Akwasi Arko-Achemfuor

Financing small medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) in rural South Africa: an exploratory study of stokvels in the Nailed Local Municipality North West Province

Abstract This article examined the prevalence of the credit rotating system which is referred to as stokvels as a source of financing small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa. This paper investigated the activities of stokvelsin the Naledi Local Municipality and determined how much of the funds saved through the scheme are used to establish and support SMME activities. The qualitative method of research in the form of focus group interviews was used to explore the activities of four stokvelsin the Naledi Local Municipality. It was found that a lot of money is raised through the stokvelsin the Naledi Local Municipality but almost all the money is used for household consumption. Based on the findings recommendations are made to policy makers on how savings from stokvelscan be used as one of the funding sources for SMMEs in South Africa.

The place of songs in Akan funeral celebration

Abstract Africans express themselves at various occasions through songs. The Akan of Ghana use songs and dance to express emotions including thankfulness, seek explanations and convey messages of condolences to the bereaved family. They spend time and huge sums of money to perform funerals. The seriousness of funeral ceremonies among the Akan is expressed in the following proverb: “Abusua do funu”, literally meaning “the family loves the dead”. During funerals, different songs are sung irrespective of the type of music, be it Hi-Life, Adowa, Sikyi, Bosoe or Christian. At the various stages of the funeral, different songs are sung to convey different messages directed at different audiences or issues. The messages may be directed to God, the dead person, the bereaved family or to death itself. The stages can be when the person is laid in state, moving towards the graveyard, saying the final goodbye, after the burial, at the thanksgiving service or during the final funeral rites. This article argues that songs sung during Akan funerals celebrations provide special insight into what death is and how to handle those left behind by the dead. The article concludes that funeral songs that are sung at funerals teach both the young and old about death as an inevitable phenomenon and the need for each member of the community to join forces to assist wherever it occurs.

Understanding entrepreneurship in the South African context : insights from entrepreneurial risk attitudes of four major ethnic groups

Researchers have been asking why some ethnic groups are more entrepreneurial than others. This question persists in South Africa where there are differing entrepreneurial outcomes based on ethnicity. In this study, we examine why some ethnic groups in South Africa seem more entrepreneurial than others. The paper draws attention to the possible role of attitude towards entrepreneurial risk as an explanatory factor for three reasons: (1) risk taking is regarded as an entrepreneurial behaviour; (2) risk taking has been found to differ due to demographic factors including ethnicity; (3) risk tolerance is associated with successful entrepreneurship. Understanding entrepreneurship across the different ethnic groups of South Africa therefore partially rests on understanding the risk-taking behaviours of the different ethnic groups. Unfortunately, the dearth of empirical research makes it difficult to know for sure how the various ethnic groups in South Africa respond to entrepreneurial risk. This leaves a void that this research attempts to fill. In this study, survey research data were collected from a sample of 400 entrepreneurs from the four main ethnic groups in a South African municipality. Results indicate significant differences among the four ethnic groups. This and other findings are presented and discussed accompanied by recommendations.

Teaching Permaculture to Ensure Food Security in Rural South Africa: The Case Study of Tiger Kloof

Abstract In the rural areas of the South Africa, most people depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Many adults in the rural areas engage in animal husbandry, crop production and small scale agro-processing. Farmers from the Black communities in South Africa use traditional methods in farming practices which are less productive and expensive. The Tiger Kloof Educational Institution in the North West Province in partnership with the North West Department of Agriculture has been giving training to farmers in permaculture since 2008 as a way of equipping adults with skills in good agricultural practices. This paper investigated the impact of the farmer training in permaculture by Tiger Kloof Educational Institution on food security. The qualitative method using interview schedules was used to solicit the views of 10 farmers, the trainer at Tiger Kloof and one official from the District office of the Department of Agriculture. The findings of the investigation indicate that the training in permaculture is contributing to poverty alleviation and ensuring food security in the communities. The programme is recommended to government and communities in addressing poverty, food security, unemployment and sustainable livelihoods.

Environmental conditions and their impact on small businesses in South Africa: implications for managers

Prior to April 1994 the apartheid regime discriminated against blacks of South Africa. The best education went to whites while blacks received an inferior education. This resulted in high unemployment rate among blacks due to lack of skills and knowledge. To reduce unemployment and its socio-economic consequences a policy on local economic development was enacted to encourage the unemployed to start their own businesses. In spite of the policy environmental conditions might impact on businesses. This paper investigates the impact of environmental conditions on the growth of the small businesses which are emerging to reduce unemployment among the youth.

Quality Assurance through Experiential Learning in A Distance Education Context: the Views of Major Stakeholders

The quality of experiential learning in distance education is a dominant concern of all major stakeholders and the public at large. Institutions of higher learning which train school teachers at a distance are often blamed for the poor quality of teachers and teaching. The perception among some sections of the society is that teachers trained at a distance are of poor quality compared to those trained via the conventional face-to-face mode. While this perception can be disputed it gives distance education institutions food for thought. Debunking the wrong perception is to ensure quality in the training of teachers at a distance. Students of the University of South Africa (UNISA) are scattered all over the country and beyond and this makes effective and quality organization, managing, supervision, mentoring and evaluation of experiential learning quite daunting. Effective experiential learning cannot be organized and managed effectively without the involvement of key stakeholders. This paper used the qualitative research approach to explore the views of major stakeholders from two Provinces in South Africa on quality assurance of experiential learning for teacher trainees in distance education. The findings indicate that all the major stakeholders involved in providing experiential learning in the UNISA teacher training program support the idea of collaboration as the basis of quality teacher training.

Appreciation of diversity and inclusion in Sub-Sahara Africa: The socioeconomic implications

Abstract Africa is one of the most diverse continents in the world. The diversity in Africa, especially sub-Sahara, is normally centered around culture, ethnicity, gender, religion, etc. However, commentators assert that people of African descent encounter similar challenges and therefore point to the need for integration to realize the full benefit of its diversity. The call from commentators comes on the heels of diversity’s critical impact on growth and development. Notable among these elements of diversity is ethnicity, which sometimes bring predicament to the continent in the form of ethnic conflicts among others. Diversity in Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) coupled with the advent of globalization puts pressure on societies as well as on organizations to appreciate its relevance due to the benefit derived when managed efficiently to ensure inclusion. A well-managed diverse environment fosters inclusion which can translate into growth and development. On the other hand, if diversity is improperly managed, it may have a detrimental effect on both societies and organizations. In the context of this article, ethnicity, which is one of the major drivers of diversity in SSA, is the main subject underlining the importance of diversity and inclusion. This article therefore argues that acknowledging and appreciating ethnicity is central to the creation of an inclusive society and organizations in SSA. Proper management of diversity undergirded by ethnicity have a positive correlation to socioeconomic growth and development. Further, this article posits that exploring and harnessing ethnicity within a diverse environment deepens the sense of belonging of individuals leading to efficiency and productivity in organizations, and by extension, in the larger society. In this regard, ethnicity is a significant element of diversity and ignoring it can derail the process of inclusion. This article employs in-depth literature review to explore how efficient management of ethnicity in a diverse environment can promote inclusion in SSA. Emphasis is placed on ethnicity, diversity, inclusion and its associated socioeconomic implications.

Three and a Half Decades of Kojo Antwi in Educating Adults and the Youth about Marriage and Love through Highlife Music in Ghana

ABSTRACT Highlife music has been in existence in the West African sub-region for centuries; and has been sung during various social and political occasions. In Ghana, highlife music has continued to evolve and has incorporated other types of music. Kojo Antwi has been one of the towering figures on the Ghanaian music scene for nearly three and half decades. He has been called Mr Music Man, the King of Hearts, and has won several prestigious national and international awards. Most of the artists in Ghana sing about various social, economic and political issues. Kojo Antwi appears to have, to a large extent, focused on educating and entertaining his fans, especially the youth and adults on issues of marriage and love. Therefore, this article analyses six songs by Kojo Antwi, which draw the attention of the audience to the challenges lovers and married couples need to be aware of in the game of relationships.

Exploring Partnerships between Unisa and Education Stakeholders in Supporting Adult Learners at a Distance

Abstract Educating adults through distance education, provides opportunities for those who for one reason or the other cannot attend full time studies. Inadequate support for distance learners across the world has prompted some commentators to question the effectiveness of using distance education as a tool for addressing the legacies of the past and as a skills development strategy in South Africa. The present research explored how partnerships between education stakeholders can be used as a way of addressing the gaps in learner support systems among students in general and adult learners in particular. The author of the present study is of the view that and distance education providers such as Unisa can tap into the support structures of the stakeholders to address the gaps in the system to enable students to have enduring distance education experience. The study uses document analysis and literature review to identify stakeholders and some of the best practices some distance providing institutions across the world are using to support their adult learners studying through distance.

The Effects of a Lack of Career Pathing on Job Satisfaction Among South African Teachers

Abstract Education is an important ingredient for advancement in the knowledge-based economy of the contemporary world. Teachers therefore form the vehicle for provision and dissemination of relevant knowledge, skills and values for socio-economic development. In every career professionals are assured of moving through the ranks so long as they do their work well and meet certain laid down criteria but in practice this is not the case with most school teachers in South Africa. Although the Employment of Educators Act mentions the promotion of teachers in practice it is almost non-existent. A teacher may teach and remain on post level one for the entire teaching life. The assumption is that this situation might lead to frustration and disillusion among teachers. Teachers may leave or underperform due to lack of job satisfaction. This paper is the result of an empirical investigation on job satisfaction among South African school teachers. The assumptions of the researchers were validated by an empirical study of the problem in the Dr. Ruth Mompati Education District [North West Province]. The major findings of the study include a lack of equal opportunities for all teachers, poor conditions of service, increased workload of teachers, lack of discipline among learners and increasing violence against teachers, and the apparent eroding of the authority of the teacher.