Magister Artium - MA (Geography, Environmental & Tourism Studies)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10566/9293

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A comprehensive solid waste audit in UWC residences: awareness, views, and waste management amongst university students and waste workers
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Nqaba, Lisakhanya
The expansion of the global population, coupled with rapid urbanisation, shifting consumer behaviours, and an increase in living standards, has precipitated a significant surge in waste generation. This escalation in waste output poses a multifaceted challenge, primarily due to the predominant methods of waste disposal, which typically involve surface-level environmental interventions such as landfilling and combustion. These practices have adverse consequences for both the environment and human well-being, notably through the emission of hazardous gases such as Methane. This study narrows its focus to examine how such challenges manifest within the microcosm of university life, specifically, two student residences at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). The study probes the current state of waste management and eliciting insights from key stakeholders – namely, students and residence staff – with the overarching objective of devising strategies to mitigate waste accumulation. To effectively navigate this inquiry, a set of three objectives were formulated which include evaluating the state of Solid Waste Management (SWM) at South African Universities. Then a waste audit of solid waste generated in UWC residences was conducted. The third objective was to explore the views and perspectives of UWC stakeholders with regards to SWM in the university. The study utilised Waste Management Theory to interpret findings and employ mixed methods, including systematic literature review, waste audit, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, to comprehensively understand waste generation and management in the university setting. The two residences had a waste generation of 1141,07 kg over the six-week period, and the largest waste stream was found to be the organic waste stream. UWC students have mid-to-high levels of awareness regarding SWM, however, the Fischer’s Exact Tests showed little to insignificant correlation between students’ awareness and practices. The way students perceived waste was found to be linked to how they interacted with it, students who saw waste as dirty and smelly were reluctant to interact with it through waste separation or other methods. Whereas the opposite occurred when some students perceived waste as an economic resource and participated in reuse and recycling. Some of the recommendations include more awareness campaigns utilizing social media and the curriculum already in place and regular waste audits
From pixel to perception: integrating spatial, ecological, and socio-cultural datasets into the monitoring of wetland ecosystems - a case study of De Hoop Vlei
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Yassin, Zaahira
Wetlands are globally threatened, with many experiencing degradation due to hydrological alteration, climate variability and increasing anthropogenic pressures. In South Africa, effective wetland management is often constrained by limited long-term ecological monitoring and the insufficient integration of ecological and social perspectives. Waterbirds, which depends on these habitats for breeding and feeding, serve as vital indicators of wetland health. Monitoring waterbird populations can therefore provide important insights into ecological changes within wetland systems. Wetlands provide essential cultural ecosystems services (CES) like recreation, aesthetic appreciation and wildlife observation, and these social benefits are rarely quantified or included in ecological assessments. Although remote sensing and citizen science datasets are increasingly used to monitor wetlands and waterbird populations, they are rarely integrated with assessments of how people experience and value wetland landscapes.
Assessing the efficacy of floodplain wetland management policies in the Msunduzi river basin: a comprehensive analysis of policy implementation, adherence, and support for alternative livelihoods
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Mokgala, Palesa Jessica
Wetlands are among the world's most valuable ecosystems, playing a crucial role in supporting biodiversity while simultaneously providing vital ecosystems services for local communities. The Msunduzi floodplain wetland in KwaZulu-Natal is important for agriculture, fishing and the provision of natural resources for the livelihoods of communities dependent on them. However, despite this importance, the wetland is continuously subjected to considerable degradation that is detrimental to the residents of Msunduzi and their livelihoods. South Africa has several environmental legislations tasked with the management and protection of these important ecosystems, but few studies have been able to assess their effectiveness in successfully managing and promoting the sustainable utilisation of wetlands particularly in rural areas. Therefore, the overarching aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of wetland management policies in the sustainable management of wetlands and support of livelihoods in Msunduzi River Basin. This aim was addressed through the following objectives: (1) by systematically reviewing literature that focused on wetland governance and policy effectiveness across wetlands in Africa and, (2) by assessing community awareness and perceptions of wetland policy implementation in the Msunduzi River Basin, evaluating how policies promote sustainable livelihoods and wetland resource use. By adopting a mixed-methods approach that integrated a systematic review of African wetland governance with surveys conducted in the Msunduzi River Basin, data on policy effectiveness and local perceptions was collected. The findings revealed an alarming deficiency in community awareness of any existing wetland management policies which was accompanied by scepticism about their effectiveness. This was further worsened by community perceptions on inadequate community participation in policymaking and decision-making. These findings were supported by literature that highlighted that community awareness of wetland policies remains low across Africa, which led to continued unregulated and unsustainable wetland resource use.
Evaluating community perceptions on floodplain wetland utilisation and sustainability: a case study in the uMsunduzi river basin.
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Nkabinde, Nokwanda
Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems globally, offering essential ecological and socio-economic benefits that sustain rural livelihoods, particularly in developing countries. Yet, these ecosystems face severe degradation driven by agricultural expansion, urbanisation, pollution, and weak institutional governance. Given these challenges, it is crucial to understand how communities interact and perceive wetland sustainability to address unsustainable practices. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate community perceptions and utilisation practices influencing the sustainability of floodplain wetlands in developing regions, with a specific focus on the uMsunduzi River Basin in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. To achieve this objective, two specific objectives were drawn: (1) to systematically review existing literature on community perceptions and sustainable management of wetlands in developing regions, and (2) to assess local community perceptions on the utilisation patterns and challenges associated with wetland sustainability in the uMsunduzi floodplain. A total of 59 studies were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, and Springer. These were systematically reviewed following the PRISMA guidelines, and the findings showed that while communities in literature recognise the ecological and economic importance of wetlands, pressure from agriculture, urban development, and limited policy awareness undermines conservation efforts. These challenges in literature were reinforced by low awareness, historical grievances, and competing economic interests, which contributed to negative community attitudes or perceptions. In addressing the second objective, a mixed-method approach, combining questionnaires (n = 60), key informants’ interviews, and field observation was employed.
Promoting first people tourism in the Western Cape: A comparative study of Ratelgat Farm and !Khwa ttu San Cultural Education Centre
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Oliphant, Anthea
The importance of the appreciation of the history and heritage of First People globally cannot be underestimated, and inclusive, integrated tourism can support the recognition thereof. First People are often referred to as indigenous and the first ethnic-cultural groups who are the earliest known inhabitants of an area. First People tourism refers to tourism initiatives that are owned by the majority and managed and operated by First People and their associates who, in turn, have connections and responsibilities towards local indigenous people and the cultural and biophysical spaces in which such operations are located. A wealth of literature supports and critiques the sustainability of cultural villages as tourist facilities. The purpose of this study was to revisit the role played by two tourist facilities in the Western Cape in the sustainable development of First People tourism as well as the fostering of an appreciation of their history and heritage. These facilities are Ratelgat Farm and !Khwa ttu San Cultural Education Centre. Ratelgat Farm was managed by the Griqua Development Trust and supported by the Government of South Africa and CapeNature, the latter being the conservation authority in the Western Cape. It is located on Route N7 close to the town of Van Rhynsdorp and offered traditional Griqua cultural experiences to visitors. During the research, it was discovered that Ratelgat Farm was no longer operational; therefore, other cultural sites were considered for comparison. The !Khwa ttu San Cultural Education Centre is located on Route R27 on the West Coast near the town of Yzerfontein and, among others, offers the following related to San Peoples: San guided nature experience, discovering the value of fynbos, visiting a replica of a traditional San village, storytelling and survival skill experiences. Access and benefit sharing (ABS) was used as the theoretical framework to assesses the contributions of the sites critically. The qualitative survey methodology underpinned the study, which largely drew on observation of participants analysing visitors’ books, and interviews with tourists and the management of the facilities, as data-gathering tools. The purpose of the study was to analyse the economic, cultural, ecological and managerial factors that might, or indeed were affecting the sustainability of San and Griqua tourism in the Western Cape as a largely western-oriented tourism destination.
Marketing ‘Africa’: Exploring colonial legacies in the contemporary tourism industry
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) De Bruycker, Britney
This study aims to examine how the African tourism industry represents itself to international tourists, by exploring the tourism industry of four African countries, i.e. South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania and Rwanda, through focusing on language and images in selected travel agency websites (including the national tourism departments). The selected countries reflect the differing nature of the colonial experience and vary in colonial histories, geographic location, and prominence in the African tourism industry. The research adopts a qualitative methodology, examining websites from different travel agencies in each African country, using a textual and visual approach. An interview with a marketer from South Africa was conducted to obtain further insight into the thinking behind the tourism campaigns. The focus was on the dilemmas faced by image makers in either perpetuating or contesting colonial stereotypes in representing South Africa to international tourists. The study found that these stereotypes, namely general stereotypes about Africa, African people and the colonial legacies, were indeed commonly found in the marketing of South Africa, Namibia and Tanzania. Rwanda differed in some key respects, as the Rwandan marketing hardly revealed any colonial legacies and perpetuated only a few stereotypes about African people. Marketers found it difficult to abandon the stereotypes due to the lack of awareness of certain stereotypes and because of marketing purposes as they play into the preconceived ideas that tourists have about African countries and its inhabitants.
Aquaponics as a viable food production alternative in the Western Cape - the role of consumer and non-consumer perceptions
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Gillion, Hazel-Ann
The global population is expanding exponentially and much population growth is taking place in urban areas. This urban population growth has been accompanied by increased pressure on the natural environment, food and water resources. Urbanisation leads to fierce contestation for land, resulting in reduced available land for agriculture, along with increased demand for food. This study analysed consumer perceptions towards aquaponic products as a means to reduce food insecurity, diversify diets and increase nutrition, while providing an alternative to traditional urban farming. This study identified barriers for acceptance of aquaponic produce, and produces a model that illustrates consumers’ willingness to accept aquaponic produce. The study implemented a mixed methodology approach. Both quantitative data, in the form of an online survey, and qualitative data with in-depth interviews, were undertaken. Quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The quantitative data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and the data presentation used simple frequencies, percentages and means. The results convey barrier factors to acceptability, which include assumptions that aquaponic farming will increase the cost of food, uncertainty about farming aquaponically, as well as high startup costs. Overall respondents were enthusiastic, and positive and showed willingness to accept a new innovative farming technology, namely aquaponics. The study yielded 108 respondents of which 75% of the respondents reacted positively to accepting aquaponic farming and produce. Consumer acceptability is important to determine the economic viability of aquaponics, as well as influence the type of aquaponic systems viable for farmers to develop. Researchers have looked to innovative solutions, such as hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaculture, vertical farming, and aquaponics to decouple from conventional farming.
Assessing the spatial variability of neglected and underutilized crop species (NUS) leaf and canopy chlorophyll content in KwaZulu-Natal smallholder farms using unmanned aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based high-throughput phenotyping
(University of thw Western Cape, 2025) Kamteni, Yola
Assessing the variability of crop chlorophyll content as an indicator of productivity is essential for optimising the production of Neglected and Underutilized crop Species (NUS) crops like as sweet potato and taro as well as establishing them among mainstream food crops. These NUS present a viable solution to address food and nutritional deficiencies in marginalised communities. Recent advancements in precision agriculture, particularly the use of drones outfitted with high-resolution sensors, have been demonstrated to offer near real-time, spatially explicit data that are invaluable for accurately monitoring and assessing crop growth dynamics at both farm and plot scales. The combined use of UAV-borne remote sensing techniques offers a platform for comprehensively understanding NUS crop productivity characteristics, which can guide operational decisions related to crop health, enabling timely remedial actions and optimising productivity. Hence, the purpose of this research was to assess the usefulness of data obtained from drones and remotely sensed data in mapping the leaf and canopy chlorophyll content of taro and sweet potato crops as a proxy for productivity. The first objective systematically reviewed existing literature on the use of earth observation data in characterising NUS productivity elements on smallholder croplands.
Mapping the changes in vegetation spatial extent within the Khayelitsha wetlands, Western Cape Province, utilizing remotely sensed data
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Bija, Nande
Urban wetlands play an important role in providing ecosystem services and supporting biodiversity as a habitat. These ecosystem services include reducing severe impacts of floods by helping slow the overland flow amongst other services. However, despite the importance of wetland ecosystems and their services, their value and role across the board, is under threat from anthropogenic, and climate change-related events. Rapid urbanization and human encroachment are the major drivers of wetland vegetation fragmentation which leads to their degradation in urban areas. To prevent further destruction of urban wetland areas, it is essential to develop robust methods for inventorying their spatial distribution, and Land Use Land Cover (LULC) types. This information is important for inform decision- making and formulation of long-term strategies for wetland conservation. In this regard, this study sought to estimate changes in the spatial extent of the Khayelitsha wetland between the years 2000 - 2023 using freely available remotely sensed data obtained from Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mappper Plus (ETM+) and Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI). By using satellite imagery and wetland fragmentation analysis techniques, this study sought to understand the patterns of wetland vegetation fragmentation during the years 2000, 2010, and 2023 as a proxy for assessing wetland degradation.
An assessment of the spatial distribution of neglected and underutilized crop species (NUS) (Taro and Sweet potatoes) using very high-resolution UAV remotely sensed data in small-holder farms of Swayimane, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Abrahams, Mishkah
This work explores the potential of neglected and underutilized crop species (NUS) in addressing agricultural, food, and nutrition security challenges exacerbated by climate change, particularly in Southern Africa. Mainstream crops like maize are adversely affected by climate variability, leading to increased insecurities. Despite the importance of NUS, limited research attention and market preference hinder their development. Additionally, there is a lack of criteria for determining their spatial extent in smallholder croplands, complicated by field fragmentation and intercropping. To overcome these challenges, this study employs unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and high-throughput phenotyping technologies for accurate mapping of NUS, specifically sweet potato and taro, in smallholder farms in the Kwazulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Three specific objectives guide the study. These were (1) to conduct a systematic review of literature on the mapping the spatial distribution and health of NUS crops in sub-Saharan Africa, (2) to evaluate the performance of three robust classifiers in mapping the spatial distribution of NUS crops based on multispectral UAV data and, (3) to assess the performance of object based image analysis (OBIA) and pixel based analysis (PBIA) techniques combined with GTB classifier in mapping and delineating the spatial distribution of NUS crops. Review of literature revealed a lack of studies in the Global South, highlighting the potential of machine learning algorithms with optimal near-infrared and red-edge vegetation indices in mapping NUS.
The place of food: A relational analysis of the food environment and sense of place in Khayelitsha
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Rhodes, Hilton
Amongst the numerous changes in contemporary (post-apartheid) South Africa are those related to reorganisation and globalisation of the food environment. Changes in the food environment are evident across the world through the global food system which has witnessed shifts in routine experiences of food procurement and types of food eaten. In South Africa, these shifts-termed the nutrition transition-coincided with the transition to democratic government in 1994. As South Africa merged back into the global food system, global food patterns began to appear in South Africa’s food environment resulting in changes in food consumption patterns and the increasing prevalence of supermarkets in low-income communities. Within this setting, there is limited research focusing on the contemporary South African food environment and how people interact with it to access food. This study seeks to fill this research gap by explore meanings of place and sense of place in connection to individuals’ interactions with their food environments in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. Adopting a qualitative research design and constructivist grounded theory, the study employed qualitative methods including photovoice and semi-structured photo elicitation interviews. These methods allowed for an in-depth exploration of the relationships between place, sense of place, and the food environment, often with a range of place-and-food relationships ranging from a sense of belonging, a sense of alienation and a sense of agency related to food sources.
Sand mining challenges in the Western Cape: The case of the Tormin Mineral Sands and Maccsand Mining and Quarrying Mines
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Pretorius, Jaydeen
Mining, as a primary extractive activity, is characterised by arguably the most environmentally destructive operations worldwide. South Africa’s mining industry, which is an important economic driver, and its environmental footprints bear testimony of such direct and indirect destruction. In the biodiversity-rich Western Cape province, which is generally far less endowed with economically mineable minerals and metal deposits compared to other provinces, mining is even more problematic. This study addressed, in a comparative way, the polemics associated with two mining operations in the Western Cape, revisiting their environmental and socio-economic desirability as well as their varying impacts. A Socio-ecological Systems (SES) approach was used to document the processes associated with environmental applications, authorisation and operations pertaining to the MaccSand Mining and Quarrying and Tormin Mineral Sands Mines that are clouded in a myriad of environmental problems. Methodologically, the study drew on a mixed methods approach, which incorporated data derived from questionnaire surveys, interviews, stakeholder engagement meetings and geographic information systems (GIS) applications. One case study focuses on the Tormin Mineral Sands Mine owned by Mineral Sand Resources (Pty) Ltd., located near Lutzville on the West Coast. The other case study focuses on MaccSand Mining and Quarrying operated by MaccSand CC, on Cape Town’s False Bay Coast.
Exploring urban residents’ perceptions of waste, litter, and clean environments in Mbekweni, Western Cape, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Steyn, Shaun
Increased waste generation and pollution in South Africa arise from multiple factors ranging from an increase in the construction of towns and cities, population increases, ever-changing consumption patterns, and economic growth. The waste which humans and other actors currently produce requires strategic management as natural environmental processes cannot break down and recycle waste materials adequately. This dissertation attempts to explore narratives and ideas of waste, litter, dumping, and what constitutes clean urban environments in a South African township. The theory of social constructionism formed the conceptual framework for this dissertation. In this regard, the study aims to retain sight of the reality of all things waste-related, but at the same time unpack the way humans ‘make’ their own reality by constructing narratives about it. This research was conducted in Mbekweni, a township near Paarl in the Western Cape of South Africa. The main data collection method was qualitative, semi-structured interviews with residents living in Mbekweni. The dissertation provides insights into waste, litter, and dumping perceptions and practices in South African townships and informal settlements. Residents argued that reasons for littering and dumping in Mbekweni included: habit, people not exercising the duty of care, as well as the lack of waste management resources.
Geografiese aspekte van rekreasie en vryetydsbesteding in Bellville-Suid
(University of the Western Cape, 1987) McPherson, E. A.
The way in which people utilize their FREE TIME [that is time left after all commitments (social and physiological) have been met] forms the Howl theme of this study. An important aspect of this theme for the geographer is the interaction between supply and demand of Recreational facilities, because determines the spatial location of facilities in urban areas. In the South African society certain factors which influence the normal interaction between supply and demand has developed which can be identified as problem. In this study the problems which exist regarding recreation and the use of free time are examined with specific reference to the people living in Bellville South, Data for the study was collected with the air of a structured questionnaire and thereafter statistically analysed with the intention of answering the following questions: What is the nature and extent of the use of free time during the day, over weekends and during vacations of the inhabitants of Bellville South? How does the politico-economic structure influence the supply? Lastly, recommendations were made with a view to alleviating the problems which have been identified. It was felt that immediate attention should be paid to shortcomings in the supply and maintenance of recreational facilities in Bellville South, while the political problems which make a meaningful utilisation of recreational facilities by everybody in South Africa impossible at the moment, should also be removed.
Spatial quantification of maize water stress using UAV-acquired data in smallholder farms of Swayimane in KwaZulu-Natal Province
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Kapari, Mpho
The most important agricultural crop in southern Africa is maize, which grows on variety of environments and serves as an essential food source for the region. Most of the maize is grown in smallholder croplands both for subsistence and commercial purposes. It is one of the two main crops that are impacted by water stress globally. Therefore, determining maize water stress is essential for the development of timely response measures to boost farming production, especially on smallholder croplands. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) furnished by multispectral devices propose a technique aimed at spatially comprehensive data suitable to defining maize water stress at the farm scale. Therefore, this thesis intended toward assessing the use of UAVs-acquired information to quantitatively enumerate maize water stress. This overarching objective was addressed by two specific objectives which were to 1) conduct a systematic literature review of remote sensing data use in determining maize water stress at a farmstead level and 2) assess UAVs acquired data and machine learning (ML) techniques utility in estimating maize Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI) as an indicator for crop water stress and 3) estimate maize water stress across different phenological stages using UAVs acquired data in smallholder croplands. Particularly, the reviews assessed the distribution of publications, the types of methods used, and the types of results obtained, identifying gaps, challenges, and limitations associated with the remote sensing use for maize crop water use in smallholder farms.
Domestic space and the performance of identity: the role of house parties in shaping sexuality and space in Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Jacobs, Andrew
The public spaces of visibility and interaction within Africa’s ‘gay capital’ of Cape Town are typically associated with attractive men, beautiful beaches, amazing social events, and a lavish lifestyle. Such spaces include clubs, bars, and high-profile events – all of which have received attention from scholars. However, few studies have interrogated the experience and role of queer social spaces in Cape Town within the domestic realm. This study focuses on house parties and their role in the performance of visibility and identity in the context of Cape Town and falls under the traditional geographical theme of social interactionism as it aims to explore how domestic space is perceived and used amongst actors of a particular social milieu. Using both ethnographic and archival methods, this research draws on the history of such social gatherings in the domestic setting while also interrogating their current use as spaces of interaction. Through a deliberate focus on queer domestic spaces, this study fills a gap in the literature on sexuality and space as it aims to explore the role that domestic social spaces play in the expression of gay male identity.
Reimagining urban public space: The impacts of urban renewal in the case of Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District in Bellville, Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Sitshi, Thoko
Cities are economic growth engines that have the ability to increase investment and employment opportunities in the urban space. They allow access to institutions and better services to its population. Because of this reason, a high number of people are moving to the city for the opportunities that cities can offer. The increase in the number of people that reside in the city without proper development of infrastructure and services may result in urban decay. This study examines the impact of urban renewal interventions in the case of the Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District (VRCID) in the Bellville Central Business District (CBD) on the formation of- and practices in public space. The study used a qualitative research approach. Eight in-depth interviews were conducted. Non-participant observation and document analysis were also used as tools to collect data. The research data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study area of Bellville forms part of the Tygerberg District strategy and has been undergoing renewal since 2012. Respondents indicated both positive and negative impacts. Findings show that urban renewal implementation in Bellville has contributed towards formal employment opportunities, and safety and security in the area have improved. However, there is a concern that urban renewal interventions are more into economic development and profit making than redevelopment. Furthermore, these interventions contribute to gentrified, financialized, and captured urban public spaces in Bellville. They have segregated the area. As a result, other spaces are considered safer than others.
Remote sensing of inundation dynamics in select coastal lakes of the Western Cape, South Africa
(Universty of the Western Cape, 2024) Thys, Charlton; Carolissen, Mandy
In Southern Africa, many semi-arid to arid parts of the region experiences water scarcity issues, exacerbated by climate variability, increasing industrialisation and urban growth. Consequently, these impacts have implications for the hydrological regimes of freshwater systems, in which decreases in rainfall and groundwater recharge further exacerbate hydrological functioning. Thus, the relevance of the remote monitoring of freshwater waterbodies using freely available satellite images and water extraction techniques has been widely demonstrated in providing valuable data and information particularly when validated by high resolution data and in situ data. This research focuses on the suitability of using remotely sensed data such as Landsat 8 Operation Land Imager (OLI) and Sentinel 2A Multispectral Imager (MSI) and various spectral water indices including the Automated Water Extraction Index (AWEI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and the Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) to monitor the inundation of freshwater coastal lakes in the Western Cape, South Africa.
Negotiating Beitbridge: The politics of mobility in cross-border trade and labour between South Africa and Zimbabwe
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Malubane, Basetsane Eulenda Mikateko; Rink, Bradley
Mobility has many meanings besides a geographical movement of people, non-human animals, capital, objects, and information. It also refers to the different practices and subjectivities of movement. This study addresses the interconnectedness of mobility dynamics with the growing nature of cross-border trading and labour migration between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Scholarship on migration and mobilities view men as the sole breadwinners of households, overlooking the role of women in providing for their household. While the literature evidences growth of women in cross-border trading, little is known about women migrating to work as domestic labourers. This study aims to highlight women's narratives of both cross-border trading and labour migration to investigate their experiences negotiating mobility regimes and temporal migration trajectories from Zimbabwe to South Africa. Using ethnographic methods, this research gathers data through participant observations and semi-structured interviews. Analysed using Creswell’s politics of mobility, findings are intended to shed light on how female cross-border traders and labourers negotiate the mobilities that move their bodies, capital, and goods across the international border between Zimbabwe and South Africa in pursuit of their livelihoods. The concept of identity, mobilities and cross-border regimes in this study sheds light on the social differentiation that female’s cross-border traders and labourers go through amongst themselves and men.
An analysis of crayfish street trading challenges in Paternoster
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Ontong, Ashlin Theo; Dyssel, Michael
Located on South Africa�s West Coast is the small-fishing and tourist village of Paternoster which is defined and characterized by unspoilt white-washed beaches and cottages that are spread out along the coast. This town has a rich culture and marine biodiversity that attracts visitors from all walks of life. Paternoster is popular for its famous crayfish which has created a bustling commercial and restaurant sector which sustains both the local and some aspects of the national restaurant and seafood economy. This picturesque town is plagued by deep class and lucid racial divides cast between the wealthy (primarily white) communities and the poor (black, i.e. mainly coloured) communities.

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