Theses and Dissertations

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    The Post-apartheid South African Economy in the global economic system, 1994-2004
    (2010-04-23) Nepfumbada, Ntevheleni; Molapo, R R.
    Since 1994, South Africa's economy has not been the same. The transition period meant that the country had to make critical choices in the country's interest. International and internal forces had to be balanced for the sake of a new developing economy. South Africa had to align its economic development along better development initiatives elsewhere. Balancing political and economic options was not an easy task as shown by the adoption of the GEAR at a time when expectations in the country were very high. The country established closer links with financial institutions such as the IMF, World Bank and WTO. This highlighted dominance of the capitalist system in South Africa and around the globe. Therefore, South Africa's economic as well as political reform depended in both the internal and the external forces.
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    The United States of America's foreign policy towards Africa: the case studies of Kenya and Nigeria, 1990-2008
    (2010-06) Shai, Kgothatso; Molapo, Rachidi
    See the attached abstract below
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    An evaluation of protection orders around Thohoyandou Area : a sociological approach
    (2012-12-19) Tshifhumulo, Rendani; Zikhali, P. T. S.
    The study evaluated the effects of protection orders in deterring the occurrences of women abuse. The research was conducted at Thohoyandou in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Domestic violence is very high in South Africa and it affects all social groups. In the post - apartheid South Africa, violence against women and children in different forms was seen prominent. Therefore, the home environment was no longer a safe place where a person can stay. Estimates of the extent vary but high rates led the ANC government to recognize the problem as of importance. Therefore the government introduced the clause in the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998 which provides for protection orders to help the victims of domestic violence. Because of the new dispensations women are now able to apply for protection orders against their abusers. The research is an evaluative study where qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 women aged between 20 to 45years who obtained protection orders from Thohoyandou magistrates during the years 2001-2005. Their experiences were analyzed using qualitative instruments. The effectiveness of protection orders would have been measured in the study by the like hood of decreased risks of violence on the victims after receiving protection orders. Unfortunately results showed that women were abused with protection orders at hands, some losing their marriages and others even their lives. Results showed that protection orders increased the level of violence at home, breaks communication, and it can thus be said that it consistently failed to provide protection to the victims of domestic violence. The researcher recommended that there should be more family clinics for abused women, shelters, trained personnel especially police force who understands domestic violence, education provision, anger management classes for perpetrators and application of restorative justice system.
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    A critical analysis of dinaka : a Moletjie Village case study
    (2014-11-03) Morokolo, Mokgetle; Mapaya, M. G.; Thabede, D.
    This study focuses on dinaka - one of the Northern Sotho indigenous music/dance genres, as practiced by the people of Moletjie village, near Polokwane in the Lim-popo Province of South Africa. The history and origin of the people of Moletjie vil-lage is discussed briefly, as a way of providing background information to the study. The study further explores the role of dinaka in promoting culture, particular-ly its inherent teachings. It also discusses concepts that are used in composition and performance of dinaka. As an Afrocentric inquiry, this study adopts a qualita-tive research approach with its associated methodologies to collect and interpret data. Preliminary findings suggest that dinaka practice, as a component of African culture, is still prevalent in Moletjie village. However, this cultural practice is at risk of becoming extinct if not documented. Over and above the quest to document for posterity, it is envisaged that the findings of this study could be used in music clas-ses in schools. The final research documented will add to the much-needed refer-ence material on the music/dance subject and culture in general. Furthermore, this study will bring about awareness on issues pertinent to the preservation and pro-motion of a cultural heritage in Moletjie village.
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    The political challenges of the new Southern Sudan State
    (2014-11-03) Allar, Yasser Wagi; Lehloka, Gabriel.; Thobejane, Tsoaledi.
    The issues surrounding the division of North and South Sudan and the independence of the South have a long and complex history. This history is taken into account in the present study, with the focus on the political challenges facing the New Southern Sudan State. The challenges explored and analysed include aspects such as the problem of Abeyi and oil, the issue of the oil pipeline and associated revenue distribution, the disparity of workforce, ethnicity and integration between the different tribes, as well as the relations between the Republic of South Sudan and the Blue Nile and Nuba Mountains. Central to thesis of this study is the understanding that this complex situation necessitates a holistic and integrative theoretical approach; which emphasizes the interrelationships between the different variables, including social, cultural and ethnic factors. This study strongly suggests that consolidated political stability will not in all likelihood be achieved unless the conjunctions and interrelationships between the various issues and problems are firstly understood in depth. And these issues are as explicated in the literature review. The study takes the approach of a qualitative design through a comprehensive archival method of collecting and analysing the data to reach a conclusion and recommendation pertaining to challenges faced by Sudan. Findings highlight that opportunities are lacking and therefore sustainable solutions regarding peace and stability are limited. For progress to be seen, avenues for dialogue between all agencies, both at micro and macro levels must be kept open and effective in order to ensure long term and sustainable peaceful transition
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    Contemporary perceptions of music piracy in South Africa
    (2015-01-19) Zulu, Thulani; Mapaya, M. G.; Raselekoane, N. R.
    The aim of this study was to collect and critically analyse the perceptions of music piracy in South Africa, with particular focus on compact disc (CD) music piracy, internet music piracy and retail music piracy. The socio-economic framework was enlisted with empirical research approach leaning towards the qualitative research method. But because of the statistical data which seemed worthy of consideration, a minimal quantitative analysis strategy was utilized Interviews and focus group discussions were the main modes of data gathering, with the text analysis method at the core of the study. Due to the sensitivity of the subject, ethical considerations were adhered to. Through the findings of this study, factors such as employment and illiteracy emanated as major reasons that drive people to commit music piracy. The current scarcity of employment in South Africa has left people with no options but to partake in music piracy. Illiteracy, much as it spares music piracy as a large number of people are not able to operate the internet for illegal downloading of music, a certain percentage still turn to pirating music for sustenance. Also, a substantial number of illegal immigrants, seeking jobs in South Africa, add to the statistics of music infringement.
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    National reconciliation initiative in post-2008 Zimbabwe : opportunities and challenges
    (2015-02-24) Mavenyengwa, Gibias; Lehloka, L. G.; Mathagu, S. F.
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    The conflict between tradition and modernity : the histoy of the relationship between the state and traditional leaders Gutu District, Zimbabwe from 1960-2010
    (2015-02-24) Govo, Nicholas; Molapo, R. R.; Dzimiri, P.
    The study investigates the relationship between traditional leadership and the local government in the theoretical framework of the conflict between tradition and modernity. The study examines the relationship between two institutions which cannot be merged, but at the same time cannot be thrown away. As a case study, the study seeks to investigate the relationship between the state and traditional leadership in Gutu District, Zimbabwe. The District is found in Masvingo Province and it is predominantly rural. As such, traditional institutions are still influential or intact. Qualitative research methodology will be employed to gather data of the stakeholders and establish the causes and nature of the conflict between traditional institutions and modern forms of governance. The research will contribute to African Studies discourse, especially on the nexus between tr_adition and modernity in understanding issues of governance and management of communal areas. It is hoped that this will provide some insights in addressing some of the pressing problems which retard rural development. On the whole, this work posits that traditional authority and modern forms of governance are parallel and there is a need for engagement in serving the communal areas in the best interests of development and poverty alleviation.
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    Towards the realisation of South African jazz assuming its righful place in the cultural identity and heritage of the country
    (2015-03-02) Malinga, Joseph Mabhaca; Thobejane, T. D.; Mugovhani, N. G.
    This study seeks to investigate the role that jazz as a music genre has played and continues to play in influencing the socio-cultural and political landscape of South Africa. Very much music of conscience, jazz is bound to challenge any ideology which undermines the peaceful democratic existence of mankind. Through prolonged resilience and struggle for humanity against a harsh regime of apartheid, South Africa has become a symbol of the fight against injustice. South African jazz musicians have played a major role in expounding this to the world by creating a genre that needs preservation as cultural identity and heritage. Primary sources for the study were interviews conducted primarily during the National Youth Jazz Festival in Grahamstown in 2010. Secondary sources were literature reviews and qualitative data collected by using focus groups, observations and other interviews. About 35 participants were involved in the process. Chapter 1 The opening chapter is mainly an introduction to the study. It outlines the orientation of the study, background, aims and objectives, research questions, significance, research design, population and sampling,, data collection and techniques, interviews, population and location, ethical considerations, biographical data and glossary. Chapter 2 This chapter traces the development of jazz in South Africa from its early beginnings and formative years during early industrialization through research based on available literature and information gathered from interviews conducted with relevant respondents. The chapter also gives a synopsis of the development of jazz in the world and the contribution that South African musicians have made to this genre. It also looks at the role the music has played in the socio- political landscape of the country in view of a hostile apartheid system. Chapter 3 Chapter 3 presents the data collected from the interviews conducted for the research. Chapter 4 This chapter concludes the study by presenting a summary of the findings of the study and implications thereof. Based on the findings, recommendations are made towards realization of South African jazz assuming its rightful place in the cultural identity and heritage of the country.
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    Role of SADC'S peace keeping mission : a case study of South Africa in the Lesotho conflict
    (2015-05) Vhangani, Thambulo John; Molapo, R.
    The overall aim of the study is to investigate the role of SADC's peace keeping mission: A case study of South Africa in the Lesotho conflict. The researcher used the Realist paradigm of international relations to refute South Africa's rationalist claim that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) sanctioned the armed intervention, and that it was aimed at promoting democracy and stability. Realists interpret world politics as a struggle for power and survival in the anarchic world. The report therefore seeks to (a) determine the reasons for military intervention and the extent to which it was conducted on humanitarian grounds; (b) investigatethe degree to which the intervention by the South African state was encouraged by national interests; and (c) determine the nature of involvement by the SADC, African Union (AU) and theUnited Nations Security Council (UNSC) in the 1998 intervention, to allow South Africa toattack another state. The study used qualitative techniques for data collection and analysis. Qualitative techniques were mostly used in that they provided the researcher with an understanding to investigate the role of SADC's peace keeping mission: A case study of South Africa in the Lesotho conflict. Both primary and secondary data were used for analysis in the study. Secondary data were obtained from government publications, other publications, and reports. In this context, the researcher argue that South Africa appear to have used the intervention, as a realist foreign policy tool, to pursue its strategic and economic interests, especially without authorization from the UN, the AU and the SADC.
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    Prospects and challenges of the South Africa-Democratic Republic of Congo Trade and Investment Relations (2000-2014)
    (2015-05) Makhanikhe, Tshimangadzo Justice; Molapo, R. R.; Tshamano, H.
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    The experiences of physically-disabled adults in the Vhembe District Limpopo Province of South Africa
    (2015-08-05) Sadiki, Marubini Christinah; Zikhali, P. S. T; Makatu, M
    Introduction: Physical disability encompasses a complex multi-dimensional phenomenon within the context of a person’s life childhood and adulthood. Disability covers a wide and diverse range of disabling conditions. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of physicaldisability acquired in adulthood. Methodology: The study adopted qualitative research approach, exploratory and descriptive design. Snowball sampling method was adopted to select seven participants who were interviewed by means of semi-structured face-to-face interviews. In order to analyse data, Tesch eight steps of analyzing qualitative data was employed. Results: It was found that experiences of physical disabled adults replete with daily difficulties marked by isolation, loneliness, social disapproval and rejection. Being physical disabled was accompanied with difficulties marked with, feeling of sadness and dejection which was their daily companions. However, the participants found strength and solace from support groups and religious structures which strengthen individuals who acquired physical disability at adulthood. Conclusion: Physical disability acquired in adulthood is accompanied with changes that bring about different difficulties in personal and social life. As a result adults with that experience are left with no choice but adopting coping strategies that assist them to continue with life positively. Recommendation: The study recommends conducting seminars/awareness where civil society and other community based stakeholders and government departments are orientated on the rights of persons with disabilities. Through dissemination of the findings of this study, the researcher hopes that strong message can be conveyed to all stakeholders in disability to ensure mainstreaming of disability in all spheres of life.
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    The provision of low cost housing in the Limpopo Province : challenges for poverty alleviation from 1994-2008
    (2015-08-06) Mohlapamaswi, Mokgohloe Lorraine; Molapo, R. R; Maliwichi, L
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    Worker's perception regarding the introduction of technology at Chiadzwa diamonds mines in Zimbabwe
    (2016-02-15) Chimeri, Munyaradzi Leo; Zikhali, P. T.; Makatu, M.