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

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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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    The social nature and outcome of the interactions in a non-monetary centred sharing economy: from a social exchange theory perspective
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Radaelli, Stephano; Donald, Fiona; Thatcher, Andrew
    The sharing economy is a collective name for emerging platforms that are bringing strangers together and changing the landscape of consumption. Individuals have been using these sharing economy platforms as an alternative to traditional trade to exchange resources. This study refined to the context of a non-monetary form of the sharing economy, namely Couchsurfing, where the reliance on social relationships were expected to be more prevalent. The social relationships between peers during an exchange offered an opportunity to find applicability and relevancy for social exchange theory. This study aimed to clarify the social nature of the interaction in Couchsurfing and determine the outcomes from these Couchsurfing interactions. Using a phenomenological research design, 19 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted together with an immersive experience as an active participant of the chosen sharing economy platform, Couchsurfing. Couchsurfing is a sharing economy platform that enables travellers to stay with other members for free. The positionality of the researcher was from an insider perspective studying other insiders. The data collected was analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Social exchange theory was supported in finding that the social nature of the interaction in Couchsurfing was reciprocal. The reciprocal exchange was clarified as co-created, continuous and dynamic. Individuals revealed that there was a necessity for a reciprocal response directly from the recipient. The findings confirmed that Couchsurfers had unspoken and explicitly stated expectations of a reciprocal relationship which impacted the continuity of the exchange after the Couchsurfing experience. This study also identified different social benefits that individuals gained from their Couchsurfing interactions. Throughout, these 2 research findings espoused and expanded on previous contributions to the theoretical framework. The presence of generosity during the reciprocal exchange has challenged the theoretical premise that individuals wanted to maximise their gains. Further research into generosity during the reciprocal exchange has been recommended.