Faculty of Humanities (ETDs)
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Item 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, BobIn 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.Item 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, SarahFull-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.Item 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, ChristineSouth 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.Item 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, KeziaThis 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.Item 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 , SahbaRisk 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.Item Labour led strategy towards the fourth industrial revolution: a critical appraisal of numsa’s approach to worker control(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ntlokotse, Mamolaba Ruth; Satgar, VishwasThis research report would not have been possible without the efforts of many people. First, I would like to thank the Almighty God, who bestowed strength throughout the research journey. Embarking on a master’s journey was not easy, especially being a committed trade union leader with many union responsibilities. I am deeply indebted to my Supervisor, Professor Vishwas Satgar; the research report would not have been possible without the support, guidance, and feedback throughout the research project. I cannot begin to express my thanks to comrade Dinga Sikwebu, my mentor and source of inspiration throughout my shop steward journey. His help cannot be overestimated, as he introduced me to worker education and encouraged me throughout my studies. Let it not end with me. I owe a deep sense of gratitude to Professor Michelle Williams for her keen interest in me at every stage of my study. Thank you for being open-minded and constructive throughout. Thank you for giving me a shoulder to lean on when the road was bumpy. Your inspiration, motivation and suggestions have enabled me to complete my research report. I am incredibly grateful to my family who gave me unwavering support: my mom, Amelia; my siblings, Lebohang, Taelo and Thabang; my niece Bokamoso and my nephew, Bophelo. Most importantly, my son Bokang understood the sacrifice I had to make and sometimes did not spend time with him. To my late Dad, Ntate Mosuwe, I know you would be incredibly supportive if you were still alive. Finally, special thanks to everyone who offered invaluable practical contributions to the research project, particularly my comrades from NUMSA in Ekurhuleni. The leadership of SAFTU, especially the General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi, and other sister unions, never let me down.Item Ethical Foundations For International Investments In Developing Poor African Countries(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Xate, Lulamile L.; Attoe, Aribiah DavidThere is a moral and ethical obligation for the rich and developed nations and their business corporations to invest in and trade ethically with Africa. This moral obligation extends to African leaders and elites who facilitate the continued exploitation of Africa and corruption in the post-independence period. To reveal this obligation and its basis, I begin by reviewing and exploring the history of African colonialism in pursuit of capital profit maximization within the imperialist framework and its consequences, focusing on its immoral and unethical practices. I then show that the moral foundations of colonialism and post-independence African leadership have not been considered in understanding African underdevelopment in relation to the prosperity of other nations, and the role of African leaders. Finally, I argue there are morally right actions that can plausibly change this. I explicate this using three moral philosophical approaches – Kantian, Utilitarian and Ubuntu African relational ethics.Item The parents' lived experience of the pathway to identification and support provision of a child’s Learning Difficulty: Case studies(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Zikalala, Lucia; Mayisela, SimangeleThe democratically elected government of South Africa undertook reforms in the education sector to provide everyone with access to high-quality education and to align the system with global norms. The Department of Education (2001) has legislated policies, such as Education White Paper 6 (EWP6), which unequivocally states that all learners must have access to support and that learning barriers must be removed to reach their full potential. EWP6 states that bolstering the educational support system for students, instructors, schools, and the education system is one of the most important ways to lower learning difficulties. To implement EWP6, the Department of Basic Education has adopted the National Strategy for Screening, Identification, Assessment, and Support (SIAS) (Department of Education, 2001). Additionally, the SIAS policy offers tactics to educators so they can work cooperatively with parents and students to build inclusive systems. Although teachers are the driving force for inclusive education, they involve the parents as soon as they notice any learning difficulty. Furthermore, support structures like the School Based Support Team (SBST) and the District Based Support Teams (DBST) were formed to accomplish inclusive education. The study focused on the parents’ lived experiences of the pathway to identification and support provision of a child’s learning difficulty through case studies. The study adopted a qualitative research design with data collected through semi-structured telephonic interviews with eight high school parents from Soweto. Data was analyzed through thematic analysis. The ethical principles adhered to were informed consent, anonymity, confidentiality, and non-maleficence. Cultural- historical Activity Theory was employed as a theoretical framework to understand the parents’ lived experiences of the pathway to identifying and supporting a child’s learning difficulty through case studies. The study findings suggest that even though it has been several years since the SIAS policy was developed, the South African education system still faces challenges with the implementation of the policy. The findings further indicated the need for educating the parents about inclusive education and the identification process. The parents had no clear understanding of the identification process and the support that should be provided to their children after they have been identified as having a learning difficulty. The parents experienced the identification process in primary and secondary schools differently.Item The Impact of Loadshedding on the Mental Health of Small Business Owners in the Alexandra Township(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Tladi, Lesedi Mosenngwe; Marchetti-Mercer, MariaSouth Africa is currently experiencing an electricity crisis which is slowly progressing to unmanageable levels as a result of ongoing loadshedding. Loadshedding has become a part of everyday life, and it affects all aspects of people’s lives including their mental health. Numerous studies address the economic impact of loadshedding, while the mental health impact is often neglected. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of loadshedding on the mental health of small business owners in the Alexandra township. Eight small business owners from Alexandra township were interviewed with the use of semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings reveal that loadshedding affects the experiences of small business owners and their mental health negatively. Small business owners face several challenges including operational, economic, and psychological challenges as a result of the ongoing electricity disruptions. Loadshedding extends beyond hampering the financial stability of small business owners, it also affects their families and employees. There was evidence of stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness impacting participants’ psychological and personal well-being. Ultimately the larger township community has also been negatively impacted by the ongoing energy crisis. Moreover, there was perceived government accountability for loadshedding.Item Responding to trauma: in what ways can an embodied expressive narrative approach, strengthen the agency of women who have experienced abuse?(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Menell, Katherine; Draper-Clarke, LucyWoman abuse is both a human rights issue and serious public health concern, that has not received the aKenPon and acPon proporPonate to its prevalence, globally or locally. It has far-reaching effects, that include the impact of trauma on women’s physical and mental health. A need has been idenPfied for intervenPons that centre women’s voices and mulPplicity of experience, while supporPng their resourcefulness and resistance. This research aimed to develop of a community-based intervenPon that could support the agency of women who have experienced abuse. It proposed that a narraPvely informed, movement-centred expressive arts approach, was well posiPoned to address the effects of trauma and develop resources to build resilience and hope. A parPcipatory arts-based research approach was adopted with two groups of parPcipants, in experienPal workshop series, over three months. ParPcipants’ experience of the groups, in the form of creaPve wriPng, drawing and reflecPon, was analysed using themaPc analysis, as a means to evaluate the impact of the groups. ParPcipants consistently reported feeling relaxed and energised by posiPve and novel experiences. Movements, feelings, imagery and narraPves emerged that supported parPcipants’ preferred idenPPes, as expressed by their behaviour outside of the groups and arPculated hopes for the future. While this demonstrated the potenPal of this approach to support agency, a number of areas emerged in need of further development. These included expanding pracPces for eliciPng relevant themes and ‘thickening alternate narraPves’ and building relaPonal safety with a focus on the role of the witness and co-regulaPon.