Browsing by Author "Ngcobo, Wiseman Gcizelela."

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Exploring factors which attribute to the success of foreign-owned spaza shops in Folweni township: South Africa.
(2016) Ngcobo, Wiseman Gcizelela.; Mutambara, Emmanuel.
This qualitative study seeks to explore the factors which attribute to the success of foreign-owned spaza shops in the Folweni Township. Drawing from literature on South African spaza shops, personality traits theory and individual interviews, the study articulates the factors attributing to the success of foreign-owned spaza shops, their significance, and effects on South African Township communities and finally makes recommendations to assist municipalities and to equip locals in competing with their counterparts. Spaza shops provide employment and serve as means of survival to a sizable number of township residents. However, South Africans have observed the shift of spaza shop ownership and employment to foreigners. In addition to that, foreign-owned spaza shops seem to be very successful. According to Mathew (2015, p.2), foreigner spaza shop owners simply display more entrepreneurial flair than their local counterparts. This is evidenced by the findings of some studies conducted in Gauteng and Western Cape provinces and on-going conflicts between foreigners and locals in South African Townships. The study employed direct individual interviews to collect data from seven participants. Data was analysed utilising NVivo and thematic analysis. The study concluded that most spaza shops in the Folweni Township are operated by foreign nationals particularly from Ethiopia and Pakistan and that those foreign nationals are hard workers who employ creative and smart business ideas. Factors attributing to the success of foreign nationals include raising capital through networks, network stock procurement, unique business operations, product and service diversification, level of education and cheap labour. Foreigners play a critical role in the township economy as they provide goods and competent services to the door steps of residents. Although foreigners pay rent for the premises utilised as spaza shops, the study concluded that foreigners are the most economic beneficiaries. Furthermore, foreigners seem to be reluctant in employing locals and participating in business social responsibility.
Exploring the schooling experiences of initiated Xhosa young men in a secondary school at Umzimkhulu.
(2013) Ngcobo, Wiseman Gcizelela.; Singh, Shakila.
Young men’s experiences are different, and in particular, so are the schooling experiences of initiated Xhosa young men. Using qualitative research methods, this dissertation seeks to explore the schooling experiences of a group of initiated Xhosa young at uMzimkhulu. Drawing on group and individual interviews, the study explores the relationships between initiated young men and their peers, their teachers; their conduct, behaviour as well their performance in areas of academics and sport. The study is based on the masculinities theoretical framework. Through the use of literature, the study will include articulation of what different authors say about the significance of the initiation ritual, what influences or places pressure on Xhosa young men to undergo the initiation ritual, and the role of the initiation ritual in reducing Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) infection. In addition, it will elucidate what various authors maintain concerning the role of the South African government in monitoring the initiation ritual, the problems associated with the initiation ritual, and the impact the ritual has in perpetuating gender differences and the formation of other gender forms. The majority of Xhosa people, it would seem, strongly believe that all Xhosa young men should be traditionally initiated. Initiation is legally done by Xhosa young men in particular, between the ages of 18 to 25. The initiation process, (a marker of manhood) includes circumcision (the removal of foreskin from the penis) which serves as a sign/symbol that distinguishes men from boys. The study examines the contribution of the traditional initiation event to the construction of masculinities, and consequently, educational experiences of initiated Xhosa young men within the school. It is culturally believed that after initiation, Xhosa boys become young men and are expected to ‘behave like men’. These young men also expect to be ‘treated like men’. What happens, then, if these initiated Xhosa young men are still at school? These young men carry communal and social characteristics to school, as a result they are caught in a predicament environment. The study has found that the young men who have been circumcised and have endured the initiation process and survived receiving hegemonic status. So even though there are some initiated boys who do not expect preferential treatment nor do they discriminate against non-initiated boys, they nevertheless benefit from the gains made for all who are initiated. The study has also found that initiation ritual speaks largely to the event of the construction of masculinities and characterised by a variety of experiences including interpersonal relationships with teachers and peers, risky behaviour, the reduction of discrimination, behaviour associated with one’s chosen attire, as well as academic and sport performances.