Theses and Dissertations

Permanent URI for this collection

https://univendspace.univen.ac.za/handle/11602/2129

Browse

Browsing Theses and Dissertations by Title

Now showing 1 - 20 of 66
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemEmbargo
    An investigation of property and inheritance rights of the spouses in polygnous customary marriages among Vatsonga people in Vhembe District
    (2024-09-06) Nwankoti, Wisani Charles; Matshidze, P. E.; Mabale, N. P. M.
    This study sought to explore the proprietary consequences of the Vatsonga customary marriages. The study seeks to investigate the constitutional rights of the spouses in polygynous customary marriages, as well as to explore the property and inheritance rights of spouses in polygynous customary marriages and to investigate how spouses of polygynous customary marriages can be informed about their rights and be protected from losing their property and inheritance. A qualitative exploratory design was adopted in this study. Non-probability purposive and snowball sampling methods were used to select second women married in polygynous marriages. All participants live in the Vhembe District. It was envisaged that a sample size of five women and five husbands married in polygyny would be interviewed. A voice recorder was used to record data from the participants. An interview guide was used to explore property and inheritance rights from spouses of polygynous customary marriages. The data was transcribed verbatim and analysed using Tech’s ten steps of open coding. The study adopted two theories, for example, the resilience theory and the social exchange theory in integration with the study.. The researcher, through probing, realised that there is a need for the HMA to educate people about these marriages and help them through registering them so that their marriages can be recognised. Also, the community can empower women so that they can stand up for themselves and avoid the issue of them being under someone. Also, the issue of counselling and guidance, if there might be issues like disputes, so that they can be resolved in harmony.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    An analysis of service delivery protests and their implications on the economic stability of Musina Municipality: 2007-2014
    (2018-05-18) Phaswana, Rofhiwa; Molapo, R. R.; Dzimiri, P.
    The adoption of the constitution in 1996 has opened a new era of establishing a local government system that recommended that municipalities be established for the whole territory of the republic of South Africa. The white paper on “Local Government adopted by Cabinet in March 1998 outlined framework and programmes to guide municipalities to commit to work with citizens and groups within the communities to find sustainable ways to meet their social, economic and material needs to improve the quality of their lives”. Since 2007 epidemic service delivery protests started to be a national problem where 80 percentages of service delivery protests between the periods of 2007-2014 were violent. For instance, Musina Municipality experienced violent service delivery during the period of 2007-2014 where its properties, economy and people’s lives were in stake. Therefore, this study was driven by the need to analyse the implications of service delivery protests on the economy of Musina Municipality. A qualitative method approach to investigate the problem of service delivery protests implications on stability and economy in Musina Municipality will be used. A case study regarding service delivery effectiveness and violence used by people as a response and expression of a plea to be heard by their municipality will be investigated.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Assessing the online sexual harassment experiences of female students at a South African institution of higher learning
    (2019-05-18) Sehlule, Thambo; Tshifhumulo, R.; Mabale, D.
    The use of social media has in the last decade become popular among students in Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL). Social relationships and communications among students mostly take place on social networks. However, because of their growing popularity abuse is also increasing on these social media platforms. Female students are particularly vulnerable to sexual harassment and other forms of abuse on these platforms. This study explored the experiences of online sexual harassment among female students at a selected Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) in South Africa. This was to gain insights into the extent to which female students in institutions of Higher Learning are affected by this phenomenon. In particular, the study sought to find out the different forms of online sexual harassment experienced by female students in IHL, the specific types of online platforms where this sexual harassment take place, and the coping strategies employed by these students to cope with online sexual harassment. To address these objectives, the study adopted a qualitative exploratory design which allowed understanding of these experiences through the eyes of the victims. Twenty female participants were used for the study, while semi structured interviews were employed to collect data from these individuals. Purposive and critical case sampling technique was used to identify female students who had experienced sexual harassment online in the IHL. Findings reveal that sexual harassment at the IHL has occurred mostly in the form soliciting and sending of inappropriate pictures and videos to the victims. The study also revealed that the two main platforms on which sexual harassment of female students took place were WhatsApp and Facebook. While the main strategies of coping with online sexual harassment were blocking of harassers and complete disregard of the harassers.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Balancing monarchical and human rights in Southern Africa: experiences from the kingdom of Eswatini
    (2019-09-20) Ncube, Gamelihle; Dzimiri, P.; Tshamano, H.; Molapo, R.
    The study investigates the issue of human rights on whether there can be a balance or relationship between monarchical rights and human rights in Southern Africa, paying particular attention to the small monarchical kingdom of Eswatini. The study seeks to examine how traditional monarchies in the 21st century treats the issue of human rights bearing in mind the fact that the current global system highly believes in upholding the fundamental freedoms and rights of the people. As a case study, this study seeks to examine the major reasons behind the Kingdom of Eswatini’s continued adherence to a monarchical system and also how the regional and international bodies like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the United Nations (UN) are doing in terms of addressing the continued violation of human rights in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Qualitative research methodology will be employed to gather data. The research will contribute to the African studies discourse, especially on the nexus between monarchical rights and human rights. Volunteer sampling will be used to get participants for the study and would be drawn mainly from academics, local chiefs/political leaders and also some of the elderly citizens.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Challenges of nation building in the 21st Century Africa : Experiences from South Sudan, 2011-2013
    (2021-06-23) Mathelemusa, Andisani; Dzimiri. P/; Molapo, R. R.
    Ever since its founding, South Sudan has not known peace because of the challenges that come with its existence as a state. The problems facing nation building in South Sudan are multifaceted. South Sudan is a newly independent state which came because of secession from Sudan. This research explored nation building initiatives underway in South Sudan. The civil conflicts that continue to hamper progress in building a prosperous nation in South Sudan are a cause for concern. This study, therefore, assessed the challenges that are faced by those who are tasked with building a coherent, stable, and vibrant nation in South Sudan. The study traced some of these aspects with a view to dissecting how they hinder the process of nation building in South Sudan. Peace-makers try to forge a deal with the belligerents, disputes remain, including the division of oil revenues, as 75% of all the former Sudan's oil reserves are in South Sudan. This research will identify factors which have led to the ongoing conflicts in South Sudan with the hope of coming up with suggestions on how the conflict can be resolved. To unravel the issues underpinning nation building in South Sudan, the study was guided by the following objectives: to identify challenges associated with nation building in South Sudan; to identify the causes of the challenges to nation building; to examine the strategies employed by the state in its nation building; and to assess the effectiveness of these strategies. The study was guided by the qualitative research paradigm. The method of data collection is a desktop research. Data were collected from books, journals, newspapers, letters, online books and articles without necessarily engaging the researcher in physical contact. Data were analysed using the thematic methodology and the main themes identified as impediments to nation building were explained.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Challenges of Service Delivery in South Africa: A case of Gert Sibande District Municipality
    (2019-05-16) Mukhari, Sello; Molapo, R. R.; Dhlwayo, A. T.
    Protests for basic services in South Africa are a relatively new phenomenon. Noticeably, they now happen almost on a daily basis. The manner in which they manifest is at times worrisome. Under the new political dispensation after 1994, South Africa has seen an unprecedented mushrooming of protests for services. Like other provinces across the country, Mpumalanga Province was also hit by the protests for services between 2004 and 2010. Since 2008, Gert Sibande District Municipality has experienced more intensified protests for service delivery, wherein communities were mobilized and marched to various local municipalities demanding improved services by these municipalities. The study aimed to establish some of the sources of these protests, their trends and their impact with the view to propose some solutions. To achieve this goal, the study used document analysis and empirical data obtained through interviews. Firstly, the study provides a historical background and overview of the three municipalities which fall under Gert Sibande District Municipality, namely: Msukaligwa, Mkhondo and Dr. Pixley Ka Isaka Seme. It further investigates the causes of violent protests for services in these municipalities. Attention is given to various pieces of legislation that establishes Local Government in South Africa. The socio-economic conditions of the three municipalities are also examined. The key findings from the interviews that were conducted pointed out factors that gave rise to the violent protests at the three municipalities. Amongst them was that the protests were politically motivated. Some were caused by lack of resource allocation and lack of human capacity to deliver services, lack of the political will by both the political and government representatives to deliver on their mandate, as well as the criminal elements that hijacked the protests. It is the mandate of government to deliver quality services to the people uninterrupted as prescribed by the Constitution. This will minimise the ongoing protest for services in the country.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Changes in the Conception of Nationalism in Zimbwabwe: A Comparative Analysis of ZAPU and ZANU Liberation Movements 1977-1990
    (2019) Mangani, Dylan Yanamo; Dzimiri, P.; Ndlovu, I.; Molapo, R. R.
    No serious study into the contemporary politics of Zimbabwe can ignore the celebrated influence of nationalism and the attendant role of elite leaders as a ‘social force’ in the making of the nation-state of Zimbabwe. This study analyses the role played by nationalism as an instrument for political mobilisation against the white settler regime in Rhodesia by the Zimbabwe African People Union (ZAPU) and the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU). Therefore, of particular importance is the manner in which the evolution and comprehensive analysis of these former liberation movements, in the political history of Zimbabwe have been viewed through the dominant lenses of nationalism. Nationalism can be regarded as the best set of beliefs and the worst set of beliefs. Being an exhilarating force that led to the emergence of these nationalist movements to dismantle white minority rule, nationalism was also the same force that was responsible for dashing the dreams and hopes associated with an independent Zimbabwe. At the centre of this thesis is the argument that there is a fault line in the manner in which nationalism is understood as such it continued to be constructed and contested. In the study, nationalism has been propagated as contending political narratives, and the nationalist elite leaders are presented as a social force that sought to construct the nation-state of Zimbabwe. Thus, the study is particularly interested in a comparative analysis of the competing narratives of nationalism between ZAPU and ZANU between the period of 1977 and 1990. This period is a very important time frame in the turning points on the nationalist political history of Zimbabwe. Firstly, the beginning of this period saw the struggle for the liberation of Zimbabwe climax because of concerted efforts by both ZAPU and ZANU. Secondly, the conclusion of this period saw the death of ZAPU as an alternative to multi-party democracy within the nationalist sense and the subsequent emergence of a dominant socialist one-party state. Methodologically, a qualitative approach has been employed where the researcher analysed documents.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Contemporary perceptions of music piracy in South Africa
    (2015-01-19) Zulu, Thulani; Mapaya, M. G.; Raselekoane, N. R.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    The correlation between music aptitude and mathematical achievements of students - a case study of six individual students from a High School in Johannesburg, South Africa
    (2023-10-05) Muller, Mario Maxwell; Mapaya, M. G.; Mashau, T. S.
    A gap existed in the literature focusing on research overall between music aptitude and mathematical achievement within a South African context. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of music aptitude on mathematical achievement and to evaluate the most appropriate instruments for measuring musical talents and juxtaposing them with mathematical achievement using Gordon's AMMA tool to establish the connection between musical acumen and mathematical achievement in randomly selected learners. This study presented data that is now available for use by other researchers. The researcher used exploratory designs to generalise, assess, and test qualitative exploratory results, and to see if they could be generalised to a sample and a population as outlined in this dissertation. This research was evaluated in both qualitative and quantitative phases. The researcher focussed on how students of different ages, gender, intelligence levels, and musical abilities reacted to the AMMA (music aptitude test). The gathered information confirmed what students achieved in the different elements of music such as pitch and rhythm making this study valuable for music educators. The findings revealed that the music aptitude test impacted the mathematical achievement of all the students in Grades 8 and 9 in a High School in Benoni, Johannesburg. This confirmed the hypothesis, that music aptitude impacted their mathematical achievement, and contributed to their educational performance despite their socioeconomic backgrounds, gender, age, and race. In South Africa, most students obtained excellent results in mathematics, and played at least one iii instrument proficiently. The new literature available on whether one impacted the other, and what implications it would have on their education was underpinned in this study which also identified existence of these connections, using the Advanced Measures of Music Audiation (AMMA) test, which confirmed that a close relationship existed between music and mathematical achievement. The study used mixed research methods to answer the research questions and enlighten prospective researchers, and show their connections, associations, and relations.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    A critical analysis of dinaka : a Moletjie Village case study
    (2014-11-03) Morokolo, Mokgetle; Mapaya, M. G.; Thabede, D.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    A Critical Reflection on the Persistence of Electoral Instigated Violence in Zimbabwe (2000-2018)
    (2022-11-10) Motau, Vincent; Tshifhumulo, R.; Mathagu, F. S.
    This study investigated the causes of Zimbabwe’s electoral violence from 2000 to 2018. It was underpinned by the defective democracy theory in understanding the dynamics that shape the conditions for violence each time Zimbabwe holds elections. This study is premised on the fact that politically motivated violence towards, during and immediately after elections is a common feature in Zimbabwe, particularly the period after 2000. Given this trend in politically motivated violence against opposition supporters in Zimbabwe, this study specifically looks at the period from 2000 to 2018. This period was chosen because it witnessed one of the most terrifying incidents in the history of Zimbabwe’s general elections. This is also the period where ZANU (PF) faced one of its toughest challenges from an opposition party since independence in 1980. It is also the period when the SADC became involved in trying to find a lasting solution to the country’s election related violence. The study was qualitatively done. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Interviews and document analysis were used to collect data. Data collected enabled the assessment of the imperatives that underlie the country’s propensity for violence every time elections are held. ZANU-PF’s insatiable quest to remain in power and the party’s failure to acknowledge the main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) characterises its intolerance of those who oppose its rule. This study argues that due to ZANU-PF’s intolerance of opposition parties, MDC party members are kidnapped, intimidated and tortured by its unruly hooligans to prevent them from voting for the latter. The study concludes that during elections, the ruling ZANU-PF party abuses the country’s security forces by deploying them to manipulate the electoral process. Using the defective theory, the study explains the existence of electoral violence in Zimbabwe. To achieve sustainable peace and uphold the rule of law during and immediately after elections, the study suggests the country’s continuous engagement with the international community.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    The democratic consolidation processes in post 1994 South Africa: A historical analysis
    (2017-02) Randima, Onndwela; Molapo, R. R.; Sibawu, N. V.
    The study examines the process of democratic consolidation in South Africa since 1994. This study unpacks the trends, developments and challenges which have taken place since 1994 towards the entrenchment of democracy in the country. The research will explore the nature of the rule of the ANC in the light of efforts, successes and failures in consolidating democratic rule in the country. The major problem which prompted this study is that, claims of South Africa as a democratic state have not been scrutinised by academics, and this study seeks to question the validity of the phrase “New democracy” which is commonly used by both politicians and academics in referring to the government since 1994. The study will be informed by notions of democracy and will utilise the indicators of democracy to locate whether South Africa can be viewed as a true democracy, or if it offers some elements, but neglecting some of the key components of democracy. The other critical issue will be to determine the extent to which democratic institutions have been strengthened in the country. This will be basically a literaturebased study, which depends more on reviewing policies enacted by the government and determining if the policies entail democratic consolidation. The overall assumption is that more still needs to be done towards entrenching democratic institutions that address socio-economic inequalities that persist in the country. Theoretically the study builds from the liberal discourse and its fundamental notions of democracy and good governance
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    The effect of school feeding programmes in addressing food insecurity in the Mutale Municipality of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province in South Africa
    (2017-05-18) Daitai, Ella; Tshifhumulo, R.; Mukwevho, M. H.
    This study focused on the effects of the school feeding programmes in addressing food insecurity in Mutale Municipality of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. The study placed school feeding programmes within the wider context of social assistance and a component for securing food for the wellbeing of Mutale rural inhabitants. The major problem identified in this study was the inadequacy of governmental interventions, specifically the social assistance component, to eliminate food insecurity in rural areas. This failure motivated the researcher to venture into an investigation of the school feeding programme and its impact, as a social intervention, in addressing food insecurity among rural citizenry. The study openly delineated various factors contributing to the ruthless chronic food insecurity which has ravaged many families in rural areas. On the theoretical framework, the research incorporated the Capability Theory and the Entitlement approach as the foundational basis of the study. The qualitative approach was used to ensure an in-depth understanding of the contribution of school feeding programmes as a right based in-kind social safety net implemented by the government in addressing the discourse of food insecurity on a rural setting. Respondents of the study included the supervisor at circuit level, the school principal, educators, food handlers, smallholder farmers, learners and their parents. The researcher utilised Quota sampling in the selection of respondents. The researcher gathered data through the use of interviews, non-participant observation and document analysis. The findings of this study were analysed by organizing the data and presenting it in a descriptive manner. Literature revealed that the provision of feeding schemes at schools have the capability to stimulate an enabling environment which can empower rural families with adequate resources essential for eliminating food insecurity. However, this study found out that the feeding scheme marginally created employment, reduced poverty and hunger and increased health and nutrition education among the community members. The programme achieved minimal results as it confronted implementation constraints which ruined its capacity to exterminate rural food insecurity.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    The effects of the rise of China and political economy of Africa: the case of South Africa
    (2017-05) Benyi, Kodwo Amissah; Molapo, R. R.; Dzimiri, P.
    The 21st century has witnessed intensified ties between China and South Africa both bilaterally and multilaterally under BRICS. South Africa-China relations have been amplified by the quest to strengthen South-South cooperation as opposed to depending on the West for everything. In this research the focus is on examining the political and economic relations between South Africa and China. The sustainability of the China-South Africa engagement in the areas of economy and politics will be examined. Since South Africa is the weaker partner economically in her relationship with China, will the relationship leave South Africa disadvantaged or will the South African economy benefit from the bilateral relations? On the political level, China’s policy on Tibet and the One-China policy may have a bearing on South Africa’s image in the world. The research is designed to explore the political and economic dimensions of the relationship. The study derives insights from the interdependence theory which argues that we live in a world of interdependence which has altered the concept of power which is at the heart of the realist theory. Interdependence is also defined as mutual dependence among nations and reciprocal effects among states. The study utilizes a qualitative approach where desk research involving primary and secondary sources are used. Fundamentally the study argues that the relationship is mutually beneficial albeit unequal. China is a major power with the second largest economy in the world and South Africa is a regional power with a stagnating economy. China needs South Africa in her Africa strategy due to the fact that South Africa boasts the largest and most advanced economy on the African continent and this makes the country a convenient doorway into Africa. South Africa on the other hand needs Chinese Foreign Direct Investment and trade to speed up growth and grow the black middle class which was disadvantaged during the apartheid years. In 2015 the two countries signed 26 agreements worth 94 billion rand when the Chinese President Xi Jinping paid an official visit to South Africa which will be mutually beneficial to both parties.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    An evaluation of protection orders around Thohoyandou Area : a sociological approach
    (2012-12-19) Tshifhumulo, Rendani; Zikhali, P. T. S.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    The Experiences of Death of loved ones and Bereavement amongst young Vhavenda Widows of Tshikombani Village at Nzhelele, Vhembe District in Limpopo , South Africa
    (2018-05-18) Itsweni, Pelewe; Tshifhumulo, R.; Cebekhulu, E.; Mukwevho, M. H.
    Death and bereavement are sensitive issues experienced by all mortal species across the world. When death occurs, some individual are left bereaved. However, all societies have established cultural ways of mourning the dead as a way of healing the bereaved; although it seems the bereavement rituals are decided and performed without the bereaves consent. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of death and bereavement amongst the young Vhavenda widows. The primary objectives of the study were to identify the challenges experienced by young Vhavenda widows in Vhembe District during the time of death and bereavement; establish whether these women are treated with respect, dignity, and compassion during the process of death and bereavement; understand the coping strategies they employed in dealing with death and bereavement and understand their expectations regarding the role to be played by the family and the community. Finally, the study sought to ascertain the overall impact of the process of death and bereavement on widow’s future lives. A qualitative research method was used to collect indepth data through unstructured interviews. The interviews were conducted using a purposeful sampling method among 13 young widows at Tshikombani village in Nzhelele in Vhembe District. Mbigi’s five finger theory of Ubuntu was employed as the main theory aligning with the study. The research findings indicated that most young widows are coerced into performing bereavement rituals while elders made decisions for some. Only one young widow did not have bereavement rituals performed on her. The Findings also indicate that the participants are not fully aware of their rights as women, wives and citizens of South Africa. These raises need for government institutions to address issues concerning human, women and marital rights to the widows specifically in the rural areas of South Africa.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    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.