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Establishing effective communication between the Agricultural researcher and the farmer with special Reference to the large-scale sugarcane, soybeans and maize industry - a comparative case study in South Africa
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Sustainable Agriculture))--University of the Free State, 2023Sustainable global food production is non-negotiable and can only be achieved by applying sustainable agricultural practices to ensure the longevity of our natural resources, such as soil and water. Research and subsequent dissemination of the results form the basis of agricultural development in the small-scale and large-scale commercial farming sectors. Nature, climate, industry, and agriculture are all integrated systems of our world. It is a complex and dynamic system that has required innovative thinking for the survival and progress of humankind since its inception. The delivery of scientific and technological information has always been crucial for developing sustainable systems, and delivery methods must continuously be evaluated to ensure effective communication and knowledge transfer. Communication breakdown between the researcher and the producer or target audience could have disastrous consequences.
This study aimed to investigate the environment in which the agricultural transfer of knowledge takes place, focusing on South Africa's crop production sector. It also intended to research current methods and models used for disseminating information, identify the key role-players, determine levels of communication between stakeholders and recognise the shortcomings and qualities of such models. It is therefore important to investigate and evaluate current, modern approaches and older models of knowledge transfer in an attempt to provide guidelines along which the delivery of scientific information can be developed.
The entire world faces a situation of information overload in most sectors of industry and social environments. Filtering through this enormous amount of information is an almost impossible task and requires the guidance and expertise of scientists and specialists within a specific field of knowledge. The alternative scenario is where borders between credible, factually based knowledge and “fake science” become blurred, creating confusion and distrust. The participants' perceptions of research, communication, effectivity of knowledge transfer, and relevancy of current methods must be explored to redirect or redesign models, and means of scientific information delivery. This comparative study used a mixed methods approach where the perceptions regarding information dissemination from researchers, advisors and research coordinators in the crop production sector, and researchers, advisors and knowledge management in the sugarcane production sector were obtained using questionnaires complimented by semi-structured in-depth interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyse and discuss the generated data.
The crop researchers, advisors and research coordinators confirmed unsatisfactory levels of communication throughout the research process and subsequent dissemination of the results. Pseudo-science was a serious concern for all the role-players in this sector. The same participants felt that research funding and the source of funding was a potential problem that could even influence the results generated. The SASRI model, however, was found to be very effective throughout the process of identifying research topics, prioritising projects, funding, and disseminating results. Communication between researchers, extension specialists and sugarcane growers was effective and well-coordinated by knowledge management. The existince of well-established communication channels and feedback ensured the sugarcane production sector’s awareness of fake science but confidence that most of the scientific data generated reached the intended target and therefor regarded pseudo-science as a minor problem. It was further found that although the crop commodity organisations performed well in research, they needed closer collaboration with advisors in the crop production sector to ensure effective dissemination of the generated research results.
It was concluded that the South African Sugarcane Research Institute employed a highly respected and effective model of knowledge transfer and dissemination of results to the target audience. Acceptable levels and channels of communication enabled all the stakeholders in the dissemination chain to network, even on an interdisciplinary level. Well-structured measures of effectivity, such as feedback and adoption rates on the farm-level, create confidence and trust within the SASRI system and contribute most to sustainable production and utilisation of natural resources
The effect of microbial and plant extract preservatives on the chemical, microbial and sensory quality of a traditional fresh South African sausage
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Food Science))--University of the Free State, 2023The purpose of this study was to determine if natural preservatives in Boerewors had an effect on the aᵥᵥ, pH, and moisture content; lipid oxidative, microbial and colour stability; and sensory quality. Sulphur dioxide inclusion at 0.035% (positive control), formulation with no preservatives (negative control), protective cultures; Pediococcus acidilactici (PrC1) and Lactobacillus curvatus (PrC2), and plant extract blends; rosemary extract and acerola oil (KD1) and rosemary extract, buffered vinegar, and acerola powder (KD2), were evaluated. The goal was to best match the quality characteristics of the positive control, while complying to the consumer demands for natural ingredients. The use of KD2 increased the pH on days 0 and 6, while the aᵥᵥ of were only affected on day 0, with PrC1 having the highest aᵥᵥ and KD1 the lowest. Both plant extract preservatives increased the lipid oxidative stability more than any other treatment, including the positive control. The microbial stability results were inconclusive due to the protective cultures which increased the total bacteria count. The pathogens, coliform and Enterobacteriaceae counts were analysed, but there were no significant differences between the treatments. KD1 maintained the highest lightness colour score and lowest TBC at the same level as the positive control but increased the yellowness score. The treatments had no effect on the sensory evaluation. The use of plant preservatives as the best candidates for SO₂ replacement were confirmed for use in Boerewors.
The replacement of SO₂, with natural preservatives, can affect the product safety and shelflife of fresh meat products, such as Boerewors. The effect of the replacement on the microbial communities of Boerewors have not yet been investigated. Biolog™ Ecoplate™ have been used to physiologically profile bacterial communities from different preservative treated Boerewors samples. The Boerewors were sampled on day 0 and incubated at 25 °C, in an OmniLog® system, for 72.5 h. The growth and reaction of the microbial communities to the 31 carbon compounds were measured, based on the production of formazan. The results were statistically analysed, using two methods: 1) AWCD and Shannon indices, and 2) applying the Gompertz function to analyse growth parameters. The results of the first approach showed that KD1 had the lowest growth rate and a similar microbial diversity as the PC, while the NC had the highest overall growth and diversity. The results of the second approach showed that PrC1 had a much later midpoint of growth than the other treatments, while the microbial community in KD2 had the least explosive growth of all the treatments. Overall, a reduction in microbial functional diversity and explosiveness of growth was noted in Boerewors with added preservatives. In terms of community-level physiological profiling, SO₂ replacement can, therefore, affect the microbial quality and safety of Boerewors in mostly positive ways.
In this study, SO₂ replacement with plant extract preservatives containing rosemary and acerola extract (KD1) and rosemary and acerola extract with buffered vinegar (KD2), were evaluated for effects on the growth and survival of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) reference strains. The bacterial strains were inoculated separately into Boerewors batters that were stored at 4 °C for up to 6 days. The purpose of this study was to determine if these potential pathogens could use natural preservatives to their advantage in Boerewors. The inoculated E. coli struggled to survive both of the natural preservatives, especially KD1, without a significant difference to the PC. Survival decreased substantially from day 0 to 6, with the low storage temperature having a big influence on the counts. The inoculated S. aureus decreased from day 0 to 6, but the natural preservatives did not affect the counts as much as the SO₂, except on the last day of storage. For the most part, natural preservatives and an ideal storage temperature exhibited antimicrobial potential
Re[de]fined: an Electronic Waste Recycling Plant and Jewellery Design School Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg
No full textDissertation (M.Arch.(Architecture))--University of the Free State, 2023The reality of electronic device use, consumption, and production have increased dramatically over the past few decades, leading to an increase in the disposal of outdated technology. The aim is to explore an appropriate inner-city development that encourages e-waste recycling and material recovery to present an opportunity for economic benefit and community engagement. This begs the question of how architecture can act as a mediator to expand the sustainable processing of electronic waste (e-waste) by exposing the jewellery industry and addressing the rapid evolution of technology; able to express and take on an embodied entrepreneurial venture within the urban fabric of Maboneng in Johannesburg. Designers seldom address the challenge of creating a potential hub that provides entrepreneurs with an urban platform by approaching the city resources as a waste mine rather than sensitive ecological mining areas. The proposed design’s aim relies not only on the educational outcome of the jewellery design students but also on providing a prosperous and vibrant workforce through waste production methods to celebrate the secondary properties of the material. This is done by investigating waste control analysis to address the complex system of extraction methods, including the study of precedents contributing to the function, context, and building type. The urban renewal programme acts as an instrument to support other waste management investigations, offering education and active instruction in the city and redefining our response to the rampant concern of e-waste
Guidelines to achieve social justice through cooperatively governed education
No full textThesis(LL.D.(Constitutional Law and Philosophy of Law))--University of the Free State, 2023One of the main objectives of our constitutional state is to establish a society based on social justice as contemplated in the 1996.¹ Indeed, social justice is also one of the central visions and ideals of the South African education system.² However, the public basic education system fails to provide equal access to the opportunities and rights required to achieve social justice. While schools may be accessible, learner attendance does not necessarily equate to quality education.³
Historical geographic patterns of (dis)advantage continue to affect institutions’ capacity to provide quality education and achieve equality of opportunity and outcomes. The historical influence of race on equitable opportunities and outcomes is compounded by geography and social class.⁴ In his discussion of the education markets, Ball states that in an ideal world, every parent would have the freedom to pick any school where they want their children to be educated.⁵ In the South African reality, however, this is not the case. In fact, parents from rural areas often have access to only one or two poorly resourced schools with poorly trained teachers, leaving them with not much choice for their children’s education.⁶ These children might never enjoy the equal and quality education they should be receiving.⁷ In essence, therefore, for some, socioeconomic realities limit the constitutionally entrenched right to education.⁸
The implementation of the constitutional rights framework that enshrines equal access to quality basic education has been hindered by a number of deficiencies and failures. These include a a shortage of proficient educators and staff,⁹ an undervaluing of the pedagogical importance of the language of instruction,¹º inadequate infrastructure (classrooms and physical space),¹¹ financial constraints and school quintiles,¹² and insufficient early childhood education.¹³
While the Department of Basic Education continues to add to its complex framework of education policies, the risk is that these may function more as a vehicle for politics than being a bona fide attempt to achieve true social justice in education and work together to achieve this goal.¹⁴ Detailed policies are often issued and strong political stances taken on specific social matters, but are not accompanied by the required will or funding to address the concern in practice. One example is the Department’s promotion of Grade R education to be made compulsory, though without allocating sufficient funds to incorporate it into the formal schooling system. In this way, policies are merely symbolic and social justice remains a pipe dream.¹⁵
The failure to provide adequate school infrastructure and facilities¹⁶ also contributes to disparities in access to quality education. This causes regular disputes between the governing bodies of well-functioning schools and provincial education departments over schools’ capacity to admit additional learners.¹⁷ Additionally, numerous disputes have resulted from provincial departments’ failure to fill educator positions or their abuse of power and overreach.¹⁸
Where the different spheres of government¹⁹ and organs of state²º do not cooperate and see eye to eye on the theory and practical realisation of social justice in education, the right to education of an equal standard, and by implication, to social justice is jeopardised.
The Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act (IRFA)²¹ includes a number of mechanisms and procedures to regulate the relationship and settle intergovernmental disputes between the national Department of Basic Education and provincial education departments.²² However, IRFA and the education laws are silent on alternative processes to be followed if school governing bodies and education departments, particularly in the provincial context, are locked in dispute, thus preventing the achievement of social justice.
This raises the question of how the relationship between school governing bodies and education departments could be guided and governed to ensure that it is peaceful and productive. The main aim of this dissertation, therefore, is to establish what the relationship between the national Department of Basic Education, provincial education departments and school governing bodies ought to be to comply with the imperative captured in chapter 3 of the and realise social justice in education. Secondly, the dissertation seeks to develop guidelines to assist education departments and school governing bodies to achieve the principles of cooperative governance and settle any potential disputes between them. The ultimate goal is for relationships to remain intact as a prerequisite for safeguarding and promoting a democratic education system that is based on social justice. The partnership model for public school governance envisaged by the ²³ is underpinned by the principle of cooperative governance²⁴ set out in the Constitution.²⁵ This compels the partners to cooperate in good faith.
In , , ,²⁶ the Constitutional Court held that cooperation between school governing bodies and national or provincial government was “rooted in the shared goal of ensuring that the best interests of learners are furthered and the right to basic education is realised”. Moreover, the court in , , ²⁷ stated that the provisions in the Schools Act were:
… carefully crafted to strike a balance between the duties of these various partners [governing bodies, principals, heads of department, Members of Executive Council and the education minister] in ensuring an effective education system. … [T]he interactions between the partners – the checks, balances and accountability mechanisms – are closely regulated by the Act.
The Constitutional Court²⁸ went on to state:
The importance of cooperative governance cannot be underestimated. It is a fundamentally important norm of our democratic dispensation, one that underlies the constitutional framework generally and that has been concretised in the Schools Act as an organising principle for the provision of access to education.
Given the nature of the partnership that the has created, public school governing bodies and the state should be in a close cooperative relationship, recognising the partners’ distinct yet interrelated functions. This relationship should be characterised by consultation and cooperation in mutual trust and good faith. The goals of providing quality education to all learners and developing their talents and capabilities depend on it.
In practice, however, this kind of cooperation in the education sector is yet to be established. Among the challenges that currently prevent the realisation of the constitutional imperative of cooperative governance are overreach and abuse of administrative power,²⁹ tension relating to power and authority,³º failure to consult and meaningfully engage,³¹ ineffective intergovernmental structures and dispute resolution,³² and unethical leadership.³
The role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on women's micro-enterprises: the case of Ezemvelo KZN wildlife
No full textDissertation(MDS (Development Studies))--University of the Free State, 2023The positive support provided by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife can potentially transform the entrepreneurial spirit, attitudes, and perceptions among women in rural communities of the KwaZulu-Natal Province. Previous research on women's micro-enterprises has highlighted the importance of empowering women, particularly those living in rural areas such as KwaZulu-Natal. This study specifically focuses on investigating the initiatives of women's micro-enterprises through the corporate social investment programme of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. The study was conducted in the Masters Primary Co-operative, using qualitative research methods. A sample of 13 participants involving government officials and co-operative members was selected using purposive sampling. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the collected data. The primary objective of this research was to understand how corporate social responsibility contributes to women's micro-enterprise initiatives using Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife as a case study. By focusing on these initiatives, the study aims to shed light on the strategies and practices that lead to the successful and enduring operation of women's micro-enterprises with the organisation's support. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s corporate social development programme has helped to sustain women's micro-enterprises by increasing income generation, business expansion, purchasing necessary equipment, and improving their production capacity, leading to higher revenue and profits. The women also received infrastructural assistance, access to a broader market base, and essential training and capacity building. The study demonstrated that women's micro-enterprises achieve sustainability through teamwork, commitment, and future focus. The study recommends that Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife adopt the Marxist feminist theory approach, the sustainable livelihood approach to corporate social responsibility, and offer continuous training in micro-enterprises to improve their corporate social responsibility programme further
Towards an architecture of explorative divergence: an autoethnographic interrogation of explorative-divergence as a mode of design and practice underpinning the oeuvre of Mathews and Associates Architects
No full textThesis (PhD.Arch(Design))--University of the Free State, 2023A recurring theme in architectural theory is the question of “meaning”. To what purpose do we create architecture? My own personal credo can be defined as an intention to foster a bias for good architecture amongst the public by creating buildings which offer a holistic, embodied experience to which the dweller can relate. Expressed more simply, I care about the quality of the relationship between the public and architecture. I postulate that good architecture can be achieved on the basis of the symbiosis of two core ingredients, namely propositional density and narrative depth. “Propositional density” is a term borrowed from graphic design theory and can be defined as “the relationship between elements of a design and the meaning they convey” (Lidwell, Holden & Butler 2003:190). The theory states that a design is more intriguing and memorable when its elements have layered meanings; when one simple element conveys multiple meanings. In this study the term is used to refer to the complexity (density) of the meanings (propositions) of an architectural element or elements. Propositions can be further distinguished as being surface propositions – the multifunctionality of architectural elements – or deep propositions – the underlying sculptural and cinematic propositions of these elements. “Narrative depth” refers to the attempt to reveal the narratives of sites and cultures by conveying stories through architectural elements, thereby making buildings contextual. One can differentiate between visible and unseen narratives. Visible, or seen narratives, are direct references or representations of the narratives associated with the site. Unseen narratives refer to those representations that can only be understood if the viewer has specific insight. The reading of underlying, unseen narratives depends in part on the personal history and knowledge of the person interacting with the built environment. Perhaps more important than arguing the definition of good architecture is the following: understanding how architects can set about achieving or creating architecture with sufficient propositional density and narrative depth, in order to establish meaningful relationships between dweller and building (i.e. so that people can relate to buildings in such a way that a bias for this kind of architecture is established). The above represents the intention with this practice-based study: to unearth the ‘how’ so that we can reflect on and improve our methods of design and praxis. Explorative divergence can be described as an open-ended, interdisciplinary working method which goes hand in hand with a receptive mindset. Simultaneously, I argue that architecture practices would benefit from dabbling in a wide range of projects (from publishing and running a think tank, to curating art exhibitions and initiating guerrilla projects), as this would enrich the toolset of the practice.
To unearth the characteristics of E-D, as it pertains to the practice of Mathews and Associates Architects, I will focus on three dominant divergencies or core competencies as lenses through which E-D can be understood:
• Curation (including composition, judgement and intuition)
• Sculpture (referring to aspects like making, form and materiality, texture, material and construction, innovation, and designing for semi-skilled labour)
• Cinematic architectural choreography (including investigations into sequence, routes, movement, framing and temporal experience)
These core competencies (which are areas of study in their own right) will be approached ‘as an architect’, and even more specifically, as ‘this architect’ has experienced them through architectural practice. Consequently, the method of inquiry is grounded in an auto-ethnographic exploration of the origins of E-D practice in my upbringing, education, travels and career. An exegesis of early student travel journals will reveal influential buildings and architects that inspired my E-D thinking. The places I experienced, and the discussion of like-minded creatives, will establish the thesis within the discipline of architecture. The style of the thesis is anecdotal, recounting stories to illustrate principles which are supported by academic references. In this manner the characteristics of E-D, as it pertains to the praxis of Mathews and Associates Architects, are defined; thus, a case can be made for the E-D method to produce architecture with high propositional density and narrative depth. Ultimately, I believe this kind of architecture has the greatest potential to allow people to relate to the work, and thereby find meaning in it
Informal economy support: the case of SMMEs in the Mossel Bay Municipality
No full textDissertation (MDS (Development Studies))--University of the Free State, 2023The informal economy is critical in enabling economic inclusion, especially given the challenges of structural unemployment in the South African economy. In these settings, the informal economy is potentially a catalyst to unlock, drive, and exploit opportunities for the economically marginalised due to the relatively low barriers to entry, especially for necessity-driven entrepreneurship.
With lagging early entrepreneurial activity and high discontinuance rates not contributing to the growth of informal enterprises into mature and sustainable enterprises, the study focuses on the appropriateness of business support measures extended to these informal enterprises to tackle and overcome the challenges they face. The study gathers insights from informal economy entrepreneurs and stakeholders in the business support ecosystem on the key barriers and constraints they face in their entrepreneurial journey and perspectives on their support needs.
The study was executed through semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and informal entrepreneurs. The key stakeholders involved in business support extension were approached, which included the primary government support agency and other roleplayers, such as the LED department of a local municipality and representatives of local informal entrepreneurial associations. The study revealed that as much as informal enterprises are closely aligned with the formal economy, their support needs differ from those offered to the formal economy. Furthermore, it found that the departure point for support agencies, closely linked to the government's policy position, is the formalisation of informal enterprises. Consequently, this leads to premature formalisation, impacting the cost and burden of compliance, for which most informal enterprises need resources.
The study recommends that broad stakeholders and support agencies in the support ecosystem should pay due cognisance to the support needs of informal enterprises and their owners from a financial and non-financial support perspective. The study emphasises that adopting a differentiated approach is necessary and that a customised support model is needed to extend more effective business support in the informal economy. A more effective business support model will be achieved if business support stakeholders and agencies understand the support needs of informal enterprises and, as a direct consequence, leverage financial and non-financial support with partnerships within the public and private sectors. This will ultimately contribute to improving business discontinuance rates, more sustainable businesses, and positioning informal enterprises to exploit opportunities for growth within the local economies
Knowledge, skills, and training community health workers require to contribute to an interprofessional learning initiative
No full textBackground
A health sciences faculty established an interprofessional learning initiative in the southern Free State, South Africa. This initiative offers learning opportunities to fourth-year students in health and rehabilitation sciences, nursing, and clinical medicine, whilst supporting rural healthcare services. The role of community health workers in this initiative is often limited to enabling students to enter the community setting. The authors presupposed that these health workers require certain knowledge, skills and training to contribute to this initiative.
Aim
To describe the knowledge, skills, and training community health workers require to contribute to a faculty of health sciences interprofessional learning initiative.
Setting
The study was conducted at the rural and university facilities of a health sciences faculty.
Methods
This qualitative study used five nominal group discussions and purposive sampling to obtain data from community health workers (n = 26), interprofessional learning students (n = 22), interprofessional learning coordinators (n = 3), and interprofessional learning facilitators (n = 5). Analysis of the multiple-group data was done according to accepted nominal group technique practices.
Findings
Five top priorities related to required knowledge, skills, and training were identified across groups. Knowledge priorities were, for example, the Road to Health chart (average 5.58), danger signs (3.63), and basic knowledge on pertinent conditions (2.82). Skills included wound care (4.17), vital signs (3.09), and communication (2.63), whilst training on health promotion (3.09), emergency (3.00) and wound care (2.92), were listed.
Contribution
The findings contribute to the development of a facilitator guide containing content tailored to enable community health workers to contribute to this interprofessional learning initiative.Publisher's versio
Prevalence of 1 risk variants in HIV-positive compared to HIV-negative individuals with evidence of kidney disease
No full textDissertation (M.Sc.(Genetics))--University of the Free State, 2023: Various types of kidney diseases, including HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), have been associated to variants in the Apolipoprotein1 (1) gene. 1 high risk (G1 and G2) variants are exclusively found in individuals of African ancestry, because of this, 1 has been associated with kidney disease only in those with recent African ancestry. However, there is little data on the prevalence and implications of the 1 variation in HIV-positive patients in the South African population.
: The aim was to determine whether the 1 gene variants are present and whether genetic susceptibility along with HIV infection contributes to the development of kidney diseases, in a South African population, treated in Bloemfontein.
: This was a case-control study that included two hundred and twenty (n=220) participants consisting of four groups, namely: HIV positive with kidney disease indicators (n=55); HIV positive without kidney disease (n=55); HIV negative with kidney disease indicators (n=55) and HIV negative without kidney disease (n=55). The participant samples were selected from archived material according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Genotyping analysis using qPCR was performed to detect the 1 G1 and G2 variants. Sanger sequencing was used for confirmation.
: The frequencies of the 1 high risk genotypes revealed that the G2 variant was more prevalent than G1 in the entire study population. The frequencies were 0.0045 for 1 G1/G1, the 1000 Genome Africa found the frequency of 0.080. For G1/G2 (compound heterozygote) the frequency was 0.014. The frequency was higher for G2/G2 for this study (0.0455) compared to the 1000 genome Africa at 0.017. The prevalence of 1 G2 was higher than G1; this does not collaborate with 1000 Genome project. The p-value for 1 G2 was 0.752. There are no statistically significant associations found between the genotypes categorized by risk and either HIV or CKD.
: The study identified the presence of all the tested 1 risk variants linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD) within a specific demographic (individuals of African descent in the South African population). The prevalence of the 1 G2 variant was more than that of the 1 G1 variant. This study did not discover any statistical significance linking 1 high-risk genotypes with the occurrence of chronic kidney disease in either HIV-positive or negative individuals. Despite this, the established connection between these factors highlights the importance of screening patients who are of African ancestry, HIV-positive, and have CKD for potential personalized treatment options. Further studies with larger samples sizes and kidney biopsies are recommended to confirm whether variants of 1 contribute to the development of kidney disease in HIV positive individuals
Communication as a stakeholder relationship-building factor in contributing to the success of small businesses in townships
No full textDissertation(M.A.(Communication Science))--University of the Free State, 2023The townships in Gqeberha are characterised by crime, poverty, and unemployment. Small businesses can address these challenges by providing employment opportunities, which in turn can help alleviate poverty and crime. Despite these challenges, there are small business owners and/or managers who see opportunities for their businesses in the township, as well as the importance of stakeholder relationships for businesses.
The purpose of this study was to explore owners' and/or managers' views on the importance of effective communication and the role it plays in building positive stakeholder relationships, which in turn contribute to successful small businesses. The research questions focused on who small business owners and/or managers regard as their stakeholders, how small business owners and/or managers view communication with their stakeholders, what they regard as positive stakeholder relationships, and their experiences of running a small business. Data were collected through interviews and qualitatively analysed. The results showed that engaging with stakeholders contributes to forming positive stakeholder relationships, which help the organisation achieve its end goals