Department of Development Studies

Permanent URI for this communityhttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11837/349

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Transforming Human Resources for the Reconstruction and Development of Society in South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2001) Stofile, S.N.
For the first time in South Africa's history, a government has the mandate to plan the development of the Further Education and Training system, which is a band that bridges General Education, that is, from grade one to grade twelve and the Higher Education band that is beyond grade twelve, for the benefit of the country as a whole and all its people. The challenge the government faces is to create a Further Education and Training system that will fulfill the vision to "open the doors of learning and culture to all in order to empower the people of South Africa in all facets of life.
The District Development Planning Process in Bikita, Zimbabwe
(University of Fort Hare, 2003) Mutema, Jealousy
The establishment of Rural District Councils as basic development planning and administration units was intended to alleviate poverty in the Council areas by mobilizing local potentials to solve development problems. It was also expected to make the development of the country broad-based and more participatory in decision-making and therefore take cognizance of people's felt needs. This study evaluates the district development planning process in Bikita, Zimbabwe. The evaluation was done through a month of observation, interviews and content analysis of Bikita Rural District Council's planning documents
Gender and Employment in Post-Independence Zimbabwe
(University of Fort Hare, 2003) Ncube, Moreblessings
The study is premised on the basis that in the Zimbabwean labour market there is occupational discrimination among men and women. The labour market reveals that men and women are employed in different occupations, where women are concentrated in the administrative and clerical jobs, while men represent the executive . and managerial jobs. It is therefore necessary to understand the contemporary situation of the employment status historically, hence the study analyses the precolonial, colonial and post-colonial periods of Zimbabwean history. Although women have made considerable inroads into executive and managerial jobs, the rate is not convincing enough considering that women constitute more that 52% of the population. Women still do not have equal influence in political and decision-making bodies as well as in education. They continue to be marginalised in the economy and in the enjoyment of legal and human rights.
Social policy and the urban poor: an examination of the urban housing policy and its implications on the low-income earners of Harare municipality in Zimbabwe
(University of Fort Hare, 2003-11) Moyo, Wisdom
Housing plays a very crucial role in the lives of the people and it therefore important for authorities to put considerable effort to provide housing to those in need of them. The city of Harare has been experiencing the problem of housing for a considerable period of time. This has seen a number of urban housing policies being implemented but all these past policies could not avert the shortage of housing. Instead the demand for housing especially among low-income earners has been rising sharply.
Citizenship, Gender and Development in Zimbabwe
(University of Fort Hare, 2004) Ndlovu, Octavia
This study focuses on gender and development in relation to the notion of citizenship. It is an inquiry into the position that is occupied by both men and women in the society based on their gender status. It is argued that citizenship does not merely mean the voting rights of people but goes further to include issues of participation, representation and access to resources by citizens who differ in various aspects. The existing power structure in Zimbabwe has kept women in marginalized positions in social, political and economic aspects of their lives. Women continue to be treated as second-class citizens in comparison to their male counterparts.
Land reform and Black Farmers in Zimbabwe: a Study on Policy Visions and Historical Realities
(University of Fort Hare, 2004) Mupaganda, H.
The economy of Zimbabwe depends on a stable agrarian growth. Agriculture contributes 11-14% of the country's GDP and contributes 33% of formal employment. On independence the Government of Zimbabwe inherited a skewed distribution of land, which favoured the white minority farmers. This necessitated a land reform programme. In addition to bringing about more equitable distribution of land, the land reform programme has the objective of ensuring a more efficient and rational structure of farming and natural resources, utilisation and higher labour absorption, which would reduce rural poverty. This study attempted to capture the realities of black farmers in Zimbabwe since the land reform programme using as a case study the Karoi district. The aim of the study was mainly to examine the extent to which black fanners have been able to access markets, credit facilities and infrastructure and also to investigate some of the problems these farmers encounter since land reform. Survey methods in the form of interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data for the study. The results show that the farmers have now adopted a market orientated type of farming. However they experience problems in credit, storage facilities and credit loans and, inputs that affect their farm productivity.
An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Community Development Strategy on Poverty Alleviation in Zimbabwe
(University of Fort Hare, 2007) Chadoka, Rumbidzai
The major objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of community development projects in addressing poverty in Zimbabwe. In order to make this assessment an evaluation of Nyandoro community project was undertaken to find out if they have managed to create employment, increase consumption and increase the incomes Ievels of the majority of the population within these communities as it was the intention of government. The second goal of the state for these projects was to bring equity among the citizens by empowering and promoting people's participation in decision making and to reverse the years of deprivation and neglect of the poor. Therefore this study also made an assessment of the extent to which these objectives of the government have been accomplished. The research investigates the factors hampering the upliftment of the Iivelihoods of the poor through community development projects. For this study qualitative and quantitative methodology paradigms were employed. Qualitative research is one of the two major approaches to research methodology in social sciences. The qualitative perspective can give the researcher the inside view of the informants and can give the researcher a chance to probe for more information. Simply put, it investigates the why and how of decision making, as compared to what, where, and when. WhiIst on the other hand quantitative is deductive and will comprise of structured questions to eliminate researchers influence (Creswell, 1994:174). These two l perspectives complement each other and their convergence will increase confidence that what is being targeted is being accurately captured since any bias will be neutralised through the utilization of structured questions.
An investigation into public works programmes as a poverty reduction strategy for rural Zimbabwe: a study on Gutu district
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Zindoga, Blessing Josiah
has taken charge in most developing countries, unfavourable to the wellbeing of the less economically advantaged populations. Seemingly, Zimbabwe is not an exception to this development. Increasing concerns have been expressed about the effects of the several interventions aimed at poverty reduction in Zimbabwe, both from within and outside the country. The programmes and projects that have been devised to address poverty nationally and at local levels since 1980 have allocated vast amounts of resources and funding to different projects and initiatives. The nature of these initiatives have not demonstrated huge and resounding successes mostly because there have been serious shortcomings in their conceptualisation and implementation. Based on the social development theory that believes that the human being should be the centre of development, this paper conceived poverty as deprivation of means of securing necessities in life. This research focused on assessing why the contribution of Food-for-work and Cash-for-work (public works) programmes towards reducing vulnerability of households to the problems of food deprivation, unemployment, and social exclusion in making important decisions in life has not produced resounding results. This dissertation provides answers the problem and sub-questions based on both quantitative and qualitative data collected from a focus group discussion and a household questionnaire survey carried out in July-August 2008. From the discussions held it was established that, poverty in the Gutu District is strongly linked to a failure of productive agriculture and exclusion from formal or urban wage employment. The main conclusions are that the public works programme has neither brought all the benefits its proponents
Traditional Authorities and Social Development in South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Adom, Alex, Yaw
Traditional leadership was the cornerstone of sociopolitical development in pre—colonial South Africa. However, with the arrival of the colonialists in Africa, this important institution became corrupt. The colonial administrators destabilized what traditional administration stood for and made use of native leaders as tools of colonial administration. In post 1994 however, leaders of South Africa have gone all out to revive traditional leadership in South Africa. It is based on the foregoing discussion that this study seeks to investigate traditional authorities and social development in South Africa. The focus is to interrogate whether the ANC-led govemment’s decisions to resuscitate native institutions in South Africa can help promote development.
Critiquing the viability of a trade biased approach to regional integration in Southern Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Chipendo, Kudakwashe
Africa’s international marginalization is preponderantly conceptualized through world systems approaches, particularly structural dependency. Consequently, the region’s socioeconomic quagmire, characterized by economic stagnation, abysmal poverty, inequality and foreign dependency, is often attributed to its colonial heritage. Particular reference is made to the small size of the African state and its structural specialization in primary production. Collective self reliance based on mutual interdependence (regional integration) thus suggests itself as a logical way to overcome the structural constraints imposed by the small size of the state, while at the same time representing a viable alternative to asymmetric trade with developed countries. It is within the context of this theoretical framework that this study critiques the predisposition of the regional body in Southern Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), towards a trade biased approach to regional integration (market integration). This critique is based on theoretical and empirical findings showing that trade led strategies are primarily suited for developed countries with robust manufacturing industries and complimentary production structures. Countries in Southern Africa are however characterized by a near absence of manufacturing industries, are at different levels of development and show low levels of trade complementarities. This study therefore concludes that market integration is an inappropriate strategy for regional integration in Southern Africa and in the process suggests development integration – a political economy approach, as an alternative.
An evaluation of the role of local economic development in promoting infrastructural development: a case study King Sabata Dalindyebo local municipality
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Mbontsi, Nandipha Siphokazi
This study examines Local Economic Development intervention strategies in relation to promoting infrastructural development with specific reference to roads as one of the vital interventions for alleviating poverty in the KSD Municipality. The study sought to evaluate the impact of the deteriorated condition of roads on the growth of economic activity and community development, the understanding of LED by both the Council and the officials, and also to evaluate LED approach on infrastructural development for poverty alleviation. The study reveals that the municipality does not understand the concept of LED as a result this has caused blockages and impediments in terms of implementing the program in the municipality. Though there are some successes achieved through the construction of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Stadium, there are key constraints related to shortages of funds, staff, skills and resources. The study has established that LED is not living up to expectations in the area, there seems to be confusion regarding its definition and application. Furthermore, there is a confusion regarding the purpose of LED whether it is purely about poverty alleviation or whether LED it is about encouraging economic growth. Ideally it should be about the combination of the two. LED clearly has a critical role to play in terms of considerations of poverty alleviation in terms of addressing development backlogs and promoting sustainable economic growth. In order to achieve this, there is a need to establish a permanent LED facilitation and support unit. The need to identify key intervention strategies, for example, the Expanded Public Works Program which aims at identifying labor-intensive and community construction methods. In order to achieve this the study details a number of key recommendations which are mentioned below: The need to properly define LED and its goals, also to align LED with business and market realities. There should be adequate and appropriate training of officials, adequate funding and ensuring accountability. Active encouragement of local leaders, local level forums and partnerships and close co-operation with beneficiaries should be encouraged. It is also vital to establish LED units and development agencies at local level to drive LED process. It is also important for the municipality to encourage economically viable projects which meet poverty and growth requirements and which can also encourage SMME development.
The Challenges of Policy Implication of the South African Water Policy in the Rural Villages of the Eastern Cape Province: The case of Amathole District Municipality
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Mgwali.V.V
This study has investigated the question of capacity building of the Amathole District Municipality to provide sufficient quantities of water as stated in the White Paper. This includes the village committees in the operation and maintenance of the water projects. According to the Water Service Act 108 Of 1997 a village water committee may set conditions, including tariffs consistent with this Act, for the provision of water services. It may subject to section 4, limit or discontinue water service to a consumer.
Informal cross – border trade: a review of its impact on household poverty reduction (Zimbabwe)
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Chani, Chivimbiso
This study endeavors to explore the value of informal cross-border trade to household poverty reduction. Informal cross-border trade has become a panacea to most Zimbabweans both employed and unemployed in the middle of the socio-economic crisis which has eroded the standards of living in Zimbabwe. This study is an eye opener to those who view informal cross-border trade as merely a survival strategy. It explores the efficacy of informal cross-border trade as a poverty reduction strategy looking at its viability and sustainability despite criticism by many people who associate informal cross-border trade with all kinds of negativity. It thrusts forward the agenda of participatory poverty reduction agenda within a nexus of partnerships and relationships between the government, non-governmental organization, institutions and families. Informal cross-border traders have maneuvered their way out of the chains and shackles of poverty even though it has been tough due to many obstacles from different angles. They have helped to distribute the scarce goods and products in Zimbabwe as a consequent of the socio-economic crisis. If they are given a better platform they can perform much better than they are getting at present. Thus this study advocates the forging of networks between various stakeholders in both the formal and informal sector in order to fight against poverty.
The Role PF Non Governmental Organisations in Substainable Local Economic Development: Case of South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Moyo, Elisa
The failures of successive generations of imported western development strategies and projects to deliver meaningful reductions in poverty and achieve basic needs in Africa have provoked a deep questioning of Western concept of development. This stems from the fact that the state in most cases has failed especially on service delivery to cater for the well being of its people. Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and development practitioners are now increasingly focusing their attention on strategies which build upon local knowledge, skills and resources whereby the concept of self-reliance and local economic development are examined in the context of development challenges which face Africa. There are however a lot of negative perceptions, however, surrounding the whole issue of NGOs role in development, for instance, the issue of funding from external donors which makes them sometimes to pursue the interests of doors.
An assessment of the child support grant as a poverty alleviation intervention in South Africa: the case of Mdantsane Township in the Eastern Cape
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Mase, Blossom Bukelwa
There were different kinds of imbalances that were created by the past regime in which race and colour were determining factors in terms of access to state welfare. The State Maintance Grant was one of the state welfare interventions where African women did not even know how or where to access the grant. When the Child Support Grant was introduced in 1998 it gave hope to the vulnerable section of the society, the children. The CSG is one of the poverty alleviation programs introduced by the government to target the poverty stricken children of South Africa. This is a means tested program which not all children are to benefit but a certain portion of the society. There are special conditions attached to the grant which require to be fulfilled. These conditions require the child to be fed, clothed, immunized, school needs be paid, and have proper accommodation. This study made use of the Mdantsane Township which is 25 km away from East London city centre as a case study to determine whether the CSG has managed to achieve its objective of relieving poverty among children, given the conditions of poverty and unemployment in Mdantsane. The findings of this study indicate that the people of Mdantsane are still in poverty and the most affected sections remain the children. The respondents indicate that the people are unemployed as a result the CSG seems to be the source of livelihood in these households leaving the children at a disadvantage as the grant is intended for their own needs. Therefore there is a need to investigate whether the CSG has any impact on the lives of these children. Also since Eastern Cape is known to be one of the poorest provinces, it is important to investigate whether the CSG has become the source of livelihood in some households.
Local Economic Development Initiatives as an Intervention Measure for Rural Development: A Case of the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape in South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2008-03) Dapira, Clarah
The demise of apartheid in the early 1990s has left South Africa with an indelible social and economic legacy which is characterised by racial division, discrimination‚ high unemployment and poverty rates. These developmental challenges are more pronounced among the previously disadvantaged communities especially in provinces that host the former homelands. Though it can be argued that the new democratic government has made tremendous strides in its first decade but‚ continuing poverty, and inequality tends to undermine these gains, some even sees it as a crisis and perhaps as a threat to survival (Cousin, 2004). Faced by this development impasse, the democratic government has adopted various development endeavours in an attempt to address issues of social and economic development. Among the various efforts being experimented with by the state and non-governmental organisations to bring about social and economic development in South Africa's rural-urban landscape or within the previously disadvantaged communities is Local Economic Development (LED).
The Efficacy of Education Decentralisation Policy in Zimbabwe: A case of Kadoma District
(University of Fort Hare, 2008-11) Mupindu, Wiseman
The study focused on the efficacy of the democratic education decentralization policy implementation of the four schools of Kadoma District in Zimbabwe. The thesis reviewed literature and discussed the concept of the democratic education decentralization policy implementation and how this has been practiced in Zimbabwe. The theoretical basis of democratic education decentralization policies were outlined and the argument for and against the policy discussed.
Informal Cross - Border Trade : A Review of its Impacts on Household Poverty Reduction (Zimbabwe).
(University of Fort Hare, 2008-11) Chani, Chivimbiso
This study endeavors to explore the value of informal cross-border trade to household poverty reduction. Informal cross-border trade has become a panacea to most Zimbabweans both employed and unemployed in the middle of the socio-economic crisis which has eroded the standards of living in Zimbabwe. This study is an eye opener to those who view informal cross-border trade as merely a survival strategy. It explores the efficacy of informal cross border trade as a poverty reduction strategy looking at its viability and sustainability despite criticism by many people who associate informal cross-border trade with all kinds of negativity. It thrusts forward the agenda of participatory poverty reduction agenda within a nexus of partnerships and relationships between the government, non-governmental organization, institutions and families.
Critiquing the Viability of a Trade Biased Approach to Regional Integration in Southern Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2008-12) Chipendo, Kudakwashe
Africa’s international marginalization is preponderantly conceptualized through world systems approaches, particularly structural dependency. Consequently, the region’s socioeconomic quagmire‚ characterized by economic Stagnation, abysmal poverty, inequality and foreign dependency, is often attributed to its colonial heritage. Particular reference is made to the small size of the African state and its structural specialization in primary production. Collective self reliance based on mutual interdependence (regional integration) thus suggests itself as a logical way to overcome the structural constraints imposed by the small size of the state, while at the same time representing a viable alternative to asymmetric trade with developed countries. It is within the context of this theoretical framework that this study critiques the predisposition of the regional body in . Southern Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), towards a A trade biased approach to regional integration (market integration). This critique is based on theoretical and empirical findings showing that trade led strategies are primarily suited for developed countries with robust manufacturing industries and complimentary e production structures. Countries in Southern Africa are however characterized by a near absence of manufacturing industries, are at different levels of development and show low levels of trade complementarities. This study therefore concludes that market integration i is an inappropriate strategy for regional integration in Southern Africa and in the process suggests development integration — a political economy approach, as an alternative.
Rethinking water service delivery system in Zimbabwe: a case study of Kwekwe municipality
(University of Fort Hare, 2010) Mupindu, Wiseman;
This study examines the perceived scarcity of household water service delivery in the city of Kwekwe under the Midlands province of Zimbabwe. Kwekwe Municipality appears to be characterized by an erratic supply of clean water for household use. The city of Kwekwe has experienced an unreliable domestic water service delivery system since the beginning of this millennium. This study aims to investigate the causes of the problem, its extent, impact and what could be done to mitigate the problem. The study employs interviews, questionnaires, observations and document analyses to establish that population growth, ageing equipment, a lack of foreign currency and local funding, as well as a lack of expertise and of political will have contributed to the poor domestic water supply in the city of Kwekwe. The city of Kwekwe needs to commit itself to improving the current situation by involving the community, constructing more storage facilities, and by putting monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in place. The research design took the form of a case study of Kwekwe Municipality. A mixture of qualitative and quantitative research designs were used in this study. The qualitative/interpretivist approach was more dominant, allowing some overlapping with the quantitative/positivist paradigm whenever this was considered reasonable. The study sample consisted of a conveniently assembled sample of 120 respondents. The target population for the study comprised of 110 residents of Kwekwe urban and 10 Kwekwe City Municipality Water Authorities from the Works Department. This study focuses on the 4 residential areas of Kwekwe Municipality. The data collection instruments include questionnaires and focus group interviews. Electronically recorded, in-depth interviews were held with the water authorities and the consumers to establish their perceptions on the best practice of the water service delivery system in Zimbabwe. The data collection tools contained a preliminary section on the biological data of the respondents. All data was subjected to either qualitative or quantitative analysis techniques in order to strike a balance between the structured survey instruments and the anecdotes of the respondents. Quantitative data was analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data was subjected to document analysis which entailed classifying the data, extracting themes, identifying patterns, tallying and quantifying responses and making generalizations out of these patterns. This implies that the research methodology focused on the method, tools and techniques used to assist in achieving the objectives of the study and answering the research questions that the research seeks to address. The term research methodology is used, in this study, to refer to the philosophical assumptions, values, and theories which inform and underpin the way in which a particular research method is used. In this study, the case study research design was used as the operational framework for data gathering. The case study research method is essentially grounded in the interpretive research paradigm. To this end, the study sought the perceptions of both the consumers and the water authorities. The major finding of the study is that the ability of Kwekwe Municipality to provide household water service delivery to its consumers is slightly below average. However, there was a slight improvement in the household water service delivery but consumers are still remaining dissatisfied. Another finding, related to this one, was that the electricity deficiency cost the efficacy of Kwekwe Municipality in its provision of household water service delivery. The study proposes that more studies which seek to interrogate the domestic water service delivery system of the Zimbabwean Municipalities should be embarked upon by the state. The study also recommends that service delivery training programmes be implemented in order to enhance the competence of the water authorities. Furthermore, the study suggests that consumers be placed at the center of household water debates when policies, rules and regulations of the water service delivery system are formulated. Finally, the study implores that municipalities need to have their own reserves and generators for emergency cases during electricity power cuts. It is imperative that the water reservoirs constantly hold 4 days‟ worth of water capacity. The municipality of Kwekwe must refurbish the entire water reticulation system. Municipalities must carry out an audit of water meter readings and also confirm that all water meters are functional. Manpower to read the correct meter reading should be increased in number and must have reliable transport.

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