, given that there are no defined consequences for their actions. Other findings in this study draw attention to the operational conflict between the vertical and lateral-minded members of a network. This discusses the question of methodological disagreement between actors of contrasting view points in the execution of certain tasks. Finally, the thesis looks at the question of actors' autonomy in a network. It argues that threats to actors' autonomy or dignity could promote lack of commitment from network members, neglect of responsibility and the possible breakdown of the network if such issues are not properly addressed. In summary, though networks are ideal tools for policy implementation and service delivery in contemporary society, they nevertheless have their challenges. Hence the study concludes with an invitation for proper acknowledgement of the challenges in the process of networks and the need for further studies in this field to enhance the effectiveness of networks in implementation processes.
Challenges and prospects of regional integration in Africa: a case study of Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
(2019) Mekonnen, Sirak Feleke.; Misgun, Biniam Tesfamariam.
This study explored and assessed the challenges of regional integration in the Horn of Africa’s Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). IGAD, like all the other Sub-regional and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), is considered as the fundamental pillar for African development and continental economic integration. IGAD’s efforts integrate regionally is meant to address economic, social and political challenges by engaging and coordinating efforts of all the regional member states. The aim is to enhance regional development under the umbrella of the African Union. This study thus examined the challenges and opportunities of this initiative, its theoretical underpinnings and in the process explored the specific trajectories of IGAD to determine its role in the regional integration endeavor. By examining the above, this study explored IGAD’s institutional structures and arrangements, its programmes of action and implementation. In the main, two namely, the economic and security dimensions that have dominated IGAD’s agenda have remained the focal point of the study. Last part not least, this study probed into two cases of IGAD’s interventions that have been noticeable: the cases of Somalia and South Sudan. Thus, this study argues the successes achieved thus far remain rather ambivalent as manifested by the low and uneven positive outcomes. Arguably, this is due to the interplay of complex factors ranging from the political economy of global and regional dynamics, historical formation of the regional states and the geographical challenges in the IGAD region. In light of the above, this study recommends that the institutional capacity of IGAD and its members states needs not only to improve to meet developmental and security challenges but also to provide constructive and permanent solutions in the Horn of Africa.
Challenges and prospects of regionalism: the case of SADC and Zimbabwe.
(2021) Mkhize, Siboniso Nkululeko Ralph.; Misgun, Biniam Tesfamariam.
Regionalism has yielded positive results for the developed West, specifically for the deeply integrated European Union. This has not necessarily been the case for Africa, as there have been mixed results for the continent’s regional integration projects, the majority of which are failing to fully implement their mandate. Africa’s history is well-documented, but the main challenge for African countries is to wrestle themselves away from their current situation. Regionalism is seen as the panacea to the challenges that Africa is facing, particularly widespread poverty, ailing economies, underdevelopment, poor infrastructure, unstable governments, prolonged conflicts, out-of-control pandemics and other challenges plaguing the periphery states. Given the continued backwardness of African states, questions have been posed on the effectiveness of regionalism in addressing the challenges Africa is facing. This research aims to look at one of Africa’s regional integration projects, namely SADC. This study investigates the impact of the regional organization on its member states, more specifically Zimbabwe over the years as it went through a period of crisis. This research seeks to expose some of the achievements and some shortfalls of regionalism in Africa. The aim of the study is to show that even though it has had its challenges, regionalism is good for Africa. The SADC itself is also plagued with challenges that are prohibiting it from fully carrying out its mandate; so, the research also seeks to examine SADC as an institution and how it could be strengthened in order to carry out its mandate. The idea of applying African solutions to African problems is central to this study because what has worked in Europe may not necessarily be applicable to the African scenario. It is key for the study to determine how regionalism is being applied and adapted to African context. Based on what the research aims to cover it will be a qualitative research which will mainly use thematic analysis and iterative qualitative analysis for data analysis. Quantitative data will also be used to substantiate some points that require numbers and figures. The main theoretical frameworks that are used are Neofunctionalism, Intergovernmentalism, and the political economy of regionalism. One of the main findings of the research found that although there has been progress with regionalism with SADC, it is however happening at a slow pace because of the lack of commitment that member states are to the cause.
The challenges of forest policy implementation on small-scale commercial timber growers : a case study of Forestry South Africa in the Midlands region, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2004) Ndlela, Nkosinathi Erick.; Stanton, Anne Sylvie.
Timber forms an essential element of people lives especially those residing in rural areas. Most wood is used for fuel, building purpose; industrial uses include construction; mine props and paper products. Through commercialisation timber is sold and exported to different countries out of South Africa for great returns. Most of commercial plantations are located primarily in the Northeast and in KwaZulu-Natal; most timber plantations produce pine and eucalyptus trees. This case study examines the challenges of forest policy implementation on small-scale timber growers. The study was based on smallscale commercial timber grower committees and chairpersons of the mentioned committees. The study was carried out in mid September and October 2004. A quantity survey through face-to-face interviews of chairpersons of small growers committees was undertaken. Also a focus group interviews of committee members was carried out. The result showed that chairpersons and committee members do not know the Forest Act NO.84 of 1998. The forest policy implementation poses great challenges for small growers as there is a lack of information between government and growers in the respective area of operation about forestry and how it should be sustained.
Challenges to the provision of subsidised housing at Umlazi township, eThekwini Municipality : implications for policy.
(2014) Dhladhla, Thabo David.; Ndinda, Catherine.
South Africa is 19 years into its democracy since the installation of a democratic government in 1994. Whereas, this at first glance resembles political success, it may not prevail without challenges. At the present time, the eradication of informal housing and informal settlements is advanced as the primary purpose of housing policy. This Dissertation studied the challenges to implementation of subsidised housing at Umlazi Towhship (P section) and implications for policy therein. The location was chosen because it is one of the biggest slums clearance locations in EThekwini Municipality. This study is qualitative. Non-probability sampling method was utilised in identifying four interviewees that formed part of this research. Interviewees were selected based on their occupation and expertise in the research area studied. Probability (random sampling) technique was utilised in gathering information from the surveyed community members. Questionnaires were administered to 25 African males and 25 African females between the ages of 18-50 earning below R 3 500 per month residing at Umlazi P section. The objective of the study was to explore the challenges encountered in the provision of subsidised housing in Umlazi. The findings indicated that shortage of suitable land close to the city, non-compliance with designated standards and norms, poor public participation, high demand of subsidised low cost houses, intervening policies and poor oversight are the core challenges affecting the provision of subsidised housing at Umlazi (P and B10) sections. The conclusions drawn from the findings are that the provision of subsidised housing should be understood in the context of social and economic development of the beneficiaries, not solely bricks and mortar. Policy implications are that due to shortage of affordable suitable land within the city, led to the peripheral location of housing which reinforces the legacy of the segregated communities. Furthermore in situ housing projects do not allow for proper planning in infrastructural development and housing design. This research therefore recommends that in the provision of subsidised housing, intended beneficiaries should fully participate as this will enable implementers to have an insight on what the beneficiaries expect and need in the provision of housing. This will help the residents of Umlazi to be the drivers of their own development. It is also recommended that the allocation of tender processes should be revised to curtail chances of poor workmanship, nepotism and cronyism in the delivery of public service as this somehow hampers efficient delivery of subsidised housing thus increases the existing housing backlog.
China South Africa relations : examining gains and hidden challenges in economic and diplomatic relations.
(2015) Moinogu, Perminus.; Dlamini, Siyabonga Innocent.
According to Samuel Huntington’s clash of civilizations whereby he gave a prediction that there will be a sudden decline of the Western economies and sudden rise of the Asian economies, paving a way for the Chinese dragon economy to rise and become a force to be reckoned with. The Chinese economy’s sudden rise has caused it to expand thereby needing more trading partners from its neighbors and more partners from developing countries especially in Africa. Of which, the African continent is famous of its vast mineral wealth and natural resources from different countries, therefore making it a region that is not only rich but also fertile with visible challenges such as those of poor infrastructure, underdevelopment and ethnic conflicts. Moreover, apart from Africa’s challenges, China’s largest bilateral trading partner in Africa is South Africa, making it the single most important player in not only the Sub-Saharan region but also in the African continent as a whole. Nonetheless, it through a displaying of different approaches in this research that an understanding and conclusion is arrived at, the approaches to be explored in this research will be realism, idealism, Stolper-Samuelson theory, Power relations, Unipolar, Bipolar. Other approaches to be use will be derived from international relations and International political economy in order to adequately explore the South Africa China economic and diplomatic gains and hidden challenges. Trading partnerships between both players are centralized around economic, political and socio-economic fabric of both countries. South Africa is enjoying its strengthened economic and political relations with China, while the Chinese are also enjoying improved trading, socio-economic and cultural relations. This research will be mainly conducted using a qualitative research methodology, with all the data being sourced from secondary sources. However, the study’s structure will explore on three sections, namely 1st section is going to tackle the economic, diplomatic and cultural relations between South Africa and China. Second section is going to discuss the challenges and benefits that both players are experiencing in their relations. Third section is going to explore if there is equilibrium in the benefits and challenges experienced by both players during economic, diplomatic and cultural relations.
The China-South Africa relationship : an economic and political assessment of benefits and costs.
(2013) Phungula, Noluthando Prudence.; Mtshali, Khondlo Phillip Thabo.
China’s massive growth has left her in need of new energy and raw materials sources to fuel her fast developing economy. Consequently, China has turned to the African region to meet such critical needs. To this end, China’s emerging economy appears to be associated with an increasing strengthening of its political and economic relations with sub-Saharan African countries, particularly with South Africa. At the same time, South Africa is also enjoying improved relations be it economic, political and social with China. This research has three tasks: first it will examine the impact of the China- South Africa political and economic relations on the socio-economic fabric of South Africa. Secondly, this project will ascertain the opportunities and challenges presented by China’s relations with South Africa. Finally, this study will investigate whether this relationship is mutually beneficial or one-sided. A combination of the realism, Balance of Power, Heckscher-Ohlin theory, and notions from the Liberalist approach to International Political Economy theories will be used in explaining the China – South Africa relationship. The study will mainly take the form of a qualitative study and will mainly entail the examination, analysis and interpretation of documentary secondary data published in a variety of financial journals, non-profit organisations such as the Trade Law Centre for Southern Africa (TRALAC) and the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), government departments, reports and articles in the media as well as research conducted by other students.
Church and the forbidden: an analysis of how homosexuality is perceived in an African context with the influence of the church in relation to anti-homosexuality laws.
(2020) Mbuthuma, Samukelisiwe Nkhothatseng.; Easthorpe, Juanitha Anne.
Abstract available in PDF.
A conceptual exploration of academic freedom and institutional autonomy in South African higher education : postmodernism, globalisation and quality assurance.
(2008) Webbstock, Denyse Jean.
This thesis proposes a conceptual framework for the discussion of concepts of academic freedom and institutional autonomy in a South African higher education context. A four-cell matrix is presented at the start of the thesis that distinguishes four types of understandings of these concepts. Having discussed these concepts-in-use in different contexts, the grid is used as a framework to explicate local debates on academic freedom and institutional autonomy. Beyond the conceptual exploration, the thesis traces a variety of broader debates in higher education in an attempt to add a richness to the South African conversations relating to academic freedom and institutional autonomy. Postmodernism and its implications for higher education in South Africa is explored, as is the more recent phenomenon (or ideology) of globalisation. Finally, the advent of external quality assurance in South Africa is considered and its role in changing perceptions of academic work and academic identity through the potential circumscribing of the academic domain is explored. My hope is that this thesis will contribute to a broadening and deepening of the current South African debates, and at the same time, offer a uniquely South African perspective on global conversations on academic freedom and institutional autonomy.

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