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Item Embargo Implications of African Pianism on the arrangement and Orchestration of mmino(2024-09-06) Phoshoko, Magalane T.; Mapaya, M. G.; Wanyama, M. N.African songs generally find their origins in social, cultural, and political interactions, primarily stemming from community-centric activities. Communal and social engagements deeply influence the shaping and preservation of African knowledge, cultural traditions, artistic expressions, and songs. Additionally, systematic cultural codes play a significant role in shaping performance styles, song structures, and the usage of musical instruments. As a result, songs become a repository of cultural identity, reflecting an artistic sense of logic and embodying cultural lore, ethos, and ways of understanding. The dissemination of indigenous knowledge predominantly relies on oral tradition and systems, which align with African societies' natural modes of knowledge transmission. Traditional songs persist in an oral context, playing a crucial socio-cultural role. Despite the challenges of colonialism, imperialism, and urbanisation, these songs have resiliently resisted modern Eurocentric cultural influences. Reading and writing have become integral to knowledge storage, exchange, and development in the contemporary landscape. This study's main research question is: "How can African pianism influence the transcription, arrangement, and orchestration of mmino (indigenous African music) to incorporate non-indigenous instruments while preserving traditional performative techniques?" The study aims to achieve three primary goals: firstly, the development of a systematic method for transcribing, notating, arranging, and orchestrating indigenous music; secondly, the incorporation of non-indigenous African instruments; and thirdly, the arrangement of music for the piano as a principal instrument in the ensemble while maintaining an indigenised performative technique (Africanism). These approaches underscore the symbiotic relationship between orality and literacy. Utilising a practiceled methodology, defined as an approach rooted in or centred around where the practice itself is the focal point of the investigation, this study presents an African children's game song for adaptation, notation (creation of music scores), and a studiorecorded performance. The sections encompass rhythm, brass, woodwinds, strings, and percussion. Consequently, the study provides music scores and audio files for further analysis and theorisation, serving as a blueprint for the future adaptation, transcription, and notation of Indigenous African songs for modern instruments.Item Embargo Youth and land reform politics: a post-aparthedi South African perspective(2024-09-06) Mashego, Simon Sekhonkwane; Mapaya, M. G.; Mathagu, S.South Africa’s post-apartheid government land reform programme is a central aspect and epitomises the constitutional measure to provide solid redress. Land reform policies and youth socio-economic concerns demonstrate how democratic political power has been used for the past twenty-nine years. Youth is the engine of every country and a critical mass of society. Emerging democratic administration is experiencing the highest level of youth crisis without accessing the basis of wealth, and land. This study explores the socio-economic predicament youth face on the land reform policies of post-apartheid South Africa. The qualitative research method and exploratory design were applied in this study. Purposive sampling was used to select participants and interviews were used for data collection. Content analysis with the help of Atlas.ti was used to analyse both raw data and documents. The study was premised on three objectives which were to analyse South Africa’s land reform policies and assess its implementation. The critique on the impact of the policy on youth socioeconomic emancipation processes, and also explores potential transformation opportunities for land reform and youth. The redistributive justice theory was applied to provide a roadmap and interpretation of the arguments regarding the phenomena under study. The findings of the study suggest that the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, the National Assembly, and the Congress of South African Traditional Leaders need to improve the facilitation of land administration for youth to gain access to land. The study concludes that there is a serious need for the promulgation of a youth land ownership policy after the almost a quarter of a century under a democratic South Africa.Item Embargo The exploratory study of psychological experiences of female victims of gender-based violence in Sekhukhune District Municipality(2024-09-06) Murei, Takalani Patricia; Mabasa, M. A.; Mogorosi, L. D.; Budeli, N.Gender based violence in South Africa, (especially on women and young women), is increasing. There is significant increase in those women who are in relationship. However, such relations have strong correlation to the high rates of murder, rape and assault with intend to do grievous body harm, resulting in a high prevalence of women exposed to gender based violence. Social workers are mandated to provide psycho- social support to the victims of gender-based violence and their families. Alternatively, the Victim Empowerment programs Centers (VEP) implements support to victims and survivors of crimes including gender-based violence, as well as their families to deal with the impact of the incident which he/she has experience. VEP also assist victims with management of trauma and ensuring that victims are educated to identify the symptoms of post-traumatic stress as common practice in South Africa, is not without challenges. One significant challenge is the role of support systems within the community. The aim of the study was to explore the psychosocial experiences amongst women exposed to gender-based violence in rural areas of Sekhukhune District. Qualitative approach using an exploratory research design was employed. The population of the study was women who experienced gender-based violence living in rural areas of Sekhukhune District municipality who were attending Victim empowerment services at the Non- Governmental Organization.Convenience sampling was used to select ten (10) women who experienced gender-based violence. Semi-structured interviews, in-depth individual face to face interviews were used to better understand the psychosocial experiences of gender-based violence as well as the role played by the support system within the community which was analysed using thematic analysis.Item Embargo 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.Item Embargo Unpacking community participation in the Integrated Development Planning process in Mbombela Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa(2024-09-06) Makhubela, James Ansell; Yende, N. E.; Dzimiri, P.During the apartheid era in South Africa, most black people were banned from participating in government planning processes. After 1994, the black democratic government took power and sought to address apartheid practices by enacting key policies to transform local government. As a planning instrument for local government, the integrated development plan (IDP), was seen as one of the mechanisms for including residents in policy and decision making. This research unpacked the participation of the community in the integrated development planning process. The study objectives were to conceptualize the understanding of community participation by the participants, examine the knowledge of the participants about the IDP process in the local municipality of Mbombela, identify factors that hinder participation in community meetings, and recommend strategies to improve the effectiveness of community participation in the IDP. The qualitative approach was used to collect data from 16 participants through semi-structured interviews. The data in this study were analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that one of the main issues that made it difficult for community members to engage successfully during IDP sessions was the use of English and political jargon. Based on this finding, it is recommended that the local language be used extensively during IDP meetings. Furthermore, it is necessary to simplify and unpack complex development concepts for residents, to facilitate their understanding of the issues discussed and the challenges at hand.Item Embargo Indigenous Solid Waste Management Practices for Sustainable Environment: A Case of Thalahane Village, Limpopo Province, South Africa(2024-09-06) Masipa, M. J.; Matshidze, P. E.; Netshandama, N. V.; Mudau, N. V.Solid waste management (SWM) in developing countries remains a challenge due to economic constraints, governance inefficiencies, consumption patterns changing, an increasing population, and subsequent increased waste generation. The study aimed to explore the indigenous solid waste management system of Thalahane village for a sustainable environment since there is an increasing urgency to address the health and environmental implications associated with inefficient solid waste management. The current paradigms of solid waste management are effective in developed countries but ineffective in developing countries due to differences in contexts. To achieve the aim of the study, the following objectives were used: to investigate indigenous waste management practices that the Thalahane local community uses to manage solid waste; to analyse the implementation of a waste management system by the Blouberg Local Municipality in Thalahane village; and to develop an integrated sustainable solid waste management plan for Thalahane village that accounts for indigenous solid waste management. Employing a qualitative method, 65 participants were purposively selected and interviewed using an unstructured interview guide to gather data. The data were analysed qualitatively using a thematic approach. The results show that separation of waste, burying, composting, burning, repurposing, recycling, reuse, reduction, and avoidance are the indigenous solid waste management (SWM) practices within Thalahane village. Some of these solid waste management (SWM) practices have positive effects on the environment and were integrated and adopted to enhance the management of municipal solid waste. The study resulted in a theoretical framework to develop an integrated, sustainable solid waste management system that accounts for indigenous solid waste management practices in Thalahane. The study recommends the design of homegrown solid waste management that incorporates indigenous solid waste management practices for a sustainable environment in rural municipalities.Item Embargo Experiences of Unemployed Indigenous people Living with Disabilities in Soshanguve Township, South Africa - An Exploratory Study(2024-09-06) Jobodwana, Nomna Linda; Tshifhumulo, R.; Chari, T.This study explores the experiences of unemployed indigenous people living with disabilities (PWD) in post-apartheid South Africa. The promise of a better life for all made by the government of national unity in 1994 remains a pipe dream as most South Africans are still living on the margins of the economy where unemployment and poverty are rampant. This study examines the experiences of PWD in Soshanguve Township, Tshwane, South Africa. It employs the symbolic interactionist (SI) theory as a lens for gaining insights into the experiences of black women and men living with disabilities in their quest to access employment opportunities. The study is exploratory and uses a case study design approach. Data was collected from 15 purposively sampled black men and women living with disabilities in Soshanguve Township, with whom in-depth interviews were held. A focus group discussion was conducted with four purposively selected respondents who met the selection criteria. Findings revealed that PWD are the worst affected group in terms of unemployment as their poverty levels remain high. Despite the implementation of the Employment Equity Act (EEA) Number 55 of 1988, employment opportunities for black PWD are scarce in South Africa. This is due to, among other reasons, the fact that employers are reluctant to employ PWD. PWD were missing employment opportunities in Soshanguve Township due to employers who refused to employ them. However, the study also established that there are a few opportunities available for PWD. These include opportunities for training, social assistance support, disability grants and social protection, access to social services and cash transfer programmes. The study expands knowledge on the experiences of black men and women who live with disabilities, thereby contributing toward the design of policies and other social security interventions that alleviate the plight of marginalised communities living with disabilities.Item Embargo Undergraduate Students's Experiences with Blended Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic at a Rural Based University in South Africa(2024-09-06) Sadiki, Andani; Tshifhumulo, R.; Mpatlanyane, V.; Amaechi, K. E.This qualitative study aimed to investigate the undergraduate students’ experiences of Blended Learning at one rural based university in Thulamela municipality in the Vhembe district, Limpopo province. The study draws from the transitional distance and social learning theory to investigate how the undergraduate students in the university adjusted from face-to-face learning to online learning. Non-probability sampling was used to select thirty participants. Telephonically semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and the data was thematically analysed following the six stages of thematic data analysis. The data indicate that students were unable to actively take part in online learning, mostly because of low signal strength, poor infrastructural facilities, financial constraints, which characterises students’ life in rural-based universities in South Africa. Hence, they devised coping strategies such as consultations with returning students, learning independently, going to places where there is a stable internet connectivity, attending classes in groups, searching for information where they felt that the information provided by the lecturers were unsatisfactory, consulting with fellow classmates and asking lecturers to use other online platforms to deliver lessons. The data also showed that the University also tried to help the students by devising significant orthodox support systems. These includes faculty student online support services and provision of internet data and, financial support to the students. Together, these innovative inputs made it possible for the students to navigate particularly from face-to-face learning to online learning during the pandemic. Insights regarding students’ experiences from this study, potentially provides policy direction for both universities in South Africa, as well as the Department of Higher Education and Training on the use of Blended Learning in rural based universities in South Africa.Item Open 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.Item Open Access The Impact of The Pafuri Triangle Agreement on sustainable livelihoods of the Makuleke Community, Limpopo Province, South Africa.(2023-05-19) Bvuma, Edwin Bobby; Netshandama, N. V.; Matshidze, P. E.In 1998, thanks to the Restitution of Land Rights Act 22 of 1994, the Makuleke community won back The Pafuri Triangle after protracted and complex negotiations with the South African National Parks (SANParks) in the South African Land Claims Court. A globally celebrated agreement called the Pafuri Triangle agreement was signed with SANParks whereby the community and SANParks would co-manage the land and thereby derive economic benefits from it, instead of returning to resettle there. It is 19 years (2020) now since the Makuleke community entered into a co-management venture with the SANParks. This study explored the impact of the Pafuri Triangle agreement on sustainable livelihoods of the Makuleke community. The study is qualitative in nature. It sought to find out how the Makuleke people have been impacted upon by the implementation of the co-management agreement. Data was collected using face to face in-depth interviews. The study used purposively sampled Makuleke households as well as various implementing officials. The study was primarily guided by the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) framework to development, as advocated by the Department for International Development (DFID). SLA is an offshoot of the Human Development Theory. SLA seeks to enhance progress in poverty elimination through understanding people’s strengths, vulnerability, and livelihood strategies. The study revealed that the impact of the implementation of the Makuleke co-management agreement was below expectations due to a plethora of challenges.Item Open Access Exploring the possibility of using the ocarina as an instrument for teaching and learning music at South African Primary Schools: a case of two selected schools in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province(2019-09) Malinga, Joseph Mabhaca; Mapaya, M. G.; Ramaite-Mafadza, P. E. A.Topical scholarly research has confirmed that music education on the African continent has virtually vanished due to uncoordinated or even total lack of foundational teaching of the subject despite global tendencies to the contrary. The minimal music education in choral form has all but disappeared leaving the general subject teacher with the near impossible responsibility to teach the expressive arts as stipulated in the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). Expense having traditionally been regarded as the principal cause, this study explores the possible intervention of the ocarina as an instrument that can be utilised to teach and learn music in primary schools within diverse and typical sections of particularly black and underprivileged sections of South African society. This study is qualitative in nature and engages the Grounded Theory Method (GTM) leaning towards Thematic Content Analysis as descriptive presentation of data gathered from participant observation and interviews with research respondents and other identified sources that reflect experientially on the topic of study. I recorded events in the smallest detail from the learners, general class teachers, principals and parents, the Departments of Education and Sports, Arts and Culture. Outcomes of the study can then be utilised by all stake - holders towards achievement of a coherent and informed music education in line with global initiatives to have music a compulsory subject.Item Open 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.Item Open Access The use of digital platforms by the music industry: A case study of the Vhembe District, Limpopo Region in South Africa(2022-07-15) Mashau, Rendani Fulufhelo; Mapaya, M. G.; Khosa, H. A.The digital era has brought about a flood of new music platforms since the 2000s. Many artists now have an opportunity to record and place their music on these platforms with little or no assistance from major record labels or publishers. Because of more affordable digital recording tools, independent (indie) artists from all parts of the world have creative freedom to create new music. Accordingly, thousands of songs (in audio or video format) are being uploaded online daily for public consumption. Even non-professionals or people who do music for fun or as a hobby, have found a new ground because they can afford recording equipment and an Internet subscription. Despite the overwhelming quantity of uploaded music, a very small amount of it receives great attention. Other supporting industries such as video production, information technology, marketing and artist management have a significant role to play in the development of the music industry. Focusing on the Vhembe music scene, this study explores this phenomenon using a descriptive-qualitative research methodology. Interviews were conducted with independent artists, independent record label owners, music producers, independent music publishers and consumers in the region to discover why majority of local music is not found online and furthermore, to establish what can be done to get more artists to use these platforms. Participation in the study was voluntary with no monetary compensation involved. The study aims to contribute to the development of the local music scene.Item Open Access Makwaya musical compositions by the Nemamwa people of South-Eastern Zimbabwe: an afro-centric musicological approach(2022-07-15) Nhamo, Martison; Mapaya, M.G.; Gonye, J.The purpose of the study was to analyse the origins, compositional techniques, transformations, as well as the play motifs of a Zimbabwean indigenous choral music called makwaya in an effort to bust the myth that Africans had no musical culture to share with the rest of the world. Thus, the study is a restoration of an African choral music tradition of the Karanga culture bearers in the community of Nemamwa in Masvingo District in South- Eastern Zimbabwe. The study is guided by the African Critical Theory (ACT), which provides insights on how the once colonised communities can redeem themselves from the shackles of colonialism through a critical African mind. Alongside the African Critical Theory, the study also employs Gonye and Moyo's (2018) AfriCrit as an extension of the Critical Race Theory (CRT) as a critical lens that facilitates an understanding of lived oppression — the struggle to make a way out of no way which propelled me to problematise dominant ideologies in which knowledge is constructed. Thirdly, I employ Shelemay’s Cultural Theory, which focuses on how traditions undergo change as they get transmitted from one generation to the next and the role of cultural activists in preserving legacies that are affected by the ever-changing (kaleidoscopic) musical terrain. The study was an ethnography. Data were collected qualitatively through the use of semi-structured interviews and participant observation. Interviews were preferred because I wanted to get the perceptions and feelings of the Africans regarding makwaya musical genre. The participants were purposively sampled. The data-gathering instruments were augmented by some perusal of literature such as textbooks, journal articles, newspapers, monographs and other archival materials. Research findings revealed that the genre of makwaya was purely an African musical culture which was then expropriated by the Euro-American missionaries for liturgical purposes. It also emerged that the influence of technological advancement and Christianity led to the weakening of the African indigenous musical culture. In light of the research findings, it is recommended that the practising musicians in the community of Nemamwa put their resources together to erect infrastructure that they can use to develop music, as a way of reviving and preserving the musical heritage as a community identity.Item Open Access The Survival Strategies of Immigrants in Limpopo: A case Study of Mozambican Immigrants in Nkowankowa Township, Tzaneen(2021-10-22) Ngobeni, Bulo; Molapo. R. R.; Bvuma, E. B.This study examined the survival strategies of Mozambican immigrants who reside in Tzaneen‟s Nkowankowa Township. This was done under the premise that these immigrants are excluded from participating in South Africa‟s labour market. Thus, the study sought to determine how these supposedly excluded immigrants economically survive in a foreign country. The study argues that these immigrants face both social and economic hostilities in Nkowankowa Township from locals. It also contends that such hatred manifests itself in the form of xenophobic attacks that seem to define the relationship between foreign nationals in Nkowankowa and the locals. It thus proposes an analytical framework for understanding these immigrants‟ survival strategies in the context of their hosts‟ hostilities towards them. It is pertinent that these strategies be revealed, in order to determine how they impact on Nkowankowa Township‟s community socially and economically. This study, therefore, focuses on understanding the Mozambican immigrants‟ survival strategies in Nkowankowa. Using a qualitative methodology, the research provides an in-depth analysis of these immigrants‟ life experiences as voiced by the immigrants themselves. The findings of this research indicated that economic reason is the main push factor for the migration of Mozambicans to South Africa, where they do not have enough protection and social welfare benefits but resort to various survival strategies. It is hoped that the relevant authorities in Mozambique and South Africa that are positioned to address the challenges faced by migrants will find the results of this study useful in their efforts to mitigate the plight of these migrants in the informal sector of South Africa.Item Open Access Irregular migrations into South Africa: a comparative analysis of the Beitbridge Border Control and management system in apartheid and post-apartheid eras, 1980-2017(2021-06-30) Ramaite, Khumotso Ronald; Molapo, R. R.; Sibawu, N. V.This study examined the border control and management mechanisms that were in place during the apartheid era and those that exist now that curb illegal entry into South Africa through the Beitbridge Border. In order to fully understand this, the study examined the nature of South Africa’s Beitbridge Border control and management systems in apartheid and post-apartheid eras. This was done in view of the fact that immigrants flocked into apartheid South Africa in large numbers, and this trend worsened after South Africa became a democratic government in 1994. Given the tendency by undocumented nationals from South Africa’s neighbouring states to illegally cross into the country at will, the study argued that border control mechanisms are lax. It determined that there are collusions among the immigration officials, army, the police and human traffickers at the Beitbridge border post that facilitate such irregular entries. This was in view of the fact that there are tens of thousands of undocumented Zimbabweans who live in Johannesburg and Thohoyandou, among many places in South Africa. Another salient feature of this phenomenon was that South Africa deports almost a thousand of these every month, but a few days after their deportations, the same people are back in the country. This study was done qualitatively in order to gather data from various individuals connected with the phenomenon.Item Open Access The untold stories of women farmer's experiences with special reference to their socio-economic conditions: A case of Nwanedi Farms in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa, 1994-2013(2021-11-19) Tshamano, Humbulani Samson; Molapo, R. R.; Mngomezulu, B. R.The demise of apartheid in 1994 raised the hopes of many South Africans who, for a long time, had been dreaming of a non-racial and non-sexist South Africa in which everybody is guaranteed equal opportunities. This was further emphasised by Sections 9 and 10 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996), which advocate equality before the law and freedom from discrimination, together with the right to human dignity respectively. Although the Constitution seems to have managed to protect every individual South African, one wonders whether what is enshrined in the Constitution is practical at grassroots level too. The untold stories of women farmers’ experiences provide an opportunity for us to scrutinise the feelings of those previously marginalised groups of people in South Africa, particularly, women in the context of South Africa’s new political dispensation and attendant Constitution. The focus is on women who owned farms in the Nwanedi area, with an aim of giving them a platform to play a meaningful role in the making of their own history. Women have been historically disadvantaged because of patriarchy. Historical accounts are loaded with stories that glorify patriarchy, thereby rendering women passive participants in the making of their history. Matters pertaining to land tenure rights were designed in such a way that women, under both Roman-Dutch Law and Customary Law, could not own land. By employing feminist theories that indict patriarchy for being responsible for women’s oppression and by accepting that women’s agency had been overlooked but not diminished, people will respect women’s dignity and defend their capacity to emancipate themselves. To make this possible, a qualitative research method was employed to collect data for the study. The study gave this group of women farmers an opportunity to express their views about how they felt as women farmers, and of the challenges and obstacles impeding their way to becoming successful commercial farmers. Eventually, suggestions are made relating to how policy, research and developmental interventions can be made, to match the developmental needs of women farmers in the Nwanedi area, with the aim of enhancing their economic welfare.Item Open Access An investigation of the bilateral relations between South Africa and China: Trade and Industry agreements(2020) Sikhwari, Tshedza Tshivhase; Molapo, R. R.; Yende, N.China and South Africa share a long historic bilateral relation. Therefore, their formal diplomatic relations were officially established on the 1st of January, 1998. South Africa is presently China’s leading trading partner in Africa. Since the establishment of these two diplomatic ties, bilateral cooperation in the political, economic and trade, inter alia, has continued to grow. This brought their bilateral relations to a new level. In spite of all these, the bilateral relations between China and South Africa appear to be unstable. This study explores all the bilateral trade measures, patterns, trade policy and strategy, investments, illicit act of dumping products, anti-dumping campaigns and construction development projects. Continually, the research supplements its critical view on the economic policy of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) and the ever-increasing migration of Chinese population to South Africa. The study employed a qualitative research approach. The data collection method relied upon secondary sources. The study is informed by two theories, namely the game theory and the neoliberal institutional theory. Both theories unpack some discussions and analysis of the study to understand competition, relative gain and interest of both nations. The study contributes to existing knowledge of trade and industry matters and it has recommended similar research topic for future researchers.Item Open 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.Item Open Access Politics of Belonging in South Africa Since 2008(2021-06-23) Ekanade, Israel Kehinde; Dzimiri, P.; Ndlovu, I.Notions of belonging are problematic and they influence the behaviour of citizens in a nation-state. Politics and nationalism to a very large extent determine the participation of locals in every sector of the economy of a nation. Several groups crave for publicity and press home their demands by challenging government to improve on service delivery and improve their conditions of living. This is the present situation in post-apartheid South Africa, which has been embroiled in a series of anti-foreigner violence carried out by locals whose primary targets were Black African nationals and a few Asians, excluding white foreigners. These violent activities have been mainly confined to informal settlements. In 2008, South Africa sent strong signals to Africa and the rest of the world that the idea of belonging has to be redefined. Human mobility triggers contests for space and facilities-here social cohesion, social trust and social peace are compromised. This study examines certain factors which fuel acrimony between nationals and foreign nationals in South Africa and the wider socio-cultural meanings and implications of these incidences for their mutual coexistence. This thesis interrogates government’s response to the tensions before, during and after crises periods. The success or otherwise, responses elicited, and how outsiders have been treated will also be explored. Methodologically, a mixed method involving discourse analysis and qualitative analysis will be employed. Purposive sampling will be used to get participants for the study and would be drawn mainly from academicians, civil society, church leaders, diplomats, locals/ political leaders and foreign nationals.