scholarly journals Perspectives of illicit marijuana growers and traders on commercial legalisation of marijuana in South Africa: considerations for policy formulation

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Manu ◽  
Mbuyiselo Douglas ◽  
Mohlomi Jafta Ntsaba ◽  
Elvis Enowbeyang Tarkang
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Positive Side ◽  
School Drop Out ◽  
Negative Perceptions ◽  
Key Informant Interview

Abstract Background Over the years, there has been a clarion call for legalising marijuana cultivation and trading for commercial purposes in South Africa. Proponents of the call argue that the criminalisation of commercial marijuana cultivation and trading has failed to halt illicit marijuana cultivation and trading. However, the views of those who economically benefit from the illicit marijuana trade on its legalisation remain empirically unsolicited. Objective This study aimed to solicit the views of illegal marijuana growers and traders from two selected communities in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa regarding the commercial legalisation of marijuana cultivation and trading to inform policy on the debate. Methods In-depth key informant interview approach was used to interview 18 purposively sampled participants that were selected through the snowball sampling technique. The data were analysed using the thematic content analysis approach. Results Participants had both positive and negative perceptions of the possible legalisation of marijuana cultivation and trading. On the positive side, participants indicated freedom from police, the opportunity to grow marijuana on a larger scale, capital acquisition for commercial marijuana cultivation and trading, and regulation of marijuana prices through unionisation as some of the benefits they would derive from the commercial legalisation of marijuana cultivation and trading. On the negative side, loss of their source of livelihood, fall in the price of marijuana and perceived increase in school drop-out rates were the concerns raised. Conclusion While participants relished improvement in their economic fortunes upon commercial legalisation of marijuana cultivation and trading, they were also apprehensive about this policy due to the perceived consequences it may have on their livelihoods and communities. We, therefore, recommend that future discussions of the commercial legalisation of marijuana cultivation and trading in South Africa should be done in consultation with illicit marijuana growers and traders to ensure that their interests are safeguarded by such a policy.

scholarly journals Management practices and contribution of village chickens to livelihoods of communal farmers: The case of Centane and Mount Frere in Eastern Cape, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Busisiwe Gunya ◽  
Voster Muchenje ◽  
Masibonge Gxasheka ◽  
Thobela Tyasi ◽  
Patrick Masika
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Rural Households ◽  
Chicken Manure ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Village Chickens ◽  
Food Needs ◽  
Supplementary Feed

Abstract. Gunya B, Muchenje V, Gxasheka M, Tyasi LT, Masika PJ. 2020. Management practices and contribution of village chickens to livelihoods of communal farmers: The case of Centane and Mount Frere in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Biodiversitas 21: 1345-1351. This study was conducted to determine village chickens production practices and their contribution to the livelihoods of farmers in rural households of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Data were gathered using a questionnaire survey of 150 households, which were identified by the use of snowball sampling. Village chickens were the most livestock species kept by farmers, mostly owned by women (79.61% in Centane and 81.06% in Mount Frere) and were kept for household food needs. Some farmers (21.92% and 25.31%) also occasionally sold their chickens at an average of R80 ($7.22) per bird. Most (93.13% and 76.44%) chickens flocks were provided with supplementary feed. The majority of farmers (80.31% and 88.33%) provided shelter for their chickens. The causes of chicken losses were reported to be diseases, predators, parasites and theft. The most cited disease problem was Newcastle (50.32% and 66.02%) while major predators were eagles (84.91% and 81.82%). The most common internal parasites were roundworms and tapeworm whilst the most reported external parasites were poultry lice and mites. The majority of farmers (94.51% and 92.21%) reported using chicken manure to improve the fertility of soils in their gardens. Chickens had a varied social role in the two areas, i.e., donation (61.63% and 68.82%) to neighbors and relatives. The majority of farmers (84.90%) in Centane didn't use chickens for cultural purposes whilst the majority (55.85%) in Mount Frere used chickens for cultural purposes. The present study showed that village chickens have a contribution to the livelihoods of rural households.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Bank Products Appeal across Demographic Consideration: A Comparative Study of Nigeria and South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (5(J)) ◽  
pp. 103-116
Author(s):  
Binuyo Binuyo ◽  
Aregbeshola . ◽  
Rafiu Adewale .
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Dependent Variables ◽  
Low Probability ◽  
Good Number ◽  
Snowball Sampling Technique

Influence of demographic variables on banking has continued to attract the interest of researchers over the years with a good number focussing on impact of demographic variables on choice of banks by customers. This study however differs from previous studies in that its focus is on the evaluation of bank products appeal across demographic variables in South Africa and Nigeria. This descriptive study made use of primary data collected by administering validated and pre-tested questionnaires to 3,684 bank customers within selected strategic locations across Nigeria and South Africa using the snowball sampling technique. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data generated. High Chi-Square statistics (corroborated with cross – tabulation and correlation analyses) coupled with very low probability values indicate highly significant associations between demographic variables and the dependent variables. The study recommends customer-centric approach on the part of banks to be able to provide customers with effective and unique value offers for various customer segments. Also, policy intervention is required to promote infrastructural upgrade for better product and service delivery. A more inclusive regulatory framework is required to draw more of the unbanked self – employed populace in the interest of boosting the economic performance of both countries.

scholarly journals Medicinal Plants Used by the Inhabitants of Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-166
Author(s):  
Zingisa Thinyane ◽  
Alfred Maroyi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Pharmaceutical Products ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Snowball Sampling

Plant species used as herbal medicines play an important in the provision of primary healthcare in several rural communities. The current study was aimed at documenting medicinal plants used by the inhabitants of Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. Information on medicinal plants used for primary healthcare was collected through open-ended interviews with a sample of 124 participants selected via snowball-sampling technique between April 2017 and May 2018. A total of 34 plant species and one fungus species representing 20 families were used in the treatment of 13 different human diseases. The major diseases treated by the documented species included respiratory system, pain, sores and wounds, infections and infestations, digestive system, blood and cardiovascular system, fever and malaria, general ailments, reproductive system and sexual health and mental disorders. Popular herbal medicines with relative frequency citation (RFC) values exceeding 0.50 included Bulbine frutescens, Clivia miniata var. miniata, Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Centella asiatica, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis, Leonotis leonurus, Agapanthus africanus and Datura stramonium. Such repository of medicinal plants and fungi reinforces the need for an evaluation of their biological activities as a basis for developing future medicines and pharmaceutical products.

scholarly journals Turning mirrors into windows: Knowledge transfer among indigenous healers in Limpopo province of South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan R. Maluleka ◽  
Mpho Ngoepe
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Oral Tradition ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Traditional Healing ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Snowball Sampling

Background: Knowledge transfer is an unavoidable process when it comes to indigenous knowledge especially in Africa, the continent known for its oral tradition. Such knowledge is in danger of being obliterated as a result of a number of factors, including lack of interest from younger generations and low life expectancy whereby knowledgeable people die before transferring it to the next generation as it is mostly not documented. Objectives: This qualitative study utilised hermeneutic phenomenology guided by the organisational knowledge conversion theory to investigate the transfer of indigenous knowledge by traditional healers in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Method: The study utilised a snowball sampling technique to determine the population. Data collected through interviews with traditional healers were augmented with observations done on two healers who were in the middle of their training when this study was conducted, as well as an analysis of records held by some healers. Results: The findings suggestthat knowledge of traditional healing is believed to be transferred to the chosen ones through dreams and visions. However, this knowledge seems to be transferred through mentorship and apprenticeship, as well as interactions with other healers. Conclusion: It is concluded that transferring knowledge of traditional healing goes beyond just transference; it is embedded as a belief system in many African communities. An in-depth study on the development of a framework to integrate indigenous knowledge of traditional healers into mainstream health system is recommended.

scholarly journals Stakeholder perspectives on the ethico-legal dimensions of biobanking in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shenuka Singh ◽  
Keymanthri Moodley
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Benefit Sharing ◽  
Return Of Results ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Research Participants ◽  
Governance Processes

Abstract Background Biobanking provides exciting opportunities for research on stored biospecimens. However, these opportunities to advance medical science are fraught with challenges including ethical and legal dilemmas. This study was undertaken to establish perspectives of South African stakeholders on the ethico-legal dimensions of biobanking. Methods An in-depth exploratory study was conducted with 25 purposively selected biobankers, clinicians, researchers, postgraduate students in biobanking research, and research ethics committee (REC) members in South Africa. Potential study participants were recruited through known hubs for biobanking in the country, online searches and the snowball sampling technique. A semi-structured face-to-face or Skype interview was arranged. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results The emergent themes included: inconsistency in understanding consent models, disconnect between biobank researchers and biosample donors, inadequate processes to support re-consenting minors, inconsistent governance processes for biobanking research; challenges with sample and data sharing, and suboptimal strategies for benefit sharing and return of results. Biobanking practice in general appeared to be inconsistent and fragmented. While the need for consent in research is explicitly outlined in legislative documents, some respondents were unclear on the type of consent model to apply in biosample collection. They also reported inconsistencies in research participants’ understanding of consent. Furthermore, these respondents’ own understanding of consent and consent models were dependent on where they were positioned in biobanking practice (roles occupied). Respondents were unsure about the process to follow to re-consent child participants once the age of majority (≥ 18 years) was reached. It was not surprising that consent was identified as one of the major ethical challenges in biobanking practice. In certain settings, some respondents reported suboptimal governance processes for sample collection. Participants were generally unsure about how to operationalise benefit sharing and how to approach the idea of returning results to research participants and biobank donors. Conclusion The study findings indicated inconsistencies in stakeholder understanding of ethico-legal considerations related to biobanking in South Africa. A need for ongoing ethics capacity development among stakeholders was identified. Improving understanding of the ethics of biobanking could be facilitated by acknowledging the disconnect created by biosamples in the relationship between biobank researchers and donors.

scholarly journals The implementation of the progression policy in secondary schools of the Limpopo province in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Makobo Lydia Mogale ◽  
Mpho Calphonia Modipane
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
South African ◽  
Education System ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Descriptive Case Study ◽  
Communication Breakdown ◽  
School Drop Out

Globally, policy implementation in the education system has been found to be a challenging area of development. The South African education system is no exception to the ineffective implementation of policies. For example, in South Africa, the progression policy was introduced by the Department of Education in 2013 for the purpose of minimising school drop-out rates. It was intended particularly for learners who had been retained for more than 4 years in a phase. However, progressed learners have been said to be contributing to the decline of Grade 12 national results in 2015 and 2016. We argue that due procedures in the implementation of this policy could have affected the performance of progressed learners, and in turn the overall matriculation results. A qualitative approach was followed and a descriptive case study design was adopted in the study reported on here. Data were collected through document analysis and semi-structured interviews from 2 secondary schools in the Dimamo circuit, Limpopo province. We found that the progression policy was not implemented according to the stipulations. Communication breakdown, negative teacher attitude, overcrowded classrooms, a lack of knowledge and support were found to be contributory factors in the ineffective implementation of the policy.

scholarly journals Entrepreneurs’ endogenous attributes necessary for small enterprise success in Vhembe rural areas, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ishmael O. Iwara ◽  
Beata M. Kilonzo ◽  
Jethro Zuwarimwe ◽  
Vhonani O. Netshandama
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Principal Components ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Small Enterprise ◽  
Success Factor ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Risk Awareness ◽  
Snowball Sampling

Background: Enterprises in South Africa, especially in rural areas, continue to fail, despite the continuous support from government. A key contributing factor is that most enterprises’ support is channelled to exogenous factors without recognising their endogenous predisposition as well.Aim: This article isolated entrepreneurs’ endogenous attributes which if complemented with exogenous support could spur enterprise success.Setting: This study focussed on addressing enterprise failure in rural areas of Vhembe; however, the findings can be applied in other areas in South Africa and beyond.Methods: A sample of 81 participants was drawn using the snowball sampling technique. The qualitative data gathered from this sample using a semi-structured questionnaire were then analysed through Atlas-ti v8 from which 49 items were isolated. This informed a quantitative component that entailed the development of a 5-point Likert scale for data collection in the second phase of the study, where, subsequently, 280 respondents were engaged. The Principal Component Analysis was used to reduce the data dimension of 49 items to five principal components which accounted for 68.794% of the total variance.Results: The five principal components isolated were bridging-networks (38.044), self-belief (15.802), risk-awareness (6.144), resilience (4.532) and non-conforming (4.271). Further analysis was performed on data collected from 83 participants who met the 50% performance threshold using the linear regression. Bridging-network is the most important endogenous success factor in the study area, followed by nonnon-conformist risk-awareness, resilience and self-belief.Conclusion: Results conform to grassroots realities, thus, a framework anchored on this was developed to support enterprises grassroots enterprises.

scholarly journals Client Characteristics related Critical Success Factors for Public-Private Partnerships in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-68
Author(s):  
Mohammad Nuseeb ◽  
◽  
Mohammad Koussa ◽  
Lindelani Matshidze ◽  
Nnedinma Umeokafor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Client Characteristics ◽  
The Public ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Snowball Sampling Technique

The implementation of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects in South Africa has grown steadily since the late 1990s. However, these partnerships do not realise their potential with a decline in PPP transactions over the past decade. The drivers of success for PPP projects have become a subject of investigation to understand the downward trend. This study evaluates the different critical success factors pertinent to client characteristics that influence PPP projects in South Africa. The study followed a qualitative research inquiry that employs a grounded theory (G.T.) approach involving semi-structured interviews with nine professionals involved in PPP projects selected using a snowball sampling technique. Interviews were conducted on video conferencing and through phone calls. Seven responses were considered relevant to the research, and two were considered irrelevant and were disregarded. An in-depth analysis of the data gathered was conducted through a selective coding process using NVivo. The analysis revealed the research’s emergent themes: client experience and in-house technical capabilities; client risk attitude; client willingness to be involved and trust in the private sector, available financial markets, and political support and stability. By applying the framework established, the chances of success and decline in the use of PPP projects can be considerably improved in South Africa through greater engagement between the public and private sectors in infrastructure investment and delivery. The study’s main limitation is the smallness of the sample size and the use of the snowball sampling technique in which the initial respondents are likely to refer to other respondents who share similar points of view and beliefs. To counter this limitation, the researchers ensured that the convenient sample of initial subjects comprised professionals from different backgrounds.

scholarly journals Practices, Housing and Diseases Within Indigenous Poultry Production in Eastern Cape, South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 111
Author(s):  
Peter Ayodeji Idowu ◽  
Maliviwe Mpayipheli ◽  
Voster Muchenje
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Poultry Production ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Farming Practices ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cleaning System ◽  
Intensive Rearing ◽  
Aloe Ferox ◽  
Medicinal Drugs

In an effort to improve the livelihood of indigenous farmers in South Africa, little input has been accorded to documentation and validation of some practices of poultry production farmers in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa which is the objective of this study. One hundred and Sixty (160) structured questionnaires were administered in six villages from two district municipalities using non-probabilistic (snowball) sampling method from July 2017 to June 2018. Results reveal that 73.1% of indigenous farmers are female, 24.38% reared mostly for household consumption, 48.1% flock ranges from 10-50. In addition, about 46.2% of farmers practiced semi-intensive rearing systems. Diseases (63.52%) and Theft (51.94%) are major challenges affecting most chickens. Most farmers used both ethno veterinary (Aloe ferox 32.5%) and medicinal drugs (Terramycin 42.5%) for treatment of diseases respectively. Correlation between diseases and housing was insignificant across different villages. The cleaning system, place of purchase and stage of purchase are highly significant across different villages. Most farming practices are positively correlated across different villages. There is need to assess farming practices adopted, this will help in proper planning and in maximizing profit across indigenous poultry production.

Records Management Programs in Higher Learning Institution: Case Study of Nelson Mandela Drive Campus Walter Sisulu University, South Africa

10.31355/72 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 023-039
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Nelson Mandela ◽  
Efficient Management ◽  
Registry System

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED WITH THE INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE. Aim/Purpose....................................................................................................................................................................................................... The main aim of this study was to investigate the status of records management program at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) using the Nelson Mandela Drive Site of Mthatha Campus as a case study. Background......................................................................................................................................................................................................... For an organization to function effectively, records (both in electronic and paper format) need to be captured, recorded and secured in order to ensure their authenticity, integrity, reliability and accessibility. The core functions of a university are learning, teaching, research and community engagement, and in order to carry out these functions records are created and received. Records therefore, constitute an essential instrument of administration of any institutions without which operational processes and functions cannot be executed (Kendall and Mizra, 2006). Thus, a proper and efficient managing of records is critical to functioning and administration of institutions. Council of Higher Education (2000) pointed out that record-keeping in the higher education institutions in South Africa was inadequate. Effective records management in universities in the Eastern Cape has not been adequately documented. Hence, this study investigates the records management program that exist in WSU. Although legislation regulating the management of records in South Africa exist, they might be ignorance on the part of certain officials entrusted with managing WSU records and that could have adverse effect on the performance of WSU and ultimately on service delivery. Methodology....................................................................................................................................................................................................... This study may have influence in policy formulation and compliance with the judicial directives on records management program of universities. It may also help improve service delivery, by enabling orderly, accountable and efficient management of universities records. Contribution........................................................................................................................................................................................................ This study may have influence in policy formulation and compliance with the judicial directives on records management program of universities. It may also help improve service delivery, by enabling orderly, accountable and efficient management of universities records. Findings .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. The major findings of the study revealed WSU fell below the requirements in terms of records management program on maintaining records that document its business activities. Inadequate infrastructure, inadequacy regarding the desirable control of WSU records at each stage as required by the records life cycle framework was also found to be inadequate and limited knowledge of legal requirements regarding records management. Recommendations for Practitioners................................................................................................................................................................. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made. Effort should be made to implement a Centralized control of Decentralized Registry System (Integrated Registry System), provision of training of staff, as well as proper infrastructural facilities to manage WSU records that document its business activities. Recommendation for Researchers................................................................................................................................................................... There is a need for further studies of this kind in other Universities, Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) Colleges in the Eastern Cape Province in order to establish their practices in managing records that document their business activities. Impact on Society.............................................................................................................................................................................................. The research will assist to highlight to administrators, policy makers of universities that proper records management could help universities to manage their information efficiently, fulfill their mandate, protect them from litigation, preserve their corporate memory, and foster accountability and good governance. Future Research.................................................................................................................................................................................................. A study to check the readiness of institution of higher learning to manage electronic records that documents their business activities in the 21st Century digital era will be vital in this context.

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