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Role 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.
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An 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.
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Understanding 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.
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Assessing the challenges and opportunities of free higher education in a rural based university
(University of Zululand, 2024) Shezi, Sphelele; Xaba, F. G.
Education has been heralded as a transformative tool essential for both individual and national development. Since 1994, following South Africa's democratic transition, the government and universities have sought to achieve equity in higher education amidst limited public finances, necessitating difficult decisions. This study reports on the challenges of free education at the rural based university, focusing on its socioeconomic, academic, and psychological impacts on students. This research was crucial in highlighting areas for enhancement and support mechanisms within higher education. Despite free education’s aim to provide equitable access, significant gaps remain, particularly regarding financial stability, academic support, and living conditions. The study's primary objectives were to evaluate the extent to which Free Education meets its goals and to identify areas requiring improvement. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews using a qualitative approach with 16 students who were receiving financial aid through NSFAS or other support mechanisms. Thematic analysis of the data revealed several key findings: students faced challenges in covering essential expenses, there was a notable mismatch between students' interests and their academic programmes, academic stressors were prevalent, and poor living conditions in campus residences adversely affected students' well-being. The findings suggest that while Free Education succeeded in increasing access to higher education, significant challenges persist. Recommendations include enhancing financial aid coverage, improving career guidance, addressing academic stressors, and upgrading campus living conditions to better support students' overall success.
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Lived experiences of single teenage mothers at KwaMsane Township, KwaZulu-Natal
(University of Zululand, 2024) Mthethwa, Nontobeko Sibonile; Ntini-Makununika, Thobeka; Mulqueeny, Delarise M.
In an era marked by the complex challenges confronting young people, addressing teenage pregnancy requires a comprehensive multi-sectoral response that empowers and supports adolescents on multiple fronts. The qualitative study’s objectives were to explore the psychosocial experiences of single teenage mothers from northern KwaZulu-Natal, seeking to understand their experience of absent fathers in the parental relationship, identify sources of support, and provide recommendations for multiple sectors. Thirteen participants, sampled by snowball sampling, participated in face-to-face interviews, and two focus group discussions that were manually coded and thematically analysed. Empowerment theory was used as an analytic framework. The study’s findings revealed that single teenage mothers experience psychosocial challenges, social rejection, disrupted life plans, academic difficulties, financial problems, father absenteeism, and poor mental health. This highlights several key areas which need multi-sectoral interventions to address teenage pregnancy. Recommendations include developing participatory strategies that promote positive father involvement, establishing support systems for psychosocial support for teenage mothers, and fostering whole community-based initiatives to promote awareness and dialogue on teenage pregnancy.