UWCScholar :: Browsing by Author "Schenck, Catherina"

Browsing by Author "Schenck, Catherina"

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An analysis of livelihood of landfill waste pickers in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Mudavanhu, Naome; Schenck, Catherina
Due to high levels of unemployment many people in South Africa have sought work in the informal sector of the country's economy. The activities of landfill waste pickers therefore came about because of this. Landfill waste pickers recover recyclables on mountains of waste and sell to different Buy Back Centers (BBCs) in their areas. Despite the hardships, working on unbearable working conditions and poor income, landfill waste pickers have managed to sustain their livelihoods. The aim of the study was to conduct an analysis of the livelihoods of landfill waste pickers in South Africa using the sustainable livelihood framework. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative research approach using multiple case study strategy of inquiry. The population of the study was the landfill waste pickers at the selected landfill sites and material recovery facility. Convenient sampling was used to select the research sample. Data was gathered through observations, semi-structured one-on-one interviews, focus groups, questionnaires, and document analysis to involve multiple sources of data. The research study took place in the following provinces of South Africa namely Western Cape, North West, and Eastern Cape. Out of these provinces the following municipalities were selected for the study Stellenbosch and Oudtshoorn (Western Cape), Potchefstroom and Vryburg (North West) and Graaff Reinet (Eastern Cape). Themes were identified using the elements of sustainable livelihood framework (SLF) and thematic analysis. SLF was used to analyse and present findings under the following elements of SLF vulnerability context, livelihood assets, transforming structures and processes, livelihood strategies and livelihood outcomes. After using a robust approach in analyzing the livelihoods of waste pickers the main outcome was that waste pickers are trying to make a living and they are entrepreneurs. The study also showed that it is important that waste pickers need to be integrated into the waste management system but not to formalize or regulate them. But ultimately give them support so that they continue to do their work better in better conditions.
An analysis of livelihood of landfill waste pickers in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Mudavanhu, Naome; Schenck, Catherina
Due to high levels of unemployment many people in South Africa have sought work in the informal sector of the country's economy. The activities of landfill waste pickers therefore came about because of this. Landfill waste pickers recover recyclables on mountains of waste and sell to different Buy Back Centers (BBCs) in their areas. Despite the hardships, working on unbearable working conditions and poor income, landfill waste pickers have managed to sustain their livelihoods. The aim of the study was to conduct an analysis of the livelihoods of landfill waste pickers in South Africa using the sustainable livelihood framework. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative research approach using multiple case study strategy of inquiry. The population of the study was the landfill waste pickers at the selected landfill sites and material recovery facility. Convenient sampling was used to select the research sample. Data was gathered through observations, semi-structured one-on-one interviews, focus groups, questionnaires, and document analysis to involve multiple sources of data. The research study took place in the following provinces of South Africa namely Western Cape, North West, and Eastern Cape. Out of these provinces the following municipalities were selected for the study Stellenbosch and Oudtshoorn (Western Cape), Potchefstroom and Vryburg (North West) and Graaff Reinet (Eastern Cape). Themes were identified using the elements of sustainable livelihood framework (SLF) and thematic analysis. SLF was used to analyse and present findings under the following elements of SLF vulnerability context, livelihood assets, transforming structures and processes, livelihood strategies and livelihood outcomes. After using a robust approach in analyzing the livelihoods of waste pickers the main outcome was that waste pickers are trying to make a living and they are entrepreneurs. The study also showed that it is important that waste pickers need to be integrated into the waste management system but not to formalize or regulate them. But ultimately give them support so that they continue to do their work better in better conditions.
Challenges and lived experiences of day labourers in East London
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Xweso, Mzukisi; Schenck, Catherina
The study upon which this dissertation was based was conducted against the backdrop of day labouring as a global phenomenon. In order to position the research topic, namely, the lived experiences and hardships encountered by day labourers in East London in the province of the Eastern Cape of South Africa, a comprehensive review of the relevant available literature pertaining to the phenomenon was conducted. The review covered both international trends and the relatively few significant studies which have been conducted in South Africa. A mixed methods approach was adopted in order to gather both quantitative and qualitative data, by means of a research design whose theoretical framework was derived from systems theory and the strengths-based theory. Of the twelve hiring sites which had been identified in East London during the conducting of a national study, six were selected and a survey questionnaire was administered to three participants at each, which yielded a research sample of eighteen participants. The participants were selected at each site through the use of convenience or availability sampling. The data which the survey questionnaire generated was presented in the form of descriptive statistics and analysed by means of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software to develop a socioeconomic and demographic profile of the participants. The findings of the quantitative study were subsequently evaluated against the qualitative data pertaining to the lived experiences of day labourers in East London, which was generated by conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews with three participants who were willing to be interviewed at each site. The qualitative data was analysed through thematic analysis. The integration of the two sets of data enabled a credible and meaningful assessment of the lived experiences of day labourers in East London and the hardships which they are obliged to endure to be made. On the basis of the findings, recommendations are made concerning appropriate strategies for integrating day labourers into initiatives which are designed to grant social justice to groups who continue to be unfairly marginalised and to live in abject poverty more than two decades after the official demise of apartheid.
Challenges and lived experiences of day labourers in East London
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Xweso, Mzukisi; Schenck, Catherina
The study upon which this dissertation was based was conducted against the backdrop of day labouring as a global phenomenon. In order to position the research topic, namely, the lived experiences and hardships encountered by day labourers in East London in the province of the Eastern Cape of South Africa, a comprehensive review of the relevant available literature pertaining to the phenomenon was conducted. The review covered both international trends and the relatively few significant studies which have been conducted in South Africa. A mixed methods approach was adopted in order to gather both quantitative and qualitative data, by means of a research design whose theoretical framework was derived from systems theory and the strengths-based theory. Of the twelve hiring sites which had been identified in East London during the conducting of a national study, six were selected and a survey questionnaire was administered to three participants at each, which yielded a research sample of eighteen participants. The participants were selected at each site through the use of convenience or availability sampling. The data which the survey questionnaire generated was presented in the form of descriptive statistics and analysed by means of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software to develop a socioeconomic and demographic profile of the participants. The findings of the quantitative study were subsequently evaluated against the qualitative data pertaining to the lived experiences of day labourers in East London, which was generated by conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews with three participants who were willing to be interviewed at each site. The qualitative data was analysed through thematic analysis. The integration of the two sets of data enabled a credible and meaningful assessment of the lived experiences of day labourers in East London and the hardships which they are obliged to endure to be made. On the basis of the findings, recommendations are made concerning appropriate strategies for integrating day labourers into initiatives which are designed to grant social justice to groups who continue to be unfairly marginalised and to live in abject poverty more than two decades after the official demise of apartheid.
The challenges experienced by parents when parenting a child with hearing loss within a South African context
(Routledge, 2021) Davids, Ronel; Roman, Nicolette; Schenck, Catherina
The purpose of the current study was to explore the challenges experienced by hearing parents when parenting a child with hearing loss. Using a qualitative purposive sampling design, interviews were conducted with 13 parents (9 mothers, 4 fathers) residing in Cape Town, South Africa. Four salient themes emerged, namely: 1) communication is difficult, hard, and frustrating; 2) lack of knowledge and information about hearing loss makes it difficult to parent; 3) little or no support makes for a lonely journey; and 4) support identified by parents for parents. The findings of the study have important implications for collaboration and partnerships between parents and health and family practitioners within South Africa for the design and development of supportive interventions for parents parenting a child with hearing loss.
Challenges, illiterate caregivers experience to support their children’s education
(University of the Western Cape, 2015) Makunga, Barrington Mtobeli; Schenck, Catherina
Primary Caregiver’s ability to provide a healthy, nurturing and stimulating environment is critical, but Caregivers in South Africa, especially those living in rural communities, are facing many challenges, including a combination of poverty, lack of education and skills, as well as social isolation, which directly and indirectly affect their ability to care for their children in a way to ensure their optimal developmental outcomes. Residents in far rural communities, such as in the Eastern Cape, have had less opportunities to go to school, due to various reasons and Caregivers therefore face multiple burdens. For the purposes of this study, it is important to clarify with reference the term “Caregiver”. The South African Children’s Act (Act 38 of 2005) differentiates between biological parents, guardians and caregivers. According to the Act (Children’s 2005), parents may be a biological father or biological father, a guardian being an honorary parent to the child and a caregiver is any family member rather than the biological parent or guardian who is concerned with care, welfare and development of the child. Although there is such differentiation, caregiving remains central to the holistic care required of any adult responsible for the nurturing of children. This will include biological father, mother, grandparents, extended family members, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles as well as any person who is concerned with the care, welfare and development of the child and has been, after application to court of law, granted permission to exercise parental responsibilities over the child. The population for this study encompassed caregivers who are least educated and or never attended school in the Ku-Jonga rural settlement in Coffee bay and research participants were purposively selected from the populations. Data was collected by means of focus groups with the aid of an interview guide. The interviews were conducted in Xhosa and later translated into English. A Thematic system was used according to the Tesch’s eight steps and ethical considerations such as voluntary participation, informed consent and confidentiality were adhered to. The community has most citizens who identified with the target population. This is based on historical factors. The participants freely expressed themselves and contributed to the findings and thereby assisting the researcher reach the conclusions about experiences illiterate caregivers experience to support their children’s education.
Challenges, illiterate caregivers experience to support their children’s education
(University of the Western Cape, 2015) Makunga, Barrington Mtobeli; Schenck, Catherina
Primary Caregiver’s ability to provide a healthy, nurturing and stimulating environment is critical, but Caregivers in South Africa, especially those living in rural communities, are facing many challenges, including a combination of poverty, lack of education and skills, as well as social isolation, which directly and indirectly affect their ability to care for their children in a way to ensure their optimal developmental outcomes. Residents in far rural communities, such as in the Eastern Cape, have had less opportunities to go to school, due to various reasons and Caregivers therefore face multiple burdens. For the purposes of this study, it is important to clarify with reference the term “Caregiver”. The South African Children’s Act (Act 38 of 2005) differentiates between biological parents, guardians and caregivers. According to the Act (Children’s 2005), parents may be a biological father or biological father, a guardian being an honorary parent to the child and a caregiver is any family member rather than the biological parent or guardian who is concerned with care, welfare and development of the child. Although there is such differentiation, caregiving remains central to the holistic care required of any adult responsible for the nurturing of children. This will include biological father, mother, grandparents, extended family members, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles as well as any person who is concerned with the care, welfare and development of the child and has been, after application to court of law, granted permission to exercise parental responsibilities over the child. The population for this study encompassed caregivers who are least educated and or never attended school in the Ku-Jonga rural settlement in Coffee bay and research participants were purposively selected from the populations. Data was collected by means of focus groups with the aid of an interview guide. The interviews were conducted in Xhosa and later translated into English. A Thematic system was used according to the Tesch’s eight steps and ethical considerations such as voluntary participation, informed consent and confidentiality were adhered to. The community has most citizens who identified with the target population. This is based on historical factors. The participants freely expressed themselves and contributed to the findings and thereby assisting the researcher reach the conclusions about experiences illiterate caregivers experience to support their children’s education.
A comparative study of family functioning and parenting styles between families of substance users and non-users in Grabouw
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Essop, Roshin; Schenck, Catherina; Roman, Nicolette
Substance use amongst youth in Grabouw has been recognised as a concern by the community. Essentially parenting styles and family functioning are important contributors to adolescents‘ engagement in substance use. Adolescence is a sensitive time for youths as they are faced with many developmental changes; consequently it is vital for positive parenting styles and healthy family functioning to be present to ensure healthy development. However, previous research shows that families of substance users do not function in a healthy manner and tend to have negative parenting styles. The aim of this study is to compare family functioning and parenting styles within the families of substance users and non-users in Grabouw. The study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional, correlational comparative design. The sample consisted of 300 adolescents between the ages of 15-17 years in schools in Grabouw. The participants completed the McMaster Family Assessment Device (FAD) and the Parenting Styles Dimension Questionnaire (PSDQ). Descriptive statistics and the Pearson correlation were used to analyse the data. A t-test was used to determine the differences between groups. The findings of the study show that there is no difference in family functioning between the user and non-user groups. Notably, findings reveal that authoritative and permissive parenting styles are the prevalent parenting styles in both user and non-user groups. Furthermore the results indicate that the authoritarian parenting style was higher in the substance using group. The findings also show that there is no correlation between family functioning and the authoritative parenting style.
A comparative study of family functioning and parenting styles between families of substance users and non-users in Grabouw
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Essop, Roshin; Schenck, Catherina; Roman, Nicolette
Substance use amongst youth in Grabouw has been recognised as a concern by the community. Essentially parenting styles and family functioning are important contributors to adolescents‘ engagement in substance use. Adolescence is a sensitive time for youths as they are faced with many developmental changes; consequently it is vital for positive parenting styles and healthy family functioning to be present to ensure healthy development. However, previous research shows that families of substance users do not function in a healthy manner and tend to have negative parenting styles. The aim of this study is to compare family functioning and parenting styles within the families of substance users and non-users in Grabouw. The study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional, correlational comparative design. The sample consisted of 300 adolescents between the ages of 15-17 years in schools in Grabouw. The participants completed the McMaster Family Assessment Device (FAD) and the Parenting Styles Dimension Questionnaire (PSDQ). Descriptive statistics and the Pearson correlation were used to analyse the data. A t-test was used to determine the differences between groups. The findings of the study show that there is no difference in family functioning between the user and non-user groups. Notably, findings reveal that authoritative and permissive parenting styles are the prevalent parenting styles in both user and non-user groups. Furthermore the results indicate that the authoritarian parenting style was higher in the substance using group. The findings also show that there is no correlation between family functioning and the authoritative parenting style.
Day labor, informality and vulnerability in South Africa and the United States
(Emerald, 2014) Theodore, Nik; Blaauw, Derick; Schenck, Catherina
The purpose of this paper is to compare conditions in informal day-labor markets in South Africa and the USA to better understand the nature of worker vulnerabilities in this market, as well as the economic conditions that have contributed to the growth of day labor. The conclusion considers interventions that are underway in the two countries to improve conditions in day-labor markets.– The paper is based on national surveys of day laborers in South Africa and the USA. A random sample of day laborers seeking work at informal hiring sites was undertaken in each country. The paper presents key findings, compares conditions in South Africa and the USA, and analyzes the relationship between economic change, labor-market dynamics, and worker vulnerability.
Definitions matter: Including the socio-economic dimension as a critical component of SADC circular economy definitions
(Academy of Science of South Africa, 2022) Grobler, Lizette; Schenck, Catherina; Blaauw, Derick
Globally, scholars agree that there is a lack of clarity on the notion of the circular economy (CE) and a lack of consensus on a foundational definition of the term. Some definitions place greater emphasis on the socio-economic dimension of the CE than others. In Africa, notions of the CE are still evolving. This paper highlights the salient aspects of texts defining or informing the CE in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). In Africa, the transition to circularity is motivated by the need to stimulate job creation and income generation. At the same time, concern over mounting environmental impacts is increasing. Economic and population growth on the continent, continued urbanisation, and the resulting proliferation of municipal waste contribute to these economic, social and environmental challenges.
Developing country imperatives in the circular bioeconomy: A review of the South African case
(Elsevier, 2023) Chitaka, Takunda Y.; Schenck, Catherina
A key principle in the circular bioeconomy is the cascading use of biomass in products that create the most value over its lifetime. For example, the production of fine chemicals or pharmaceuticals are considered high value processes in comparison to energy production or the production of bulk materials such as compost. However, such “low value” applications may be associated with greater environmental and socio-economic benefits depending on the context. This paper explores factors influencing a developing country’s transition to a circular bioeconomy. Through a review of the South African case, it was found that national priorities and strategies places emphasis on composting and anaerobic digestion as primary methods for organic waste diversion from landfill. This may in part be attributed to the fact that the technologies can theoretically process a wide variety of waste stocks and they are already commercially established in the country. In addition, the potential sustainability benefits associated with these methods have the potential to mitigate many challenges being faced by the country including job creation, food security, energy security and climate change mitigation.
Developing guidelines for indigenous practices: A case study of Makhuduthamaga municipality at Sekhukhune district , Limpopo province, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Mamaleka, Mmaphuti; Schenck, Catherina
Parenting practices play a significant role in the raising healthy functioning children. Traditionally, Black African families have had their own way of parenting their children, like all other cultural groups. However, few guidelines have been developed and recorded regarding their parenting practices. Most available parenting practices guidelines have been developed from a Western perspective. The purpose of this study was to explore the indigenous parenting practices of Black African families, with the aim of developing indigenous parenting practices guidelines for parents and caregivers, including grandparents in the Makhuduthamaga Municipality of the Sekhukhune district. The theoretical framework underpinning this study is an Afrocentricity, which focuses on reclaiming African practices. A qualitative research method was used, guided by a case study research design. The researcher used purposive sampling to select a sample of 52 participants from six villages in the Makhuduthamaga Municipality of the Sekhukhune Districts, in Limpopo Province. The participants recruited were grandparents, traditional leaders and three age categories of parents. The number of participants were as follows: 18 parents, 29 grandparents, and 5 traditional leaders. Participation in the study was voluntary, while confidentiality and anonymity was maintained. Participants were thoroughly informed about the study, and offered their by signing the relevant consent forms.
Developing guidelines for indigenous practices: A case study of Makhuduthamaga municipality at Sekhukhune district , Limpopo province, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Mamaleka, Mmaphuti; Schenck, Catherina
Parenting practices play a significant role in the raising healthy functioning children. Traditionally, Black African families have had their own way of parenting their children, like all other cultural groups. However, few guidelines have been developed and recorded regarding their parenting practices. Most available parenting practices guidelines have been developed from a Western perspective. The purpose of this study was to explore the indigenous parenting practices of Black African families, with the aim of developing indigenous parenting practices guidelines for parents and caregivers, including grandparents in the Makhuduthamaga Municipality of the Sekhukhune district. The theoretical framework underpinning this study is an Afrocentricity, which focuses on reclaiming African practices. A qualitative research method was used, guided by a case study research design. The researcher used purposive sampling to select a sample of 52 participants from six villages in the Makhuduthamaga Municipality of the Sekhukhune Districts, in Limpopo Province. The participants recruited were grandparents, traditional leaders and three age categories of parents. The number of participants were as follows: 18 parents, 29 grandparents, and 5 traditional leaders. Participation in the study was voluntary, while confidentiality and anonymity was maintained. Participants were thoroughly informed about the study, and offered their by signing the relevant consent forms.
Development of practice guidelines to assist social workers to improve anti-oppressive practices and to facilitate social justice in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Marais, Christival Ebenezer; Schenck, Catherina
The researcher conducted a qualitative modified four step intervention research using the Design, and Development model. Human rights and Social Justice are central to the study, which advocates for the advancement of anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory policies that serve as the professional foundations of Social Work. A review of the literature, however, revealed that little research and literature exists on how Social Workers think about, facilitate, or implement anti-oppressive Social Work practise and Social Justice in South Africa. Despite significant legislative and policy progress in post-apartheid South Africa, Social Workers still face challenges in promoting Social Justice.
Development of practice guidelines to assist social workers to improve anti-oppressive practices and to facilitate social justice in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Marais, Christival Ebenezer; Schenck, Catherina
The researcher conducted a qualitative modified four step intervention research using the Design, and Development model. Human rights and Social Justice are central to the study, which advocates for the advancement of anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory policies that serve as the professional foundations of Social Work. A review of the literature, however, revealed that little research and literature exists on how Social Workers think about, facilitate, or implement anti-oppressive Social Work practise and Social Justice in South Africa. Despite significant legislative and policy progress in post-apartheid South Africa, Social Workers still face challenges in promoting Social Justice.
Double whammy wicked: street vendors and littering in Mankweng township and Paarl, South Africa—towards people‑centred urban governance
(Urban forum, 2022) Schenck, Catherina; Grobler, Lizette; Viljoen, Kotie; Blaauw, Derick; Letsoalo, Josephine
The article probes the complexity of dealing with two interrelated wicked prob lems, namely informal, self-employed street vendors, and their experiences of lit tering. This paper describes the themes that emerged from 92 qualitative interviews to determine the perceptions of street vendors regarding reasons for littering on the streets where they operate as well as their experiences of working in these littered environments. By drawing on the themes emerging from semi-structured inter views with vendors, we suggest how stakeholders could engage with the concerns = around street vending and littering by means of the use of adaptive management or co-management, engaging, and integrating diverse perspectives, the facilitation of self-organisation, and establishing safe boundaries to evade system thresholds. In this way, complexity-based strategies can promote people-centred urban governance that empowers and includes citizens in attempts to manage the wicked problems of growing cities inclusively
An empowerment programme for black young widows in Mangaung Metro, Free State, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Hugo, Shirley Nozipo; Schenck, Catherina
The aim of this study was to facilitate an empowerment program with African young widows in Mangaung Metro, Free State province, South Africa, which would capacitate them to deal with their challenges and reduce their vulnerability. The objectives of the study were to explore and describe experiences and challenges of African young widows in Mangaung in the Free State; to explore and describe the customary practices around widowhood in Mangaung Metro in the Free State; and to describe an empowerment process facilitated with young African widows in the Mangaung Metro in the Free State.
An empowerment programme for black young widows in Mangaung Metro, Free State, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Hugo, Shirley Nozipo; Schenck, Catherina
The aim of this study was to facilitate an empowerment program with African young widows in Mangaung Metro, Free State province, South Africa, which would capacitate them to deal with their challenges and reduce their vulnerability. The objectives of the study were to explore and describe experiences and challenges of African young widows in Mangaung in the Free State; to explore and describe the customary practices around widowhood in Mangaung Metro in the Free State; and to describe an empowerment process facilitated with young African widows in the Mangaung Metro in the Free State.
Experiences of gangsterism by non-gang affiliated high school learners in Hanover Park-Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2014) Magidi, Mufaro Dean; Schenck, Catherina
Despite the vast research on drugs, gang violence and gangsterism in South Africa and specifically in the Western Cape, little is known about the experiences of school-going adolescents who reside in the areas ravaged by these gangs. The general image that emerges from the literature is negative and apathetic about the plight of adolescents residing in gang infested communities as they are usually seen and referred to as part of the problem. Previous studies and literature have therefore omitted the actual experiences of non-gang related adolescents as a result of the existence of gangs and gangsterism in their communities. This research explored these experiences in detail focusing specifically on school-going adolescents between the ages of 16 to 18 and mostly targeting Grade 11 in Hanover Park- Western Cape. The population of the study was therefore all adolescents within the area of Hanover Park with the specific sample of study targeting mainly the school-going non-gang affiliated adolescents of Hanover Park, preferably those doing Grade 11 and registered at a Hanover Park school. The researcher also explored and looked at the experiences of the school-going adolescents through use of focus groups with at least eighteen (18) learners from each of the two selected high schools in Hanover Park. These 18 participants from each school were divided into three different groups implying that the researcher ran three separate focus groups at each of the schools. This was also be supported by the use of qualitative semi- structured interviews that were conducted with at least 6 participants from the focus group sessions with 1 participant being selected from each group. This ultimately gave perspective on the unexplored views and experiences of school-going learners in Hanover Park that are assumed to be non-gang affiliated but experience the pressures and existence of gangs in their communities

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