Browsing by Author "Ngcobo, N.R."
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- ItemThe provision of recreation services for the aged in the Durban Metropolitan Area (DMA)(University of Zululand, 2010-01) Ngcobo, N.R.This paper investigated the provision of recreation services for the aged in the Durban Metropolitan Area (DMA). The main argument in the research is that the aged like any other age groups need to be provided with recreation services. The objectives underpinning this investigation include the following: •To reveal the adequacy of existing recreation services which are provided for the aged in the Durban Metropolitan Area. •To determine the views that the aged population holds towards recreation participation by the aged. •To establish the extent to which the aged in the Durban Metropolitan Area value their recreation participation. •To establish the level of concessions granted to the aged by the recreation service providers in the Durban Metropolitan Area on utilising recreation facilities. A survey research method, comprising a self-completed questionnaire and a structured interview schedule, was used to gather data from the respondents who comprised 260 aged (main sample), 120 general members of the public and 10 recreation service providers in the DMA. This was further supplemented by the observation method. Having analysed the data, the chi-square test was used to test the validity and reliability of the hypotheses. The most salient findings indicate that the aged in the DMA are not adequately provided with recreation services, despite the fact that they attach certain positive values to recreation participation. The research further highlighted that the DMA needs to provide recreation programmes that the aged can afford. Non-prescriptive recommendations revolve inter alia around: conducting a needs analysis survey prior to the provision of recreation services for the aged. The location of recreation facilities to be used by the aged must be in an area that is easily accessible. Furthermore, the aged must be granted special concessions in the utilisation of recreation facilities.
- ItemThe role of Makhadzi in traditional leadership among the Venda(University of Zululand, 2013) Matshidze, Pfarelo Eva; Buijs, G.V.C.; Ngcobo, N.R.This contribution considers the role of a father’s senior sister (makhadzi) in traditional leadership among the Venda speaking people in the present South Africa. It also considers their place in the new democratic South Africa against the backdrop that the legislations enacted to give effect to traditional leadership did not recognise them explicitly. While reviewing gender based propositions the study demonstrates that even though in most African societies, women are insubordinate to men there exists a special class of women who play critical role in the public sphere and whom the society highly regards. In the case of Venda people these are the makhadzi. It used a qualitative approach to study the role of makhadzi and how people act towards them despite that they are explicitly recognised in the legislations because as an anthropological study, it examines human behaviour with a view to understanding society. Based on primary data collected using participant observation and interviews, the role of makhadzi in society was unearthed. The study found that among the Venda the makhadzi has different roles which are important in traditional leadership and that such women can be traced in other societies in Africa. It establishes that among others, the makhadzi play critical roles in succession, resolution of disputes, regency, initiation of girls and spiritual roles. While some of the cultural practises are repugnant to the notion of justice and morality and would be of dubious legality given the constitution essentialisation of human rights and dignity, the study has shown that the makhadzi has a place and role in the new democratic society.