Small Area Census Approach to Measure the Township Informal Economy in South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. E. Charman ◽  
Leif M. Petersen ◽  
Laurence E. Piper ◽  
Rory Liedeman ◽  
Teresa Legg
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Informal Economy ◽  
Small Area ◽  
Spatial Dynamics ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Grocery Retailing ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Enterprise Activity ◽  
Micro Enterprises

In this article, we describe a research approach to undertaking a small area census to identify informal economy activity, using a mixture of quantitative and qualitative tools. The method focuses on enterprise activity. The approach enables the researcher to record a broader spectrum of informal micro-enterprises through identifying businesses in situ within an area of sufficient scale to broadly reflect area-level market conditions and business dynamics. The approach comprises an enterprise census, a survey of all identified micro-enterprises in key sectors, in-depth interviews, and participatory research techniques. The article reports on the application of this method in eight case sites, located in township settlements within five major cities in South Africa. The research identified 9,400 individual enterprises, entailing 10,220 primary and secondary activities, distributed within a population of 325,000 and comprising 97,000 households. The approach permits significant advances to our understanding of the spatial dynamics of the informal sector. The research data has enabled the researcher to make original contributions to understanding informal enterprise activities in grocery retailing, liquor trade, and traditional medicine sectors.

Social Media and the Psychosocial Well-Being of Youths in the Amathole District Municipality, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor Alvira Hendricks ◽  
Nkosiyazi Kanjiri
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Social Events ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Depth Interviews

The use of social media in the rural areas of South Africa is growing, with the youth being the prominent users. The growth of social media has incited a growing knowledge about impending forthcoming social events. However, there are concerns about mental illness, such as depression, owing to the increase in social comparison. There is a lack of literature on the use of social media in rural areas. The aim of this study was thus to investigate the effects of social media on the psychosocial well-being of the youth in selected rural areas of the Eastern Cape. The study was conducted in the Amathole District Municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Using a qualitative research approach, 30 youths from the Amathole District Municipality were purposively sampled. The data were collected through in-depth interviews and analysed using a thematic analysis. The findings revealed that using social media has a negative bearing on the psychosocial well-being of the youth owing to the discrepancies between appearance, reality and expectations. Some youths use social media as a means of recreation whereas some use social media as a networking method. The study concluded that the extensive use of social media among the youth can lead to comparison and ultimately depression and, therefore, recommended awareness campaigns on the good use of social media so the youth benefit rather than become victims.

scholarly journals Sustainable Livelihoods of Township Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises towards Growth and Development

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 3149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stella Bvuma ◽  
Carl Marnewick
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Historical Background ◽  
Sustainable Livelihood ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Ict Adoption ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Micro Enterprises

In South Africa, small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) have been recognized as the critical driving force to alleviate some economic challenges that the country faces. The challenges, such as the alleviation of poverty and the unemployment rate, can be addressed by policies that encourage SMME developments and sustainability. The historical background of SMMEs in South Africa has left them operating in various locations, such as cities and townships. There is a growing concern of the lack of information and communications technology (ICT) adoption by SMMEs, in particular those operating in townships. The aim of this study was to develop an ICT adoption framework using the sustainability livelihood framework (SLF) to encourage ICT adoption and improve the livelihood of township SMMEs. This study used the sustainable livelihood framework (SLF) to explore the broader socio-economic contents of the township SMMEs on human, social, financial, and physical and natural resource-based assets that enable the poor to enhance their capabilities and reduce their vulnerabilities. This study deployed a qualitative exploratory research. A sample of 21 SMME owners/managers operating in Soweto was used, and data were collected using in-depth interviews and observations. The study revealed township SMMEs are complex and dynamic and need various interventions in order for them to be sustainable. The SLF for township SMMEs can be used as a guideline for SMME owners/managers and policy makers when formulating ICT adoption policy.

A geometallurgical characterization study of the Crystalkop Reef at the Great Noligwa Mine, Klerksdorp Goldfield, South Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 120 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-322
Author(s):  
D. Pienaar ◽  
B.M. Guy ◽  
C. Pienaar ◽  
K.S. Viljoen
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Processing Parameters ◽  
Processing Plant ◽  
Small Contribution ◽  
Gold Cyanide ◽  
Three Samples ◽  
Characterization Study ◽  
Different Sources

Abstract Mineralogical and textural variability of ores from different sources commonly leads to processing inefficiencies, particularly when a processing plant is designed to treat ore from a single source (i.e. ore of a relatively uniform composition). The bulk of the Witwatersrand ore in the Klerksdorp goldfield, processed at the AngloGold Ashanti Great Noligwa treatment plant, is derived from the Vaal Reef (>90%), with a comparatively small contribution obtained from the Crystalkop Reef (or C-Reef). Despite the uneven contribution, it is of critical importance to ensure that the processing parameters are optimized for the treatment of both the Vaal and C-Reefs. This paper serves to document the results of a geometallurgical study of the C-Reef at the Great Noligwa gold mine in the Klerksdorp goldfield of South Africa, with the primary aim of assessing the suitability of the processing parameters that are in use at the Great Noligwa plant. The paper also draws comparisons between the C-Reef and the Vaal Reef A-facies (Vaal Reef) and attempts to explain minor differences in the recovery of gold and uranium from these two sources. Three samples of the C-Reef were collected in-situ from the underground operations at Great Noligwa mine for mineralogical analyses and metallurgical tests. Laboratory-scale leach tests for gold (cyanide) and uranium (sulphuric acid) were carried out using dissolution conditions similar to that in use at the Great Noligwa plant, followed by further diagnostic leaching in the case of gold. The gold in the ore was found to be readily leachable with recoveries ranging from 95% to 97% (as opposed to 89% to 93% for the Vaal Reef). Additional recoveries were achieved in the presence of excess cyanide (96% to 98%). The recovery of uranium varied between 72% and 76% (as opposed to 30% to 64% for the Vaal Reef), which is substantially higher than predicted, given the amount of brannerite in the ore, which is generally regarded as refractory. Thus, the higher uranium recoveries from the C-Reef imply that a proportion of the uranium was recovered by the partial dissolution of brannerite. As the Vaal Reef contain high amounts of chlorite (3% to 8%), which is an important acid consumer, it is considered likely that this could have reduced the effectiveness of the H2SO4 leach in the case of the ore of the Vaal Reef. Since the gold and uranium recoveries from the C-Reef were higher than the recoveries from the Vaal Reef, the results demonstrate that the processing parameters used for treatment of the Vaal Reef are equally suited to the treatment of the C-Reef. Moreover, small processing modifications, such as increased milling and leach retention times, may well increase the recovery of gold (particularly when e.g. coarse gold, or unexposed gold, is present).

Experiences of Hearing Parents Following the Diagnosis of Their Child's Hearing Loss

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronel Sanet Davids ◽  
Mariana De Jager
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Cape Town ◽  
Best Interest ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Hearing Parents ◽  
Phenomenological Design ◽  
Depth Interviews

An estimated 90 per cent of children with a hearing loss are born to hearing parents. Most parents are unprepared for the diagnosis, leaving them shocked, confused, sad and bewildered. This article reports on a study aimed at exploring and describing the experiences of hearing parents regarding their child’s hearing loss. The study was conducted in Cape Town, South Africa. The study applied a qualitative methodology with a phenomenological design. Purposive sampling was implemented and data were collected by means of unstructured in-depth interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical considerations were adhered to. The main findings of the study indicated that hearing parents experience a myriad of emotions when their child is diagnosed with a hearing loss. This study advocates for various stakeholders in the helping profession to collaborate in the best interest of hearing parents and a child with hearing loss. Furthermore, these findings serve as guidelines for professionals working with these families.

The CEO’s route to the top: The South African experience

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-120
Author(s):  
Chris Van Melle Kamp ◽  
Karl Hofmeyr ◽  
Mandla Adonisi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Chief Executive ◽  
Senior Management ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Chief Executives ◽  
Leadership Challenges ◽  
African Experience ◽  
Depth Interviews

In this study we draw on a series of in-depth interviews with chief executives of some of South Africa’s most prominent businesses, to investigate how their careers unfolded as they rose to the top of their organisations.Twenty-seven CEOs of South Africa’s top companies were interviewed. Eleven of these companies are listed among the top 50 South African companies.We trace the evolution of leadership, from its embryonic beginnings in childhood and adolescence, through the different stages of a developing career to the crucial transformation of an operational mindset into a strategic one.We examine the circumstances that led to these CEOs being appointed and describe the difficulties of transitioning from a senior management role into that of chief executive. We look at the competencies and experience necessary to be effective as the leader of an organisation, as well as the role played by motivation and self-belief. Finally, we identify the unique leadership challenges faced by chief executives in South Africa and pass on their advice to the country’s next generation of leaders.

An Exploration of Aftercare Services for Female Drug Users

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Talent Mhangwa ◽  
Madhu Kasiram ◽  
Sibonsile Zibane
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Rehabilitation Centre ◽  
Aftercare Services ◽  
Data Source ◽  
Female Drug Users ◽  
Depth Interviews

The number of female drug users has been on the rise in South Africa, with statistics reflecting a rise in the number of women who attend treatment centres annually. This article presents empirical data from a broader qualitative study which aimed to explore perceptions concerning the effectiveness of aftercare programmes for female recovering drug users. The main data source was transcripts of in-depth interviews and focus groups with both service users and service providers from a designated rehabilitation centre in Gauteng, South Africa. Framed within a biopsychosocial-spiritual model, this article explores the perceptions and meanings which the female recovering drug users and the service providers attach to aftercare programmes. The findings of the research outlined the range of factors promoting recovery, alongside noteworthy suggestions for improvement in aftercare services. While acknowledging multiple influences on behaviour, this article highlights the significance of these findings in planning and implementing holistic aftercare programmes.

Young Adults’ Contextualization of Environmental and Sustainability Issues: A Critical Issue for Environmental Education Intervention

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony KOLA-OLUSANYA
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Environmental Education ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Critical Issue ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Insight Into

As soon as decision makers are expected to make differences towards sustainable future, young adults’ ability to make informed and sound decisions is considered essential towards securing our planet. This study provides an insight into young adults’ knowledge of key environment and sustainability issues. To answer the key research questions, data were obtained using a qualitative phenomenographic research approach and collected through 18 face-to-face in-depth interviews with research participants. The findings of this study suggest that young adults lived experiences that play a huge role in their level of awareness of topical environmental and sustainability issues critical to humanity’s future on earth. 

scholarly journals A qualitative study to identify critical attributes and attribute-levels for a discrete choice experiment on oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery among young people in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janan J. Dietrich ◽  
Millicent Atujuna ◽  
Gugulethu Tshabalala ◽  
Stefanie Hornschuh ◽  
Mamakiri Mulaudzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Young People ◽  
User Preferences ◽  
Dosing Regimen ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
On Demand ◽  
Study Team ◽  
Attribute Levels ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Oral Prep

Abstract Background The uptake and adherence of daily oral PrEP has been poor in high-risk populations in South Africa including young people. We used qualitative research methods to explore user preferences for daily and on-demand oral PrEP use among young South Africans, and to inform the identification of critical attributes and attribute-levels for quantitative analysis of user preferences, i.e. a discrete choice experiment (DCE). Methods Data were collected between September and November 2018 from eight group discussions and 20 in-depth interviews with young people 13 to 24 years in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Using a convenience sampling strategy, participants were stratified by sex and age. Interviewers used a semi-structured interview guide to discuss several attributes (dosing regimen, location, costs, side effects, and protection period) for PrEP access and use. Group discussions and in-depth interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated to English. We used framework analysis to explore context-specific attributes and attribute-levels for delivering oral PrEP in South Africa. The adolescent community advisory board, expert and study team opinions were consulted for the final DCE attributes and levels. Results We enrolled 74 participants who were 51% (n = 38/74) male, had a median age of 18.5 [Interquartile range = 16–21.25] years, 91% (n = 67/74) identified as heterosexual and 49% (n = 36/74) had not completed 12th grade education. Using the qualitative data, we identified five candidate attributes including (1) dosing regimen, (2) location to get PrEP, (3) cost, (4) route of administration and (5) frequency. After discussions with experts and the study team, we revised the DCE to include the following five attributes and levels: dosing regime: daily, and on-demand PrEP; location: private pharmacy, public clinic, mobile clinic, ATM); cost: free-of-charge, R50 (~2GBP), R265 (~12GBP); side effects: nausea, headache, rash; and duration of protection: fulltime protection versus when PrEP is used). Conclusions There is limited literature on qualitative research methods describing the step-by-step process of developing a DCE for PrEP in adolescents, especially in resource-constrained countries. We provide the process followed for the DCE technique to understand user preferences for daily and on-demand oral PrEP among young people in South Africa.

scholarly journals Measurement properties of the construct of the code of ethics content: The South African experience

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mercy Mpinganjira ◽  
Mornay Roberts-Lombard ◽  
Goran Svensson ◽  
Greg Wood
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Code Of Ethics ◽  
Codes Of Ethics ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Measurement Properties ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Sampling Frame

Background: Many organisations develop codes of ethics to help guide business conduct. However, not much is known about the contents of codes of ethics. Objectives: This article aims at investigating the code of ethics content construct and its measurement properties using a sample of firms from South Africa. Method: The study followed a quantitative research approach. The sampling frame consisted of the top 500 companies in South Africa. A structured questionnaire was administered using the telephone survey method. The respondents consisted of company secretaries and heads or managers responsible for ethics in the respective companies. At the end of the data collection period, a total of 222 usable responses were obtained. Results: The findings show that South African top companies have comprehensive codes of ethics as evidenced by the high mean values obtained from all of the content items under investigation. The findings also support the notion that the code of ethics content construct is multidimensional. Seven different dimensions were confirmed in the analysis. The measurement model of the ethics content construct was found to be valid as evidenced by the goodness-of-fit measure and measures of validity. Conclusion: The study shows that the code of ethics construct is multi-dimensional in nature. The framework provided in this study can also be used in developing, evaluating and strengthening existing codes where such need arises. This study contributes to theory on business ethics and presents the first tested measurement model of the code of ethics construct in South Africa.

Beekeeping as a family artisan entrepreneurship business

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 717-730 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veland Ramadani ◽  
Robert D. Hisrich ◽  
Leo-Paul Dana ◽  
Ramo Palalic ◽  
Laxman Panthi
Keyword(s):  
Family Business ◽  
Transition Economy ◽  
Rural Families ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Western Balkans ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose Throughout Macedonia, beekeeping is becoming popular regardless of ethnicity. Studying ethnicity, the purpose of this paper is to determine what beekeepers in Macedonia thought in their own words about their beekeeping entrepreneurship. The objective is to identify whether motivations of ethnic Albanian beekeepers in Macedonia were the same or different compared to those of ethnic Macedonians in the same country, and if different, how. Design/methodology/approach To accomplish this objective, in-depth interviews were conducted with 40 beekeepers in Macedonia. A total of 29 interviews were conducted face-to-face and the other 11 by phone. The first set of interviews took place between December 2016 and February 2017, followed by more interviews in June 2017. In total, 27 respondents said they were ethnic Albanians, and 13 identified themselves as ethnic Macedonians. Also, ten respondents were women. While eight were full-time beekeepers, 32 were part-time beekeepers. Findings The results indicated that beekeeping businesses play a significant role in the transition economy of Macedonia. Beekeeping provides additional earnings that support rural families and keeps them financially stable. The majority of both Albanians and Macedonians understood that beekeeping on a part-time job basis provided a needed supplement to their income. Some part-time beekeepers are also working as auto-mechanics, locksmiths, medical doctors, restaurant/cafeteria owners, and tailors. A few in the sample were retired from their jobs or full-time beekeepers. An important difference between ethnic Albanian beekeepers and ethnic Macedonians in Macedonia is that the majority of ethnic Albanian participants see beekeeping as following in “my father’s footsteps”, while most Macedonians were motivated by the perceived opportunity of having a good business. Research limitations/implications Limitations of the research are twofold. First, financial data of family beekeeping are not available, which would be useful in determining the contribution made to economic development. It is common, especially in transition economies such as the western Balkans, that financial results are very sensitive to their owners. Second, unavailable databases for beekeepers make any quantitative approach difficult, if not impossible, resulting in most research using the qualitative research approach. Originality/value This paper is one of the first to treat beekeeping as a form of artisan entrepreneurship, which also contributes to the understanding of family business. As in other countries, the important and operation of the family business among family members in Macedonia is passed from generation to generation. The results of this research revealed the value of networking, which was found to be very important to income. For beekeepers to develop, grow, and be branded in the community, networking is an important ingredient.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document