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Access status: Open Access ,
Toward a victim inclusive policy framework for people experiencing homelessness in South Africa: a consultative and participatory stakeholder engagement
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2026-01-31) Pophaim, Jean-Paul
Homelessness is a multidimensional phenomenon that intersects various aspects of life, including social, economic, well-being, safety and access to basic rights and services. The complex nature of homelessness necessitates constant engagement with stakeholders, at various levels; however, the condition itself reinforces barriers, making it challenging for people experiencing homelessness to access essential resources. The dynamics between homelessness, policy and service delivery are constantly evolving, warranting continuous scholarly attention. The aim of the qualitative study, conducted in South Africa, was to obtain input from stakeholders involved in service delivery and policymaking, regarding the development of an evidence-based victim inclusive policy framework. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 38 participants from diverse sectors and analyzed using thematic analysis. Three broad themes emerged in relation to the aim: theme one reports on the understanding of the dynamics of homelessness; theme two delves into some of the main challenges associated with addressing homelessness; and theme three deals with stakeholder perspectives regarding the current directives and their input for advancing inclusivity among people experiencing homelessness. The findings highlight considerable gaps in collaboration and communication within the broader system, leading to several ideological and practical challenges related to addressing homelessness and providing essential services.
Access status: Open Access ,
Navigating Adversity: Homelessness, Victimisation and Systemic Barriers
(Western Libraries, University of Western Ontario, 2026) Pophaim, Jean-Paul
The relationship between homelessness, violence and crime is often depicted as closely intertwined, however the specific nature and extent of victimisation in the lives of people experiencing homelessness remains significantly under-researched. This is particularly true in South Africa where scant and small-scaled research dominates exploring vulnerability to victimisation among homeless populations, resulting in a large contextual gap, minimising the consideration and prioritisation in mainstream legislation, policy and subsequent interventions. The present study aimed to determine the experience of victimisation and service needs of individuals by employing a survey research design with a quantitative approach, a questionnaire was used to collect data from 150 individuals, which allowed for the extraction of descriptive statistics and personal accounts to illustrate the lived experiences of respondents. The identification of unique pathways into homelessness allowed for the improved understanding of the prevalent root causes that could potentially manifest and present itself as risk factors, altering the level of vulnerability among the exposed individuals. The results revealed that a substantial proportion of the sample had experienced victimisation (59.7%). Furthermore, through an emancipatory and empowering approach, the paper incorporates valuable personal accounts from respondents based on their lived experiences facing homelessness, victimisation and the barriers they may encounter with regards to access to services.
Access status: Open Access ,
Stacked marginality, multiple axes of disadvantage, and precarious pathways among South African women experiencing homelessness
(African Journal of Social Work, 2026-02) Pophaim, Jean-Paul; Steyn, Francois
Despite their public visibility, women experiencing homelessness remain hidden figures in academic and policy discourses, where these narratives frequently overlook their experiences or confine them to temporary categories such as those residing in shelters or engaged in sex work. The aim of the study was to examine the lived experiences and service needs of women experiencing homelessness, recognizing the multiple and intersecting forms of disadvantage that shape their pathways and outcomes. Using a quantitative survey design, data were collected from 52 women who were marginally housed, currently experiencing homelessness, or retrospectively reporting on their experiences. Responses indicated high levels of early exposure to adversity (88.2%), with pathways into homelessness ranging from substance use (80.8%) to unemployment (47.1%) and lack of housing (25.5%). High rates of victimization (64.7%), criminal justice involvement (63.5% arrested), physical health challenges (44.2%), experiences of legal and social exclusion, including discrimination (56.9%) and only 25.5% reporting respect for their constitutional rights, highlighting their multifaceted vulnerabilities. Considering the orientation toward addressing homelessness in South Africa, social workers are well positioned to draw on the findings of the study to advocate for inclusive and intersectional approaches that facilitate contextually sensitive, social justice and human rights-based responses to homelessness.
Access status: Open Access ,
Development of a groundwater management plan and applicability on different aquifer types
(University of the Free State, 2020) Stefanus Andreas Fourie; Prof. Danie Vermeulen
The sustainability of groundwater as a domestic source of water is sometimes questioned because of the regular failure of water supply from groundwater to communities. The sustainability of the supply from groundwater sources cannot be only linked to the amount of groundwater that is abstracted from the aquifer but is directly linked to the management of the external environment around the aquifer or wellfield. The basic understanding and the complexity of groundwater management, the various aspects of groundwater management that can be identified and addressed in a management plan, and that can be implemented in a specific time frame, is the aim of this study. The concept of ‘management’ and a ‘plan’, including the difference between management and governance and how the difference is managed at a local scale provide a clear understanding for which groundwater management actions the Local Authority responsible for. The concept of groundwater management is divided into twelve principles and described in detail to explain the notion of each principle for when the management objectives are developed during the plan. The external drivers and legal framework setting that influences groundwater management are also explored. The characteristics of Groundwater Management Plans (GwMPs) were analysed from 32 GwMPs of world organisations, international (outside RSA) which included transboundary aquifers and authorities within South Africa. The five world organisations GwMPs were explicitly analysed for the development approach: preparation, development and implementation phases. The twenty international and sewen local GwMPs provide the opportunity to assess the legal/regulatory background, the purpose, the validation period, the elements, structure and format of each GwMP. The management objectives of all the GwMPs were tabled and classified according to the twelve groundwater principles. The result of the detailed assessment was a generic three-phase approach to prepare, develop and implement a GwMP. A Table of Content with element or chapters that can be used with the develop the GwMP to ensure all aspects are addressed and implementation is feasible. A final list of 150+ management objectives is addressing the most possible actions to manage the groundwater at a local authority. The challenges of implementing a GwMP can mostly be addressed by leadership and institutional arrangements. A summary template was developed to extract the operational information from the GwMP for daily use. Ultimately, this study concluded with the applicability of the summary template at three different aquifer types.
Access status: Open Access ,
An analysis and reframing of South African policies in response to homelessness: Towards an evidence-based victim inclusive policy framework
(University of the Free State, 2025) Jean-Paul Pophaim; Prof Francois Steyn; Dr Matthew Cronjé
At the dawn of democracy, the intended break from institutionalised racism, segregation and oppression of apartheid sought to establish a new society founded on equality and humanity. However, homelessness remains a persistent social issue that starkly undermines these founding democratic principles. It serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted systemic and individual inequalities that continue to afflict the nation and its citizens. The thesis investigated the context in which homelessness exists and the manner in which it is being responded to. The aim was to develop an evidence-based victim inclusive policy framework to improve local responses to homelessness, with an emphasis on promoting inclusivity and protection among this vulnerable population. Guided by three key objectives, the study included an analysis of existing local and international responses; to determine the experiences of victimisation and service needs among people experiencing homelessness; and to obtain input from various stakeholders to inform the development of an inclusive policy framework. The study is underpinned by an integrated theoretical framework which connects to existing knowledge while facilitating the generation of enhanced perspectives within the homeless domain. The theoretical considerations unpack the complex trajectories from the onset of homelessness through the analytical framework of the life course as a developmental theory, to the nuanced explanations offered by the social cognitive theory, providing insight into how individuals interact with various factors shaping their responses to adversity and access to resources. The public (rational) choice and deliberative public administration theory provided critical insights into the policymaking process, which is an important aspect in response to this progressive social issue. To explain victimisation, the study drew upon the differential risk model and extended low self-control theory. The theory of planned behaviour examined help-seeking patterns and service access, identifying barriers among marginalised groups that stakeholders need to remain cognisant of. Structural functionalism portrayed the notion of a broken system, advocating for the improved collaboration of key figures to achieve inclusivity and enhanced responses. Grounded in a pragmatic paradigm, underpinned by a mixed methods approach, the thesis is presented in three phases, sequentially designed to address different aspects of the research problem. Through the use of document analysis, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, the study revealed a significant amount of rich information within the context of six local policy documents, 150 people experiencing homelessness and 38 stakeholders in the service sector. Firstly, the study identified strengths and limitations in current responses on a provincial and municipal level, denoting a generally overlooked area of service delivery in South Africa. The second phase provided rich data regarding the lived realities of people experiencing homelessness. Through the identification of distinct pathways and the development of an experiential definition, the study contributes to the improved contextual and conceptual understanding of homelessness in academic discourse. The study further revealed the dynamic interplay of risk factors perpetuating experiences of vulnerability, violence and strife. A substantial proportion of the sample have experienced victimisation (59.7%), with more detrimental impacts and challenges as a direct consequence of their continuous exposure to adversity and complex negative outcomes. Moreover, through consultative engagements with stakeholders, the study presents practical solutions to the challenges confronting both the service sector and people experiencing homelessness. The study contributes to the advancement of theory, policy development and improved practice by adding much needed depth to the dearth of local research. The information obtained through this rigorous process culminated in the development of a pioneering and novel victim inclusive policy framework to facilitate the creation of infrastructure and services for people experiencing homelessness.
Access status: Open Access ,
Enhancing the Transition of Rural High School Students to TVET College
(University of the Free State, 2024) Puleng Mosa Rasutha; Dr. Moeketsi Elias Dlamini; Mrs. Hadio Rose Motaung
The aim of this study is to enhance the transition of rural high school students to TVET College. Literature indicates that rural high school students are given inadequate career guidance at schools, and when they register with TVET College, they experience the same problem of not being well-orientated to TVET College. Some key elements of this transition are common across students, including an adjustment to college-level academic standards, balancing coursework with other commitments and increased attrition. Rural high school students experience challenges when entering a TVET College since they must cope with basic needs and adjustment issues such as finding classes, changing schedules and dealing with feeling overwhelmed. In addressing the above challenges, the study is responding to the main research question of how to enhance the transition of rural high school students to TVET College to achieve the aim. This study employed a qualitative approach with the principles of participatory (PAR) action research as a methodology to generate data. Data was collected using focus group discussion. Purposive sampling of ten participants interested in getting detailed information about the research aim from one TVET college was employed. Findings were presented thematically by means of direct quotations and giving meaning to participants’ voices. The main finding of the study revealed that insufficient academic support for first-year rural students impacts their academic performance, and their emotional well-being increases the dropout rate at the TVET. The study recommends continuous support to the TVET first-year students as one of the best strategies to enhance the transition from high school.
Access status: Open Access ,
PERCEPTIONS OF NURSES ON INTEGRATING MENTAL HEALTH INTO PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IN THE O.R. TAMBO DISTRICT
(University of the Free State, 2024) BUSISIWE M FEBANA; Dr Mutshidzi Mulondo
A majority of the population in South Africa depends on public health care due to an unequal health system. The most accessible and affordable health care services are through primary health care, which are often public institutions and therefore closer to the people that need them. Integrating mental health care into the primary health care system has been shown to significantly improve mental health care accessibility in the Global North. This research aimed to explore nurses' perceptions of integrating mental health into primary health care in a Global South setting in South Africa at the OR Tambo District Health. The research followed a qualitative research approach to gain more insight into the nurses' perceptions on integrating mental health into the primary health system. The study followed a phenomenological design within a social constructivist paradigm. The research was conducted in four primary health care facilities in the district, involving 12 professional nurses who met the inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria required participants to be registered professional nurses with a major in psychiatry, possessing at least three years of experience in mental health service delivery within a PHC setting. The selected nurses were directly responsible for assessing, managing, and providing mental health care services to patients within PHC facilities, including screening for mental health conditions, offering basic counselling, administering psychiatric medication, and referring patients to specialized mental health services when necessary. Nurses without psychiatric training or not actively involved in providing mental health care within PHC facilities were excluded. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Data collection involved in-depth, semi-structured interviews, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis to uncover shared meanings. Measures to ensure trustworthiness included credibility, dependability, conformability, and transferability. Ethical principles, such as informed consent, confidentiality, and beneficence, were strictly adhered to throughout the study. The study's key findings indicated that the integration of mental health into primary health is beneficial as it increases mental health care accessibility, mental health early detection and fosters comprehensive treatment. However, issues such as stigma, lack of trained professionals, and lack of specialists or other health practitioners make it challenging to implement effective integration of mental health into primary health. The study recommends a collaborative effort between the private and public health sectors for effective mental health care services and a follow-up study with a larger sample focusing on more than two Districts.
Access status: Open Access ,
A critical assessment of the legal effect of disbanding the Southern African Development Community Tribunal
(University of the Free State, 2024) Matshidiso Alfred MODISE; Prof Elizabeth Snyman- Van Deventer; Dr Shelton Mota Makore
This thesis presents a panoramic exploration of the legal effects of the suspension and subsequent dismantlement of the South African Development Communities (SADC) Tribunal after the regional court’s watershed ruling against the Zimbabwean government land reform. The classic case of Mike Campbell (Pty) Ltd and Another v Minister of National Security Responsible, the SADC Tribunal ruled that the government of Zimbabwe should stop continuing with the invasion of white farmers in Zimbabwe and those whose farms had been confiscated should be compensated. Zimbabwe contested the jurisdictional competence of the tribunal to preside over the expropriation of white farms. Their reason was based on Protocol under which the tribunal had been established, and the amendment of the SADC Treaty. The government of Zimbabwe argued that the Protocol was not binding upon them, in that it has not yet been ratified by the requisite two third of the total membership. The primary argument concerns the government of Zimbabwe’s denial to be bound by the rulings of the SADC Tribunal. Article 21 (b) of the SADC Protocol on Tribunal forms the basis of their ruling because this provision gives the tribunal the powers "to develop its own jurisprudence, having regard to applicable treaties, general principles and rules of public international law" which are the sources of law. Out of three presiding judges, two concur that the tribunal have jurisdiction to preside over human rights matters and they made reference of art.21 of the Protocol on SADC Tribunal. The other judge gave a dissenting view and he indicated that the tribunal could not legislate on behalf of SADC member states by developing its own jurisprudence. The amendment of the Constitution of Zimbabwean to allow the government to effect changes by inserting Amendment 17, which allowed the expropriation of land without compensation, and these changes also, denied the property owners right to seek legal redress to local courts. These changes affected the fundamental clauses of the constitution and such changes are tantamount to constitutional dismemberments. The ramifications of the suspension of the tribunal is that individuals and legal persons within SADC region have no regional court to ventilate their complaints when they are denied a legal redress by local courts. This study dissects the legal implication of the dismantlement of the SADC tribunal and its negative impact towards protection of human rights, democratic values and the rule of law in the SADC region. The study provided significant recommendations to the SADC Heads of State and Government particularly the resuscitation of the SADC Tribunal.
Access status: Open Access ,
DROUGHT IMPACTS ON POTENTIAL MAIZE YIELD IN THE FREE STATE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA
(University of the Free State, 2023) Vuwani Makuya; Dr Weldemichael Tesfuhuney; Dr Mokhele Edmond Moeletsi; Dr Zaid Bello
Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most-grown rainfed crop in South Africa and is consumed by most people as their staple food. However, due to recurring droughts, which are predicted to intensify in severity and occurrence, its production is challenged, leading to lower yields. In order to address this issue, the study pursued two specific objectives. Objective a) analyzed the impacts of drought on maize yield, focusing on the selected maize-producing areas (Bethlehem, Bloemfontein and Bothaville) within the Free State Province over the historical period (1990- 2020). In pursuit of this objective, the study employed widely used methodologies, including the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), to dissect the temporal- seasonal variations in drought occurrence and severity. Additionally, the coefficient of variation (CV) was used to measure the variability in seasonal climate patterns, providing insights into erratic climate patterns. The modified Mann-Kendall trend test was applied to pinpoint drought trends in the maize growing season (at monthly and seasonal scales). The correlation between drought indices (SPI and SPEI) and maize yield was systematically explored using the Pearson correlation coefficient to evaluate drought impact. The utilization of yield loss rate further enhances the understanding of the detrimental impact of drought on maize production, highlighting the urgency of effective adaptive strategies. The study results indicated that the highest variability in rainfall, maximum and minimum temperatures was 46.62%, 5.31% and 22.66%, respectively. Based on SPI and SPEI, drought frequently occurred in Bethlehem than Bloemfontein and Bothaville, particularly during the ONDJFM season. Regarding drought severity, the moderate droughts were prevalent in Bethlehem, while severe droughts were common in both areas (Bethlehem, Bloemfontein and Bothaville) and extreme droughts in Bloemfontein. Trends indicated that significant decreasing trends (indicating drier conditions) on monthly and seasonal scales were prevalent over Bethlehem under SPI and over Bloemfontein under SPEI. The impact of drought on maize was different during different growing seasons across all areas, where a strong relationship (r = 0.82, p = 1.3e-08) was noted between SPEI and maize yield over Bloemfontein during the ONDJFM season. Regarding calculated yield loss, the highest maize yield loss recorded was -83.86% for Bethlehem, while Bloemfontein and Bothaville were -75.26% and -58.93%, respectively due to extreme drought. In tandem with these findings, the study objective b) evaluated planting dates as an adaptation strategy under changing climate for the mid-century period (2040-2069) using the AquaCrop model. The AquaCrop model, calibrated and validated with meticulous attention to detail, emerges as a robust tool for assessing the potential outcomes of adjusted planting dates. Ensemble climate projections sourced from multiple climate models under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 were harnessed to decipher shifting rainfall and temperature patterns in the mid-century (2040-2069). These projections unveiled a complex landscape of shifting climatic conditions, with an overall increase in seasonal rainfall, except for some months with a decline in rainfall across all study areas. Moreover, the anticipated rise in maximum and minimum temperatures across the maize growing season reinforces the urgency of proactive measures. A noteworthy aspect of the study is its elucidation of projected maize yield changes under RCP 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. The anticipated changes in yield, ranging from positive to negative, were contextualized for each study area, offering valuable insights into the intricate interplay between changing climate and agricultural outcomes. The study identified optimal planting dates for each study area and RCP scenario by analyzing model simulation outputs (i.e. yield). The study results revealed that the optimum planting dates could be 1 st November for RCP 4.5 and 15th November (conventional planting date) for RCP 8.5 in Bethlehem, 29 th December for both RCPs in Bloemfontein, and 13th December for both RCPs in Bothaville. These insights not only provide a practical roadmap for adapting maize production to changing climate conditions but also contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable agricultural practices in the face of a changing climate. In essence, this study underscores the imperative of proactive, science-driven strategies to safeguard South Africa’s maize production and food security in the years ahead.
Access status: Open Access ,
The Recovery of Gallium and Germanium from Mine Tailings
(University of the Free State, 2024) Boingotlo Tshabang; Prof. W. Purcell
Gallium (Ga), a posttranslational element, and germanium (Ge), a metalloid, are critical materials widely used in electronics, transport, defense, and renewable energy industries. The demand of these two elements far exceeds their supply, mainly due to these materials only being mined as by-products during the mining of other metals. This deficit will probably continue because these two materials are not found or produced in significant quantities. To address these supply challenges, attention is being given to secondary sources of Ga and Ge, such as electronic waste, coal fly ash, and mine waste. This study aimed to recover Ga and Ge from tailings from the Tsumeb mine in Namibia. Chemical and mineralogical characterizations using various analytical techniques were performed on the sample. The total dissolution of the tailings sample revealed that the sample comprised 1.870(5) % Ga and 0.0300(2) % Ge. Other notable elements in the sample were 23(2) % Zn, 9.01(12) % Cu and 0.740(5) % Pb. H2SO4 achieved the highest extraction of Ge of 40.63 % from four different mineral acids; H2SO4, H3PO4, HCl, and HNO3 were evaluated as a suitable extraction candidate, while H3PO4 was the most effective for Ga (25.00 %). The optimal dissolution conditions for Ga were determined to be 2 M H3PO4, solid-to- liquid ratio of 0.7 g:10 mL, at 90 °C, for one hour leaching with stirring speed of 100 rpm. For Ge, the optimal conditions were 3 M H2SO4, solid-to-liquid ratio of 0.1 g:10 mL, at 90 °C, for one hour leaching with 100 rpm stirring. Ge was isolated at pH 8 from the H2SO4 leachate, while Ga was isolated at pH 4 from the H3PO4 leachate. Products containing 5 % Ge and 25 % Ga were isolated.