UWCScholar
This repository serves as a digital archive for the preservation of research outputs from the University of the Western Cape.
Communities in UWCScholar
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
The influence of urban agricultural ngos on food security and livelihoods in Cape Town: a comparison between Abalimi Bezekhaya and Oranjezicht city farm
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Samodien Thaakira
Urban agriculture (UA) is a multifaceted strategy with the dual purpose of enhancing food security and income generation. In the Global North, UA commonly stems from leisure, activism, community cohesion, and environmental concerns. In contrast, the Global South, particularly among urban poor communities, relies heavily on UA to meet food needs and generate income. Collaborations between governments and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in various cities are often employed to address food security and poverty, promoting resilient food cities. However, in the City of Cape Town, limited cooperation has been observed
between local government and urban agricultural NGOs. Although the literature predominantly highlights UA’s role in mitigating food insecurity and augmenting incomes, it has also been shown to deliver additional benefits and improved livelihood outcomes. These include increased human capital, social cohesion, improved health and well-being, and empowerment.
Predicting factors that influence late delivery of sports apparel products in the supply chain
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Valentine, Matthew Wayne
The study aims to determine the factors that are related to sports apparel products being delivered late. The identification of these factors will assist supply chain management (SCM) and decision-makers (DM) with an understanding of the reasons behind the late delivery of sports apparel products.
Recent work in the field has shown that the most significant factor in predicting late delivery risk, using a binomial logistic regression model, was shipping mode. However, no regularisation techniques were used due to the pre-existing significant correlation between the variables. Machine learning methods are potential modelling approaches that could be used to overcome this. Previous work has also failed to address the existing factors such as the point of origin, order destination and how this may affect the late delivery of sports apparel products. The value in understanding the contributing factors to the late delivery of the sports apparel products can assist in improving timely deliveries, improve customer retention, which in turn can increase profitability. Furthermore, if the identification of these can assist in the timeously delivery of products, the company can be associated by customers as a reputable company that delivers on time thereby increasing customer loyalty. This study will made of various big data analysis and machine learning methods to build predictive models that will assist in the identification of these factors. The decision tree model exhibited the best fit, achieving a misclassification rate of 28.49% for training data and 28.67% for validation data, along with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) index of 0.771 for training and 0.768 for validation data. They key shipping mode results indicated first and second class to be the worst performing whereas standard and same- day shipping produced better results in non-late delivery. The study identified a significant gap in the literature regarding the impact of shipping modes, order origin, and destination on the late delivery of sports apparel products. The findings provide insights for businesses, logistics providers, and policymakers aiming to optimise their SCM. By focusing on high-risk regions and seasons, stakeholders can anticipate and mitigate late delivery issues, improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The limitation is the focus on sports apparel meaning the findings may not apply to other types of apparel or industries facing delivery delays. Addressing this limitation using empirical data could improve the analysis in future studies.
An investigation into the attitudes and opinions of traditional healers from Makhaza, Khayelitsha regarding collaboration with healthcare practitioners who use western medical methodologies
(Univeristy of the Western Cape, 2024) Ganya, Babalwa
African traditional medicines play an important role in addressing the health needs of African populations. Research has shown that 80% of South Africans use African traditional medicines and the services of African traditional healers (Mendu and Ross, 2019; Akpa-Inyang et al., 2022, p.2). This qualitative study investigated the attitudes and opinions of African traditional healers from Makhaza, Khayelitsha regarding collaboration with healthcare practitioners who use western medical methodologies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten (10) African traditional healers recruited through snowball sampling. The data was manually transcribed and analysed through thematic analysis. Ethics approval was sought from the Humanities and Social Science Research Ethics Committee at the University of the Western Cape, and permission was granted by the respective African traditional healers. Participants were informed and assured that pseudonyms and not their real names would be used, confidentiality was assured, and their participation was voluntary. Informed consent and an information sheet were provided. The study is grounded in the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) theoretical framework, which recognises the importance of African traditional knowledge and practices in addressing the health needs of African communities. The study's findings indicated that African traditional healers knew there was no formal collaboration or working relationship with health care practitioners. The findings also indicated that African traditional healers were open to the idea of collaboration as the benefits to a patient were emphasised. Mutual respect and acknowledgement were seen as an important part of collaboration. The findings of the study also suggested that African traditional healers should be recognised and acknowledged as important healthcare providers. The study is prompted and influenced by the socio economic disparities and inequities of the healthcare system. The study contributes to the growing body of decolonial scholarship as it relates to healthcare in Africa. The study tries to amplify the experiences and knowledge of the African healing system. The study also acknowledges that it only looked at a one-sided perspective, which is that of African traditional healers and not the views of healthcare practitioners who use western medical methodologies
Conundrums of food governance in South African metropoles
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Kroll, Florian
This thesis reflects on the discourse and practice of urban food governance in the city of Cape Town, considered from the point of view of a Foucauldian analysis of deliberative statecraft. The focus is on the ways in which metropolitan governments have tried to make food systems visible and galvanise strategic intent to govern them. Food systems governance discourse (FSGD) lies at the heart of these efforts. It interprets food systems issues as a wicked problem requiring adaptive governance. How does food systems problematisation inform governmental institutions, policies and rationalities? What are the resulting limitations and affordances of FSGD? To explore these questions, it distils insights from five papers. The first paper, “Mapping obesogenic food environments in South Africa and Ghana: Correlations and Contradictions” (Kroll et al 2019), considers a spatial strategy to problematise food environments. This reveals that, in Khayelitsha, formal shopping centres present problematic food environments, while street traders make healthier options more accessible. Although the key role of poverty highlights the need for interventions beyond food systems, the paper argues that food environments are an appropriate target for governance. Legibilising foodscapes promotes coherent institutional agendas, enabling the state to apply spatial governance instruments to food issues. In the second paper, “Digital storytelling for policy impact: perspectives from co-producing knowledge for food system governance in South Africa” (Adelle, Black and Kroll 2022) the focus of problematization is on how vulnerable people unfold agency in adverse food environments. The paper recounts an intervention that includes actor perspectives in deliberative processes. We argue that participants’ stories impact governance actors’ subjectivities, deepening their understanding and supporting shared agenda-setting. “Agroecology and the metropolitan biopolitics of food in Cape Town and Johannesburg” (Kroll 2021) explores state capabilities to promote agro-ecological transitions. It finds poor alignment between the rationalities and institutions of government and ‘deep, just transition’. However, the presence of sympathetic officials presents opportunities for alliances to reorient instruments of government. The paper argues for persistent strategic engagement between officials and agro-ecological proponents.
Business models: obstructer or driver of early-stage entrepreneurial businesses in the west-coast district municipality, south africa? a model for change.
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Grosch, Reiner
Entrepreneurs operating in rural and emerging economy contexts often encounter acute structural and contextual constraints that limit their ability to build sustainable ventures. Early-stage businesses, in particular, struggle with resource scarcity, limited managerial capacity, and weak integration into broader market and institutional ecosystems. This study investigates how business models function as either enablers or constraints to entrepreneurial development in such settings, focusing on early-stage ventures within the West Coast District Municipality of the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Employing an exploratory qualitative design, the research draws on data from in-depth interviews with sixteen purposefully selected entrepreneurs, supplemented by company documents. Thematic and cross-case analysis, conducted with ATLAS.ti 24, reveals that gaps in skills, particularly in planning strategies, financial management, and network building, hinder the growth and utilisation of business models. Furthermore, deficiencies in scanning and interpreting external environmental factors, including competitive dynamics, market opportunities, and regulatory frameworks, exacerbate these challenges. Despite these barriers, the findings highlight the role of dynamic capabilities. Adaptability, a learning orientation, and resilient entrepreneurial mindsets play a crucial role in facilitating the innovation of business models and their alignment with challenging circumstances. The study contributes to the literature by positioning business models not only as structural tools but also as dynamic processes contingent on both internal competencies and environmental awareness. Policy and practice implications underscore the need for programs that develop skills—such as mentoring, strategic management training, and digital skills development—to support business models in areas with limited resources for entrepreneurs.