Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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Subject: search.filters.subject.Social Justice

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    Socio-Spatial Disparities in Environmental Health in the City of Johannesburg
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Nyangule, Zizipho; Abrahams, Caryn
    This research explored socio-spatial disparities in environmental health within the urban context of Johannesburg, specifically focusing on access to environmental health services in both low- income and high-income neighborhoods. The study aimed to comprehend how disparities in access to essential services impact residents' environmental health experiences. Employing a qualitative research methodology, data was collected from two focus groups as part of the Sustainable, Healthy, Learning Cities and Neighborhoods (SHLC) project. A hybrid thematic analysis approach was utilized to examine secondary data from focus groups conducted in both low-income and high- income neighborhoods, illuminating the unique challenges faced by residents in each socio- economic context. The findings reveal shared challenges in both low and high-income areas, encompassing access to sanitation, clean air, healthcare, and civic engagement. However, the manifestations of these challenges differ; low-income neighborhoods experience more acute impacts on basic health and well-being, while high-income neighborhoods may grapple with issues related to the preservation of quality of life and efficient governance. This study contributes to the understanding of environmental health disparities and highlights areas for improvement in enhancing the overall well-being of residents in diverse urban settings. The research findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions tailored to the specific socio-economic context of neighborhoods in the City of Johannesburg. Additionally, the study emphasizes the relevance of Environmental Justice and Social Justice perspectives in addressing these disparities, thereby offering a comprehensive framework for future interventions.
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    Expressions of Solidarity and Decolonisation of Philanthropy in Southern Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Makombe, Zanele; Moyo, Bhekinkosi
    Solidarity is not a new phenomenon; however, the emergence of new or revived forms of reciprocity, giving and sharing based on the principle of solidarity has reignited discussions within philanthropy. This research report explores expressions of solidarity and the decolonisation of philanthropy within the context of six study countries: Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. These countries are interconnected geographically, economically, and culturally, forming a vital region in Southern Africa. The research study is grounded in social capital and social justice theoretical framework. Through a qualitative research approach involving interviews, focus groups and document analysis, the research explores the experiences and perspectives of stakeholders that include selected philanthropy organisations, funding partners, community initiatives, and local communities. The study examines how ACT Ubumbano contributes to expressions of solidarity and advances the decolonisation agenda within philanthropy in response to the question: How does ACT Ubumbano’s approach contribute to expressions of solidarity and advance the decolonisation agenda within philanthropy? ACT Ubumbano was jointly established by European and Southern African organisations in 2019 as a social justice initiative. ACT Ubumbano works to centre solidarity as communities resist dehumanisation and injustice. The findings highlight the complexity of solidarity and decolonisation definitions, with diverse interpretations among stakeholders. Solidarity is expressed through informal networks, movements, community-based actions, and partnerships. Decolonisation efforts promote equitable power dynamics in funding, challenge dominant relationships, and support collective action. ACT Ubumbano initiatives support solidarity and decolonisation through resource allocation, partnerships, and networking platforms, fostering ii collective action and bridging gaps. The research study findings present solidarity as a tool for decolonisation.
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    Public participation in achieving Social Justice within the Upper Vaal Water Management Area
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Baloyi, Tsholofelo Molatelo Lucretius
    Public participation promotes the democratic rights of individuals and communities in South Africa within the Integrated Water Resource Management framework. Public institutions are responsible for managing public participation in ensuring social justice. However, little work has been done to understand their public participation institutional arrangements. Public participation ineffectively managed creates mistrust among the public and may contribute to misinterpretations and conflict during project management. Insufficient public participation might be contributed to the limited knowledge on the subject matter, the limitation of accessing the information, or, the socio-economic conditions of stakeholders. This study conducted interviews, which were thematically constructed by using the Social Justice Framework. In ensuring fairness during the decision-making processes, the study also assessed EIAs deducted from issued Water Use Licences to make inferences on the management of public participation within the Upper Vaal Water Management Area. The study found that the regulatory guidelines and standards needed to be reviewed to improve the participation processes, that the existing intergovernmental relationships were mismanaged and that marginalized groups are excluded during the decision-making processes within the Integrated Water Resources Management framework. The Department of Water and Sanitation in its efforts to decentralize water resources management, needs to improve its policies and the management of public participation