Anthropology and Development Studies
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- ItemThe role of women in water governance: the case of Mtubabuba rural areas, Kwazulu Natal(University of Zululand, 2022) Mpanza, Nondumiso Thabisile; Nojiyeza, I. S.Globally, women in rural areas are active in water supply policymaking, preparation and implementation. However, women are often excluded from water management activities; this can cause failed water projects. African cultures assume that women are only concerned about water for domestic purposes and men are responsible for productive water use. This patriarchal approach has not only led to several unsustainable development interventions around water and lack of access to water but has also underestimated women’s role. Moreover, it is a historical fact that water is a vital resource not only for life survival but also for human development. However, several challenges have a larger influence on our lives and our natural environment including the governance of this precious resource. This therefore demands unlimited determined hard work, financial and knowledge resources to manage water resources for the benefit of all South African citizens. The importance of women in water has been recognized in the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) approach. IWRM is a set of ideas to help manage water holistically. It is an integrated approach with more coordinated decision-making across women who face various challenges that hinder them from effectively performing their decision-making roles. Hence, the main aim of this study was to examine the nature of women’s roles in water governance, with a focus on Mtubatuba Municipality of the KwaZulu Nata Province, South Africa. In most rural areas, women are predominantly recognized as the ones primarily responsible for the management of domestic water supply and sanitation. In these societies, women also play the role of family caregivers in terms of the provision of food and nutrition. The study found that although women are active participants and managers of water use at the household level, their participation, leadership, and professional careers in the national and municipal continue to be minimal. Therefore, women's central role in the provision, management and safeguarding of water must be recognised, prioritised, and planned and enforced at the municipal level. Cultural constraints to women's participation such as exclusion from decision-making and excessive domestic responsibilities are also noted. The study found that policies and guidelines aiming to empower women in governance have been long established at the national level, the issue is at the local level where some societal norms and values prohibit some societal norms and values prohibits women from making decisions regarding water. Beyond that women often lack confidence in themselves to be led by other women, and some pay attention to their house duties and have limited time to contribute to decision-making even if opportunities prevail. The study examined the nature of women’s roles in water governance, with a focus on Mtubatuba rural areas, in South Africa. The study was based on the premise that the literature related to women’s role and their governance in the water sector has side-lined the Dublin principles to achieve productivity, decision-making, and equity in water governance. The design of the study was quantitative; the research was grounded in Ecological Economics and African Feminism theory. Close-ended questionnaires were used for data collection. The population size was (271=n) respondents from Mtubatuba rural communities, in South Africa. Furthermore, the study discovered that South Africa has policies and guidelines that speak to the involvement of women in decision-making, but the implementation of the guidelines is confronted with challenges. As a result of these challenges, there have been several negative impacts such as water scarcity for rural people, failure of water projects and drought and financial wastage. Rural women as a marginalised group do not develop in such a way that even today, they carry a great part of the burden of providing water for household domestic uses. Therefore, the voice of women in water supply should be seriously taken since they represent the most experienced persons with indigenous knowledge of water and household sanitation. Water is essential for agricultural productivity at the rural level. Since women are paramount stakeholders in agricultural production, their involvement in water resources management is key.
- ItemRole of food street vending in empowering indigenous women in South Africa: Case study of uMhlathuze Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal(University of Zululand, 2024) Ngcobo, Nqobile; Ndlovu, M.In this research project, I examined the role of Food Street vending in empowering black women in South Africa, using the case study of women street vendors in uMhlathuze Local Municipality in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Food street vending was a very popular phenomenon among black people in South Africa. Though popular, there was not yet enough academic research on how this phenomenon positively and/or negatively affected the empowerment of black women. In general, this type of vending entailed preparing and selling food and beverages on the streets and/or other public spaces with the aim of generating income. In this study, I deployed the decolonial feminist critique to examine both the generative environment behind the socio-economic status of black women in South Africa and how their involvement in a phenomenon such as food street vending affected their position within the patriarchal power structure. Thus, in this study, I examined the socio-economic background of black women involved in Food Street vending in uMhlathuze Local Municipality and how their involvement and participation in this activity had positively altered this background. In order to gain an in-depth understanding of the nature of the transformation brought about by the intervention of Food Street vending in the lives of black women, I deployed a mixed-method approach to generate both qualitative and quantitative data on the phenomenon. The main finding of the study was that the phenomenon of food street vending yielded several positive results for black women involved in this activity in terms of their empowerment. This was a development that disrupted and caused a diachronic change in the power structure of patriarchy. For instance, several black women who participated in food street vending gained financial independence and ‘voices’ in their homes as a result of their involvement in this activity.
- ItemAn investigation into the making of the cultural traditions of kwa Sokhulu chiefdom in modern South Africa: an Afrocentric approach(University of Zululand, 2024) Mthiyane, Sikhumbuzo; Shamase, Maxwell Z.English This research study contributes to the existing body of literature by investigating The Making of the Cultural Traditions of KwaSokhulu Chiefdom in Modern South Africa from an Afrocentric Approach. The KwaSokhulu Chiefdom is situated in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, along the east coast between St. Lucia and Richards Bay. The coastline, reserved for subsistence gatherers, stretches approximately two kilometres (Harris, 2000:1). The study was conducted in the Zululand area of KZN, encompassing Mandlazini (the Traditional Seat of the Chiefdom), Emhlangeni, eNtambanana, eMtubatuba, KwaMbonambi, and Enseleni. The research is anchored in the Afrocentric paradigm, focusing on African identity from the viewpoint of African people as centred, located, oriented, and grounded. Molefe Asante's (1987) concept of "Afrocentricity" informed the theoretical framework, emphasizing the need for African people to be historically, economically, socially, politically, and philosophically recentred. A qualitative research design was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the cultural traditions of the KwaSokhulu Chiefdom. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews with 20 purposively selected participants, comprising traditional leaders, elders, and community members. Focus group discussions and participant observations were also conducted to gather diverse perspectives and enrich the data. Document analysis of historical texts and traditional records supplemented the primary data. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data, allowing for the identification of key patterns and themes related to cultural traditions, roles, and the impact of modernity. Findings reveal that the Chiefdom is traditionally viewed as a complex institution shaped by norms, traditions, achieved and ascribed statuses, roles and expectations. These elements are embedded in belief systems regulated by principles and symbolized through material and abstract artefacts. The Chiefdom also functions as an intermediary between traditional governance systems and modern governmental structures. Furthermore, the study highlights how apartheid-era policies influenced the socio-cultural dynamics of KwaSokhulu, leading to both disruptions and adaptations in traditional practices. The research concludes that while the KwaSokhulu Chiefdom retains strong cultural traditions, it faces challenges in adapting to modern governance frameworks. modern municipal systems, promoting cultural education to preserve indigenous knowledge and encouraging community Recommendations include fostering greater integration between traditional leadership and participation in governance to enhance social cohesion. These strategies are essential for safeguarding cultural heritage while facilitating progressive development within the Chiefdom.
- ItemUnderstanding the nature and operations of India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) strategic mini lateral collaboration: 2009-2020(University of Zululand, 2024) Maphumulo, Simangele Monica; Mdiniso, J. M.; Gumede S. S.The India-Brazil-South Africa Trilateral Cooperation Forum (IBSA) was established through a ground-breaking initiative by Presidents Thabo Mbeki and Lula da Silva, and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003 at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. This initiative was exceptional because it united three substantial, economically robust, and dynamic countries from different developing continents. Brazil stands as the largest economy in Latin America, India accounts for one-fifth of the world's population, and South Africa is seen as a crucial driver for development within the African continent. Each of these nations has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years and has become increasingly integrated into global production networks with expanding international enterprises. The IBSA collaboration raised numerous positive expectations on economic, political, and developmental fronts. If successful, it could not only exemplify South-South cooperation but also enable each IBSA country to act as a catalyst for growth and development in their respective regions. The IBSA forum aimed to leverage the unique strengths and complementarities of India, Brazil, and South Africa to promote cooperation across various domains. This study delves into the nature and operations of IBSA's strategic collaboration from 2009 to 2020, focusing on the emerging trade geography and the broader implications of such a partnership. The initiative was envisioned to foster mutual growth and development, with the potential to significantly impact global economic governance and multilateral trade negotiations. Despite over a decade of collaboration, the full potential of IBSA's strategic partnership remains underexplored. The integrative efforts of these three nations have faced several challenges, including limited resources and institutional weaknesses within developing countries. Consequently, there is a need to comprehensively understand the dynamics of IBSA's cooperation, its impact on economic and developmental outcomes, and the barriers hindering its success. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the nature and operations of IBSA's strategic collaboration and its implications for economic, political, and developmental spheres. The specific objectives to examine the characteristics of the emerging IBSA trade geography; explore existing and potential areas of synergy and competition among the IBSA countries; project the impact of IBSA liberalization, considering scenarios of partial and full trade liberalization; and identify the hurdle and challenges faced at national, regional, and multilateral levels in achieving IBSA's goals. This study employs a qualitative research approach, utilizing secondary data sources such as trade statistics, policy documents, and academic literature. The research methodology includes thematic analysis to identify patterns and trends in IBSA's collaboration. The study also incorporates scenario analysis to project the potential impacts of different levels of trade liberalization among the IBSA countries. The findings reveal that while the IBSA collaboration has yielded some positive outcomes, its success has been moderate due to various challenges. The study identifies significant areas of synergy in trade, investment, and economic policies, as well as areas of competition that need to be managed effectively. The analysis shows that partial and full trade liberalization could have substantial positive effects on sub-sectors and overall welfare, but realizing these benefits requires overcoming institutional weaknesses and resource constraints. The study recommends that the IBSA countries should intensify their efforts to harness the synergies of trilaterally conceived projects and value additions rather than focusing solely on bilateral relations. Enhancing institutional capacities and mobilizing resources are crucial for achieving the strategic objectives of the IBSA partnership. Moreover, fostering a common approach to global and regional issues and encouraging the exchange of experiences can further strengthen the collaboration. In conclusion, the IBSA Trilateral Cooperation Forum holds significant potential for reinforcing the economic strengths of India, Brazil, and South Africa by synergizing their complementarities. Despite the moderate success of various initiatives due to resource and institutional constraints, the study underscores the importance of trilateral cooperation in promoting sustainable development and economic growth. Moving forward, a more integrated and synergistic approach is essential for maximizing the strategic value of the IBSA partnership and achieving its long-term goals.
- ItemA tracer study on the lived experiences of TVET college graduates in a democratic South Africa: a case of Vryheid, Kwazulu-Natal Province(University of Zululand, 2025) Xulu, Hloniphani Martin; Monyela, Ntsofa ClasperThis research study comprehends TVET graduates’ experiences after graduating from TVET colleges. For instance, in Vryheid, South Africa, most youths enrol and graduate from TVET colleges almost every year. They acquire vocational skills that enable them to participate actively in the job market. It was observed that some of them remain inactive with limited access to job markets after graduating from TVET colleges. Such encounters deepened one's understanding of TVET colleges as social structures in human societies for the development of those societies and individuals. The study is, therefore, underpinned by two theories – rites of passage and structural functionalism to understand the phenomenon being studied. TVET colleges were viewed as a “rite of passage” from one stage of life into another. Becoming a TVET graduate means that one needs to separate from parental dependence first, traverse through a phase of transition, and then become incorporated into a new social state TVET graduate. In the transition process presented by rites of passage theory before the youth acquire their new identity of being TVET graduates, they first enter a “social structure” with its function in a society; namely TVET college. Hence, structural functionalism theory was used to explore the contribution of TVET colleges toward the lived experiences of TVET graduates. This research employed an interpretivism paradigm with a qualitative approach to listen to TVET graduates voicing their experiences after being incorporated into their communities. The study found that various reasons make the youth enrol in TVET colleges, among others, is the lack of funding and failure to meet university admission requirements. Graduates pointed out that teaching and learning in TVET colleges is satisfactory. However, a person needs in-service training before obtaining a national diploma. It became a challenge for some to get their certification in record time because of the delay in in-service training. After graduating, most graduates find difficulties in becoming active participants in the labour market. This puts them in a state of waithood; they cannot meet their needs and that of their families. The study revealed that their families are social grant dependents. This made family members have more expectations. They thought once a person graduates, it guarantees employment, which was not the case. Graduates stressed that it becomes a hassle to apply for jobs due to the lack of resources such as computers and printers. Financial support remains critical. When they return to their communities, peers inquire with expectations to study through TVET College. Some graduates decide to follow entrepreneurial paths as survival strategies. This research study recommends that local and national governments encourage industries to consider TVET graduates during recruitment.