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

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Now showing 1 - 9 of 9
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    A Queer Economic Study: Exploring the Economic and Social Burden of Discrimination Against Black Lesbians in Johannesburg
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Futshane, Vuyokazi; Dawson, Hannah; Francis, David
    This qualitative study explores the experiences of Black lesbians in Johannesburg, focusing on the intersections of their identity to understand the links between sexual orientation, discrimination, and the South African social and economic context. It examines the dynamics in the workplace and connects it to social relations outside of the workplace. Drawing upon intersectionality, this study reveals how race, class, gender, and sexual orientation do not operate independently but overlap simultaneously to shape Black lesbian’s experiences of discrimination. The findings highlight the varied nature of discrimination, ranging from subtle biases and microaggressions to overt forms of prejudice, and the strategic concealment of sexual orientation by some, a coping mechanism against potential biases. The study stresses the impacts of non-conformity of heteronormative expectations and underscores the importance of exploring queer economics to understand how identities intersect with socio-economic realities more comprehensively.
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    Experiences of Thabazimbi Resident Mine Employees Regarding the Perceived Effects of Mining Activities within their Community. The case of Amandelbult Mine in Limpopo, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Ditshego, Mashiatshiti Johanna; Dube, Nkosiyazi
    South Africa’s mining industry has historically been at the heart of the nation’s economy also taking into consideration the country’s high-ranking spot as one of the leading naturally rich resource countries within the world. In reality, the mining industry has played a key part in contributing to the country’s economic growth, and it remains South Africa’s most watched financial segment. However, the mining industry has experienced a major turmoil, since it also brings along socially unintended circumstances within the communities that they operate in, for example an increase of informal settlement, spontaneous mine closures, and the perpetuation of fights inside traditional houses. As much as there are several studies done within the South African mining sector, studies looking into the experiences and perceived effects of mining activities in communities where these mining companies operate are very limited within the South African literature in Occupational Social Work. Therefore, this qualitative study sought to close this gap, as it aims to explore the experiences of Thabazimbi Resident Mine Employees Regarding the Perceived Effects of Mining Activities within their Community. The study was qualitative in nature, with a case study used as the research design. The target population was mine employees residing in Thabazimbi. Purposive sampling was used to recruit (10) mine employees and (2) key informants in the community to be participants for the study, with a semi-structured interview guide employed as a research instrument. Data for the study was collected using face-to-face individual interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the findings. Findings indicate that mining activities had both positive and negative experiences for the resident employees. Thabazimbi resident employees suggested some recommendations that can be implemented to mitigate the negative effects that they raised in the findings. Recommendations are made in relation future research.
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    Consumer perceptions and readiness to adopt “tap & go” card payments in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Sekhoto, July Motlalepule
    Payment systems and models are said to be critical in a country’s economy and should a country’s payment systems be problematic then it is likely to affect the stability of the country’s economy. There are new trends in the banking industry which are developing continuously and for businesses to be aligned with these trends it is critically important for marketers, bankers, and business owners to invest and educate consumers on the effectiveness and benefits of using tap & go card payment method. This should also include flexibility in terms of which tap & go payment option to use, whether using a physical card or virtual card. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which the eight underlying constructs namely: optimism, innovativeness, convenience, discomfort, insecurity, resistance to change, lack of awareness and perceived risk, affects or impact on consumers’ perception, experiences, and readiness to adopt and use tap & go card payments. The respondents for this study we random people who own a tap & go enabled bank card within South African borders. The data collection method used was in a form of an online survey/questionnaire. The result of the study somehow indicates that, out of the eight constructs only innovativeness and resistance to change showed a bit of a significant impact on consumers’ readiness to adopt and use tap & go card payments. This proves that all other constructs like optimism, convenience, discomfort, insecurity, lack of awareness and perceived risk are somehow insignificant predictors of consumers’ readiness to adopt tap & go card payments. Given the results of this study, marketers, banks, and business owners should consider making consumers aware of different types of tap & go payment systems. Although respondents did not show any level of insecurity or discomfort on adopting and using tap & go card payments, it is still critical for future researchers to pay attention to these two constructs and add information privacy and cyber security as other constructs to determine how comfortable consumers are transacting using cashless methods like tap & go payment method. Several countries are working hard to try and move to cashless society, therefore South African banks, businesses, government, and business owners should join hands in helping South vii Africa move to cashless. Currently there is a considerable amount of money that is sitting offline, since most consumers still prefer paying for their purchases using cash. Educating consumers and offering them safe and convenient payment options, will help increase the circulation of cash in the system and this will help stabilise out economy
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    Experiences of remote working by South African Lawyers during the COVID-19 lockdown
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Modibedi-Manentsa, Dineo; Kriek, Drikus
    Orientation: This study was aimed at understanding South African lawyers’ experiences with remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research purpose: In examining lawyers’ experiences with remote working during the COVID-19 lockdown period, this research considered the internal and external factors that may have affected that experience using the grounded theory approach The study assessed the degree to which the lawyers felt prepared for remote working and whether they felt productive. It also explored factors that may have affected their working experience and considered how these factors affected their mental health and physical well-being. To this end, it looked at internal factors, such as family and children, the nature of their work and their living standards measures, and external factors, such as loadshedding and internet access. Motivation for the study: The researcher did not find any evidence of research regarding the remote working experiences of South African lawyers during the COVID- 19 lockdown. Given that the legal profession functions differently from other professions, the researcher sought to determine the extent to which remote working may have had a negative effect on lawyers’ mental health and physical well-being. Further, the researcher wanted to gauge the need for a mental health intervention, as well as assistance from employers and the government. Research approach/design and method: A qualitative research design was applied through two focus group discussions and individual interviews with 25 South African lawyers. The data was analysed through thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti. 23 (Version 4.11.1-2023-02-23). Main findings: The participants were largely unprepared for remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic and reported varying levels of productivity, intermingled with overworking and burnout. The findings also revealed that certain internal and external factors, such as family and children, the nature of work, their living conditions, loadshedding and internet access, affected their mental health and physical well-being. Practical implications: Working remotely during the COVID-19 lockdown exposed lawyers to a range of experiences, including stress, anxiety, and unproductivity. These experiences point to the need for a mental health intervention by employers and the government. Contribution: The research provided knowledge in the field of study on the remote working experiences of lawyers in South Africa
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    Pandemic parenting: Stories of ordinary experiences in an extraordinary time
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-07) Yarde-Leavett, Claire Emma; Haynes-Rolando, Hayley
    The study sought to give voice to parents of children who display ADHD traits including hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattentiveness during the covid-19 pandemic. The aim was to explore their experiences of parenting during this unprecedented time in history. Qualitative data were gathered through narrative interviews from ten parents (seven mothers and three fathers) from middle-class backgrounds, living in Johannesburg. Photo elicitation was used as a tool to gather parents’ stories and reflections of their pandemic parenting experiences in a creative, self-directed manner. The qualitative data were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis that generated four key themes: (1) Adjusting to an upside-down world; (2) Experiences of wearing too many hats; (3) Parents’ (re)views of how their children’s ADHD traits affected their learning at home; (4) Covid, a mixed bag of losses and treasures. A social constructionist lens for data analysis allowed for the exploration of how the covid-19 pandemic disrupted discourses and systems that shape parents’ embodied experiences. Possibilities for new understandings of parents and as well as their children who display ADHD traits were considered. The findings can help to deepen our understanding of middle-class family life, challenge gendered relations, reconsider children's play and learning, transform schooling practices, foster meaningful parent-teacher interactions, encourage community-building, and prompt a re-evaluation of our understanding of "disorderly" children and their unique learning needs. By embracing these insights, we can pave the way for more inclusive and effective approaches to supporting families and children in navigating the complexities of education and well-being in times of crisis.
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    Perceptions and experiences of police officers and social workers within South African Police Service when assisting women who survived sexual violence in Mamelodi, Pretoria
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-05) Bahula, Ikageng Maphale; Nkala-Dlamini, Busisiwe
    Many women are often reluctant to disclose cases of sexual violence to healthcare workers, police officers, family members etc. mainly due to the stigma attached. Few studies have been conducted to explore the experiences and perceptions of different role players within South African Police Officers (SAPS) when assisting women who survived sexual violence. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of police officers and social workers within SAPS when assisting women who survived sexual violence. This study adopted a qualitative research approach, specifically a multiple case study design. The feminist poststructuralist theory was employed to guide the study. Three different interview guides were used as the research instrument. Individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews were used as the method of data collection. The sample size comprised twenty-five (25) different role players within SAPS in Mamelodi, Pretoria; five (5) client service centre police officers who work at both Mamelodi east and west police stations; ten (10) police officers who work in the special unit addressing sexual violence (FCS) at Mamelodi and ten (10) social workers who assist the survivors of sexual violence at both Mamelodi east and west police stations. The data gathered from the research were analysed using thematic analysis. The perceptions around sexual violence differs. This is influenced by the roles they play, how they have been exposed sexual violence and the school of thoughts. It is important that the service providers are oriented towards the concept and the practice on what sexual violence is. The service providers experience different challenges in different ways. Some challenges can be tackled at the individual level, while other challenges are societal, systematic and structural. Knowledge, attitude and practice of service providers require attention in terms of understanding the legal policies, the protocols and the practices in the sector.
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    Exploring Challenges Faced by Women in Executive Leadership in the Non-Profit Sector in South Africa
    (niversity of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Nsibande, Nondumiso; Alovokpinhou, Sedjro
    Women continue to face challenges in executive leadership positions within non-profit organisations in South Africa which negatively affects their performance. Limited progress has been made on women’s representation in decision-making in the last few years, however, those who make it to these positions tend to vacate them because of obstacles that exist while holding these positions. This study used a phenomenological qualitative research design to explore the experiences of women in senior management positions in the non-profit sector. The study used in-depth interviews to collect qualitative data from 20 participants: 16 women leaders, and four men leaders in the non-profit sector. Feminist theory was used to understand the different challenges and discriminations faced by women in senior management based on race, gender, and other forms of stereotype. The study found that the main challenges faced by participants which affected their ability to thrive in their role as leaders in the organisations was the reinforcement of patriarchal ideologies, including gender norms in the workplace, lack of resources, lack of mentorship and investment in leadership training, gender wage inequality, discrimination based on the intersections between race and gender, and a lack of a family work-life balance. Participants also identified factors that could contribute to sustaining women in leadership positions such as positive organisational culture, and being intentional in challenging toxic gender norms and overall gender inequality; promoting work-life balance policies; investing in mentorship and networking opportunities, networking and leadership training
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    Experiences of Community Health Workers (CHWs) and their wellbeing: A study of CHWs in Johannesburg Townships
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-03) Mashinini, Lethiwe Yvonne; Carrasco, Lorena Nunez
    Community Health Workers (CHWs) have become important role players in the provision of health and social services in many underprivileged communities around South Africa. Despite the role and impact of these cadres in many communities, few studies have focused on the impact of their work on their wellbeing. Hence, the study's interest in expanding its inquiry on the experiences of CHWs and their impact on the cadre's wellbeing. This research further inquired about the national CHWs policy and CHWs scope of practice facilitated through the WBPHCOTs strategy that resulted from the re-engineering of the PHC model. As an observer qualitative data was collected through non-participative observation. Drawing from in-depth interviews this study further examined and describes the self-reported experiences of CHWs and NGO managers. To frame the experiences of CHWs and the impact of these experiences on their wellbeing the research findings were theorized from the perspective of social constructionism. The fundamental concern was to understand how cadres define, describe, and think about different social aspects of their life as CHWs and how these experiences influence their reality. Specifically focusing on two NGOs situated in Johannesburg townships the study participants were composed of eight CHWs (six female and two male cadres) as well as two male managers who were consulted as key informants. Concerning the national CHWs policy and the guiding scope of practice in the functioning of CHWs, the research yielded interesting findings. The managers of the NGOs were unaware of the existence of the national policy framework dubbed the Ward-based primary healthcare outreach team’s strategy (WBPHCOTs) policy framework. Hence, the organizations had not adopted or aligned the work of CHWs with the WBPHCOTs strategy policy framework. Instead, the NGOs maintained their arrangement of CHWs programmes as multi-stakeholder projects. This raises concerns about the implementation of the WBPHCOTs policy framework as a national CHWs policy, particularly in the NGO sector. The research also revealed multifaceted findings about CHW's experiences, which were largely positive and influenced by altruistic sentiments. Cadres also felt a sense of self-development and the possibility of improvement in their lives, which had a positive impact on their social wellbeing. CHWs also encountered some negative experiences such as challenging working conditions and poor remuneration and this had adverse impacts on their physical, psychological, and economic wellbeing. Therefore experiences of CHWs impacted their wellbeing both positively and negatively.
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    “Youth Enterprising”: Johannesburg Youth’s Motivation, Perceptions and Experiences Regarding Entrepreneurship and Services Provided by the Government and the Private Sector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-06) Phofi, Caroline; Pretorius, Edmarie; Dube, Nkosiyazi
    Enterprising and entrepreneurship have become one of the solutions to addressing the challenges of the current economic state in South Africa that seem to have proven to lock some of the youth, especially the disadvantaged youth within Johannesburg, in the cycle of poverty, and unemployment. Although the largest group of youth entering the labour market have shown to be educated and suited for South Africa’s global competitiveness, jobs seem to remain competitive in the formal sector. The study aimed to explore youth enterprising, the motivating factors, perceptions, and experiences of youth towards services that the government and the private sector provides. With the significance of entrepreneurship in the South African economy, there is a need to explore and investigate the contribution of entrepreneurs in the economy of South Africa and how can government and private sector support entrepreneurial activities among the youth to curb unemployment and poverty. A qualitative approach based on the interpretive paradigm was employed to explore the topic of youth enterprising. A case study design was best suited to achieving the objectives of the study, which sought to understand youth enterprise regarding youth’s subjectively constructed reality. The selected case studies were selected from five organisations. These organisations mostly engage in youth development programmes aiming to capacitate youth with psycho-social and entrepreneurial skills, and to provide start-up funding. All the participants for the interviews (n=14), focus group discussion (n=8) and respondents of the questionnaire (16) were selected from Organisation A. The four key informants were from the other four organisations (Organisation B, C, D and E) and were only interviewed. Purposive sampling was adopted to select all the 26 research participants comprising of youth, youth workers, managers and key informants, and the 16 youth participants were selected for the structured questionnaire. The methods of data collection were semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and a structured questionnaire. Four different semi-structured interview guides were used as research instruments with all these different groups of participants. A focus group guide was adopted to facilitate the focus group discussion with eight youths. A total of 16 youths completed the hard copy of a structured questionnaire. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the national restriction, some potential participants did not want to engage in face-to-face interviews, therefore an online questionnaire was offered as an option so that the research could have more participants to validate the data collection. A structured questionnaire was employed to elicit the respondents’ responses to the four aspects related to motivation, ability, entrepreneurial opportunities, and resources associated with basic entrepreneurial success components. Results from the questionnaire were analysed using descriptive statistics. Data from the different interviews and focus group discussions were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that business and entrepreneurial skills should be integrated not only into economic sciences but also within the education sector's human sciences and social work courses. Participants mentioned that the role of the government and private sector in youth development and entrepreneurial services is vital. The study findings aided with the development of practice principles and guidelines to be used by social workers and other stakeholders in their programmatic interventions with youth entrepreneurs.