Browsing by Author "Cairns, Murray"

Now showing 1 - 6 of 6

A social-ecological perspective on the roles of YOLO facilitators
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) van Rooyen, Christofer; Cairns, Murray
In South Africa, young people between the ages of 15 and 24 years face an elevated risk of contracting HIV due to various factors associated with high-risk practices such as engaging in unsafe sexual practices. The Department of Social Development implemented the “You Only Live Once” (YOLO) community-based HIV prevention programme. YOLO aims to reduce risky sexual behaviour among the youth. YOLO employs facilitators to render a structured programme with information on self-care, assertiveness, HIV treatment and adherence support, peer pressure and related content. The YOLO programme design subscribed to the social-ecological model focusing on children and youth. Several research studies used the social-ecological model to investigate YOLO participants (youth and children). However, the literature has limited exploration of how the interplay among individual, interpersonal and community levels influences the role of YOLO facilitators. The study aims to explore the roles of the YOLO facilitators from the lens of the social-ecological model. the research allows Further, the research allows YOLO facilitators to describe their individual, interpersonal and community roles. The study explores the interplay between the multiple levels of the social-ecological model and the influences on the role of the YOLO facilitators. The research site of the not-for-profit organisation (NPO) was in the City of Matlosana, previously known as Klerksdorp. According to the literature, the community in this area faces several challenges, including high levels of HIV, poor access to municipal health services, unprecedented high levels of youth unemployment and issues with violence and substance abuse. The YOLO facilitators who worked within the NPO reside in the area and have grown up in similar conditions, which gave them a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges faced by those whom they are trying to help. The research aimed to describe the YOLO facilitators from the perspective of the social-ecological model. The research recruited participants through the non-probability sampling methods. The method limits the researcher's biases in the selection process. Ten YOLO facilitators participated in the research. The YOLO facilitators represented various age groups, races, genders, skill sets and experiences in the field. The research used descriptive qualitative research methodology. The methodology employed a qualitative, semi-structured interview to collect data from 10 YOLO facilitators. The study employed the thematic data analysis method and identified several sub-themes and thesis themes from the data. The researcher used the social-ecological model to describe the micro, meso and micro-level themes. Further, the researcher followed a system approach and described the interactions between the micro, meso and macro systems. The University of Witwatersrand granted ethical clearance to the research. The researcher adhered to the ethical standard as part of the study. The National Department of Social Development and the NPO Board granted permission to conduct the research. The researcher explained their positionality and the influences on the research outcome. v The study found that YOLO facilitators function as “wounded healers”. The researcher discussed the risk of being a wounded healer in the context of the study. The researcher recommends that it is essential to ensure that YOLO facilitators are aware of potential risks and that NPOs provide a safe and supportive environment to mitigate them. YOLO facilitators’ personal experiences can undoubtedly assist them in developing empathy and sympathy, but it was essential to strike a balance between personal growth and personal harm
Capacity-building of Ward Committee members for community engagement in Johannesburg’s Ward 68
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Hlungwana, Jabulani; Cairns, Murray
The dawn of democracy in South Africa brought a glimmer of hope to the people by assuring them that they would be part of the decision-making process of development that affected them. The cornerstone for this is public participation, which remains the driving principle of engaging communities when making development decisions. In the centre of this, municipalities use Ward Committees to facilitate and organise people to take part in the different platforms made available for community engagement and participation. Ward Committees represent the needs and aspirations of the residents and for them to function well, there is a need for effective community engagement. This study investigated the capacity-building initiatives amongst ward committees in Ward 68, which is situated within the City of Johannesburg. The focus of the investigation was to establish ways of enhancing the skills and knowledge that Ward Committee members needed to build positive relationships with the communities. The literature depicted capacity-building as a crucial component of empowering employees to discharge their duties. It presented the different types of capacity- building levels that shape frameworks that can be adopted and tailored to the Ward Committees of Ward 68. The study described the challenges confronted by ward committees while attempting to fulfil their roles and responsibilities of galvanising residents to participate and engage in issues that pertain to the development of their community. The study also detailed the context of ward committees as catalysts for community engagement. A qualitative method was used to answer the research questions. The researcher collected data through semi-structured interviews. The researcher collected primary data by interviewing ten members of the Ward Committee, who gave in-depth views about their experiences. Secondary data were collected through analysing published journals, government reports, and the City of Johannesburg reports. The study recorded key findings about the themes and patterns that were identified during the process of thematic analysis in a quest to answer the research questions. The themes that came out of the process stemmed from the roles and responsibilities of ward committees and the challenges that they faced. The other three themes that emerged related to the kinds of capacity-building offered by the City of Johannesburg, the effectiveness of the training in creating trust with communities and municipal officials, and the low levels of education within the community, which negatively impacted the residents’ understanding of how governance operated. The key findings of the study were as follows: the CoJ only conducted induction training for the Ward Committees, some Ward Committees could not attend the induction training due to different reasons; others attended, but they could not recall the content of the training; and several other challenges hindered the effectiveness of Ward Committees.
Challenges to inclusive public participation in the development of the national security strategy
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Cairns, Murray
Public participation is a fundamental component of good Security Sector Governance (SSG), allowing those who are affected to participate in decision-making processes. Although inclusive participation is recognized as fundamental, this has not translated in its universal application, particularly when it relates to matters of national security. South Africa's 2013 National Security Strategy (NSS) has taken a similar approach, drawing criticism for its lack of inclusivity. In light of this, this research seeks to explore the challenges that exist within South Africa’ssecurity sector that limit inclusive public participation. The paper employed a qualitative case study and purposive sampling to collect textual data on challenges found in other contexts, and the perspectives of security experts familiar with practices in the country's security space. Findings from the research show that the country's historical legacies, as well as institutional practices and relationships among various stakeholders, limit public participation in South Africa's security sector
Experts’ perceptions on the decriminalization of drug use for criminal justice and health in Gauteng province
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Netshivhumbe, Mukhethwa; Cairns, Murray
Drug abuse is an ongoing global challenge with the prevalence of drug abuse and drug use disorders increasing significantly in recent years. South Africa like the rest of the world is not immune to the drugs scourge. The Department of Social Development (2020) stated that South Africa has become a consumer, producer, and transit country for drugs. Growing evidence suggest that criminalising drug use has no effect in reducing the problem in South Africa, hence the need to start thinking about new methods to deal with the challenge, regardless of how radical the new methods might seem. Emphasis should be placed on evidence based public health and social justice approaches. Decriminalisation is a phenomenon that is gaining momentum worldwide but can be considered radical now, since it requires extensive overhaul of any country’s illegal drugs’ policy. This study attempted to explore the perceptions of the experts in the field of substance abuse regarding the efficacy of decriminalising drug possession and use in Gauteng province, SA. Qualitative methodology with exploratory nature was utilized in this study. Interpretivism as the underlying research method was applied for this study. A basic interpretative study research design was adopted, as the focus was the building of this knowledge. Purposive sampling method was used to select participants of this study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted face to face and using virtual platform (Zoom). Data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Data were presented focusing on the themes and emerged themes stemming from the purpose and objective of the study. This study has established different thoughts on the subject matter of decriminalisation of drug use. The majority (11 out of 15) of participants were in support of decriminalization of drug use. Their views were that the current approaches for combating drug problem have not yielded positive results hence a need to explore an alternative approach. Those against the decriminalisation of drug use were concerned that decriminalisation will results in an increase in drug use and drug dealers will flock into the country to sell drugs. They further expressed that the scourge of drug abuse is fuelled by social ills in the country, not criminalisation of drug use, therefore the country should address social problems and the drug problems may be reduced.
Investigating the role of the host community with regards to public participation when establishing a new mine in Lehurutshe, South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Nyarela, Mpho Nyiko; Cairns, Murray
This qualitative study delves into the critical role of the host community in the public participation process concerning the establishment of a new mine. The research examines the dynamics between the mining company and the community within the context of engagement protocols and regulatory requirements for public involvement. Using semi-structured interviews and document analysis, this study explores the perceptions, experiences, and expectations of the host community in relation to the mining company's public participation initiatives. A total number of ten participants were interviewed. Results from the study highlight significant gaps and shortcomings in the mining company's efforts to involve the host community. Responses per question were collated according to stakeholders who took part in the process to assess legitimacy, trust, and decision-making processes. The findings indicate a lack of transparency and legitimacy due to ineffective communication, and minimal efforts to incorporate community concerns and inputs into the decision-making procedures. Consequently, the absence of meaningful engagement has led to heightened tensions, mistrust, and a sense of disenfranchisement among community members. This study underscores the importance of legitimacy, trust, and inclusive public participation in the early stages of project development, emphasizing the need for mining companies to adhere to regulatory requirements and ethical practices in engaging with the host community. The findings suggest a re-evaluation of the approach to community engagement in the mining sector, advocating for proactive measures that prioritize mutual dialogue, respect for community perspectives, and the integration of local knowledge in decision-making processes. In conclusion, the research underscores the pivotal role of the host community in the establishment of a new mine and calls for a fundamental shift towards more robust, legitimate, and inclusive practices that genuinely incorporate community voices in shaping the trajectory of mining projects.
Policy challenges affecting the electric vehicle manufacturing sector in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mateko, Freeman Munisi; Cairns, Murray
The evolution of technology has brought many changes to the automotive sector on a global scale. Different economies in the Global South and Global North are making strides to adopt modern technology, such as electric vehicles, which are more efficient than internal combustion engine vehicles. Electric vehicles have zero emission levels and this is crucial for supporting climate change action. Economies that have adopted electric vehicles succeeded due to robust policies and financial incentives for car manufacturers, among other factors. The aim of this research was to explore the extent to which the policy environment facilitates for increased adoption and manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs) in South Africa. This research is in line with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It supports SDG 7 by encouraging the use of electric vehicles for cleaner energy, as well as SDG 9 by advocating for automotive sector innovation and infrastructural development. Furthermore, the emphasis on lowering emissions coincides with SDGs 11 and 13 by promoting sustainable urban environments and climate action. In terms of the research methodology, the study was based on qualitative research techniques. Interviews and literature review were used for data collection. Six policy documents were analyzed in this study. The target population for the study were the stakeholders in the South African car manufacturing sector. Purposive sampling was used to select a total of ten participants for the study. Data was analyzed through content and thematic analysis techniques. The results of primary study demonstrated how ambiguous South Africa's current electric vehicle policy environment is. Additionally, it was determined that some factors must be considered to guarantee a seamless switch to electromobility. Developing and executing electric vehicle policies, maintaining a steady supply of energy, lowering import taxes on EV parts, skill development, providing purchase subsidies, and providing production and technological incentives are a few of these elements. In terms of policy recommendations, it was suggested that there is need for timeous implementation of electric vehicles policy, producing battery electric vehicles, promoting research and development on electric vehicles and there is need for increased government support towards car manufacturers in South Africa