Chitja Twala

The Impact of Rural Development on Poverty Reduction in a Post-Apartheid South Africa: An Ecological Discourse

Abstract One of the African National Congress (ANC) led government’s promises to the electorate in all the elections since 1994 was to assist the African rural communities with infrastructure development for poverty reduction programmes. Consequently, this in return would help in the provision of sustainable livelihoods for such communities. Therefore, as part of service delivery programmes by the ANC’s government, in the post-1994 period resources were directed to rural developments with the intention of reducing the level of poverty. A qualitative and quantitative design was adopted with the aim of documenting and analysing the ecological impact of rural development in South Africa. The article examines and critiques the various rural development challenges and poverty reduction strategies as key initiatives for service delivery in rural South Africa. The critique highlights the linkages that exist between rural development and service delivery. The results of the study show that despite the challenges of the ANC in providing services to the rural communities, different interventions proved to be successful.

The Causes and Socio-political Impact of the Service Delivery Protests to the South African Citizenry: A Real Public Discourse

Abstract In the recent past (2008-2013), the African National Congress (ANC) led government in South Africa has experienced an outcry from different communities around the country, concerning a lack of provision of services. These conditions to a certain extent led to the outbreak, of what became known as the service delivery protests in South Africa. The basic services which were needed included the following: access to clean water; provision of sanitation; and the redress of housing backlogs. The study investigates the theories around the origins of the service delivery protests and their socio-political impact on such communities. The study argues that the ability by the ANC government to deliver services, particularly to those residents in the poor areas, is its basic function as part of social programmes in response to people’s needs. Consequently, the study contends that the purported failure to respond to such needs, contributes to service delivery protests. Furthermore, it argues that the slow pace of providing services to the poor in South Africa has created a socio-political problems. Examining the above arguments in the context of political transition, the study looks at different debates and political strategies, and the ways in which they draw on and shape socio-political discourses of power and rights. It concludes by indicating that meaningful address of service delivery protests by the ruling party require a combined strategy with those affected. It should be noted that although the issue of service delivery protest is a local government question, it has been elevated into a national issue in South Africa.

The African National Congress and Traditional Leadership in a Democratic South Africa: Resurgence or Revival in the Era of Democratisation? 1

Abstract The role of traditional authorities, particularly traditional leadership in the democratic South Africa (1994-2013) seems to be a complex and multifaceted process. When the African National Congress (ANC) came into power in May 1994, the party was faced with a mammoth task of incorporating traditional leaders in the local sphere of government. The study examines the socio-political role of traditional leaders in South Africa in postapartheid period. Furthermore, the study aims at examining the factors and challenges contributing to the leadership discourse between the traditional leaders and some structures of the ANC, for example, the councillors as elected leaders. The findings from this study pointed to challenges such as values and perceptions of leadership styles as espoused by the traditional leaders versus the democratic way of leadership from the ANC structures. The above propelled the researchers to engage in an analytical research study of determining the relationship that existed between the traditional leaders and the local government structures in South Africa. On the basis of the findings of this study, recommendations are made for the fostering of harmonious working relationships between the traditional authorities and the councillors representing the ANC.

The African National Congress (ANC) and the Cadre Deployment Policy in the Postapartheid South Africa: A Product of Democratic Centralisation or a Recipe for a Constitutional Crisis?

Abstract The cadre deployment policy has been implemented by the African National Congress (ANC) and its alliance partners in pursuit of its avowed intention to have loyal party hands on all the levers of power in government. The present paper finds out that although the policy is justified by the ANC, it has attracted criticism from those who believe that its implementation has been exposed to abuse by some ANC officials. While certain deployed cadres in public administration are able to function at an acceptable level, it is argued that in some instances far too many are there to do the bidding of the cadre deployment committee that appointed them to national, provincial or local-level positions. However, it is worth noting that historians and political scientists alike contend that this undermines the accountability structures in the public service. Further, this paper avers that deployed cadres who succeed do so despite their deployment, not because of it.There are a number of arguments stating that the implementation of a cadre deployment policy by the ANC is an attempt to centralise democratic powers within the ruling party. In conclusion, the paper attempts to provide a historical analysis of this policy in the 20-year rule of the ANC in South Africa.

The Role of the International Multidimensional Peacekeeping Missions in Africa: A Case of Darfur (Sudan)

Abstract Many countries on the African Continent had experienced serious challenges in as far as the peacekeeping missions were concerned. In the main, this was due to the nature of the conflicts and violence experienced by the citizens of those countries. One of such countries was Sudan, particularly its western region of Darfur. Ever since the name ‘Darfur’ emerged from virtual obscurity to international headlines in 20 04, it has turned out to be identical with war, massacre, and humanitarian crisis. Furthermore, this was despite the international indignation and demands around the globe to end violence, the lethal conflict continued. For the purpose of this study, a qualitative and quantitative design was adopted with an aim of documenting and analysing the impact of peacekeeping missions in Darfur. The study examines and critiques the various challenges as experienced by such missions. Available data indicates those peacekeeping missions in Darfur and their sincere interest and participation in daily community life. The authors argue that there was a dualism of interconnected causes for peacekeeping and the violent situations that prevailed in the area. This dualism was between determinism by the peacekeeping missions versus the conflicting groups.

Rural and Agrarian Development Discourse in a Post-apartheid South Africa: An Agro-ecological Challenge

Abstract This study examines the impact of rural and agrarian development discourse in a post-apartheid South Africa. Although the African National Congress (ANC) led government introduced the land reform programme almost two decades ago, pointers are that the process has not yield the desired results. Despite the ANC’s enormous rural development efforts, land reform programme elicited criticisms by some land claimants, land owners and to a certain extent scholars calling for its total abandonment. Its relevance in attempts to fast-track sustainability for rural and agrarian development has been questioned. Land reform programme is one of the most important rural development strategies employed by the ANC’s government. This study interrogates the perceived laxity in the implementation of the land reform programme by the ANC’s government despite having policies in place to fast-track the process. Initially when the programme started, it was aimed at poverty alleviation and the creating employment. Therefore, this study shows that there are challenges confronting the land reform programme in South Africa. Furthermore, the study argues that the land reform question is not only a rural and agrarian issue, but a critical social concern of the black South Africans.

My Unparalleled Experience’: Narratives from the Leadership for Change Study-Abroad Program Participants

Abstract The purpose of this paper, guided by Appreciative Inquiry (AI) prescripts, was to understand and interpret the live experiences of three (out of the five) University of the Free State (UFS), Qwaqwa campus firstyear students who went on a short study-abroad program to some universities in the United States of America (USA). The three students, who come from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, made up the first cohort of 71 UFS students who were selected to undertake the groundbreaking and unexpected trip, which they described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The title of the paper derives from one of the participant’s narratives which was titled: ‘My unparalleled experience’. Owing to the appreciative overtones of AI, we mainly highlight the positive aspects of their experience. These range from the delightful time they had and how they marvelled at the opportunity, whilst contrasting their real-life stereotypes with the study-abroad experience. The experience, ephemeral as it may be, seems to have amassed unprecedented or unparalleled gains for both the students as well as the institution. The researchers conclude by reflecting on the ways in which the experience both expedites and conveys personal growth and development.

Cultural Protocols and Behavioural Patterns in the Sacred Sites in the Free State Province

Abstract The main focus of this study is to investigate cultural protocols and behavioural patterns in the sacred sites with specific reference to the Free State Province. Emphasis is on the adherence to such cultural protocol and behavioural patterns and the necessity of their observance. Consequently, in most cases these provisions lead to misunderstandings of cultural performances by the different ethnic groups in South Africa. This is due to the fact that the South African population has been ethnically and racially divided over a period of time. Such divisions led certain cultures be undermined while others were promoted by the then governing National Party (NP). Historically and anthropologically, the Free State has many sacred sites, particularly in the eastern part of the province but little is known about their importance. The best known sacred sites in the eastern Free State are Motouleng (between Fouriesburg and Clarens), Mautse (between Rosendal and Ficksburg) and Mantsopa (at Modderpoort near Ladybrand). The findings of this study show that there are cultural protocols and behavioural patterns which should be observed during the visits to these sites. In most cases, these protocols and behavioural patterns are not known by those visiting the sites. Although there are many of such observances, for the purpose of this study, few are identified and discussed.

The Social, Environmental and Economic Factors Leading to the Degradation of the Sacred Sites in the Eastern Free State, South Africa

Abstract The ecological crisis of the sacred sites in the Eastern Free State has become a matter of concern both provincially and nationally. From various quarters, attention is drawn to the harm human beings and their activitiesdo the environment and the need to arrest this menace. The paper argues that environmental conservationconcerning the sacred sites is not a recent phenomenon. Past generations knew about environmental degradationand the need for preservation of the sacred sites in the Eastern Free State. The paper investigates the factorsleading to the social, environmental and economic decay of the sacred sites in the Eastern Free State in SouthAfrica. Further, the paper aims at monitoring the abuse of the sacred sites by the pilgrims and those residing onthem. The paper seeks to show that the disregard for traditional checks and balances, especially of those visitingthe sites, has adversely affected their status.

“Telling the Story” The Educators Perspective on HIV/AIDS Education in Schools

Abstract The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of life skills as a strategy to combat HIV/AIDS among school-going young people and listen to the educator’s stories regarding their experiences. Life orientation programme was included as part of the revised national curriculum statement and is offered as a compulsory subject from Grade R to 12. One secondary school in Free State Province in Motheo District was chosen to participate in the study. From the chosen school ten life orientation educators were selected to participate in the study. The respondents comprised 60% female and 40% male educators, teaching from Grade 10 to 12. A life history and story-telling approach was chosen as a method to obtain data. The results showed that most educators were not trained on the subject, although they were teaching for more than 3 years. Learners’ absenteeism as results of either being affected or infected did have a negative impact towards schooling. Although the subject is taught well teenage pregnancy seems to be on the high, therefore to a certain extent learners are not implementing what they have been taught.