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Exclusion of women in the church governance structures : The Case of the Baptist Church of Southern Africa in Cradock Region
Get PDFIn every community there are women. However, they are often marginalized because they are perceived as being unable to make a meaningful contribution to various economic endeavours or society in general. Sometimes they are shunned by their own families, while even church communities have been known to treat women in thoughtless ways. As a result, their spiritual potential cannot be effectively tapped. The research has explored many experiences of women in the mainstream Baptist Churches of Southern Africa in Cradock Region in the Eastern Cape. The study delves into the barriers that prevent the full inclusion of women in church life and what churches are and/or should be doing to remove such barriers so that women can embrace all that a church has to offer and progress on their spiritual journey. The study also looks at the importance of systematic theology in the church and how it should be directed at enabling women to exercise their spiritual gifts. The study applied the theoretical framework that discussed what is faced by women in the church, providing in-depth literature and Biblical review, and examining selected individuals who contributed to the study on what is faced by women daily in their spiritual growth. It provided important insights into how involved the participants are in church activities and whether they face subtle or more overt discrimination. A few strategies were also considered aimed at improving conditions for excluded women in the church, not only through better physical access but also through greater acceptance by the church leadership and the membership as a whole. The findings from the study will not only help the churches that were the focus of the fieldwork to help their women members embrace church life more fully and exercise their spiritual gifts, but they will also provide important insights for the broader Christian church towards the potential of inclusive community that will contribute richly to the spiritual enhancement of their church, family and community. For the survey work, the researcher adopted a qualitative approach. The participants' sample consisted of adults with a range of women and men of the church. Supplementary input was solicited from women and men who understand the challenges presented by both parties – particularly when a lack of familiarity with certain physical conditions leads to an unthinking, and sometimes uncaring, attitude. The data has been collected using informal and semi-structured interviews and observation. Being able to exercise choice and having control over their lives and a sense of independence were singled out as being of great importance to the women participants, as these factors contributed to their well-being and satisfaction with life. Most of the participants reported that they were not warmly embraced by their churches, because of their gender, and they were able to lead a fulfilling life of worship. However, more could be done to enhance their participation in church affairs and to become role models for other church communities that are not as accommodating through a lack of knowledge, training and resources. The research only focused on the rural, white, Coloured, Indian and African residential areas in Cradock in the Eastern Cape. Therefore, the study will only focus on the Baptist Church of Southern Africa in Cradock Region and should ideally not be generalized to areas other than those selected for this study. There is much scope for more detailed research to be conducted on disability in other Christian churches to break down both physical and attitudinal barriers that prohibit many individuals' spiritual and emotional satisfaction and growth. Each Chapter has a unique contribution to advancing the central argument of the study with Chapter One introducing and painting a backdrop against which the problem of the marginalisation and exclusion of women in church leadership and structures must be understood. In Chapter Two the researcher reviews the relevant literature, gaining a deeper understanding of what knowledge already exists in the body of knowledge, identifying gaps and using the study to propose solutions for what might be done to mitigate the challenge. In an attempt to guide the study, an appropriate research methodology is suggested and discussed in Chapter Three. This chapter deals with what data needed to be collected and what instrument had to be used to analyse the data. The appropriateness of the research methodology is of the essence in deciding what path the study must follow to realise the objectives of the study and respond to the set research questions. In Chapter Four, the collected data is presented and analysed using the mechanisms proposed in Chapter Three. Finally, a consolidation of the findings is presented in a summary with recommendations of what mechanisms the researcher has distilled from the analysed data.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 202
A critical analysis of the Urban Food System, Urban Governance and Household Food Security in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Get PDFUrbanisation is occurring on a massive scale globally and even more so in the less developed regions of the Global South including sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Like other developing regions of the world, urbanisation in SSA is not occurring alongside a corresponding growth in urban economies. Resultantly, it is taking place in tandem with the rising scourge of urban poverty, including food insecurity. While urban food insecurity is a clear challenge in SSA, the challenge has however not been met with equal vigour in policy making and implementation circles and even in academia. Problematically, the urban food security literature often focuses on one element of the food system without giving due attention to other components of the system. Resultantly, broader systemic failures and the dynamics related to the different actors across the system-elements are missed. There has thus been recent calls to embrace urban governance in studying urban food systems, which this study does. The thesis examines the urban food system in Bulawayo (in Zimbabwe) with specific reference to urban governance and household food security to understand sociologically the complex multi-dimensional processes, structures, systems, and practices underpinning the urban food system. As a result of the complex nature of food systems, an eclectic analytical framework is employed encompassing Obeng Odoom’s DED framework, Clapp and Fuchs’ framework of power, Gaventa’s power cube and theories of everyday life derived from de Certeau and Lefebvre. Methodologically, the study is informed by a Critical Realism paradigm which accommodates the convergent mixed methods research design employed. The research strategy employed was that of a survey and case study. Key findings reveal that the Bulawayo food system, from production to consumption, is complex and is nested within broader national and international food systems. Although without a direct and explicit mandate on food security, the local authority is at the centre of urban governance processes as it employs a plethora of strategies to influence the nature of the food system. However, the study reveals that the food system is as much a construction from below through the agential activities of the urban poor.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 202
African clay pot, decorated with rust, brown and silver alloy patterns
No full textAfrican clay pot, decorated with rust, brown and silver alloy patterns.Women have acquired amazing skills in making African mats, baskets, pot, etc., to preserve African ArtDonated/gifted to Nelson Mandela University ArchivesForms part of: Brigalia Bam collectio
African clay pot decorated with patterns in rust, brown and silver alloy
No full textAfrican clay pot decorated with patterns in rust, brown and silver alloy.Donated/gifted to Nelson Mandela University ArchivesForms part of: Brigalia Bam collectio
Measuring the effectiveness of road Infrastructure support in the OR Tambo Region
Get PDFThe term "road infrastructure" refers to the roads and structures that are used to convey commuters and goods. In the numerous road facilities, structures, road classifications, electronic traffic systems, signage, and markings, the mission of road infrastructure is to assist efficiency by providing safety and trouble-free transportation. There are fundamental elements that determine the availability of resources required in society and the efficiency with which they are used to accomplish economic growth. Investment in public capital, such as road infrastructure, which is a major economic engine, is critical because infrastructure helps an economy thrive. The importance of road infrastructure and the major role it plays in economic growth can be seen in studies in developed European nations, New Zealand and the Slovak Republic, where road infrastructure is regarded as a catalyst for economic progress. Investment in public capital, such as road infrastructure, has economic benefits since it acts as the economy's backbone. The Eastern Cape's growth has been acknowledged and included in South Africa's national development strategies and efforts; nonetheless, based on deliverables and results, the province ranks among South Africa's least developed provinces. The Eastern Cape has long been designated by development programmes such as the Spatial Development Initiative (SDI) as an area that will not only generate development and progress for the province, but also for South Africa as a whole. This is sought to be achieved by the Spatial Development Initiative for the Wild-Coast in OR Tambo District Municipality, which states that "integrated sustainable rural development in the context of community, public, and private partnership initiatives.”, p. 2) This research contributes to the goal of research, which includes testing, the identification of causes and consequences, the building of a foundation for future research, and the growth of knowledge (Apuke, 2017, p. 40). The study follows a quantitative research approach and uses two main methodological procedures in order to complete this study; namely a literature review and questionnaire survey. Employees of the South African Department of Transport's National Road Infrastructure implementing agent SANRAL make up the research population in this study. The study concludes that the delivery of an effective road network in the OR v Tambo Region can serve as the base for the establishment of innovative PPP policies, the pillar of socio-economic development and transformation.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 202
The effects of sovereign credit rating on the banking sector in South Africa
Get PDFThe study investigated the effect of sovereign credit rating on the banking sector in South Africa. Four different models with different measures of the banking sector were used to investigate this effect. In the first model Tobit model was used to analyse the effect of sovereign credit rating on bank ratings in South Africa. The study found that sovereign credit ratings have a significant positive effect on bank credit ratings. Using GMM with a sample of 11 banks, with bank lending as the measure for the banking sector, the study found that sovereign credit ratings (SCR) have a positive and significant effect on bank lending by commercial banks in South Africa. The study also used net interest margin, a measure for bank profitability as a third proxy for the banking sector and found that sovereign credit ratings have a significant positive effect on bank profitability. Furthermore, the study used bank stability measured by Z-Score to assess the effect of sovereign credit rating on the banking sector in South Africa. Taking a different approach and using ARDL, the study found that SCR has a positive long-run relationship with Z-Score. Based on the findings in all four models, the study concluded that the sovereign credit rating has a positive and significant effect on the banking sector in South Africa. This means that the sovereign credit ratings upgrade will lead to an improvement in the banking sector. A sovereign credit rating downgrade will be detrimental to the banking sector in South Africa. The study has shown that there are interlinkages between the public and the private sector; therefore, government must come up with strategic policies to ensure stability and reduction of government debt. Policymakers of the banking sector should also strengthen policies that will ensure banks remain profitable and stable even during a sovereign crisis. An effective and efficient asset management is important for the survival of South African commercial banks. The study recommends that both the private and public sector should work in cooperation when formulating policies so that the impact of the regulatory measure on commercial banks is taken into consideration.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 202
The Women’s Development Foundation Award to Minister Lindiwe Nonceba Sisulu-Guma
No full textThe Women's Development Award to Lindi Nonceba Sisulu-Guma (Minister), "honoring your contribution to the first Democratic National Assembly of the Republic of South Africa 1994-1999".Donated/gifted to Nelson Mandela University ArchivesForms part of: Brigalia Bam collectio
The Women’s Development Foundation Award to Lizzie Adriana Abrahams
No full textThe Women's Development Award to Lizzie Adriana Abrahams, "honoring your contribution to the first Democratic National Assembly of the Republic of South Africa 1994-1999".Donated/gifted to Nelson Mandela University ArchivesForms part of: Brigalia Bam collectio
Painting of three African women
No full textDr. Brigalia Bam was gifted a painting from the Electoral Commission of Uganda. A Catholic Nun decided to give Dr. Brigalia Bam the painting of three African women because of her love and care for women.Dr Bam told the Catholic Nun about the sad death of an Anglican Bishop who had been murdered by Idi Amin, the former President of Uganda. Dr. Brigalia Bam also focused on the stories of women widows of Uganda.Donated/gifted to Nelson Mandela University ArchivesForms part of: Brigalia Bam collectio
Application of gold and palladium nanoparticles supported on polymelamine microspheres in the oxidation of 1-phenylethanol and some other phenyl substituted alcohols
Get PDFMelamine formaldehyde and melamine resorcinol formaldehyde microspheres were decorated with Au and Pd nanoparticles and applied as heterogeneous catalysts in the oxidation of 1-phenylethanol. The catalysts showed similar activities irrespective of the support employed. Moderate conversion activities of 48–50% were achieved when using acetonitrile as solvent; however, when employing water as solvent, the supported catalysts formed a three-phase, emulsion system which facilitated the catalytic conversion of 1-phenylethanol to acetophenone at much higher conversions of around 83%. The oxidant, TBHP, decomposed rapidly in acetonitrile, whilst it remained stable in aqueous solution, leading to the enhanced activities observed when using water as solvent. These systems also proved to be recyclable for up to five cycles, with only slight loss of activity observed; this can be attributed to the physical loss of catalyst during the workup procedure conducted between each cycle