Anthropology and Development Studies
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- ItemAn exploration of cultural practices in relation to women’s social experiences in rural communities, a case study of King Cetshwayo District Municipality(University of Zululand, 2021) Mkhize, Nontobeko Mildred; Nojiyeza, I.S.; Masuku, M.M.This study is an exploration of the scale of the harmful impact of the cultural practices on women in rural communities. It explored the impact of: ukuthwala (bride abduction), ilobolo (bride price), female genitals mutilation, virginity testing, ukungena (levirate custom), African rituals, traditional initiation, wife beating and polygamy on women which are cultural practices that the study paid focus on. These practices were explored within King Cetshwayo District Municipality (KCDM), KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa. The study set out to achieve six specified objectives: (i) to explore the experiences of women within societies where cultural practices are administered and assist them to reflect on those experiences (ii) to determine the challenges encountered by women due to customary rules, and their coping means (iii) to identify measures put in place to assist women living under customary rules (iv) to determine positions of women in structures in which traditional rules are imposed (v) to put forward interventions which protect women’s rights against discrimination (vi) to determine if the cultural practices discriminate against women and if so how far such discrimination goes and it was premised on theoretical lenses of post-modern feminism which evolved within the third wave of feminism, African feminist theories, patriarchy theorization, critical theory and legal pluralism. Women within the rural community were given a chance to retell their own versions of cultural practices. Methodologically, the study used a qualitative approach which was guided by an in-depth semi-structured style of interviewing, and followed an exploratory research design. Data gathering methods comprised of semi-structured interviews with participants while data was collected through in-depth one-on-one interviews, narratives, notes taking and a focus group discussion of men. The study used non-probability methods of sample selection, specifically, snowball sampling combined with purposive sampling in order to confirm issues, validate, compare and collect more information. Using these techniques, a total of twenty women comprised the sample plus five men. Data was analysed qualitatively through thematic analysis. The study revealed the following: cultural practices are indeed a reality; they have an immense impact on women and they are viewed as manipulative practices that encourage the subordination of women. These are central to the performance of the rituals that continue to aggravate violence against women. Furthermore, it transpired that culture is incapable of holding its goalposts; the unfriendly policies on cultures are a driving tool to cultural practices’ elevation; political infiltration of cultures and community forums as avenues of cascading the benefits of the practices. The study discovered that despite legislative intervention and policy framework, cultural practices still persist among the African communities in KCDM. The reasons for this persistent existence are discussed, followed by recommendations for possible resolutions. The study concludes that cultural practices play a pivotal role in shaping men to demonstrate authoritative power on women.
- ItemFactors contributing to sustainable water supply at uMhlathuze Local Municipality research report(University of Zululand, 2023) Buthelezi, Fundakubo SiyandaThe present study focuses on the factors contributing to sustainable water supply at uMhlathuze Local Municipality. The shortage of water has a negative impact in gardening, which affects most of rural areas that are more dependent on subsistence farming to secure food. The study questions how to rural people at uMhlathuze Local Municipality generates their livelihood if the water is poorly supplied. Hence, this puts lives of citizens at risk. It is for that reason; the present study focuses on determining factors contributing to water supplies in uMhlathuze Local Municipality. The study used explorative research design which linked with qualitative method. Semi-structured interview was considered for data collection. Regarding sampling method, the study used a purposive sampling, which helped the researcher to obtain data from relevant participants. Relating to findings of the study, factors contributing to sustainable water supply at uMhlathuze local municipality were determined by the study objectives and the research findings. The study shows that the municipality supplies water through water pipes and water tankers. However, there are still communities that are without water and some villages get water for a short time and leaves again while there is no meeting or announcement made regarding that problem. Moreover, the other factor is an insufficient budget which challenges the municipality to be unable to implement new projects to help deal with the backlog. The study also indicated that the municipality does send a truck of water to supply water in some areas; however, the drivers are selling water that was meant to be supplied for free. There is also illegal connection of pipes which makes the distribution of water be difficult in those areas. The findings of the study also show that there are reservoirs built to provide water in the communities within the municipality but cannot be relied upon. Therefore, the study recommends that uMhlathuze Local Municipality should have a proper way to monitor the illegal connection of water pipes in the municipality and have a framework that guide the water truck to deliver water without demanding incentives. The study further suggest that the municipality should learn and train its officials to use it finances equally to ensure that water is allocated to all the households and fund-raise money to ensure sustainability of their projects.
- ItemModernisation of small-scale farming as a strategy to improve rural economic development in uMzinyathi District Municipality(University of Zululand, 2023) Mbatha, Mfaniseni Wiseman; Mdiniso J. M.ABSTRACT The overarching aim of the study was to investigate the experiences of farmers on the modernisation of small-scale farming as a strategy to improve rural economic development in the uMzinyathi District. The study employed a qualitative approach with explorative research design. This has been used to determine more detailed feelings, opinions, and experiences of participants with regard to their participation in small-scale farming and rural economic development. The target population consisted of small-scale farming cooperatives (1), municipal officials (1 and consisted of 5 participants per focus group discussion), ward councillors (1) from each local municipality and extension officers (2) from the only one available district department. The overall sample size of the study was fifty (50) participants. These participants were sampled through the use of both convenience (small-scale farmers and small-scale farming cooperatives) and purposive (government officials) non-probability sampling methods. The in-depth interviews, participant observations, and focus group discussions were used to collect primary data from these participants, while documental analysis was used to collect secondary data. The process of data presentation and analysis was undertaken through the use of thematic analysis and NVivo version 11. The critical aspects of the findings show that farmers relied more on the traditional methods of farming and partially integrated them with the modern methods of farming. The lack of technological use and poor infrastructural development were reported as the main problems that obstruct the modernisation of farming within the study area. The findings further confirmed the existence of the dualistic economies within the study area. However, small-scale farming is mostly associated with the Second Economy, which is dominated by people who undertake agricultural-related informal economic activities. The labour force in this economy is not covered or protected by any job security because of the lack of policies that guide the operation of small-scale farming. This study recommends that the government at all levels must develop a supporting strategy to prioritise small-scale farming. The government approach to the establishment of a sectoral support strategy must include the provision of input services and infrastructural facilities, more especially in areas where small-scale farmers are wholly directed to undertake agricultural activities.
- ItemCommunity-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.
- ItemThe political orientation of Dr Nelson R. Mandela and iNkosi Mangosuthu G. Buthelezi – a comparative study(University of Zululand, 2023) Zikhali, Bongani Maswidi; Ndlovu, MorganThis dissertation examines the political orientations of two influential figures in South African history: Dr. Nelson R. Mandela and Inkosi Mangosuthu G. Buthelezi. Both leaders played pivotal roles in shaping the political landscape of South Africa during the apartheid era and its transition to democracy. Mandela, as the iconic leader of the African National Congress (ANC) and later the first democratically elected President of South Africa, and Buthelezi, as the leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and a prominent advocate for Zulu interests, offer contrasting perspectives on political ideology, strategy, and vision for the country. Drawing on a range of primary and secondary sources, including speeches, interviews, autobiographies, and scholarly analyses, this comparative study seeks to explore the ideological foundations, strategic approaches, and leadership styles of Mandela and Buthelezi. Key areas of analysis include their respective commitments to non-violence versus armed struggle, their approaches to negotiations and reconciliation, their visions for a post-apartheid South Africa, and their relationships with other political actors and movements. By examining these dimensions, this dissertation aims to shed light on the complexities of political leadership in a deeply divided society and to provide insights into the factors that shaped the trajectories of the anti-apartheid struggle and the transition to democracy in South Africa. Additionally, the study seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the nuances of political ideology, strategy, and leadership in contexts of social and political transformation. Ultimately, this comparative analysis of Mandela and Buthelezi's political orientations offers valuable insights into the complexities of leadership and political ideology in the context of South Africa's struggle for liberation and democratic consolidation. It also underscores the importance of understanding the diverse perspectives and strategies that have shaped the country's political history and continue to influence its trajectory in the postapartheid era. OKUHUNYUSHWE NGOLIMI LWESIZULU NGOKUFINGQIWE Lolu cwaningo lucubungula ipolitiki yabantu ababili ababenethonya emlandweni waseNingizimu Afrika: uDkt Nelson R. Mandela kanye neNkosi Mangosuthu G. Buthelezi. Bobabili abaholi badlala indima ebalulekile ekulolongeni isimo sezombusazwe eNingizimu Afrika ngesikhathi sobandlululo kanye nokuguqukela kwayo entandweni yeningi. UMandela, njengomholi oqavilewe-African National Congress (ANC) futhi kamuva waba nguMengameli wokuqala wentando yeningi eNingizimu Afrika, kanye noButhelezi, njengomholi weNkatha Freedom Party (IFP) kanye nommeli ovelele wezimfuno zamaZulu, banikeza imibono ehlukene. ngemibono yepolitiki, isu, kanye nombono wezwe. Kususelwa emithonjeni eminingi eyisisekelo neyesibili, okuhlanganisa izinkulumo, izingxoxo, umlando wokuphila kwabantu, kanye nokuhlaziywa kwezazi, lolu cwaningo lokuqhathanisa luhlose ukuhlola izisekelo zemibono, izindlela zamasu, kanye nezitayela zobuholi bukaMandela noButhelezi. Imikhakha ebalulekile yokuhlaziya ibandakanya ukuzibophezela kwabo ekungabini kodlame uma kuqhathaniswa nomzabalazo wezikhali, izindlela zabo zokuxoxisana nokubuyisana, imibono yabo ngeNingizimu Afrika yangemva kobandlululo, kanye nobudlelwano babo nabanye abadlali bezepolitiki nezinhlangano. Ngokuhlolisisa lezi zilinganiso, lolu cwaningo luhlose ukuveza ubunkimbinkimbi bobuholi bezepolitiki emphakathini ohlukene phakathi kanye nokuhlinzeka ngemininingwane mayelana nezinto ezakha umkhondo womzabalazo wokulwa nobandlululo kanye nokudlulela entandweni yeningi eNingizimu Afrika. kwengeza, lolu cwaningo luhlose ukufaka isandla ekuqondeni okujulile kwemibono yezepolitiki, isu, nobuholi ezimeni zoguquko lwezenhlalo nezepolitiki. Ekugcineni, lokhu kuhlaziya okuqhathanisayo kokuma kukaMandela kanye noButhelezi kwezombusazwe kunikeza ukuqonda okubalulekile ngobunkimbinkimbi bobuholi kanye nemibono yezepolitiki emzabalazweni weNingizimu Afrika wenkululeko kanye nokuhlanganiswa kwentando yeningi. Iphinde igcizelele ukubaluleka kokuqonda imibono namasu anhlobonhlobo alolonge umlando wezwe wezepolitiki futhi asaqhubeka nokuba nomthelela emgudwini wawo esikhathini sangemuva kobandlululo.