Anthropology and Development Studies

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Contemporary trends in marriage and its preliminaries among the AbakwaMkhwanazi
(University of Zululand, 1981) Sibiya, Isaac; de Clercq, J.L.W.
The purpose of this research is to probe into and describe in detail the various changes which have occurred in the courtship and marriage practices of members of the Mkhwanazi tribe of the oNgoye district, in KwaZulu, ever since they came into •contact with western culture towards the end of the nineteenth century. The point of departure in this study is the premise that as the entire cultural fabric of the tribe has been inter= acting with western culture for several decades, courtship and marriage have not been left unaffected.
The role of old women in Zulu culture : with special reference to three tribes in the district of Nkandla
(University of Zululand, 1982) Brindley, Marianne; de Clercq, J.L.W.
Old age is a neglected area of anthropological research despite the widespread interest in the human life cycle that has characterized much work within the discipline.- With the notable exception of the early pioneering work of Simmons, the anthropological literature on old age in preliterate cultures is sparse, with little attention having been devoted either to the collection of ethnographic data or to the formulation of gerontological theory. As Clerk observes: 'If one is to judge from typical anthropological accounts, the span of years between the achievement of adult status and one's funerary rites is either an ethnographic vacuum or a vast monotonous plateau of invariable behavior. Maxwell & Silverman hold the same opinion: 'Anthropologists have not, on the whole, shown much interest in ageing. With few exceptions, ethnographic reports seem to mention the. aged only in passing, if at all, and then only in the context of quite general statements. One of the reasons to which they attribute this neglect is the distaste with which old age is viewed in our culture. The aged tend to suffer from physical or mental disabilities which are unpleasant to contemplate; death is imminent; and the role of the aged in culture is ostensibly less distinctive than that of younger men and women.
A communication strategy for development initiatives with special reference to a population development case study in North-Eastern Kwazulu-Natal
(University of Zululand, 1997) Burger, Kobie-Marie; de Clercq, J.L.W.
After the Second World War the West became actively involved in Third World development, focusing on the diffusion of information and technology, in its plight to persuade the Third World to adopt Western innovations and to change its behaviour accordingly. Growth and success were measured in economic terms and infrastructural development was usually the outcome of development. The communication approach (development communication or DC) coincides with this paternalistic approach and is top-down and one-directional. After the failures of this dominant approach became evident, a number of alternative approaches were proposed, culminating in the new paradigm, which supported equal status between benefactor and beneficiary, two-way communication, dialogue, and community participation, and emphasising the value of beneficiaries and their culture and traditions. In contrast to DC arguments for the mass media, the new development support communication (DSC) theory supports the small community media. The DSC approach may be applied effectively in small scale development efforts, such as community projects, provided the benefactors are willing to learn from the community, and do not "negotiate" development from a position of status or power, in order to identify the community's real needs. It is impractical to apply the DSC approach on large scale (national provincial, or regional) development projects, due to high costs and the time needed for of small group discussions. These reasons often prompt benefactors to choose the option of a communication campaign as a medium to convey messages. The DC/DSC discourse permeates the field of communication campaigns, dividing these practical frameworks into communicator-orientated campaigns (DC), and campaigns that combine aspects of both the DC and DSC approaches (integrative model). The integrative model inherited the top-down nature of diffusion of information from the DC approach as well as its focus on \aige scale projects, the mass media and externally created messages. These characteristics are then combined with the DSC aspects which are aimed at assisting beneficiaries to empower themselves by acquiring information, to formulate their problems, to suggest solutions and to take their own decisions by focusing on their own needs and interests. This includes aspects such as information sharing on an equal level, beneficiary participation, and the small media. The technique of market segmentation, dividing beneficiaries into (relatively) homogeneous groups, can be applied in large scale and small scale projects. In small scale projects such groups might already exist within a community, and need only to be identified. The Population Development Survey indicated that age, more than gender, should be the guideline for market segmentation in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal. Younger people tend to enjoy the entertainment provided by roadshows. Edutainment combines entertainment with education, wfach is culturally not a new concept for these respondents. The older and more rural the respondents, the more they value interpersonal communication, but of the mass media, radio is the most popular. In large scale development projects the study suggests using the mass media in conjunction with the small media. The mass media are often used to create a general awareness of the existence of an issue/campaign, and face-to-face situations are created where the issues, dealt with in the mass media, are discussed in detail.
The study of independent African migrant women in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) : their lives and work experiences
(University of Zululand, 2002) Ojong, Vivian Besem A; Buijs, G.C.V.
African migration to South Africa is not a recent phenomenon bu in recent history, dates back to about one hundred and fifty years when African men migrated from some southern African countries to work in the South African mines. During this period however, the apartheid regime restricted African entry into the labour market of South Africa to contract mine workers, who were obviously men. Due to the abolition of apartheid. African migration to South Africa now has a gender profile. SkPIed, professional and businesswomen of African origin are now migrating independently to South Africa. This new face oftAfrican migration is transforming South African society and culture. African women from other countries have migrated to South Africa with parts of their cultures (their dresses and their food). In South Africa, these women have acquired both positive and negative identities. The negative identities expose them to discrimination in South Africa. On the other hand, the positively acquired identities nave given the women economic independence in their families and an occupational identity in their professions. In their attempt to adjust to life in South Africa, African migrant women encounter difficulties as a result of the restrictionist immigration policy of South Africa. These women are not happy with such a policy which is based solely on economic considerations. African women claim that they struggled alongside South Africans to bring apartheid to an end and were promised by the ANC-in-exilc that they were going to be welcome in an apartheid- free South Africa. These women claim that Iliey are here to make a contribution, which is clearly portrayed by their occupational experiences. This study portrays the fact that African migrant women arc impacting on South African society and are being impacted by it as well. As tempting as it is. it would be a mistake by the South African government to dismiss the current contribution made by these women both in the formal and informal sector of the South African economy. Coining from other African countries which have been plagued with political turmoil, degrading poverty and worsening of peoples living conditions (especially with the consequences of the implementation of the structural adjustment programs), migrant women have learnt to use their initiative, especially in the area of small businesses. This has enabled the women to transform their financial situations in their families. Diverse strategies have been utilised in this transformation; the inherent but powerful social networks which aided in relocating to new or particular areas in South Africa, financial and social support from their "fictive kin" system. As a "modus operandi" for Ghanaian migrant women hairdressers, country men/wo men are employed from Ghana and brought to South Africa to work in their hair salons. Since South Africans believe that Ghanaians are the best hairdressers, the migrant women have decided to employ as many Ghanaians in their salons as possible, to keep their businesses busy even in their absence. Some of the migrant women have opened food shops where indigenous West African foods are sold to the migrant population. These shops are placed in strategic places, like in central Durban which is accessible to all living in KwaZufu-Natal. In the formal sector, most of (lie migrant women were among tlic first black women lo occupy certain positions, which were previously occupied by white South Africans. Positions such as supervisors in catering departments in Iiospitals. lecturers and head of departments at some universities are examples of the empowering contribution of migrant women to South African society. These women's lives have also been impacted by South African society, especially in the apartheid era. Considering the precarious conditions under which mizrant women from Zambia lived in KwaZulu-Natal in the apartheid era (they were considered as spies because Zambia hosted some of the A.N.C-in-exile and I.F.P dominated this area), it was in their best interest to watch every step they took because they could have been killed. However, they live to tell of how they narrowly escaped death. Migration to South Africa by migrant nurses which once was considered as an opportunity to "have their own share of the gold" has turned to disillusionment. They have been caught in the web of the immigration policy of South Africa. The conditions for a migrant to stay in South Africa depend on how scarce his/her skill is. Nursing which was considered a scarce skill in the 1990s is no longer scarce. This has led lo a second migration to England by the nurses. Despite the recent increase in this second migration, some have decided to use the opportunities of working and studying in South Africa to obtain university degrees, which they believe will improve their financial situations. According to the remarks made by some of the migrant women, th;y are happy lo be where they are, for, comparatively. South Africa still has the best to ofler migrant women in the African continent. However, the migration literature shows that researchers in the field of migration have been gender-blind. Independent skilled, career and businesswomen of African origin have been side-lined in scholarly research on migration in post apartheid South Africa. In collecting data used for this study, the snowball method of sampling was used because other me! hods were not appropriate. The population of study was made of a core sample often women, although interviews were conducted informally with a cross-section with other migrant women. The study of independent African migrant women is an example of an ethnographic account at its best.
Entrepreneurship and Identity among a group of Ghanaian women in Durban (South Africa)
(University of Zululand, 2005) Ojong, Vivian Besem A.; Buijs, G.C.V
African migrant entrepreneurship is fast becoming an increasingly important part of discourses of African migration to South Africa. This field of study is new in South Africa, because African women’s transnational activities have been neglected until now in studies on African entrepreneurship in South Africa. As Ghanaian women in South Africa through their entrepreneurial activities provided the background through which this researcher has initiated a discursive space, it has paved the way for Ghanaian transnational entrepreneurship to become an intellectual field. It is hoped that this study will become a starting point from which African women’s cross-border engagements can be viewed. Interrogating entrepreneurship through ‘cultural lenses’, this study reveals that the drive to succeed entrepreneurially and the spirit of entrepreneurship lie within certain groups of people, since they are embedded in peoples’ culture. Thus Ghanaian women have a high propensity to be engaged in entrepreneurial activities, even when they are living ans working in other countries. This study hopes to demonstrate that a shared culture facilitates entrepreneurial performance. The thesis has explored how their identity as Ghanaians in South Africa promotes their ability to succeed. This is because in post-apartheid South Africa, being a Ghanaian woman is being interpreted by South African blacks as knowing how to dress hair professionally. The findings indicate that although being first generation migrants, these women have developed hybrid and cosmopolitan identities in the manner in which they carry out their entrepreneurial activities. This has been facilitated by the researcher’s attempt to locate the women’s entrepreneurial activities within a historical context of identity formation and the contemporary melange of their identity in South Africa. The evidence suggests that there exists a symbiotic relationship between being a Ghanaian woman in South Africa and the tendency to succeed entrepreneurially, especially in the field of hair dressing. Their ‘maniere de fait’ allows them to be defined as a group of successful entrepreneurs. These women are also desperate to succeed because they are expected to send remittances home to their families and friends and also to participate in community projects in Ghana. Success is primarily judged by the assets they have acquired back in Ghana and their ability to bring family members to join them in the diaspora. These Ghanaian women are succeeding in this sector because after the fall of apartheid, hair care has become a major indicator of modernity for black South African women. This entrepreneurial area that these women have gotten into is one that has considerable opportunities for growth because black women after apartheid are earning more money and they want to spend that money on their appearance. The best way to show that they are modern is by keeping up with the latest hairstyles. This research has demonstrated that Ghanaian women’s entrepreneurship is producing benefits for South Africa. Coming from a system of apartheid where black South African women were not given the opportunity of knowing how to dress hair in what seems like western fashion, Ghanaian women have brought in these hairdressing skills and transmitted them to South Africans. These skills are being used by these South Africans as a source of both social development and economic empowerment. By providing employment to some South Africans (who before their encounter with Ghanaians were unemployed because of lack of skills), they are not only transmitting skills but providing for the daily needs of entire families. This sort of contribution by Ghanaians to the economy of South Africa is rewarding and represents a sufficient opportunity for recognition by the South African government. The study also reveals that in transnationalism, gender becomes unimportant. While the opportunistic tendency of migrants is given ‘the front seat’, gender is given ‘the back seat’. Through the need to migrate and the opportunistic tendency of migrants, hairdressing has produced a distinct social place in which Ghanaian men have hijacked a cultural space which had been a female domain as they have become hairdressers in South Africa as well as Ghanaian women. This research has also shown that religion and entrepreneurship are ‘bedfellows’. This is demonstrated by the fact that Ghanaian women believe that Christianity lies in the shadows of their business activities. Therefore, they see their businesses as a way of carrying out God’s redemptive plan and as one of God’s divine plans for them which gives significance to what they do. These values have been transmitted through different structures like schools and churches in Ghana and forms part of the socialisation process for children. When people who come from Ghana grow up, it becomes difficult for them to distance themselves from these values.
Sources of succession disputes in respect of ubukhosi / chieftainship with regard to the Cele and Amangwane chiefdoms, KwaZulu-Natal
(University of Zululand, 2005) Ngubane, Mlungisi; Buijs, G.
This dissertation seeks to take up the challenge of contributing to such an understanding of chieftainship by looking at the chieftainship succession disputes in the Cele clan of Phungashe and AmaNgwane clan of Bergville in the Province of KwaZulu -Natal, South Africa. The incorporation of indigenous political structures within the wider South African state has a long history, starting from the movements of people from one area to the other, the formation of smaller chiefdoms and bigger chiefdoms and to the rise of the Zulu kingdom. The entire process of Zulu state formation has been through a series of succession disputes which exist among many clans even nowadays. Also, the role of successions runs from the arrangements of indirect rule at the latter part of the nineteen-century to the pivotal role played by traditional leaders in the homeland administration and after 1994, the recognition of the institution, status and role of traditional leadership in the country's first democratic constitution and the enactment of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act. No. 41 of 2003 which makes provision for the establishment of the Chieftainship Dispute Resolution Commission.
The role of rural women in sustaining small-scale community development, problems and successes: a case study of KwaNdaya Umbumbulu KwaZulu Natal
(University of Zululand, 2008) Hadebe, Mendi Rachel; Buijs, G.V.C.
The purpose of this study was to examine the role played by rural women in development. KwaNdaya case study will be used to show their role. History has shown that rural community development programs in the past have been based on a variety of policy approaches, but many have not addressed women's roles as producers, caregivers and reproducers. Women's work, priorities and lives have not been incorporated into development agendas and policies, and as a result many development projects have failed. Women need to be seen as having the role of producers, caregivers and reproducers, all being essential for the maintenance of the family and community system. The assumption that there is some universal position that all women occupy in all societies must be eradicated. This is a descriptive exploratory study that explored the major role of rural women who are practicing small-scale community development project. In addition the study highlights the challenges and successful stories as reported by rural women in the study. This study was conducted in a remote rural area of KwaZulu-Natal Province. The population for the study was women who are working as a co-operative in their community production centre. The KwaNdaya production centre steering committee was used as a focus group to collect data, unstructured interviews was conducted, a questionnaire was formulated and used to ask open-ended questions concerning their project in the Zulu language. Participatory research was used at KwaNdaya because it emphasizes the concepts of people, usually the oppressed whose concerns inform the focus of the research (Freire, 1972). Participatory action research (PAR) was also applied, because it claims to be an approach with less exploitative qualities than research which treats people as research material and as objects, such as ordinary surveys and especially research which uses people as test cases (Reason, 1990:142} Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) principles were applied while gathering information at KwaNdaya that is, learning from, with and by local people where local people's criteria, classifications and categories was used. Their understanding, indigenous knowledge, viewpoints skills and practices was discovered and appreciated. Qualititative content analysis was used to analyse information that was collected as Huysamen (1994:36) confirmed that the qualititative analysis is less abstracted and closer to raw data analysis since it is in a form of words, which are context based and also can have more than one meaning. It was found that at KwaNdaya Production Centre women are faced with so many challenges but still are working together on a daily basis to achieve their goal that is, the alleviation of rural poverty and still their project which is small-scale in nature, is almost sustainable.
The 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.
The effects of infrastructural and institutional services on food security in Ntambanana rural area
(University of Zululand, 2013) Masuku, Mandla Mfundo; Selepe, B.M.; Sabela, P.T.
The aim of this study was to explore how food security at household level is affected by lack of infrastructural and institutional services. This study particularly looks at how these constraints affect access to food and assess the availability institutional services such as the availability of extension services in Ntambanana. The study recommends that improved rural infrastructure and support services sustains food security as well as contributes to the improvement in the living conditions of rural households. The availability of infrastructure and institutional support in rural areas regarded as means of rural development which eliminate problems of access to food and other services. The study concluded that lack of infrastructural services such as poor storage facilities, roads, irrigation system and transport facilities that creates food insecurity in Ntambanana. The general findings of the study reveal that assessment and evaluation of policies that are based on rural development and food security is very important. These include improving communication amongst various stakeholders, creating an enabling environment for local businesses, ensuring the availability of facilities such as storage, communication and transport facilities. This study concludes that the cost effective ways to improve access to food is to assist local small scale businesses to earn cash through creating market for them and invest in infrastructure that lead to improving food security. The results reflect that socio – economic conditions play an important role in accessing food by looking the level of purchasing power in the community.
Towards an alternative development approach to low cost housing delivery in KwaZulu-Natal province
(University of Zululand, 2014) Sabela, Primrose Thandekile; Isike, C.
The question of basic housing for the poor majority of the world’s population remains a festering global development challenge given the plethora of housing delivery models which abound. In South Africa, the capital subsidy scheme and the comprehensive plan for the development of sustainable human settlements are the dominant policy models that the post-apartheid government has used to deliver low-cost housing for poor South Africans. While it has recorded some successes, records show between 1994 and 2013, the housing backlog actually doubled and housing targets have never been met. The rapid proliferations of slums and informal settlements as well as widespread protests over housing are indicators of the failures of housing delivery in South Africa. This study therefore sought to critically assess the effectiveness of the existing housing delivery models/mechanisms in KwaZulu-Natal with a view to develop an alternative approach for low-cost housing delivery in the province. Using a triangulation of research approaches, data collection methods and analysis, the study did an extensive review of secondary and primary literature, surveyed 173 respondents and conducted 27 key-person interviews in two District Municipalities (Uthungulu and eThekwini) in the province. The study found that the capital subsidy scheme which is largely market-centered has not only failed to house the poor in the study areas, but has also perpetuated poverty as ownership of houses has not contributed to enhancing and sustaining livelihoods. The comprehensive model which was an improvement over the capital subsidy scheme has also failed in this regard. At the core of this challenge is the top-down nature of these models which exclude the vital contributions of the beneficiaries. The consequence of this exclusion is a misplaced conceptualization of what housing means to the poor in terms of sustainable livelihoods. Generally, the study revealed that non- integration of all capital assets such as individual economy, financial capital, social capital and natural capital in housing delivery projects, will not translate into the growth of the poor. The study therefore highlighted the need for and proposed an alternative housing delivery model that is inclusive, transparent, area-focused and evidence-based. This comprehensive participatory model integrates all capitals necessary to develop and capacitate the poor as it appropriates their economic/financial capital, social capital and natural capitals. It aims to build and enhance poor people’s livelihoods, and therefore address challenges such as poverty and unemployment. The model focuses on enhancing the current delivery systems. Apart from the proposed participatory model, the study makes a number of specific policy recommendations to facilitate the proposed model which include the following; first, participatory processes such as the IDPs at local municipal levels should be used to facilitate people’s participation in the whole process, from conception, planning, implementation and evaluation. Second, participation from site demarcation and in land use allocation and allocation of housing units by the poor themselves is recommended to help curb corrupt practices around allocation. Third, employment creation should be factored into the location of housing. This should be treated as part of the planning process not an after-thought or ‘add-on’ type of activity. Fourth, housing planning and implementation should be evidenced-based to be meaningful. The KwaZulu-Natal Research Forum in collaboration with the Department of Human Settlements and Statistics South Africa conduct regular research into housing needs, requirements and their relationship to sustainable livelihoods before embarking on building and delivering houses. Lastly, the Department of Human Settlements in collaboration with Provincial and Municipal governments should conduct regular post-occupancy evaluation as it
The effects of the no fees schools policy (NFSP) on primary schools enrolment: the case of the Metro South Education District, Western Cape
(University of Zululand, 2015) Mncwabe, Moses Bonginkosi; Nhlabathi, S.S.
In 2006, the National Department of Basis Education (Dept of Education then) put on gazette the “No fees Schools Policy (NFSP) as a demonstration and of its commitment to improving South Africa’s primary education system and envisioning an inclusive society with reduced socio-economic discrepancy. Following itspublicationon the Government gazette, the NFSP was implemented in 2007. However, the backdrop of No Fees School Policy is the UN Millenium Development Goals. Given that South Africa is a member state, to UNand a signatory to the MDGs, it domesticated the MDGs into the South African context to address South Africa’s problems. NFSP was also implemented to correct the negative legacy of the past. This is the backdrop against which this study was formulated. The study explored the no fees school policy (NFSP) and its impact on pimary schools enrolment in the Metro South Educatiuon District of the Western Cape. The study focused on the Metro South Education District of the Western Cape , purposely selecting forty-three participants from ten primary schools consisting of principals, chairpersons of school governing bodies from the schools and children in the identified schools. Senior circuit personnel were also included in thse study.The study used one- on- one interview with principals, chairpersons of school governing bodies and senior circuit personnel while it used survey questionnaires for parents. Following the data analysis, the study determined that though the Western Cape has relatively low levels of poverty as compared to other provinces, access and enrolment to primary education has increased specifically because of the additional policy intervention of providing nutritious food at public ordinary schools in quintile1,2 and 3. It also found the following as challenges namely: the impact of crime, drugs, alcohol and violence in communities around no fee schools, and overpriced school uniforms as a posiibility to deter children from attaining primary education.In respect to the phenomenon of crime, drugs, alcohol and violence in communities around no fee schools, the study recommended that the District and WCED should consider facilitating a forum with its stakeholders namely bthe South African Police Services on crime prevention and safety of schools, learners and educators. In reference to overpriced school uniforms as a possibility to deter children from attaining primary education, the recommendation is for both the District abd the head office of the WCED to consider an urgent investigation into this concern. The purpose of investigation should be multipronged including verification of the existence of this practice, providing corrective measures that prosecute the perpetrators and safeguards parents from being coerced into this unethical practice.
Water access and provisioning in UMzumbe Local Municipality under the Ugu District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal
(University of Zululand, 2015) Duma, Clifford Mhlanyukwa; Nhlabathi, S.S; Ngcobo, N.R
According to the Constitution, Act No.108 of 1996 of the Republic of South Africa, every person has the right to clean water. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry’s Community Water Supply Programme was established in 1994 to achieve this objective. Access to safe drinking water is the basic need to human life and wellbeing, and is a key to public health issues. The UGu District Municipality is the water distributor to the Umzumbe Local Municipality residents. The study area for this research is the Umzumbe Local Municipality, which is the second largest municipality under the UGu District Municipality. Communities, especially in rural areas under the Umzumbe Local Municipality, are still unable to access adequate safe drinking water which meets the national standards for protecting human health. The main concern of this research was to assess water access and provisioning in the Umzumbe Local Municipality, under the UGu District Municipality. The research assessed the water supply system in the UGu District Municipality by engaging with all the stakeholders involved in water provision to verify their roles in the water supply and development of water service delivery projects. The study was predicated on three theories which were assumed to explain water provisioning. The first theory is the top-down and bottom up approach to service delivery. The second approach is the privatisation concept which is based on neo-liberalism. This explains that buying what could hinder efficient delivery, mostly in poor environments. The final theory of the study deals with project management. This theory asserts that the way a project is packaged and commissioned will have implications in the delivery of services, in this case, water delivery. The research employed mixed a methods research design. The reason for employing both qualitative and quantitative methods is because the research sought to obtain a comprehensive interpretation of the occurrences in the research area. The adoption of qualitative data alone is likely to provide limited vision which would not be sufficient for the research without the inclusion of quantitative data. The population for the research consisted of the Umzumbe Local Municipality residents, both males and females from twenty one years of age, upwards. Seventy participants were chosen for the research. Interview schedules and survey questionnaires were used as data collection instruments. vii The findings showed that the UGu District Municipality infrastructure does have some challenges, which come in the form of skills challenges, and capacity challenges. Other challenges that the study identified include inability to access municipality’s infrastructure grant (M.I.G) and bulk infrastructure grant (B.I.G). The UGu District Municipality areas that are far inland are likely to have water, and also the problems because of the low capacity of engines that are used to pump water also the problem is exacerbated by power failures. The findings further indicated that unskilled contractors could be the cause of water outage in the Umzumbe Local Municipality. It has been established that contractors who are hired to run projects have a tendency of abandoning projects that have not been completed. The findings presented that the UGu District Municipality does not consider the involvement of community members when they take decisions on project matters. The research established that water tankers do not provide community with adequate water and the utilization of water tankers is an expensive option that can cause community not to be served. The findings also indicated that some of the water infrastructure is old and it can be the cause of water shortage. Lastly, the findings showed that the Umzumbe Local Municipality has low income opportunities, causing its inhabitants to be unable to pay for water services. On the basis of the findings the study recommends that the UGu District Municipality needs to adhere to the principles of monitoring and evaluation of all activities and projects that relate to water provisioning. At a broader scale the study suggests that further research be done to determine whether the Department of Water and Sanitation can consider the construction of water reservoir in UMzimkhulu River. The reservoir should be linked with the Umgeni Water Board to provide water to communities during water outage.
Heritage Tourism as a strategy for the local economic development in the vicinity of the KwaBulawayo and the Ondini Cultural Centres
(University of Zululand, 2016) Gumede, Thembinkosi Keith; Nhlabathi, S.S; Ngcobo, N.R
The aim of the study was to find out how heritage tourism can be used as a strategy for local economic development. The study was conducted at KwaBulawayo (Eshowe) and at Ondini (Ulundi) Cultural Centres and their surroundings. The study asserts that heritage tourism is embedded and can be explained within a shift from industrial to post-industrial mode of production and consumption, where aspects of society, such as heritage and culture are packaged for tourism consumption. The shift from industrial to post-industrial society and the associated packaging and consumption of heritage in the form of tourism forms the main theory of the study. This shift took place in the late 1970s when global economic system which was predicated on industrialisation and manufacturing experienced problems which were recessionary. Out of the recessionary problems, a new system of production called post-industrialisation or post-Fordism or post-modernity emerged. Post- industrialisation came with new processes of production and consumption. With regards to consumption, consumerism became a feature of the new economy. Consumerism meant that aspects of the society, such as heritage and culture had to be packaged for the tourist consumption and revenue generation. The study employed the exploratory mixed methodology, which suggests that the study used both qualitative and quantitative methods. With analysis and interpretation of data, content analysis was used to analyse the interviews while, SPSS and Microsoft Excel were used to analyse quantitative data. The population of the study was comprised of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Official(s), Zululand and King Cetshwayo District Municipalities’ Tourism Officers, KwaBulawayo and Ondini Cultural Centres’ Site Managers, Tribal Authorities and community members of the KwaBulawayo and the Ondini Cultural Centres. The study conducted face-to-face interviews and a sample of thirty seven respondents was drawn from the tourism officials and communities. The study found that the role players, i.e. officials and community members, understand the study sites in terms of culture, history and tradition, which suggests that they have not moved beyond the use value of the heritage sites. The findings revealed that the community is well aware of the heritage sites, that is, the cases of this study. However, the study established that the majority of communities did not know how long the heritage sites have been in operation. With regards to the running of the study sites, based on the Provincial and District Officials’ responses, the results showed that the power to manage them is decentralised to the District and Local Levels. The findings showed that the marketing of the heritage sites is not satisfactory. However, the on-line marketing (e.g. Internet, Facebook) was found to be predominant. The general observation of the study showed that the branding of the heritage sites revolves around King Shaka and King Cetshwayo. The communities of the study areas embrace heritage tourism sites and are regarded as the most important role players in heritage tourism of the study areas. The study found that heritage tourism has been used as a strategy for the local economic development of the study areas. The findings presented that attributes, such as artefacts and infrastructure, e.g. roads, stimulate heritage tourism of the study areas. The study observed that the tourists’ turnout to the heritage sites is inadequate. The study, therefore, recommends that the heritage tourism sites, in collaboration with all stakeholders, need to find alternative strategies to improve heritage tourism in the study areas e.g. involving tourism operators in their tourism processes. This could assist the heritage sites to generate sufficient revenue to employ more locals and assist the emerging local entrepreneurs with funding to strengthen their business ventures. The study recommends that the heritage sites need to engage ordinary community members and the local business people, especially those in the hospitality business in the tourism development processes. This could strengthen positive relationship between community members and the heritage tourism sites. The study further recommends that the key role players in heritage tourism of the study areas need to focus more on the exchange value than on the use value of the heritage sites. In the end, the study recommends further research, which will focus on the basic policy and/or a principle that could address community engagement to ensure a collective and/or beneficial participation in the entire tourism industry.
An assessment of South Africa’s membership in the BRICS formation in relation to IBSA and SADC
(University of Zululand, 2017) Shoba, Muzi Sipho; Asuelime, L.E; Lekane, G.M
The role and importance of the so-called BRICS and the integration of South Africa into the grouping has been debated in the parlance of international relations. Many accounts have been made on this topic focusing mainly on the question of why South Africa sought BRICS membership and why it was granted the membership. These accounts do not only ignore the questions around the benefits and constraints for South Africa, but also bypasses the critical question of the impact of the grouping on the international monetary system and international financial institutions. This study therefore has been motivated by the desire to explore the prospects and the pros and cons that befall South Africa for being a member of the BRICS grouping. The study is also driven by the need to assess (to a lesser extent) the implications of the rise of the grouping to the international financial institutions. In order to fulfil these aims, a qualitative research method has been chosen. The study is strictly based on secondary sources such as textbooks, official documents from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, articles, magazines and newspapers, as well as internet resources. The analysis has been made possible through the employment of two theoretical frameworks: constructivism approach and theory of regional integration, both of which underpinned the study. Through extensive engagement with the literature reviewed and the historical analysis, the study found there are more prospects than constraints for the rainbow nation. The study also argues that the BRICS grouping would not make any substantial change to the nature of the international financial system at this stage, but would only make an additional balance of payment available to the countries requiring it. Therefore as recommendation, South Africa must think outside the framework of these groupings, and rely less on them for its advancements.
Assessing the operations of agricultural cooperatives at Nkomazi Municipality, Mpumalanga Province
(University of Zululand, 2017) Ngwamba, Mthabiseng Pertunia; Sabela, P.T.; Isike, P.T.
The study hopes to bring about the enlightenment to the operations of agricultural cooperatives at Nkomazi municipality namely ward 7, 25, 29 and 30. The study therefore assess the operations of agricultural cooperatives while identifying the operational processes of cooperatives; examining the management techniques of cooperatives; determining membership participation and commitment to cooperatives and identifying the measures adopted in the monitoring and evaluation of agricultural cooperatives. The research method that was used to gather data was qualitative research approach, the design adopted descriptive research design and the research method used is multiple case study method. The research data collection tools comprises of structured and unstructured interviews, policy document analysis, structured observations and this was done using a questionnaires an instrument for a sample size of 40 agricultural cooperatives. A non-probability sampling was used and the type on non-probability that is both purposive and convenience sampling to sample the respondents. The results showed that 75% of the respondents are employed by the agricultural cooperatives. Significantly, 90% agricultural cooperatives have members depends on agricultural cooperatives for income. It is noted that 10% of the agricultural cooperatives were established during the year 1993 and before significantly 8% (3) was operational in that particular year. Astonishingly, the results show statistically a constant growth by 45% of established and operational agricultural cooperatives in the year 2015 to 2016. The results shows that the operations of the agricultural cooperatives depended massively on the main activities associated and other several operational events such as funds, human resources and raw material.The outcome of the study was evident that even though some cooperative operate without proper management and monitoring and evaluations techniques, the cooperatives still contribute massively the local food nets and to the local economy within the study area.
A historical analysis of South Africa’s post-1994 multilateral drive in selected international multilateral organisations
(University of Zululand, 2017) Zubane, Patrick Sphephelo; Asuelime, L.F.; Lekane, G.M.
In 1994, South Africa became a more inclusive democratic state when Nelson Mandela became the first black president. This era marked a new course for a new democratic South Africa. The post-apartheid political dispensation has ushered in a prestigious opportunity for a newly democratic South Africa to reconnect with the other states in different multilateral institutions. The proliferation of Multilateralism as a strategy for states including South Africa has its merit and demerits. In this regard, South Africa has connected and reconnected with different multilateral institutions both regionally and globally. The following are some of the multilateral institutions that the country has connected and reconnected with in the aftermath of 1994. These institutions include the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa bloc (BRICS). In connection with these relations that the country has made thus far, there have been little studies that account and juxtapose the implications and significance of these relations for South Africa. In this regard, this study attempts to do an appraisal/assessment of the reliance, significance and implications for South Africa association to these multilateral organisations. The following questions were asked in the study: How has the international objectives of South Africa fared in her interactions with the UN (Agencies); How has South Africa’s regional economic interactions via the SADC and BRICS developed since 1994; To what extent has South Africa contributed to African Union since 1994 and has its membership impacted on the country’s other multilateral drives? In order to answer the aforementioned questions, a qualitative desktop based research methodology was employed using thematic and historical analysis of secondary data. Based on the extensive literature review and thematic analysis, the study found that as much as South Africa’s multilateralism promises great advantages than disadvantages, these relations requires caution as they are critical to the future of the economy of South Africa.
Exploring community development partnership amongst Umhlathuze Local Municipality, selected multinational corporations and the host communities
(University of Zululand, 2017) Mnguni, Hlanganani; Sabela, P.T.
The aim of this study was to examine partnerships between the local municipality, host communities and the selected multinational companies in community development activities. Numerous studies have been conducted in pursuit of the role of multinational corporations (MNCs) in developing countries. Whilst it has been understood that MNCs are essential for the development of less economically developed countries (LEDCs), other studies have discovered that LEDCs face the challenge of limited benefits from MNCs which does not necessarily address the root causes of underdevelopment. As a result, exploring factors that inform corporate social responsibility (CSR) of the selected MNCs in the City of uMhlathuze was the point of departure in this study. In this regard, the study sort to find out if there were any partnerships between MNCs and the local Municipality during the execution of CSR activities, and whether were there laws or documentations that guide and support partnerships amongst the MNCs, host communities and the local municipality. The study followed a qualitative research approach and thereby used qualitative data collection tools to help achieve its objectives. It was found that the type of partnerships that exist between MNCs and the municipality are erratic and not formal. This is entirely caused by the absence of governmental binding laws and documentations between MNCs and municipalities in the city of uMhlathuze, South Africa, and LEDCs in general. Given that the local municipality is the custodian of the communities, particularly in the area of community development, the study concluded that community development partnerships between MNCs and the local municipality are essential. The completion of this study has helped realise that partnership are essential and that they can help achieve community development goals and address the root causes of poor livelihoods for the City of uMhlathuze and communities in the developing countries, if they could be properly managed.
Local economic development strategy implementation within Bushbuckridge Local Municipality
(University of Zululand, 2017) Nkuna, Lazarus Lucky; Sabela, P.T; Isike, E.M
Local government structures have a particularly important role to play in harnessing national and regional resources to promote their areas and in facilitating strategic local partnerships to enhance and sustain economic growth. The study sought to examine the implementation of Local Economic Development Strategy implementation in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality (BLM) in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. The sample comprised of BLM LED officials and at least 5 respondents selected from10 projects and these included the project management team and workers. The Chosen projects were chosen based on proximity and availability but maintaining balance to cover the entire municipality. This allowed the researcher to have a balanced view from both the municipal officials and people at the project sides. A purposive sampling method was used to select the sample for the study. The primary data was collected using interviews and structured observations. Secondary data was collected using the document analysis method. SPSS and the content analysis methods were used in the study. The study found that BLM has an LED strategy as prescribed in the municipal IDP and projects have been implemented to promote local economic development in the region. However, there is a knowledge gap from project participants as some have no access to information and cannot access and use the services from the LED offices to enhance their economic activities, due to their peripheral location. The BLM LED strategy is implemented following the Location Theory, projects were planned and positioned in places where they will maximise profit and minimise production costs by employing local ideas and resources, packing them to attract outside interest. The participatory model adopted by the municipality in planning and implementing LED activities does not yield the desired results due to some projects that are unable to be part of the participatory planning processes. The consultative activities during the conception and planning should target the poor. The study recommends therefore, that LED in BLM has to be a participatory model which is based on a holistic approach to incorporate different activities from different areas based on their local potential and available resources to create economic Spin-offs. The study also makes a number of specific recommendations to facilitate the planning and implementation of LED strategy in BLM.First, participatory processes such as the IDPs at local municipal levels should be used to facilitate people’s participation in the whole process, from conception, planning, implementation and evaluation of all LED activities in the local municipality. The beneficiaries have to be active participants in their own development; hence this will ensure full and active participation. The study also discovered that there is lack of coordination among the stakeholders to create viable establishment of cooperatives development and to formalise their economic participation in order to promote sustainable SMME development, growth and sustainable cooperative movement. Challenges of LED strategy implementation in BLM included that the municipality, like many others in the country, do not have adequate economic growth strategies, and if they do, it will only sound good on paper but the implementation on the ground does not happen as depicted in the strategy. This further perpetuates the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
The role of small-scale agriculture in poverty reduction in Cezwana area Jozini Local Municipality (KZ 272), South Africa
(University of Zululand, 2017) Simelane, Nhlanhla Douglas; Isike, E.M; Sabela, P.T
Primary agriculture is an essential activity that ensures a supply of raw food material. This research study examined small-scale agricultural projects and their role in poverty reduction with particular reference to Cezwana area in Jozini, South Africa. Small-scale agriculture plays an important role in development in this area, not only in terms of income generation, but overall regional economic growth. The agricultural sector has significant potential to transform the Jozini economy. The study examined the possibilities for small-scale agricultural development in Cezwana area and drew on the relevant literature as a framework to understand the agricultural sector in relation to the strategies employed by the government to develop smallholder farms. While it is acknowledged that policies have been adopted to promote food security by ensuring a steady supply of raw food materials to the manufacturing sector, and to create jobs and income, the sector’s potential has yet to be realized. In order to assess the status-quo of small-scale agriculture in Cezwana area and its effect on poverty reduction, data were obtained from Cezwana Youth Cooperative Limited, Zamani Gardening, Isiqalosethu Gardening, and the Department of Agriculture (DoA) in Jozini Local Municipality. The study identified the major factors that constrain the development of small-scale farming and indeed the overall agricultural sector in Jozini such as the neglect of agriculture arising from dispersed zones, inadequate infrastructural facilities and extension services, a shortage of labour, a decline in the quality of land due to climate change, a lack of project management, and policy inconsistency, etc. It recommends the provision of supportive facilities to farmers, as well as transparent extension services, price stabilization and prioritizing and building small-scale agriculture to ensure that this sector takes its rightful place in South Africa’s economy and contributes to poverty reduction.
Participation of wards in Operation Sukuma Sakhe activities within the city of Umhlathuze
(University of Zululand, 2017) Ndlovu, Nontobeko Nontando; Sabela, T.; Isike, E.M.
The study set out to obtain information on the nature and level of participation of community members in the implementation of Operation Sukuma Sakhe (OSS). A case study research design was adopted. A sample of 125 respondents was selected using the purposive sampling method for the key informants such as the traditional leadership, officials deployed by the government to the programme, fieldworkers and CSO. A convenience sampling method was also used for focus groups and to select participants from the community. An interview schedule which had both structured and unstructured questions, was used to gather the required data. For data analysis, the thematic analysis method was used. It was discovered that there are various methods used to engage the community in the programme, namely: mass community meetings, door-to-door visits, household visits and participation of the community as walk-ins. The most commonly used method to engage community members was found to be the door-to-door visits where the CCGs were actively involved. The respondents participated only in the identification of issues affecting them and not in identifying possible solutions to the problems. The decisions were seemingly taken by external members, something which has negative implications on community development of projects. The participation of community members in the form of ‘walk-ins’ raised concern, as this is taken as a sign of lack of commitment, which could result in people not viewing the programme as a learning process which could lead to growth and change. The method cannot be considered as a reliable or effective way of ensuring adequate participation in any service delivery or community development programme. It basically suggests low levels of participation and that the actual implementation does not encourage the development of what is referred to as the ‘we feeling’ or ownership of the programme in participation circles. It is also concluded that gender-specific capacitation and empowerment programmes have to be instituted, because the programme predominantly comprises women. The group that was found to be actively involved is usually characterised by inadequate access to assets and productive resources, and a lack of knowledge or skills. Among the officials in the WR, limited knowledge on roles and responsibilities was noted in certain wards, and this has implications for service delivery and may be somehow responsible for the lack of participation in WR activities.

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