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Access status: Open Access ,
Rural and cultural tourism development focusing on community-based tourism (CBT): the case of Qwaqwa
(University of the Free State, 2024) Mohlakoana, Tlhoriso L.; Botes, Lucius
Rural communities have been finding it more difficult to sustain themselves in recent years due to the migration of large numbers to urban areas searching for more promising livelihoods. Rural areas face many challenges, including unemployment, poverty, lack of services, and other social ills. The unique culture and natural environment of rural areas can be explored through Community-Based Tourism (CBT). The South African government deems tourism as one of the vehicles that can be positively used to uplift rural communities and address the identified challenges these communities face. CBT dictates that the community’s own tourism products found in their area should be involved in tourism development, subsequently deriving the most benefits from tourism initiatives. This study aimed to investigate whether CBT with a cultural emphasis can be used to uplift the rural communities of Qwaqwa in the Eastern Free State. This, firstly, required investigating the best practices to be used by rural communities for their socio-economic development. Secondly, it was necessary to determine the impacts of exposing rural cultures and natural environments to attract economic activity. Thirdly, it was necessary to explore guidelines on how to sustain CBT initiatives. Lastly, an investigation into the roles of different stakeholders in ensuring the sustainability of CBT projects had to be conducted. This study was qualitative in nature and used interview schedules to collect data from households and tourism businesses in Qwaqwa. After the data analysis, it became apparent that the study area did not have many CBT businesses, with many existing businesses requiring significant support. It further became evident that few community members are involved in tourism, subsequently not benefiting from it. As a result, it was recommended that the government, through its different agencies, educate and assist communities with the development of CBT projects.
Access status: Open Access ,
Skills development of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) students: a Letaba TVET College case study, Maake Campus
(University of the Free State, 2025) Thobela, Mmankwana Thomas; Marais, Lochner
Against the backdrop of ongoing national difficulties such as poverty, unemployment, and skills mismatches, this study critically assessed the skills development experiences of students at Letaba TVET College, Maake Campus, South Africa. Significant obstacles persist despite efforts to improve technical and vocational education and training (TVET) outcomes through national initiatives such as the White Paper for Post-School Education and Training and the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) III. This qualitative case study used purposive sampling, thematic analysis, and semi-structured interviews to investigate what influences students’ ability to acquire new skills, what they anticipate and encounter throughout their time in school, and how well training programs meet the needs of employers. Findings reveal that severe resource constraints, curriculum misalignment with industry needs, and limited industry-academia collaboration significantly impede effective skills development. Participating students reported a disjunction between theoretical instruction and practical application, leading to inadequate job readiness and reduced employability. Furthermore, external factors such as underfunded institutional support and systemic policy constraints exacerbate these challenges, hindering the capacity of TVET institutions to produce workforce-ready graduates. Although experiential learning and entrepreneurship opportunities were shown to have isolated positive impacts, they were inconsistently implemented, thus failing to systemically transform student outcomes. The study concludes that meaningful improvements require comprehensive reforms, including substantial investment in infrastructure, dynamic curriculum alignment with evolving industry standards, strengthened public-private partnerships, and strategic policy innovations. A proactive integration of technology, enhanced industry exposure through structured internships, and targeted faculty development initiatives are recommended to bridge the gap between education and employment. Addressing these systemic shortcomings is imperative if TVET colleges are to fulfil their potential as catalysts for socio-economic transformation and inclusive development in South Africa. The findings contribute to the growing body of literature advocating for holistic, market-responsive, and inclusive strategies in vocational education reform, particularly within emerging economies navigating the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Access status: Open Access ,
Analysis of the experiences of young Basotho women migrating from the Leribe district of Northern Lesotho to South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2025) Taineomwangire, John; Marais, Lochner
This research aimed to examine the migration experiences of young Basotho women who migrated from the Leribe district in Northern Lesotho to South Africa. It targeted the factors and motivations behind their migration, the challenges experienced before and during the migration journey, and the socio-economic impacts of migration on them and their communities. The personal stories of these women were recorded using qualitative methods, namely in-depth interviews. It was found that the search for better livelihood opportunities and economic succour and the limited employment opportunities are some of the main triggers leading to women crossing the border to South Africa. However, when they cross the border, they experience several challenges. Racism and xenophobia, exploitation, and precarious work are among the dangers Basotho women face in South Africa. This research also investigated the means by which the women cope with these challenges and the possible role of transnational networks in supporting migration. There is a need to promote specific interventions or policies that will fully establish the kind of programmes or opportunities that are affordable to these young Basotho women in the face of migration.
Access status: Open Access ,
Comparative analysis of traditional and modern houses in Omuthiya Town Council, Namibia
(University of the Free State, 2024) Nghilalulwa, Matheus; Venter, Anita; Mukiga, Alex Kihehere
This mini-dissertation presents the findings of a research study which compares traditional and modern housing using livelihood assets (human, social, natural, physical and financial assets) in the Omuthiya Town Council. The study employed a descriptive study design and a quantitative approach with a literature review focused on the traditional housing before Germany colonised Namibia around the 18th century, during the South African apartheid era, and after Namibia gained independence in 1990. Namibian ethnic groups have their customs and norms regarding how things are done. Before colonisation, traditional housing was built using sustainable natural resources, and during the transformation, those who accepted the Western housing design and lifestyle lost their cultural identity. This study also presents the programmes addressing housing challenges after Namibia gained independence. The study surveyed 64 respondents in Omuthiya town with experience living in modern and traditional housing and aged 18 years old and older. Questionnaire responses were collected on a Likert scale and were analysed to determine each statement’s mean score per asset from the lowest to highest. The score of 4.14 on human assets indicates that modern housing provides better education and quality health care, while the lowest score of 2.06 indicates that modern houses provide fewer cultural opportunities. The score of 4.48 on financial assets represents modern housing with solid economic benefits regarding property value and access to essential utilities such as water and electricity. The score of 1.88 shows that modern housing has a disadvantage in financial cost compared with traditional housing. The score of 4.40 on physical assets indicates good quality infrastructure perceived toward modern housing, such as quality and durability materials used in construction, and the score of 2.16 shows that the physical infrastructure of traditional housing is made of outdated materials compared to modern housing with modern amenities and materials. The score of 3.94 of natural assets indicates that traditional houses are built using environmentally sustainable materials, and the score of 2.90 shows that modern housing has a negative impact on the environment through pollution. The score of 4.14 on social assets had a positive impact on the local economic and job creation, such as housing construction projects. At the same time, a score of 2.75 indicates that traditional housing has a less negative impact on the local economy and job creation.
Access status: Open Access ,
The manufacturing sector in rural and township areas in Umvoti Local Municipality and Umzinyathi District, South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2024) Madonsela, Mduduzi; Marais, J. G. L.
The low investments in the manufacturing sector in the rural and township areas at uMvoti Municipality, uMzinyathi District Municipality represent a thorny issue to the people of uMvoti Municipality and the uMzinyathi District in KwaZulu-Natal, having a dire impact on their socioeconomic well-being. Within the context of uMzinyathi District, KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, uMzinyathi District, the study looked into more detailed information on how to address the issue of the rural and Township areas and the potential investments therein. The study revealed that rural and township economies are as important as that of the towns and cities and a shortage of investments by the government and the private sector contributes to a high level of unemployment and low activism by the economic participants, which may result in a loss of income and encouraging instability in the country.
Access status: Open Access ,
A cluster development approach to enhance smallholder farmers' market access and economies of scale in South Africa: perspectives of agricultural sector implementation experiences
(University of the Free State, 2025) Ramolotja, Peter; Marais, J. G .L.
The study aims to investigate the use of a cluster development approach in helping smallholder farmers achieve economies of scale and participate in the market sustainably. It focused on the potato producers who are producing for the market and belong to a cluster, specifically the 12 smallholder farmers belonging to the Blouberg potato cluster. The research employed the qualitative research approach because it is inclined to seek understanding and meaning of a phenomenon and to capture people's lived experiences. It was chosen because it allows the researcher to gather in-depth information by allowing people to describe a phenomenon according to their understanding and perspectives. With its naturalistic nature, the approach generates rich data, allowing the researcher to understand the phenomenon comprehensively. The study found that a successful cluster consists of companies that have strong relationships to enable the flow of information and skills. In the cluster, farmers became friends before farming, resulting in high levels of trust. Institutions involved in supporting farmers include the Land Bank, PotatoSA, MAFISA, Kgodiso Financial Services and the Government. Additionally, the cluster is located in an area endowed with natural resources that support the planting of potatoes throughout the year. The success of the cluster is also based on the entrepreneurial spirit of the individual farmers. Many of the farmers started small, using meagre resources to grow their businesses. They attained economies of scale by reducing transaction costs through collective marketing, sharing inputs, machinery and transportation. The study recommends the creation of a conducive environment for creating strong relations among the farmers. It also recommends the involvement of further training institutions in the training of the farmers; the promotion of vocational and business incubation; farmers belonging to commodity organizations; coordinated procurement of inputs and marketing; selection of location that provides a competitive edge and the support from the government in the form of extension services, infrastructure and production inputs.
Access status: Open Access ,
Exploring community development as a tool for pro-poor local economic development
(University of the Free State, 2024) Khumalo, Bongokuhle Saselihle; Marais, J. G .L.
The community of Maluti-a-Phofung faces local economic underdevelopment. Research shows that the apartheid government invested in supporting industrialisation, with 293 operational factories under the municipality that employed close to 30,000 workers (Marais, 2023). However, the new democracy led Maluti-a-Phofung to its downfall economically as most of those industries shut down completely, leaving thousands of poor, unemployed, and marginalised and lacking access to basic services. This collapse was due to poor financial management, corruption allegations, and incompetence that prevented the area from economic progress (Payne, 2017). In Maluti-a-Phofung, approximately 82% of the population still lives on less than $2 per day and being employed does not guarantee that they will be able to move out of poverty. Under-consumption, insufficient investments, and a persistent lack of decent job opportunities undermine the basic social compact, which mandates that all people must contribute to progress and is the cornerstone of democratic countries (ILO, n.d). It is predicted that by 2030, approximately 2 billion young people globally will be unprepared for the workforce if no immediate investment is made in education and skill development (UNICEF Data, 2023). Maluti-a-Phofung is not an exception, as youth unemployment (18- 35) stands at 53% (StatisticSA, 2011). The study explored the effectiveness of community development and pro-poor LED initiatives in reducing poverty, economic underdevelopment, and social inclusion. The study employed a comparative analysis to compare different community development and LED initiatives in South Africa relevant to Maluti-a-Phofung to understand how they operate and achieve their objectives. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 encourages full and productive employment, equitable, sustainable growth, and decent work for everyone and will also be used as a major to address issues stated in the study (Sorooshian, 2024). Findings revealed that: Community members lack knowledge about LED projects, they do not participate in LED decision-making processes and face unequal access to resource. Furthermore, they struggle with poor service delivery, hindering small business growth and development. The are power dynamics and stakeholder relations that influence and impact LED. However, the municipality involves the community through the Integrated Development Plan. Also, non-profit organisations initiate and advocate for communities to lead LED initiatives. Finally, these organisations facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to manage and implement LED opportunities for community members, Proposals: The proposes actionable recommendations to LED practitioners, policymakers, and funding institutions to conduct workshops and awareness campaigns to educate the community on the opportunities and benefits of LED projects. It also proposes: provision of access to funding, mentorship, and capacity-building programs that will economically empower the community; establishing centres where community members can access information, guidance, and networking opportunities to support entrepreneurship and small businesses, empowering marginalised populations through skill development training, resource access, and education, through crafting poverty reduction strategies and promoting community ownership, social cohesion, and collective action with grass-roots organisations to foster community development and economic empowerment.
Access status: Open Access ,
Land acquisition strategy and emerging black farmer support: a case study of Mpofana Local Municipality
(University of the Free State, 2024) Ntuli, Sipho Anthony; Marais, Mark
This study aimed to assess the effect of the Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy (PLAS) on the development of emerging black farmers in Mpofana Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This was appraised by examining the processes involved in leasing farms, the support offered to beneficiaries, the current condition of the farms, and the skills levels of the beneficiaries. The study begins by examining the background of land reform in ‘developed’ and ‘developing’ nations, and the rationale for its implementation. This broader context provided the basis for examining the more local research problem. Although Mpofana has had the greatest number of land reform farm transfers in the district, agricultural activities have been declining for the past ten years. This justified an investigation of the involvement of land reform in this decline. A qualitative case study was applied using purposive sampling to pinpoint potential participants. The final sample size consisted of fifteen potential participants. Twelve PLAS land reform beneficiary farmers in Mpofana and three government officials. Nine participants were interviewed: six land reform beneficiaries, and three government officials. Content analysis was used to analyse the data generated from in-person interviews, document analysis and observations. The study found that the processes involved in land reform applications and recapitalisation need to be reviewed. The current administrative landscape is not clear and is producing outcomes that are destructive for land reform, employment and food security. The government has also failed to provide the financial and technical support required by the beneficiaries. Many land reform farms in Mpofana have collapsed due to this lack of support. Those still functional are leased out to the commercial farmers from whom the land was originally bought. Support is needed to bridge the critical skills gap identified in the emergent farmers. None of the participants had formal agricultural training, and all needed education on accessing markets and financial management. The breakdown of the land reform farms in Mpofana is an indictment of certain administrative processes, the lack of support provided to beneficiaries, and certain corrupt activities. Nonetheless, there is hope that with the correct political will these problems can be addressed, and black emergent farmers can be productively brought into the agricultural economy of Mpofana, through supporting sustainable, functional farms that increase agricultural production, strengthen food security, and create much-needed employment.
Access status: Open Access ,
Challenges posed by urbanisation for sustainable human settlements provisions: the case of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
(University of the Free State, 2024) Malaku, Vuyiswa Catharine; Cloete, J. S.
This dissertation investigated challenges posed by urbanisation for sustainable human settlement provisions, with Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality being a case in point. Applying the systems thinking, this study proves the correlation between sustainable human settlements and urbanisation in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State. Essentially therefore, the study proves that unplanned or uncontrollable urbanisation can pose challenges to the provision of sustainable human settlements in Mangaung. Sustainable human settlements in this instance denoting the some total aspects contributing to sustainable living, such as housing, provision of services and concomitant developmental considerations. In proving the above statement, the study applied a qualitative study approaches, using the case study method to dissect this phenomenon for Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State Province, South Africa as a case in point. The interviews conducted proved that indeed, there is such correlation as the respondents reflected on how various aspects of sustainable human settlements are impacted by unplanned urbanisation in the Metro. The study proved how unplanned urbanisation puts both the city’s resources and the broader environment under pressure. Services such as the provision of water and waste removal, amenities such as roads and the environment broadly are impacted if urbanisation is planned or not sufficiently provided for. The correlation is proven through systems thinking, ie Situation as is, Situation as will be if not altered and situation as it should be. A model to address the situation as it should be comes out as the final recommendation of the study.
Access status: Open Access ,
Influence of the Taxicab transportation business on drivers’ economic empowerment in Lesotho, Maseru: a case study
(University of the Free State, 2024) Mokoatsi, Mohapi Peter; Marais, Lochner; Rani, Kolisa
This study examined the economic empowerment of taxicab drivers with performance-based contracts in Maseru, Lesotho. The study used qualitative research methodologies; specifically, purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews were conducted in Sesotho to interview Maseru Mall Taxi Rank operators. Thematic analysis was performed on the data collected while adhering to confidentiality and ethical guidelines. The study drew on empirical evidence and literature, revealing noteworthy findings in several critical areas. First, the study found a significant increase in economic empowerment among drivers, consistent with global trends in similar industries. Performance-based contracts are a stimulant, providing drivers with job security and a clear path to successful entrepreneurship via cab ownership. This transformation improves individual economic position and helps to drive general economic growth, as indicated by increasing cab owner turnover and returns. Furthermore, performance contracts provide drivers with significant financial insights, allowing them to make informed decisions and pursue various savings and investing strategies. This newfound financial knowledge promotes personal well-being and encourages a culture of responsible financial management within the taxicab industry.