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The question of reparations to post-colonial states
(Old Dominion University, 2022) Dunham, Anna; Shinard, Vera
The discussion of reparations for post-colonial states is on the rise. Member States that experienced colonial rule are asking for some form of compensation for the violence and suffering of colonial conquest and rule, which they describe as the biggest injustice of the world.
Reparations has emerged as a major issue in the United Nations, where more than two-thirds of the 193 Member States are former colonial territories. Some former colonial Member States demand reparations to rectify the consequences of past conquest and prejudice against individuals, groups or entire countries today. Colonialism, which dominated the modern era, resulted in brutal injustices against colonized peoples. Today these actions are described by many victims as Crimes against Humanity. Although colonialism ended in most of the world almost 50 years ago, its impact is still felt today in racist attitudes against descendants of colonized peoples and the poverty and underdevelopment endemic in many postcolonial states.
Reparations for slavery and the slave trade: a transnational and comparative history
(Bloomsbury Academic Publishing, 2017) Araujo, Ana Lucia
This is the first book to present a narrative history of the demands of financial, material, and symbolic reparations for slavery and the Atlantic slave trade. It explores a myriad of written primary sources in several languages, including abolitionist pamphlets, parliamentary debates, petitions by former slaves, newspaper articles, congressional bills, as well as public discourses by black activists and politicians in Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The book draws from a transnational approach, associating social and cultural history, in order to grasp a transatlantic system that interconnected three continents for more than three hundred years. The various chapters examine the multiple dimensions of the demands of financial, material, and symbolic reparations, including the period of slavery, the emancipation era, the postabolition period, and the present.
Academic resilience of children who overcome adversity
(University of the Free State, 2022) Channon, Dane; Louw, A. E.; Esterhuyse, K. G.; Louw, D. A.
Children in South Africa walk a fragile path to adulthood. This sentiment by UNICEF in 2012 remains relevant for children in the country a decade later. Youth face a myriad of threats to development. Despite many children succumbing to such risks, some children bounce back from adversities to foster resilient outcomes. This qualitative, multiple case study research aimed to explore how children navigate, negotiate, and engage with their social ecologies to overcome adversity and demonstrate academic resilience. Four adolescent participants were purposefully selected from East London schools in the Eastern Cape.
These learners were identified by their school ecologies as having achieved positive academic outcomes despite experiences of significant adversity. The social ecology of resilience framework (SERT) was used to conceptualise the study. Multiple data collection sources were used, contributing to the descriptive and explanatory analyses of the data. Five phases of analytical data analysis aligned with case study research were employed to uncover contextually relevant themes of resilience building. The case studies yielded rich and detailed information on the biological vulnerabilities, challenging social and physical environments, specific negative life events and compound socio-demographic risks experienced by these children, the personal, relational, structural, and spiritual/cultural resilience enablers in their ecologies, and the processes by which these children identified and used these enablers across their social ecologies.
This study contributed to theory building for SERT as a framework for understanding how children transact resources and opportunities within their social ecologies in culturally and contextually meaningful ways. The strengths, implications and limitations of the study are indicated, and recommendations are offered.
Synthesis of redox-responsive tetrathiafulvalene derivatives with amphiphilic properties to be used in soft materials
(University of the Free State, 2024) Tshehla, Paulos Katlego; Azov, V. A.
The well-known electron-rich donor system, Tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) has gained excessive interest in the field of supramolecular chemistry and complex ligand research. Continuous advancements in synthesis has allowed TTF along with its derivatives to be integrated into various intricate molecular systems. Such that, these systems have been investigated for their potential applications as sensors, models for electron transfer, molecular machines and many other applications. The study displayed in this piece of writing will examine the incorporation of TTF moieties through preparation by synthesis, as well as their characterisation. With the motive to add to the recent and existing synthetic advances, for utilization in constructing versatile systems of broad applications.
A series of functionalised bis- and tetra-tetrathiafulvalene derivatives has been prepared. A result stemming from a series of synthesis producing TTF intermediates, later used as key precursors for the successful synthesis of TTF derivatives. Amongst those, is the TTF thiolate anion used as a key intermediate which has shown to be quite a versatile reagent for this purpose. Shelf-stable precursors of the TTF thiolate anion have been prepared, making the preparation of novel, highly functionalised, amphiphilic cationic / anionic TTF derivatives 4 and 5 feasible. The series of steps include various reactions: cyclization, cross coupling and self-coupling, de-protection, re-alkylation, and nucleophilic substitution reactions. This synthetic pathway allows the tailoring of the properties of the TTF entity by the variation of the substitution pattern. For feasibility of the amphiphilic character, the analogues prepared constitute of long alkyl chains at different positions. This character adds in rendering these entities as versatile electron donor systems, well suited for use in construction of novel redox assemblies.
Through careful adjustments and development of methodologies, a range of symmetrical and unsymmetrical TTF derivatives of different substituents was covered. From alkyl-halides bearing TTF derivatives to the 1-methyl-imidazole units fused to the TTF frameworks. Certain compounds were obtained in significantly high yields. Such as the 1-methyl-imidazole bearing TTF derivative, 4,5-bis(1-methylimidazole-3-propylthio)-6,7-bis(propylthio)tetrathiafulvalene 4a at a yield of 94%. With its identity qualitatively confirmed by high-resolution mass spectroscopy and NMR analysis.
In the study, several purification techniques were implemented with the hopes of producing highly pure and well isolated compounds. Some of the reactions produced several products which were difficult to separate. An attempt to conduct electrochemical studies on the new multi-TTF derivatives, was deemed unsuccessful for various reasons covered in the discussion.
The impact of structures and processes on intergovernmental processes in the Sol Plaatje Municipality
(University of the Free State, 2020) Ntsenge, Buhle; Coetzee, T.
When the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996) came into operation on 4 of February 1997, it represented the historical culmination of a focused process of constitution-writing which commenced in December 1991. This process came as a result of the initiation of the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA), a national multi-party constellation established to negotiate a transition to inclusive democracy (Venter, 2014: 2).
Groups or individuals cannot exist without regulations or laws. Even when these laws are put in place, there is a need to implement and govern them, hence the need for a body or structure that will oversee the adherence to these rules and regulations: a constitution. This constitution is the supreme law of the Republic; law or conduct inconsistent with it is invalid, and the obligations imposed by it must be fulfilled (Ngcukaitobi, Brickhill, & Stein, 2012: 319). Chapter 3 of the Constitution of South Africa sets out the principles of Cooperative Governance; all spheres must observe and adhere to the principles in this chapter and must conduct their activities within the parameters that the chapter provides (Mhone & Edigheji, 2003: 156).
Intergovernmental Relations begin to have importance where there is a separation of powers amongst different spheres of government (Ismail, Bayat & Meyer, 1997: 138). South Africa has three spheres of government, namely national, provincial, and local (municipal). National government is then divided into three branches: law-making (legislative authority), the actual operations of governing (executive authority), and the courts (judicial authority). All these structures of government are interdependent and need each other to function and to operate effectively. This practice is known as Intergovernmental Relations. Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) is defined as the processes and institutions through which governments within a political system interact (Phillimore, 2013: 229). These institutions function as interacting networks of institutions at all levels; they are created to enable the various parts of government to form a unified whole, with cooperative governance playing a larger role as it derives mandate from the constituency at regional levels (Phillimore, 2013: 229).
Ismail et al (1997: 139) asserts that cooperative governance is a new idea to resolve issues associated with Intergovernmental Relations seeking to address the difficulties pertaining to the coordination of government functions and streamlining of government’s administrative responsibilities (Ismail et al., 1997: 139). The value of Intergovernmental Relations in South Africa is evident with the integration of local government and traditional affairs as the defining element of cooperative governance. cooperative governance alludes to all types of government that adopt political flexibility, negotiation, compromise, and less reliance on the rigid distribution of powers between the three spheres of government (Tau, 2015: 801). The powers and authority of local government with its mandate to regulate its own laws and matters pertaining to its jurisdiction is recognised by the Constitution in South Africa. Section 151 (4) of the South African Constitution states that national and / or provincial government spheres may not compromise or prevent the functions of local government (Ismail et al., 1997: 139).
𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗗𝗢𝗖𝗨𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬!
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The impact of the awarding of state tenders and quotations on black economic empowerment in the Free State Province in the 2000-2006 financial years
(University of the Free State, 2008) Mohokare, Sesheme Meshack; Bekker, J. C. O.
The first democratic government of South Africa that was inaugurated into office in 1994, inherited a society that was divided between the haves and the have nots. The haves were mainly whites who benefited economically under the National Party led government. The have nots were mainly blacks who were in the majority. The blacks were not allowed to participate in the economy of South Africa. The task that faces the new democratic government is to redress the wrong-doings of the past. The democratic government is faced with the challenge of improving the lives of the blacks politically, economically and socially. The democratic government did not hesitate to make its intentions clear of redressing the imbalances of the past. The votes of the electorate who voted the new government into office, were interpreted by the politicians as a mandate to redress the wrongs committed by the National Party government. The government engaged in rigorous policy making processes and new policies were passed in both the national and provincial governments.
The government is faced with a number of challenges. When the current government took over, the number of blacks participating in the economy was very small. The current government is faced with the challenge of increasing the number of blacks participating in the mainstream economy of the country. In order to bring in more blacks into the mainstream economy, the state had to channel state tenders to blacks. The debate that is going on is on the successes and the failures of the government both national, provincial and local in bringing blacks into the mainstream economy through the channeling of state tenders. Much has been said about factors that have had a negative and positive impact on black economic empowerment.
This dissertation is a study of the impact of tenders awarded to blacks by the Free State Provincial Government on black economic empowerment. The focus in the dissertation will be on whether the Free State Government is actually succeeding in empowering the blacks economically.
In this rubric, the following will be outlined: Background and reasons for the study, problem statement, hypothesis formulation, objective of the research, research methodology, key words and concepts and the scope of the dissertation.
Synthesis, electrochemistry, and density functional theory of osmium(II) containing different 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridines
(MDPI, 2024) Mateyise, Nandisiwe G. S.; Conradie, Marrigje M.; Conradie, Jeanet
In coordination chemistry, 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine is a versatile and extensively studied tridentate ligand. Terpyridine forms stable complexes with a variety of metal ions through coordination sites provided by the three nitrogen atoms in its pyridine rings. This paper presents an electrochemical study on various bis(terpyridine)osmium(II) complexes, addressing the absence of a systematic investigation into their redox behavior. Additionally, a computational chemistry analysis was conducted on these complexes, as well as on eight previously studied osmium(II)-bipyridine and -phenanthroline complexes, to expand both the experimental and theoretical understanding. The experimental redox potentials, Hammett constants, and DFT-calculated energies show linear correlations due to the electron-donating or electron-withdrawing nature of the substituents, as described by the Hammett constants. These substituent effects cause shifts to lower or higher redox potentials, respectively.
Performance management within the inspectorate division of the department of public works in Bloemfontein
(University of the Free State, 2023) Mathibe, Refiloe; Markham, Lyle
The purpose of this study is to highlight several reasons why performance management is important. Performance management provides the opportunity to create training opportunities, developmental strategies, and clarity within the organisation for both the employer and the employees. It encourages productivity by increasing confidence and open communication channels as a result, increasing employee retention through rewards and recognition.
The research design that was followed for this study was that of a qualitative nature through the use of semi-structured interviews. The researcher utilized qualitative data collection to collect the data which was then used to compile the study by analysing the collected data.
The key findings of the study were as follows:
▪ The work attendance had a negative impact on the participants in general as it affected their performance negatively. This resulted in slow progress in achieving team goals, which had a negative impact on the overall performance of the organisation.
▪ To boost productivity, three components must be considered, namely instrumentality, expectancy, and valence. Instrumentality is dependent upon the trustworthiness of the employee, the expectation is dependent on whether the employee has the skills for the job they are performing, and valence reinforces the values of rewards and consistency with reaching goals, needs, preferences, and values. If all three components are considered and achieved, the employees will be motivated to perform.
▪ The impact of having mentors and mentorship programmes is vital for retaining talent, aligning the goals of the employees with those of the organisation and enhancing career development. Mentorship in the engineering and built environments will enable people to register as professionals in their fields.
▪ Organisations gain productivity from working from home and the fifty percent work life, an enabler to this is technology and digitalisation. It is, therefore, beneficial for the Free State Department of Public Works to introduce digitalisation to the workplace and provide all the required resources so that the productivity and performance of individuals can increase.
The main conclusions of the study indicated that the performance management review of the department could be effective if it was used properly. Instead, the participants highlighted that it was used to obtain cash bonuses. The participants did not feel motivated because there were gaps due to lack of communication about the reviews and they also mentioned the unwillingness of managers to ensure that they receive the support they require to improve themselves. It could, therefore, be concluded that management should get leadership training that would assist them in leading the teams effectively. The work attendance had a negative impact on the participants in general; digitalisation could assist in this regard, as would the provision of resources to enable the employees to do their daily tasks.