scholarly journals A Narrative Systematic Review of the Mental Toughness Programme Offered by the National Youth Development Agency

2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 280
Author(s):  
Thulani Andrew Chauke ◽  
Khashane Stephen Malatji
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Youth Development ◽  
Development Programme ◽  
Mental Toughness ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Youth Workers ◽  
Development Agency ◽  
Youth Service ◽  
Research Division ◽  
The Impact

The rapid increase of poverty, crime, and unemployment in South Africa results in youth vulnerability. Youth not in employment, not in education, and not in training are most vulnerable to life setbacks, find it difficult dealing with criticism, rejection, and failure. Thus, youth workers responsible for the coordination of youth service programme need to design an autonomy-supportive programme that can prepare youth mentally before youth are placed in a youth development programme that seeks to enhance youth employability. The National Youth Development Agency in South Africa under the National Youth Service Programme has developed a mental toughness programme curriculum that NYS volunteers undergo before participating in youth skill development programme or community service programme for a minimum of five days. The aim of the study is to explore the impact of the Mental Toughness Programme on the positive development of youth through youth lived experience in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. This study made use of a qualitative research approach, non-probability sampling to sample eight youth who participated in the Mental Toughness Programme offered by the National Youth Development Agency. In this study, we recommend that the National Youth Development Agency knowledge and research division should conduct a longitudinal study that can evaluate the impact of the Mental Toughness Programme on positive youth development in South Africa. The National Youth Development Agency should revise the mental toughness programme curriculum in a way that the programme goes beyond five days and physical toughness should be cooperated in the curriculum to enhance social cohesion.   Received: 27 July 2021 / Accepted: 6 October 2021 / Published: 3 January 2022

Organisational Culture and Environmental Performance of Hospitality Firms in South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olawale FATOKI
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Organisational Culture ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Hospitality Sector ◽  
Sustainability Initiatives ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of organisational culture on firm environmental performance in the context of the hospitality sector. The study used the quantitative research approach with descriptive and causal research design. The Denison organisational culture questionnaire was used to measure organisational culture. The Denison questionnaire contains four traits namely involvement, consistency, adaptability and mission. The questionnaire was distributed among 500 owner/managers of formal hotels and guest accommodations in South Africa. Data gathered were analysed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling. The results of the study indicate that the four traits of organisational culture (involvement, consistency, adaptability and mission) have significant positive impacts on the environmental performance of firms in the hospitality sector. The findings of the study can assist firms in the hospitality sector to understand the significance of internal intangible factors such as the organisational culture in the implementation of environmental sustainability initiatives.

scholarly journals Risky localities: Exploring a methodology for measuring socio-economic characteristics of high murder areas

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lizette Lancaster ◽  
Ellen Kamman
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Social Cohesion ◽  
Crime Rates ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Violence Reduction ◽  
Murder Rate ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Initial Results

Every day on average, more than 49 people are murdered in South Africa. A better understanding of the demographics of locations with high murder and other crime rates could assist in the development of effective initiatives to effectively reduce our murder rate. It provides the foundations on which to build research into the impact of social cohesion on violence reduction. This article explores the hypothesis that the risk for murder is associated with certain demographic characteristics of particular locations. This paper proposes a method to analyse the demographic characteristics of police precincts in relation to the murder rate for that police precinct. It provides an explanation of the method used and a summary of initial results. The paper concludes with a discussion on the benefits of this research approach and considerations for future research as well as the need for more indepth analysis on social cohesion.

scholarly journals Impact of Recapitalisation and Development Programme on Performance of Land Reform Beneficiary Farmers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
T. Shabangu ◽  
M. S. C. Ngidi ◽  
T. O. Ojo ◽  
S. C. Babu
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Land Reform ◽  
Tax Compliance ◽  
Development Programme ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Strategic Partnership ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Switching Regression ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
The Impact

Providing appropriate post-settlement support to farmers is crucial for sustainable development of smallholder agriculture in South Africa. In unravelling this, the South Africa’s Recapitalization and Development Programme (RADP) was initiated. Hence, this study analysed the impact of RADP on performance of land reform beneficiary farmers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select (n = 264) respondents for the study. Accounting for endogeneity issues in RADP assessments and its impact on the performance of land reform farmers, an endogenous switching regression model (ESRM) was employed. In the same vein, a doubly-robust inverse probability weighted regression adjustment was used as credible remedy for potentially biased estimates of ATT and POM of endogenous treatment model. The main findings revealed that tax compliance, secondary organization, legal entity, farm potential income at acquisition, farmers receiving third party assistance and strategic partnership were statistically significant in influencing the participation of farmers in RADP. Mentorship remains an extremely challenging element in post-settlement. However, through the strategic partnership of RADP farmers had likelihood to improve the farm and increase farm income. The results of the suggest that the RADP can contribute to a deep process of change and empowerment of farmers. In the same vein, strategic partnership of RADP is likely to improve the farmers’ performance. Therefore, there is a need to strongly improve mentorship and strategic partnership programme to encourage participation of land reform farmers in the support programmes.

The impact of climate change on the Mpumalanga Provincial Archives and records management activities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nkholedzeni Sidney Netshakhuma
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Impact Of Climate Change ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of climate change on South Africa’s Mpumalanga Provincial Archives (MPA) and related records management activities. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach/method was used to collect data from the source, including purposive sampling and expert knowledge solicited through semi-structured interviews. A review was undertaken to source climate data and related archival sector literature. Findings Recent extreme weather events in Mpumalanga seem to bear out climate change projections. The current absence of relevant strategies and plans implies that the MPA and provincial departments are not yet prepared for emergencies. The lack of a plan, an implementation strategy and related training may increase the impact of disasters on the provincial archives’ environment. Without disaster plans and robust preparedness, the question of how the MPA is going to preserve archives for future generations is raised. In addition, due to a lack of guidance for registry staff, appraisal is not allowing for identification and processing of archival materials, so combined with a lack of disaster management strategies and plans contributes to the loss of archives. Research limitations/implications This research is limited to the MPA; however, the findings may be extended to other South Africa provincial archives and parts of the world experiencing similar issues. Practical implications When archivists accept holdings into their repositories, they take the responsibility for their archival custody. But, these efforts may come to nothing if the archives are lost. Disaster management is the key to the protection of the archives. This study evaluated the present and future consequences of climate change impacts by assessing the risk to Mpumalanga archives by climate change-related floods. Social implications There is a need to conduct similar research on a larger scale so as to explore the impact of climate change in other provincial archives to provide a wider context of the problem within South Africa. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature on the impact of climate change on archives. The results achieved should be seen as a first step towards identification of the issue.

Global Town to Town Relations: An Exploratory Study of the City of Tshwane in South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1034-1041
Author(s):  
John Ntshaupe Molepo ◽  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Provincial Government ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Use Of Data ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Role Players ◽  
The Republic ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The City

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996 describes its government as national, provincial and local sphere which are distinctive, interdepend and interrelated. The national and provincial government, by legislative and other measures must support and strengthen the capacity of the municipalities (Local Government) to manage their affairs, to exercise power and to perform their functions. Towns across the world make relationships with other towns. International relation is a complex field, its practice and scope involves numerous role players whether in government or non-governmental organizations. City of Tshwane is like other towns which seek investment opportunities for its citizens. City of Tshwane has several relations with different countries. The paper seeks to examine the impact of the relations, whether they are beneficial for the city or not. For the purpose of this paper, the study used qualitative research approach. The views and opinions of the officials were directly and indirectly captured by means of interviews and observations. The study adopted the use of data triangulation approach.

scholarly journals How adult volunteers contribute to positive youth development in the twenty-first century

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-33
Author(s):  
Denis O'Brien
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Youth Development ◽  
Positive Youth Development ◽  
Positive Interactions ◽  
Youth Workers ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Life Issues ◽  
Development Outcomes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Adult Volunteers

AbstractThis article reflects on the importance of adult volunteers in Foróige, a leading Irish youth development organisation. Volunteers make up some 97 per cent of all youth workers in Ireland. Outcomes for huge numbers of young people are mediated through and depend upon volunteers’ suitability, availability, knowledge and skills. The article takes as its starting point three pieces of research in Foróige. Using this evidence, I describe what appear to be the key strengths of the cohorts of volunteers we studied and how Foróige builds on these to reach positive youth development outcomes similar to those sought by the Queensland framework. To support this, Foróige has invested heavily on volunteer development to increase volunteer engagement and provide more roles in which volunteers can participate in achieving youth development outcomes. I explore the value of the positive interactions between volunteers and young people, the role of volunteers in increasing young people's connectedness to community, and the impact on volunteers of other life issues that compete for their time. I outline how the outputs and outcomes of youth work in Foróige would be hugely diminished without adult volunteers.

To use or not to use? SDM utilisation in the development of LMS in South Africa

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 238-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kobus van Aswegen ◽  
Magda Huisman ◽  
Estelle Taylor
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Development Process ◽  
High Standard ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Application Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Main Research ◽  
E Learning ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to determine if Systems Development Methodologies (SDMs) are being utilised effectively in the development of Learning Management Systems (LMSs) in South Africa. With e-learning being a critical component of modern educational systems, it has become essential to ensure that LMSs of a high standard are being developed. In the field of SDMs, much research has been done and the value of SDMs is proven and documented. To enhance the chances of developing LMSs of outstanding quality, it is crucial that SDMs are applied efficiently, as they can have a significant impact on the development process. Design/methodology/approach – A positivistic research approach was followed. By utilising a survey as the main research method, quantitative data were generated. By statistically analysing the dataset, meaningful results were obtained. Findings – This study shed some light on how LMS procurement and development is being done in South Africa and revealed that the use of open-source systems currently exceeds the use of proprietary systems. The results of the research showed that SDMs (e.g. Rapid Application Development) are being used effectively in the development of e-learning systems. Strong relationships exist between many of the SDM factors identified (e.g. performance expectancy and the perceived support of the methodology) and the quality and productivity of the development process. This, in turn, has a strong influence on the impact SDMs have on the quality of LMSs. Originality/value – The study made a contribution to the discipline of information systems and, more specifically, LMSs, by providing insights with regard to the factors affecting the use and effectiveness of SDMs in developing LMSs. As far as could be ascertained, this study generated the first empirical data on the procurement and development of LMSs in South Africa.

scholarly journals Probing the efficacy of local economic development in South African Municipalities: A case of POLOKWANE local municipality

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (01) ◽  
Author(s):  
CM Mashabela ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
South African ◽  
Local Economic Development ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

The government of South Africa adopted Local Economic Development (LED) as part of its development policy in its quest for an inclusive economic development and growth. LED is intended to create a conducive environment for an inclusive local economy. However, unemployment and poverty rates are high in local communities with some SMMEs struggling to secure funding. Although municipalities do not create jobs directly through LED, they should, however, ensure that strategies implemented talk to inclusive economic growth, particularly the mitigation of unemployment and poverty rates. The purpose of the paper is to investigate the efficacy of LED in South African municipalities. The paper aims to evaluate and analyse the impact of implementing LED in South Africa. The quantitative research approach was adopted, and questionnaires were utilised to collect primary data. The paper found that LED in South Africa produces desired results at a low rate in that only a small fraction of the participants agrees that the municipality facilitates funding for SMMEs; only a small fraction of the participants is of the view that LED units provide adequate infrastructure and create industries. Moreover, the paper found that only a fraction of the participants is able to create job opportunities. Consequently, the paper recommends that municipalities should facilitate SMMEs funding, provide adequate infrastructure, develop industries and design LED strategies that enhance job creation. The paper argues that effective measures of implementing LED will enhance LED impact rate and fast track the prospects of inclusive economic growth in South African municipalities.

scholarly journals Evaluation of social marketing objectives: A case study of the effectiveness of operation gcin’amanzi in soweto, South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 517-528
Author(s):  
Maxwell Agabu Phiri ◽  
Degracia Khumalo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Social Marketing ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
The Public ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
The Social ◽  
Basic Services ◽  
The Impact

This study was aimed at investigating the effectiveness of the social marketing goal in the implementation of Operation Gcin’amanzi (OGM) in Mofolo North, Soweto, South Africa. The paper is based on a quantitative in nature, although qualitative data was collected to confirm and clarify issues identified in the survey questionnaire. A process-based research approach was pursued in order to measure the impact of social marketing as a phenomenon that has been explored in changing consumer behaviour for the public good. Due to unsuccessful telephone calls to the Johannesburg Water’s communication centre (JW) there is a lack of information from them on specific studies or surveys conducted specifically on OGM since its inception. It is anticipated that the findings from this study will add value to the knowledge in the public sector by elevating the significant role of social marketing in the delivery of basic services projects. These projects are complex in nature as issues of equity, access and the impact on development have to be considered, unlike in traditional marketing approaches where it is the benefit and satisfaction of an individual consumer that is key.

scholarly journals Model Youth Programs: A Key Strategy for Developing Community-University Partnerships Using a Community Youth Development Approach

2008 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-112
Author(s):  
Yolanda Anyon ◽  
María A. Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Youth Development ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Youth Programs ◽  
Community Context ◽  
Youth Workers ◽  
University Partnerships ◽  
Social Good ◽  
Academic Field ◽  
Transformative Experiences ◽  
The Impact

Universities across the nation face the charge of enhancing their intellectual capital as a learning institution while also contributing to the greater social good. While there is great potential for university-community partnerships to generate lessons for youth workers and policy makers, create powerful new knowledge for the academic field, and provide transformative experiences for community members, partnerships often fail to produce such meaningful results. In the San Francisco Bay Area, community residents who have been involved in such unsuccessful initiatives frequently perceived that university partners spent insufficient time learning about the community context, prioritized research objectives over community needs and did not make long-term commitments. Despite these challenges, community-university partnerships can be useful strategies for advancing the field of youth development by strengthening research and practice in local contexts. This paper presents how the design and implementation of model youth programs served as an effective strategy in developing a partnership between a university-based center and two local communities over a 5-year period. It also describes essential lessons that other communities, research institutions or universities may use to launch, implement, expand and sustain their own successful partnerships to build local capacity to implement youth development practices, promote positive outcomes for young people, and generate knowledge about the impact of youth development approaches.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document