Pius Tangwe Tanga

The impact of the declining extended family support system on the education of orphans in Lesotho.

This paper examines the impact of the weakening of the extended family on the education of double orphans in Lesotho through in-depth interviews with participants from 3 of the 10 districts in Lesotho. The findings reveal that in Lesotho the extended family has not yet disintegrated as the literature suggests. However, it shows signs of rupturing, as many orphans reported that they are being taken into extended family households, the incentive for these households being, presumably, the financial and other material assistance that they receive from the government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which supplements household income and material wellbeing. The findings show that financial and other assistance given by the government and NGOs have resulted in conflict between the orphans and caregivers. This has also prompted many extended families to shift responsibilities to the government and NGOs. Most of the extended households provided the orphans with poor living conditions, such as unhygienic houses, poor nutrition, and little or no provision of school materials, which has had a negative impact on the education of the orphans. The combined effects of economic crisis and HIV and AIDS have resulted in extended families not being able to care for the needs of the orphans adequately, whilst continuing to accept them into their households. It is recommended that although extended families are still accepting orphans, the government should strengthen and recognise the important role played by families and the communities in caring for these vulnerable children. The government should also introduce social grants for orphans and other vulnerable children and review the current meagre public assistance (R100) it provides for orphans and vulnerable children in Lesotho. Other stakeholders should concentrate on strengthening the capacity of families and communities through programmes and projects which could be more sustainable than the current handouts given by many NGOs.

Interplay between economic empowerment and sexual behaviour and practices of migrant workers within the context of HIV and AIDS in the Lesotho textile industry

Abstract Economic empowerment brings with it a wide range of consequences, both positive and negative. The objective of this paper was to examine the relationship between economic empowerment and the sexual behaviour and practices of migrant workers within the context of HIV and AIDS in the Lesotho textile industry. Data for this paper were extracted from the findings of a larger study which had been conducted concerning HIV and AIDS in the textile industry in Lesotho. Using in-depth interviews, data were collected from 40 participants who were purposively selected from five factories which had been chosen randomly. Empowerment theory was used as a lens to provide meanings for the experiences of the participants. The findings show that the participants were empowered only in certain respects in terms of Kabeers empowerment model of ‘power to’ and ‘power within’, on one hand, and in terms of Malhotras comprehensive empowerment framework at the household level, on the other, as being employed in the industry enabled them to participate in the economy. Employment in the sector provided the participants with the means to be able to acquire basic needs and the ability to participate in household decision-making: for the female participants, the ability to make independent sexual decisions was also enhanced. These improvements were greeted enthusiastically, particularly by the female participants, given their previously disadvantaged status as a result of coming from rural patriarchal villages with gender-defined hegemonic notions of respectability. The findings also indicate that environmental factors and others, such as meagre salaries, encouraged some of the female workers to engage in transactional sex, while some of the male participants tended to increase their sexual relationships as a result of acquiring employment and income from the industry. It is the contention of the authors of this study that true empowerment requires both vital resources and individual and collective participation, particularly for the women, who are more vulnerable than men. Finally, we conclude that the opportunities provided by economic empowerment have given the participants a new social meaning for their situation and an awareness about their place in power relations.

Growing Old Gracefully: The Role of Old Age Pension in Lesotho

The introduction of an old age pension in Lesotho in November 2004 brought relief and hope to the elderly. The paper examines how the old age pension has helped in the acquisition of material goods, increased access to health care and, most importantly, strengthened the status of the elderly in their households. Two hundred and fifteen old age pension recipients in rural areas were interviewed. Results show that the elderly now participate more in household decision-making and contribute towards income and community projects. The poverty and hunger vulnerability existing before the pension have been halved. Pensioners play an increasing role in the care of orphans and vulnerable children. This has boosted pensioners’ self-esteem and strengthened respect given to them. Although the pension is seen as meagre, elections results show the efforts of the government continue to be highly appreciated. The paper concludes the old age pension has empowered the elderly and helps them live a more graceful life.

Housing Problems and Programs in South Africa: A Literature Review

Abstract Although many in South Africa have access to low cost housing from the government, persistent housing problems continue to take center stage among the poor and needy in the country. This paper examines the housing problems in the housing programs in South Africa through a literature review. Findings show that most of the housing problems are caused by corruption and mismanagement while some are due to small housing structures, whereas others are due to the poor housing material, and others are caused by poor location of housing projects, with others resulting from lack of involvement of stakeholders and beneficiaries in the housing projects. Also, factors such as urbanization, unemployment as well as renting and selling of houses by the housing beneficiaries contribute to the housing problems. Researchers recommend program monitoring and evaluation for restrengthening and reorganizing of the housing programs among other things.

The Extent to Which Government Housing Programs meet the Expectations of Intended Beneficiaries in South Africa

Abstract Although numerous housing projects for the needy have been established in South Africa since 1994, many reports show their inadequacy in meeting the expectations of the intended beneficiaries. It is based on this notion that this paper was crafted to explore the extent to which housing programs meet the expectations of intended beneficiaries. The study collected data from 276 participants who were subjected to either interviews or questionnaires. The findings show that the beneficiaries were not happy with the quality, size and spacing of the houses; the intended beneficiaries felt that the distance of the houses to other socio-economic locations such as schools, hospitals and police were very far; the government and contractors’ slow pace of construction of the houses was disturbing and very slow. The researchers recommend an overhaul in the implementation of the housing program to ensure that the expectations of the intended beneficiaries are met. A thorough monitoring and evaluation is needed to promote and strengthen accountability at all levels. This paper is derived from a broader research study that sought to investigate the implementation of housing programs towards addressing housing problems in the Amathole district of the Eastern Cape Province with the objective of this study being to investigate and establish the extent to which the housing projects meet the expectations of the targeted beneficiaries in South Africa.

Teachers’ Strikes and the Right of Learners to Education in South Africa: A Critical Literature Review

Abstract This review was motivated by the incessant teachers’ strikes in South Africa and the poor academic performance as well as poor quality education, which is a general concern in many circles. Therefore, literature review critically examines teachers’ strikes and the right of learners to education in South Africa, with some emphasis on the Eastern Cape Province. The literature shows that the impact of teachers’ strikes on learners’ academic performance, especially in the Eastern Cape Province is enormous. This was gauged through the number of years learners took to complete the Matric studies, the number of times they wrote Matric, intimidation and loss of motivation during teachers’ strikes among other factors. Closely related to this is the poor quality of education that students received, not only because of teachers’ strikes but also because of factors such as infrastructure problem and lack of teachers. It was also found out that the cost of teachers’ strikes was a drain of both national and provincial government resources.

Challenges Faced by Traditional Healers When Treating People Living with HIV and AIDS: The Case of Intsika Municipality, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

Abstract The aim of the present study was to examine the procedures followed by traditional healers treating people living with HIV and AIDS in the Intsika Municipality and the challenges faced by them during this endeavour. Using the qualitative research method, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with twenty traditional healers. Among the significant findings were the hardships encountered by traditional healers in terms of finance, the transport needed to collect medicinal plants, the shortage of medicinal plants, the lack of co-operation from the formal health care sector and the discrimination and abuse suffered at the hands of members of the community, with Christians and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) being among the chief antagonists. It is also acknowledged that traditional healers have been trained by the Department of Health concerning issues of hygiene and that traditional healers have knowledge of the symptoms of HIV and AIDS. It is concluded that traditional healers have a significant role to play in preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS if they employ preventative measures such as the use of protective gloves and limiting the use of a blade to one patient only. However, traditional healers are not supplied with safety kits or condoms to distribute to patients who consult them for treatment of STIs.

The Impact of Donor-funded Community Empowerment Projects on Poverty Alleviation in Zimbabwe

The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of donor-funded community empowerment projects on poverty alleviation in Zimbabwe. The primary data were collected from a questionnaire survey from 52 project members who were from two local ngos that were selected randomly. A semi-structured interview guide designed for two officials of the selected ngos implementing the projects was also used. The findings show that there is heavy dependence on outside funding, no adherence to the principles of the empowerment approach and a failure to positively impact the lives of the project members. This therefore calls for ngos to adopt better empowerment practices: community involvement in decision making, project ownership, and clear lines of communication with the ngos. However the findings also show the strength of linking project members with relevant institutions and training in order to ensure sustainability of community projects that may foster community empowerment towards poverty eradication.

The Impact of De-agrarianisation on the Socio-economic Well-being of Rural Inhabitants in South Africa

Abstract The aim of the present research paper was to examine the impact of de-agrarianisation on the socioeconomic well-being of the rural population in South Africa.The data for the present research was procured from a larger study that was conducted in Msobomvu Community, a rural area in the Eastern Cape. Further, the data was collected using an interview guide and structured questionnaires. The findings show that inhabitants in this rural area face numerous socio-economic challenges which all manifest from the sharp decrease in agricultural activities. These findings indicate that the process of de-agrarianizationis a recurring challenge which has crippled the attempts to enforce a stable food security at household level. The decrease of people who involve themselves in agricultural activities has led to quite a number of effects which include dependency on government support, increased crime rate, health problems, poverty and threats to food security at household level. It is, therefore, recommended that policies that are in line with boosting agriculture should be enforced and at the same time the government should increase funding for agricultural projects so as to motivate people into agriculture.

THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE LESOTHO GOVERNMENT’S SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMMES ARE RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF RURAL RECIPIENTS

This paper examines the extent to which government social welfare programmes meet the needs of individuals in the rural areas in Lesotho. Data were collected from 100 social welfare recipients through a semi-structured questionnaire. The study was guided by four hypotheses using chi-square as a test of significance. The major results show that the government was providing a number of social welfare programmes that had a significant impact on lives. These notwithstanding, the insufficient transfers are discussed in the light of the African cultural values of sharing and reciprocity. The impact of the financial/economic crisis on recipients and the government in the area of social welfare is discussed. It is concluded that the government has not been able to provide sufficient social welfare benefits to its citizens. The weaknesses of the Department of Social Welfare and the unregulated nature of social work practice are highlighted and recommendations are suggested.