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‘Crushed all over again’: the professional experiences of early career counselling psychologists in South Africa
Full text linkCounselling psychology in South Africa has recently emerged from a tumultuous period, stemming from regulatory efforts in 2011, which negatively impacted on the profession’s status and viability. While the definition and scope of counselling psychology arguably demonstrate improvements in aligning with global practices, concerns persist surrounding the work opportunities and professional experiences of counselling psychologists, particularly those in the early stages of their careers. This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the professional experiences of early career counselling psychologists in South Africa. The pool of participants were 10 early career counselling psychologists (females = 7, males = 3, period in service = 1–10 years). The participants completed semi-structured interviews on their early career professional experiences, as well as the meanings they attributed to these experiences. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the data revealed three group experiential themes: (1) the complexity of finding and securing work; (2) navigating an array of personal, professional, and systemic challenges, and (3) self-acquiring support. The findings suggest that despite the unique and valuable skills and knowledge counselling psychologists possess, the participants struggled to successfully transition into the workforce, resulting in feelings of anxiety, frustration, and professional disillusionment. The findings indicate enhanced support is needed at various levels to address the needs and bolster the wellbeing, utilisation, and retention of counselling psychologists in their transition into the South African workforce
Sound Matters: Podcasting As A Learning And Teaching Intervention To Enhance Reading And Writing Skills
Full text linkIn this chapter, a group of student-researchers and their lecturer discuss their findings relating to a podcasting intervention which took place in an Ethnomusicology thirdand fourth-year class at Rhodes University in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa. As part of a larger project, in which the class explored podcasting in general, they experimented with the medium in order to ascertain in what role it could be used as a learning and teaching aid in tertiary pedagogy. Audio recordings of the lecturer discussing journal articles relating to the module were sent to students. They listened to and used them in different scenarios, orchestrated to research their effectiveness in diverse learning and teaching situations. Using a qualitative case study research design methodology, the student researchers and their lecturer present these findings through a participatory lens. They analyse the podcasts’ efficacy and limitations from various perspectives through coding responses. Finally, they discuss future usage of the medium as a way to enhance students’ understanding of academic readings
Counting Common Starlings: is Sturnus vulgaris invasive in rural South Africa?
No full textThe numbers of Common Starlings Sturnus vulgaris and indigenous starling species, as well as a subset of other common birds, were recorded from October 2006 to January 2020 at 72 point-count sites along four routes (two urban and two rural) in the Eastern Cape Province of South African. In the rural habitat, Common Starlings were localised at buildings; in the urban habitat, there was no clear indication that their presence influenced the occurrence or abundance of the Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio, a native species which has colonised towns and nests on buildings. In this region there is little evidence that Common Starlings invade areas that have not been heavily modified by human activities
The right to parental leave for employees in same sex Marriages
Full text linkThe Constitutional Court declared in the much-celebrated decision of Minister of Home Affairs v Fourie that it was discriminatory “for the state to deny same-sex couples the right to marry.” The Civil Union Act became effective in 2006, and notwithstanding the statute's title, it permits same-sex marriages. The latter made South Africa one of the few nations globally to approve same-sex marriage and the first one on the continent. In fact, the legislation permits same-sex, together with heterosexual individuals, to enter into legally binding unions, and both parties can elect whether to call the relationship a marriage or just a civil relationship. Regardless of the moniker chosen, the ramifications in law remain identical to those enumerated in the Marriage Act, permitting only relationships between individuals of opposite genders. A few years before the legalization of same-sex marriages, rulings from the courts and legislation recognized permanent partnerships between people of the same gender for certain reasons, yet there was no system in place that provided a platform for partnership registration. A number of court judgments have established that a parent's sexual orientation should not be a factor in custody determinations. In 2002, a court ruled in Du Toit v Minister of Welfare and Population Development that same-sex couples had the same rights to adopt children as married couples. This meant that same-sex couples were entitled to adopt children together and that any partner could adopt the children of the other. The Children's Act, which has since replaced the adoption legislation, makes it possible for spouses and "partners in a permanent domestic life partnership" of any sexual orientation to adopt. In the case MIA v Information Technology Agency (Pty) Ltd, the paucity of comprehensive provisions for parental leave in South African law emerged to the forefront. In this particular case, the worker and his spouse entered into a civil union pursuant to the Civil Union Act. They agreed to start their own family and engaged in an arrangement for surrogate motherhood. The worker agreed to carry out the birth-mother's usual responsibilities. In contemplation of their child's delivery, the worker approached his employer requesting four months of maternity leave. The employer denied the request for leave on the pretext that the worker was not the mother of the child by blood. The worker petitioned the Labour Court for a decree directing the employer to provide her with maternity leave, arguing that the employer's denial constituted discrimination based on gender, sex, family responsibilities, and sexual orientation. The court concurred and ruled that permission to go on leave be granted. The court declared that there should be no exceptions to maternity leave for women who performed the employee's obligations, and that the duration of such leave should be the same as that for a biological mother. The court also determined that the best interests of the child being born must be considered when determining a mother's eligibility for maternity leave. The Labour Court noted that South African laws lagged behind in other areas of social development and related legislation. By failing to include parental leave for all potential 'parents' in its 'family law', it failed to attain the Constitution's goals regarding the rights of children and parents. Amendments to the Civil Union Act and the Children's Act made it possible for individuals in same-sex relationships to adopt children or enter surrogacy agreements and become parents. Legislation still does not grant these parents the right to parental leave.Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Department of Mercantile law (Labour Law), 202
Challenges faced tourism small micro and medium-sized enterprises in greater Letaba Local Municipality area Mopani, Limpopo Province
Full text linkThe aim of the study was to examine the challenges faced by tourism Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) and provide recommendations to the government and other institutions to support these enterprises. It is organized into chapters, including an introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The theoretical framework of the study is based on the finance gap theory and the resource dependency theory. The literature review in Chapter Two of the study provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by tourism SMMEs. It highlights both internal challenges, such as limited managerial competency, lack of financial knowledge, and inadequate business management training, as well as external challenges, including the lack of marketing skills and inefficient use of resources. The study emphasizes the importance of improving managerial competencies, financial knowledge, and marketing skills for the successful operation and development of these enterprises. The study employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, which involves collecting quantitative data followed by qualitative data. The population for the study consists of tourism SMMEs registered in the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment, and Tourism database, with a sample size of 100 tourism SMMEs selected through purposive sampling. The study utilizes an online survey for quantitative data collection and follow-up online interviews for qualitative data collection. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, with the findings integrated through triangulation. In terms of the data analysis, the study utilizes descriptive statistics for the quantitative data and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. Most respondents in the online survey identified themselves as owners of tourism SMMEs, followed by managers and those with dual roles. Most respondents have an Honours degree or B-Tech as their highest qualification, indicating a relatively high level of education among the participants. Additionally, most respondents have worked in the tourism SMME sector for 11-20 years, suggesting a significant amount of experience in the industry. Guesthouses are the most common type of tourism business in the Greater Letaba Municipality (GLM), followed byThesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
The role of street trading in sustaining livelihoods in Kouga Local Municipality, Eastern Cape
Full text linkSouth Africa is experiencing an exponential growth of the street trading business. Subsequently, in every corner of the central business a street trader is found and Kouga Local Municipality is no exception to this phenomenon. For this reason, the study investigated the contribution of street trading in sustaining livelihoods in Kouga Local Municipality. This was achieved by investigating the factors that contribute to street traders’ sales income, thereafter, determining the impact of income derived from street trading on the household. Furthermore, the study investigated the socio-economic status of street traders in Kouga Local Municipality to understand the role played by the Municipality in sustaining the livelihoods of street traders. In achieving the objectives the study employed a mixed methods research design, incorporating qualitative data collection and a combination of content and statistical data analysis. In collecting the data, the study included participants who were engaged in street trading in Kouga Local Municipality. Participants eligible to partake in the study were over 18 years of age. The study targeted a sample size of 30 participants. With regards to the data collection tool, a closed ended questionnaire was used to solicit the information. Physical interviews were deemed necessary because of the limited educational background of many street traders. The findings revealed that the street traders derived an income greater than R945.00 per month. This proved that street trading had the capability to mitigate poverty in Kouga Local Municipality, as the most of the street traders earned a sufficient income to live above the food poverty line, which equates to R663 and also the lower bound poverty line, which equates to R945.00.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Challenges facing cooperatives in community development in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape Province
Full text linkCooperatives are becoming prominent local economic development agents responsible for addressing economic and social problems experienced by communities in developing countries and sustaining livelihoods. Cooperatives in South Africa contribute significantly to poverty reduction and job creation. The purpose of this study was to understand the operations of cooperatives in community development in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape province, so that interventions could be implemented to improve cooperatives' performance in the district. The study used a qualitative approach to enable the researcher to investigate cooperatives' challenges in community development and how these have influenced their operations in Graaff-Reinet. The study adopted a case study design. Individual, face–to–face, semi-structured interviews with 12 participants were conducted. Ten participants were cooperative members, and the other two were government officials. These participants were purposively selected because of their involvement in cooperative support programmes. The study's findings revealed that cooperatives contribute to an increase in household income, food security and job creation and improve the quality of life of members of cooperatives in the Graaff-Reinet community. The study also found that cooperatives can address economic and social problems experienced by communities, such as providing training and counselling to community members. However, the study found that the major challenges are limited training opportunities for members of cooperatives, insufficient funds and the mismanagement of funds. This study advocates for meaningful strategies that may be adopted to promote cooperatives as sources of income, namely, improved project management, self-reliance and commitment, funding, secured premises, the employment of young people and elders and the use of learning networks.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
Regulation of sexual harassment at the workplace in Namibia
Full text linkMany Namibians are driven by the need for income and economic sustainability, pushing them to seek employment and make a living for themselves. However, what appears to be just participating in economic activities can be a risky and traumatic experience for some workers. For years, many have had to balance their job responsibilities while enduring discrimination, bullying, violence, and harassment in the workplace. Sexual harassment has been a major problem in the workplace, with women being the primary targets and victims. Studies have shown that gender inequality is one of the leading causes of sexual harassment in the workplace. Within the above context, this treatise aimed at answering to what extent Namibia's legislative framework regulates sexual harassment in the workplace. Namibia's legal framework was tested against the global instruments to answer the question. It was found that Namibia's legislative framework does regulate sexual harassment. However, some several gaps were identified. First, there is ambiguity and scope of legal definitions as the current definition of sexual harassment in section 5(7)(b) of the LA is not comprehensive enough. It fails to explicitly include both "quid pro quo" and "hostile environment" sexual harassment. This ambiguity could hinder victims' ability to seek justice and the legal system to prosecute offenders effectively. Second, there is an inefficacy of reporting structures, which is a significant barrier. Victims often face unclear and inefficient procedures, contributing to underreporting and unresolved cases. Developing straightforward, accessible, and efficient reporting mechanisms is crucial. Third, the absence of comprehensive workplace policies against sexual harassment exacerbates the issue. While developing a Code of Good Practice is positive, its implementation status and effectiveness remain uncertain. Another gap relates to the protection for whistleblowers and victims, as a lack of adequate legal protection for whistleblowers and witnesses discourages reporting. Strengthening legal protections can empower more individuals to come forward. The gaps identified were developed while comparing Namibia’s legislative framework to South Africa to determine whether lessons can be learned as it was found that lessons could be learned. Further recommendations is that Namibia should establish a single OHS legislation to address workplace sexual harassment by standardising policies and procedures across various industries, improving reporting standards to measure the occurrence of sexual harassment incidents, and developing a Code of Good Practice regulating sexual harassment. Lastly, it is acknowledged that Namibia's ratification of the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190) is a welcomed development and shows a positive commitment in its intention to curb sexual violence in the workplace.Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, 202
A university-based entrepreneurial ecosystem framework in a developing country context
Full text linkAs finding employment in South Africa remains difficult, venture creation is a necessary alternative source of income and employment. The literature suggests that a university should serve as an incubator for student entrepreneurs and provide a supportive environment for their entrepreneurial ventures. Universities are also important to the development of entrepreneurial thinking among faculty, students, and other stakeholders. Furthermore, a university-based entrepreneurial ecosystem (U-BEE) is perceived as a source of support for successful student start-up ventures. The literature suggests that the elements of U-BEEs and the interaction between them vary depending on regional and local conditions. Furthermore, the key components of a U-BEE are not appropriate for all regions or contexts. As U-BEEs are dynamic and student start-ups vary, the need exists to understand the interacting elements of the system before it can be built, or the strategies implemented. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to map and assess a student U-BEE in a developing country context. The current study was situated in an interpretive research paradigm and deductive reasoning was applied. As a single case study research strategy was used and based on convenience sampling, Nelson Mandela University (NMU) was selected as the case to be investigated. Data was collected through a document review, surveying 33 respondents as well as conducting semi-structured interviews with 12 entrepreneurship stakeholders at one point in time. Deductive codes and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Through identifying and delineating the elements of NMU’s student U-BEE, it was noted that the elements in the system varied in degree of importance and prevalence. The elements investigated were people, infrastructure, funding, leadership and governance, entrepreneurship activities, reward system, collaboration, monitoring and evaluation, as well as organizational culture and outcomes. Several people were identified as supporting student entrepreneurship at NMU ranging from top management, and academics to support staff. Although a science and technology park did not exist at NMU, the findings showed that physical infrastructure and IT facilities existed to support student entrepreneurship. Despite some funding being provided for student entrepreneurship support (SES) development, none was provided for entrepreneurial infrastructure. Some top management personnel were identified as providing leadership for SES at NMU including the Vice-Chancellor who was committed to contributing to the ecosystem. In addition, various co-curricular SES activities were identified as taking place at NMU with most being offered free to registered students. However, NMU did not provide any incentives to encourage staff or students to provide SES at NMU and no formal system for rewards existed. Several internal and external collaborations to provide SES activities effectively at NMU were identified, with most occurring through the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education Community of Practice Network. SES activities were not monitored at NMU, but some student entrepreneurship data was handled by the Department of Institutional Planning. As a result, NMU was not perceived as having an entrepreneurially supportive culture, and the use of metrics to establish measurable outcomes were limited. In addition to identifying the challenges faced when building a student U-BEE ecosystem in a developing country context, the study elaborated on several suggestions on how these challenges could be overcome and what improvements could be made in terms of SES at NMU. The challenges identified related to NMU being under-resourced in terms of funds, staff, and infrastructure to support student entrepreneurship. In general, the findings of this study highlighted the need for student entrepreneurship to be a strategic priority at NMU. The increased involvement of top management, entrepreneurship staff, students, and other stakeholders needs to be encouraged and incentivized. In addition, faculties across the university should encourage student entrepreneurship involvement and encourage students to participate in programmes offered on campuses. The importance of appropriately skilled staff to handle all matters relating to student entrepreneurship was also emphasized. This study has theoretical significance because it identifies, maps, and assesses the elements of a student U-BEE in a developing country context. As such, it paves the way for future researchers to investigate other universities in these contexts, and to undertake further empirical studies. This study also has practical significance in that it makes several recommendations that might be of value to stakeholders within U-BEEs in developing country contexts.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 202
Investigating the effectiveness of microfinance on poverty alleviation in South Africa
Full text linkThis dissertation explores the role and effectiveness of microfinance in addressing poverty in South Africa. With a focus on the unique socio-economic landscape of the country, the study employs a mixed-methods approach to investigate the impact of microfinance interventions on poverty alleviation. The research encompasses a thorough review of existing literature, examining the theoretical foundations and empirical evidence surrounding microfinance and poverty reduction, from the perspective of microfinance practitioners. The research design incorporates quantitative analysis through surveys complemented by qualitative investigations through in-depth interviews. Loan officers, middle management and senior management were the target audience for questionnaires designed to elicit their opinions on the contribution of microfinance to the fight against poverty. This multifaceted approach aimed to provide a nuanced understanding of the contextual factors influencing the effectiveness of microfinance in poverty alleviation. Moreover, the study identified potential challenges and barriers that may hinder the success of microfinance initiatives in South Africa. The effectiveness of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in reducing poverty was examined by analysing how well the services of microfinance institutions matched the demands of those looking to reduce their poverty. The results point to a significant discrepancy between the services offered by MFIs and the particular requirements of the people seeking access to finance. Notwithstanding this finding, there is a general consensus that MFIs are essential to the advancement of financial inclusion. The findings of this dissertation are expected to contribute valuable insights to policymakers, practitioners, and scholars interested in the intersection of microfinance and poverty alleviation in the South African context. By critically evaluating the successes and limitations of existing microfinance programmes, the research aims to inform future policy decisions and strategic planning for sustainable poverty reduction initiatives.Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202