Browsing by Author "Mare, Paul Gerhardus."

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Churches and service delivery in South Africa : the Black Charismatic Church Ministries (BCCMs), as agents for service delivery in the Eastern Cape.
(2013) Sharpley, Nelly.; Mare, Paul Gerhardus.
The research presented in this thesis is both a qualitative and quantitative case study of two Black Charismatic Church Ministries (BCCMs) from semi-urban areas in the Eastern Cape Province; one in uMdantsane Township in Buffalo City Municipality, East London and the other in Kwa-Magxaki Township in Nelson Mandela Metropol Municipality, Port Elizabeth. The study examines how these ministries confront the socio-economic challenges of the communities within their areas of operation. It seeks to ascertain whether or not such ministries are current and potential agents for service delivery in the Province. The ministries’ service delivery efforts are examined against the banner of civil society, as agents that can work with destitute communities, local government and other sectors of civil society for better service delivery. The study was prompted firstly by the prevalence of socio-economic challenges, related to no or poor service delivery in the Province despite government’s efforts and promises. Secondly, it was motivated by government’s call for partnerships with churches and Faith-based Organizations (FBOs) in service delivery (see page 15 Chapter 1). The study is partly ethnographic and used observation, a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews as data collection methods. The findings suggest that while the BCCMs are willing to be agents of service delivery, their efforts are clouded by a number of challenges. Whereas a CSO is supposed to serve the society in general, the BCCMs discriminate against non-church members. As beneficiaries of service delivery, communities also are concerned that BCCMs efforts prove to be short-term rather than long term strategies for community development. Furthermore they are uninformed on partnering in service delivery. Local governments also do not have clearly defined operational procedures of this partnership. This study presents a number of recommendations: the concept of partnership with churches and FBOs in service delivery needs to be revisited with clarity. Secondly, I suggest a Community Indaba, which will be a neutral community desk of equal participation on service delivery directed at community development through combined efforts of BCCMs, Communities, Local Government and Civil Society Organizations/Non-Government Organizations (CSOs/NGOs) in the Province for better realization of BCCMs’ service delivery efforts (see page 179 Chapter 7).
A comparative analysis of the effect of self-perceived risk of HIV/AIDS on the adoption of safer sex practices as a preventive measure for HIV/AIDS among adolescents : Uganda and South Africa.
(2003) Atujuna, Millicent.; Mare, Paul Gerhardus.
This work examines sexual behavioural change and the likely predisposing factors in the era of HIV/AIDS among young adults in Uganda and South Africa. It explores the potential role of young adults' self-perceived risk of HIV infection in sexual behavioural decisions regarding adoption of safe sex practices, in particular 'use of condoms' and 'limiting number of sexual partners '. This work further recognises that Uganda and South Africa are countries with social, cultural, economic, and political contexts, which contexts have been described by many as inextricably linked with sexual behaviour, and which often determine the choices young adults make regarding sexual activity. These are therefore examined. In order to achieve this, a rigorous examination and analysis of self-perceived risk of HIV/AIDS in relation to societal factors was done to determine which variables of the two categories best explains sexual behaviour. This is placed in the context of young female adults between the ages of 15 to 24 in Uganda and South Africa. The formulation of this study, which places emphasis on examining the potential role of self-perceived risk of HIV/AIDS as a predisposing factor for sexual behavioural change, and in Uganda and South Africa is based on a number of aspects as highlighted below: • That both Uganda and South Africa at one point or another were and/or are faced with high prevalence levels of HIV/AIDS; • That both have and/or are yet to be faced with high mortality, which is HIV/AIDS related and such profound consequences will/or have had inadvertent effects on individual, both socially and economically. In some respects, this has also affected individual perceptions regarding HIV infection; • Recognition that the progression of HIV/AIDS in Uganda was much faster than in South Africa, and this meant higher prevalence, higher mortality rates, which then triggered both government and non-governmental response towards preventing further spread. Since these factors are beginning to emerge in South Africa, one therefore asks the question as to whether the pandemic will take similar trends as those reported in Uganda. This would also enable the identification of similarities and differences in the likely determinants of sexual behavior considering these countries have different backgrounds; • In both countries, education programmes have been rigorous and that the level of awareness is at a point that would enable sexual behavioural change to occur; • A recognition that in Uganda, as shown in a number of reports and existing literature, the prevalence of HIV has declined and for this reason, it has become imperative to try and examine the likely factors leading to reduced HIV/AIDS prevalence, and to compare with what is happening in South Africa. This would enable the examination of any possible lessons that could be learnt in the reduction of the prevalence in South Africa. In the quest to achieve the set goals, a number of steps were undertaken which included looking at available literature and more importantly analysing two sets of Demographic Health Survey (DHS) data. The South Africa Demographic Health Survey of 1998 (SADHS) and the Ugandan Demographic Health Survey (UDHS) of 2000/1. All young female adults between the ages of 15 to 24 were selected from both data sets. 3,229 and 4,559 young female adults were selected in Uganda and South Africa respectively leading to a total sample size of 7,688. Findings showed that self-perceived risk of HIV/AIDS was one of the factors that did impact on sexual behaviour. This was more prominent in Uganda and less so in South Africa. Other factors found to affect sexual behaviour included age of respondent, socio-cultural and to a small extent, socio-economic factors. The conclusion that can be drawn from this work shows clearly that self-perceived risk of HIV/AIDS is an important factor determining sexual behaviour, but also shows that some societal variables are important. Therefore, in the face of HIV/AIDS and with increased levels of number of people experiencing deaths due to AIDS, selfperceived risk of HIV/AIDS is a factor worth considering when looking at sexual behaviour. As part of the recommendations, education programmes yet to be formulated should take into account the effect of HIV and AIDS on sexual behavioural change.
Competitiveness and social redress at the Monte Vista Hollywood, and Sugar Mill casinos in KwaZulu Natal.
(2001) Raghubir, Sharlema.; Mare, Paul Gerhardus.
Organisations in South Africa are facing many local and global pressures for reconfiguration through various interventions that encourage global integration and competitiveness, and simultaneously aim to promote social redress and empowerment of the previously disadvantaged in the region. Organisations are required to achieve global competitiveness and economic success, as well as simultaneously allow for redistribution. The aim of the research reported on here, was to explore the influences of local and global trends on the structures and practices of organisations. Questions were asked about the imperatives behind these dynamics specifically those of global competitiveness and local redress, as well as the feasibility of realising these apparently contradictory demands. This was done through a case study of the Monte Vista Hollywood and Sugar Mill Casinos in KwaZulu-Natal, and a comparison with U.S. Indian Reservation casinos. The research findings showed that the responses to the global pressures of competitiveness and local pressures of social redress used by the two casinos, were at times contradictory, questioning whether the industry would have the envisaged positive impacts of economic growth and social redistribution. However, clear answers to these were not forthcoming due to the lack of reliable information, suggesting further research into the topic.
The complexities of educational policy dissemination in the South African context : a case study of teachers' experiences of inclusive education policy in selected schools in greater Durban.
(2006) Ntombela, Sithabile Surprise.; Moletsane, Relebohile.; Mare, Paul Gerhardus.; Evans, Jennifer.
The study reported in this thesis is a qualitative case study of teachers' experiences of the dissemination of Education White Paper 6 on Special Needs Education – Building an Inclusive Education and Training System in two districts in the Greater Durban area, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Located in three primary schools, the study aimed to examine the process adopted by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education to disseminate the policy and prepare schools (mostly teachers and other stakeholders) for its implementation, by 1) investigating teachers' understandings and experiences of the policy and the concept of inclusive education in three primary schools, 2) examining the factors that impact on the teachers' understandings of the innovation; and 3) investigating the teachers' views regarding the nature of support provided by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education and its sub-systems: the Greyville and Shelley Beach districts and the schools themselves to prepare for the implementation of inclusive education in schools. Data analysis in the study is informed by social constructionism as the overarching framework, as well as the systems theory and the theory of innovation diffusion. In addition, two conceptual frameworks are also used , the philosophy of inclusion and re-culturing. These are used as lenses to understand the nature of teachers' understandings of the policy and concept of inclusive education, and the ways in which the province is diffusing the innovation , and preparing and supporting teachers for the implementation of inclusive education in their schools and classrooms. Findings from the study suggest that the teachers had very limited, varied and often distorted understandings of the policy and the innovation. Their understandings suggested that instead of the paradigm shift warranted by the new policy, most of them still relied heavily on the old deficit, medical model of educating learners with special educational needs. The findings suggest that this might be because of the inadequate and inappropriate strategies that were utilised to disseminate information about the new policy among stakeholders, as well as the inadequate communication between and among the different sectors of the education system. The study concludes that the policy initiation process needs to become more inclusive to enable stakeholders to embrace the agenda and to understand its purpose; that a new policy is not able to challenge and change the culture of practice unless people are assisted to evaluate and question their practice, to unlearn the old and learn new ways of doing ; and that the system needs to break down walls that separate levels and directorates in order to make communication between and within sub-systems more effective.
A cross-generational study of the perception and construction of South Africans of Indian descent as foreigners by fellow citizens.
(2014) Pillay, Kathryn. Chetty, Kathryn.; Mare, Paul Gerhardus.
This thesis examined how the perceptions of South Africans of Indian descent as foreign, by fellow South African citizens, have changed or the extent to which they have remained the same from the time of the first arrival of indentured labourers from India in 1860 to the present. In so doing the study also revealed how those classified as ‘Indian’ in South Africa have constructed their identities in relation to, and because of, differing social, political and economic contexts. In order to achieve the aims of this research, the study was periodised based on the key political transitions over the last 150 years. As a result, the constructions and perceptions of ‘Indians’ by others were explored from the period of indenture under colonialism (1860-1910), through to the formation of Union (1910-1948), into apartheid (1948-1994) and ultimately through to democracy (1994-present). The data collection methods included documentary sources, oral histories, and semi-structured interviews. The main documentary sources collected included articles from The Mercury and Ilanga newspapers, spanning 150 years but taken from the key periods as discussed above. In addition it was deemed equally important to conduct in-depth interviews with South African families of Indian descent. The trajectories of five such families, and of the individuals within these family units, were explored, covering the period from the arrival of the first immigrant from India to South Africa, to the present day. The findings reveal that the perceptions of ‘Indians’ as foreign have endured more than it has altered in the psyche of fellow South Africans through each of the political dispensations and because the dominant racial discourse has persisted throughout the various periods albeit through varying mechanisms and diverse narratives justifying it at different times. Although democracy brought with it hope for a more inclusive South Africa with the African National Congress-dominated parliament adopting a constitution based on shared citizenship, the basis of the policies that followed however represent the antithesis of inclusion by entrenching existing notions of difference through the perpetuation of ‘race’ categories that were previously reproduced and legitimised by the repealed apartheid-era Population Registration Act. Blatant xenophobic discourse against South Africans of Indian descent are indeed still apparent, with the latest expressions centering around notions of autochthony which imply that ‘Indians’ are not indigenes of South Africa and hence should have no claim to its resources.
Diakonia as a case study in Christian non-violent social action for peace and social justice in South Africa, 1976-1982.
(2009) Higginson, Fiona Catherine.; Mare, Paul Gerhardus.
Diakonia is a Christian, church-based, development agency operating in the greater Durban area. It was conceived and established by the Roman Catholic Archbishop Denis Hurley. A qualitative, conceptual, and historical case study of Diakonia and its founder is undertaken. The case study seeks to reveal the nature and role of Christian non-violent social action for peace and social justice in South Africa between 1976 and 1982 – the first six years of Diakonia’s existence. Some of the questions that Diakonia raises about the role of religion in social change are explored, namely:  What is religion as belief and ideology?  What, if any, is the role of religion in social change?  Does the existence of an organisation such as Diakonia demonstrate that religion can directly and positively impact on non-violent human agency for social justice? An understanding of Diakonia cannot be divorced from its situation. The agency is therefore located within the historical configuration of the South African nation-state. In addition, it is analysed in relation the institutional Church; to opposition politics, both secular and religious; to civil society in relation to the state and social change and; to the place of non-government organisations in civil society. Non-violence debates on peace and social justice form an important part of this analysis. The study affirms that religion can make a significant contribution to social justice. Whatever advances social participation, non-violence, equality, liberty and, a better life experience for more of the population is an improvement on the existing state of affairs in a society. Religion therefore has a legitimate role to play in social change.
Empowering alternatives : a history of the conscientious objector support group's challenge to military service in South Africa.
(2008) Connors, Judith Patricia.; Mare, Paul Gerhardus.
Conscription of white males to the South African Defence Force between 1969 and 1994 was one of the measures used by the South African government to uphold apartheid and white supremacy. While it appeared that the majority of white males and their families supported the National Party propagated ideologies of the country at the time and felt it was their duty to render military service, there were some for whom this duty provided a conflict of conscience. Giving expression to this conflict and finding constructive ways of dealing with it was almost impossible within the highly restrictive, repressive political, legal and social climate of that time. Limited options seemed available to the young men who had objections to serving in the military, namely exile, evasion or deferment: personal choices that drove people into physical and emotional isolation, and which did not engage the state in the resolution of this conflict. Some young men, however, chose to confront the state and object openly. This began a protracted series of negotiations with ruling authorities, debates within state structures, legislative changes and prosecutions that attempted to prevent and quash the presence of objectors. In the face of this oppression, family and friends formed themselves into solidarity groups around individual objectors to support them in handling the consequences of their objection and in making their stance known and heeded by the government. And so began a movement for change, which over the years learned the skills of nonviolent direct action and constructively challenged the state on issues of conscription and the militarisation of society. This initiative, known as the Conscientious Objector Support Group, although small in scale, ranks as one of the anti-apartheid movements that contributed to South Africa’s peaceful transition to democracy. As such it has invaluable lessons to share with movements for change throughout the world that are presently grappling with situations of human rights’ violations.
Ethnicity as identity and ethnicity politically mobilised : symbols of mobilisation in Inkatha.
(1995) Mare, Paul Gerhardus.; Sitas, Aristides.
This thesis. entitled 'ETHNICITY AS IDENTITY AND ETHNICITY POLITICALLY MOBILISED: SYMBOLS OF MOBILISATION IN INKATHA'. presents two major contributions. The first is a discussion of ethnicity that not only draws the distinction between the phenomenon in its mobilised political form. on the one hand. and on the other ethnicity as social identity presenting life stories through which individuals live part of their social existences. but also follows through the theoretical and policy implications. The implications of this distinction suggest ways in which the issue of -ethnicity can be approached within attempts to avoid the conflictual dimension. The second is a study of the manner in which political mobilisation of Zulu ethnicity has occurred. especially during the 19708 and 1980s. through the Inkatha movement. The case study effectively illustrates the manner in which politicised ethnicity functions. in defining a rigid interpretation that allows little flux and movement within. and from and into the ethnic camp. The author integrates the theoretical discussion of the issue of ethnicity and ethnic social identities with comparative and empilrical material drawn nationally and internationally as well as from the extensive cue study of the mobilisation practices of the Inkatha movement and its leadership. In the theoretical approach the complex nature of all identities. and of ethnicity specifically, is stressed, arguing for the multiple experiences of what is presented as homogeneous within ethnic mobilisation. Ethnic identities are gendered, and subject to the effects of class, age, and 'race' distinctions. Ethnicity is, furthermore, much more flexible than would appear to be the case from such mobilisation. It is in this flexibility that an approach to resolving 'ethnic conflict' lies. Within ethnic mobilisation the stress in the interpellations addressed at ethnic subjects is on rigidity, lnflexibility, and single and centralised interpretations. These elements are illustrated through the case study of Inkatha operating from within the previous KwaZulu bantustan. Themes and approaches within the discourse of mobilisation employed to mobilise a regional population into Inkatha are examined. and set against the background and effects of social, political and economic factors.
Exploring social identities in the South African landscape : a study of young, white, South African student teachers.
(2007) Rimensberger, Nicole.; Mare, Paul Gerhardus.;
The social, political and economic landscape of South Africa, since 1994 has been one of rapid change, where identities and what it means to be a South African have formed critical points of debate. This study used a qualitative methodology to investigate two broad goals: firstly to explore the identities, and influencing factors, of a group of nine young, White, South African student teachers (21-25); and secondly to examine the intersection of social identities and teaching. As a result, this study also investigated how conceptions of identity, including "Whiteness" can have an impact on or influence the professional identities of the participants as young teachers in a multi-cultural and diverse classroom. Selection of participants was based on self-identification as "White", however, by focusing on racial identity in particular this study must acknowledge, as Gunaratnam (2003) does, that it is working both "with and against" race. Two in-depth interviews took place with each participant and two props were used in order to avoid foregrounding race and imposing a definition on the individual respondents. Firstly an "I am" worksheet was used which asked for descriptors; and, secondly, each participant was asked to draw a timeline of their life in response to the question 'What has made you who you are today?" Because of the subjective nature of narrative data, the participants' stories were framed in a broader "landscape" or context. Their narratives were complex and often contradictory, pointing to the fact that researching identities, especially within such a shifting landscape, is always tricky. However, some common themes emerged: social identities as descriptors were avoided, being White in South Africa emerged as different from other contexts such as Europe, race was highlighted in relation to "others" in terms of economic, political and social changes to their worlds and as teachers there was a limited understanding of diversity and broader issues outside of their own experience.
Identity construction of Afrikaner carguards in Durban.
(2011) Dekker, Lydia Carol.; Mare, Paul Gerhardus.
No abstract available.
Land disputes between villages in the highland of Eritrea : the case of Guaquat and Geddele villages.
(2004) Ghebreab, Habteab Werede.; Mare, Paul Gerhardus.
This thesis is an examination into the problem of land disputes between villages in the highland (kebessa) area of Eritrea. Through a case study of the dispute between the villages of Guaquat and Goddele, which are located in the district of Mereta Keih, Southern Zone, this study explores the causes, nature and consequences of land disputes and the mechanisms by which they are settled. It interprets the land dispute by placing it within its historical, social, and political contexts and in the land tenure systems in the area, establishing the complex nature of the case study in particular and land disputes in the highland in general. In this area of the country, where the society is made up of settled peasant cultivators, the village is the basic land owning-community in which land is communally owned. For almost all of rural Eritreans land remains the sole means of subsistence, hence the means of life. Yet, over the decades, because of high population density land resource became extremely scarce. As a result land became a source of competition and struggle for existence. It is a kind of property that must be jealously defended. While scarcity of land is the underlying cause of land disputes, other immediate causal factors have been identified, which result from tenural arrangements, unclear boundaries between villages, trespassing, etc. The disputes manifest themselves through endless litigation processes and with clashes between disputant villages. The long-established permanent village settlements, which go back for centuries, created a strong and inextricable link between land and communities. Land is, thus, a source of dignity and identity. Over the years this strong link between land and society intensified people's attachment to land, which in tum resulted in the development of significant social and cultural value to land. All these factors added fuel to the struggle for the vital resource of land. The study also shows that the new land proclamation, which puts land in the hands of the state , cannot eliminate land disputes between communities to the extent is expected, but, rather adds another dimension to the problem of land disputes.
Making a distinction.
(The Witness., 2009-09-23) Mare, Paul Gerhardus.
The Penguin dictionary defines racism as, first, “the belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities”; and, second, as “hostility towards or discrimination against people of a race other than one’s own”. Racialism is simply referred to as “racism”. It is, therefore, understandable (albeit regrettable) why, on publication, the term “non-racialism” was twice changed to “non-racism” in the Difference and Diversity column that appeared on August 3.
Place, race and belonging : a case study in Albert Park, Durban.
(2011) Erwin, Kira.; Mare, Paul Gerhardus.
No abstract available.
The practices of traditional healers in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the Roma Valley, Lesotho.
(2013) Tsĕhlo-Ramonate, Moliehi Agatha.; Mare, Paul Gerhardus.
Historically colonizers made several attempts to diminish traditional healers and their practices. This was done despite the fact that before the arrival of colonizers, in many African communities, traditional healers were the sole health care providers. This yielded negative attitudes towards traditional healers that still persist today. However, traditional healers and their practices never ceased. People continued to consult traditional healers for various ailments. Even today, in this era of HIV/AIDS traditional healers continue to play a vital role in health care. Even though there are major advancements in the biomedical health care, traditional healers still provide care to people living with HIV/AIDS. In chapter two, the study discusses the role of traditional healers in the primary health care in most African communities. Traditional healers are largely involved in the prevention of diseases as well as illnesses. Recently traditional healers are also involved in the prevention and care of HIV/AIDS, despite the fact that they feel that they are largely excluded in most HIV/AIDS activities. Chapter two also highlights International resolutions that have been adopted regarding traditional healers and traditional medicine. This marks the importance of formally recognizing traditional healers as public health care providers at an International level as well as regionally after the Alma Ata International Conference in 1976 on Primary Health Care. The study was conducted in two areas in Lesotho, Roma and Teyateyaneng. Twenty respondents were interviewed in these areas. The study found out that there are different types of traditional healers in Lesotho who use various methods in diagnosing and treating various illnesses including HIV/AIDS. Diviners use divining bones, herbalists use herbs, faith healers use prayer as well as water. The study found out that traditional healers had different views about HIV/AIDS, particularly the definition of HIV/AIDS and its causes, Witchcraft was strongly recognised as the causal agent of HIV/AIDS. A change in one’s sexual behaviour was reckoned as the major preventative measure. Hence they strongly advocated behavioural change. However they had misconceptions about condoms. Traditional healers also provide care for people living with HIV/AIDS. In some instances, they provide home-based care, refer patients to hospitals and also encourage their patients to eat healthy. The study concluded that some of the traditional healers’ practices have positive and negative aspects. Some of the positive features include their advice to reduce sexual partners, sex abstinence particularly among young people. While negative aspects include delay in referring their patients to the hospitals. Traditional healers are not well collaborate, as a result there is no mutual trust amongst them.
Refugee repatriation and socio-economic re-integration of returnees in Eritrea (the case of Proferi programme in Dige sub-zone)
(2004) Andom, Netsereab Ghebremichael.; Mare, Paul Gerhardus.
For decades UNHCR and refugee hosting governments have been looking for strategies to deal with the problem of mass exodus. Depending on the nature of the problem, various approaches have been exercised to address the problem of the displaced people. Recently, there has been a remarkable alteration of approaches in the way the international political community and refugee-hosting governments deal with forced migrants. Returning refugees to their "homes" has been the most favoured approach. Though voluntary repatriation as an "ideal" solution to the refugee problem has been exercised since the 1970s, it is with the end of the post-cold war era, circa 1991, that it came to be seen as the most desirable and preferred approach towards ending the plight of exilees (Winter, 1994: 159; Rogers, 1992:1112; Toft, n.d:3). For a number of reasons, the 1990s have added more colour towards adopting this approach as the most preferred "durable solution." To give more colour to voluntary repatriation as the best alternative strategy to refugee problems, the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees, Sadako Ogata, has gone so far as to declare the 1992 to be "the first year in a decade of repatriation." Since then, repatriation as a desirable approach and a viable solution to the world refugee problem has gained much prominence in the UN arena, refugee hosting countries and refugee generating countries (Allen, 1996; Chimni, 1999; Barnet, 2001)' This study discusses the issue of organised voluntary repatriation in a newly-born tiny African county, Eritrea. In brief, it examines the overall process of socio-economic rehabilitation, repatriation and re-integration of refugee returnees in selected returnee resettlement sites located in the Western lowlands of Eritrea. The study is descriptive-cumanalytic in its nature and has employed a triangulation approach in its data collection (namely, open- and semi-structured interview, focus group discussion and archival documents). The aim of the analysis is to understand refugee repatriation processes by exploring how participative the returnees were in the decision-making process of reintegration that enormously impacts in their lives back at 'home.' Post-repatriation social relationships between repatriates and 'stayees/locals' as well as returnees' economic conditions are also scrupulously examined. By so doing, the study attempts to address the 'research gap' in refugee studies by shedding light regarding the complicated nature of refugee repatriation endeavour as a 'durable solution.' In investigating the socio-economic condition of Eritrean refugee returnees, the study looks at the dynamics of power-relations and variations in interests among various stakeholders (particularly between the returnees, the government of the refugees' origin and UNHCR) within the repatriation process. It asserts how home- and hosting governments as well as UNHCR operate as "technologies of power," that dictate the behaviour of their "clients." Eventually, the thesis calls for 'working with' rather than 'working for' or 'working to' the end-beneficiaries of the repatriation project that have great deal of impact in the livelihood of refugee returnees as end-beneficiaries of repatriation programs.
SA - a place for everyone?
(The Witness., 2009-08-31) Mare, Paul Gerhardus.
A small furore about a big issue was recently created when the ANC Youth League’s Julius Malema strongly criticised the dominance of the state’s ‘economic cluster’ by individuals drawn from ‘minorities’. It appeared that he was not alone in this concern. The individuals referred to in the ‘cluster’ were Pravin Gordhan, Ebrahim Patel, Rob Davies, Barbara Hogan and Gill Marcus. The ‘minorities’ involved, making sense only if we accept as valid apartheid’s race classification through the Population Registration Act of 1950, are then coloureds (for surely Trevor Manuel can’t escape, and has not been exempt from such categorisation in the past), whites and Indians. Of course, the general notion of ‘minority’ relies on a notion of an identifiable ‘majority’, and here Malema identified that dominant group as ‘we, black people’ and regretted the absence of ‘an African child’ as Governor of the Reserve Bank. He threatened an ‘uprising’ unless the issue was properly addressed.
A study of shelters for street children from an organizational perspective : the views and experiences of managers, staff and children in selected Durban shelters.
(2004) Kariuki, J. M.; Mare, Paul Gerhardus.; Veeran, Vasintha.; Waters, Geoff.
The phenomenon of children living and/or working on the streets is universal, in particular in developing countries in Africa including South Africa. Causal factors are complex, multidimensional and inter-related and are mainly social and economic. They impact on three social institutions: school, community and family, which are the primary agents of socialisation. Children living and/or working on the streets are exposed to hazardous challenges: diseases; poor health; poor living conditions; crime and violence; arrest and incarceration; alcohol abuse; drug and sexual abuse; poor and exploitative working conditions. Consequently, they learn and internalise the survival culture as a coping mechanism. They suffer socio-economic exclusion in that living on the streets excludes them from participating meaningfully in life of mainstream society. The exclusion is derived from the general public's perception of children living and/or working on the streets, which is derived and shaped by media and sees them as criminals or in need of care. Society responded to the challenges of the phenomenon through shelter programs of intervention and reintegration. However, the efforts of NGOs and shelters have become inconsequential due to the rising numbers and increase their population. This intensifies demands on existing facilities and resources. Research on shelters did not gain any momentum comparative to studies on causative factors of the phenomenon. This situation plausibly could have arisen due to society's acceptance that shelters intervention and reintegration programs were adequately meeting and addressing the plight of children living and/or working on the streets. Yet shelters viewed as human service organisations have their organisational procedures and structures, which either hinder or facilitate the intervention and reintegration of children into the mainstream society. This study focuses on four shelters for children living and/or working on the streets in Durban. Social exclusion and/organisation theories informed the theoretical framework of the research. The enquiry applied a qualitative paradigm whereby individual interviews with shelter managers were conducted. Focus group discussions were conducted each separately with staff and children from the four shelters. The technique revealed valuable information about the experiences of children, staff and shelter managers as they interact and interface in the course of providing and receiving shelters services and in the implementation of intervention and reintegration programs.
What perceptions of cross-racial adoption reveal about notions of race, culture and identity : a qualitative study of young white South Africans.
(1999) Miller, Elspeth A.; Mare, Paul Gerhardus.
Abstract available in PDF.
Working music : an investigation of popular, non-sponsored, original music performance as a career.
(1994) Boake, Robert Ian.; Mare, Paul Gerhardus.
This dissertation investigates the working experiences of musicians who play original music as a form of employment. The study describes the venues and locations of music performance, including music clubs, concerts and festivals. This is done from the point of view of a concert-goer who is aware of the labour processes occurring at these shows, as well as the infrastructure and support necessary to make such events occur. The music investigated is original popular music which does not afford the artists any other forms of sponsorship apart from the earnings received from performances. The musicians interviewed are thus people who play music as their sole form of income, or aspire to be this position. The experiences of these musicians, as gleaned from loosely structured interviews utilising open ended questions, allow the study to make some generalisations about what it takes to play music as a fulltime form of employment. This is the focus of the study, particularly the fact that music is not only a skill and talent to be developed, but also that music is a unique job which has it's own stresses, strains and rewards. Problems experienced by the musicians, as described by the musicians themselves, cast a clearer understanding of the way in which this form of work is run. The actual mechanics of music performance, such as the prohibitive costs of equipment, and the dealings with club-owners, are discussed. Technology is evaluated in terms of its impact on music performance as a career. Some record companies were also approached in an attempt to understand the constraints and problems faced by these commercial enterprises. The perceptions that these companies have of local original music artists is contrasted with the perceptions that the artists seemed to have of the companies. This makes for interesting comparative material, and allows the study to identify some obstacles between artist and industry. The study concludes with a description of the local music industry and a discussion of some of the reasons why it has developed in this way, as well as a look at some suggestions for change.