Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Development

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http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11837/518

The Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Development collection provides access to the scholarly and research contributions of staff and students. This collection includes theses and dissertations, research publications, conference papers, and examination question papers. The Department brings together the social sciences to examine human societies, cultures, and development, integrating anthropology, sociology, and development studies with a focus on urbanisation and human settlements. It prepares students to address issues of social inequality, development, and housing in both rural and urban contexts. By preserving and sharing these resources, the collection supports teaching, learning, and research while fostering critical inquiry, social awareness, and community engagement.

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Academic-faculty environment and graduate employability: variation of work-readiness perceptions
(Elsevier, 2022) Chigbu, Bianca Ifeoma; Nekhwevha, Fhulu H.
Graduates with a high level of competence can cope better with the disequilibria triggered by events such as shifting labor processes and job transitions. This study examined the relationship between prospective graduates' perceived job preparedness and the university's role in preparing students for the workforce. A sample of 335 South African university students was used. We discovered that skill inequalities vary greatly between faculties. Collegiate skill preparation of students for the workplace can explain the disparities in graduate skill development and recruitment opportunities. Universities and their faculties must reimagine themselves as the primary drivers of graduate skill development and expand pipelines for the most vulnerable prospective graduates to contribute to global skills need.
Advanced Language and General Literature: ECL 310, Supplementary Examinations June 2025
(University of Fort Hare, 2025-06) Moran, S.; Zhou, S.; Mkhize, J.; Kirton-Els, T.; Blatchford, M.; Uwah, C.; Klu, E.K.
Anthropological Schools of Thought and Introduction to Fieldwork: ANT 311, Degree Examinations June 2023
(University of Fort Hare, 2023-06) Komanisi, M.P.; Zondi, L.P.
Assessing risk perceptions, vulnerability and asset adaptation in the context of climate change : a study of peri-urban and rural East London and Port Elizabeth, South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Apraku, Amos
This study examined climate change risk perceptions, vulnerability and the significance of assets‘ in climate change mitigation and adaptation in rural and peri-urban Eastern Cape, South Africa. It assessed the levels of local climate change awareness and how such awareness was articulated in local discourses, analysed actual risks (and awareness thereof) against those predicted by relevant statutory agencies, and examined the extent to which local residents drew on local knowledge, culture‘and traditional practices (amongst other assets‘) to mitigate their vulnerability and adapt to adverse climatic changes. The study was conceptualised against the background that most climate change risk and vulnerability studies adopt a global‘ and continental‘ focus and ignore localised variations and specificities – which makes it impossible to craft local climate change impact mitigation strategies that make sense. From survey, interview, focus group and observational data, the study found low levels of local awareness about climate change and its associated risks. It revealed that local residents blamed climate change-related phenomena on gods, spirits and other mystical forces. Agriculture, water resources, human settlements, health, ecosystems and biodiversity were found to be the most affected by climate change. A crucial finding was that, besides economic and other class-based assets, indigenous/local knowledge (ideational assets‘) played an important role in the ways local residents adapted themselves to – and in some ways curbed - the adverse impacts of climate change. The study concluded from these findings that households and communities have different degrees of vulnerability to climate change, depending on awareness levels and degrees of access to specific assets‘. However, in the main, climate change impacts in the communities were potentially curbed by culture, with indigenous/local knowledge and related ideational assets being the main index of adaptation and weapon against disastrous impacts. The study extends current knowledge on the significance and contribution of indigenous knowledge systems to climate change impact mitigation and adaptation, particularly in Africa, and demonstrates how local knowledge can contribute to global‘understanding of one of today‘s critical environmental challenges.
Between skills development and skills protectionism: The discourse and practice of skills development in the Nigerian multinational corporate sector
(University if Fort Hare, 2016) Jiboku, Joseph. Olutoyin
Against the backdrop of arguments regarding the role of multinational corporations (MNCs) as custodians of modern skills and technology and as agents of socioeconomic transformation in developing countries, especially through training and human resource development, this study examined specific claims in this regard in• the Nigerian context. Specifically, the study examined how skills development strategies in selected MNCs in Nigeria reflected, or failed to reflect, the "prescriptions" and "idealisations" about national human capital formation as gleaned from the dominant discourses in the country's official manpower agencies, organised labour and organised private sector. Were there, for instance, specific MNC skills development strategies that potentially could undermine the notion of MNCs as "agents of socio-economic development"? Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from three MNC subsidiaries in Nigeria (Lafarge Cement Wapco, Unilever and MTN Communication), and from relevant national manpower agencies, organised private sector organisations, and two labour federations. One key finding was that, viewed against the backdrop of specific national "prescriptions" and "idealisations" about human capital formation in Nigeria, the terrain of skills development in the multinational corporate sector was one of connects, disconnects and paradoxes.
Between skills development and skills protectionism: The discourse and practice of skills development in the Nigerian multinational corporate sector.
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Jiboku, Joseph Olutoyin
Against the backdrop of arguments regarding the role of multinational corporations (MNCs) as custodians of modern skills and technology and as agents of socio-economic transformation in developing countries, especially through training and human resource development, this study examined specific claims in this regard in the Nigerian context. Specifically, the study examined how skills development strategies in selected MNCs in Nigeria reflected, or failed to reflect, the “prescriptions” and “idealisations” about national human capital formation as gleaned from the dominant discourses in the country’s official manpower agencies, organised labour and organised private sector. Were there, for instance, specific MNC skills development strategies that potentially could undermine the notion of MNCs as “agents of socio-economic development”? Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from three MNC subsidiaries in Nigeria (Lafarge Cement Wapco, Unilever and MTN Communication), and from relevant national manpower agencies, organised private sector organisations, and two labour federations. One key finding was that, viewed against the backdrop of specific national “prescriptions” and “idealisations” about human capital formation in Nigeria, the terrain of skills development in the multinational corporate sector was one of connects, disconnects and paradoxes. While the MNCs maintained a vast and robust canvas of skills development strategies and professed some of the same “ideals” as national skills agencies and even organised labour about, their skills development strategies were overwhelmingly company- and product-centred, and thus lacked wider (societal) applicability. The findings also pointed to practices that appeared to actively “prevent” Nigerian employees from accessing certain levels of know-how. The study concluded that, at least from a skills development point of view, the idea of MNCs as agents of socio-economic development must always be qualified, as it was based on a failure of analysts to carefully distinguish between “everyday” or even “high level” skills (which were readily accessible to, and acquirable by, locals) and “strategic” skills (which locals were prevented from accessing) and how MNCs thereby helped to perpetuate the skills divide between host country and home country. The study thus raises important questions for both skills development scholarship and policy and further sharpens the focus on how best to appraise (and monitor), from the point of view of skills development, the socio-economic role of MNCs in a developing country such as Nigeria.
Bridging the disconnection between donor support and democratisation in South Africa: The case of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
(Taylor and Francis, 2023-05-01) Bosompem, Henry K.; Nekhwevha, Fhulu H.; Read, R.
This paper is on the role of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in bridging the disconnection in donor assisted projects and electoral administration and the perceptions of state institutions in an interface with donor support, electoral dynamics and democratisation in the municipality. The study on the perception of the BCMM on donor support and democratisation is to ascertain the reciprocal relations the BCMM have with donors, including government and stakeholders in an election and the local community where they operate. This paper argues that donor support to a large extent induces democratisation but no political democracy can survive and flourish if the mass of its people remained in poverty, and in a state of inequality and unemployment without real prospects for a better life. Although the state policies ensures and facilitates inter alia the free market economy, the deregulation of public institutions and state sponsorship of infrastructural development, the citizens in the local communities have been mostly impoverished as a result of their inability to access fully the benefits that were supposed to have been administered to them by sub-state institutions and donor managers. The study utilized the qualitative research approach and data was analysed through content analysis. The emerging findings indicate that donor conditionalities promote good governance, transparency and free and fair representation. The findings further shows that donor support in the municipality reduces poverty through academic skills training, vocational skills training, Agricultural entrepreneurship and Agro-processing. Nevertheless, the paper is of the view that the municipality and local communities are at a tipping point with regard to what can only be described as unequal and exploitative relationship between donor elites and community voters. The outcome of this paper and recommendations has great implications and influence for municipal officials, Communities voters, policy makers, Departments and Ministries, the Independent Electoral Commission, Social institutions, organizations and economic managers and administrators in developing countries.
Classical Sociological Theory: SOC 212, Supplementary Examinations June 2025
(University of Fort Hare, 2025-06) Wana, L.; Stofile, Z.
The Concept of Culture and Society: ANT 211, Degree Examinations June 2023
(University of Fort Hare, 2023-06) May, N.; Komanisi, M.P.
Concepts of Culture: ANT 211, Supplementary Examinations June 2025
(University of Fort Hare, 2025-06) Mxoli, A.; Komanisi, M.P.
Contemporary Sociological Theories: SOC/INS 312E, Supplementary Examinations June 2025
(University of Fort Hare, 2025-06) Nyoka, B.; Ngcwangu, S.
Contemporary Sociological Theory: SOC 312, Supplementary Examinations June 2025
(University of Fort Hare, 2025-06) Wana, L.; Mzileni, P.
Cultural impediments, land and female farmers : the case of Lower Gqumahashe, Nkonkobe Municipality
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Magwa-Bobotyani, Nompumelelo Aretha Ntomboxolo
This study sought to investigate how cultural barriers hinder female farmers from accessing land at Lower Gqumahashe village. This settlement is situated in Alice, Eastern Cape Province, Republic of South Africa. The hypothesis of the study is that land rights and customs at Lower Gqumahashe limit the participation of female farmers in agricultural development. There are several factors that interfere with land ownership at the study area and elsewhere in the world. However, this study only explored the effect of marriage since it is the only factor that has negative effect on accessing land at the study area. The researcher adopted a qualitative research approach because she wanted to observe and describe events as they occur. The goal of the researcher was to capture all the richness of the everyday behaviour. The findings of the study suggest that, female farmers at Lower Gqumahashe, as elsewhere in the world, are not immune to gender imbalances based on customs. At Lower Gqumahashe, as elsewhere in the world, land is the most essential resource, because a very large proportion of people depend on it for cultivation and therefore their livelihoods. This study recommends that, there is a need for a re-assessment of property ownership as well as legacy customs and practices. Furthermore, the study recommends that class and sex discrimination can be rectified if the government is committed through its extension of credit program makes provision to ensure loans for women are available.
Cultural Interchange, Acculturation and Applied Anthropology: ANT 322, Supplementary Examinations November 2024
(University of Fort Hare, 2024-11) Komanisi, M.P.; Mxoli, A.; Zondi, L.P.
Cultures of South and North America: ANT 321, Supplementary Examinations November 2024
(University of Fort Hare, 2024-11) Komanisi, M.P.; Mxoli, A.
This supplementary examination paper for ANT 321, "Cultures of South and North America," is a 3-hour assessment worth 100 marks. Students are required to answer four questions only, with all questions carrying equal value. The paper covers various aspects of historical and cultural anthropology, focusing on American civilizations and comparative cultural studies. Question 1 (25 marks) requires an examination of the Inca Empire's imperial economic system in South America. Question 2 (25 marks) asks for a comparison and contrast between Warachicuy, the ancient Inca initiation school, and the initiation schools of any South African tribe. Question 3 (25 marks) focuses on forms of acquiring a spouse, requiring a discussion of arranged marriages, bride capture, intermarriage, self-choice marriages, and polygamy. Question 4 (25 marks) requires an explanation of key concepts related to social stratification and roles within ancient American societies, including noble class, Yanaconas, Mitmaqkuna, Kurakas, and royal family. Question 5 (25 marks) prompts a discussion on the political organization of the Maya empire. Finally, Question 6 (25 marks) asks for a comparative review of the role of religion in the construction of ethnic identity between America and another specified context. The examination aims to assess students' knowledge of American cultures, social structures, and comparative anthropological analysis.
Cultures of South and North American: ANT 321, Degree Examinations November 2018
(University of Fort Hare, 2018-11) Komanisi, M.P.; Ojong, V.B.
Decentralization and poverty alleviation: The case of Nkonkobe Murdcipality in the Eastern Cape Province of the Republic of South Africa.
(University of Fort Hare, 2013-01) Mupambwa, Gift
In the quest to make local development participatory, inclusive, transparent, responsive, effective and pro-poor, decentralisation has been seen to be a solution. It is these positive virtues of decentralisation in promoting improved governance and better service delivery which contribute to improved livelihoods and poverty alleviation that have made it a major theme in current development arenas. Hence decentralisation has been considered a significant strategy towards pro-poor development. It is in this regard that the current project sought to assess the relationship between decentralisation and poverty alleviation in the Nkonkobe Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province of the Republic of South Africa. This study attempted to establish the relationship or link between decentralisation and effective poverty alleviation stratagems. It also utilized a deductive research methodology, explanatory in nature to assess the role of decentralisation as a pro-poor development policy mechanism.
Designed to disable? Disability- friendliness of Buffalo city municipal amenities in discourse and experience
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Febana, Ziyanda
According to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), the prerequisite of accessibility for people with physical disabilities goes beyond merely ensuring that there are “disabled friendly” resources in a built environment. Accessibility entails the availability of appropriate facilities to accommodate physical disabilities where and when needed. A casual observation of many municipal amenities in South Africa, particularly Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM), Eastern Cape, shows that the conceptualisation and design of many public amenities make these amenities "public" only in name and, from a disability point of view, are possibly embedded in a model that is fundamentally exclusionist. Yet few systematic studies have been carried out at the local level to confirm or refute this assumption. Utilising Elinor Ostrom’s adaptation of the concept of common pool resources - a concept which was hitherto restricted to the analysis of shared ecological resources - this study examines the extent to which inclusivity matters within the context of the design and provisioning of municipal amenities that are meant to serve the public. The analysis is based on triangulated data obtained from a mini survey of paraplegic, blind and deaf people, physical observation of the relevant amenities, and key informant interview of officials in relevant BCMM departments. The findings suggest, among other things, that there is a weak perception among municipal officials regarding the rights of people with disabilities and that the perceptions appear to be rooted in a mind-set that regards disability, rather than the ‘engineering’ of the physical (public) space, as the ‘problem’. Even so, the thinking that public infrastructure cannot be ‘altered’ to meet ‘everyone’s needs appears to permeate the municipal bureaucracy. As a result, the Municipality has only attempted to create the bare minimum of accessible environment (catering only for wheelchair users), and this despite the existence of a constitutional mandate that dictates otherwise. The study concludes from these and other findings that for municipal amenities to become common pool resources in the sense advocated by Ostrom and other scholars, a social rather than a medical model of disability must dominate municipal and bureaucratic thinking.
Designed to disable? Disabilityfriendliness of Buffalo City municipal amenities in discourse and experience.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014-06-25) Febana,Ziyanda
According to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), the prerequisite of accessibility for people with physical disabilities goes beyond merely ensuring that there are "disabled friendly" resources in a built environment. Accessibility entails the availability of appropriate facilities to accommodate physical disabilities where and when needed. A casual observation of many municipal amenities in South Africa, particularly Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM), Eastern Cape, shows that the conceptualisation and design of many public amenities make these amenities "public" only in name and, from a disability point of view, are possibly embedded in a model that is fundamentally exclusionist. Yet few systematic studies have been carried out at the local level to confirm or refute this assumption. Utilising Elinor Ostrom's adaptation of the concept of common pool resources - a concept which was hitherto restricted to the analysis of shared ecological resources - this study examines the extent to which inclusivity matters within the context of the design and provisioning of municipal amenities that are meant to serve the public. The analysis is based on triangulated data obtained from a mini survey of paraplegic, blind and deaf people, physical observation of the relevant amenities, and key informant interview of officials in relevant BCMM departments.
Development, Delivery and Local Governance: IDS 519E, Honours Examinations June 2023
(University of Fort Hare, 2023-06) Kunene, L.; Chinguno, C.

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