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Exploring the contribution of tourism to community development in Mnquma Municipality
(University of Fort Hare, 2025-08) Mdlungu, Andisiwe; Monyai, P B
This study, titled "Exploring the Contribution of Tourism to Community Development in Mnquma Municipality," investigates the relationship between tourism and community development in a rural South African context. The research adopted a qualitative approach, conducting an interpretive case study that involved purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews with 9 participants. The study is structured around the main objective of exploring the contribution of tourism to community development. The research applied a critical theory and Social Exchange Theory (SET) as the theoretical framework. The findings of the study revealed that inadequate infrastructure, particularly poorly maintained roads and dilapidated amenities, significantly hampered the development of tourism in Mnquma Municipality. This has a direct negative impact on tourists’ accessibility and local businesses. Another key finding is insufficient community involvement in tourism activities in their area. As a result, they may lack sufficient appreciation of historical sites which can attract tourists, develop the tourism industry, and create jobs for the local community members. Additionally, the study found institutional and structural barriers, such as inconsistent policies and insufficient funding, which collectively hinder the sustainability of tourism in the Mnquma Municipality area. Despite these challenges, the study found several positive initiatives that can enhance the role of tourism in community development. The municipality recognizes the importance of improving infrastructure, with ongoing efforts to upgrade roads and facilities, particularly those leading to coastal and heritage sites. This reflects a commitment to supporting tourism. Moreover, the municipality actively promotes cultural heritage through initiatives such as tourism awareness campaigns and the use of large television screens to display tourism information, helping to preserve Mnquma’s unique cultural and historical assets. Efforts are also being made to engage local businesses and other local organisations by inviting them to participate in exhibitions and other business events, thereby creating economic opportunities. Furthermore, the study found that hosting entertainment events featuring artists from outside of Mnquma Municipality are and rotating events locations across Mnquma’s tourist sites has the potential to attract more visitors and generate community benefits. This study underscored that while tourism faces significant challenges, the initiatives already in place provide a strong foundation for growth, positioning Mnquma to harness the full potential of tourism for community development.
Indigenization of church musib in the presbyterian synods of blantyre and livingstonia in Malawi from the time of the Scottish missionaries to the present day
(University of Fort Hare, 2013) Kadango, Lazarous Daniel
The study explores the indigenization of Church Music in the Presbyterian Synods of Blantyre and Livingstonia in Malawi from the time of the Scottish Missionaries to the present day. It focuses on the developments that have taken place over the period from 19th to the 21st centuries, especially after the Scottish Missionaries handed over the power to the local leadership. This research investigates the possibilities of the musical cross-over from Lovedale Mission in South Africa to the Blantyre and Livingstonia Missions in Malawi and analyzes its influence on these two synods towards the composition of their own indigenous music. The study further discusses the possible ways how the Presbyterian Synods can come up with a complete indigenous hymnody as highlighted in the problem statement. This thesis is in form of six chapters, a bibliography, seven appendices and an accompanying DVD. Chapter One introduces the problem statement, objectives and the significance of the study. Chapter Two reviews literature on the history of Presbyterianism, the spread of Christianity and its impact to the people of Malawi. Chapter Three explores factors which influenced the indigenization of church music in the Presbyterian Synods of Blantyre and Livingstonia. Chapter Four discusses the Ngoni composers and analyzes some of their compositions. Chapter 5 outlines the musical developments which have taken in the synods of Blantyre and Livingstonia over the period of 19th to 21st century. Chapter Six concludes the study with a summary of findings and recommendations.
Family disconnection and lack of belonging as a contributor to adolescent substance abuse
(University of Fort Hare, 2013-12) Beaumont, Samantha
Adolescence, the family, sense of belonging and substance abuse, are areas of discussion that can contribute to a compilation of knowledge. When integrated, these areas can be correlated and analysed with the purpose of evolving towards a fully functioning society. This study added to the knowledge base and contributes to the empowerment of families in dealing with adolescent substance abuse. Fifteen adolescents, who have or who are using cannabis, participated in this exploratory descriptive study. These participants were chosen as a result of completing a drug awareness program through a non-governmental organisation called NICRO (National Institute for Crime prevention and Reintegration of Offenders). Their thoughts, feelings and experiences were explored with regards to their substance use in relation to their sense of belonging and disconnection within their family environment. This allowed the researcher and the participants to explore whether feelings of belonging and disconnection within the family contributed to adolescent cannabis abuse. The major findings related to this study included: the waterpipe; sense of belonging and disconnection; the family's response to adolescent substance abuse; quality family time; substance use as a coping mechanism; the development of a 'don't care' attitude; and family attributes concerning structure and substance abuse. These seven major findings emerged as a result of this research study.
Effect of intercropping maize and sunn hemp at different times and stand densities on soil properties and crop yield under in‑field rainwater harvesting (IRWH) tillage in semi‑arid South Africa
(Springer, 2024-05-02) Dzvene, Admire R.; Gura, Isaac; Tesfuhuney, Weldemichael; Walker, Sue; Ceronio, Gert; Yu, R-P.
Background
Evidence suggests that manipulating intercropping timing and stand density within intercropping systems could enhance crop yields. However, our current understanding of the effects of intercropping a cover crop on soil chemical properties and moisture still needs to be improved. This study investigates the effects of intercropping sunn hemp with maize at different timings and stand densities on selected soil properties and crop yield.
Materials and methods
A split-plot experiment was conducted under the in-field rainwater harvesting (IRWH) tillage. The trial had three intercropping times (simultaneously with maize planting, at V15 maize growth stage, and R1 maize growth stage) as the main plot factors and three stand densities (16, 32, and 48 plants m−2) as the subplot factors, with three replicates for both the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons. Changes in soil properties were assessed within the uppermost layer (0-30 cm). Soil moisture content was continuously monitored throughout the growing season and specific soil chemical properties were analyzed at harvest.
Results
The results showed that the interaction of sunn hemp intercropping period and stand densities did not significantly influence most of the measured soil properties. The early planting of sunn hemp had significantly 32.4% higher soil organic matter (SOM) than the last planting date at low stand density. After two growing seasons SOM, nitrogen, potassium, and manganese were significantly enhanced by 39.7%, 19.0%, 21% and 60.6% respectively. However, during the same period calcium, sodium and iron were significantly reduced by 13.4%, 46.1% and 78.0% respectively. The management of sunn hemp crop had significant effect on maize grain yield across the two seasons. The maize yields in the medium and high stand densities in the first season were significantly 15.3% and 34.3% higher than in the second season, respectively.
Conclusion
Due to the intercropping treatments, the retention of sunn hemp residues with varying quantities and qualities may have influenced the soil nutrient dynamics in the short-term. Significant changes in soil chemical properties and yield may need more time, and future research should be conducted out in agricultural regions with different soil mineral matrices.
An assessment of government response to domestic violence
(University of Fort Hare, 2014-01) Ngonyama, Neliswa Joyce
Any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering for women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivations of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life is tantamount to gender-based violence. Research had been done on government response to domestic violence and
the need for more research is there. The Bhisho area includes a semi-rural setting, rural villages, farms and a township. The economic trend ranges from employed to unemployed people.