Browsing by Author "Misgun, Biniam Tesfamariam."

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Academic integration within the context of globalization : experiences of students from the SADC region studying at Howard College (University of KwaZulu-Natal)
(2013) Munsense, Ida Manyina.; Misgun, Biniam Tesfamariam.
Migration of people has long been conceived as voluntary relocation of an individual or groups of people in pursue of better job opportunities. In the context of globalisation, the semantic of migration has been expanded to include forced displacement of people as result of armed conflict or structural violence such as poverty and inaccessibility to basic needs. The United Nations‟ General Secretary has sanctioned the new explanatory trends in the concept of migration on the report on “human rights of migrants” (2002) under the article “Conceptual and substantive development of the question of the human rights of migrants” that does not leave out students migrating to integrate into a new academic environment to pursue higher degrees in fields of interest. Besides the effects of socio-political instability and economic unsustainability, human capital development theory justifies the influx of foreign students in South African universities in general, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard College) in particular. The process of integration is punctuated not only with opportunities but with challenges as well. This research looks in-depth into various experiences of international students integrating into Howard College. It is designed as a case study that basically use literature review and interactive interviews as sources of data, with a sample of twenty students registered with UKZN-Howard College. It investigates various aspects of integration process, examines the challenges that are involved in the process and the strategies that students develop to avert the adversities of immersion into this new academic milieu. The findings of this study abided by the interpretive paradigm appropriate to qualitative research using social network theory and human capital development as conceptual framework for the study. This research tables views from the field that are translated into recommendations that could improve the living condition of foreign students from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on campus and prompt the adjustment of the SADC Protocol on Education and Training according to the needs that arise from SADC students‟ various experiences.
Challenges and prospects of regional integration in Africa: a case study of Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
(2019) Mekonnen, Sirak Feleke.; Misgun, Biniam Tesfamariam.
This study explored and assessed the challenges of regional integration in the Horn of Africa’s Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). IGAD, like all the other Sub-regional and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), is considered as the fundamental pillar for African development and continental economic integration. IGAD’s efforts integrate regionally is meant to address economic, social and political challenges by engaging and coordinating efforts of all the regional member states. The aim is to enhance regional development under the umbrella of the African Union. This study thus examined the challenges and opportunities of this initiative, its theoretical underpinnings and in the process explored the specific trajectories of IGAD to determine its role in the regional integration endeavor. By examining the above, this study explored IGAD’s institutional structures and arrangements, its programmes of action and implementation. In the main, two namely, the economic and security dimensions that have dominated IGAD’s agenda have remained the focal point of the study. Last part not least, this study probed into two cases of IGAD’s interventions that have been noticeable: the cases of Somalia and South Sudan. Thus, this study argues the successes achieved thus far remain rather ambivalent as manifested by the low and uneven positive outcomes. Arguably, this is due to the interplay of complex factors ranging from the political economy of global and regional dynamics, historical formation of the regional states and the geographical challenges in the IGAD region. In light of the above, this study recommends that the institutional capacity of IGAD and its members states needs not only to improve to meet developmental and security challenges but also to provide constructive and permanent solutions in the Horn of Africa.
Challenges and prospects of regionalism: the case of SADC and Zimbabwe.
(2021) Mkhize, Siboniso Nkululeko Ralph.; Misgun, Biniam Tesfamariam.
Regionalism has yielded positive results for the developed West, specifically for the deeply integrated European Union. This has not necessarily been the case for Africa, as there have been mixed results for the continent’s regional integration projects, the majority of which are failing to fully implement their mandate. Africa’s history is well-documented, but the main challenge for African countries is to wrestle themselves away from their current situation. Regionalism is seen as the panacea to the challenges that Africa is facing, particularly widespread poverty, ailing economies, underdevelopment, poor infrastructure, unstable governments, prolonged conflicts, out-of-control pandemics and other challenges plaguing the periphery states. Given the continued backwardness of African states, questions have been posed on the effectiveness of regionalism in addressing the challenges Africa is facing. This research aims to look at one of Africa’s regional integration projects, namely SADC. This study investigates the impact of the regional organization on its member states, more specifically Zimbabwe over the years as it went through a period of crisis. This research seeks to expose some of the achievements and some shortfalls of regionalism in Africa. The aim of the study is to show that even though it has had its challenges, regionalism is good for Africa. The SADC itself is also plagued with challenges that are prohibiting it from fully carrying out its mandate; so, the research also seeks to examine SADC as an institution and how it could be strengthened in order to carry out its mandate. The idea of applying African solutions to African problems is central to this study because what has worked in Europe may not necessarily be applicable to the African scenario. It is key for the study to determine how regionalism is being applied and adapted to African context. Based on what the research aims to cover it will be a qualitative research which will mainly use thematic analysis and iterative qualitative analysis for data analysis. Quantitative data will also be used to substantiate some points that require numbers and figures. The main theoretical frameworks that are used are Neofunctionalism, Intergovernmentalism, and the political economy of regionalism. One of the main findings of the research found that although there has been progress with regionalism with SADC, it is however happening at a slow pace because of the lack of commitment that member states are to the cause.
Discourses and practices of diversion : policy and practice of the child justice system.
(2010) Khumalo, Nopsi Maryhenrietta.; Misgun, Biniam Tesfamariam.
Diversion is one of the programmes instituted within the Child Justice System. Its aim is to make punishment more rehabilitative and restorative. Prior to the Child Justice Bill, juvenile offenders were prosecuted under the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA). In the absence of any provision and consideration for children and their context, the CPA proved to be too harsh when prosecuting juvenile offenders. It is within this context that the need for reform of the CPA was sought, a search for procedure which would solely deal with child offenders and which would be more suited to child offenders. In an attempt to explore this process, the present study investigates diversion as a programme designed for dealing with child offenders within the Child Justice System and perspectives of deviance which underlie diversion. Broadly, the focus of the research has been on the following issues: how the probation officers interpret the different criteria from the Child Justice Bill 70 of 2003 and subsequently the Child Justice Bill 70 of 2007 in order to select the most appropriate form of diversion, understanding of the Child Justice System, how this justice system works and what the justice personnel look for when deciding on an appropriate sentence for the juvenile offender. The research was carried out in South Africa, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, in a small town known as Port Shepstone, which is an hour s drive from Durban. It gives an in - depth analysis of diversion by explaining the perceptions and opinions of justice personnel on diversion. The thesis further explored the criteria that are used by the probation officers in assessing the juvenile offender for diversion and the nature of the diversion programme selected. Using a qualitative approach I sought to explore different discursive practices, opinions and perspectives within the Child Justice System and particularly within the diversion programme. In an attempt to gain understanding on the above issues, I conducted open - ended interviews with Child Justice System personnel, probation officers and prosecutors.
An exploratory study of rationales influencing roads and route choices of private car owners : case study : Bisley, Pietermaritzburg.
(2011) Makhoba, Mzwandile.; Misgun, Biniam Tesfamariam.; Burton, Simon Ingram Robshaw.
Roads are a significant element of modernity. They are not only sites that facilitate mobility and fluidity needed for modern capitalist economy but also spaces which signify the social relations formed within the system. This conceptualization of the road is central to the project at hand. The aim of this research is to unpack factors influencing route choices of private car owners in the Bisley area in Pietermaritzburg in terms of their primary activities (going to work, shopping etc.) and what socio-political contents inform and frame these rationales. Additionally, this research explores the extent to which crime influences spatial consumption and mobility patterns. The research made use of qualitative approach that sought to interrogate the contexts within which what is considered rational choices are made and provide insight into how private car owners in Bisley area contextualize their decision. In-depth interviews with individuals (owners of private car) from various households in Bisley were conducted. The findings reveal that drivers use routes that provide them with the maximum positive outcomes, and consider their options within multiple factors as they arise out of the conditions on each road and each trip. The study also found variations in terms of the mode of rationality used in situational contexts and their multiplicity. For example, morning traffic prompted the drivers to use instrumental rationality; whereas travel during other parts of the day was not restricted to this form of rationality. The findings of study also in some ways support already existing view that there is a link between spatial consumption and perceptions of crime; however, this requires further interrogation of this theme with systematic data collection appropriate to it. Most importantly consideration of safety on the road definitely shapes decisions of the research participants on which roads and routes to frequent, and at which time of the day. Furthermore, the study through the tracing of participants‟ movements using maps shows the ways in which class and race feature on the roads of the country. The study argues that class rather than race is re-spatialized in post-apartheid South Africa. This was attributed to recent socio-political and economic dynamic developments taking place in South Africa, where the black majority is becoming more affluent.
The informal sector and public participation in policy formulation in the informal economy: a case study of eThekwini metropolitan municipality.
(2017) Jiyane, Anele Fortunate Cebile.; Misgun, Biniam Tesfamariam.
The concept of public participation in policymaking is a complex phenomenon. The term has been used for different purposes, which extends its complexity in public sector. The complexity is experienced at different levels of engagement, contexts, and activities. Local government is central in facilitating public participation. The Constitution of South Africa and other legislative documents affirm the significance of public participation for accountability and transparency in government spheres. However, public participation with regard to policy related to informal trading exists in principle but its implementation is complicated. This study investigates street traders’ engagement in policymaking processes. The study employs a qualitative approach to examine informal sector actors’ participation in public policy-making in Durban. The empirical data were collected from in-depth interviews and through observation of Municipal Business Unit officials and street traders and through literature reviews. The total number of participants were twenty street traders, two government officials and one civil society participant. The data was interpreted and discussed thematically through a deductive approach. The study has three major findings. Firstly, we argue that street traders are not considered alone in decision-making processes. Secondly, this study claims that power dynamics contribute to shop owners and formal businesses receiving preferential treatment from the city council, at the expense of street traders. Lastly, the demand for urban public space for commercial trading is limited, while the role of the informal sector in income generation for poor and middle class households is increasing. This study finds that, if public participation is to be more sustainable, it must move beyond rhetoric to include integral inclusive participation measures.
Socio-economic participation of Somali migrants in the informal economy of Durban.
(2005) Misgun, Biniam Tesfamariam.; Naidoo, Kibashini.
This study is done on Somali migrants participating In the informal economy of Durban. The aim of the study is to explore their socio-economic participation, their experiences and the prospects available to them in the informal economy of the city. By using the ethnographic approach, the study attempts to explore the study group's experiences as migrants in the informal economy. Findings of this research indicate that most Somalis in Durban engage in street-trade. Following these findings, the street-trade of Durban and Somali migrants' participation in this sector of the informal economy, became the centre of attention in this dissertation. The study also attempts to explore the impact of the policy environment on the Somali migrants' participation in the informal economy of the city. The findings of this research suggest that conditions of migration, legislative and policy environment, and the prospect for growth, drive Somali migrants in Durban to participate in the informal economy. Following the findings, this study also challenges the general perception that informal economy is a survivalist strategy, which undermines the pull-factors, such as prospects for growth and a means of avoiding the costs of formality. This study suggests that Somali migrants perceive their engagement in the street-trade as a means of accumulating capital in order to move up to bigger businesses. Social capital and networks are valuable elements often used by these migrant traders in advancing their business and sharing information about business matters. The study also explores the existence of symbiotic and conflictual relationships between the locals and Somali street-traders. This relationship is noted to be one of tension, yet with some degree of understanding which emanates from sharing a common experience as street-traders.
State building, democratization and the role of ethnic political identity: a case study of Kenya.
(2014) Oogo, Lilian Akoth.; Misgun, Biniam Tesfamariam.
It has been argued that a significant proportion of socio-political problems and challenges in the modern African state are rooted in the history of the colonial project of state formation, and the subsequent emergence and crystallization of ethnicity as a serious threat to the establishment of the nation-state (Mamdani 1996, 2001). Ethnicity continues to serve as an important determinant of inclusion and exclusion to state power, and thus access to state resources, often leading to political violence and civil strife that continues to stifle progress and stability. This research has two fundamental broad objectives. The first is to interrogate how ethnicity and cultural identity evolved into a complex social and political identity of significance in the political struggles of citizens within the modern Kenyan nation-state. The second is to problematize the ways through which ethnic competition and differences are expressed in current ‘democratic’ political processes and how this affects the attainment of democracy in its true sense. These certainly necessitate an engagement with the following central questions: Why is it that in Kenya economic and political struggles are fought along ethnic lines? What are the consequence of such mobilizations to state building and democratization in the country? Why have sub-national formations been so difficult to do away with and continue to influence the discourse in Kenya, including the recent post-election crisis? I critically interrogate the origins of polarized ethnic identities and analyse the role that such ethicized political identity plays on state building, nationalization of politics and the establishment of discursive democracy in Kenya.
The UNSC and the elusive search for global peace and security : a case study of Libya, Iraq and Somalia.
(2016) Sigwebela, Siphesihle Qinisela.; Misgun, Biniam Tesfamariam.
Anarchy and conflict globally have triggered the need for establishing an international governance mechanism to settle conflicts. The international organization that was established at the end of WWI was the League of Nations, which failed to perform its duties. In 1945, the United Nations was established to replace the League. Paradoxically, 70 years later, the world remains palpably dangerous and unstable. Several conflicts are active in most parts of the world, witnessing collapsed and war ridden states. The UNSC has, in many instances, failed to perform its tasks and fulfill its primary objective. Using the content analysis as the methodology and the realist approach as the theoretical framework, this study sought to examine the pitfalls, challenges and opportunities of the UNSC in international peace and security building. The study utilized case studies of Libya, Somalia and Iraq to undertake a critical appraisal of the nexus between the international power games, interventions and the UNSC’s role as a global governance mechanism to ensure international peace and security. This study further unravels the underlying motive for the use of R2P and the idea of potential threats in the cases of Libya and Somalia, and the taunting dangers of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) in Iraq, which was coordinated with the highest level of global politics to justify foreign intervention and eventually to secure regime change, followed by failed attempts in state building and stability in each of these cases. This study reveals the failure of the UNSC to maintain global peace and security. It reveals that most of the resolutions were fronted to engage in the unnecessary foreign intervention by the North Atlantic Organization (NATO) or other military and political allies/collision, whose outcome has been lawlessness, more war and failed states. As this study points out, on one hand, the UNSC has become an instrument to those who use it to serve their interests; and, on the other hand, multiple and conflicting interests in the international power game and geopolitics have complicated resolutions, outcomes and missions. This study emphasizes the pitfalls of our global governance mechanism and security architecture experimented through the UNSC and its resolutions in its 70 years of existence. These reveal the major failures of the international organization tasked to maintain international peace and security. Lastly, the study reveals the failure of multilateralism or collective security and thus calls for new mechanisms to be put in place to achieve this goal. The study recommends a strong consideration of the UNSC reform, to increase the representation of non-European states.
Using a dynamic structural approach to attempt to develop a theoretical sociology of Malawi.
(2013) Kaufulu, Mphatso Moses.; Misgun, Biniam Tesfamariam.
No abstract available.