bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The human spirit as a necessary condition for higher education: a risk assessment
Authors: Wessels J S
Published: June 2016

Risk management can either protect or endanger higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa. A crucial determining factor is how the core risks for these institutions are identified and mitigated. This article contributes to the continuing discourse on both risk management and managerialism in higher education. The thesis for this article is that the presence of a caring human spirit within HEIs is a necessary condition for them to fulfil their reason for existence. The purpose of this article is thus to reflect on the risk of HEIs not being able to fulfil their fundamental reason for existence due to the smothering or absence of a caring human spirit in these institutions. A reading of official and scholarly texts has shown that HEIs’ primary reason for existence is embedded risk, namely a concern with the new or the unknown and by implication a critical curiosity about an uncertain future. The presence of a caring human spirit is not only a necessary condition for fulfilling the reason for the existence of an HEI, but also a crucial risk category currently absent from the standard list of institutional risk categories. Risk assessment reveals that the absence or smothering of a caring human spirit in HEIs poses a high to very high risk for their survival.
Multiple, connective intellection: the condition for invention
Authors: De Beer C S
Published: June 2016

Since this article involves invention, the conditions for inventiveness become the issue: assuming multiple reality; thinking in a special way; transgressing boundaries; acknowledging networks (in the terms of Michel Serres: communication, transduction, interference, distribution, passages between the sciences. There are, however, misplaced expectations: technology should work wonders in this regard while forgetting that humans, redefined though, remain the key to establish connections and networks between people, paradigms, disciplines, sciences and technologies.Against this background, Michel Serres’s emphasis on invention and “thinking as invention” and his a-critical anti-method – ‘connective, multiple intellection’ which is a special kind of thought – are desperately needed.Guattari’s articulation of the three ecologies and the ecosophic views he developed in this regard provides a significant amplification of the approach of ‘multiple connective intellection’. These insights can be enlightened and strongly driven home through the views of Latour with an anthropological and socio-dynamic perspective on the scientific endeavour with the articulation of the actor-network theory inherited from Serres. The thoughtful beyond-methodology of Edgar Morin with his strong noological position as the ultimate condition for inventiveness, and Gregory Ulmer with his special emphasis on invention and inventiveness, especially with the help and assistance of electronic means (video and internet), and with his work with the architect Bernard Tschumi on invention and inventiveness, are of special significance in the sphere of inventiveness, the real and final guarantee for a spirited re-enchantment of the world as well as the final demonstration that the battle for intelligence as opposed to ignorance, stupidity and barbarism can be fought with great hope to succeed.
Indonesia and Africa: questioning the origins of some of Africa’s most famous icons
Authors: Dick-Read Robert
Published: June 2016

In the author’s opinion there have been three far-reaching gaps in the study of Africa’s history: 1) Indonesian involvement in East and Central Africa; 2) Links between Madagascar and Eastern and South/Central Africa; and 3) Extension of Indonesian interest to West Africa, particularly Nigeria. He contends that Indonesians (the term applies to ‘Insular Southeast Asians’) may have begun regular trading to Africa when Greek and Roman demand for oriental spices developed several centuries BCE. The East African ‘Zanj’ were, in his view, an Afro/Indonesian race linked with the people of ‘Zabag’ - Sumatra and Java – later with Srivijaya in particular, whose interest in the gold, copper, iron and other products of Africa were extensive.Madagascar was only ever of secondary importance to Indonesians compared with mineral-rich Africa. But for centuries the Austronesian-speaking, Afro-Indonesian people of Madagascar maintained regular contact with the mainland giving rise to mixed societies, particularly in the Mozambique-Zimbabwe region. He believes the ancient Zimbabwe culture was in several ways linked with that of Madagascar, and that the vast ruin area of Nyanga was also connected. These cross-channel associations were gradually eclipsed by the domination of Arab-Shirazi colonisation down the East African Coast. There is a wealth of evidence that Indonesians rounded the Cape and sailed to West Africa. Several elements of Nigerian culture generally attributed to East-West overland movements or trans-Saharan Arab traders, are more likely to have reached the lower Niger regions by sea from Indonesia. Among these was the technology enabling the iconic ‘bronze’ artwork for which Nigeria is famous.
A short comparative history of wells and toilets in South Africa and Finland
Authors: Haarhoff Johannes , Juuti Petri , Mäki Harri
Published: June 2016

This paper describes the technological development of wells and toilets and the cultural practices related to them in two countries, South Africa and Finland, from the Middle Ages to modern times. Wells and toilets have always been linked to the well-being of humans and they still are the most common technical systems in the service of mankind. They are simple to build, but if they are constructed improperly or stop functioning properly, they may endanger the health of both humans and the environment. The solutions used for getting clean water or for disposal of excrement have always been a matter of life and death for human settlements. Located on opposite sides of the world, the climate and natural resources of South Africa and Finland are very different. However, surprisingly similar solutions, for example wind turbines to pump water, have been used in rural areas. Furthermore, urbanization and industrialization occurred in both countries at approximately the same time in the 19th century, which caused increasing environmental problems in Finnish and South African urban areas. The transition to modern water supply and waste disposal systems was a very demanding process for municipal administrations in both countries.
The world of spirits and the respect for nature: towards a new appreciation of animism
Authors: Kimmerle Heinz
Published: June 2016

The belief in spirits has diminished in Western thought since Enlightenment. But it has not disappeared totally. In the subconscious of people and in different subcultures and also in literature and art it is still alive. Derrida, before his death, worked out a new spectrology in which the status of reality of spirits is interpreted as absently present. In Sub-Saharan African thought this belief is broadly present and deeply rooted. It is the core of traditional African religions. Also intellectuals, although they may have taken over Christian or Islamic convictions, mostly stick to this belief. An important aspect of the African belief in spirits is that they also dwell in nature. In principle they can choose for all natural things to dwell in them, and there is a special inclination for trees. The spiritual conception of reality as a whole is called animism. This important religion has been devaluated in connection with colonialism. Recently the respect for nature which comes forth from this religion is highly appreciated by ecological philosophy.
‘Nature’ as a humanistic principle of universal communication? A European case study regarding natural law
Authors: Essen Georg
Published: June 2016

The conference, “Humankind at the Intersection of Nature and Culture”, presented in the Kruger National Park in South Africa, forms part of the project “Humanism in the era of globalisation: An intercultural dialogue on culture, humanity and values”. This project works on the premise that there is a “need for a new kind of humanism, the aim is to create an understanding of humankind in an era of globalisation that encompasses all civilisations while at the same time emphasising their particularity and diversity”.Among the problems of an intercultural hermeneutics that have been in discussion, and that we should regard as essential to the understanding of humanism demanded here, there belongs the basic intuition that there needs to be universally valid norms and values that are based upon mutual recognition of cultural diversity. In order to establish such basic norms, humanism has to appeal to basic anthropological principles that can make a claim to cross-cultural legitimacy. On the one hand, the justificatory ground discerned in these principles must be unconditional and universalisable. On the other hand, these basic anthropological principles have to be evident and intelligible within each culture’s horizon of understanding. The determining ground of the will, through which each human being can endorse this set of norms, has to be compatible with his, or her, free consent.
Neurobiological approaches to a better understanding of human nature and human values
Authors: Hüther Gerald
Published: June 2016

The most important finding made in the field of neurobiological research during the last decade is the discovery of the enormous experience-dependent plasticity of the human brain. The elaboration and stabilization of synaptic connectivity, and therefore, the complexity of neuronal networks in the higher brain centres depend to a far greater extent than previously believed on how – or rather, for which purpose – an individual uses his brain, the goals pursued, the experiences made in the course of his life, the models used for orientation, the values providing stability and eliciting a sense of commitment. The transmission and internalization of culture-specific abilities and of culture-specific values is achieved primarily during childhood by nonverbal communication (mirror neuron system, imitation learning) as well as by implicit and explicit experiences (reward system, avoidance and reinforcement learning). Therefore the structural and functional organization of the human brain is crucially determined by social and cultural factors. Especially the frontal cortex with its highly complex neuronal networks involved in executive functions, evaluation an decision making must be conceptualized as a social, culturally shaped construct.The most important prerequisites for the transgenerational transmission of human values and their deep implementation into the higher frontocortical networks of the brains of subsequent generations are secure affectional relationships and a broad spectrum of different challenges. Only under such conditions, children are able to stabilize sufficiently complex networks and internal representations for metacognitive competences in their brains. This delicate process of experience-dependent organization of neuronal connectivity is seriously and often also persistently hampered or prematurely terminated by uncontrollable stress experiences. This danger ought be minimized by education programs aiming at the implementation of values of connectedness to others and to nature during the period of brain maturation.
Dialogue among pre- and post-genetic revolution civilisations
Authors: Jordaan Donrich
Published: June 2016

The genetic revolution will have a profound impact on human society and therefore on the public policy environment. This article aims to describe the public policy paradigms and paradigm shifts that will determine the framework for dialogue – public policy discourse – on an abstract conceptual level. The genetic revolution will place the determination of children’s genetic endowment squarely within the domain of human control, and hence the responsibility for a new child’s genetic endowment will shift from nature to man. In order for this paradigm shift to take place in public policy, it must be realised that ‘naturalness’ has no ethical significance. A further major obstacle in the way of this paradigm shift is the mystification paradox: as the genetic revolution is increasing our scientific understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of life, so these mechanisms are being demystified; but simultaneously a variety of factors, for instance the fact that this new science seems to penetrate the very essence of life, as well as the existence of a new esoteric genetic terminology that is inaccessible to the general public mystify genetics. Education provides the essential platform for dialogue among the pre- and post-genetic revolution civilisations.
We know what we are, but not what we may be
Authors: Schauffer Dennis
Published: June 2016

This essay attempts to trace a personal journey from a liberal humanist stance to an awareness of non-dualism within the altering landscape of contemporary advances in technology. My fundamental argument is that the single inimitable characteristic of human consciousness is an ability to encompass non-dual thought and that this capacity can a priori not be copied, scanned or uploaded into an informational matrix that operates through bi-polar antimonies.
Matsulu: A community in developmental fermentation and fusion
Authors: Visser Johan , Terblanche Rian
Published: June 2016

Since 2004, the Drama Department (University of Pretoria) has engaged in the development and execution of Theatre-for-Development projects in accordance with the mission statement of the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), as well as the White Paper on Integrated Pollution and Waste Management for South Africa (1998) – shifting governmental approach to this sensitive socio-economical issue from cure to prevention – to interrogate issues concerning the environment, sustainable use of resources and subsequently: conservation, within developing urban and rural communities. Theatrefor-Development (TFD) utilizes theatre to disseminate developmental messages.This paper should be seen as not so much as a report of an end result, but as research in progress. Continued projects addressing the issues of conservation, the environment, development and sustainability will in future lead to more definite reporting on results. The paper investigates the ability of TFD to affect changes of behaviour and encourage personal agency and empowerment in community members concerning waste management and the sustainable use of resources within a developing rural society.It will not claim to be definitive; results and conclusions can not be generalized.
’n Tydige simposium oor die Groot Trek en die Slag van Bloedrivier
Authors: Möller Pieter
Published: June 2016

No abstract available.
Continuous performance improvement in the South African National Defence Force
Authors: Vermaak Jan I.C. , De W. Fourie Leon
Published: June 2016

This article concentrates on the South African National Defence Force(SANDF), as a South African public sector department, its acceptance of the Batho Pele principles and the implementation of various organisational performance improvement programmes. However, despite accepting the principles and the programmes, it is uncertain whether the SANDF institutionalised them in order to effect continuous performance improvement.
Hidden benefits of public private partnerships: the case of water pressure management in Sebokeng
Authors: Mckenzie R. S. , Wegelin W. , Mohajaneand P. , Shabalala S.
Published: June 2016

Many water distribution systems in South Africa are deteriorating due to many years of neglect resulting in a serious maintenance backlog. Recent government legislation has introduced free basic water to all South Africans up to a limit of 6 Kl/month per property which in turn causes certain confusion regarding payment among many residents. These key issues and others have led to serious problems with service delivery specifically in the low income areas where the maintenance has been neglected for more than 30 years in some cases. The potential for support from the Private Sector has beenhighlighted at the highest levels within government as a possible solution to addressing the existing backlogs despite the fact that there are relatively few successful projects to support this view.This paper presents the results after 30 months of operation of a small scale public private partnership in one of the largest low income areas in South Africa where the Sebokeng/Evaton Pressure Management Project was commissioned in July 2005. The savings both in terms of volume of water saved as well as financial savings to the municipality are impressive and exceed all initial expectations. The most interestinga1spect of the project, however, is not the savings achieved from the installation, but the numerous other additional benefits that have materialised which were not originally anticipated when the project was commissioned. Such benefits, include the identification of many network problems that had been undetected for more than 9 years as well the sudden interest in helping the residents by several government and semi-government organisations. These organisations were unable or unwilling to provide any support to the area prior to the successful Public Private Partnership. The project represents a significant advancement in Public-Private Partnerships (PPP’s)and clearly demonstrates that small scale Public Private Partnerships can be viable despite the general view that this type of project is confined to large scale initiatives due to the effort and expense in developing the PPP type of contract. The paper provides details of the processes involved in setting up and implementing such a project and highlights that the model used by the Project Team to address leakage in Sebokeng and Evaton can be adapted for use in other areas and other applications to improve service delivery throughout South Africa as well as elsewhere in the world where conditionspermit. The paper presents the results from the project after the first 30 months of operation and summarises some of the many additional benefits that have arisen from the project.
Taalbeleid van TD
Authors: Publishing Aosis
Published: June 2016

No abstract available.
Unskilled blue collar workers: Bourgeois and/or authoritarian? Results from a small scale survey in Belgium
Authors: De Witte Hans
Published: June 2016

In this article, two contrasting theories on the attitudes of unskilled blue collar workers are confronted: the ‘embourgeoisement’ thesis and the hypothesis of the ‘authoritarianism of the working class’. The ‘embourgeoisement’ thesis states that blue collar workersadopted the attitudes (and life style) of white collar workers, from whom they can no longer be distinguished. Lipset’s hypothesis of the ‘authoritarianism of the working class’, on the other hand, states that blue collar workers more strongly endorse a conservative attitude on socio-cultural matters and a progressive stand concerning socio-economic issues. Both hypotheses are tested using data from a small scale survey (N = 135) among unskilled blue collar workers and lower- and mid-level white collar workers from different large companies in the region of Leuven, Belgium. The results indicate that the interviewed unskilled blue collar workers still hold a set of attitudes that distinguishes them from the interviewed white collar workers. So, the ‘embourgeoisement’ thesis was refuted. Instead, the unskilled blue collar workers were more conservative on a socio-cultural level, and more progressive concerning socio-economic issues. These results are in line with Lipset’s ‘authoritarianism of the working class’ hypothesis.
The Gowe Irrigation co-operative society and its role in Sanyati (Zimbabwe), 1967-1969
Authors: Nyandoro Mark
Published: June 2016

The paper focuses on the origins and development of agricultural co-operative societies in Zimbabwe since 1954 with particular reference to Gowe-Sanyati and evaluates their role in facilitating the channelling of production inputs to farmers and the marketing oftheir produce. It examines the criteria for eligibility to membership of such associations, namely who could belong and who could not, as well as their administrative structures and practices. In addition, the paper evaluates the societies’ impact on their members, on African development and on the national economy. In 1954 the Government of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) began investigations on the needfor co-operative societies (co-ops) in order to promote African development through facilitating the acquisition of production inputs and the marketing of agricultural products. In 1956, the first co-operative society was established, while the main focus of thispaper’s interest, the Gowe Irrigation Co-operative Society of Sanyati in the northwestern part of the country, was established in 1967. Established by a government agency known as the Tribal Trust Land Development Corporation (TILCOR), now the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), the co-operative society flourished and became a model for the distribution of agricultural inputs and credit to African farmers. It collapsed in 1969 due to a number of factors, among them poor management andcorruption.
From disaster relief to disaster risk reduction: a consideration of the evolving international relief mechanism
Authors: Van Niekerk Dewald
Published: June 2016

Disaster risk reduction is an ever-growing concept and finds its application within various disciplines. This article investigates the development of disaster risk reduction and some of the most important aspects which shaped it. The early years of international disaster relief are discussed and it is shown how a change in this system was necessitated by a variety of factors and international disasters, which exposed its weakness. The article argues that disaster relief and development aid were inextricably linked and it is this linkage which provided a catalyst for questioning the manner in which relief, and development assistance, were provided. The later emphasis on disaster preparedness and management is discussed, and international policies and mechanisms, which contributed to a gradual shift in focus towards disaster risk reduction, enjoy attention. The article concludes that solutions to disaster risks lie within a rigorous trans- disciplinary focus.
Enhancing social skills through cooperative learning
Authors: Booysen M J , Grosser M M
Published: June 2016

The National Curriculum Statement of South Africa envisages qualified and competent teachers to deal with the diversity of learners and their needs in the classroom. One of the needs refers to all learners (Gr R-12) who need to acquire the necessary social skills to enable them to work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organization and community. These skills refer inter alia to: learning to work with others, listening to others, giving attention, asking clarifying questions, learning how to evaluate, and to praise others, handling conflict, reflecting on group work and allowing all group members to participate.The most obvious place to deal purposefully with the development of social skills is the classroom. This implies that alternative ways and methods of teaching must be introduced to develop the necessary social skills. This article reports on the findings obtained from a combined quantitative and qualitative study that set out to determine the levels of social competence achieved by a group of Grade 2 learners, and the possible association of a cooperative teaching and learning intervention programme for enhancing the social skills of these learners. The results revealed the latent potential of cooperative learning to enhance the social skills of Grade 2 learners.The significance of this research lies in the contribution it makes to establish the social competence of a group of Grade 2 learners and to determine the possibilities for enhancing their social skills through cooperative learning.
Indrukwekkende studie van Suid-Afrika se Schaborts
Authors: Cruywagen W.A.
Published: June 2016

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE
Slow-onset disaster and sustainable livelihoods: the Vaal River in the vicinity of Parys
Authors: Van Riet Gideon , Tempelhoff Johann
Published: June 2016

This article is based on data gathered during a research project commissioned by the Fezile Dabi District Municipality in the northern part of South Africa’s Free State Province. The research team (which included the authors) was asked to investigate allegations of pollution of tap water, as well as sewage from the local wastewater treatment plant flowing into the Vaal River in the town of Parys on the banks of the Vaal River. The authors adopt a sustainable livelihoods approach in analysing data gathered by way of unstructured interviews in and around Parys in June–July 2008. They argue that actual and perceived levels of pollution are eroding various local livelihood assets and it is posited that the situation constitutes an unfolding slow-onset disaster. It is imperative that shocks such as sewerage spills and rumours of polluted potable water are addressed to ensure that these do not become long-term negative trends.
Oil crops in biofuel applications: South Africa gearing up for a bio-based economy
Authors: Marvey BB
Published: June 2016

Large fluctuations in crude oil prices and the diminishing oil supply have left economies vulnerable to energy shortages thus placing an enormous pressure on nations around the world to seriously consider alternative renewable resources as feedstock in biofuel applications. Apart from energy security reasons, biofuels offer other advantages over their petroleum counterparts in that they contribute to the reduction in green- house gas emissions and to sustainable development. Just a few decades after discontinuing its large scale production of bioethanol for use as en- gine fuel, South Africa (SA) is again on its way to resuscitating its biofuel industry. Herein an overview is presented on South Africa’s oilseed and biofuel production, biofuels industrial strategy, industry readiness, chal- lenges in switching to biofuels and the strategies to overcome potential obstacles.
Bloot ’n vrees vir verval? ’n Mentaliteitsgeskiedenis van die kragonder- brekings in Suid-Afrika, Januarie-April 2008
Authors: Tempelhoff Johann
Published: June 2016

Aan die begin van 2008 was groot dele van Suid-Afrika geraak deur kragonderbrekings wat sporadies en oor ’n groot gebied vir 115 dae aan die orde was nadat die nasionale kragvoorsieningsinstansie, ESKOM, gebuk gegaan het onder wat, volgens die media, aan ongeëwenaarde kragverbruik toegeskryf is.Die respons van verbruikers in alle samelewingsfere het gewissel van woede-uitbarstings tot ’n gelate aanvaarding van die toestand. Beskou vanuit die perspektief van die geskiedenis van mentaliteite, was die respons simptomaties van ’n kulturele reaksie wat daarop gedui het dat gewone mense van mening was dat ’n infrastrukturele diens, soos kragvoorsiening, mos nie net tot stilstand kan kom nie.In die studie word gelet op die wyse waarop die kragonderbrekings van Januarie-April 2008 gekaats kan word teen die agtergrond van ’n andersoortige ervaring van herinneringe wat, nie net in Suid-Afrika nie, maar ook in ander wêrelddele, manifesteer. In wese kom dit daarop neer dat daar sprake is van ’n mentaliteitsgeskiedenis wat in die hede vasgevang is.
Liability of school governing bodies: a legislative and case law analysis
Authors: Serfontein E
Published: June 2016

Through an in-depth analysis of legislation and case law, as important sources of education law, this article casts light on the liabilities School Governing Bodies may incur whilst exercising their statutory functions. Focus is placed on the legislative framework in which school governance occurs as cooperative government not only challenges the manner in which power is exercised, but also the empowering statute in itself. To illustrate the dichotomy that exists between the ideals of democratic policies and the manner in which they are interpreted and implemented, emphasis is placed on the practical implication of democratic governance in public schools with reference to important concepts such as representation, partnerships, accountability and liability. These concepts are critically analyzed in del iberation with court rul ings in order to ascertain a better unders tanding of the important role School Governing Bodies have to play in striving to turn South African public schools into thriving centres of excellence.
Views on unlawful water abstractions along the Liebenbergsvlei River, South Africa
Authors: Ginster M , Gouws C , Gouws CM , Maki H , Mathipa R , Motloung S , Nyandoro M , Tempelhoff JWN
Published: June 2016

As a result of the growing demand for additional water supplies, officials at the National Department of Water Affairs (DWA) continually monitor consumption patterns. The unlawful abstraction of water for irrigation purposes along the Axle and Liebenbergsvlei water transfer scheme, a South African river catchment, has been identified as a potential over-consumption hotspot. An investigation into the evolution of modern farming and irrigation developments along this important water transfer scheme found that restrictions on irrigation water abstraction have primarily focused on the water security of downstream urban and industrial users who receive water at a high assurance of supply. During periods of normal rainfall the authorities paid little attention to the existing use of water from the Liebenbergsvlei water transfer scheme. Subsequent restrictions placed on local water abstraction for irrigation has achieved mixed results. This paper focuses on the perspectives of irrigation farmers who may be unlawfully using water from the transfer scheme. Their views are compared with those expressed by the authorities on this issue, and the way in which the authorities attempt to regulate water use in the region within the confines of existing legislation. The responses from the different sectors were qualitatively analysed and suggested solutions have been formulated for further discussion.The study’s major findings reveal that the contestation around water use for agricultural purposes will continue as long as the misunderstandings surrounding legal or illegal water use persist. As demand on water is escalating, it is considered important to put in place water security measures designed to safeguard the available water in light of scarcity.
Vredefortkoepel in tyd van oorlogsgeweld
Authors: Gouws Claudia
Published: June 2016

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE
A cost-effectiveness analysis of options for reducing pollution in Khayelitsha township, South Africa
Authors: Muchapondwa E
Published: June 2016

Average levels of PM10 pollutants in Khayelitsha, a poor informal settlement nears Cape Town, are unusually high. The contributory factors are the burning of household waste, wood and used tyres; vehicular emissions; and dust. This paper gives guidance towards selecting interventions for reducing these pollutants. The options include planting windbreak trees; paving roads and walkways; using cleaner sources of energy; and supplying additional refuse skips . Based on cos t data col lected from relevant municipal departments and service providers, over a 20-year planning horizon, the following are cost equivalents: planting between 419 and 936 windbreak trees; paving 6 685m2 of exposed areas ; replacing between 451 and 870 wood-fired meat traders’ braai (i.e. barbecue) sets with gas braais; and providing a 6m3 refuse skip. On the basis of cost-effectiveness in reducing PM10 pollutants, this paper ranks the interventions as follows: (1) providing gas braai sets; (2) planting windbreak trees; (3) paving exposed areas; and (4) providing the refuse skip. Thus, providing gas braai sets to the meat traders in Khayelitsha will significantly reduce PM10 levels, but will also contribute to the sustained livelihoods of some of the poor households. However, planting windbreak trees may nevertheless be undertaken because of this option’s linkage to climate change initiatives, which open up a wide range of potential funding opportunities.Keywords:air pollution, cost-effectiveness, Khayelitsha, PM1 0 , pollution controlDisciplines:Economics, Environmental  studies, energy studies
The illusion of ethics for good local governance in South Africa
Authors: Ababio Ernest , Vyas-Doorgapersad Shikha
Published: June 2016

Ethics, the legislation and upholding of good conduct by public officials is a sine qua non for sustenance of good governance and service delivery. The White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service 1994 identified the need for a code of conduct in South Africa as an essential element to enhance high standards of ethics and professionalism. In 1996, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa prescribed the values and principles of Public Administration. Subsequently, the Public Service Commission developed a Code of Conduct in 1997. The legitimacy of local government is based on the same principles of ethics and professionalism as that of the national government. It is imperative to implement an ethical framework for social and economic development at the grass-root level. This article examines the theoretical terrain of ethics in public management and posits that, whereas there exist some state-of-the-art legis lation that regulate the conduct of public functionaries at the local government sphere, outcomes of ethics in practice are rather unethical and illusive. There is therefore an advocacy for the need to intensify implementation of ethical guidelines for councillors and municipal employees. The fiduciary, management, operational and accountabil ity framework is further upheld through the implementation of a code of conduct for local officials. Theoretically, the framework should be scientifically accountable and practically feasible in implementation.The article recommends the need to strategise measurable implementation plans, conduct the on-going fraud risk assessments and sensitise the community through education and training regarding good governance and the code of ethics. The approach used is descriptive, though analytical.
Integrated co-operative governance in the context of sustainable development
Authors: Nealer Eric , Naude Marita
Published: June 2016

The rapid global development is mostly economically driven and made up of complex country-specific problems. Although sustainable development (SD) is a well established concept and an urgent global challenge, differing levels of progress had been made in organisations, communities and countries. To facilitate consistency of understanding, the authors accept the definition of ‘sustainable development’ as including the economic, social and environmental dimensions. Furthermore, they argue that these dimensions are not functioning as separate silos but are interdependent and grounded in legislated governance frameworks from where co-operative governance (COG) realizes as an option to facilitate an integrated approach. The article discusses the challenges in the facilitation of COG and suggests practical guidelines for implementation to facilitate improved integration.Keywords:Sustainable development, governance, co-operative governance, integrated,organising, and communication. Disciplines:Public Administration, Public Management, Social Welfare, Environmental Management, Municipal public service delivery, Social Development, Organisational Behaviour, Co-operative Governance, Communication, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Organisational Development
Book Review: A useful reference source for systems thinking
Authors: Bodhanya Shamim
Published: June 2016

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE
Book review: Following a complexity route to transdisciplinarity
Authors: Tempelhoff Johann
Published: June 2016

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE
Reincarnation of winds of change in Africa: an African Union impotence?
Authors: Ababio Ernest P
Published: June 2016

The emergence of African states as independent by 1970 had brought hope and expectations to nationals that the winds of change were to be equated with good life and freedom. Yet, no sooner had political freedom been gained than expectations turned elusive. The causes were bad political governance that soon burdened many states, military interventions of one-party states, abuse of rule of law, mass corruption and nations disintegrating. Also, the quest for freedom and dignity was not helped by a continental union that focused solely on political liberation of Africa and ignored any concerted effort towards integration and promotion of socio-economic lives of people.This article examines the political tremors that had engulfed some states in Africa and the resultant intervention by foreign powers. It is argued, that a major cause of the political ruffle in Tunisia, the Cote D’Ivoire, Egypt and Libya had been the inability of the African Union to be pro-active in enforcing norms of good governance among member-states through its inspecting agency, the African Peer Review. The apparent political paralysis is therefore a function of an African Union impotence that needs to be resolved Underlying the tremors are issues of democracy, good governance, and public service reform for which a theoretical discourse is engaged.Keywords: African Union, democracy, governance, revolution, impotence. APRM, civil warDisciplines: Public Management, African Studies, Political Studies
La Politique de Gestion des Logements Ouvriers en République Démocratique du Congo: «Le cas de la cite Gécamines-Exploitation de Lubumbashi»
Authors: Lukamba Tshombe
Published: June 2016

Cet article analyse les problèmes liés au logement des travailleurs de la Gécamines- Exploitation en République Démocratique du Congo. Dans les années 1980, le conseil d’administration de l’entreprise de l’état congolais a pris la décision de vendre les maisons de l’entreprise aux travailleurs. Présentement, cette décision a une répercussion négative sur l’entreprise qui ne sait plus loger ses nouveaux travailleurs.Nos enquêtes montrent que la politique urbanistique du gouvernement congolais n’est ni bonne, ni efficiente sur toute l’étendue du pays. Dans cette étude, nous constatons que la raison principale de la vente des maisons de l’entreprise était de satisfaire les demandes de nombreux travailleurs qui n’étaient pas en mesure d'avoir une habitation à la veille de la retraite. Souvent, à la fin de la carrière, de nombreux travailleurs devenaient des locataires incapables de supporter leurs loyers. Avec la détérioration continuelle de la situation économique actuelle du pays et la baisse de la production et du prix du cuivre sur le marché mondial, cette société étatique éprouve des difficultés de construire de nouvelles habitations.Actuellement, les travailleurs qui ne sont pas logés par la Gécamines éprouvent d’énormes difficultés vis-à-vis de leurs bailleurs. D’un côté, ces travailleurs font face à une augmentation irrégulière du loyer et à une permanente insécurité de leurs biens, de l’autre, ils parcourent une grande distance entre l’habitation et le lieu de travail. Ces faits affectent négativement le rendement journalier de ces travailleurs.Monts clés: logement, travailleur, économie, la société et gouvernement Disciplines: l’administration publique, la sociologie industrielle, l’économie et la science politique.
Water history and transdisciplinarity: a South African perspective
Authors: Tempelhoff Johann
Published: June 2016

In the article attention is given to recent developments in the field of water history at North-West University in South Africa, where transdisciplinary research strategies have been incorporated into research programmes on contemporary problems experienced in the country’s water sector. The initial focus on water history gradually shifts to water studies and how interdisciplinary research and the exponential growth of scientific knowledge has opened up space for the emergence of transdisciplinary research. There is a discussion on the research undertaken by members of the Research Niche Area for the Cultural Dynamics of Water (CuDyWat) at the university and an outline of some of the group’s completed research reports. The potential value of current research is also examined.Keywords: water studies; South Africa; water sector; water history; transdisciplinary researchDisciplines: History; water studies; transdisciplinary.
Hulde aan prof. Pieter de Klerk
Authors: Publishing AOSIS
Published: June 2016

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE
The use of blogs for political campaigning in a developing country context: the case of South Africa
Authors: Chigona W , Bankole O O , Bankole F O
Published: June 2016

All over the world, the use of the digital platform for political campaigning is growing. This development has the potential to empower the electorate to engage in political debate. This exploratory research aims at investigating the impacts and implications of blogging in the 2009 election campaign in South Africa. The study attempts to answer the following questions: What is the nature of the campaign blogosphere? What are the key issues addressed in the blogs? This study employed content analysis to identify the key concepts in the blogs posted during South Africa’s 2009 National and Provincial Elections. Data was gathered from the blogs of four different South African web log feeds. The coding method used in this study is priori coding, based on the concept of Cornfield, Carson, Kalis & Simon (2005), and Stanyer (2006). Findings show that, in South Africa, the use of blogging for political campaigning is still in its infancy. South African bloggers are mainly politicians, journalists and other media personnel who discuss high level political issues. The study notes a limited participation by ordinary citizens in political blogging.Keywords: blogs, blogging, content analysis, political campaign, South AfricaDisciplines: Information Systems Studies, Communications Studies, Political Studies
Learning about the world: developing higher order thinking in music education
Authors: Kruger Jaco , Van Merwe Liesl
Published: June 2016

Innovative thinking is an innate human capacity geared towards adaptation and survival. Theories of education accordingly aim at developing teaching-learning strategies that promote creative, problem-solving reasoning referred to as higher order thinking. This essay briefly explains some of the assumptions underlying this concept, and then suggests how they may be reconfigured in a strategy suitable for education in and through music. The strategy involves a basic process of analysis, evaluation and creativity related to actual social experience. Higher order thinking therefore aims to equip learners with the capacity to synthesise relationships in and beyond particular fields of study so that their thinking may expand into the concreteness of the world.Keywords: social challenges, higher order thinking, education, music education, culture contact, Frère JacquesDisciplines: Disciplines: education, music education, musicology, history, anthropology, folklore studies, philosophy of art
The way forward in the era of open access publishing
Authors: Tempelhoff Johann
Published: June 2016

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE
Community development workers (CDWs): a case study of the Bitou Local Municipality
Authors: Raga Kishore , Taylor J Derek , Gogi A
Published: June 2016

Local government in South Africa is no longer simply an extension of the national and provincial spheres of government; it has become an independent sphere in its own right. Steady progress has been made in the delivery of services since the advent of a democratic and developmental state in 1994. The 1996 South African Constitution positions local government as an independent sphere of the government, interrelated to and interdependent with the national and provincial governments. To give it a collective voice, local government speaks from a position of strength through organised local government, as embodied in the South African Local Government Association (hereafter referred to as SALGA). The government is aware of the challenges facing local government service delivery, particularly in the rural areas, where progress in service delivery has been slow. During the former Presidential Izimbizo’s, the gap between the government’s delivery efforts and communities’ ability to benefit from that delivery was repeatedly highlighted. The introduction of community development workers (CDWs) is to assist the three spheres of government to ensure that service delivery reaches the intended recipients effectively and efficiently (IDASA, 2006: On- Line).It was against this background that community development workers (CDWs) were introduced as a link between the government and communities. CDWs are defined as participatory change agents who work in the community in which the live, and to whom they have to answer for their activities. They are required to help members of the community to improve their living standards and change circumstances. To do this, CDWs are expected to make the poor aware of their constitutional rights such as their right to basic service delivery including social grants and assist community members to understand how they can participate in the development plans for their communities. CDWs are expected to facilitate community participation in policy-making, implementation and in service delivery (Republic of South Africa. Grassroots Innovation, 2007). In this article, the role of community development workers in enhancing service delivery within the Bitou Local Municipality is discussed. The article concludes with recommendations based on an empirical survey to establish the extent to which CDWs play a role in improving service delivery and enhancing the accessibility of government services to communities.Keywords: Bitou Local Municipality, local governance, community development workers, participation, ward committeesDisciplines: Public Management and Administration, social science research methodology, development studies
Practitioner-based research in Information Systems
Authors: Averweg Udo , Kroetze J H
Published: June 2016

A practitioner is a professionally employed person in a selected discipline such as information and communication technologies (ICT). ICT practitioners often operate in the domain of Information Systems (IS), the social science branch of ICT. Practitioner research comprises of research that practitioners undertake with a view to the advancement of their practice. Questions arise in respect of research conducted by ICT practitioners: (1) What is the context of the IS professional when conducting practitioner-based research; and (2) Does practitioner-based research have a theoretical base and does practitioner-based research challenge the traditional dichotomy between positivist and interpretivist research in IS? An investigation and discussion of these questions in the IS discipline is the objective of this article.In this article, ICT practitioner-based research in organisations is discussed. Some philosophical underpinnings of practitioner-based research are probed and a reflection on practitioner research is given. It is suggested that active ICT practitioners are a necessity in the IS research domain. Their participation requires that the actual context in which IS practices are conducted, should be analysed. To ensure that such IS research is valid, an epistemological base is needed for critical reflection and thoughtful action from which to draw.Keywords: ICT practitioner, practitioner, practioner-based research, reflective practitioner, transdisciplinarityDisciplines: computer science, philosophy, ethics, research methodology