Anthropology and Development Studies

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A case study of gendered differences in land ownership in Nkomazi, Mpumalanga, South Africa
(University of Zululand, 2021-09-22) Mubecua, Mandla Abednico
South Africa has a dual land property rights system in which land can be distributed and owned under statutory or customary communal laws. The study aimed to understand gendered differences in land ownership in the Nkomazi Local Municipality in the context of such customary and statutory laws. It focused on how such gendered differences affect women and female farmers in the same community noting that globally, women were often oppressed by patriarchal and cultural systems. The study, therefore, relied on the legal pluralism theory which asserts that modern societies are not only governed under the power of the state but under pluralistic forces that hold different levels of acceptability to the people governed. It also relooked the feminist political ecology, a theory that relates gender to the access and ownership of natural resources including land. The study adopted a phenomenological research design guided by a critical theory paradigm that aims to empower repressed groups and transform societies. It took a qualitative research approach where data was collected from a sample of 37 participants who included male and female farmers, female residents who were not into farming, municipal and government officials and traditional leaders using semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Collected data were analysed using thematic analysis on the Atlas.ti.8 software. The analysis generated seven themes leading to the conclusion that gendered land ownership differences are a reality in the Nkomazi Local Municipality. They manifest through differences in ease of land ownership between men and women, differences in land sizes, the security of tenure and access to training and support. Gendered land ownership differences result in gendered poverty and worsen the economic plight of women who rely more on the land than men. The study concludes that patriarchal traditional systems as institutionalised in customary law systems are the main force behind unequal access to land between men and women. While statutory laws and a gender-sensitive constitution have been crafted, the excessively overt application of customary law continues to deny women the rights to equality on land issues. The study recommended an implementation framework to resolve gendered land ownership differences and the discrimination of women on land issues. It also recommended the use of new land distribution opportunities to address land ownership inequalities, the codification of customary law, the enforcement of gender quotas on traditional councils and supporting women’s land-related activism as some of the possible solutions to the unbalanced land ownership structure in the Nkomazi Local Municipality.
An Afrocentric analysis of social entrepreneurship as a tool for development in Johannesburg, South Africa
(University of Zululand, 2023) Mofokeng, Neo Refiloe; Ndlovu, Morgan
This thesis examines the idea of social entrepreneurship (SE) from an Afrocentric and postdevelopment perspective. The thesis argues that the idea of SE is often examined from a Eurocentric perspective which tends to ignore the African context in which development takes place thereby failing to yield positive results for the African societies that are intended to be the beneficiaries of SE and its development outcomes. In South Africa, SE is predominantly understood from a business management point of view while epistemically drawing from German ideas of Social Democracy—a development that misses the contextual-epistemic realities of its location. This study takes an Afrocentric and post-development approach to examine bot the epistemic and contextual relevance of social entrepreneurship in South Africa. To contribute to knowledge, the study appraises the relevance and value of SE’s social democratic epistemology to South Africa. Such an appraisal is undertaken from the view that traditionally, southern African society has been governed by the Afrocentric value of Ubuntu. Thus, posing the question of whether social democracy can be helpful to South African communities, and what adaptations, if any, would be required for this. Moreover, the study explores whether the practice (beyond theory) of social entrepreneurship is helpful from an Afrocentric viewpoint, as some ideas may be adaptable theoretically, but fail empirically. Finally, the study found that it is more important to fashion the progress of South African societies along the lines of flourishing as opposed to developing. This is so as development is value-laden and tied to modernity, whose basic epistemology and axiology are not always reconcilable with local epistemologies. On the other hand, flourishing allows societies to define their unique trajectories of progress such as ubumbano/letsema – a concept embracing collective progress instead of individual wealth, amongst other important ideas. The findings also show that the motivations for SE vary but have a common understanding of human needs which affirm beneficiaries’ dignity and humanness. Further, the findings reveal that social enterprises want to build ecologies of innovation and change, and be empathetic to people’s needs, and they have reservations with most government-led solutions as those tend to be exclusive, further creating new problems when trying to solve old ones.
Analysis of institutional gaps that contribute to the situation of food insecurity in uThungulu, Northern KwaZulu-Natal
(University of Zululand, 2018) Masuku, Mandla Mfundo
This study analyses the effects of institutional gaps on food security in rural households in the uThungulu District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study found that inadequate access to and low production of food was common in poor households. When compared to other African countries, the South African Government is seen to have established sound policies aimed at eradicating food insecurity in historically disadvantaged communities, inter alia, by reprioritising public spending. However, these policies have not been well implemented, resulting in an increase in the number of food-insecure people in the country, irrespective of food availability. In this study, participants comprised community members aged 20 years and above (n=147), nine key informants and focus groups (n=11). Questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions were used to obtain data related to the institutional gaps that contributed to food insecurity. Both content and statistical analysis was used to realise the study objectives. The results of the study showed that participants had to contend with numerous challenges in sustaining their community development projects towards achieving food security and received only limited support from various institutions. In general, communities with a poor socio-economic profile are vulnerable to food insecurity because their low status denies them access to credit provision, skills and information. In the uThungulu District, agriculture was widely practised as a strategy to eradicate food insecurity: crop farming particularly, in the form of community and home gardens, was undertaken, but very few participants engaged in livestock farming. The study revealed that the issue of land access and ownership compromised rural production. Rural business people had inadequate knowledge of how to participate and compete in the market. The study’s results also showed that local municipalities’ services were often politically aligned and politicians as heads of institutions made poor, top-down decisions that did not meet the needs of poor people. Local municipalities were mostly dependent on governmental funding which was limited. Furthermore, governmental institutions themselves were faced with challenges, including inadequate staff, capacity and skills to serve communities satisfactorily. The study concluded that while South Africa as a nation was food secure, households – particularly in rural areas – were not yet free from food insecurity. Food in/security is a multi-sectoral issue that needs to be tackled by all institutions and sectors and should not be aligned with the agricultural sector only. It is recommended that the government should improve food security policies, determine methods of financing rural entrepreneurs and small-scale farmers and expand the institutions committed to rural food security programmes. It also needs to provide training in entrepreneurial skills and assist and empower poor people to adopt modern farming practices which include intensifying livestock production. Policies and strategies to alleviate food insecurity need to be analysed and improved as a matter of urgency. Further research should investigate and monitor the implementation of food security interventions in rural areas.
Assessing Income Generating Projects as a Strategy to Enhance Livelihoods in Rural Areas. Umzimvubu Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province
(University of Zululand, 2020) Khumalo, Silindile Pearl
Income generation comprise activities focused at developing opportunities for productive use of available resources to create communities or households that are self-sufficient and not reliant on the state for livelihood generation. The aim of this study was to assess income generating activities as one of the strategies to enhance livelihood in rural areas of Umzimvubu Municipality, Mt Ayliff. The purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select the sample whereby a total of 46 participants were selected within the projects and out of the projects. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used as techniques for data collection. The content analysis method was used to analyse the data. The findings of the study revealed that income generating projects do have a positive impact in the rural livelihood. The projects do serve as a strategy to enhance livelihoods, but the contribution is minimal in that it does not make a huge difference in the lives of community members. Various challenges were identified such as the need for training, financial support, conflicts among participants in the projects, mismanagement of funds generated and theft of products. The study found that there is little consultation between government departments, the Department of Social Development and Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, as they are directly working with communities in income generation projects. The two departments have to collaborate in an effort to support income generating projects. Entrepreneurial training sessions need to be provided to ensure that the projects immensely contribute towards livelihood generation.
Assessing strategies to up-scale urban agriculture for income generation at Esikhaleni township, Richards Bay, South Africa
(University of Zululand, 2019) Tembe, Khulekani Sicelo
Since 2014, the South African government has recognised township economies as important components for attaining improved and inclusive rates of economic growth. Consequently, the government implemented the strategy of township economic revitalisation through urban agriculture. Thus, this study assessed strategies that those involved in township urban agriculture could use so that they could up-scale their township agricultural activities from subsistence and survivalist economy to income generating ventures. This study was conducted in Esikhaleni Township, city of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The literature of this study showed that urban agriculture was not a recent phenomenon, but, was an important element of urban living, mostly during the period of great depression in the early 1930s. However, urban agriculture did not start in the 1930s, as it dated back to the 19th century in the USA and in Europe. From the USA and Europe, it was to spread to Africa as a result of industrialisation, which was an offshoot of colonisation. Urban agriculture was mostly practiced for survival. Urban agriculture could be theorised from the Neo-liberal and Neo-Marxist perspectives. Under the Neo-liberal framework, it was shown that urban agriculture could be viewed in three ways, that is, as a form of municipal entrepreneurship, as part of greening cities, and as shared political spaces. The municipal entrepreneurship views urban agriculture as formal business activities that contribute towards urban economies. Further, as part of greening cities, urban agriculture was understood as a way of keeping city green and beautiful. Lastly, as shared political spaces, urban agriculture was seen as an activity to unite communities. On the other hand, neo-Marxist theory understood urban agriculture as an activity that perpetuates capitalism and exploitation of workers. Literature also showed that there were no economic benefits that could be obtained from urban agriculture. The study used the interpretive philosophy and thus adopted a qualitative research approach. The participants of this study consisted of urban agricultural practitioners (n=28) of the study area, and public officials (n=2): an official from the city of Umhlathuze and the other official from Agricultural Department of the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Data v was collected using semi-structured interviews. Though the study was principally qualitative, however, some of the data was quantitative. Qualitative data was analysed by developing themes out of the interview narratives while the quantitative data was analysed using the statistical package for the social sciences, SPSS. The main finding of the study was that the security and certainty about the availability of land for gardening. This hampered the capacity of the urban agricultural practitioners to produce quality products which could be sold to wholesalers. Furthermore, the study revealed that there were two role players in urban agriculture in the study area: the uMhlathuze Local Municipality and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The uMhlathuze Local Municipality understood urban agriculture as both an entrepreneurial and an income generation strategy, which would contribute to the economic development of the local municipality. With regards to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the study showed that the department did not have any concrete policy on urban agriculture. The study also found that there was a potential to up-scale the agricultural activities as the uMhlathuze Local Municipality organised workshops to help with the agricultural and business skills. Secondly, the strategy to sell the products directly to the customers or selling from door-to-door helped in building mutual trust between the sellers and the buyers. However, there were challenges, such as land issue and market access, that hindered urban agricultural practitioners in their efforts to scale-up. Urban agricultural practitioners reported that they did not own the land they farm on, as the land was owned by municipality who could claim it any-time. In terms of marketing, it was shown that urban agricultural practitioners relied on informal market to sell their products as local wholesalers and shops did not buy from them and they appeared not to have trust in the local agricultural producers. With regards to municipality, the study recommended that the municipality find ways to assist with agricultural land and policy formulation. Finally, further research can be carried out to assess the factor of trust between small scale urban agriculturalists and the market, as the study found that there was a lack of mutual trust between the local wholesalers and local urban agricultural practitioners.
Assessing the contribution of eco-tourism to sustainable development in Umkhanyakude District Municipality
(University of Zululand, 2019) Xaba, Fikile G
Ecotourism has positively been contributing to job creation, small business development and poverty alleviation. Guided by this perspective, this study sought to assess the contribution of ecotourism to sustainable development in the UMkhanyakude District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The participants were selected through a combination of simple random and purposive sampling techniques; thus, 32 participants were purposively sampled from each of the four local municipalities (Hlabisa, Jozini, Mtubatuba and UMhlabuyalingana), while 172 respondents were selected using simple random sampling, resulting in a total of 204 participants. The study employed a parallel convergent design consisting of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from programme officials, project managers and owners of ecotourism ventures; while questionnaires were administered to elicit data from community members between May and June 2018. The study found that ecotourism had been partially implemented in UMkhanyakude’s four local municipalities, with the scope and intensity of such projects varying across the municipalities. The results reveal a degree of excellence in some of these initiatives, particularly in Mtubatuba (40%); Hlabisa (30%), UMhlabuyalingana (20%) and Jozini (10%) which, to some extent, helped mitigate poverty and unemployment in these areas. Contrary, the results show that ecotourism in areas such as Jozini had been largely underdeveloped and under-resourced. In this area, perceptions around the benefits of ecotourism were low (20%) and community participation was also significantly low (20%) in comparison with other local municipalities. These results indicate that despite lack of financial resources, opportunities still exist in terms of improving the implementation of ecotourism in UMkhanyakude, provided that local communities are properly capacitated to participate and benefit from these services. To this end, the study recommends the adoption of the Community-Based Sourcing Model to ensure that the people of UMkhanyakude benefit from ecotourism.
Assessing the contribution of household food production to food security and sovereignty at Nkomazi Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province in South Africa
(University of Zululand, 2024) Ngwamba, Mthabiseng Pertunia; Kolanisi, Unathi Mdiniso, Joyce Mnesi
Nationally South Africa is assumed to be food secured, whilst many people at household level still face hunger and poverty daily. This has been exacerbated by population growth and food prices that continue to increase, household therefore need to find means to survive. Hence the study aims to assess how household food production may contribute to food security and sovereignty at Nkomazi local municipality. The study is providing a conceptual framework which has four theoretical underpinnings, post growth theory, Sens entitlement theory, relative culturalism, and sustainable livelihood theory. The study adopted mixed-method research approach namely convergent parallel research design approach to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Complementary, two research designs were employed, namely phenomenology and a descriptive correlational design non-experimental design). The study sampled 383 respondents which are household and 7 informants from the local municipality and Department of Agriculture. The study examined the correlation between indigenous food production, food security and sovereignty and the results show that there is a relationship between the variables as the null hypothesis was rejected which means households who produce indigenous foods are found to be food secure and have sovereignty over the food they produce. Therefore, the study recommends the incorporation of indigenous and pioneering knowledge systems on food production practices to ensure further development. Whilst acknowledging the impact of globalization in the new worldview, the study also recommends further research on food sovereignty, which is intertwined with food rights and control as it evidently impacts food production. Finaly, what is novel about the study is that I propose a new combined food security and sovereignty model that clearly demonstrate the importance of household food production.
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.
Assessing the Participation of Youth in Community Development Programmes at Mtubatuba Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province
(University of Zululand, 2019) Mbatha, Sandiseni Lennox
The youth are fresh- minded and innovative and are an asset to their countries. Investing in them could yield tremendous social and economic results, particularly in the countries that are still classified as developing. Young people can be drivers of development; and therefore, the youth should be given adequate opportunities to develop and participate in community development initiatives. The aim of this study was to examine the nature and level of participation of the youth in community development programmes (CDP) at Mtubatuba Local Municipality (MLM). The research examined the views of the youth who are participating in CDPs, as well as of the government officials (Key Informants) who work closely with the youth in community development programmes. The focus of the study was to reveal the nature and level of the youth participation, and the attitudes of the youth towards participating in CDPs. This study was conducted in ward 1 and ward 2 of Mtubatuba Local Municipality, and focus groups were used to solicit information from the youth participants. It, therefore, used unstructured interviews for the key informants. The study was qualitative in approach but employed some quantitative elements to support the narrative data. The results of this study revealed that the youth do actively participate in social - activities of (CDP’s), but their level of participation is satisfactory, although the youth are assigned and informed in CDP, which leaves them with limited access to control CDP’s. It was also discovered that there is no designed youth participation model within the local municipality, which may lead to difficulties in engaging the youth in initiation of CDP’s, however the youth are working diligently to implement programmes brought before them by development agencies. The youth were informed and assigned to community development programmes. Centralisation of power and authority influences the level and nature of participation in community development programmes. It was also clear that the adults centralise power and authority in CDP’s and, as a result, the youth have no control over CDP’s, they often join programmes during the implementation stage and, therefore, are in no position to take decisions on the VIII programmes. Youth involvement in the design, implementation and evaluation of community development initiatives is recommended.
Assessing the potential of community tourism in catalysing local economic development in the Umzumbe Local Municipality, under UGu District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal
(University of Zululand, 2021) Duma, Clifford Mhlanyukwa
The study area for this research is Umzumbe Local Municipality, which is the second largest municipality under the UGu District Municipality. The research assessed the potential of community tourism (CT) in leading to/catalysing local economic development in Umzumbe Local Municipality, under UGu District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal. The specific objectives of the research were to: (a) examine the community tourism resources in Umzumbe Local Municipality, (b) evaluate the potential of community tourism in creating job opportunities and small scale businesses among other indices of measuring LED in the Umzumbe Local Municipality, (c) analyse how community tourism could be effectively implemented in the Umzumbe Local Municipality and (d) propose a development management model of community tourism leading to LED in the Umzumbe Local Municipality. To achieve these objectives, the research employed a mixed methods research design so as to attain a deeper and comprehensive understanding of the potential of community tourism in leading to local economic development in the study area. The findings of the study demonstrated that there are community tourism resources in Umzumbe Local Municipality, but most people were not aware of these. In addition, the research established that there is a potential for community tourism to lead to local economic development in the study area if specific development strategies around the promotion of community tourism leading to local economic development were implemented. It is on this basis that this study proposed a community tourism development management model which can be utilised to plan for and develop community tourism leading to local economic development in Umzumbe Local Municipality. The model proposes the following to be the pillars of ensuring successful implementation of CT leading to LED: education, planning, political and technological support, capacity building, participation, partnership, human capital and economic growth, human resources and development (HRD), entrepreneurial leadership and teamwork, identification of passionate and goal oriented members, facilitators and funders (government, private sector and NGOs), infrastructure, conflict resolution, monitoring and evaluation.
Assessment of realization of fundamental human right to water Umlalazi Municipality, Kwazulu-Natal.
(Univeristy of Zululand, 2021) Mnguni, Asanda Mnguni
The aim of the study was to examine the municipal water resource governance and fundamental human rights to water in the UMlalazi Local Municipality of the KwaZulu- Natal Province. The study employed the post-positivist paradigm and closed ended questionnaires for collection of data. Stratified random sampling technique was used to sample 375 respondents, who were the households (head of households). Chi- square was used to determine relationships between the variables. The findings showed that most of the respondents strongly agreed that the 6kl of monthly water supply was not enough for meeting their domestic, consumptive and hygiene neds. The municipality has a youthful population structure. Females were mostly affected household water scarcity compared to their male counterparts. For the households, a day would be terribly difficult without this life enabling commodity. Access to potable water, good, human rights to water, water contamination, women inclusion in planning and decision making and agriculture significantly influenced water access in the Municipality. Consequently, the null hypothesis (Ho) was ruled out in favour of the alternative hypothesis (HA). The study concludes that the municipality still lack the capacity for water supply. There are problems of funding, governance and free riding on water supply persist and these continue to affect government’s water supply from reaching targeted beneficiary communities. From the hypothesis test, the concludes that in the UMlalazi Local Municipality, good governance, human rights to water, contamination of water, women inclusion in decision making and agricultural activities in the area are significantly associated with access to potable water and sanitation delivery among the rural population. To improve and sustain drinking water access, the study recommends that the Municipality should strengthen measures to promote good water governance, improve rights of localities to water, control the rate of water pollution, expand access and inclusion of women in planning and streamline activities for ecologically friendly agricultural activities in the communities. It is important that the households are provided with adequate water to meet their water needs. Ensuring equity in water access would play a major role in ensuring that the rural communities and previously disadvantaged groups are given priority of water access in the Municipality.
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.
Commercial Farming Adaption to Drought as a Strategy for Stable Local Economic Growth in Ugu District Municipality
(Univeristy of Zululand, 2022) Nyandeni, Simiso Fisokuhle
Agriculture is regarded as the sector that mostly relies on climate conditions for its productivity, yet in recent years this sector has been experiencing droughts. The study attempted to explain how commercial farming adaptation to droughts maybe be used as a strategy for stable Local Economic Growth (LEG) amongst commercial farms in Ugu District Municipality. This study situates the commercial farming adaptation to droughts within the theoretical framework of an Action Theory of Adaptation to climate change. The key finding is that commercial farmers in uGu district Municipality perceived drought coping strategies a difficult task if not impossible to manage without government’s intervention. The majority of the participants admitted that drought has defeated their willingness to farm, and they were subjected to failure. The study recommends that the use of weather forecasting, vulnerability assessment, crops diversification, sustainable and efficient water management practice, cultivation of low water consuming crops, and systematic cropping pattern as some of the strategies which can mitigate the adverse effects of drought among commercial farmers. Key Words: Climate Change (Drought), Commercial Farming, Economic Growth and Adaptation.
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.
Community-based rehabilitation as a strategy for disability services and for encouraging the involvement of disabled people in the community development of the City of uMhlathuze Municipality
(University of Zululand, 2023) Mthethwa, Charmaine Sibahle; Mdiniso, J.M.
It is visible in various disability studies that there is still a challenge in fully integrating disability in most African countries. These challenges include poverty barriers, employment barriers, stigma against people with disabilities, educational barriers and inequality barriers. Despite the policies that have been developed to solve these disability issues, there is still a lack of effectiveness in the implementation of these policies. This research investigates the effectiveness of the Community-Based Rehabilitation approach in promoting community development through the involvement of people living with disabilities. The CBR approach consists of five components, and each consists of five elements. These elements are health, education, livelihood, social and empowerment. This CBR approach was initiated to improve the protection of the rights of people living with disabilities and also provide them with equal opportunities in order to improve service delivery for people living with disabilities. However, there still needs to be more knowledge on the effectiveness of its implementation due to the lack of resources and knowledge among CBR stakeholders. This study investigates this effectiveness using a qualitative research methodology and adopts the narrative research design.
A comparative assessment of the socio-economic dimension of Niger delta militancy and Boko Haram insurgency: towards the security-development nexus in Nigeria
(University of Zululand, 2019) Ojochenemi, David. James; Akokpari, J.; Masuku, M.M.
This study critically explores, in comparative terms, the socio-economic dimension (drivers and effects) of Niger Delta Militancy and Boko Haram insurgency, within the ongoing debate on the nexus between security and development. Using the mix of Root Cause and Rational Choice theories (2RCs), the study through qualitative methods, demonstrates the relative implication of socio-economic causes and effects of both insurgencies, based on evidence from interviews, available video documentaries and literatures. Acknowledging the weak, however irrefutable, connection between security and development, the study underscores that the social and economic dimension of both insurgencies must be factored into a long-term recovery plan, despite the seeming religious façade of Boko Haram. The study demonstrates that while poverty, for instance, is necessary but insufficient in explaining conflict, its persistence amidst affluence and economic growth suggest that it significantly determines the hopelessness, angst and lack of trust in the system that often nudges some citizens to seek alternative means of redress. Such means may be ethnonationalism or religion as suggestive of the Niger Delta militancy or Boko Haram insurgency respectively. In addition, both insecurities have been hijacked by certain individuals for self-benefiting ends. This hijack is somewhat driven by personal rational calculus and oiled by the pan-Nigeria “socio-economic neediness” among the masses. In this regard, while the masterminds manipulate this ‘socio-economic neediness’, the lower ranks (of these insurgencies) derive immediate economic or political benefits from participation through criminality. Meanwhile, the study found that socio-economic causes are more easily identifiable in the Niger Delta insurgencies as compared to Boko Haram’s, especially from the standpoint of legitimate grievances. For the Boko Haram insurgency, the socio-economic underdevelopment in the northern region are ideologically manipulated to mobilise wide support for the insurgency through monetary inducement, leveraging on the vulnerability of the populace. This is especially compounded by the lower level of education among it ranks of foot soldiers and general level of human underdevelopment across the region. The implication of Nigeria’s mono-cultural economy for the country’s development trajectory and the current instabilities are explored to illuminate what, why, and how the resultant socio-economic underdevelopment could be related to both insurgencies. Accordingly, the popular criticism of the socio-economic dimension that often allude to the relatively higher level of vii poverty in other parts of the north compared to Borno is critically revisited. This is done by demonstrating that Boko Haram is hardly a Borno or North-east phenomenon exclusively. Indeed, the historical and ideological resonance of Islamic extremism of Boko Haram, across the entire northern region, strongly reinforces this view. The study further demonstrates how the protracted insurgencies, among other agitations in the country continue to inhibit Nigeria’s overall development, creating an endless circle of conflict. Hence, in contributing to the attainment of a durable and sustainable resolution, this study advocates that adequate and improved redress of the socio-economic dimension, among the other notable undeniable dimensions must take place. In this regard, the study critically engages the mix of defence, diplomacy and development (the 3D) as used in other conflict regions in the world, to decipher possible ways forward. Minding context dependence of such policy frameworks and the difficulty with transferability however, the study ultimately seeks only to draw adaptable lessons, especially its accents on inter-agency cooperation (human and material resource) in comparable insurgencies. Herein lies the security-development nexus in Nigeria, given the deepening human insecurity and underdevelopment spawned by both insurgencies
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 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.
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.
The efficacy of public participation in integrated development planning processes of UMkhanyakude District Municipality, Northern Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
(University of Zululand, 2019) Ntuli, Siybonga Robson
The importance of public participation continues to gain great momentum in local government circles in South Africa, because it is considered as a strategy of ensuring that local government is responsive to the developmental needs of communities. Against this backdrop, this study investigated the efficacy of public participation in an Integrated Development Planning (IDP) process of uMkhanyakude District Municipality, northern KwaZulu-Natal. The study adopted the Interpretivist research paradigm because it was the most appropriate and relevant in assisting the researcher to get the emic or inside perspective through the interaction with the people under the study area. On this basis, the study utilised qualitative research approaches in the form of interviews with community members and key informants (officials) from uMkhanyakude District Municipality. The findings of the study indicated that community members were excluded from taking part in processes which should improve their communities. However, findings from key informants suggested that there was adequate application of public participation during the IDP process. The research also established that the majority of community members were not familiar with the municipal public participation framework which key informants (officials) were familiar with. The lack of understanding by community members was an indication of the inefficacy of the IDP process in the study area. In addition, the majority of community members were negative about their involvement in any existing plan by the municipality during the IDP process. As a result, they were dissatisfied with their involvement in the affairs of the municipality as well as in transforming a society that had been under apartheid to one which is democratic in nature. Consequently, the study concluded that uMkhanyakude District Municipality applied the technocratic approach to decision-making processes, not citizen participation. In other words, community members were not involved in decision making structures of the uMkhanyakude District Municipality IDP process. There is a gap in participation between the District Municipality and the community and herein lies the inefficacy of public participation in an IDP process in the study area. Therefore, there is an urgent need to bridge the gap between the uMkhanyakude District Municipality and the community in terms of all the phases of an IDP process.

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