4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions

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Psychological Well-Being and South African Socio- Economic Stressors: The moderating role of Leaders creating Hope
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Aysen, Savannah; Milner, Karen
The current research study explored whether leaders creating hope in their employees moderates the relationship between South African socio-economic stressors and employee psychological well-being. Existing literature indicates that stressors have dire implications for the well-being of employees and that psychological capital is a meaningful resource to elevate deteriorating well-being (Slone et al., 1999; Charles et al., 2013). Moreover, research reveals the potential of leaders to create hope within their organisations which may aid in elevating deteriorating well-being levels (Yukl, 1998; Helland and Winston, 2005). Accordingly, this research aimed to explore whether leaders creating hope would moderate the relationship between South African socio-economic stressors and psychological well-being. This study utilised a quantitative non-experimental cross-sectional research design to explore the statistical relationships between South African socio-economic stressors, psychological well-being and leaders creating hope. Data was collected through an online self-report questionnaire (N=130). The questionnaire contained a self-developed demographic questionnaire, an adapted South African socio-economic stressors scale, the Psychological General Well-Being Index, and the adapted Leaders Creating Hope scale. Results of the study indicated that both South African socio-economic stressors and leaders creating hope were correlated with psychological well-being, and a multiple regression analysis revealed that both South African socio-economic stressors and leaders creating hope are predictors of psychological well-being within the sample. However, even though leaders creating hope was found to have a positive effect on psychological well-being it did not have a moderating effect on the relationship between South African socio-economic stressors and psychological well-being.
Supporting women smallholder farmers in Eswatini: Comparing those in cooperatives to those outside of cooperatives
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Lukhele, Ntfombiyenkhosi Patricia; Kenny, Bridget
In Eswatini, women contribute significantly to the agriculture sector, and in rural areas, women’s labour is not compensated. Diverse reasons have led women to organize themselves into cooperatives, societies, and organizations to increase their earnings. Agricultural cooperatives are said to increase access to markets, credit, and to increase productive capacity. Those who operate outside of cooperatives would be excluded from such due to inadequate purchasing power, an absence of productive assets, or cultural barriers. This study examines the support accessible to women smallholder farmers who are members of a cooperative and those who are not members of a cooperative. It compares the two categories based on support received in order to evaluate the usefulness of cooperatives to these women farmers. Qualitative interviews were used to investigate these dynamics with 16 interviewees and thematic analysis was applied. The analysis shows that a cooperative in Eswatini in the Manzini region under the Ludzeludze constituency does not experience most of the support afforded to cooperatives and those operating individually succeed without the benefits of being members of a cooperative. This was depicted in the areas of accessing markets, credit, and in assessing the impact of social capital on farmers. I conclude that support for smallholder farmers in a cooperative is available in the areas of informal markets, accessing credit, training, and with government subsidies, it is not easily accessible, and that support for women smallholder farmers outside of cooperatives is available in workshops and trade fairs. The study contributes to the understanding of how important it is to engage women farmers in the kind of support they need and how women smallholder farmers should be given adequate support just like farmers in cooperatives. Important to note is how the study highlights the important role of social capital in accessing resources from the state and NGOs. The study compared women cooperative farmers to women non-cooperative farmers and attention was placed on the kind of support that is available to them from the state and NGOs.
A Discourse Analysis of news reports on farm murders in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ntantala, Noxolo; Rafaely, Daniella
Farm murders in South Africa represent more than isolated incidents of violence, they are symptomatic of deeper societal issues, including socioeconomic disparities and historical injustices. Addressing farm murders requires a nuanced understanding of their broader implications and the underlying power dynamics shaping public discourse surrounding these crimes. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) offers a valuable lens through which to examine media representations of farm murders. By scrutinizing language use in media discourse, CDA enables researcher to uncover the ways in which power structures and ideological biases influence public perceptions and societal norms (Fairclough, 1995). This analytical approach is particularly apt for studying farm murders, as it allows for the exploration of how media narratives frame these crimes within the socio-political landscape of South Africa. In this research, I have conducted a Critical Discourse Analysis of media representations of farm murders, utilizing Fairclough’s three-dimensional model as my theoretical framework to analyse18 newspaper articles from prominent outlets spanning from the year 2017 to 2023, including The Citizen, Sunday Independent, Cape Argus, Pretoria News Weekend, Diamond field Advertiser and Daily News. The aim was to elucidate how these articles construct and frame the discourse surrounding farm murders. By critically analyzing the language and narratives employed in media coverage, my study sheds light on the underlying power dynamics and ideological influences shaping public perceptions of farm murders. This research unveils media portrayal of farm murders in South Africa, highlighting prevalent direct quotations and sensationalized narratives. While emphasizing farmers’ innocence and law enforcement responsiveness, media disproportionately focuses on victims over perpetrators. These portrayals evoke fear and sympathy, prompting discussions on community cohesion and broader societal impacts
Investment and Social Conflict in Extractive Industries in Africa: The Case of Cabo Delgado, Northern Mozambique
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Magagula, Noncedo; Eyita-Okon, Ekeminiabasi
Following the rise of an insurgency in the mid-2010s in northern Mozambique, scholars have undertaken the task of exploring the driver of the insurgency considering the different actors including the government of Mozambique and Multinational corporations amongst others. Dominant views on the insurgency have not found a single root cause for the conflict and have settled on a number of causes including the socio economic and socio-political environment in the northern provinces of the country, the discovery and exploration of natural gas by MNCs and religious cleavages. Using a qualitative research approach based on existing sources and literature, this paper investigates the role of foreign investments towards the extraction of natural gas in exacerbating the insurgency in northern Mozambique, Cabo Delgado. It finds that the MNC led developments towards natural gas extraction exacerbated conflict by shining a spotlight on the socio-economic cleavages that have dominated Cabo Delgado throughout the country’s post-independence history. The state and the consortiums neglected the brewing issues in Cabo Delgado, which were years in the making and gave the insurgents ample opportunity to grow into the insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives and halted economic activities in the province.
The influence of children displaying characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on the lives of working parents: a case of the Northern Cape Province (NC) South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Botha, Noluthando Daleen Elizabeth; Pretorius, Edmarie
Raising children displaying characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) leads to various experiences for the working caregiver. The prevalence of ASD is globally estimated that one in every 160 children has ASD. The prevalence rate for ASD in Africa is not known. Based on qualitative research conducted with nine participants in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa, explores the experiences of working caregivers. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory underpins the study. Purposive sampling, a type of non-probability sampling was used to select the nine participants who participated in the study. Semi-structured interview schedule comprising of open-ended questions was used to collect the data. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The main findings from the study are that caregivers living and caring for a child with ASD characteristics are emotionally demanding and affect the quality of life and well-being of the working caregivers. Living and caring for a child with ASD characteristics influences and limits the social context of working caregivers. Living and caring for a child with ASD characteristics affects the work performance and career development of the working caregivers negatively. Working caregivers living and caring for a child with ASD characteristics need available, accessible, and affordable services to care for the child with ASD characteristics. Working caregivers living and caring for a child with ASD characteristics need continuous practical support and guidance in dealing with unforeseen and unknown circumstances they are confronted with. The main conclusion drawn from the study was that the working caregiver, as being the primary caregiver to the child displaying autism spectrum disorder can find themselves in distress if their support structure is not well established.
The link between economic and digital diplomacy: The case of US-South Africa relations on LinkedIn
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ramonoedi, Tshepo; Wekesa, Bob
In recent years, there have been several studies focusing on economic diplomacy while using a global communication frameworks. However, there have been limited studies integrating economic diplomacy, perceptions (representation), and digital diplomacy. The study therefore delved into representation held by LinkedIn followers of the selected US entities in accordance with the economic relations between South Africa and the United States of America (US). Thus, the two key pillars of the study are economic relations and perceptions, with a focus on how these pillars converge and diverge. An initial review of the literature shows gaps in studies linking US economic diplomacy and digital diplomacy which the study looks to fill. The study adopted second-level media agenda-setting, third-level media agenda-setting; and media framing which was complemented with analysis of the extent to which the recurrent themes have been featured in the LinkedIn accounts of US entities such as US Mission in South Africa, the US Agency for International Development, the US Commercial Service, the Prosper Africa, the International Development Finance Corporation, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Power Africa, the US African Development Foundation, and the US Trade and Development Agency. The study found that the US successfully used its entities to promote its economic diplomacy through LinkedIn. The study further revealed that the US economic diplomacy towards South Africa was appealing, particularly concerning the energy transition project in South Africa. The findings also revealed that the US effectively applied media framing; second-level media agenda-setting; and third-level media agenda-setting theories to strengthen its economic diplomacy towards South Africa using the LinkedIn platform.
The crisis of trade union representation in post-1973 unions and the role of the full-time shop steward (FTSS): A case study of NUMSA at BMW Rosslyn Plant Tshwane South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Malabela, Musawenkosi Hemelton; Mosoetsa, Sarah
Full-time shop stewards (FTSSs) are elected trade union shop stewards paid by the employer to do full-time union work. This is a peculiar arrangement in the South African industrial landscape which draws from the German model of workers’ councils. These FTSSs were first negotiated in the early 1980s at Ford and Volkswagen (VW) in South Africa. The main reason for these FTSSs was, as noted by Gomomo (1985), to deal with production pressures and disruptions caused by ordinary shop stewards, who, from time to time, would be pulled from the production line to attend to trade union business. The employer offered these positions as a tool for addressing this dilemma. This benefitted the trade unions that were growing exponentially and did not have money to hire organisers to service every organised and non- organised workplace. The s served to augment the role of the organisers; they became a de facto organiser. This study, through in-depth interviews, document analysis, focus groups, ethnography and participant observation, explores the contradictory role of FTSSs through the case study method at BMW. The findings highlight the significance of the FTSSs in building the power of the trade union at the shopfloor level and the potential they have in building a strong, vibrant and militant trade union movement on the ground or branch level. The evidence shows that, if not properly managed, FTSSs’ positions can be used for upward social mobility by self-interested individuals. This is because of the benefits and resources attached to these positions, which accord incumbents some level of social status. Hence these positions are highly and fiercely contested. For these positions to yield positive outcomes, FTSSs ought to be accountable to the rank-and-file members through regular meetings for feedback and mandate takings, and regular 4 elections ought to be institutionalised. Notions of career pathing of FTSSs need not be entertained as they will open space for the institutionalisation of upward social mobility of FTSS. Although upward social mobility is one of the options for an FTSS, those who are not re-elected to office face social downgrading, which includes going back to the production line. This comes with a huge personal loss and has a psychological impact as they lose the benefits associated with these positions and the social status that comes with it. The thesis turns Michels’ (1958) notion of ‘iron law of oligarchy’ on its head as it shows that FTSSs should act as a countervailing force against the development of oligarchic tendencies in the workplace. Because accountable FTSSs suffocate the development of oligarchic tendencies in the trade union. The thesis argues that accountability is a pain of democracy—it should be embraced and promoted, and regular elections of FTSSs should be encouraged and institutionalised as a countervailing force to the development of oligarchic tendencies. This will promote the worker control principle, which is the cornerstone of these post-1973 trade unions. The thesis further argues that the FTSS falls into the trap of being a tool of management if not properly managed. They become a communication bridge of management or information brokers1 (see Malabela, 2012) by communicating production schedules. Borrowing from Tony Lane's (1974) thesis of shop stewards being the man with two masters, it argues that the FTSS is the man with three masters. The three masters are the workers who elected them, the second one is the employer who pays their salary, and finally, the trade union who they represent and on whose card they were elected. I posit that all these masters have different expectations: the 1 See Malabela, 2012 5 first is to represent them against the employer, the second is to maintain labour peace and avoid unnecessary strikes and stoppages, and the third is to build a strong workplace organisation. In the final analysis FTSSs are an important and integral part of South African industrial relations—and benefit both the employer and the trade union. The trade union needs to develop clear policies to manage FTSSs, so that the positions are not abused for upward social mobility and to hold them accountable. Accountability occurs through regular general meetings with workers to solicit mandates and report back, and FTSS elections should be institutionalised. Trade unions ought to benefit a great deal from FTSSs only if these positions serve the intentions of the trade unions and build a vibrant workplace organisation that serves the interest of the rank-and-file.
The Effects of the National Minimum Wage as a Labor Market Mechanism for Reducing Income Inequality in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Alli, Muhammad Matola; Bischoff, Christine
South Africa has stood among the most unequal countries in the world in terms of income differentials between the highest-paid and the lowest-paid workers for the past four decades. Local and international reports on inequality indicate that in the post-apartheid era, inequality has been sustained or increased. The post-apartheid state adopted the National Minimum Wage (NMW) in 2018 as part of its extensive social policy initiative to help address the challenge of income inequality. While there are enough data that attribute the reduction of income inequality in some developed as well as developing countries to statutory minimum wages, it is not clear to what extent the NMW in South Africa can achieve the goal of reducing income inequality. This study assesses whether the NMW is an effective tool for addressing income inequality in the labor market. A qualitative approach was adopted and interviewed experts in labor market policies in South Africa and supplemented by an analysis of some key documents related to this study. Tesch’s 1990 data analysis model was utilized to analyse data according to the objectives of the study. The findings of this study reveals that the NMW if well implemented, is an effective mechanism for reducing income inequality in the labor market. However, in the context of South Africa, poor implementation and setting at a low level has weakened the effectiveness of the NMW in achieving its objective of reducing income inequality. This study argues that the current rate of the NMW is influenced by the power and dominance of capital and operates to achieve the interests of capitalists. This means that the NMW could not achieve the intended objective of reducing income inequality as envisioned by the labor movements and activists that pioneered the NMW campaign. This study recommends adopting an integrated social policy approach in the implementation of the NMW to enable its beneficiaries to leverage other social policy initiatives. This approach entails allowing beneficiaries of the NMW to also benefit from other social policy initiatives in their communities. This approach aims to inspire a rethinking among the political, economic, and labor activists towards an effective approach that would enable the NMW to reduce income inequality in the labor market.
I thought I was dying”: Menstruation experiences, knowledge gaps, and knowledge-seeking practices among young black South African women
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mahumapelo, Mmabatho; Lewins, Kezia
This research studies how (if at all) and to what degree knowledge about menstruation and menstrual health is disseminated; how it is received and from whom; how the quality of the source is determined, and how the information received shapes the recipient’s understanding of their own body. I contribute to existing literature by investigating how black South African women gather knowledge on menstruation and how the sources of information they encounter shape their perceptions and experiences of menstruation. By drawing upon literature on the menstruation experiences of women in the Global South and especially the African continent, I explore and analyse how the intersectionality of gender, socioeconomic status, religion, culture, and tradition shape what and how South African girls learn about menstruation pre-menarche, at the onset of menarche and post-menarche. Semi- structured interviews with young black South African women of menstruating age from diverse backgrounds in South Africa reveal retrospective accounts of their menstruation experiences from menarche until date. Through these interviews, I establish the important knowledge sources on menstruation in the lives of these women and uncover the effectiveness and reliability of these sources for knowledge on menstruation. I also explore the possibility of knowledge gaps, communication delays and the subsequent knowledge seeking strategies applied to meet any learning deficits. I explore how primary networks such as parents, schools, friends, and peer groups influence menstruators, and consider the awareness of, access to and use of alternative resources like digital media and mHealth tools like period tracking apps to build on prior knowledge. The study draws upon feminist, shame, and self-policing (Foucault) theories to explain the social inferences about menstruation. In addition, I apply Jaccard et al.’s (2002) five aspects of communication to explain how sharing and receiving knowledge on menstruation is influenced by the characteristics of those who are engaging in the communication, their context, the content of the message communicated and how the message is delivered. The study shows that girls and young women pick up information from multiple sources and knowledge accumulates as they progress on their menstruation journey. In some cases, information on menstruation is shared actively by parents or primary caregivers and schools while in other cases, menstruators learn about aspects of menstruation passively. Where information received is insufficient, girls and young women rely on online sources like Google, social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok, and period tracking apps for knowledge. This research contributes fresh insights to the discussion of menstruation in South African women by placing menstruation at the forefront of discussions with youth about sexual and reproductive health.
The role of executive function and socioeconomic status on risk-taking behaviours in the low-to-middle income context of South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Lalla, Mayuri; Besharati , Sahba
Risk taking is a multifaceted construct that can shape our daily decision-making processes. Higher order cognitive processes, specifically executive functioning, underscore risk-taking behaviours, while wider socio-demographic factors, such as socio-economic status, can be related to both executive function and risk-taking. However, the relationship and interplay between these factors is unclear. Accordingly, the primary aim of the study was to investigate how socio-economic status (SES) is associated with executive function (EF), specifically inhibitory control and working memory (WM), and how this association may influence risk- taking behaviour. A non-experimental and cross-sectional study was conducted using a sample of 96 participants, recruited from Johannesburg, Limpopo, and KwaZulu Natal provinces in South Africa. A comprehensive measure of SES was used, drawing on both objective and subjective ratings. Working memory was assessed by the Wechsler Digit Span test and inhibitory control using the Stroop Colour and Word Test. Lastly, a digital task - the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) - was used to assess risk-taking behaviours. Overall, participants presented with good WM abilities but low inhibition. The IGT showed that participants were more inclined to risk-taking behaviours, however they showed a positive shift in decision making throughout the task, with no association found between EF and risk-taking behaviours. Furthermore, SES was not a predictor of EF abilities or risk-taking behaviours within the current sample. Furthermore, EF did not predict risk-taking behaviours. The results of this study are multifaceted and suggest that these constructs are multidimensional in nature and measuring them are associated with methodological challenges. Nevertheless, there is some preliminary evidence to suggest that these constructs play an interrelated role.

4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions

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