Magister Artium (Development Studies) - MA (DVS)

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Access to land and productive resources among female farmers in Stellenbosch: Implications for women’s empowerment and household food
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Ngwexana, Tulile; Zembe, Yanga
Women play an important role in food security. Growing, processing, purchasing, preparing and serving food to their families is a common and distinctive relationship they have to food in most societies in the world. They also play a critical role in food security. Yet, studies show that women are the most vulnerable to household food insecurity. At the heart of women’s differential vulnerability to household food insecurity is their lack of ownership of the means of food production, mainly land. Food is grown on land and access to land for productive purposes is vital for food security, especially for women who have little other means of securing food aside from performing subsistence farming for household food security. Thus, analyzing women experiences of accessing land and productive resources, and the manner in which such access shapes their empowerment and ability to achieve household food security is important. In this dissertation, women’s empowerment refers to a process where women gain the ability to make strategic life choices; I take the position that for women to be empowered, their access to resources, individual capacities and agency must be improved. Thus, this dissertation aims to examine the lived experiences of female farmers in Stellenbosch in terms of access to land and productive resources, and the implications this kind of access has for women’s empowerment and household food security.
Adulthood, home-leaving and informal settlement: A study of the Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East, Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Batyi, Maphelo; Karriem, Abdulrazak
Home leaving is an important marker of the transition to adulthood for young adults. Moving out of the parental home and establishing individual residence is often interpreted as a sign of independence for young adults. By transitioning to an independent lifestyle, young adults are able to meet their adulthood endeavours such as fulfilling their maternal and paternal aspirations, pursuing marriage, having children, seeking employment, becoming sexually active, and becoming socially and economically independent.
Adulthood, home-leaving and informal settlement: a study of the Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East, Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Batyi, Maphelo; Karriem, Abdulrazak
Home leaving is an important marker of the transition to adulthood for young adults. Moving out of the parental home and establishing individual residence is often interpreted as a sign of independence for young adults. By transitioning to an independent lifestyle, young adults are able to meet their adulthood endeavours such as fulfilling their maternal and paternal aspirations, pursuing marriage, having children, seeking employment, becoming sexually active, and becoming socially and economically independent. Leaving the parental home is often associated with possessing economic resources. Young adults in urban societies usually decide to move out of their parental home when they have adequate economic resources such as income and transferrable assets. The rationale is that the more resources a young adult has, the greater possibility that he or she will establish his/her own independent residence. This is usually the case for middle-class young adults, but for lower-class young adults who come from townships, rural areas, and informal settlements, the case is very different. Lower-class young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds usually lack the necessary income and transferrable assets to establish an independent lifestyle.
Affirmative action policy in higher education: impact and perceptions of the use of race as part of the criteria for admission at the University of Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2012) Muluh, Momasoh Cletus; Nleya, Ndodana
After the first democratic election in South Africa in 1994, the new democratic government harnessed all its resources towards establishing a non-racial society based on a constitution that embodies equal rights. One of the enduring legacies of apartheid is the extreme socio-economic disparities that emerged in the South African society. Higher education in the context of South Africa is also a means of bridging the inequality gap created during the colonial and apartheid periods (Reddy, 2004). Moreover, apartheid education, as with other sectors of society was racialised in favour of whites creating a drought in skills within the other race groups. The need to establish an equitable and efficient higher education thus became one of government’s pivotal priorities. The adoption of affirmative action policies that have prioritised university access by underprivileged black students has been pointed to as one of the means to address racial inequalities in education. The thesis postulates that that the use of race in implementing affirmative action policy is neither a sufficient means to, nor an end of, redressing the ills of apartheid. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, the present study analyses the impact of affirmative action policies at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and gauges the level of transformation as a result of the use of race as a proxy for admission into UCT. The study examines the equality of access and enrolment of first time entering undergraduate students into UCT through race based admission. Despite government and institutional (for example UCT) efforts to pursue a transformatory agenda, affirmative action policies continue to cause ruptures both within university communities and beyond. This research is going to use both quantitative and qualitative designs. The quantitative approach will be used where necessary – such as in reviewing racial split of enrolment over time – to glean on the figures. Such figures will however not be generated by the study itself but from officials from UCT. On the other hand, the qualitative approach will be used through the analyses of debates occurring in the UCT community in order to gauge perceptions on the policy.
An instance of xenophobia: an investigation into the violence against Somali traders in Khayelitsha
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Aden, Abdi Ahmed; Dinbabo, Mulugeta Fitamo
South Africa has been praised by many as having the most democratic constitution in the world which safeguards the rights of all who live within the borders of the nation. Ironically this has not been so with migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers, mainly of African origin. Attacks on these groups have been on the increase since the 1990s with little protection of their rights and dignities by the South African authorities. Many of the attacks reported takes place in townships and informal settlements which is mostly inhabited by black South Africans. The purpose of this study was to investigate the attacks on Somali traders in the township of Khayelitsha.
An instance of xenophobia: An investigation into the violence against somali traders in Khayelitsha
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Aden, Abdi Ahmed; Dinbabo, Mulugeta F.
South Africa has been praised by many as having the most democratic constitution in the world which safeguards the rights of all who live within the borders of the nation. Ironically this has not been so with migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers, mainly of African origin. Attacks on these groups have been on the increase since the 1990s with little protection of their rights and dignities by the South African authorities. Many of the attacks reported takes place in townships and informal settlements which is mostly inhabited by black South Africans. The purpose of this study was to investigate the attacks on Somali traders in the township of Khayelitsha. The study adopted the theory of prejudice functionalism and relative deprivation theory. In addition, the Scape-goat hypothesis, the isolation hypothesis and the Bio-cultural hypothesis theories were also applied through the study. Qualitative research approaches were used to probe into the attacks against Somali traders in the township of Khayelitsha. Analysis of data was done through content analysis where data was presented thematically by narratives that relate to the study objectives. The findings indicate that the major causes for xenophobia operated in a cycle that has four stages. Hatred causes of the attacks by the local community, which are criminal in nature. Finally, once the attacks have subsided, the Somali traders cope by opening up new shops; either within Khayelitsha or in other areas. After some time; the cycle repeats itself. The behaviour of government officers in different departments also displayed acute hatred for the Somalis and as a result, the service delivery of those departments was not satisfactory. The study therefore recommended that the government should put in place a mechanism where the victims can access justice. This starts from reporting at the police to the investigation and prosecution of culprits in courts of law.
An investigation of the role of social capital in the determination of participation in high risk informal financial services
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Dyongo, Siphathise; Dinbabo, Mulugeta Fitamo
Bourdieu's Social Capital (Fine 1999) has been dubbed as the buzz word within the social sciences (Fine, 2007). The Theory of Social Capital is one of the micro theories that has dominated the development world since the departure from the grand theories of Modernisation, Dependency and World Systems. Despite the fact that Social Capital has gained remarkable prominence during the 1980s, its first appearance in development literature can be dated as far back as the 1950s. In its simplest sense Social Capital can be understood as the 'capital of the poor', which consists of the "norms and networks that enable people to act collectively" (Woolcock & Narayan, 2000: 225). This capital of the poor is not as straight forward to measure as other forms of capital. It is very complex and multidimensional. It also manifests itself in variable ways across contexts and time. In the case of this study two indicator variables were relevant for its measure: trust and networks.
An analysis of the role of remittances in achieving sustainable development goals in Nkanu east local government area of Enugu state, Nigeria
(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Mbadugha, Peace Amaka; Koskimaki, Leah
Over the years there has been a tremendous increase in migration because of its benefit to migrants and to their places of origin, particularly in view of the impact of remittances on development. This study analysed the potential impact of remittances in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with focus on SDG 4 and 10 in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview among 25 participants with 15 of them being remittance recipients (beneficiaries) and 10 participants who are the remittance senders (facilitators). This research adopted a qualitative research design which made use of data collected from primary sources gathered by the researcher and secondary data from articles, libraries, reports, and book chapters. This study was largely analysed based on literature and theories regarding transnationalism and social capital.
An appraisal of participatory monitoring and evaluation in government community development initiatives : a case study of Tana and Athi River Development Authority (TARDA), Kenya
(University of the Western Cape, 2012) Mariga, Erick; De Coning, Christo
Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) is an integral part for the success of any government community development initiative as it helps foster a sense of ownership and at the same time promotes meaningful development at grass-root level. The Government of Kenya (GOK), through the Ministry of Regional Development has established Regional Development Authorities (RDA’s) that are mandated to promote development within their areas of jurisdiction by implementing integrated programmes and enhancement of community participation. It is against this backdrop that this research investigation is using Tana and Athi River Development Authority (TARDA) in Kenya as a case study in order to appraise how PME is applied in this process. The people-centred development theory constituted the theoretical grounding of the study, and in addition implementation approaches to PME were discussed in relation to the various project management areas of knowledge. Qualitative methods of research were applied throughout the study in assessing the level of stakeholders’ participation in monitoring and evaluation. A mix of interviews and focus group discussions were utilized. More specifically, individual interviews were conducted with the project beneficiaries/community, TARDA management, project management facilitators, as well as monitoring and evaluation specialists in an attempt to unravel how and to what extent Tana County residents are involved in the monitoring and evaluation process of TARDA projects. Empirical findings gathered from the study were reflected upon through concrete grounded discussions on the contribution of PME in increasing community participation, empowerment and decision-making in various development projects. The research findings also indicated that PME plays a pivotal role in ensuring accountability and transparency of institutions thus creating investor confidence and promoting regional-balanced development. Furthermore, the findings also revealed that an effective PME system gives decision makers an additional public sector management tool, while at the same time building on the capacities of the beneficiaries. Finally, it is proposed that PME should be a standard practice among public sector institutions that embrace PME techniques, also in order to document and share PME experiences for purposes of information generation and future sustainable development.
An appraisal of urban agriculture as a livelihood strategy for household food security : a case study of urban food gardens in Ward 51, Langa, Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2015) Philander, Freda Rhona; Karriem, Abdulrazak
Food security is a development challenge in South Africa with 52% of the population being food insecure and 33% at risk of hunger. Inequalities and inefficient food distribution networks lead to inadequate access to sufficient and nutritional food. Poor communities experience bad access to good food and good access to bad food. Citizens have to be satisfied with cheap, low nutritious and high calorific food leading to malnutrition, and diseases – the hidden hunger. Being hungry is more than just a lack of food; it provokes despair, humiliation, sadness, low self-esteem – perceive as the genocide of the mind. Urban agriculture has been advocated as a livelihood strategy to improve food security. The Urban Rural Development Capacity Building Project (URDCBP), a non-profit organization (NPO), initiated three urban food garden projects within Langa, Cape Town to improve food security and create employment within that community. Ward 51, Langa is the study area of this thesis. The aim of this research is (1) to assess the contribution of urban food garden projects as a livelihood strategy for food security and the livelihood outcomes thereof; (2) to determine what other livelihood strategies and coping mechanisms poor communities adopt to be more food secure; and (3) to propose recommendations to improve and expand urban food gardens. The mixed-methodology research paradigm was employed. In the quantitative design, 83 randomly selected participants completed the self-administered closed-ended questionnaires. STATA 12.1 was used as a tool for the quantitative analysis. The descriptive statistics present the socio-demographic and economic trends of the households by the scores of each variable and the existence of any relationships between the variables. Conclusions were drawn from the sample data about the populations with inferential statistics. The qualitative data collection included two semi-structured interviews with government officials and two focus group discussions with 17 community members and 13 beneficiaries respectively. Purposive sampling was used in the qualitative research and emerging themes were identified in response to the research objective supporting the quantitative analysis. The results attest that 82% of the respondents indicated that the urban food gardens contribute to their household food security. However, low levels of food security are still experience within the community. With the Sustainable Livelihood Approach as theoretical framework, the study accentuates other livelihood outcomes of urban agriculture such as improving health, improving self-esteem and improving food security. Some of the coping strategies adopted include having willpower and skills, relying on family and friends for food and borrowing and dependency on social grants. The contribution of urban food gardens to food security is minimal in the Western Cape as only 2% of the households cultivate crops as their main source of food. In the study, 63% of the respondents would like to start their own food gardens and 14% would like to extend their urban food gardens. In both instances, land has been identified as the greatest concern. With the correct strategies and support, urban food gardens can be extended to make a larger contribution to the food security levels of the urban poor. Government intervention is much needed to fight hidden hunger, poverty and food security and this requires political commitment.
Assessing beneficiary perceptions of the efficacy of RDP housing: A case study of housing projects in Nollothville, Northern Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Dunn, Charnelle Candice; Karriem, Abdulrazak
The Reconstruction Development Programme (RDP) housing program was instituted to provide South Africans with quality housing that meet their basic needs. For people, fortunate enough to receive RDP houses, numerous complaints were raised. With government's focus on quantitative housing delivery, there have been qualitative shortcomings and the perceptions are that the constructed houses are of very low quality and do not meet the needs of the occupants. Consequently, the quality of housing constitutes the physical condition of housing as well the perceptions of occupants. However, since perceptions of housing quality are context specific and differs from one person to the other and across cities/countries, what therefore constitutes as housing quality is highly subjective. Also, despite the increased discussion on the quality of housing and people's perception of it, most empirical research on housing has been undertaken in the larger metro areas while there is not much focus on housing in small towns. The purpose of this the study was to explore the perceptions of RDP beneficiaries on the housing quality in the small community of Nollothville, Northern Cape. Since housing is important as it satisfies many different human needs, a case study approach was adopted and Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs was used as a theoretical framework to guide this study. Research conducted in Nollothville reveals that the RDP houses especially the first phase of the RDP houses are of sub-standard quality. Both primary and secondary resources were used to obtain data. The study used a semi-structured interview guide as a data collection tool while the questionnaire was used to solicit the magnitude of RDP beneficiaries' perceptions of the RDP houses and, lastly, observations were conducted to validate these findings. Findings revealed that although the RDP houses were well received by the recipients, many complained about the substandard quality of these houses and that the houses do meet the criteria for quality housing. The following perceptions raised by most of the study participants regarding the quality of the houses included unstable foundation, poor quality roofing; poor quality doors or no doors inside the house; cracking floors; no bath or shower, weak and poor-quality toilets. Also, since many of the houses were in such bad conditions there was a struggle to cope with the financial upkeep of the houses. Based on previous research conducted in other provinces, the study concludes the RDP houses are the of the same sub-standard quality as the houses found in the other provinces.
Assessing participation of small fishing companies in the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA): identifying fault lines and potential responses to increase participation
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Alexander, Malcolm Charles; Buchholz, Stefan
The study focusses on the transport sector, where company participation level is measured at approximately 20% of levy paying enterprises, and this level is mostly based on relatively high levels of participation from large and medium sized companies. The study explores the relationship between SETAs (sector education training authorities) and the companies within the sectors they are mandated to serve by researching the TETA maritime sub sector. The research focus is on small companies and the focus is specifically on the low rate of participation of smaller entities in the skills development landscape. The consequences of the lack of participation are investigated and the study concludes that the SETAs ability to effectively research its sector skills, as well as the SETAs ability to provide effective skills planning in support of the national agenda, are both negatively affected by current levels of poor participation. The research was conducted on small fishing companies registered with the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA), in order to determine the reasons for low participation in the government mandatory grant scheme. The research is survey based across participating small companies and non-participating small companies.
Assessing the effectiveness of the Western Cape Provincial Youth Development Strategy: A case study of IAP Mitchell’s Plain Youth Café programmes (2014-2019).
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Nonxuba, Siphamandla; Ile, Isioma
It has been more than 8 years since the Western Cape Government established the Provincial Youth Development Strategy in 2013. However, there has not been evaluative studies that assess the effectiveness of the programmes of the I Am Passion (IAP) Mitchell's Plain Youth Café. Drawing on both secondary qualitative and quantitative research data from 17 graduates who graduated from the Leadership Mastery Programme from IAP Youth café-Mitchell's Plain. This study presents findings in relation to two themes: Life before the leadership mastery course, and Life at the Youth Café and the anticipated life after the program (s) in connection with study objectives. The findings indicate that the leadership mastery programme effectively impacted the past graduates. However, the progress made when compared to the targets of the Western Cape Government as envisaged in the youth strategy is very little between the periods of 2014 to 2019.
Assessing the effects of the child support grant programme on refugee children's poverty status in Cape Town, South Africa
(University of the Western cape, 2016) Byukusenge, Marie Chantal; May, Julian
Cash transfers continue to be one of the tools used by many developing countries in order to alleviate poverty. South Africa was not left behind in applying this system. In 1998, the Government of South Africa introduced cash transfer programs in order to replace the old Social Maintenance Grant (SMG) that was available to single mothers when their husbands: die, get imprisoned, disabled or are untraceable. Also, this grant was supporting poor children during the apartheid era. In terms of children, the SMG did not achieve enough coverage, for instance, by 1990, it had assisted only 0.2% of African children and 1.5% of White children as well as 4.0% of Indian children and 4.8% of Coloured children (SASSA, 2012). However, the new democratic government managed to introduce a new program, which has now shown a very large achievement and has become one of the best social protection systems in Africa (UNICEF, 2012). Also, the new democratic government managed to expand the coverage to the children from age 0-16 to children of age18 years, including refugee children. With regards to refugees, after the fall of apartheid, the democratic Government of South Africa opened its doors to migrants and refugees. These refugees include children who are the most vulnerable persons. As such, in the first part of 2012, the Government of South Africa decided to provide and promote the well-being of refugee children, particularly those who are exposed to vulnerable conditions and living in poverty (CoRMSA, 2007). Despite the provision of the Child Support Grant for refugees, the beneficiaries of the grant are still facing many challenges especially those who have a low income. The study explores the perceptions of the caregivers of refugee children in Cape Town on the utility of the grant. The study adopts a qualitative research approach which is exploratory and descriptive in nature. In this regard, this study draws on in-depth interviews, questionnaires and focus group discussions with women caregivers of the refugee children. In-depth interviews were conducted with 28 women participants who come from different countries but live in Cape Town, who were selected by using the snowballing sampling technique. The findings reveal that the grant was used for educational expenses and for food or clothing. The study also finds that the grant provides households with income security, improves school attendance and contributes towards improved access to health care and transport. However, the study also showed that there were challenges associated with the provision of the grant. Firstly, some of the caregivers reported irregularities of the system and waiting in long queues. Secondly, the caregivers reported inadequacy of the grant. Lastly, the receivers of Child Support Grant for refugees noted that documentation required by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is also another major challenge they are facing. Unemployment and accommodation are also mentioned as the challenges the caregivers of refugees’ children face. The majority of them stated that finding a job in South Africa is not easy. Furthermore, the caregivers reported the issue of finding a good place to rent. In terms of accommodation, the majority of the caregivers stated that landlords require many papers which they do not have and they cannot afford the rent required by them. The recommendations made are that participants felt that, they wish the Government of South Africa can allow them to work, as the majority of them have qualifications. However, others felt that it will be a good idea if the Government of South Africa increases the size of the grant. The SASSA staff advised that the caregivers of refugee children must submit the entire set of documentation required in order to receive or to apply for the Child Support Grant on time. The study concludes that the Child Support Grant for refugees provides children with a safety net and enables them to access basic services. However, this program needs to be monitored and evaluated in order for the service to be better rendered. The findings of this study have the potential to influence social welfare policy-makers to address the challenges associated with the provision of the grant. The findings of this study would also allow the policy makers to establish ways of ensuring the sustainable provision of the grant. The outcomes of this study will also have the potential to allow the policy makers to create ways of ensuring the sustainable provision of the Child Support Grant for refugees.
Assessing the efficacy of public participation in the enhancement of public service delivery planning in Polokwane local municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Kgobe, France Khutso Lavhelani; Bayat, Mohamed Sayeed
Background: Over the past few years, there has been a shift in the responsibility of service delivery planning from a centralized (national) level of government to a more decentralized (municipal) level. Contemporary perspectives on planning suggest that the responsibility is no longer regarded as a hierarchical process, but rather as a collaborative process that involves the active participation of citizens as key stakeholders. The notion of public participation is regarded as a crucial factor in the democratization of service delivery. This is achieved by empowering consumers and communities to play a major role in the process, rather than solely representing the government. Within this framework, the involvement of the public facilitates greater agency for individuals of lower socioeconomic status, granting them the ability to actively shape their own circumstances and the determination of their developmental needs. Consequently, it is imperative for municipalities to assume a crucial role in enhancing democracy and guaranteeing that communities are engaged in determinations that have a direct bearing on them. The study argued that despite the intricate structures, obstacles, and notable administrative challenges, public participation is a crucial factor for the triumph of service delivery planning. This study delved into the concept of public participation as an essential component for effective governance and efficient service delivery within the local government domain.
Assessing the impact of exports and imports on economic growth: a case study of Malawi from 1970 to 2010
(University of the Western Cape, 2013) Nyasulu, Themba; Dinbabo, Mulugeta
In line with neoclassical economic growth propositions that outward-orientation fosters economic growth, since independence from Britain in 1964 the Government of Malawi has placed international trade at the centre of its economic development agenda. In spite of this theoretical affirmation of the trade-growth relationship, some empirical studies that have been done both in the country and abroad show contrary results. This prompted this study to be undertaken with the aim of assessing the impact of exports and imports on economic growth in Malawi from 1970 to 2010.This study has used a neoclassic economic growth model containing gross domestic product, exports, imports, capital and labour force as variables of analysis. After collecting annual time series data on the variables for the period 1970 to 2010 from the World Bank online statistical data base, Ordinary Least Squares regression and several econometric tests were run on the model to ensure robust and accurate results. Statistical accuracy of the findings was further cemented by use of the 5 percent level of significance. Exports were found to have a positive and statistically significant effect on the country’s economic growth, while imports had a negative and insignificant influence. Similarly, capital and labour force showed a positive effect on economic growth even though the capital’s effect was statistically insignificant. Nevertheless, the study also strongly confirmed the presence of a long-run equilibrium among the variables. The above results strongly suggest that Malawi should continue with its export-led economic growth strategies such as the Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) and the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MDGS). However, if the two economic development plans are to bear fruit this study strongly urges Malawi to consider diversifying its economy away from primary export production and instead embark on value-addition. Furthermore, the country should not only reduce the importation of consumer goods in favour of capital goods, but also improve the quality of the labour force and capital formation, if Malawi is to realise its economic development and poverty alleviation aspirations.
Assessing the migration-development nexus in the Buea community of Cameroon: A study of the social impact of remittances
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Fuh, Salome Mankaah; Koskimaki, Leah
The inflow of migrant remittances has been an increasing source of financial support to recipients in low and middle-income countries, often through informal channels. Remittances have been viewed as beneficial to migrant families to assist with quality education, health, basic food needs, and to establish developmental projects like building of residences for university students, and hence creating employment. However, remittances provide more than economic and material gains. This thesis brings into light social aspects of remittances such as networking, moral obligations, prestige, promoting and maintaining kinship ties, and altruism, with a critical look at the development concept of wellbeing. Specifically drawing from a case study of Cameroonian migrants living in Cape Town, South Africa and relatives and remittance recipients in the Buea municipality in the South West region of Cameroon, this study has assessed the migrationdevelopment nexus with an emphasis on the social impact of remittances.
Assessing the parliamentary contribution to the elimination of food insecurity in rural Malawi: An historical and grassroots perspective, 1998–2018
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Dzidekha, Gloria Kombo; Devereux, Stephen
Although Malawi is an agriculture-based economy, the country experiences extensive food insecurity, hunger, malnutrition, low productivity, and low income. Currently, food insecurity affects 58% of the population and 50.7% of the population live below the poverty line. In Malawi, parliament is key in the legal and policy-making processes. It also has a constitutional mandate to represent the people’s interests and basic needs – in this case, food security, a fundamental human right; however, food insecurity still persists. The study assesses the parliamentary contribution to the legislation of policy that aims at reducing food insecurity. It examines the trajectory of the food security policy in the Malawi Legislature and its effectiveness, from the perspectives of citizens and Members of Parliament (MPs).
Assessing the process of participatory monitoring and evaluation: A case study of the Salesian Institute Youth Project, vocational training in Cape Town South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Chikukwa, Donald; Dinbabo, Mulugeta F.
The involvement of beneficiaries in monitoring and evaluation processes, not only does it ensure the success of the project’s intended objectives, but it empowers, creates knowledge production while guaranteeing a means to a sustainable livelihood for beneficiaries. The study sought to assess the process of Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation using a case study of the Salesian Institute Youth project, vocational training in Cape Town South Africa. Thus the study set out to conduct an evaluative assessment of stakeholder participation in the process of PM&E; identify the organizational structure of the project team and the parties involved; assess the project intended goals versus the outcomes of the project, and identify the relationship between the process of PM&E and the outcomes of the project. The study employed quantitative and quantitative methods, noting the low response rate a larger sample of 150 questionnaires was evenly distributed across gender and 102 were completed. Ten interviews were conducted across all stakeholders. Data were captured and analyzed using SPSS and thematic analysis. The study concludes that the involvement of participants in the process of PM&E is vital to achieving positive projects outcomes. Participants should be made aware of the meaning, purposes of the project as this allows for their comprehension and free will to participate in PM&E processes. Although the outcomes of the project were positive, the study recommends that there is a need for an established scientific PM&E system for the organization that can be implemented in organization projects.
Assessing the role of youth civic engagement in promoting social change : a critical investigation of ILISO in site C, Khayelitsha
(University of the Western Cape, 2015) Jere, Gweze John; Karriem, Abdulrazak
Youth Civic Engagement is not a new phenomenon in South Africa. Throughout the history of country, spanning from the early resistance to colonialism in 1652 to the formation of the African National Congress in 1912 and its Youth League in 1944, the Soweto uprising in 1976, right up to the 1994 independence struggle, the youth has always played a pivotal role in social transformation. Unlike in the past where there was a common enemy in Apartheid, today the country faces a more complex set of socio-economic challenges. Despite being a middle income country, South Africa grapples with extreme poverty and income inequality, which impacts on educational opportunities and ultimately civic awareness and involvement. Approximately 42% of young people under the age of 30 are unemployed. The country currently has a youth population (14-35 years of age) which is about 41% of its entire population of almost 54 million. This youth population growth in itself implies that youth development should be a major priority area if growth and development are to be realised. The research is based in Khayelitsha. The social-economic problems faced among Khayelitsha township youth are complex and multidimensional in nature. The research question is: how is youth civic engagement able to initiate and foster collective action among community members of Site C in Khayelitsha, in order to promote social change? ILISO Care Society, a Community Based Organisation based in Site C was used as a case study for the research. In line with the theory and conceptual framework of social capital, the study demonstrates how reciprocal relations, trust and strong bonds, act as seedbeds for collective action. The Integrated Model of Communication for Social Change is incorporated into the framework to narrow down the social capital theory to an operational level. It is also used to illustrate how novel methods of dialogical communication adopted by ILISO Care Society reinforce social learning and promote democratic practices among young people. Both the quantitative and qualitative approaches were used for the study, with much of the analysis being grounded in qualitative methods. Data collection was done by means of the following utilities: a survey questionnaire which was administered among 52 respondents, semi- structured interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation by the principle researcher. The study revealed how the legacy of apartheid’s segregation policies have had enduring effects particularly on the education system, in turn, negatively impacting on youth civic participation, as well as other interlinked spheres of society. Most importantly, the findings revealed that the ILISO youth civic engagement projects have contributed in increasing the level of confidence (efficacy) to solve community problems of not only the ILISO project members, but also the wider Site C community. This was evidenced in the research participants‟ own belief in their ability to produce change (self-efficacy) and the ILISO youth members‟ shared belief as a group, in their ability (collective self-efficacy) to bring about social transformation. This has led to Site C youth acting collectively (collective action)when faced with challenges, thereby promoting social change.