UWCScholar :: Browsing by Author "Kepe, Thembela"

Browsing by Author "Kepe, Thembela"

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Cattle ownership and production in the communal areas of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
(Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, University of the Western Cape, 2002) Ainslie, Andrew; Kepe, Thembela; Ntsebeza, Lungisile; Ntshona, Zolile; Turner, Stephen
This report documents a study of the social and economic structure of cattle ownership and production in the communal tenure areas of the Eastern Cape (i.e. the former Bantustans of Transkei and Ciskei). The report begins with a review of the conventional arguments relating to cattle production systems in communal tenure areas, i.e. that they are inefficient and irrational. In seeking to challenge these pervasive assumptions concerning the way in which cattle production systems in these areas apparently work, it is argued, first, that very little systematic and detailed knowledge of these systems actually exists on which to base arguments that have had considerable impact and, second, that cattle ownership and production for African people in the Eastern Cape, quite apart from its obvious utility and cultural resonance, has been, for many decades, expressly about political-economic struggle against the state and its varied policies, which have had the effect – if not always the explicit intention – of the gradual proletarianisation of the rural population.
The challenge of sustainable land-based local economic development in poor communities of South Africa: The case of Groblersdal, Northern Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Parker, Gail Denise; Kepe, Thembela; Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
This research investigated whether local economic development interventions necessarily improve the livelihoods of poor communities. More specifically, the goal of this thesis was to explore some of the reasons why land-based economic development interventions often struggle to meet their main objective of improving the livelihoods of local poor people.
Communal land reform in Zambia: governance, livelihood and conservation
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Metcalfe, Simon Christopher; Kepe, Thembela; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
Communal land tenure reform in Zambia is the overarching subject of study in this thesis. It is an important issue across southern Africa, raising questions of governance, livelihood security and conservation. WIldlife is a 'fugitive' and 'mobile' resource that traverses the spatially fixed tenure of communal lands, national parks and public forest reserves. The management of wildlife therefore requires that spatially defined proprietorial rights accommodate wildlife's temporal forage use. Land may bebounded in tenure, but if bounded by fences its utility as wildlife habitat is undermined. If land is unfenced, but its landholder cannot use wildlife then it is more a liability than an asset. Africa's terrestrial wildlife has enormous biodiversity value but its mobility requires management collaboration throughout its range, and the resolution of conflicting ecological and economic management scales. The paper does not aim to describe and explain the internal communal system of tenure over land and natural resources but rather how the communal system interacts with the state and the private sector.
Crafting a livelihood: local-level trade in mats and baskets in Pondoland, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Makhado, Zwoitwa; Kepe, Thembela; Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
This study explored the dynamics of local-level trade in plant-based mats and baskets in Khanyayo village, Eastern Cape. These dynamics include social aspects of harvesting, resource tenure and trade. It also includes institutional issues such as legislation that enhances or restricts the degree to which local people could benefit from the trade or direct use. The study also explored the contribution of the trading in mats and baskets to the livelihoods of the Khanyayo people.
Creating learning and action space in South Africa’s post-apartheid land redistribution program
(SAGE Publications, 2017) Kepe, Thembela; Hall, Ruth
This paper uses the case of South Africa’s latest land redistribution strategy known as the Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy, to explore whether, and how, research can have direct and positive impacts on beneficiaries of land reform. The study is situated within the practice of action research: to explore how it can generate knowledge that can be shared back and forth between stakeholders, as well as how it may ignite changes that the participants desire. The findings are that Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy is not meeting the overall goals land reform. But action research has allowed the beneficiaries to emerge from the process with new knowledge about their rights, as well as what options they have to move forward in their fight for secure land rights and decent livelihoods. We introduce a concept of a ‘learning and action space’ to explain our practice of action research. The paper concludes that action research is a desirable approach for land reform, but while it succeeded in educating beneficiaries, it is only one ingredient in ongoing struggles to challenge power relations among citizens and between citizens and the state.
Elite capture and state neglect: new evidence on South Africa’s land reform
(Taylor & Francis, 2017) Hall, Ruth; Kepe, Thembela
The most recent incarnation of South Africa’s land reform is a model of state purchase of farms to be provided on leasehold, rather than transferring title. This briefing presents headline findings from our field research in one district.
Land demand and rural struggles in Xhalanga, Eastern Cape: who wants land and for what?
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Ncapayi, Fani; Ntsebeza, Lungisile; Kepe, Thembela; Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
The study explored and investigated demand and struggles for land in the communal areas of South Africa with particular reference to Luphaphasi in the former Xhalanga magisterial district, in the Eastern Cape. The study argued that despite arguments about proletarianisation and conversion of rural land users into wage laborers, leading to assumptions that there was less interest in land use by rural people, there is and has always been demand and struggles for land in communal areas such as Xhalanga.
Land redistribution in South Africa: Towards decolonisation or recolonisation?
(Taylor & Francis, 2018) Kepe, Thembela; Hall, Ruth
Contrary to populist political discourses, in South Africa the ruling party’s approach to land policy is reproducing paternalistic relations that echo apartheid practices and represent the ’colonial present’. This reality stands in stark contrast to the initial aim of land reform, which was conceived as part of a larger project of decolonisation. The latest land redistribution strategy, the Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy, where the state remains the landowner, is no longer consistent with the project of decolonisation. This is because, we argue, land redistribution in South Africa has drifted away from the ideal of social justice; it increasingly displays symptoms of what the ’colonial present’ and ’recolonisation’. Party politics, as well as the emergence of a challenge to the ruling party from the left, has prompted a more radical rhetoric, but one that co-exists with deeply conservative practices. This paper argues that the status quo represents a betrayal of the idea of land reform as decolonisation, and that a radical shift in policy and practice is needed in order to align it with a project of decolonisation in South Africa.
Land reform and biodiversity conservation in South Africa: Complementary or in conflict?
(Institute for Poverty Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS), 2003) Kepe, Thembela; Wynberg, Rachel; Ellis, William
This paper aims to improve understanding of the conflicts that have arisen between land reform and conservation, and to encourage better comprehension between the land and conservation sectors. It does this by analysing current experiences in South Africa with regard to land reform in conservation areas, and, through the use of case studies, exploring synergies and tensions which currently exist between these two seemingly disparate objectives. The paper draws heavily on the experiences of those who have been actively involved in the debates, analyses and negotiations concerning land reform in protected areas. This has been done through literature review, an analysis of case studies, and interviews. A major source of information was workshops held by the Department of Land Affairs (DLA), the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), and IUCN (The World Conservation Union)-South Africa, to discuss the matter. The first workshop was held in November 1997 and brought together key people from the land and conservation sectors. Its outcome was to catalyse further workshops and the development of a research project on which earlier drafts of this paper were based. Two further workshops were held in July and August 1998 for the land and conservation sectors respectively, and the fourth in September 1998 for both the land and conservation sectors. Information relating to the #Khomani and Mkambati case studies is based on long-term field research within the claimant communities by two of the authors (Ellis and Kepe respectively).
Local communities, equity and conservation in southern Africa: A synthesis of lessons learnt and recommendations from a southern African technical workshop
(Institute for Poverty Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS), 2003) Whande, Webster; Kepe, Thembela; Murphree, Marshall
This publication reports on a technical workshop entitled ëCommunities and Conservation in Southern Africa: Key Issues and Challenges towards a more Equitable and Sustainable Futureí, which was held on 26ñ28 February 2003 in Pretoria, South Africa, in preparation for the World Parks Congress to be held in Durban in September 2003. The workshop sought to synthesise the extensive experience of southern African countries on community-based conservation and natural resources management into concrete inputs and recommendations for the World Parks Congress 2003.
Radical land reform is key to sustainable rural development in South Africa
(Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, University of the Western Cape, 2002) Kepe, Thembela; Cousins, Ben
Sustainable rural development in 21st century South Africa will never be achieved without a radical assault on the structural underpinnings of poverty and inequality inherited from three centuries of oppression and exploitation. A large-scale redistribution of land and resources, accompanied by the securing of tenure rights in practice as well as in law, is required for long-term sustainability.
Reconciling poverty reduction and biodiversity conservation: The case of expanded public works progeamme (EPWP) in Hluleka and Mkambati Nature Reserves, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2007) Kobokana, Siviwe; Kepe, Thembela; Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
This study aimed at analysing the South African government's attempt at reconciling poverty reduction and biodiversity conservation in the context of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The study analyses this, using the cases of Hluleka and Mkanbati Nature Reserves in the Eastern Cape Province. To achieve this aim, the study used qualitative research methodology, which employed a three-pronged approach.
The role of Ecotourism in the Reconstruction of postwar Rwanda.
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Mbayiha, Patrick Manzi; Kepe, Thembela
The study examines the role of ecotourism in the reconstruction of post-war Rwanda. This is in the context of widespread poverty throughout Rwanda, and the government's efforts to improve the population's welfare, following years of civil war .. The study is based on secondary data review, including government's policies on poverty alleviation, literature on the role of ecotourism in development and a case study of a national park where ecotourism is seen as bringing in much needed revenue. The study concludes that ecotourism in Rwanda has potential to contribute to economic growth, and this is in part due to the country's unique flora and fauna. However, the study also points out that several challenges to this potential remain. These include the country's still shaky security and the widespread poverty itself.
The role of traditional authorities in rural local governance in Mozambique: case study of the community of Chirindzene
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Cau, Boaventura Manuel; Ntsebeza, Lungisile; Kepe, Thembela; Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
This study is about the place of traditional authorities in local level land administration and rural governance in contemporary Mozambique. It came about as a result of the publication of the Decree 15/2000 that recognised traditional authorities after their abolition more than 20 years earlier. This study seeks to examine four inter-related themes: the role of traditional authorities in local level land administration in Mozambique; why the government recognised traditional authorities in the year 2000 after having abolished them more than 20 years earlier; whether the recognition of hereditary traditional authorities is consistent with principles of democracy; and lastly to investigate whether the practices taking place on the ground are an expression of democracy as envisaged by the country’s constitution. The study is based on documental research on the subject, as well as on fieldwork in the community of Chirindzene, Gaza Province in Southern Mozambique. It argues that generalisations about the role of traditional authorities in local level land administration may be misleading. Drawing from the case study in Chirindzene, it shows that it was only the lowest level of the traditional authority structure (the lineage level) that continued having influence in land allocation and distribution after independence in this area. With regard to the recognition of traditional authorities, the study argues that an appreciation of the changing global context is important to understand this dramatic shift. The study argues that the Decree 15/2000 and its regulations are weakening the democratic experience initiated in 1970s by allowing rural populations be ruled by hereditary rulers who are not elected. For this reason, the rural population does not enjoy full citizenship rights because they are ruled by both elected structures and appointed ones.
Smallholder agriculture as local economic development (LED) strategy in rural South Africa: exploring prospects in Pondoland, Eastern Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Manona, Siyabulela S.; Kepe, Thembela; Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
The aim of this study was to explore the role and the prospects of smallholder agriculture as local economic development in Eastern Pondoland, in the former Transkei homeland. The study explored the role of agriculture in contributing to local economic development and the upliftment of the rural poor. It also explored the role that government and its agencies have played and could play in stimulating agricultural development.
Socio-economic aspects of the sustainable harvesting of buchu (Agathosma Betulina) with particular emphasis on the Elandskloof community
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Williams, Samantha; Kepe, Thembela; Dept. of Geography and Environmental Studies; Faculty of Arts
The aim of this thesis is to explore the socio-economic factors that impact on the sustainable harvesting of buchu in the Western Cape of South Africa. Some of the factors that will be explored include poverty, natural resource tenure, legislation, and local practices with regard to the harvesting of buchu. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, which include documenting different local livelihoods, establishing the roles played by the harvesting of wild buchu within these livelihoods, and analyzing perceptions of different stakeholders regarding sustainable harvesting of buchu, the study employed two approaches. The first was a review of the literature, and the second, empirical research in the form of a case study (the communal land owners of Elandskloof, Western Cape) was utilized. Agathosma betulina, one type of buchu and cited as the best type of buchu, has gained popularity as there is a demand for plant material both locally and internationally. This demand has created some concerns for wild populations of buchu as much of the industry is still supplied by populations harvested from the wild. Cultivation of buchu has emerged as a possible pressure lifter to the wild populations, as a poverty reduction strategy (as rural people are also cultivating), and as a way to provide for some of the demand experienced in the market. The buchu industry is a very lucrative one and, therefore, many problems are being identified and experienced. Noting this, the study makes two broad arguments. Firstly, even though the buchu trade is dynamic and fraught with many difficulties, it is a trade that can benefit all stakeholders and, consequently, there is a need for new legislation or a review of the current legislation guiding the industry. Better monitoring and evaluating processes, as well as information and communication platforms where stakeholders can interact, prove important. Hence, this should include the participation from stakeholders at all levels. Secondly, in order to establish effective policy guidelines, an understanding of the social dynamics that influences buchu harvesting is important for the resource sustainability as well as the trade.
Waking up from the dream: The pitfalls of 'fast-track' development on the Wild Coast
(Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, University of the Western Cape, 2001) Kepe, Thembela
The main aim of this study was to explore the issues involved in reconciling the policy objectives of land reform, environmental conservation and the private sector profit-oriented rural development initiative in postapartheid South Africa. Rather than examining the conceptual framework of the projects being implemented, the study attempts to reveal shortcomings in the processes of development. The research was conducted in close collaboration with relevant departments, agencies and individuals driving processes of change in the area under consideration, although the independent nature of the work was not compromised.
Xhosa male circumcision at the crossroads: responses by government, traditional authorities and communities to circumcision related injuries and deaths in Eastern Cape Province
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Nqeketo, Ayanda; Kepe, Thembela; Ellis, William; Faculty of Arts
The aim of this thesis is to conduct an ethnographic analysis of the traditional male circumcision intervention by government, through the Application of Health Standards in Traditional Circumcision Act, No 6 of 2001, of the Eastern Cape. More specifically, the thesis seeks to understand how different stakeholders respond to this intervention and what steps they take to indicate their responses.

Browsing by Author "Kepe, Thembela"

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