Masters Degrees (Centre for Development Support)

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Open Access
Agricultural production as a youth livelihood approach in a rural context: a case study of Namahadi, Qwaqwa
(University of the Free State, 2021) Taole-Kolisang, Lieketseng; Magaiza, Grey
Most young people in the developing countries still prefer working in cities and towns to sustain their lives. They do not believe in working in their rural areas, and participating in agricultural production to earn a living. In South Africa, this is despite government interventions such as the one held in the eastern Free State, at Thabo Mofutsanyana District named the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP). This initiative was facilitated by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform meant to train youth from Namahadi, QwaQwa in agricultural production. The objective of this programme was to empower them with skills in agriculture, and assist in minimising food insecurity at household level. The current study was investigating why young people are not participating in the agricultural sector. The specific objectives were to explore the livelihood portfolios of rural youths, to determine perceptions, experiences and challenges of the CRDP trained youths regarding agricultural production, to identify potential agricultural value chains for CRDP youths and to develop recommendations to strengthen youth based rural agriculture projects. Qualitative research methods were used, where a total of twenty-four participants were interviewed (19 focus groups, 3 key informants and the community leader). Results of the study revealed that some youth members were producing from their home gardens, just to feed their families and not participating at a larger scale because they did not have production resources, like land, seeds and tools, water, electricity, fertilizers and pest control agents. They also did not receive support from the municipality and were not able to increase the scale of production. If the youth receive the required support, they will be able to work with others for the development of their area. The interventions which are provided to the youth will assist them in investing in agricultural production as a livelihood, and contribute to food security. Support from local authorities will enable continuation of these programmes.
Open Access
Assessing academic success among off-campus students: A case study of Majuba Technical, Vocational Educational and Training College, Centre for People's Development Campus, South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2022) Sokhela, Sizangani Pinkie Imaan; Mkwananzi, F. W.
The Department of Higher Education in South Africa merged all technical colleges, colleges of education, and training centres into 50 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to turn the smaller, weaker colleges into stronger institutions. This merger allowed the new bigger colleges the capacity to offer more educational programmes and the capacity to take more students, thus improving the issue of access to education and training (Human Resource Development Council for South Africa, 2013). Human development views the TVET sector as one of the means to develop capabilities, which are the opportunities that can lead to what the capability approach terms as "functioning" that the individual and communities at large can value (Tikly, 2013). The merger of the colleges meant that the youth had to temporarily move from their home and stay in the towns where the colleges are to be able to attend classes frequently. Few colleges were able to build college-owned accommodation facilities and students have to rent privately owned accommodation from the households within the area where campuses are based. The study seeks to understand and assess the academic success of students staying in the off-campus private accommodation, with the focus being the students of Majuba TVET college, Centre for People's Development (CPD) Campus. The capability approach is employed in analyzing the experiences of the students. The researcher adopted the qualitative research approach in form of a case study design. The information was gathered through semi-structured interviews with a total of 20 students that are enrolled for N5 and N6 from report 191 programmes, and L3 and L4 from the National Certificate Vocational (NCV). A thematic data analysis method was applied using the CA tenets. Findings from the study show that the South African government provided students in the TVET sector with National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) so that students from poor economic backgrounds can access education and training opportunities. The unavailability of college-owned accommodation forces the students to seek private off-campus accommodation, which exposes them to several negative conversion factors that negatively affect their overall academic experience.
Open Access
An assessment of agricultural green schemes in Kavango East Region in Namibia
(University of the Free State, 2021) Shimafo, France Rudolf Haushiku; Wienecke, Andreas
The study focuses on Green Agricultural Schemes (GASs) in Northern Namibia with an aim of assessing the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of GASs farmers in Kavango East Region. Green schemes refers to a government programme aimed at increasing food production in rural areas through irrigation programmes, provision of inputs and provision of necessary services or infrastructure. The study investigated four GASs in Kavango East region, these are Uvhungu-vhungu, Shitemo, Shandikongoro, and Ndonga Linena. The study used qualitative research approach to collect data using interviews and to analyse and present data. The results of the study show that the GAS small-scale farmers in Kavango East region have plenty of physical, economic, and infrastructural opportunities that promotes farming and benefit the farmers’ to a large extent. The results also show that the government has a positive GAS policy that ensure that the small scale farmers are supported technically, financially, and materially. The results of the study indicated that GASs have improved local people’s social and economic livelihoods. Apart from benefitting the farmers and the local community, GAS products have found their way into regional, national, and international markets. The study revealed that GAS farmers face a host of natural, human, economic, financial, and leadership challenges that threaten the existence of the GASs programme in Namibia. The study recommended that GAS small-scale farmers must be given long term payment period so that the farmers get opportunities to become fully equipped with modern farming resources to increase their performance and productivity. The government must introduce GAS annual reports so that the GAS are subjected to regular government audits to end financial mismanagement. Small-scale farmers in GASs should not only be trained farming knowledge and skills but should also be trained marketing skills or business accounting so that they are enabled to effectively sell their products and calculate their income and expenditures.
Open Access
An assessment of the Swaziland Vision 2022 strategic plan: opportunities and challenges
(University of the Free State, 17-Jan) Shongwe, Thulie; Thwala, Wellington D.
Achieving sustainable development and sustainable improvement in the quality of life of the people is the ultimate goal of each and every government in the world. However, this requires setting up a plan of action to properly guide the governments throughout the whole process. Accordingly, the Government of Swaziland also aspired to achieve ‘first world status’ by the year 2022, aimed at improving the quality of life of the people through the use of the National Development Strategy / Vision 2022. The study therefore sought to assess the opportunities and challenges of the Swaziland Vision 2022 Strategic Plan with a focus on finding out progress made towards Vision 2022 attainment, challenges that have hindered successful implementation of the Strategy as well as opportunities available and strategies for improvement. The study used a descriptive research design and questionnaires were administered to eighty respondents who were purposefully selected and comprised of the Ministry of Economic Planning (Implementation Office), Parliament Portfolio Committee, Civil Society Organizations, Academics, Development Practitioners and Community Development Councillors. The data collected were categorized and classified into comparative ideas and opinions and presented in tables using simple percentage supplemented with actual statements from the respondents. The findings indicated that it will be hard for the country to achieve the first world status because people are still battling with the fulfilment of their basis needs, coupled with the misconceptions that the people have, insufficient resources, corruption, lack of civic education and the lack of citizen participation in decision making. The study also found out that opportunities exist in the regional and international partnerships that the country has, availability and existence of skilled/educated resources, fertile soil and availability of infrastructure to support implementation of the NDS/Vision 2022. The study recommend that civic education should be conducted to allow the people to fully understand and appreciate the NDS/Vision 2022 and that they should be involved in all development endeavours as well as associate freely to discuss their development. Another recommendation was that the distribution and allocation of the budget should be fair and concentrate on important aspects and areas.
Open Access
Communication mechanisms and community participation in the planning and implementation of community development projects: a case study of a girls' education project in Malawi
(University of the Free State, 19-Jan) Pemba, Phillip Robert; Magaiza, Grey
Top-down development approaches seldom yield sustainable development. Development programmes, projects and processes ought to embrace effective community participation to be inclusive and sustainable. This has resulted in an endless search for effective approaches to achieve active local people’s participation in development among researchers and practitioners, leading to emergence of many paradigms such as the people-centred development paradigm. Globally, the practice of people-centred development has not fully yielded the desired impact as many local communities still experience socio-economic deprivations and exclusions. One reason for this is lack of active participation of local people in their own development. While many factors affect people’s participation in development, poor communication has emerged as one cause of passive community participation in development. Thus, having effective communication mechanisms in community development projects helps to engender active community participation in the projects and achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which aims to realise inclusive development that leaves no one behind. Therefore, this study set out to explore communication pathways and community participation in community development projects, with a specific focus on why communication mechanisms across community participation structures in community development projects fail to galvanise genuine popular participation in the projects. The study analysed communication mechanisms in a project within a girls’ education programme, called the Joint Programme on Girls Education in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in Africa and in the world. The analysis was done at three sites in three districts where the programme is implemented. Data for this research derived from a case study of the girls’ education project in Malawi. The study investigated the project in the context of the District Development Planning System (DDPS), which the Malawi government established in 1998 to promote active local participation in the planning and implementation of development projects across the country. Generally, the research noted that, while structures for community participation may be in place in projects, people’s use of the structures to actualise their participation largely depends on how communication pathways function across the structures. Communication mechanisms ought to embrace the elements, principles and practices of development communication to succeed at mobilising active community participation in community development projects.
Open Access
Compliance of tourism SMME accommodation establishments in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
(University of the Free State, 2022) Ntsane, Ramahetlane John; Van Rooyen, D.
Since the global economy has experienced a decline in economic activity over the past few years due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic which negatively impacted on the lives and livelihoods of people across the world, it was important to intervene via research to assist the tourism accommodation sector. Globally, governments had to devise contingency measures to resuscitate economic activity. In RSA, President Ramaphosa highlighted that one of the key interventions that can revive the economy is to support the tourism Industry which has potential to create jobs due to its labour-intensive nature of its operations and its interconnectedness with other sectors. Because the tourism industry suffered great loss during lockdown (since March 2020), the South African Government introduced relief funds for SMMEs including SMMEs in the tourism Industry, specifically the accommodation subsector which consists of guesthouses, lodges, B&Bs, and hotels, amongst others. However, most establishments could not secure the relief funds due to the difficulty of complying with various legislations. Hence, this study investigated the compliance of SMMEs (aligned to tax, labour, and B-BBEE legislation, as well as company registration) as Tourism Accommodation Establishments in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality. A quantitative study was undertaken to elicit data via survey questionnaires which were disseminated electronically via email, together with conducting face-to-face interviews. After data collection and analysis, the findings indicated that there was poor monitoring and evaluation from the Government's side which highlighted the disconnect in communication platforms between SMMEs and Government agencies. It was concluded that there was a need for regular and accurate information dissemination, intensive training, and better networking between entrepreneurs and Government agencies. Recommendations included the improvement of communication lines by exploiting the opportunities available on the 4th IR's digital platforms, and Government agencies earnest involvement and commitment to conduct more effective mentorship and coaching, ongoing training, and relevant information sessions to connect with SMMEs by promoting the DDM model.
Open Access
Corporate social responsibility and its contribution to sustainable development in Khâi-Ma local municipality in the Northern Cape, South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2022) Steenkamp, Donovan Charles; Marais, J. G. L.; Venter, A.
This study examines the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development (SD) on the mining communities in the Khâi-Ma local municipality, Northern Cape province, South Africa. The study utilises a qualitative research method. The researcher conducted structured interviews with key informants, who were selected through purposive sampling. The data was analysed through thematic analysis. The study explains the role of CSR and SD, and how these relate to each other. The study further provides an overview of the development and evolution of CSR, as well as an investigation into the impact that CSR and SD have on communities within the Khâi-Ma local municipality. It also examines the policy environment related to CSR. The study reviews guiding documents pertaining to the mining sector, such as the Mining Charter (2018) and Social Labour Plan Guidelines (2020). Further, this research presents interviewees' perspectives on the contributions of CSR and SD in the aforementioned municipality, highlighting both their positive and negative effects. Core findings suggest that CSR and SD need to be introduced holistically to local host communities; therefore, collective planning and decision-making is vital so as to take into consideration community suggestions and contributions. Stakeholders should also indicate a clear understanding of the CSR and SD environment and its contributions to sustainable development.
Open Access
Diversification for sustainable development in coal mining industry: A case of South African coal mining industry
(University of the Free State, 2022) Peta, Theresa; Marais, J. G. L.
The study sought to investigate the diversification strategies that the South African coal mining industry can adopt when planning for its post-mining economy in order to achieve economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Literature has been reviewed on the rationale for mining sustainability, transparency, and diversification for sustainable development and on the benefits of combined reportage and disclosure in the mining industry in South Africa. Previous studies were also examined and they showed that mining decline and closures pose severe challenges to mining firms' sustainability in South Africa. Therefore, when making decisions, mining companies should consider and integrate issues around the economy, society, and the environment to achieve intergenerational equilibrium, which is key to sustainable development. The study employed a research design dependent on secondary data from published mining company reports. The study was confined to four coal mining companies in South Africa. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in data analysis. Findings from the study revealed that whilst some companies made new acquisitions in the same coal mining industry, others expanded their markets into other industries and that form of diversity is imperative. Therefore, recommendations are that coal mining companies use diversity through acquisitions for coal mining and also that companies report environmental effects and resolutions for accountability and transparency.
Open Access
Dweller control in cooperative housing, Harare, Zimbabwe
(University of the Free State, 2010) Nyakuwa, Robert; Marais, J. G. L.
This study is an outcome of a qualitative study done among community cooperatives in Harare, Zimbabwe in July 2010. The study applies John, F.C. Turner's 'dweller control' theoretical framework to evaluate the empirical strengths of 'mutual aid self-help' as a housing strategy for the low income. The study concludes that 'dweller participation' is a key success factor in low income housing.
Open Access
Educational capabilities and aspirations of informal market women: the case of the "Stop 'N Shop" informal open market in Windhoek, Namibia
(University of the Free State, 2023) Ngunaihe, Paskaline Ngayozikue; Martinez Vargas, Carmen
Accounting for more than 60% of the world’s population, the informal economy is known to be where they earn their income and livelihoods (International Labour Organization (ILO), 2018). In Namibia and many parts of the world, the prevalence of the informal sector has been apparent enough to make it a worldwide phenomenon, regardless of the socio-economic development of the various countries. However, the majority has been recorded higher in developing countries. Employment in the informal sector is globally higher for men at 63% and 58% for women, but women are found to be involved in the most vulnerable types of work or from home-based spaces (ILO, forthcoming). In addition to that, women are said to represent about 70% of the global poor (Golla, Malhotra, Nanda, & Mehra, 2011). Moreover, it is evident across various literature that the empowerment of women market workers in the informal economy is a factor that influences growth in choices, improved livelihoods, and the advancement of gender equality. In relation to the attainment of the latter, education is an asset so crucial for women that it provides them with a range of positive options; this includes reduced, early childbearing and marriage, they are more involved in decision-making, more aware of their rights and they have greater access to better employment opportunities (United Nations Women, 2015). Per the Namibia Informal Economy Case Study Report (2016/17), nearly 70% of the own-account workers engaged in the informal sector are, most importantly, female (Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation (MLIREC) and Social Security Commission (SSC), 2018). Thus, this study aims to explore and comprehensively investigate the impact of education, employment, and capacity-building initiatives within the informal sector, especially on women 18 – 44 years working in the informal markets through international literature, while examining the dynamics of gender inequality and education in the informal sector regarding their impact on access to opportunities (capabilities) and basic resources for this collective of women. Additionally, it explores educational pathways and aspirations of women in the informal sector operating from the Stop ‘N’ Shop informal market in Okuranyangava, Windhoek, in Namibia. The study utilized a Qualitative Hermeneutic Approach, which is inherently phenomenological in nature, used as a model to uncover from human experiences meaning and essence, deductive from the conceptual framework guided and framed through Sen’s (1999) capability approach. In line with the above methodology, this study will use appropriate data collection methods and semi-structured in-depth interviews with the market women 18 – 44 years to gain further insight into this phenomenon. The results found that Market women face several challenges that affect their gender equality to the extent that they are limited to a fast number of multi-faceted responsibilities as they navigate care for their children, extended families, husbands, siblings, and parents. The latter is in addition to women in the informal market experiencing uneven access to resources and income, which are dynamics that further confine them in accessing and attaining their basic resources, educational, aspirational needs, and capabilities due to these many causes. However, the most common is the lack of education and the financial resources to attain education to set up a sustainable livelihood for themselves and their families. It is imperative to note that the findings emphasize that the sacrifices of exploring market opportunities can be tremendous, such as migration from one area to another, especially from a rural area to a more urban and developed area, in this case to Windhoek, the capital City of Namibia in search of growing opportunities for their livelihood improvement, even facing circumstances of lack of safety, infrastructure, and service as they embark an opportunity-seeking journey that has educational aspirations at heart. Results and findings with the Non-Governmental Organizations and local government representatives that work with the “Stop ‘N Shop” market to get a better understanding of the opportunities available for market women, they reveal that the different organizations provide various initiatives for women in the informal economy. However, these initiatives seem to come at a fee. Thus it is safe to say that informal employment earnings for women market workers context limits them to divert their income to cover their education and educational desire increasing their chances of remaining in the cycle of poverty. The finding also establish that supporting women in informal markets with resources and training is an essential long-lasting relationship builder, especially of small livelihood sustaining and improving women’s businesses in the market. In addition, the educational institutions find it imperative that education and research goals can be explored through inclusive means such as mature entry and recognition of prior learning (RPL) in higher education and technical and vocational education and training (TVET), to establish the needed gender equality in education and community engagement to ensure the contribution of education is in line with the women’s educational aspirations and challenges they face as a market worker.
Open Access
The effectiveness of integrated development plans in the Free State
(University of the Free State, 2007/05/31) Human, Frieda Mariè; Marais, J. G. L; Botes, L. J. S.
Afrikaans: Die geïntegreerde ontwikkelingsplanne wat deur plaaslike munisipaliteite opgestel word, is ‘n meganisme wat gebruik behoort te word om die volhoubare ontwikkeling van sowel landelike as stedelike gebiede te verseker, deur agterstande in dienslewering, die hoë vlakke van armoede en werkloosheid aan te spreek. Die geïntegreerde ontwikkelingsplanne deur die munisipaliteite ontwikkel (hierdie studie fokus op drie plaaslike munisipaliteite in the Vrystaat) voldoen egter nie aan hierdie doelwit nie as gevolg van ‘n aantal uitdagings, waarvan drie gedurende hierdie studie ondersoek is. Eerstens, word ontwikkelingsindikatore gedurende ontwikkelingsbeplanning gebruik om te verseker dat ontwikkelingsinitiatiewe gemeet kan word en ook om te verseker dat besluitnemers op plaaslike regeringsvlak verantwoording kan doen (Artikel Een). Ontwikkelingsindikatore stel munisipaliteite in staat om besluite te neem oor die strategiese gebruik van skaars hulpbronne en vorm daarom ‘n belangrike deel van ‘n Geïntegreerde Ontwikkelingsplan. Die studie ondersoek die gebruik van ontwikkelingsindikatore in die geïntegreerde ontwikkelingsplanne van die drie munisipaliteite ten einde die kritiese gebrek aan genoegsame indikatore te beklemtoon. Die gevolg hiervan vir ontwikkelingsbeplanning en plaaslike regering word ook bespreek. Tweedens word gemeenskapsdeelname in geïntegreerde ontwikkelingsbeplanning bespreek, gebaseer op die teorie van gemeenskapsdeelname op ‘n internasionale en nasionale vlak (Artikel Twee). Die fokus van die bespreking is op die verskillende vlakke van gemeenskapsdeelname asook die benaderings tot en metodes van deelname. Daar word ook gekyk na die faktore wat deelname beïnvloed en die vereistes vir effektiewe deelname. Die proses van gemeenskapsdeelname in die geïntegreede ontwikkelingsbeplanningsproses in die drie munisipaliteite word dan op grond van bogenoemde faktore geëvalueer met die fokus op die geneigdheid om die gemeenskap te betrek, slegs om aan die vereistes van wetgewing te voldoen eerder as om die gemeenskap te bemagtig. Derdens word plaaslike ekonomiese ontwikkeling binne die drie munisipaliteite ondersoek (Artikel Drie). Die studie fokus hier op die strategiese benaderings wat gevolg word tot plaaslike ekonomiese ontwikkeling, gebaseer op internasionale en nasionale riglyne. Die gevolgtrekking word gemaak dat plaaslike ekonomiese ontwikkelingsinisiatiewe meestal uit klein kapitale projekte bestaan en nie gesien word as deel van enige munisipale projek nie. Die huidige inisiatiewe spreek ook nie die strukturele probleme wat met klein dorpies vereenselwig word aan nie. Plaaslike ekonomiese ontwikkelingsinisiatiewe word nie bepaal deur ‘n strategiese benadering nie wat veroorsaak dat hul meestal onvolhoubaar is en permanent afhanklik van munisipale befondsing. Ten slotte word daar gekyk na die hoofbevindinge uit die drie artikels en aanbevelings word gemaak om die gebruik van ontwikkelingsindikatore, gemeenskapsdeelname en plaaslike ekonomiese ontwikkeling op die plaaslike regeringsvlak te verbeter.
Open Access
The effectiveness of the national school nutrition programme (NSNP) in alleviating hunger amongst Quintile 1 school learners in Tzaneen circuit
(University of the Free State, 2022) Leshabana, Selaelo Emanuel; Lues, R. F. R.
The fight against hunger is globally envisaged by the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) which talks about ending hunger by 2030. The National Development Plans (NDPs) of many countries, including South Africa, further conform to the SDG's aims of promoting the end of hunger among children and women. The Constitution of South Africa Act No. 8 of 1994 further endorsed the children's rights. As a result, school feeding as one of the programmes to alleviate short term hunger was resuscitated. The SDG 2 gave impetus to the school feeding programme in South Africa and in other countries. The NDPs were launched in different countries with a focus on ending hunger and promoting the welfare of the people (development of the people). The feeding programme in South Africa was relaunched in 1994 and it was called the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). The study focused on the effects of the NSNP in alleviating the hunger of the school learners in the Tzaneen Circuit. The schools are quintile 1 as they are located on the farms around the Tzaneen town. The study employed the utilitarian and the theory of change concepts which align with the intervention programme for the happiness and the well-being of most people. The majority of the learners are from disadvantaged homes and are found in the quintile 1 schools. Thus, the programme is crucial for this cohort of learners as most of their parents cannot afford proper meals. The school meals remain the hope of these children, by keeping them happy and well in their school journey. The decentralised model was piloted at the farm schools in the Tzaneen Circuit, and it was preferred by the schools over the centralised model. The latter is not favoured due to the challenges such as the late deliveries, the delivery of low-quality products and the lack of flexibility. On the one hand, through the decentralised model, the schools buy, save money, choose suitable food items, and terminate contracts with retailers where necessary. As a result, the school learners benefit greatly as when there are leftovers the needy identified learners get food parcels to take home for the holidays. The model strides critically to alleviate these learners' short term hunger challenges to ensure their well-being. The introduction of a decentralised model in phases will increase the rollout of the school feeding programme as the programme will end in six years. The rigorous monitoring of the programme will ensure its success and it will guard against any mischievous usage of the resources. The role of the NSNP was crucial during the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) peak, as the children were able to access food even though there was no schooling. The organisations such as Section 27, the Equal Education Law Centre and Equal Education ensured that the children's rights were safeguarded. They ensured that the children who were not at school or those who were learning at home due to COVID-19 also received food. They approached the high court, which enforced the offering of meals to the learners by the Department of Basic Education. Scholar transport also adds great value to the children's education and to their access to the school meals. Without scholar transport, many learners may not be able to go to school and they will not be able to access meals as they are from poor backgrounds. Most learners rely on the school meals as their parents cannot afford food. Therefore, the DBE and the Provincial Departments partnerships with the stakeholders such as the other departments, the Non -Governmental Organisations (NGOs), the Private Sector and the Community Based Organisations (CBOs) is crucial for the success of the NSNP.
Open Access
The effects of mine downscaling (and closure) on the socio-economic development of mining communities: the case of Oranjemund
(University of the Free State, 18-Dec) Ndeleki, Christerline N.; Van Rooyen, Deidre
The research investigates the socio-economic effects, associated with mine downscaling (closure) and understanding community perceptions, risks and opportunities in Oranjemund. Oranjemund is a mining town under transformation, since the mining operations are downscaling and projected to cease operations in 2022. A qualitative research was used by administering open-ended questionnaires and face-to-face interaction with officials from the local mine leadership, local authority, business and local community, mine union, a consultant and non-governmental organisations, in order to collect the required data. Using both purposive and snowball sampling, the first point of contact was the Constituency Office, where a list of names was obtained and participants were purposefully selected to take part in the research. Focus group discussions and individual in-depth interviews were the method of data collection. The interviews used guides, which set out the themes according to the study objectives. Secondary information was obtained by reviewing documented literature, government reports and website articles. The negative consequences of mine closure on the socio-economic aspects of a community include reduced quality of living standards, upsurge in out-migration, emergence of crime, poor and inadequate infrastructure, loss of employment and income, less employment opportunities in the area and reduction in buying power. The positive effects of mine downscaling include accelerated focus in local economic initiatives for economic diversification and potential assessment studies. The findings suggested that the key characteristics that render local economic development by mining operations ‘insufficient’, is the lack of community involvement in development. The study findings further suggested that transformation of a mining-led economy requires the involvement of stakeholders including community, local government and the private sector to create a sustainable economy post mine closure. The study found that mining operations somewhat contribute to local economic development. It also showed that mining communities are at the receiving end of negative effects imposed by mine downscaling and closure. The study also shows that communities do not perceive mine downscaling and closure positively, as they feel that their livelihoods are threatened. The recommendations emphasised strong investment in social infrastructure and participation of communities in development. Lastly, the crucial role of comprehensive legal framework on mine closure was highlighted for the mining industry.
Open Access
The effects of renewable energy on communities: the case of Upington in the Northern Cape, South Africa
(University of the Free State, 21-Nov) Mabele, Modirapula Bernard; Marais, J. G. L.; Venter, A.
The study examines the effect of renewable energy on the communities of Upington in the Northern Cape, South Africa. The researcher analysed the secondary data (through the qualitative method) collected through focus groups and key informants' interviews. The research participants described their knowledge of how renewable energy affect the community. The 1998 White Paper of Energy (amended in 2003) aimed to reduce the environment's energy-related impact. This was followed by the promulgation of the National Energy Act (Act no. 34 of 2008) to implement the Integrated Energy Plan. The plan regulates the present and future energy services needed socially and efficiently while minimising the energy sector's adverse environmental impact. The government continued with its aspirations of green energy by introducing the Integrated Resource Plan in 2010 and reviewed it in 2018 and 2019 to ensure a steady shift towards more cost-effective and sustainable energy. The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme was introduced in 2011 to enable the independent power producers to participate in viable bids to construct and maintain large renewable energy projects. The programme created a stage for Eskom to enter into power purchase agreements with the independent power producers to generate clean electricity and contribute to job creation, industrial policy and energy security. The study proceeded with discussions and the participants' views. At first, renewables contributed to jobs, climate mitigation, energy supply, especially in areas without grid access, and economic growth. However, the participants stated that because renewables have a boom effect, especially during the construction phase, they could cause harm to the community. The following socio-environmental issues have been identified because of renewable energy: crime, social disruption, negative impact on the environment and population growth that ultimately strain infrastructure, like roads, schools and housing. The participants cited housing prices that escalated, resulting in a severe affordability challenge for the local people. In addressing the local adverse effects of renewable energy, especially on crime and social disruption, the study recommended that the social integration workshops play a central role in mitigating the social ills in the host communities. Social integration means that the newcomers must be integrated into the host society. Renewable energy was introduced into the area without involving all the key stakeholders, especially the local ones. The study, therefore, recommends collaborative planning. Collaborative planning is an ideal plan to ensure that all key stakeholders work together to ensure a conducive environment (without any harm to the local resources and infrastructure) for renewable energy.
Open Access
An evaluation of an out of school program to increase access to education for children in the rural areas of Zimbabwe
(University of the Free State, 17-Feb) Tokotore, Rujeko; Van Wyk, C. J.
After independence, Zimbabwe made significant progress in providing access to education for almost all children. The policy environment for supporting education for all is positive as the country is party to the all the major international agreements that promote education for all and the right to education, and has domesticated these in the Constitution and other legislation. However, with the introduction of the Economic Structural Adjustment Programme in the early 1990s, followed by the economic crisis of 2000 to 2008, this momentum was not maintained. Many children dropped out of school before completion, and others did not to go to school. The Fit for Life Programme was implemented to offer second chance non-formal education to children aged between 15 to 18 years who did not complete formal primary education or never went to school. This research evaluated effectiveness of the Fit for Life Programme in increasing access to education for children in the rural areas of Zimbabwe. A process evaluation approach was applied and questionnaires were used for data collection. The results revealed that the Fit for Life Programme was effective in increasing access for Out of School children in the rural areas of Zimbabwe. The livelihoods and quality of life of the beneficiaries who graduated from the programme differ from those children within the communities who did not enrol in the programme as they are in engaged in ill social behaviours. However, the research also revealed that the programme had some shortcomings which were not anticipated and this was a setback in achieving some of the objectives in some of the programme areas. The shortcomings included a relatively high dropout rate and high levels of absenteeism by the beneficiaries and lack of a MoU. Absenteeism was a major challenge in the programme resulting in a longer training period. The study concluded that the Theory of Change was effective in analysing the implementation of the Fit for Life Programme. Recommendations were made on the improvement of the Fit for Life Programme and these included enhancement of the non-formal vocational and technical training by providing more opportunities for the children; strengthening the implementation of education policies on the ground by availing the necessary resources to monitor and evaluate progress; making education affordable and accessible to all children and conducting more research on areas that need further attention on the problem of out of school children.
Open Access
Exploring livelihood strategies for HIV/AIDS-affected households in Zambezi, Mozambique
(University of the Free State, 2020) Nzima, Isaiah; Heunis, Christo
Mozambique has enjoyed a relatively stable political environment after the civil war that took place almost thirty years ago and which ended after a peace agreement was signed in Lusaka in 1992. The country has experienced economic growth, with a gross domestic product (GDP) that grew by 7.4% every year in the past two decades, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the world (International Monetary Fund, 2014). However, there are still many people living in rural areas in Mozambique, and the country remains one of the poorest in the world (International Monetary Fund, 2014). Most of Mozambique depends on subsistence farming or agriculture as the main source of livelihood, which contributed close to 23% of the GDP in 2008 and was a source of employment to 78% of the labour force in the country (USAID, 2008). Furthermore, natural resources such as forests have also made a significant contribution to people’s livelihoods, accounting for over 75% of the farming community in Mozambique. About 67% of the land that is suitable for livelihood strategies and environmental dependency is located in rural areas, while 33% is situated in government-protected areas (USAID, 2008). In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV/AIDS is one of the major development issues destroying the livelihoods of increasing numbers of people, especially those living in the poorer areas on the continent (Krieger et al., 2003). The HIV/AIDS pandemic has had devastating effects, especially in Southern Africa, where the prevalence rates are as high as 30% in some parts (Kamali, 2010). Data from the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) reveal that each year there are over a hundred and twenty thousand new HIV infections in Mozambique. As further indicated by the UNAIDS (2019), more than a million and a half people are infected with HIV around Mozambique and the national HIV rate, as recently assessed, is around 16 per cent for people fifteen years and older. The UNAIDS revealed that almost half of the population living with the virus that causes AIDS are not accessing antiretroviral treatment or support (UNAIDS, 2019). The HIV/AIDS pandemic is described as a development disaster in all of Africa, suggesting that HIV has negatively affected the development agenda in Southern Africa (Kamali, 2010). Drimie (2002:3) quotes the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as saying that HIV/AIDS is associated with a state of devastation in an affected household, making it even more unique since it deprives the family, community members and the entire nation of productive and energetic people who are sometimes the main providers for the household. There are fears that as the problem of HIV/AIDS continues to grow, there will be increased pressure on the already fragile relationship between communities and the environment at the local level, as well as on the social infrastructure and community livelihoods. This will lead to increased dependency on the natural environment as a coping mechanism (Oramasionwu, 2011). Zambezia is one of the communities in Mozambique most impacted by HIV/AIDS (USAID, 2008). Recent reports suggest that the over the years, Mozambique has made attempts to deal with HIV, with the number of new HIV infections and the number of AIDS deaths showing a decline since 2010 (WHO, 2019). Zambezia Province is mostly rural, since it is located in the northern central part of Mozambique (Moon et al., 2010). The Province is heavily dependent on subsistence farming and fishing (Moon et al., 2010). Most of the inhabitants’ livelihoods revolve around agricultural products which include rice, maize, cassava, cashews, sugarcane, coconuts, citrus, cotton, and tea. While this Province includes Mozambique’s largest tea estates, which are based in Gurúè, fishing for shrimps and small-scale mining of gemstones also occur in some areas (Moon et al., 2010). The adult HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in this Province is estimated at 12.6% (INSIDA, 2009), with about 20% of all people living with HIV/AIDS in Mozambique residing in Zambezia (PEPFAR, 2013).
Open Access
From welfare to community development - the role of local congregations as agents of development in the Mangaung metropolitan area
(University of the Free State, 19-Jan) Bezuidenhout, Lynette; Ellis, Willem
Local Christian churches have been identified as development partners needed to address the challenges of poverty and inequality in South Africa. Leaders of local congregations influence the manner in which these congregations become involved in their respective communities. This research indicates a need for the churches in Mangaung to foster an understanding of people-centred, participatory development in leaders and members, and address the legacy of apartheid to move away from the charity mind-set that determines its current involvement in surrounding communities.
Open Access
Housing and child health in South Africa: the value of longitudinal research
(University of the Free State, 22-Feb) Chatindiara, Kenneth; Marais, Lochner; Cloete, Jan
Research investigating the link between housing and health often produces mixed results. It does not always prove that good housing improves health. The results suggest a complex set of factors play a role, and the findings are sometimes contradictory. Two ways of addressing these concerns are longitudinal research, where the relationship between housing and health is measured in the short and medium terms, and a focus on children. We use the children’s housing and health data from the five waves of the National Income and Distribution Survey (NIDS) survey in South Africa, 2008 to 2017. We investigate the effect that continued living in informal housing over the five waves has had on these children’s health. Our results show a statistically significant relationship between prolonged residence in poor housing and poor health outcomes for some health indicators. The results call for a closer understanding of health issues in housing policy in South Africa.
Open Access
The impact of foreign direct investment on the livelihoods of workers in the manufacturing sector of Lesotho
(University of the Free State, 08-Nov) Kamara, Ishmail Bassie; Marais, J. G. L.
Abstract not available
Open Access
The impact of mine closures/downscaling on small-town economies: An analysis of the Koffiefontein mine
(University of the Free State, 2022) Kale, Oupa Abraham; Cloete, J. S.; Marais, J. G. L.
Over the past 20 years, the South African mining industry has been characterised by mine closure and downscaling. Not only in South Africa, but also in many other countries, local communities, mineworkers, as well as local economies are severely affected by such closures and downscaling. This study looks specifically at the context of the Koffiefontein mine in the Free State province of South Africa and focuses on the effects of unemployment following mine closure. In order to discuss the implication of mine closure in this specific context, the researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with former Koffiefontein mineworkers, municipal officials from the area, as well as the broader community. Snowball sampling was employed to recruit interviewees, who were asked to comment on their lived experience post mine closure, specifically as it relates to their employment. The study shows that mining activities account for this area's main economic activities. Further, the research indicates that in addition to jeopardising the local community and former mineworkers' livelihoods, the closure of the mine contributes to family disintegration, an increase in crime, psychological distress, income loss, and high levels of migration. Based on these and other related social issues discussed in this study, the researcher recommends that programmes be implemented to increase skills transfer and capacity building. This will allow for labour mobility post mine closure.