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SDG 8

The South African Military and Peace Support Operations: Responding to the Challenges and Preparing for Engagement
15 August 2012
Stellenbosch University

Neethling, T. G.

Suid-Afrika het in die afgelope tyd om meer as een rede toenemend by politiekdiplomatieke vredesinisiatiewe betrokke geraak. Op die militêre terrein is die Suid- Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag (SANW) eweneens besig met voorbereidings om op multilaterale grondslag aan toekomstige vredesondersteunde operasies deel te neem. Met die oog op sodanige deelname is die SANW tans besig om in samewerking met buitelandse weermagte aandag te skenk aan 'n grondslag vir gesamentlike optrede. Selfs meer betekenisvol is Suid-Afrika se ontwikkelende politieke en diplomatieke status in Suider-Afrika en die koordinering van inisiatiewe om 'n gemeenskaplike veiligheidsbenadering op die sub-kontinent te bevorder. In die opsig speel die land 'n belangrike rol in pogings om 'n nuwe veiligheids- en verdedigingsprofiel in Suider-Afrika te laat vorm aanneem. In die lig van toenemende verwagtinge wat met betrekking tot vredesinisiatiewe aan Suid-Afrika gestel word, asook in die konteks van die uitdagings enrisikos wat vredesondersteunde operasies inhou, spreek dit vanself dat enige toekomstige deelname daaraan met omsigtigheid oorweeg moet word. Verskeie politieke en operasionele oorwegings moet in die verband in aanmerking geneem word. Wat dit betref, is die Departement van Verdediging skynbaar deeglik onder die indruk van die politieke en militêre dinamiek van vredesondersteunende operasies, asook die onervarendheid van die SANW in die opsig. Gevolglik is bepaalde parameters, riglyne en selfs voorwaardes vir deelname aan sodanige operasies uitgestippel. As sodanig is daar klaarblyklik 'n besef dat die land op 'n verantwoordelike wyse en langs die weg van 'n bepaalde proses daarby betrokke behoort te raak.
Die diversiteit van Suid-Afrikaanse spinnekoppe (Arachnida: Araneae): Dokumentering van 'n nasionale opname
13 June 2014
Stellenbosch University

Dippenaar-Schoeman, A.;van den Berg, A.;Lyle, R.;Haddad, C.;Foord, S.;Lotz, L.

Die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Opname van Arachnida (SANSA) is in 1997 deur die Landbounavorsingsraad (LNR) geïnisieer met die primêre doelwit om die Arachnidafauna van Suid-Afrika op nasionale vlak te dokumenteer. Tydens die tweede fase van die projek, genaamd SANSA II, het die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Biodiversiteitsinstituut (SANBI) deur hul program vir bedreigde spesies van 2006 tot 2010, in vennootskap met die LNR by die projek aangesluit. Gedurende die vier jaar lange projek is daar gepoog om alle beskikbare spinnekopdata in een databasis te konsolideer. Hierdie data is gebruik om die ruimtelike dekking van spesies te bepaal en vas te stel waar gapings in die data bestaan om sodoende prioriteitsareas te identifiseer vir meer gefokuste opnames. Uitgebreide versameltogte deur SANSA-veldwerkbestuurders is gedurende die vier jaar onderneem. Inligting oor spesies is aangevul deur byvangste van ander navorsingsprojekte, studenteprojekte, en deur openbare deelname. Al die pogings het waardevolle inligting voorsien oor die teenwoordigheid en verspreiding van spinnekoppe. Die inligting is gebruik om die Eerste atlas van spinnekopspesies van Suid-Afrika saam te stel, insluitende kaarte om die verspreiding van elke spesie aan te dui, sowel as inligting oor die vlakke van endemisme vir elke spesie. Tans is daar 71 spinnekopfamilies, 471 genera en 2028 spesies in Suid-Afrika bekend. Die derde fase van SANSA is in 2011 van stapel gestuur en verskeie aksies soos die saamstel van ’n rooidatalys van spesies, ‘n reeks handboeke vir al die biome, die publikasie van die atlas, en die beskrywing van nuwe spesies is onderweg. The diversity of South African spiders (Arachnida: Araneae: Documenting a National Survey). The South African National Survey of Arachnida (SANSA) was initiated in 1997 by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), with the main aim of documenting the Arachnid fauna of South Africa at a national level. Through their Endangered Species Programme, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) came on board for the project’s second phase, called SANSA II, from 2006 to 2010, in partnership with the ARC. During this four-year project an attempt was made to consolidate all available data on South African spiders into one database. This data was used to determine the spatial coverage of the already available data, and to determine where ‘gaps’ in the data lie to identify priority areas for focused field work. Due to extensive collecting done by SANSA field work managers, specimen bycatches from other research projects, student projects, and through public participation in collecting specimens, more than 40 degree square grids were sampled in previously poorly sampled areas. This effort has provided valuable material that has improved our knowledge of the distribution of species, and provided specimens for future taxonomic studies. All this data was used to compile the First Atlas of the Spider Species of South Africa, including georeferenced locality data, distribution maps and information on the level of endemicity of each species. Following SANSA II, 71 spider families, 471 genera and 2028 species are presently known in South Africa. The third phase of SANSA started in 2011 and several actions, such as Red Listing of species, a handbook series for all the biomes, publication of the atlas, and description of new species are underway.
Measuring the inward FDI potential of South African regions
01 July 2009
North West University

Krugell, Waldo;Matthee, Marianne

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to construct an index that captures the factors expected to affect a local economy's attractiveness to foreign investors. Problem statement: Following South Africa's reintegration into the world economy in 1994, foreign direct investment has been seen as a potential driver of growth and development. Concerns about the low investment rate in South Africa raise the possibility of augmenting domestic with foreign investment expenditure. The potential of technology spillovers and skills transfer from foreign direct investment have also been emphasised. As a result, Trade and Investment South Africa is involved in identifying, packaging and promoting investment opportunities. However, investments tend to be place-specific and this has lead to the decentralisation of foreign direct investment promotion. Currently the nine provincial development agencies are competing to attract investors and the larger local governments are also getting involved in the fray. This paper argues that some places have better potential to attract foreign investment than others. A first step to use scarce investment promotion resources more efficiently would be to measure the inward FDI potential of South African regionsApproach: This paper uses principal components analysis to construct an index that captures the factors expected to affect a local economy's attractiveness to foreign investors. This approach draws on UNCTAD's Inward FDI Potential Index and applies it to 354 magisterial districts in South Africa for the periods 1996, 2001 and 2006. The index creates a summary measure of FDI potential. Findings: The results show that different places present differential potential in urbanization and localization economies and market size. The high-potential locations are typically found in or around the major agglomerations, but there are a few smaller places on the periphery that offer FDI potential. Contribution: The index should aid the location decisions of prospective investors as well as local policymakers in their efforts to promote FDI-led economic development. Conclusion: The places with high FDI potential are not randomly scattered across South Africa, but tend to cluster together. Cities and towns can improve their attractiveness to foreign investors through the exploitation of natural resources, population growth, economic growth and strengthening links to metropolitan areas.
Job insecurity , work-based support, job satisfaction, organisational commitment and general health of human resources professionals in a chemical industry
09 November 2009
North West University

Rani, Nomhlangano Florence

The work environment in which South African employees have to function is highly demanding, offering them little in terms of job security, but simultaneously expecting them to give more in terms of inter alia flexibility, competency, and effort. Tracking and addressing chemical industry employees' functioning in areas that could affect their general health and consequent standard of service is essential. Job insecurity, work-based support, job satisfaction, organisational commitment and general health are specific focus areas in this research. It is important to use reliable and valid measuring instruments to measure these constructs. It appears that job insecurity results in reduced organisational commitment as well as reduced job satisfaction. In the long run all this may have a negative impact on the psychological well-being of employees. Therefore, the right kind of support h m the right kind of people can be of significant value in reducing occupational stress, improving health, and buffering the impact of stress on health. A lack of South African research exists regarding job insecurity, work-based support, job satisfaction, organisational commitment and general health - hence the importance of this research. The primary objective of this research was to investigate the relationship between job insecurity, work-based support, job satisfaction, organisational commitment and general health of Human Resources Professionals (N = 114) in a chemical industry. A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data. It was found that affective and cognitive job insecurity demonstrated a statistically significant negative correlation with emotional social support (supervisor and other), but practically and statistically negative correlation with intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction. With regard to affective and cognitive job insecurity and general health, a statistically significant positive correlation was obtained for somatic symptoms, social dysfunction and severe depression, and a practically and statistically significant correlation with anxiety and insomnia. Affective commitment demonstrated a statistically significant negative relationship with cognitive job insecurity. The regression analysis indicated that job insecurity has some predictive value with regard to the intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction and general health subscales, namely somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction and severe depression. With regard to the two components of job satisfaction, intrinsic and extrinsic, job insecurity predicted 14% and 5% respectively of the variance. No predictions were found between affective commitment and job insecurity. With regard to general health, job insecurity predicted 5% (somatic symptoms), 11% (anxiety and insomnia), 1 % (social dysfunction) and 8% (severe depression). Conclusions were made, limitations of the cumin research were discussed and recommendations for future research were put forward.
Towards a research agenda for job insecurity in South Africa
25 May 2010
North West University

Pienaar, Jacobus;Van Wyk, M.

The general objective of this research was to develop a research agenda for job insecurity in South African organisations, for which little published research exists. This agenda was developed by conceptualising and defining job insecurity, determining which valid and reliable measuring instruments of job insecurity exist, investigating trends in South African research and finally incorporating the views of South African managers. A qualitative, descriptive research design was followed to perform content analysis and an extensive literature review. Results were enhanced with content analysis of semi-structured interviews with managers from different organisations (N = 24). Results were integrated into a proposed model for job insecurity in order to serve as a guideline for future research and as a tool for managers to recognise, prevent and manage job insecurity.
Unskilled blue collar workers: Bourgeois and/or authoritarian? Results from a small scale survey in Belgium
12 January 2011
North West University

De Witte, H

In this article, two contrasting theories on the attitudes of unskilled blue collar workers are confronted: the ‘embourgeoisement’ thesis and the hypothesis of the ‘authoritarianism of the working class’. The ‘embourgeoisement’ thesis states that blue collar workers adopted the attitudes (and life style) of white collar workers, from whom they can no longer be distinguished. Lipset’s hypothesis of the ‘authoritarianism of the working class’, on the other hand, states that blue collar workers more strongly endorse a conservative attitude on socio-cultural matters and a progressive stand concerning socio-economic issues. Both hypotheses are tested using data from a small scale survey (N = 135) among unskilled blue collar workers and lower- and mid-level white collar workers from different large companies in the region of Leuven, Belgium. The results indicate that the interviewed unskilled blue collar workers still hold a set of attitudes that distinguishes them from the interviewed white collar workers. So, the ‘embourgeoisement’ thesis was refuted. Instead, the unskilled blue collar workers were more conservative on a socio-cultural level, and more progressive concerning socio-economic issues. These results are in line with Lipset’s ‘authoritarianism of the working class’ hypothesis.
Black workers, typhoid fever and the construction of the Berg River – Saldanha military water pipeline, 1942 – 1943
14 January 2011
North West University

Visser, G E;Monama, F L

War creates a huge need for labour to support the war efforts of the belligerent parties. In South Africa tens of thousands of ‘non-white’ workers were mobilised during the Second World War to satisfy the Union Defence Force’s (UDF’s) labour needs at home and abroad. This article, firstly, outlines the role of ‘non-white people’, particularly black Africans, in the UDF with special reference to those employed within the Union of South Africa. Secondly, it briefly delineates typhoid fever as an historical thorn in the flesh of military forces up to the early 20th century. It then looks briefly into the incidence of and perceptions on typhoid fever as a killer disease in South Africa on the eve of the Second World War. Against that background, the article investigates the employment of black workers on the construction of the Berg River-Saldanha Bay military water pipeline and the UDF’s response to the threat and subsequent outbreak of typhoid fever amongst the workers at the Berg River intake site in 1943. The article concludes that the public health authorities and UDF were aware of the threat of typhoid fever with regard to the Berg River water scheme, but did not take sufficient precautionary measures, which could have had serious repercussions for the Allied war effort. This incident should serve as a warning to the South African National Defence Force when deploying on peace support operations on the African continent where typhoid fever remains a serious threat next to Hiv/Aids.
The binding effect of the constitutive documents of companies: The 1973 and 2008 Companies Acts of South Africa
30 March 2011
North West University

Morajane, Tebogo C R

This contribution examines the provisions of the constitutive documents of companies under two specific provisions, namely s 65(2) of the Companies Act 61 of 1973 and s 15(6) of the Companies Act 71 of 2008. The aim is to determine who is bound by these provisions, the circumstances which give rise to being bound by them, and the possible effect thereof on various parties. The provisions of the constitutive documents under section 65(2) of the 1973 Companies Act are interpreted by courts and academic writers to amount to a statutory contract between a company and its members and between members inter se. The members are said to be bound by the provisions of these documents only in their capacity as members. It is submitted, however, that the rights and obligations are granted to members in their capacity as such if they are membership rights which are granted by virtue on one’s membership. So far the courts have failed to provide a logical explanation of the concept “capacity of a member as such”. This failure and the “qua membership test” resulted in limitations in the interpretation of section 65(2): for example, the exclusion of persons who are regarded as outsiders. The directors, despite the fact that numerous provisions of the applicable article provides for their rights, have rights that are unenforceable via the articles, for being regarded as outsiders. The company on the other hand can enforce the obligations against the directors on the basis of breach of their fiduciary duties. These limitations called for a redraft of section 65(2). This contribution raises the legal challenges raised by the above. It arrives inter alia at the conclusion that the “qua membership test” may find application under the 2008 Companies Act, since members/shareholders may be allowed to exercise rights that are membership rights granted to them by virtue of their membership, and directors may be allowed to exercise rights that are granted to them in their official capacities as such.
Temporary employment service (Labour Brokers) in South Africa and Namibia
04 April 2011
North West University

Van Eck, B P Stefan

South Africa currently allows labour broking although this area of commerce is problematic. The trade union movement, government and organised business are presently debating the future regulation of this industry. Namibia has experimented with, and failed, to place a legislative ban on labour broking. The Supreme Court of Appeal of Namibia considered International Labour Organisation conventions and provisions of their Constitution before concluding that labour broking should be regulated but not prohibited. In this article it is argued that South African policy makers can gain valuable insights from the Namibian experience. It is submitted that it would be appropriate for Parliament to take cognisance of international and foreign principles and to accept amendments that would provide for stricter regulation for labour broking, rather than placing an outright ban on this economic activity. Keywords: Africa
A new town at Uitvlugt: the foundation and development of pinelands 1919 - 1948.
10 January 2012
North West University

Cuthbertson, G C

• Opsomming: ŉ Jaar nadat die griepepidemie van 1918 hom in die Kaapse Skiereiland uitgewoed het, het Richard Stuttaford, lid van die Kaapstadse stadsraad en toonaangewende persoonlikheid in die Verenigde Kamers van Koophandel van Suid-Afrika, ŉ bedrag van £10 000 bewillig vir die stigting van 'n "tuinstad" (Pinelands) op die plaas Uitvlugt. Hy was oortuig dat die sterftesyfer gedurende die epidemie aansienlik laer sou wees indien die behuisingtoestande beter was. Die aanleg van 'n "tuinstad" – soos wat hy te Pinelands beoog het – sou na sy mening 'n oplossing vir die vraagstuk van swak behuising bied. Hierdie dorp se ontwikkeling dien as voorbeeld van 'n unieke proses op die gebied van stadsbeplanning; die proefneming van 'n plaaslike bestuur binne die raamwerk van 'n metropolitaanse kompleks (Kaapstad) is trouens van historiese betekenis. Na die Eerste Wêreldoorlog het die totstandkoming van Pinelands 'n belangrike uitwerking gehad op die behuisingtoestand wat toe in die land geheers het. In die artikel word klem gelê op die bestuursinstellings en administratiewe reëlings wat met die stigting en ontwikkeling van die dorp gepaard gegaan het veral vanweë die invloed daarvan op die gemeenskap.
Cape Town in 1829.
11 January 2012
North West University

Phillips, H

• Opsomming: Na die Britse besetting van die Kaap (1806) het die bevolking van die moederstad stadig toegeneem; teen 1829 was die inwonertal ruim 18000 en het bestaan uit invloedryke Engelse handelaars, Hollandssprekende persone, Vry Swartes en slawe. Onhigiëniese toestande het oor die algemeen geheers en gesondheidsdienste het veel te wense oorgelaat. Die lewensomstandighede van minder gegoede Blankes en die Vry Swartes was haglik en is vererger deur armoede, swak behuising, siektes en selfs epidemies. Deur Ordonnansie 50 van 1828 is die inheemse bevolkingsgroepe weliswaar met persone van Europese herkoms gelykgestel; die beginsel van integrasie was ook sosiaal aanvaarbaar. Tog was die gemeenskap nag op ŉ stelsel van slawerny aangewys en rassedifferensiasie in die samelewing was steeds merkbaar. Die handel en algemene vooruitgang is voorts deur ontoereikende hawegeriewe gestrem. Strate was stowwerig en onverlig, terwyl die oop waterkanale (gragte) vuil en ongesond was. In hierdie stadium het enkele klein woonbuurte (soos Seepunt en Wynberg) reeds bestaan; die plaaslike bestuur van Kaapstad was in die hande van die magistraat en amptenare war deur die regering aangestel is. ŉ Hooggeregshof is in die lewe geroep en tien advokate en elf prokureurs het teen 1829 in Kaapstad gepraktiseer. In teenstelling met die betreklik swak maatskaplike toestande, is ruim voorsien vir die opvoedkundige en godsdienstige behoeftes van die inwoners. Ook die kulturele lewe aan die Kaap was lewendig en ontspanningsgeriewe redelik goed. Teen 1829 was Kaapstad inderdaad besig om, veral onder die invloed van Britse immigrante, ŉ nuwe vorm aan te neem.
The Grahamstown city hall - the tale of two foundation stones.
12 January 2012
North West University

Hunt, K S

• Opsomming: Ofskoon Grahamstad reeds in 1837 munisipale status verwerf het, het dit bykans nog vyftien jaar geduur voordat ernstige pogings aangewend is om 'n eie stadsaal en kantore vir die munisipale kommissarisse te bekom. Gedurende die vroeg-vyftigerjare het die plan om die Wesleyaanse Kapel vir hierdie doel aan te koop, egter skipbreuk gely. In 1862 is 'n standplaas gekoop waar die stadsaal gebou sou word. Intussen is besluit om 'n gedenktoring ter ere van die 1820-Britse Setlaars digby hierdie standplaas op te rig. Die hoeksteen van die toring is op 23 Mei 1870 gelê. Op 28 Augustus 1877 het 'n kleurvolle gebeurtenis hom hier afgespeel toe die goewerneur van die Kaapkolonie, sir Bartle Frere, die hoeksteenlegging van die stadsaal waargeneem het. Begin Mei 1882 is die doelmatige stadsaal met sy aangrensende kantoorkompleks amptelik in gebruik geneem. In dieselfde maand is ook die prominente gedenktoring op treffende wyse onthul. Hierdie twee argitektoniese bakens hou in werklikheid geen verband met mekaar nie en het afsonderlik en elk in eie reg tot stand gekom; tog word hulle vandag as ŉ eenheid beskou.
Labour union voices in South Africa and arguments to scrap inflation targets - a historical and 21st century debate.
13 January 2012
North West University

Mellet, Andre

• Opsomming: Inflasieteikens wat inflasieverwagtings anker, is die primêre doelwit van monetêre beleid van sentrale banke in ontwikkelde lande. Binne 21ste eeuse debatte kritiseer vakbonde, en spesifiek Congress of South African Trade Unions, die regering dat die monetêre beleid ekonomiese groei en indiensname benadeel. In hierdie bespreking word die skrapping van inflasieteikens bespreek teen die agtergrond van ‘n historiese fokus rakende vakbonde en arbeid in Suid Afrika. Swart werkers het teen die toe-heersende wetlike gesag in die sewentiger jare gemobiliseer en die rol van vakbonde het gestalte in 1973 gekry met ‘n eerste groot staking in Durban. Die eertydse Wiehahn Kommissie het die rol van vakbonde ondersoek en wetgewing wat op die kommissie se verslag gevolg het, het kollektiewe bedinging meegebring. Die invloed van vakbonde het vanaf die tagtigerjare beduidend vergroot. Vakbonde en veral COSATU, is egter histories nie met suiwer vakbond aangeleenthede betrokke nie. Vakbonde en veral COSATU is aktief betrokke in politieke prosesse as alliansielid van die African National Congress regering, arbeidswetgewing en inspraak met makro ekonomiese beleid in Suid Afrika. Die rol van COSATU met betrekking tot monetêre beleid word onder die soeklig geplaas en hulle meer resente kritiek teen die beleid van inflasieteikens word bespreek. Die Ministerie van Finansies in die tyd van Minister van Finansies Trevor Manual het die beleid van inflasieteikens in 2000 geïmplementeer en onderskryf. Die daaropvolgende Minister van Finansies (Pravin Gordhan) het na die verkiesing van mnr Zuma as nuwe president in 2009 in sy eerste begrotingstoespraak in 2009 bevestig dat die Regering nie sal afwyk van die inflasieteikens beleid nie afgesien van voortdurende kritiek van COSATU.
They also served: ordinary South African women in an extraordinary struggle: the case of Erna de Villiers (Buber)
17 January 2012
North West University

Möller, Pieter L

Met die ontplooiing en vestiging van die Apartheidsbeleid1 in Suid-Afrika na 1948 het by ‘n groot gedeelte van die Suid-Afrikaanse bevolking teenstand teen die beleid van afsonderlike ontwikkeling ontstaan. Gedurende die tydperk 1948 tot 1960 is ‘n hele reeks wette aanvaar om die skeiding van rassegroepe in Suid-Afrika aan te moedig. Grootskaalse weerstand teen die reeks diskriminerende wette het onder die swartmense ontwikkel. Vroue uit alle kleurgroepe het tydens die “Apartheidsjare” (1960 tot 1990) aan versetaksies in Suid-Afrika deelgeneem om hulle misnoeë met inperkende wetgewing te kenne te gee. Ander het bydraes gelewer om ‘n verskil te maak in die lewens van mense wat onder rassisme gebuk gegaan het. Vroue se betrokkenheid op hierdie fronte was dikwels geminag. Hulle minderwaardige plek in die destydse samelewing was moontlik ‘n faktor. Desnieteenstaande het hierdie vroue se bydraes ‘n verskil help maak. Vir hierdie doel val die kollig op verskeie vroue se bydraes, waaronder enkele bekende asook minder bekende vroue. Erna de Villiers (Buber) is ‘n spesifieke voorbeeld om die rol van ‘n vrou wat tydens die Apartheidsjare ‘n prominente bydrae gelewer het, uit te wys. Haar rol onder swart skoolleerlinge word beklemtoon.
Entrepreneur, social capital and the survival of Afrikaner business on the Witwatersrand, 1930 – 2007: the case of Burgers Brothers Clothing enterprise.
19 January 2012
North West University

Verhoef, Grietjie

• Opsomming: Die ekonomiese afswaaifase van die 1930s is verswaar deur die geweldige droogte, plae en peste in die landbou en toenemende verarming onder blanke Suid-Afrikaners. Verstedeliking het een oorlewingstrategie gebied. Ty Burgers het ‘n klerewinkel begin met as teikenmark die verarmde blankes veral verarmde Afrikaners op die Witwatersrand. Hierdie artikel maak gebruik van sosiale kapitaalteorie om die vestiging van nuwe netwerke deur die Burgers onderneming in die sake-omgewing te verduidelik, waardeur die oorlewing van die Afrikaneronderneming bewerkstelling is. Die Burgers onderneming moes vestig te midde van sterk mededinging in die klere- en modebedryf in Johannesburg. Mededinging is veral gebied deur Indiër- en Joodse handelaars. Die Burgers familiebesigheid het homself baie vernuftig geposisioneer tussen die Afrikaner kultuur- en politieke netwerk en die Joodse sakenetwerk sedert die vestigingsjare. Burgers het die voorkeurverskaffer geword van klerasie aan die Afrikaners in Johannesburg, asook later vir skoolklere en sportdrag. Die artikel ondersoek die ontwikkeling van die bestuurstrategie van die Burgers familiebesigheid sedert die na-oorlogse jare van mededingende nasionalisme in Johannesburg. Die opvolgstrategie en die impak daarvan op die onderneming word ook bespreek.
Fashion and family business entrepreneurs: Jaff and company, 1931 - 1980.
19 January 2012
North West University

Dos Santos, Hanlie

• Opsomming: Sam Jaff was deel van ŉ merkwaardige geslag entrepreneurs wat die klerebedryf in Suid-Afrika gevestig het. In 1931 vestig hy die vroueklerefabriek, Jaff and Company, in Johannesburg, wat vinnig in ‘n familiebesigheid ontwikkel het. Die fabriek was die eerste wat met die massaproduksie van modieuse damesklere begin het. Tot in die 1980s bly Jaff and Company een van die grootste vervaardigers van damesklere en verskaf werk aan 2,300 werkers. Die maatskappy bly voortbestaan as ‘n familiebesigheid en in 1980 besit die Jaff-familie nog steeds 60 persent van die aandele van die maatskappy. Eerstens skets hierdie artikel die politieke en ekonomiese agtergrond van die periode 1930 tot 1960, waartydens Jaff and Company geweldig gegroei het. Die agtergrond van die ontwikkeling van die damesklerebedryf gedurende die periode word ook geskets. Verder is die fokus op die groei van Jaff and Company gedurende die periode 1931 tot 1980 en op die maatskappy as ‘n familiebesigheid, asook op Sam Jaff as entrepreneur en leier in die sakegemeenskap.
The nature of family businesses and their importance for economic development.
19 January 2012
North West University

Venter, Elmarie;Farrington, Shelley

• Opsomming: Familieondernemings is die algemeenste vorm van sake-ondernemings ter wêreld, insluitend Suid Afrika. Hul invloed en getalle sal in die nabye toekoms aansienlik toeneem. Alhoewel dit alombekend is en aanvaar word dat kleinsake-ondernemings ‘n belangrike bydrae tot ekonomieë lewer, is dit minder bekend dat die meerderheid kleinsake ook familieondernemings is. Gevolglik is daar selfs ‘n neiging in sommige lande om familieondernemings en kleinsake-ondernemings as een generiese begrip saam te flans. Sedert sy ontstaan voer die studieveld van familieondernemings ‘n stryd om sy grense en aard van uitsonderlikheid presies af te baken. Die hoofdoel van hierdie artikel is om dié uitdaging die hoof te bied, deur die verskillende voorgestelde definisies van familieondernemings sedert die vroeë tagtiger jare te ondersoek. Verder sal daar lig gewerp word op die aard van hierdie tipe besighede, hul belangrike bydrae tot nasionale ekonomieë, insluitend die Suid Afrikaanse ekonomie, en die uitdagings waarmee hulle te kampe het. Hierdie artikel illustreer die problematiek om familieondernemings te definieer. Afgesien van die aantal verskillende definisies wat bestaan, behoort hierdie definisies ook tot ‘n aantal verskillende kategorieë. By gebrek aan ‘n algemeen-aanvaarde definisie van familieondernemings is dit belangrik dat elke navorser ‘n duidelike omskrywing bied van sy keuse van ‘n definisie van ‘n familieonderneming. Met die definisies van Flören (2002), Hulshoff (2001) en Stoy Hayward (1989) as grondslag, kan ‘n familieonderneming in breë terme aan die hand van die volgende kriteria gedefinieer word: ten minste 51% van die besigheid se eienaarsbelang is in besit van ‘n enkele familie; ‘n enkel familie is in staat om aansienlike invloed uit te oefen; en minstens twee familielede wat aktief betrokke is as senior bestuurders in die besigheid. Een van die basiese studievelde in familiebesigheidsnavorsing is om die verskille tussen familie- en nie-familielede te identifiseer. Alhoewel onlangse navorsing op hierdie gebied ‘n mate van vooruitgang getoon het, is die verskil tussen familie- en nie-familieondernemings nie duidelik omskryf nie. Ondanks die bydrae van vergelykende sudies wat poog om ‘n beter begrip van hierdie ondernemings te verkry, is daar nog geen stel van beslissende veranderlikes geïdentifiseer wat familieondernemings van die nie-familieondernemings onderskei nie. Beide familie- en nie-familieondernemings is onteenseglik aan die problematiese uitdagings en hoë graad van mislukkings verbind. Afgesien van dieselfde probleme wat kleinsake (SMEs) wat in familie besit is, en daardie wat in nie-familie besit is ervaar, is daar bykomende uitdagings wat besighede wat in familie besit is, die hoof moet bied. Hiérdie uitdagings is te wyte aan hul unieke aard en die familiale, interpersoonlike verwantskappe wat by hierdie soort besigheid bestaan. Dié tersaaklike uitdagings sal ook in die artikel aangespreek word. Familieondernemings, en meer spesifiek dié van klein- en mediumgrootte, vorm die grondslag van die Suid-Afrikaanse ekonomie, en dit is van kardinale belang dat alle pogings aangewend word om die sukses en volhoubaarheid daarvan te bevorder.
"Your satisfaction, not mere profit is our aim": a traditional English family enterprise and the textile industry – Arthur Bales and Son, from 1902.
19 January 2012
North West University

Maritz, Leandie;Thorius, Ingrid;Verhoef, Grietjie

• Opsomming: Die Britse setlaars van 1820 het ‘n setlaargemeenskap in die Oos-Kaap gevestig. Hierdie Engelse gemeenskap het onder andere ingesluit werklose Britse burgers, wat hulle hoop geplaas het op ‘n nuwe lewe in die Kaapkolonie. Onder die setlaars was daar vaklui, gewone nywerheidswerkers en boere. Uit ‘n netwerk van Britse entrepreneurs het die Bales familie hulle gevestig as handelaars. Die Bales- familie het ‘n algemene handelaarsonderneming gevestig en later uitgebrei om tekstiel en klerasie te verkoop. Na die Tweede Vryheidsoorlog het die Bales familiebesigheid verskuif na die Transvaalkolonie. Daar is ‘n materiaal- en klerasiebesigheid gevestig wat nog vir drie geslagte ‘n stewige vastrapplek in Johannesburg en omgewing sou verwerf. Hierdie artikel verwys na die mededinging in die tekstielhandel en die opkoms van die modebedryf in Johannesburg as die omgewing waarin die Bales familie hulle familiebesigheid gevestig het. Die sosiale kapitaalnetwerk van die Engelse kleinsakelui het die onderneming gehelp om in die mededingende klere- en modebedryf van Johannesburg ‘n gewaardeerde handelsnaam in tekstielhandel te vestig.
The impact of Zimbabwean liberation struggle on Botswana: the case of Lesoma ambush, 1978.
19 January 2012
North West University

Magkala, C John;Fisher, Matshwenego L

Polelo e e lebegane le kganyaolo e e diragetseng ka kgwedi ya Tlhakole a le 27 ka ngwaga wa 1978 ele tlhaselo e e maatla thata go diragalela sesole sa Botswana Defence Force (BDF) se e neng ele gone se tlhamiwang. Tlhaselo e ne e dirwa ke sesole sa bo ntwa dumela se se kgethegileng sa difofane sa lefatshe la Rhodesia ka nako ya ntwa ya kgololesego ko Zimbabwe. Polelo e simolola ka go kanoka mekwalo e e se tseng e dirilwe le go lebelela merero ya tsa mafatse a sele mo lefatsheng la Botswana, ga mmogo le bokgoni ba sesole mo Botswana ka dingwaga tsa bo 1970. Polelo gape e itebaganya le seemo sa itshireletso ko molelwaneng wa Botswana le Rhodesia. Go tshabela mo Botswana ga batshabi ba Rhodesia le gone go a sekwa sekwa. Gape go buiwa ka go tlhamiwa le tiriso ya BDF ka tshoganetso ele go fokotsa manokonko a ditlheselo ko molelwaneng. Tlhaselo le kganyaolo ya masole a Botswana kwa motseng wa Lesoma le kgalo ya tirigalo e mo Botswana le mafatshe a bodichabachaba go a lebalejwa. Gape re bontsha gore tlhaselo e ene ya supa kemonokeng e ko godimo ya Batswana le bagwebi ka go ntsha dithuso go thusa ba ba neng ba amilwe ke tlhaselo ko Lesoma.
Dancing with literature: an overview of South African ballroom dancing.
19 January 2012
North West University

Green, Alida

• Opsomming: Hoewel baldanse deel maak van Suid-Afrika se ryk erfenis, is hierdie sosiale aktiwiteit se kulturele-en maatskaplike waarde tot dusvêr nie in diepte ondersoek nie. Hierdie artikel gee ‘n kort oorsig oor dansliteratuur wat tans in Suid-Afrika beskikbaar is; die stilisties aspekte en die teikenlesers van hierdie bronne word bespreek. Daar word ook kortliks na internasionale literatuur verwys aangesien dít die ontwikkeling van dans en plaaslike baldans, kontekstualiseer. Dancing with literature bespreek ook vlugtig die beperkinge wat deur vooropgestelde metodologieë op dansliteratuur geplaas word. Die leemtes in dansgeskiedenis-bronne word uitgewys. Verder word die belangrikheid van dans as betroubare kultuurvorm, wat die gees van die samelewing reflekteer, bespreek.
Southern Africa, regionalism and the SADC.
19 January 2012
North West University

Kirsten, Johan F

• Opsomming: Suider-Afrika is `n belangrike streek in Afrika waar politieke en ekonomiese samewerking tussen state reeds dekades gelede `n aanvang geneem het. Dit was die geval selfs voor Uniewording in 1910, maar sedert die 1990`s het dit dramaties toegeneem. Die veranderde realiteit met betrekking tot regionalisme in Suider-Afrika het saamgeval met die beëindiging van Apartheid in Suid-Afrika en die gepaardgaande normalisering van internasionale verhoudinge in die streek. Dit is ook die geval dat die groei van regionalisme in Suider-Afrika en die positiewe ekonomiese en veiligheidsamewerking tussen die state van die streek wat daaruit gevloei het, direk verband hou met die beëindiging van die burgeroorloë in Mosambiek (1992) en Angola (2002) en die endemiese algemene konflik wat so kenmerkend van Afrika was in die tweede helfte van die twintigste eeu. Die “wedloop om Afrika” en die eksterne buitelandse koloniale belange wat daarmee saamgeval het, het natuurlik baie bygedra tot die gebrek aan eenheid in Afrika. Die Suider-Afrikaanse Ontwikkelingsgemeenskap (SAOG) het midde-in hierdie onstuimige historiese omstandighede sy beslag as regionale organisasie in die sub-kontinent gekry. Veral sedert 1994 het politieke en ekonomiese interaksie skerp gegroei en het `n definitiewe regionale identiteit en bewussyn in Suider-Afrika begin ontwikkel. Regionalisme in Suider-Afrika word natuurlik spesifiek met die SAOG geassosieer as `n internasionale organisasie met `n tweeledige doel, naamlik die bevordering van ekonomiese integrasie en die versterking van regionale solidariteit , vrede en veiligheid in die streek. Die vraag is waar die SAOG in 2009 staan in die realisering van sy doelwitte en watter struikelblokke in die weg staan van sy suksesvolle funksionering.
From “struggle” to “post-revolutionary” politics: the National Party, the African National Congress, and the "great rapprochement".
19 January 2012
North West University

Furlong, Patrick J

• Opsomming: Die Nasionale Party as regerende party onder Suid-Afrika se apartheidsbestel, en sy langtydse teenstander en navolger, die African National Congress, blyk onwaarskynlike onderwerpe vir ‘n vergelyking: Die een verwant aan, en bekend vir, bekrompe etniese “verregse” nasionalisme, militante anti-Kommunisme, rassisme, en deur sommige kritici geëtiketteer as te assosieer met afwisselende kwasie-fascisme. Die ander: Die ANC, as ‘n politieke groepering met vae sosialistiese neigings en langdurige bande met die Kommunistiese Party. Tog het beide die NP en die ANC baie in gemeen. Beide het ontwikkel in ‘n tyd van oorloë: Byvoorbeeld die Suid-Afrikaanse Oorlog, die Wêreldoorloë, en ‘n langdurige stryd teen ‘n vorm van blanke heerskappy. Albei het ook vir jare hulself aangebied as buitengewone politieke party binne ‘n nasionalistiese grondslag (NP: Veral die wit Afrikaan en die ANC: Veral die swart Afrikaan) en as bewegings gemoeid met ‘n revolusionêre stryd teen ‘n onderdrukkende stelsel (NP: Teen Britse kolonialisme en die ANC: Teen apartheid). Voorts was albei ondubbelsinnig teenoor grootskaalse kapitalisme. Toe beide hierdie politieke groeperinge in ‘n stadium aan bewind gekom het, het elk ’n meer pragmatiese vorm van politiek gevolg, ‘n wyer steunbasis gesoek, en hulle aangepas by die voorskrifte van die wêreldkapitalisme. Tog het geeneen heeltemal ontslae geraak van die “strydpolitiek” nie. Dit sluit in ‘n beperkte geduld met direkte kritiek, of standpunte oor, die desentralisasie van gesag, asook die neiging om terug te val op groepsidentiteit en ‘n sterk afkeer te toon vir individualistiese liberalisme. Ondertussen het die NP tot niet gegaan, en heelwat van die oorblyfsels daarvan is deur die ANC verswelg. In vele opsigte beklemtoon hierdie historiese gegewe in welke mate hierdie “ou vyande” met mekaar in gemeen gehad het.
Creating maps as historical evidence: reconsidering settlement patterns and group relations in the Rustenburg-Pilanesberg area before 1810.
19 January 2012
North West University

Morton, Fred

• Opsomming: Die aanlyn Landbougeografiese Inligtingsstelsel Sisteem – (bekend as AGIS) – sowel as die omvattende Atlas databasis, tesame met mondelinge oorlewering/tradisies en topokadastrale kaarte is in hierdie artikel gebruik om terrein- en grondkaarte te ontwikkel ten opsigte van sowat agt van die vyftien 18e eeuse nedersettings in die Rustenburg-Pilanesberg gebied. Hierdie kaarte demonstreer die belangrikheid van grond- en waterbronne in die keuse van waar landelike nedersettings eventueel gevestig is. Hierdie keuses wat gemaak is, wys dan ook noodwendig kontrasterende standpunte uit rakende tradisionele en bestaande sieninge oor vestigingspatrone en intergroepverhoudinge in die pre-mfecane periode. ‘n Oorsig van mondelinge oorleweringe en AGIS kaarte voorsien die nodige bewyse om die historiese vertolkings Parsons en Manson krities te debatteer. Hierdie vertolkings stel dit dat die nedersettings in die Rustenburg-Pilanesberg-gebied in ‘n toenemende konflik ingetrek is in die fase wat die mfecane voorafgegaan het. In die artikel word die standpunt gehuldig dat groepe in die Rustenburg-Pilanesberg-gebied hulle landboubedrywighede en veeteeltaktiwiteite sedert die 17e eeu geoptimaliseer het in ruimtes wat op ‘n skaflike afstand van mekaar was, en nie-defensief van aard was. Vir generasies is daar in vrede met mekaar geleef, alhoewel konflik onderling soms wel aan die orde van die dag was. Dit blyk uit hierdie vertolking dat die Rustenburg-Pilanesberg nedersettingsgroepe wel moeilike bure met mekaar kon wees, maar eweso was hulle in staat om langdurige ooreenkomste te sluit. Hierdie langdurige vrede het in duie gestort met invalle deur die Pedi gedurende die vroeg 1820’s. ‘n Analise van die kaarte wys ook uit dat toekomstige argeologiese navorsing gelyksoortige baat kan vind by die ondersoek van kleiner nedersettings soos dié van die Rustenburg-Pilanesberg gebied teenoor dié van mega-nedersettingsterreine soos Marathodi.
Impressions on aspects of the process – and outcomes – of curriculum transformation in History for schools after 1994 in South Africa.
20 January 2012
North West University

Van Eeden, Elize S

• Opsomming: Die aanbreek van die 21e eeu het ook wêreldwye veranderinge in geskiedenisonderrig getoon. Dit was sigbaar in vele gewysigde of nuwe kurrikula binne veral die verdere onderwys- en opleidingsfase (hoërskole) asook binne die strukture van handboekontwikkeling vir skole. In Suid-Afrika het hierdie tendense saamgeval met ‘n tydperk van transformasie in die onderwys sedert veral die oorname van die African National Congress as regerende party vanaf 1994. In die algemeen was die verandering in Suid-Afrika binne alle vlakke van die samelewing op die een of ander wyse geraak deur die woord “internasionaal” of “globaal” . Na sowat 15 jaar van transformasie in Suid-Afrika dus reeds verloop het, is die resultaat ook sigbaar in die veranderinge wat ten opsigte van die geskiedeniskurrikulum deurgesien is, asook die benadering wat gevolg is in skoolhandboeke as die praktiese resultaat hiervan. Die artikel is gestruktureer om aspekte te debatteer wat aanleidend was tot die omvorming van veral die Geskiedeniskurrikulum. Onder meer is polities belaaide gevoelens en persepsies van die dag, die status van empiriese navorsing binne geskiedenisonderrigpraktyke deur akademici sowel as die rol van die intellektuele lui binne die raamwerk van sogenaamde onderwysvooruitgang ook ter sprake. Om meer te fokus op ‘n bepaalde aspek binne ‘n breë tema soos hierdie rakende “onderwysvooruitgang”, is die Graad 12-vlak se hersiene kurrikulum en skoolhandboeke wat onlangs publiseer is as die mikrosnit uitgesonder vir hierdie bespreking. Van die kern gevolgtrekkings oor “onderwysvooruitgang” in Geskiedenis as skoolvak is dat die hersiene Graad 12 kurrikulum van Suid- Afrika ook nie daarin kon slaag om vlekkeloos te wees van i) die politieke sentimente van die dag nie en nog minder van die dominante leierskap en mag van die Regering binne die kurrikulumveranderinge. ii) Voorts ook is onderwysvooruitgang (metodologie en globale/internasionale tendense) wel heel sigbaar in die kurrikuluminhoud verdiskonteer maar nie noodwendig effektief of korrek benader nie. iii) Verder nog blyk dit dat empiriese navorsing en in-diepte-waarnemings deur tersiêre navorsingsinstansies rakende die mees sinvolle hersiening van inhoude om die klaskamerpraktyk in geskiedenis te verbeter sowel as die inhoude van handboeke tot ‘n hoër kwaliteit te laat ontwikkel, ietwat skipbreuk gelei het as gevolg van etlike redes. Ten opsigte van die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks, sal hierdie probleme en/of leemtes in die nabye toekoms meer sigbaar moet verbeter, anders is die meeste navorsing met die oog op vooruitgang gedoem tot ‘n waardeloosheid.
Great expectations: pres. PW Botha’s rubicon speech of 1985.
20 January 2012
North West University

Giliomee, Hermann

Die toespraak wat Pres. PW Botha op 15 Augustus 1985 voor die kongres van die Nasionale Party (NP) van Natal gehou het, word algemeen erken as een van die keerpunte in die geskiedenis van die NP-regering. Daar is verwag dat die president in sy toespraak verreikende hervormings sou aankondig, wat die regering in staat sou stel om die skaakmat in onderhandelings met swart leiers en internasionale isolasie te deurbreek. Botha se toespraak is egter wyd baie negatief ontvang. Vorige artikels beklemtoon sy persoonlikheid as `n verklaring of blameer die “onrealistiese verwagtings” wat RF (Pik) Botha, Minister van Buitelandse Sake, gewek het. Hierdie artikel probeer die gebeure rondom die toespraak verklaar deur die gebeure twee weke voor die toespraak te ontleed, bestaande interpretasies van pres. Botha se optrede te heroorweeg, en moontlikhede te ondersoek wat tot dusver nog nie oorweeg is nie.
Historical relevance?: ten sketches of women illegally enslaved at the Cape, 1823 to 1830.
20 January 2012
North West University

Rugarli, Anna Maria;Shell, Robert C H

Die artikel handel oor die verhale van slawevroue wat deel was van die slawehandelsproses teen die einde van die 18e eeu. Hulle is na die Kaap de Goede Hoop gebring as vry slawe of - soos hul eienaars gemeen het - as “geskenke”. Hierdie mini biografieë vertel die verhale van vroue wie se lot was dié van vervreemding van hul geboorteland, en slawerny in ‘n nuwe vreemde land. Slawevroue het protesteer en hul situasie by die owerhede aangemeld om sodoende hul vryheid terug te win toe dit moontlik was in die 1820s. Persoonlike getuienisse is beskikbaar van sulke vroue soos opgeteken in die Boek van Klagtes deur die Guardian of Slaves gedurende die opskudding van die 1820s. In die artikel word hierdie getuienisse kortliks bespreek, waarop elk se historiese relevansie vervolgens bepaal word.
Building communities of practice for the continuing professional development of history teachers: insights from the TEMS project.
23 January 2012
North West University

Maistry, Suriamurthee M

In 'n tydperk van snelle kurrikulum hervorming, is talle Suid Afrikaanse onderwysers gekonfronteer met die moeilike taak om nuwe kurrikula te ontwikkel en te implementeer. Dit is veral die geval vir Geskiedenis-onderwysers wat as deel van die proses vele uitdagings te bowe moet kom. Terwyl sommige onderwysers kurrikulum hervorming as 'n reuse uitdaging beskou, daag ander die beskouing uit deur die geleentheid aan te gryp vir persoonlike professionele groei. Hierdie artikel is gebaseer op die TEMS onderwyser-ontwikkelingsprojek waarin die argument ten gunste is van 'n praktykbenadering ten opsigte van die volgehoue professionele ontwikkeling van Geskiedenisonderwysers. Die spesifieke eise wat die onderrig van Geskiedenis in 'n post-apartheid Suid-Afrika stel, maak dit noodsaaklik dat 'veilige plekke' geskep word vir Geskiedenisonderwysers waar redevoering rakende die Geskiedenis-kurrikulum kan plaasvind. "Gemeenskappe van praktyk", soos voorgestel deur Wenger, bied 'n bruikbare teoretiese benadering vir 'n volgehoue professionele ontwikkeling in Geskiedenisonderrig, veral in die beperkende mate van ondersteuning vanaf die provinsiale onderwysdepartemente vir Geskiedenisonderwysers.
The neglected purposes of educating art history: isomorphism and facilitation.
23 January 2012
North West University

Botha, John R.

Die basiese vertrekpunt van argumentasie van hierdie artikel is gesetel in die suggestie dat die huidige stand van kunsgeskiedkundige onderwys nie totaal in voeling is nie met die ontsaglike moontlikhede wat binne hierdie vakdissipline verskuild lê. Dit wil dan as rigtingwyser dien om minstens een moontlike aspek van die toekomstige belangrikheid van kunsgeskiedkundige opvoeding te beklemtoon, met spesifieke verwysing na die wyse waarop ’n visuele kultuur van toenemende belang word. Hier word ten doel gestel om te dui op die wyse waarop kunsgeskiedenis beter geposisioneer kan wees om aan die behoeftes van ’n post-moderne gemeenskap (spesifiek leerders en/of studente) te voldoen, en dit impliseer ’n hertaksering van wat ten beste beskryf kan word as die persoonlike funksies met kuns. Die argument ontplooi verder deur die rol van fasilitering wat moontlik gemaak word deur die boodskap wat in die (‘n) kunswerk vervat is, te benut met die oog op homeostase van die persona. Die begrip wat hiervoor gebruik word, is isomorfisme, en die metode of tegniek waardeur dit gebeur, kan beskryf word as isomorfiese fasilitering. Kortliks gestel kom dit neer op die aan wending van feite wat met die omstandigheidsfaktore van kunsgeskiedenis en kunswerke verband hou. Hierdie feite word vervolgens as gereedskap gebruik ten einde dialoog te stimuleer en ‘n atmosfeer te skep waarbinne die leerder of student kunswerke mag gebruik ten einde tot isomorfiese identifikasie te kom ten opsigte van soortgelyke aspekte binne haar- of homself. Hierdie identifikasie word wederkerend gebruik om die proses van homeostase te bevorder, en dit impliseer dat die onderwyser of dosent kuns(geskiedenis) kan gebruik in die proses van fasilitering ten einde stres te verlig. Hierdeur word uiteraard ’n enorme bydrae gelewer tot die geestesgesondheid van die individu.
The value and way forward of History – a motivational discourse from a 21st century perspective.
23 January 2012
North West University

Van Eeden, Elize S

Om die waarde van Geskiedenis as vak te bespreek, is so oud soos die akademie self. As die waarde van Geskiedenis egter beoordeel sou word teen die agtergrond van ‘n veranderende samelewing (bv. interdissiplinêr gedrewe beroepseise, die gemaklikheid van inligtingonttrekking dmv moderne tegnologie en ‘n groter begrip vir kultuurgroepe in die wêreld oor beskikbare kommunikasiemoontlikhede afstand laat “krimp” het) dan behoort die fokus ten opsigte van Geskiedenis – veral as skoolvak – ook andersoortig gemotiveer te word. In onderrigprosesse in die verlede het politieke en, dikwels, eensydige vaderlandsgeskiedenis voorkeur in Geskiedenisonderrig geniet. Hierdie beeld is totaal strydig met die resente navorsingsfokus van Geskiedenis as dissipline wat veel interdissiplinêr neig. Gevolglik is met hierdie artikel beoog om juis dié neiging te verdiskonteer en ‘n andersoortige motiveringsvoorstel vir ‘n leerprogram aan te bied. As agtergrond vir die voorstel is die volgende fasette ook oorsigtelik aangeraak: i) huidige persepsies van vakdidaktici in Geskiedenis en tersiêre tendense m.b.t. studentegetalle ii) ‘n Geheueverfrisser voor te hou van die waarde en plek van Geskiedenis vanuit ‘n akademiese perspektief iii) Drie “impressionistiese” scenarios van Geskiedenisonderrig voor te hou vanuit ‘n eie belewenis met die vak/dissipline iv) Geskiedenis se interdissiplinêre sterkte vanuit moontlike kurrikulum/leerprograminhoude te debatteer en v) ‘n Motiveringsvoorstel vir ‘n geskiedenisgerigte leerprogram (dus sou gesê kon word: “praktiese” geskiedenis) aan te bied. Die bedoeling hiermee is geensins om Geskiedenis as regmatige vak/dissipline te vervang nie maar om ‘n bykomstige geleentheid binne die opvoedingsproses te skep waarin Geskiedenis se waarde meer in die praktyk gekomplimenteer word.
Gold mining in Zululand.
23 January 2012
North West University

Minnaar, Anthony

Hierdie artikel ondersoek die reeks kleiner “goudstormlope” wat gedurende die middel 1880’s plaasgevind het tot net na die Eerste Wêreldoorlog in Kwa- Zulu-Natal – histories bekend as Zululand. Goudprospektering was veral aangespoor deur die £1 000 beloning aangebied deur die koloniale regering van Natal aan enige delwer wat ‘n betekenisvolle goudrif in hierdie geweste sou ontdek. Alhoewel betreklike ryk ertsneerslae van gouddraende riwwe dikwels ontdek is, en wat gevolglik tot stormlope na vergeleë areas in hierdie gebied aanleiding gegee het, het almal op die lange duur min opgelewer. Die eenvoudige verklaring daarvoor was dat die Goudrif net in ertsneste of -holtes voorgekom het en dus nie aaneenlopend was nie. Die bergagtige aard van die terrein met sy diep valleie was grotendeels die vernaamste rede die gebroke goudriflyn. Twee fases van goudmynbedrywighede is geïdentifiseer. Uiteindelik sou dit blyk dat die meeste van die goudmynmaatskappye in Zululand ‘n beperkte groei gehandhaaf het as kleinerige myne met ‘n gesukkel om ‘n bestaan te maak. Bedrywighede is beëindig. Die uitsondering was ‘n kleinerige aanleg in die Pongolovallei wat die Wonderfonteinriwwe bewerk het. Na die Tweede Wêreldoorlog was daar net sporadiese pogings om bestaande goudriwwe te myn aangesien daar geen nuwes ontdek was nie. In hierdie artikel word die begin- en ontwikkelingsfase van die hoofgoudstormlope in Zululand ondersoek. Die lengte van elk se lewenssiklus sowel as die gesukkel om die “ertsneste” te vind en ‘n befondsing vir dié bedryf se velerlei uitdagings, word bespreek.
Opinions on entrepreneurship development: ensuring maximum return on investment.
23 January 2012
North West University

Van Rensburg, W P J;Louw, E J

As a developing country with an unacceptably high unemployment rate, mass migration from rural areas to cities and increasing impoverishment of rural communities, South Africa is in dire need to develop entrepreneurs, especially for small, micro and medium enterprises (SMME’s). Funding for entrepreneurship development is readily available from government agencies as well as from overseas donors. However, available funds often remain unspent, or when utilised, offer little in the way of creating jobs and alleviating poverty. When the Graduate School of Business of the North West University (Mafikeng campus) was offered funds for running an entrepreneurship development project in the rural areas of the North West Province, the Executive Director of the Business School was determined that the project should be well planned, soundly implemented and that strict control would be exercised. Now, three years since the start of the project, considerable success can be reported, but perhaps more important than the successful completion of the project are the valuable experiences and insights gained during the management of the project. These experiences and insights may serve as guidelines to those who embark on similar projects in order to ensure that they too get maximum return on their investment.
Paradigmatic confusion in the history of the 'New South Africa'.
23 January 2012
North West University

Bottomley, John

Post-apartheid Suid-Afrika is in baie opsigte 'n verwarrende kosmos van hoop en geleenthede aan die een kant en talle onsekerhede aan die ander kant. Hierdie bewussyn word ook in die dissipline van Geskiedenis weerspieël. Historici word opnuut gekonfronteer met die taak om die konseptuele metodologiese grondslae van die dissipline krities te oriënteer. Gedurende die vorige dekades was die geskiedskrywing hier ter plaatse hoofsaaklik daarop gerig om die apartheidsamelewing 6f te verdedig 6f te vernietig. Die gebruik van geskiedskrywing as 'n wapen het uiteraard die tradisionele aard van geskiedenis ondermyn. Terselfdertyd het die toenemend eensydige aanspraak van die Marxistiese, Liberale en Afrikaner Nasionalistiese rigtings gedurende die apartheidsera enige aanspraak op historiese objektiwiteit in Suid-Afrika vernietig. Hierdie referaat betoog dat die oorlog teen apartheid verby is. Historici moet hul ideologiese wapenuitrusting en behoefte aan wraak opsysit en opnuut kyk na hul primêre taak. Met beter begrip vir die Suid-Afrikaanse toestand, asook deur bewus te wees van onlangse tendense in wêreldgeskiedenis, gal historici hul navorsingsparadigma in so 'n mate kan aanpas dat 'n 'Nuwe Suid-Afrikaanse geskiedenis' -'n geskiedenis vry van vervolging daargestel kan word.
Traditional planning elements of pre-colonial African towns.
23 January 2012
North West University

Amankwah-Ayeh, Kwabena

Die konsentriese boustyl van prekoloniale Afrikastrukture (skuilings, woonplekke, plazas, gange, paaie of mure), asook die gemeenskaplike gebruik van fasiliteite in die prekoloniale stede, is in oorsprong eie aan Afrika. 'n Delikate balans tussen die beskikbare ruimte en die hoeveelheid mense wat dit bewoon, het aanleiding gegee tot ruimtelike intimiteit, asook 'n gevoel van kohesie, groepbeheer oor die nabyliggende omgewing sowel as die ruimte tussen die stede. Dit alles het bygedra tot die omgewingshandhawing van die stad. Hierdie artikel ondersoek die historiese grondslae van beplanningsprosedures ten grondslag van die vorm en struktuur (organies sowel as militêr) van tradisionele, pre-koloniale Afrikadorpe en -stede en hoe daarin geslaag is om 'n gesonde simbiose tussen stedelike en landelike omgewings te skep en te onderhou. Hierdie historiese insig gal eietydse stads- en streeksbeplanners in staat kan stel om in hulle beplanning van dorpe en stede tradisionele boustyle te kan verstaan en moontlik tot voortsetting van die tradisie kan implementeer.
Road building and the environment.
23 January 2012
North West University

Goetze, Tim

Met die tegnologiese vooruitgang wat die industriële revolusie meegebring het, is die mens se beskouing van die natuur met die loop van tyd verander. Soos wat die samelewing verander het, moes die natuur dadelik aanpas en het die omgewing die knie moes buig voor die mens se kapitalistiese en industrialisasiebehoeftes. Die bou van paaie en treinspore teen die einde van die negentiende eeu het byvoorbeeld getoon hoe geweldig het die mens se beskouing van die natuur verander om aan te pas by die diktering van die industriële ontwikkeling. 'n Vergelykende studie van die bou van paaie deur twee omgewingsensitiewe, areas in twee verskillende gedeeltes van die wêreld: die Glenwood Canyon in Colorado in die VSA en die Tuinroete in die Suid-Kaap in Suid-Afrika, lewer verskeie interessante insigte, veral omdat beide snelweë opgegradeer is in 'n tydperk toe omgewingsake 'n sleutelrol in infrastruktuurontwikkeling begin speel het. Uit die navorsing blyk dit duidelik dat die verskerpte omgewingsbewustheid 'n leidende rol gespeel het in die beplanning van albei die paaie. Daar Ie 'n verpligting op historici om hul stem te voeg by die van andere uit ander dissiplines om die omgewingsdebat te stimuleer. 'n Bestudering en beskrywing van die geskiedenis van mense en gebeure is onherroeplik gekoppel aan die omgewing waar dit plaasgevind het. 'n Dokumentering van sodanige geskiedenis is om 'n stem te gee aan die stemlose omgewing.
The history of planning South African new towns: political influences and social principles adopted.
24 January 2012
North West University

Brockett, Linda

Suid-Afrika het baie nuwe dorpe waarvan die meeste as gevolg van die mynbedryf en groot semi-staat ondernemings soos YSKOR ontwikkel is. Hierdie nuwe dorpe is beïnvloed deur die internasionale nuwedorp-beweging. Hierdie referaat poog om die invloede te analiseer en om die verskille tussen fisiese uitleg en ideologiese werklikhede uit te wys. 'n Groot gedeelte van Suid-Afrika se geskiedenis is beïnvloed deur die ontdekking van minerale, wat grotendeels verantwoordelik was vir die ontwikkeling van nedersettings. Die ontdekking van diamante in Kimberley in 1869 het bv. 'n massiewe instroming van mense tot gevolg gehad na die voorheen onontwikkelde binneland. Vroeë ontdekkings van die mineraalrykdom van Suid-Afrika het ook voorgekom in Pelgrimsrus, Barberton en Johannesburg, wat almal tot permanente nedersettings gelei het. Vandag, as gevolg van die tipe mineraalafsettings, is individuele prospekteurs skaars. Suid-Afrikaanse minerale word deur net 'n paar mynbedrywe, wat die benodigde finansies en tegnologie besit, ontgin. Die opening van 'n nuwe myn benodig 'n groot aantal werkers, wat die voorsiening van behuising noodsaaklik maak, dikwels in verafgeleë areas. Die konstruksie van myndorpe en die ontwikkeling van groot semi-staat ondernemings beteken dat die meeste nuwe dorpe in Suid-Afrika terselfdertyd ondernemingsdorpe is en hul plasing tot 'n groot mate voorgeskryf is deur die voorkoms van minerale of grondstowwe. Selfs dorpe soos Sasolburg en Vanderbijlpark is ondernemingsdorpe wat naby groot kole-afsettings geplaas is. Die nuwedorpbeweging in Brittanje en sy voorlopers - byvoorbeeld die dorpe gestig deur die "Enlightened Industrialists", die tuinstede, en die Amerikaanse groengordelstede - het almal sterk sosiale beginsels onderliggend. In hierdie referaat word beweer dat in Suid-Afrika - ten spyte van die feit dat die fisiese vorm van nuwe stede ‘n groot invloed op Suid-Afrikaanse dorpsuitlegte gehad het - baie min van die sosiale beginsels toegepas is. Die referaat bevraagteken die geldigheid van die vervreemding van die fisiese uitleg van die sosiale beginsels wat dit onderlê. Hierdie referaat bevraagteken ook die doeltreffendheid om buitelandse uitlegte na te boots by die uitlê van dorpe.
Rand capitalists and Chinese resistance.
30 January 2012
North West University

Harris, Karen L

• Opsomming: In hulle poging om die invoer van Chinese kontrakarbeid aan die begin van hierdie eeu te regverdig, het die Randse kapitaliste hierdie potensiële arbeidsmark as gedweë, onderdanig en dienswillig uitgebeeld. Om opposisie te paai, het bulle saam met die Britse koloniale regering beperkende regulasies geformuleer ten einde streng beheer uit te oefen en maksimum resultate uit die Chinese ongeskoolde arbeiders te kry. Ten spyte van hierdie beperkinge het die Chinese, net soos ander geskoolde en ongeskoolde mynwerkers aan die Randse myne, die uitbuiting deur die kapitalistiese stelsel aktief teengestaan met alle moontlike metodes tot hulle beskikking. Hierdie weerstand het van drostery tot algemene weiering om te werk gestrek, die opvatting van 'n passiewe en onderdanige Chinese arbeidsmag weerlê en terselfdertyd die omvang en aard van arbeids aktiwiteite aan die Randse goudmyne uitgebrei.
Labour and industry: jobreservation in the Eastern Cape motor industry in the 1960's.
31 January 2012
North West University

Julius, A B;Lumby, A B

• Opsomming: Teen die laat 1950's was die motornywerheid 'n belangrike vertakking van sekondêre industrie en 'n betekenisvolle werkgewer veral in die Oos-Kaap. Gedurende die 1960's was die nywerheid onderworpe aan fases 1 en 2 van die plaaslike inhoudsprogram. Die regering en sommige vakbonde het gepoog om die belange van blanke werknemers in die industrie te bevorder deur die toepassing van werkafbakening en die Fisiese Beplanningswet van 1968. Die gesindhede onderliggend aan arbeidsverhoudinge in die motorindustrie in die Oos-Kaap is gaandeweg gedurende die 1970's ondergrawe as gevolg van druk wat uitgeoefen is op buitelandse maatskappye wat in Suid-Afrika sake gedoen het.
Investing in formal education: can indigenous knowledge studies enhance graduates' response to development needs of African communities?
17 February 2012
North West University

Ndlovu, Morgan

I-Africa isaqhubeka ibonakala njengezwekazi elingafinyeleli intuthuko jikelele. Imizamo lezinqumo ezehlukile sezike zathathwa ziqondiswe kuntuthuko yezwekazi lase-Africa kodwa lelizwekazi lisaqhubeka bhekane lobunzima. Imfundo isikeyabonakala sengathi izasheshe ilethe intuthuko e-Africa kodwa namhla lokhu asikatholi ushintsho ebesilulindele. Imbuzo isiyabuzwa ngamaqhinga okulwa lobunzima kulelizwekazi kudingidwa ukuthi lamaqhinga engabe ekulungele ukuqondana nesimo njengoba sinjalo. Eminye yale mibuzo iqodiswe kwezemfundo. Imbuzo ecwaningisisayo ngemfundo kwele-Africa ifuna ulwazi ngokuthi izifundiswa ziyazizwisisa izidingo zalabo abafuna intuthuko na? Imbono yezikhwicamfundo ingabe ifana laleyo eyabantu abafuna intuthuko na? Lelipheshana lifumana ukuthi ulwazi lwalabo abangafundile ngokwesilungu kufuneka lugoqelwe kulemfundo yaphesheya ukuze izifundiswa zikwazi indlela yokucabanga kwalabo abadinga usizo. Lokhu kubalulekile ngoba kuzokwenza ukuthi kungabi khona ukudonselana phakathi kwezifundiswa lezi eziphethe usizo nalabo abadinga lolusizo ngoba kuzobe sekukhona ukubona izinto ngesolinye. Lelipheshana liphetha ngokuthi izifundiswa zingathola amadla ekulweni lobunzima kuzwekazi-laseAfrica ngenkathi bezwisisa imbono lemicabango yalabo abafuna usizo.
Natal's Indians, the empire and the South African War, 1899 - 1902.
15 March 2012
North West University

Vayed, Goolam

Most early scholars of the South African War focussed almost entirely on the struggle between Afrikaner nationalism and British imperialism in which the role of Blacks was seen as irrelevant. By focussing on Indians, a little-studied group, this micro-study will contribute to the ongoing process of providing a more complete picture of the war years. It seeks to address why Indians, who were subject to oppression by English-speaking whites, volunteered on the side of Britain, the active and non-combatant roles they played in the war, the losses they suffered and the impact of the Indian role to the overall situation. Indians were clearly divided along class lines and these divisions were perpetuated during the war in terms of the manner in which Indians were recruited, their role in the war and their treatment at the conclusion of the war. Indians supported the British because India was part of the British Empire and they felt that this would give them added leverage in their dealings with the British imperial authorities. The undisguised hostility of the Boer Republics towards them also influenced their decision. Under Gandhi's prodding, Indians contributed financially and also formed an ambulance bearer corps, which served between December 1899 and March 1900 under extremely difficult conditions. A grossly understudied area is the plight of Indian refugees from areas of Indian concentration such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Newcastle, Ladysmith, Dundee, Colenso and Kimberley. Most refugees sought refuge with friends and family in Natal even though the Natal Government tried to prevent them coming. The invading Boers had no clear policy on what to do with Indians in Northern Natal. In most cases they arrested Indians for several weeks but then released them. Boers also used Indians as cooks and cleaners. Indian traders suffered heavy losses as their shops were looted by the invading Boers as well as by British soldiers and ordinary Indian, white and African civilians. The DTC failed to assist the 4 000 Indian refugees in Durban. Durban's Indians had to feed, clothe and support Indian refugees. While Gandhi and the NIC chose to be loyal instead of exploiting the space created by the war to challenge the Government, their loyalty went unrewarded. The Governments of Natal and Transvaal imposed further anti-Indian legislation and the position of Indians deteriorated in the post-war years as the foundation was laid for a modern South Africa based on white racial supremacy. Indians became part of a South Africa whose destiny was shaped by the war. The shapers of this new South Africa were Boer leaders like Botha and Smuts who remembered all too well that Indians had sided with the British.
The Botswana - Namibia boudary dispute. Towards a diplomatic solution or military confrontation.
15 March 2012
North West University

Le Roux, C J B

Die regerings van Botswana en Namibië is tans in 'n dispuut gewikkel oor die twee klein rivier-eilande van Sedudu (bekend as Kasikili onder die Namibiërs) en Situngu (bekend as Luyondo, Singobeka, Mbala of Zoti onder die Namibiërs). Die dispuut oor Sedudu-eiland dien tans voor die wêreldhof in Den Haag, terwyl Situngu-eiland die onderwerp is van 'n gesamentlike tegniese komitee bestaande uit verteenwoordigers van die twee regerings. Daar is min hoop dat die tegniese komitee 'n oplossing sal vind. Daar is ook 'n groeiende vrees dat, met die sterk emosionele en nasionale sentimente wat daar rondom die dispuut bestaan, die moontlikheid van 'n grenskonflik tussen die twee lande in die nabye toekoms nie uitgesluit kan word nie. Daar is politieke waarnemers wat Botswana se versnelde bewapeningsprogram selfs direk met die dispuut verbind. In 1996 is dit in die pers gerapporteer dat die Botswana regering Ban die onderhandel was vir die aankoop van dertien Kanadees-vervaardigde F-5 vegterbomwerpers vir die Botswana weermag teen 'n koste van $50 miljoen. Volgens ander berigte was Botswana blykbaar ook in die mark vir die aankoop van vyftig tweedehandse Duitse "Leopard II" tenks, ses en dertig Britse "Scorpion" tenks, 200 troepedraers en 'n onbekende hoeveelheid artillerie stukke teen beraamde fatale koste van sowat $63 miljoen. Botswana se verdedigingsbegroting het skerp toegeneem vanaf P243.5 miljoen (Pula) in 1989/1990 tot P625 miljoen (ongeveer R833 miljoen) in 1995. Die doel van die artikel is om Botswana se versnelde bewapeningsprogram te ontleed teen die agtergrond van die eiland-dispuut in die Kaprivi en die voorneme van die Namibiese regering om groot hoeveelhede water deur middel van 'n reuse pylyn uit die Okavango-rivier naby Rundu te onttrek. Laasgenoemde projek hou 'n ernstige bedreiging in vir Botswana se ekonomiese lewe in die algemeen.
Controversy in the educational development of the black people of Mokwallo township, Vredefort district, 1920 - 1980.
16 March 2012
North West University

Van Eeden, Elize S;Motumi, M K

Sepheo Kgolo ka phatlalatso ena ke ho lokodisa tshitisa e tlisitsweng ke dikgohlano pakeng tsa dikereke tse fapaneg ntshetsopeleng ya thuto ya baBatsho motseng wa Mokwallo. Phatlalatso e tla boela e totobatsa tshwaetso ya mmuso wa nako eo, haholo ntlha kemo Ie leano la ana mabapi Ie thuto ya batho ba batsho. Ho tea mohlala, tshimolohong, thuto ya ba basweu e nele boikarabelo ba mmuso ka botlalo, athe thuto ya ba batsho jwalo ka motseng wa Mokwallo e simolotswe ke boitelo ba Kereke ya Wesele. Se bang pepeneneng ka phatlalatso ena, ke hare, ho ja mmuso o tlohile o tsheheditse thuto ya ba batsho motseng wa Mokwallo tshimolohong; mme le sekolo sa Mokwallo sa seke sa aparelwa ke dikgohlano pakeng tsa dikereke tse fapaneng ho fihlela lemong tsa bo 1950's, thuto ya ba batsho motseng wa Mokwallo mohlomong e ka be ntlafetse ho feta kamoo re e bonang ele kateng kajeno.
The imperial imprint: British colonial towns.
16 March 2012
North West University

Brockett, Linda

Baie voormalige Britse kolonies soos Australië, Suid-Afrika en die Verenigde State van Amerika, toon merkwaardige ooreenkomste in die uitlê van hul dorpe. Die dorpe word gekenmerk deur 'n rooster-uitleg en soortgelyke uitlegte van eiendomsreg, grondverdeling en eienaarskap. Hierdie referaat se doel is om die basiese elemente en die verskeie aanpassings van die Britse model van dorpsontwikkeling in die kolonies te definieer. Die studie sa! fokus op die Britse koloniale vestiging aan die Ooskus van Amerika en Suid- Afrika. Deur die eeue is die rooster-uitleg sinoniem met verhuisende mense as gevolg van die eenvoud van die uitleg, en gemak van uitbreiding om toekomstige groei tegemoet te kom. Terwyl baie voormalige kolonies ook beïnvloed is deur die Britse Tuinstad (Garden City) en Nuwe Stad (New Town) bewegings, sal hierdie referaat slegs fokus op die vroeë koloniale tydperk en die aanvanklike vestigingspatrone. Die titel van hierdie referaat verwys nie alleen na die uitleg van die stad nie, maar erken ook dat die uitleg daarvan 'n fisiese uitdrukking is van die politieke, ekonomiese en sosiale instellings. Die imperiale stempel is deurdring met die ideale van privaatbesit, kapitale formasie, investering, rykdom en individualisme, en die stad is derhalwe meer as net 'n patroon van fisiese ontwikkeling.
Privatising South Africa by dictum: a review.
16 March 2012
North West University

Meyer, Michael J

Onlangse inisiatiewe om staatsbeheerde ondernemings in Suid-Afrika te privatiseer, met die sogenaamde doel om, inter alia, die ANC-beheerde Regering vir Nasionale Eenheid (RNE) se Heropbou- en Ontwikkelingsprogram (HOP) te befonds, toon 'n enorme paradigma-skuif in terme van die ANC se oorspronklike ekonomiese beleid. Hierdie skuif verteenwoordig 'n radikale wegbeweeg van openbare besitreg SODS vasgelê in die Vryheidsmanifes, na die huidige toegewing aan 'n Wêreldbank / Internasionale Monetêre Fonds-styl makro-ekonomiese strategie, wat privatisering voorstel as 'n fundamentele wondermiddel vir die kwale van die openbare sektor en versnelde dienslewering. Nietemin, dit blyk dat hierdie strategie die HOP, sowel in die wyse as die uitvoering daarvan, marginaliseer. Dit is ironies dat 'n privatiseringsprogram wat gedurende die laat 1980s, te midde van ernstige dreigemente van hernasionalisasie deur die ANC en sy huidige vennote -die Suid-Afrikaanse Kommunistiese Party (SAKP) en die Suid-Afrikaanse Vakverbond COSATO - nou aktief deur die RNE nagestreef word, selfs in die huidige klimaat van uiterste teëstand deur die SAKP en die Suid-Afrikaanse Vakverbond. Hierdie artikel ondersoek die privatiseringsproses van die ANC-bewind in terme van die standpunt dat hierdie proses nie net uiters geheimsinnig voorkom nie, maar ook plaasgevind het sonder regmatige deelname en konsultasie met die wye publiek en die ANC se huidige vennote. Die gevolgtrekking wat hier beredeneer word is dat privatisering geïmplementeer word as 'n onverhandelbare ontwikkelingsmeganisme - 'n beleidsinstrument deur dictum.
Re-creation, tourism and historical presentation: the cases of Georgetown, Colorado (USA), and Gamkaskloof, Western Province (South Africa) considered.
19 March 2012
North West University

Goetze, Tim

Die geskiedenis van twee gemeenskappe, een wat op mynbou gegrond was en die ander op boerdery, word in die artikel vergelyk. Georgetown, Colorado, in die V.S.A. het in 1859 ontstaan, terwyl die koloniale wording van die Gamkaskloof-gemeenskap in Suid-Afrika vanaf 1841 strek. Beide gemeenskappe is deur middel van paaie meer toegangklik gemaak, met uiteenlopende gevolge. Beide verkeer tans in 'n oorgangsproses. Hulle word herskep as weerspieëlings van hulle onderskeie verledes ten einde hulle toekoms te probeer waarborg. Georgetown, 'n eertydse mynboudorp, was in sy gloriedae die 'silwer koningin' van die Rotsgebergtes genoem. Sy status het in die begin van die twintigste eeu tot die van 'n spookdorp gedaal. Vanaf die middel van die 1940s het verskeie mense pogings aangewend om Georgetown te restoureer, ten einde die verlede werklikheid van sy kulturele en historiese landskap te probeer herstel. Gamkaskloof, 'n eertydse oorwegend Afrikaner boerderygemeenskap in die Swartberge van die Suid-Kaap in Suid-Afrika het 'n vergelykbare ontwikkeling deurgeloop. Gevolglik is Georgetown en Gamkaskloof vergelykbare voorbeelde van mense se futiele ywer om die skyn van verlore kulture as werklikhede aan te bied.
"Garrisoning the moon against an attack from Mars"; the siege of Mafeking and the imperial mindset.
19 March 2012
North West University

Bottomley, John

Die Beleg van Mafeking sal altyd 'n belangrike hoofstuk in die annale van Imperialisme wees. Die amptelike interpretasie van gebeure word geboekstaaf deur dagboeke. Drie Victoria Kruise is toegeken, en loopbane en reputasies, wat die glorie van 'n dankbare Ryk weerspieël het, was gewaarborg. Maar was dit die realiteit? Hierdie referaat poog om 'n breër perspektief en derhalwe 'n beter begrip van die Beleg weer te gee. Dit sluit in Sol Plaatje se beskrywing van die onthutsende opofferings deur swartes; Abraham Stafleu se weergawe van die onbekwaamheid en onverdraagsaamheid van die Boereleierskap en hoe naby hulle aan 'n oorwinning was. Ada Cock met haar babas se heroïese stryd om oorlewing te midde van 'n nagmerriewêreld van angs en warboel. Sulke dergelike wyd uiteenlopende perspektiewe illustreer die dilemmas in die weg van die wat Imperialisme wil verstaan. Hierdie ideologie het sy ontstaan te danke aan die Britse adel se oorlewingsdrang en het ontwikkel tot 'n globale dominasie-meganisme. Die magie van Imperialisme het miljoene betower en vele het hulle lewens daarvoor opgeoffer. Teenoor diegene wat die Imperialistiese ideaal gedien het, was daar bevolkingsgroepe wat gely het; en selfs in die 1990s is daar nag groot bevolkingsgroepe van 'lewende gewondes' wat sukkel om hulle te versoen met die wêreld wat die Imperialiste geskep het.
Potchefstroom se stigting 1838 of 1839?
28 March 2012
North West University

Van der Schyff, P F

• Opsomming: Verkeerde en/of aanvegbare bronvertolkings het 'n belangrike rol gespeel in die aanvaarding van 1838 as vestigingsdatum van Potchefstroom. Belangstelling in die vestigingsfase van die Trekkers in die Oorvaalse gebied het egter gelei tot nuwe inligting en 'n herinterpretasie van bekende bronne. Daaruit blyk dit dat Andries Hendrik Potgieter in Junie 1838 grond tussen die Vet- en Vaalrivier van Makwana vir beeste geruil het. Kort daarna het die registrasie van plase begin. Teen vroeg-Desember 1838 toe Potgieter verneem dat die Kaapse regering moontlik in die Trekkers se sake kon inmeng, bet hy 'n 'onafhanklikheidsverklaring' uitgevaardig waarvolgens Mzilikazi se gebied beset sou word. Nadat hy vasgestel bet dat Mzilikazi 'land-uit' gevlug het, het die Voortrekkerleier besluit om tot permanente vestiging oor te gaan. Verskeie bronne en omstandigheidsgetuienis dui daarop dat Potchefstroom in Maart/April 1839 gestig is, terwyl die eerste registrasie van plase in die streek eers op 3 Junie 1839 plaasgevind het.
Mfengu beach labour and Port Elizabeth harbour development.
05 April 2012
North West University

Inggs, E J

• Opsomming: Die wyse waarop skepe in die hawe van Port Elizabeth op- en afgelaai is, het tussen 1820 en 1870 feitlik onveranderd gebly. Die platboomskuite waarin alle goedere gelaai is, moes deur middel van 'n sleeptoustelsel die berugte branders van Algoabaai tussen die hawe en die ankerplek trotseer. Arbeiders moes op bulle beurt weer die platboomskuite laai en daarmee deur die soms onstuimige see strand toe swoeg. Hierdie soort werk is van die Sesde Grensoorlog (1834-1835) af tot en met die sogenaamde beesdoodmaakepisode van 1857 uitsluitlik deur lede van die Mfengustam verrig. Totdat 'n reeks kaaie tussen 1869 en 1902 gebou is, was daar geen ander metode van strandvervoer nie en kon Mfenguarbeiders gevolglik besondere bedingingsmag uitoefen. Hulle was dan ook verantwoordelik vir die eerste opgetekende staking in Suid-Afrika toe bulle op 9 November 1846 vir hoër lone gestaak het.
Dynasty building, family networks and social capital: alcohol pachters and the development of a colonial elite at the Cape of Good Hope, c. 1760-1790.
11 June 2012
North West University

Groenewald, Gerald

A hallmark of colonisation was extensive social reconfiguration, leading to the development of local elites which differed from the metropolitan and indigenous patterns. Historians of the Cape of Good Hope during the VOC era have identified the development of a local elite during the eighteenth century. The Cape gentry, consisting of grain and wine farmers in the hinterland of Cape Town, consolidated their power and influence over several generations through capital accumulation in the form of land and slaves, and through contracting endogamous marriages. This article contributes to this scholarship by adding a missing dimension: urban entrepreneurs in the form of the alcohol pachters (lease-holders). It traces how kinship, entrepreneurship and social capital were used by these people to gain economic advancement, and how the use of these factors changed over time. The article argues that the 1770s present a change-over from an earlier era when alcohol entrepreneurs were largely immigrant-based and used their cultural identities to their advantage, to a system where the urban and rural elites increasingly contracted business and social alliances. As such this study argues that the foundations of the Cape gentry lay in more than the accumulation of land and slaves. The entrepreneurial activities of alcohol pachters in Cape Town and their increasing alliances with the rural elite played an important role in creating an intricate network of wealthy and influential elite families at the Cape of Good Hope by the end of the eighteenth century.
Grading and price in the accommodation sector of South Africa
16 August 2012
North West University

Saayman, Melville;Du Plessis, Engelina

Hierdie artikel fokus op ’n analise van die verhouding tussen gradering en prys in die akkommodasie-sektor in Suid-Afrika. Die navorsing is uitgevoer in samewerking met die hoofrolspelers in die akkommodasie-sektor naamlik SATSA (South African Tourism Service Association), FEDHASA (Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa) en TGCSA (Tourism Grading Council of South Africa). Spearman Rank-korrelasie is uitgevoer en die resultate toon ’n sterk korrelasie tussen die gradering van die akkommodasie en prys. Dit bevestig dat bestuurders “sterre” as simbole van die tipe gehalte wat hulle kan aanwend om ’n “waarde-vir-geld”-ervaring aan te dui wanneer toeriste akkommodasie teen ’n bepaalde prys kies.
Analysing the onus issue in dismissals emanating from the enforcement of unilateral changes to conditions of employment
03 September 2012
North West University

Ismail, R;Tshoose, I

The main objective of this article is to analyse the issue of onus emanating from the enforcement of unilateral changes to conditions of employment. At the heart of the controversy that has faced the Labour Appeal Court was how to interpret dismissals that appear to be based on operational requirements, and yet at the same time, such dismissals also appear to have the effect of compelling an employee to accept a demand in respect of a matter of mutual interest between the employer and the employee. The core section in the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 relating to disputes of this nature is section 187(1)(c) of the Act, and the central enquiry to such disputes is whether they are automatically unfair or operationally justifiable. The fine line that determines whether a dismissal is acceptable or not merits an analysis of the overall onus that faces an employer and employee. This analysis is the focus of the article, which deals predominantly with procedural issues. The issue relating to the promotion of collective bargaining will be assessed against the right to dismiss, based on an analysis of the situation in South Africa, and a brief comparison with the situations in the United Kingdom and Canada. Thereafter, recommendations are made to the South African legislature.
The right of child victims of armed conflict to reintegration and recovery
03 September 2012
North West University

Robinson, J A

Article 39 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child provides for the right to recovery and reintegration of child victims of armed conflict. In this publication an explanation is tendered of when children are considered to be victims of armed conflict. Specific reference is made to the question of whether or not a former child soldier may be viewed as such a child victim. In addition the question is addressed of how a monist or dualist approach in terms of which treaty law is incorporated into municipal law influences the rights of child victims in terms of article 39 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child. Thirdly, article 39 is discussed against the background of the international human rights instrument, the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
South Africa - safe haven for human traffickers? Employing the arsenal of existing law to combat human trafficking
03 September 2012
North West University

Kruger, H B;Oosthuizen, H

Having ratified the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, South Africa is obliged to adopt legislative measures that criminalise human trafficking and comply with other standards laid down in this international instrument. However, by mid-2011, South Africa had not enacted the required comprehensive counter-trafficking legislation. The question that now arises is if the absence of such anti-trafficking legislation poses an insurmountable obstacle to the prosecution of traffickers for trafficking-related activities. In asking this question the article examines the utilisation of existing crimes in order to prosecute and punish criminal activities committed during the human trafficking process. Firstly, a selection of existing common law and statutory crimes that may often be applicable to traffickingrelated activities is mapped out. Secondly, transitional trafficking provisions in the Children's Act 38 of 2005 and the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007 are discussed. Finally, since the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Bill B7 of 2010 will in all probability be enacted in the near future, the use of other criminal law provisions in human trafficking prosecutions, even after the passing of this bill into law, is reflected upon.
Disability discrimination and the right of disabled persons to access the labour market
03 September 2012
North West University

Marumoagae, M C

Inequality, discrimination and transformation remain the key challenges which most employers are faced with in the South African labour market. Key among such challenges has also been employers' ability to ensure that persons with disabilities access the labour market. In this paper I highlight employment discrimination experienced by persons with disabilities in South African workplaces, which often prohibits them from accessing employment opportunities. I argue that employers need to consider employing persons with disabilities and also reasonably to accommodate them within South African workplaces. I further illustrate efforts by the legislature to eradicate forms of unjustified discrimination against persons with disabilities through the enactment of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998. I argue that all of us need to understand how cultural, social, physical and other barriers continue to prevent persons with disabilities in South Africa from enjoying their constitutional rights to equality, freedom and human dignity, and further, that it is desirable that society at large and government work together towards eradicating barriers which prevent persons with disabilities from accessing the labour market.
UNISA v Reynhardt [2010] 12 BLLR 1272 (LAC): does affirmative action have a lifecycle?
03 September 2012
North West University

Mushariwa, M

The Employment Equity Act (EEA) was enacted to achieve equity in the workplace by prohibiting unfair discrimination and by requiring the implementation of affirmative action measures to ensure the adequate representation of designated groups. To ensure compliance with the EEA a designated employer must ensure that it formulates an affirmative action policy within which employment equity targets are stipulated and met. One of the on-going debates around affirmative action is whether it has a life-span. One school of thought argues that affirmative action requires a legislated sunset clause, in which considerations of race, gender and disability will no longer be implemented by employers, instead of which each employer will look to employ a candidate who is suitably qualified for the vacant post. The other school of thought argues that the need for affirmative action is two-fold: to redress past inequalities, but also to deal with existing inequalities within society. Having a sunset clause this would negate the aim of affirmative action to deal effectively with both kinds of inequalities and also the creation of a representative workforce. In the case of UNISA v Reynhardt it was held that once an employer has reached his employment equity targets it is no longer justifiable for it to apply affirmative action, but that the principle to be applied is that the most suitably qualified candidate is to be appointed. The non-application of affirmative action is subject to an employer’s commitment to meeting employment equity targets and a recognition by the employer that once these targets are reached they must be maintained within the organisation. Consequently, once a disparity exists, affirmative action must again be applied, resulting in the imputation of a distinct lifecycle to affirmative action. Failure on the part of the employer to do this would have the potential of creating reverse discrimination against employees who are not the beneficiaries of affirmative action.
Achieving "decent work" in South Africa?
04 September 2012
North West University

Cohen, T;Moodley, L

The fundamental goal of the International Labour Organisation is the achievement of decent and productive work for both women and men in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity. The South African government has pledged its commitment to the attainment of decent work and sustainable livelihoods for all workers and has undertaken to mainstream decent work imperatives into national development strategies. The four strategic objectives of decent work as identified by the ILO are: i) the promotion of standards and rights at work, to ensure that worker's constitutionally protected rights to dignity, equality and fair labour practices, amongst others, are safeguarded by appropriate legal frameworks; (ii) the promotion of employment creation and income opportunities, with the goal being not just the creation of jobs but the creation of jobs of acceptable quality; (iii) the provision and improvement of social protection and social security, which are regarded as fundamental to the alleviation of poverty, inequality and the burden of care responsibilities; and (iv) the promotion of social dialogue and tripartism. This article considers the progress made towards the attainment of these decent work objectives in South Africa, using five statistical indicators to measure such progress namely: (i) employment opportunities; (ii) adequate earnings and productive work; (iii) stability and security of work; (iv) social protection; and (v) social dialogue and workplace relations. It concludes that high levels of unemployment and a weakened economy in South Africa have given rise to a growing informal sector and an increase in unacceptable working conditions and exploitation. The rights of workers in the formal sector have not filtered down to those in the informal sector, who remains vulnerable and unrepresented. Job creation initiatives have been undermined by the global recession and infrastructural shortcomings and ambitious governmental targets appear to be unachievable, with youth unemployment levels and gender inequalities remaining of grave concern. Social protection programmes fail to provide adequate coverage to the majority of the economically active population. Social dialogue processes and organisational structures fail to accommodate or represent the interests of the informal sector. Until these problems are overcome, the article concludes, it remains unlikely that decent work imperatives will be attained.
Job characteristics, work-home interference and burnout: testing a structural model in the South African context
19 October 2012
North West University

Mostert, Karina

The aim of this study was to test a structural model that included job demands and job resources, negative work–home interference (WHI) and burnout (exhaustion, cognitive weariness and cynicism). A cross-sectional survey design was used. Random samples (n = 330) were taken of workers employed in the earthmoving industry in eight provinces of South Africa. Job characteristics (including job pressure, job control and job support) were measured by items that were adapted from the Job Content Questionnaire and a validated questionnaire on experience and evaluation of work. The Survey Work–Home Interaction – Nijmegen was used to measure negative WHI, while the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey and cognitive weariness scale were administered to measure exhaustion, cognitive weariness and cynicism. Structural equation modelling with Amos showed that job demands (e.g. job pressure) and job resources (job control, supervisor support and colleague support) contributed to negative WHI. Negative WHI mediated the relationship between job demands and burnout and partially mediated between job resources and burnout.
Linking international trade and labour standards: the effectiveness of sanctions under the European Union's GSP
01 November 2012
North West University

Cuyvers, Ludo;Zhou, Weifeng

Linking international trade and labour standards is one of the ways to make countries comply with their international obligations to respect core labour standards. Under the European Union's Generalized System of Preferences (EU's GSP), trade preferences of Myanmar in 1997 and Belarus in 2006 were withdrawn for the use of forced labour and for violations of the freedom of association. This paper highlights the EU's GSP scheme and idea of linking EU trade policy to core labour standards. Based on two case studies, we investigate the trade effects of the EU sanctions on the target country and analyse the effectiveness of the GSP sanctions. We find that using the EU's GSP regime to sanction countries which violate the core labour standards has very limited effectiveness. However, sanctions can be an effective way to demonstrate the political commitment to a particular set of values and norms such as core labour standards. Sanctions may also deter other countries from committing violations.
Job characteristics, work-nonwork interference and the role of recovery strategies amongst employees in a tertiary institution
07 December 2012
North West University

Koekemoer, Frieda Eileen;Mostert, Karina;Oosthuizen, Jani

Orientation: Although work characteristics and recovery strategies are associated with work- family interference, the influence on specific types of work-nonwork interference (W-NWI) has not been investigated. Research purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of work characteristics and recovery strategies on four types of W-NWI. Motivation for the study: It is clear from the literature that job characteristics and W-NWI have adverse effects on employees’ health and well-being. It is therefore important to identify work characteristics and recovery strategies associated with W-NWI. Research design, approach and method: A cross-sectional survey design was used in this study. The target population was married employees with children working at a Tertiary Education Institution (TEI) in the North West Province (N = 366). Main findings: Work pressure and emotional demands significantly predicted all the work-nonwork role interference dimensions. A lack of autonomy predicted work-parent interference and work-religion and/or spirituality interference, whilst a lack of development possibilities predicted work-religion and/or spirituality interference. Relaxation and mastery recovery experiences significantly predicted lower work-parent interference. A lack of psychological detachment and relaxation were significantly associated with lower work- spouse interference. Relaxation and control significantly predicted lower work-domestic interference, whilst psychological detachment significantly predicted lower work-religion and/or spirituality interference. Practical/managerial implications: The results give managers insight into the specific work characteristics and recovery experiences that play a role in W-NWI, upon which interventions can be based to address these issues. Contribution/value-add: This study provides information on the relationship between work characteristics, recovery experiences and the effect on different types of W-NWI.
Unravelling safety compliance in the mining industry: examining the role of work stress, job insecurity, satisfaction and commitment as antecedents
14 January 2013
North West University

Masia, Uanda;Pienaar, Jacobus

Orientation: Safety compliance remains a major issue in the South African mining industry. This article explores the roles of specific work-related job and attitudinal variables in predicting complianceResearch purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship of work stress, job insecurity, satisfaction and commitment to safety compliance in a mine. Motivation for the study: The study aims to predict safety compliance through work-related variables in order to manage safet better. Research design, approach and method: The researchers used a cross-sectional survey design with a convenience sample (n = 158). They distributed a survey booklet. It included a biographical questionnaire, scales for job insecurity, satisfaction, affective organisational commitment, workplace accidents and safety compliance as well as a work stress measure that comprised dimensions of role clarity, conflict and overload. Main findings: The results showed that work stress and job insecurity had a negative relationship with safety compliance. The researchers found that only job satisfaction was a significant predictor of safety. Practical/managerial implications: Although exploratory, this study suggests that promoting job satisfaction may improve safety compliance whilst job stress and job insecurity also relate negatively to safety compliance. Contribution/value-add: This study shows that job satisfaction is more important than organisational commitment, job security and work stress for predicting safety compliance
The role of human dignity in the assessment of fair compensation for unfair dismissals
15 January 2013
North West University

Vettori, S

South African labour law is concerned with the attainment of fairness for both the employer and the employee. In weighing up the interests of the respective parties it is of paramount importance to ensure that a delicate balance is achieved so as to give credence to commercial reality as well as an individual's right to dignity. In other words the attainment of fairness in the employment relationship must give cognisance not only to surrounding socio-economic reality but also to human rights. The environment within which the world of work operates has at its core a free enterprise economy. Ultimately, an employer should generally not be penalised to the extent that it is crippled and unable to continue operating. It is argued in this article that in ascertaining what constitutes appropriate compensation for an unfair dismissal, the underlying reality that labour law operates in a free enterprise system must be and is given cognisance to by the legislation and the courts. At the same time in ascertaining what constitutes fair compensation for unfair dismissal due regard must be had not only to the labour rights contained in the Constitution but also to other rights protected in terms of the Constitution, most importantly, the rights to dignity and equality. The fact that the basis of the employment relationship is commercial and an employer is entitled and even encouraged to make profits is reflected in our law by the fact that there are caps on the amount of compensation for unfair dismissal in the interests of business efficiency and certainty. However, an analysis of relevant case law demonstrates that this can never be at the expense of a person's dignity. Hence the notion that the employment relationship is relational. This is reflected by the interpretation given to the legislation by the courts. Where there has been discrimination or an impairment of the employee's dignity, there are no such limits as to the amount of compensation a court can award. If there has been unfair discrimination, the courts may even award punitive and non-pecuniary damages.
Activation in the context of the unemployment insurance system in South Africa
25 January 2013
North West University

Dupper, Ockert;Govindjee, Avinash;Olivier, Marius Paul

The main aim of labour market activation policies is to bring jobless people from unemployment or inactivity into work or, at the very least, to influence the employment prospects of the unemployed positively. Activation schemes typically make benefit receipt conditional upon job search activities, acceptance of available job offers and participation in training activities. This article addresses the appropriate role of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) in the establishment of activation in South Africa. It focuses on a number of principled and practical considerations and constraints that challenge the use of activation mechanisms, such as the fragmentation of the existing legal and institutional frameworks, the lack of available employment opportunities and human rights considerations. It is argued that the limited and short-term impact of the UIF, its strong labour-market orientation and its inability to appropriately contribute to preventing and combating unemployment or to reintegrate the unemployed into the labour market all point to the urgent need to reform the UIF. The gaps in the current unemployment insurance system are highlighted, as is the need to enhance the relationship between the unemployment insurance system and (appropriate) activation measures. The role of existing social security and employment creation initiatives in this dynamic is also considered. In particular, the absence of a link between those excluded from the UIF and the activation mechanisms introduced by the Skills Development Act 97 of 1998 is underscored. Proposals contained in the Employment Services Bill are also evaluated. It is suggested that an expanded form of employment services provision, incorporating a network of labour centres, ought to receive prioritisation in the South African context. This must be coupled with a move to consolidate the various available governmental databases in terms of which unemployed persons may register as job-seekers. The creation of an enabling framework to achieve such goals would require a variety of legislative changes, some of which are discussed in the article.
Redesigning the South African unemployment insurance fund: selected key policy and legal perspectives
25 January 2013
North West University

Dupper, Ockert;Govindjee, Avinash;Olivier, Marius Paul

This contribution examines selected issues from a policy and legal perspective. Against the background of the broader social security reform agenda in South Africa and the vision of a comprehensive social security system, the contribution covers five key areas, namely alignment with international standards; the need to develop synergies with the rest of the social security system and for institutional reform and alignment; addressing certain material deficiencies and inconsistencies in the UIF legislation (with reference to removing the restriction on certain contributors to benefit and redefining the range of dependants); re-aligning the current UIF benefit regime to focus on loss of employment; and improving the UIF benefit regime through the introduction of standardised measures and other reforms (with reference to the indexation of benefits, utilising a minimum wage arrangement as a basis for benefit enhancement, adjusting the contribution rate and developing a streamlined adjudication framework). It is argued that complying with relevant international standards will move South Africa closer to be in a position to ratify these instruments, in particular ILO Convention 102 of 1952 on minimum standards in social security. Ample opportunity exists to introduce streamlined approaches in among others the collection of contributions and shared benefit payment facilities and arrangements, and the harmonisation of benefits. However, particular considerations and substantive constraints define and circumscribe the extent and content of the alignment of the UIF that is currently considered. These relate in particular to the compensation function of the UIF; its role as a labour market instrument; and the need to recognise unemployment insurance as a separate risk category with a ringfenced contribution and benefit regime framework. It should also be considered to separate unemployment insurance benefits in the strict sense of the word (ie benefits accruing to a beneficiary as a result of loss of employment) from unemployment-related benefits such as sickness, maternity and adoption benefits.
Assimilation of tourism satellite accounts and applied general equilibrium models to inform tourism policy analysis
30 January 2013
North West University

Rossouw, Riaan;Saayman, Melville

Historically, tourism policy analysis in South Africa has posed challenges to accurate measurement. The primary reason for this is that tourism is not designated as an 'industry' in standard economic accounts. This paper therefore demonstrates the relevance and need for applied general equilibrium (AGE) models to be completed and extended through an integration with tourism satellite accounts (TSAs) as a tool for policy makers (especially tourism policy makers) in South Africa. The paper sets out the reasons behind the need for economic models for policy analysis and other purposes, and gives an overview of old and new approaches to tourism policy modelling. The relevance of integrated models to, specifically, tourism policy analysis both internationally and in the South African context is discussed, followed by an illustrative empirical simulation of an exogenous inbound tourism expansion of 10%, against the background of the relationship between tourism and economic development. Furthermore, the indirect effects of an input-output model are also presented for comparison. The results confirm that the integrated approach is a more accurate tool for policy analysis.
European and American perspectives on the choice of law regarding cross-border insolvencies of multinational corporations - suggestions for South Africa
31 January 2013
North West University

Weideman, J;Stander, A L

An increase in economic globalisation and international trade has amounted to an increase in the number of multinational enterprises that have debt, own assets and conduct business in various jurisdictions around the world. This, coupled with the recent worldwide economic recession, has inevitably caused the increased occurrence of multinational financial default, also known as cross-border insolvency (CBI). The legal response to this trend has, inter alia, produced two important international instruments that were designed to address key issues associated with CBI. Firstly, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) adopted the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency (the Model Law) in 1997, which has been adopted by nineteen countries including the United States of America and South Africa. Secondly, the European Union (EU) adopted the European Council Regulation on Insolvency Proceedings (EC Regulation) in 2000. Both the EC Regulation and Chapter 15 adopt a “modified universalist” approach towards CBI matters. Europe and the United States of America are currently the world leaders in the area of CBI and the CBI legislation adopted and applied in these jurisdictions seems to be effective. As South Africa’s Cross-Border Insolvency Act is not yet effective, there is no local policy guidance available to insolvency practitioners with regard to the application of the Model Law. At the basis of this article is the view that an analysis of the European and American approaches to CBI matters will provide South African practitioners with valuable insight, knowledge and lessons that could be used to understand and apply the principles adopted and applied in terms of the EC Regulation and Chapter 15, specifically the COMI concept, the “establishment” concept in the case of integrated multinational enterprises and related aspects.
Empowering peripheral writing: a case of South African Black English (SABE).
12 February 2013
North West University

Ngwenya, Temba

Tshobokanyo: Melebo ya molebopopego le molebotlhaeletsano e na le go leba boitshwaro jwa tekatenano le maitsholo a setemokerasi ka mokgwa o o fosagetseng fa go tlhalosiwa Seesimane sa Bantsho ba Aforika Borwa (SBAB). Fa mo letlhakoreng le lengwe ba amogela gore ditumalano tsa dikwalo di a farologana mo merafeng ka go farologana ga yona, melebo e, fa gongwe ga e netefatse gore ditumalano tsa dikwalo di fitlhelega ka go lekana mo bakwading botlhe le go nna le mosola o o lekanang. Ka mafoko a mangwe, le fa ba amogela dipharologano tse, melebo e ya popego le tlhaeletsano ga se gantsi e lekalekanya dipharologano le dikamano tse di sa lekalekaneng tsa dithata. Ka ntlha ya se, gantsi e ikgatholosa go tlhoka maatlafatso le go ikamologanya le baithuti ba dikwalo tsa bona di ikgatholosiwang le go sa tsewe tsia. Patlisiso e, e dirisa molebo wa patlisiso ya mekgwamentsi ya thuto ya saense ya merafe e e farologaneng ka go sekaseka ditlhamo di le 82 tsa baithuti ba ngwaga wa ntlha wa molao ba ba ithutang khoso ya kgopololo ya go kwala ka mokgwa wa seakatemi. Patlisiso e e amogela ponalo ya morago ga molebopopego mme e sekaseka dikwalo e seng fela jaaka dilo tse di thata tsa puo le ditiro tsa molomo kgotsa tse e seng tsa molomo mme e lemoga le khuetso ya ditiro tse di tlholang go nna teng ga botho le go ntsifala ga merafe gore e tle e tlamele merafe e e feeketsang e mengwe ka ditshwanelo tsa dikgatlhegelo tsa bona. Ka jalo, dikwalo ga di tsewe jaaka tse di sa tseyeng letlhakore ka gonne di na le bokao jwa setso le jwa ditumelo e bile di rotloetsa ka moo batho ba iponang le go bona seabe sa bona ka teng mo setšhabeng. Le fa ba amogela gore baithuti ba ba ikgatholosiwang ba tshwanelwa ke go tlhokomela melawana ya thutapuo le go tlhaeletsana ka tshwanelo, pampiri e, e botsa dipotso tsa mofuta oo, tse di jaaka tse: Melawana e, e tlhokomela dikgatlhegelo tsa ga mang? A go na le setlhopha sengwe sa melawana se se ka atolosang dikgonagalo tsa moithuti? E tswelela gape go tlhotlhomisa potso ya gore a mme phatloso e e dirisang SBAB jaaka sediriswa le ntlha ya go fitlhelela Seesimane sa maemo a a kannweng, e ka amogelwa. Le fa phatloso e e ntseng jalo e lemoga tlhokego ya baithuti ba ba ikgatholosiwang gore ba fitlhelele Seesimane sa maemo a a kwannweng ka gonne fa ba sa dire jalo, ba tla tswelela go ikganela mo dilong, phatloso e, e netefatsa gore setaele sa baithuti ba, se se tshwanang se le nosi, boitshupo jwa bona, le dingwao tsa bona di somarelwe. Phatloso e e ntseng jalo e ka se maatlafatse baithuti ba ba ikgatholosiwang fela e tla ba maatlafatsa ka mokgwa o ba iponang ka ona le seabe sa bona mo setšhabeng.
Alternatives to imprisonment in South Africa: a historical perspective, 1980’s to present.
12 February 2013
North West University

Singh, Shanta

Sedert die afgelope twee dekades het Suid-Afrika alternatiewe metodes van straf en kriminele geregtigheid ondersoek. Alternatiewe vorme van straf vir gewone strawwe soos tronkstraf, boetes en opgeskorte vonnisse, is tot dusver op ‘n klein skaal in Suid-Afrika gebruik. In Suid-Afrika duur die oorbevolking van gevangenisse voort as een van die mees kwellende probleme vir die Departement van Korrektiewe Dienste. Aan die einde van Januarie 2007 het die Suid-Afrikaanse tronke ‘n bevolking van 161 639 gevangenes gehuisves, terwyl hulle net in staat was van ‘n kapasiteit om 46 376 gevangenes te akkommodeer. Die gevolg was ‘n oorbevolking van 46 379 (139.46%) gevangenes. ‘n Oorbevolking lei tot hindernisse in die proses van ‘n implementering van rehabilitasieprogramme. Die gevolg is dat gevangenes ure lank in hul selle opgesluit is, wat ‘n skadelike uitwerking op hulle geestelike en fisiese gesondheid het. Pogings om lewenstandaarde en tronke se gesondheidsdienste te verbeter, en om die verspreiding van MIV infeksie onder die medebewoners te verhoed, word daardeur verder bemoeilik. Terwyl minimale sukses behaal is die vermindering van getalle, bly die getal inkomende gevangenes ook steeds te veel. In hierdie artikel is die verskillende alternatiewe strafopsies wat beskikbaar is in die kriminele regstelsel in Suid-Afrika nagegaan en/of hersien. Strafdoeleindes, tronkstraf en tronk oorbevolking in die Suid Afrikaanse strafinrigtings is ook ondersoek.
Tiragatso ya itlhagiso ya aetlhare se se okeditsweng ka kgetsi mo bothateng jwa popo ya metato ya dipeipi tsa oli
27 February 2013
North West University

Baitshenyetsi, L.T.;Hattingh, J.M.;Kruger, H.A.

Go na le mathata a mantsi a ditshwetso tsa tiriso tse di welang mo mathateng a a mo setlhopheng sa kelelo ya kgokagano le palo e kgolo ya dikai tsa tiragatso tse di ka bonwang mo dikgaolong jaaka tsa neeletsanyokgakala, thwalo, boenjineri, saense ya dikhomphutara jalo le jalo. Mo pampiring e, kgonagalo ya go tlhagisa mmotlele wa kelelo ya kgokagano o o leng mmotlele wa kgokagano ya setlhare mme morago re e rarabolole ka go dirisa itlhagiso ya setlhare se se okeditsweng ka kgetsi ka go e batlisisa. Go bapisa le go tlhwatlhwafatsa thekeniki e e tlhagisiwang, thuto ya nnete e e totobetseng e e dirilweng (bothata jwa popo ya motato wa dipeipi tsa oli) e tlhophilwe go tswa mo dikwalong gore e dirisiwe go nna motheo wa porojeke e ya patlisiso. Ka go latela pono ya bothata jwa popo ya metato ya dipeipi, tlhabololo ya sekao sa setlhare se se okeditsweng ka kgetsi se tlaa tlhagisiwa. Tiragatso ya mokgwa o mo bothateng jwa popo ya metato ya dipeipi tsa oli e tlaa tlhagisiwa morago. Maduo a a bonwang a tlaa tlhagisiwa mme a bontsha gore go na le boleng jwa go ka dirisa itlhagiso ya setlhare se se okeditsweng ka kgetsi go ka rarabolola tse dingwe tsa mathata a kelelo ya dikgokagano.
Navigating the hills and voluntary confinement: Magweja and the socio-economic and political negotiation for space in the diamond mining landscape of Chiadzwa in Zimbabwe, 2006-2009.
04 March 2013
North West University

Nyamunda, Tinashe;Mukwambo, Patience;Nyandoro, Mark

This article focuses on the socio-economic and political experiences of the artisanal diamond miners and the various communities within the hills of Chiadzwa situated in the Marange area of Manicaland Province in Zimbabwe. The diamond rush by Magweja which can be traced back to 2006 ended in 2009 with the violent expulsion of Magweja in January 2009 under operation “dzokera kumusha”. This phase in the country’s mining history has popularly been characterised by the miners as a “free for all” period. Although there is a lot of emerging literature focusing on different aspects of Chiadzwa and indeed the activities of magweja, none has focused on the physical and corporeal dimensions operating within that landscape and how this was informed by shifting political, economic and social conditions. Using at different times, law enforcement, state security and military apparatus, the state increasingly assumed a secure hold over the area as a way of protecting the natural resources of the country from exploitation. The magweja felt they were not only being subordinated to a strong and powerful state, but they were being deprived, since the inception of Chiadzwa, of the right to enjoy the wealth that naturally flows from a diamond mining activity located in their district. This is what propelled the miners to devise adaptation and survival strategies which in turn engendered the relationship of conflict between the state and the artisanal mining community in Chiadzwa from 2006 to 2009. The article explores this interaction and its intricacies with particular reference to the material conditions that affected the magweja as part of their negotiation for space within the diamondiferous landscape. In the beginning, entry into this lucrative mining enterprise was relatively easier, but later it became increasingly difficult culminating in the eventual expulsion and exclusion of magweja from diamond extraction. In the entire period from 2006 to 2009, magweja could not construct any settlement or living structures in this habitat which had become a home for many of them. Ironically, for a place that had vast economic potential for all involved, Chiadzwa came to be identified simply as “musango” (bush or thicket) or “kumunda” (the field) where the artisanal miners sought to eke out a living under the literally open, unsheltered landscape. The article thus characterises magweja’s entry into the highly policed and increasingly militarised Chiadzwa fields as acquiescing to voluntary confinement. It also traces the trajectory of individual and collective experiences and memories of magweja as a specific and important factor in the early diamond extraction narratives. State involvement is perceived and portrayed as a bane to the economic well-being of the local community.
The paradox of migration and the interest of the atomistic nation-states: the Southern African perspective
23 May 2013
North West University

Ngandwe, Phazha Jimmy

The "paradox of migration and the interests of the atomistic nation-states" interrogates the phenomenon of migration in general and in the Southern African Development Community in particular. The point of departure of the paper is the African Union and the Southern African Development Community’s legal framework on migration, as read with the national legal instruments of the different member states. Its focal point is the raison d’être of this phenomenon of migration and the corresponding approaches and attitudes of the nation-states within which migration takes place inter se. This includes the psycho-social impact of migration. Internationally as well as regionally, States are concerned with issues of sovereignty, the preservation of the welfare of the citizenry, ensuring social cohesion social, cultural and economic development including job creation, and fighting against transnational organised crime, including terrorism. The theme of the paper is that whereas migration should form the bedrock of regionalism and globalisation, the negative attitudes of the nation-states to migration are more often than not at variance with the objectives of regionalism and globalisation. The central question of the research is how states can discharge their duties and obligations vis-à-vis their nationals without perpetuating the bottlenecks to and the stigma that attaches to migration and thereby upsetting the international as well as regional integration objectives of the free movement of people. This is the issue that the paper is intended to explore. The main areas of concern are that the negative attitudes of the nation-states are manifested in the hostile treatment of migrants at all ports of entry, including illegal or ungazetted points of entry, within the nationstates in general, and in their labour markets in particular. This research therefore explores the paradoxical nature of the duties and responsibilities of states within the migration and mobility discourse. The paper will conclude by making practical recommendations aimed at influencing policy and law.
Informality, employment contracts, and social insurance coverage: rights-based perspectives in a developing world context
10 June 2013
North West University

Olivier, Marius Paul

This contribution critically reflects on rights-based perspectives in relation to the extension of social security, in particular social insurance coverage to those who work informally, with a focus on the developing world. It is argued that the traditional social security concept is insufficient in this regard, mainly as a result of its particular focus on formal employment-based social insurance, its emphasis on state-regulated and formal forms of social security, and a narrowly focused risk/benefit approach, which does not reflect the true needs and situation of those who work informally. Domestic (social security) legal systems, as is the case with international standards embedded in most of the International Labour Organization (ILO) instruments, have a primary focus on those in the formal economy, who work within the framework of an identifiable employment relationship. In addition, there appears to be little scope to apply employment contracts outside the framework of the traditional employment relationship to support coverage extension of social insurance arrangements. Alternative approaches to and opportunities for coverage extension are suggested. These include: adopting innovative conceptual approaches to extend coverage beyond those who work in terms of a contract of employment; using contractual tracking approaches and deeming measures; and deliberately widening the base of social insurance coverage through targeted accommodation of informal workers. Finally, it is argued that there is need for a strengthened rights-based framework, supported and informed by suitable international standards, regional norms, and constitutional prescriptions, to ensure that social security, in particular social insurance coverage, is extended to informal workers.
The rights granted to trade unions under the Companies Act 71 of 2008
16 October 2013
North West University

Schoeman, Heidi C

With the entering into force of the Companies Act 71 of 2008 in 2011 a number of rights were granted to trade unions by the act. The Companies Act 71 of 2008 not only grants rights to registered trade unions, as is the case in labour law, but in some cases it grants rights to trade unions representing employees at the workplace. It is argued that rights afforded to trade unions by the act ought to be granted only to trade unions that are registered in terms of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995. In addition, it is also argued that the Companies Act 71 of 2008 ought in principle to differentiate between rights that are granted to registered trade unions representing employees at the workplace and rights that are granted to registered majority trade unions, or at the least to sufficiently representative trade unions.
Establishing and developing business networks: the importance of trust
18 October 2013
North West University

De Klerk, Saskia

The purpose of this research was to explore the importance of trust in establishing and developing business networks. The perceived levels of trust, commitment, cooperation, common interest and openness needed for successful business relationships were explored. A multi-method design, consisting of focus groups and a survey, provided a deeper understanding of such robust networking, such as trust and business networking. The mixed methods and then a survey for triangulation were used sequentially with focus groups to gather rich descriptive data and to measure content validity and trustworthiness. Participants (business owners or manager) were included and responses were received from opinion leaders in businesses, mainly from the services, retail and manufacturing sectors. Trust was identified as the singular most important cornerstone of a relationship and therefore of a network. The experiences of the participants showed that they feel that to build a relationship on trust, the partners in the relationship should be credible, have integrity, add value and communicate this value in a clear and non-obtrusive way. Trust was mentioned by both genders, all ages and for supplier, customer and partnering relationships, as the crucial element in determining business networking success. The mixed methods provide a more in-depth look at a multidimensional topic, such as trust. The individual experience of business owners and managers with regard to their measurement of trust in their relationships are unique and gives valuable insight for future investigations and understanding. Conducting their business at these festivals better. Training, facilitation and creating networking opportunities and engagement on higher levels of entrepreneur and management development might then be developed.
Intergroup conflict within a South African mining company
18 October 2013
North West University

Gobind, Jenni;Havenga, Werner;Linde, Herman Max;Visagie, Jan Christoffel

The uncertainty that accompanies organizational change heightens prospects for intra-organizational conflict. Notwithstanding this, the knowledge base on the sources (or causes) of organizational conflict is underdeveloped – largely as a result of a low incidence of empirical research, and in particular in South Africa. The current study explored the perceived sources of intergroup conflict in a South African mining company. The aim of this research is to investigate intergroup conflict and to look into how intergroup conflict influences employment relations throughout all levels of the organization. From a probability population of 1000 in the twelve departments a random sample of 200 employees was chosen to participate in the research. This number represents 20% of the total population. Intergroup conflict was analysed and evaluated. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations made on the occurrence of intergroup conflict based on the findings of the literature and empirical study. Data frequencies, correlations and a correlation analysis were performed through the SPSS programme.
The new National Development Plan (2011) and the need to create jobs through agriculture: Is the South African olive industry ready for the challenge?
22 November 2013
North West University

Taylor, Susan Jean;Atkinson, Doreen

This paper provides a scan of the South Africa commercial olive industry between 2008 and 2012 and argues the case for greater industry cohesion in this small agricultural sector. The National Planning Commission’s National Development Plan (NDP, 2011) has identified the olive industry as one of the country’s many small-scale, labourintensive agricultural sectors with strong growth potential, and which must be supported to enable it to create new jobs. This paper argues that increased government support, linked to the new National Development Plan (2011), will be needed to enable the olive sector to contribute to national development objectives and create jobs. The olive producer association, SA Olive, functions as a cartel of private sector producers, without significant plans for the rapid up-scaling of the industry. While the number of commercial growers has steadily increased, black growers are under-represented, as are black entrepreneurs involved in processing and distributing olive oil and table olives. The article notes the absence of co-operative decision-making between the olive industry and government on issues of shared concern, and considers the concept of ‘corporatism’ as a potential system of interest representation for the olive industry. Corporatism would allow greater trust between government and the commercial olive sectors to be fostered. The paper discusses the example of Australia, where collaboration between business and government has contributed greatly to promoting the olive industry.
"Pay now, argue later" rule – before and after the tax administration act
29 January 2014
North West University

Keulder, Carika

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is entrusted with the duty of collecting tax on behalf of the South African government. In order to ensure effective and prompt collection of taxes, the payment of tax is not suspended pending an objection or an appeal, unless directed otherwise. This is also known as the "pay now, argue later" rule, and, for value-added tax purposes, is provided for in terms of section 36 of the Value-Added Tax Act 89 of 1991. The "pay now, argue later" rule in terms of section 36 of the Value-Added Tax Act prima facie infringes on a taxpayer's right of access to the courts as envisaged in section 34 of the Constitution. This is due to the fact that a taxpayer is obliged to pay tax before being afforded the opportunity to challenge the assessment in a court. In Metcash Trading Ltd v Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service, the Constitutional Court held the "pay now, argue later" rule in terms of section 36 to be constitutional. Olivier, however, does not agree with the court on several matters. Amongst the problems she indicates are that the taxpayer does not have access to the courts at the time the rule is invoked, and that the court did not consider the fact that there might be less invasive means available which would ensure that SARS's duty is balanced with the taxpayer's right of access to the courts. Guidelines were also issued which provide legal certainty regarding the factors SARS may consider in determining whether the payment of tax should be suspended or not. These guidelines also evoked some points of criticism. Since 1 October 2012, the "pay now, argue later" rule has been applied in terms of section 164 of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011. The question arises whether this provision addresses the problems identified in respect of section 36 of the Value-Added Tax Act and the guidelines. In comparing these sections, only slight differences emerged. The most significant difference is that section 164(6) of the Tax Administration Act stipulates that the enforcement of tax be suspended for a period when SARS is considering a request for suspension. Section 164(6) does not provide a solution to the problems identified regarding section 36 of the Value-Added Tax Act. It is even possible that this section could give rise to further problems. Therefore, the legislature has failed to address the imbalance between the duties of SARS and the right of a taxpayer to access the courts.
The South African defence review (2012) and private military / security companies (PMSCs): heralding a shift from prohibition to regulation?
29 January 2014
North West University

Juma, Laurence;Tsabora, James

This article discusses the possibility of South Africa enacting a new law regulating private military/security companies (PMSCs) beyond the Prohibition of Mercenary Activities and Regulation of Certain Activities in Country of Armed Conflict Act of 2006. It argues that such a possibility arises from the policy direction expressed in the Defence Review of 2012, and the recent developments at the international level, which indicate a shift towards accommodation of PMSCs as legitimate players in the security sector. The article surveys the current state of national and international law relating to PMSCs and illustrates how the emerging shift from prohibition to regulation has affirmed the need for legislative intervention in this field. It concludes that since the future is on the side of regulation and not prohibition, legislation that furthers the policy agenda envisioned by the Defence Review 2012 may be the best tool to unlock the inhibitions of the past and create a viable climate for reframing the debate on domestic law governing private militarism in South Africa.
The impact of the labour relations act on minority trade unions: a South African perspective
29 January 2014
North West University

Kruger, Johan;Tshoose, Clarence Itumeleng

The advent of the new political dispensation in 1994 heralded the coming of a new labour dispensation. Labour relations and labour policies changed significantly from that which prevailed under the previous government. The review of the labour legislation framework was at that stage a priority for the new government, with specific focus on the review of the collective bargaining dispensation. The abuse of trade unions under the previous government gave rise to a unique entrenchment of labour rights in the Constitution. The drafters thereof were determined to avoid a repetition of this abuse after 1994. Section 23 of the Constitution goes to great lengths to protect, amongst others, the right to form and join a trade union, the right of every trade union to organise and the right of every trade union to engage in collective bargaining. In furtherance of section 23(5) of the Constitution, the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 was promulgated. One of the most significant changes of the LRA was that it now provided for legislated organisational rights. Commentators have often viewed the LRA as favouring larger unions and as conferring clear advantages on unions with majority support at the establishment or industry level. It is within this context that this article examines the impact of section 18 of the LRA on the constitutionally entrenched right of every person to 2 freedom of association, the right of every trade union to engage in collective bargaining, and the right of every trade union to organise. Furthermore, this article explores the justifiability of the impact of section 18 on minority trade unions in terms of international labour standards and the Constitution. In part one the article examines the concept of majoritarianism, pluralism and industrial unionism in the context of South African Labour market. Part two deals with the impact of section 18 of the LRA on minority Trade Unions. Whilst part three explores the concept of workplace democracy. Part five investigates the applicability of international labour standards in the context of the right to freedom of association. Part four ends up with conclusion and recommendations on the impact of section 18 of the LRA.
Constitutionalising the right legal representation at CCMA Arbitration Proceedings: law society of the Northern Provinces v Minister of Labour 2013 1 SA 468 (GNP)
29 January 2014
North West University

Selala, Koboro J

Recently, the issue of legal representation at internal disciplinary hearings and CCMA arbitrations has been a fervent topic of labour law discourse in South Africa. While the courts have consistently accepted the common law principle that there is no absolute right to legal representation at tribunals other than courts of law, a study of recent case law reveals that the majority of court judgments seem to be leaning in favour of granting legal representation at disciplinary hearings and CCMA arbitrations than denying it. In the recent case, Law Society of the Northern Provinces v Minister of Labour, the High Court struck down the rule of the CCMA which restricted legal representation at CCMA arbitration as unconstitutional on grounds of irrationality. The High Court considered that the impugned rule was inconsistent with section 3(3)(a) of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, which was specifically enacted to give effect to the right to administrative justice entrenched in the Constitution. In so deciding the High Court considered the importance of job security and the possible loss of job by an employee as a serious matter. This case note aims to analyse critically the court’s judgment in Law Society of the Northern Provinces v Minister of Labour and to consider its implications for dispute resolution in South Africa. It is asserted that although the right to legal representation is not absolute at labour proceedings, in light of the court’s decision in Law Society of the Northern Provinces v Minister of Labour it is not easy to identify the circumstances that would provide justification for the infringement of the right at CCMA arbitrations and probably at disciplinary hearings as well. Here, an argument is made suggesting that the court in the Law Society case has taken the right to legal representation too far.
'Locating' or 'dislocating' heritage and cultural tourism within the humanities
29 January 2014
North West University

Hoffmann, Nicole Beate

Heritage and cultural tourism (HCT) is currently one of the fastest growing fields in the tourism domain. Tourism as a composite field of study has traditionally been located within the economic and business management sector. However, due to the range of social, political and ethical issues pertaining to heritage and cultural tourism, it can be argued that it should be also located within a humanities context. After elucidating certain key concepts, the paper will consider the interdisciplinary nature of tourism with specific reference to the groundbreaking work of the leading international tourism theorist John Tribe. The relevance of tourism and its relationship with the humanities cluster of established disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, art, literature, history and heritage will be discussed. It will become apparent that heritage and cultural tourism is also locating itself within the domain of the humanities, despite efforts to dislocate it.
Unpacking the right to plain and understandable language in the consumer protection act 68 of 2008
12 March 2014
North West University

Stoop, Philip N;Chürr, Chrizell

The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 came into effect on 1 April 2011. The purpose of this Act is, among other things, to promote fairness, openness and respectable business practice between the suppliers of goods or services and the consumers of such good and services. In consumer protection legislation fairness is usually approached from two directions, namely substantive and procedural fairness. Measures aimed at procedural fairness address conduct during the bargaining process and generally aim at ensuring transparency. Transparency in relation to the terms of a contract relates to whether the terms of the contract terms accessible, in clear language, well-structured, and cross-referenced, with prominence being given to terms that are detrimental to the consumer or because they grant important rights. One measure in the Act aimed at addressing procedural fairness is the right to plain and understandable language. The consumer’s right to being given information in plain and understandable language, as it is expressed in section 22, is embedded under the umbrella right of information and disclosure in the Act. Section 22 requires that notices, documents or visual representations that are required in terms of the Act or other law are to be provided in plain and understandable language as well as in the prescribed form, where such a prescription exists. In the analysis of the concept “plain and understandable language” the following aspects are considered in this article: the development of plain language measures in Australia and the United Kingdom; the structure and purpose of section 22; the documents that must be in plain language; the definition of plain language; the use of official languages in consumer contracts; and plain language guidelines (based on the law of the states of Pennsylvania and Connecticut in the United States of America).
The interpretation to be accorded to the term "benefits" in section 186(2)(a) of the LRA continues : Apollo Tyres South Africa (pty) Limited v CCMA (DA1/11) [2013] ZALAC 3
14 April 2014
North West University

Ebrahim, Shamier

The interpretation to be accorded to the term benefits in section 186(2)(a) of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (the "LRA") has come before the Courts on several occasions. In terms of section 186(2)(a) of the LRA any unfair act or omission by an employer relating to the provision of benefits to an employee falls within the ambit of an unfair labour practice. In Schoeman v Samsung Electronics SA (Pty) Ltd1 the Labour Court (the "LC") held that the term benefit could not be interpreted to include remuneration. It stated that a benefit is something extra from remuneration. In Gaylard v Telkom South Africa Ltd2 the LC endorsed the decision in Samsung and held that if benefits were to be interpreted to include remuneration then this would curtail strike action with regard to issues of remuneration. In Hospersa v Northern Cape Provincial Administration3 the issue regarding the interpretation of the term benefits did not relate to whether or not it included remuneration but rather to whether it included a hope to create new benefits which were non-existent. The Labour Appeal Court (the "LAC") held that the term benefits refers only to benefits which exist ex contractu or ex lege but does not include a hope to create new benefits. The LAC adopted this approach in order to maintain the separation between a dispute of interest and one of mutual interest, the latter being subject to arbitration whilst the former is subject to the collective bargaining process (strike action). In Protekon (Pty) Ltd v CCMA4 the LC disagreed with the reasoning in Samsung and held that the term remuneration as defined in section 213 of the LRA is wide enough to include payment to employees, which may be described as benefits. The LC remarked that the statement in Samsung to the effect that a benefit is something extra from remuneration goes too far. It further remarked that the concern that the right to strike would be curtailed if remuneration were to fall within the ambit of benefits need not persist. It based this statement on the reasoning that if the issue in dispute concerns a demand by employees that certain benefits be granted then this is a matter for the collective bargaining process (strike action) but where the issue in dispute concerns the fairness of the employer’s conduct then this is subject to arbitration.5 It is then no surprise that the issue regarding the interpretation of the term benefits once again came before the LAC in Apollo Tyres South Africa (Pty) Limited v CCMA & others.6 The LAC was tasked with deciding if the term could be interpreted to include a benefit which is to be granted subject to the discretion of the employer upon application by the employee. In deciding this, the LAC overturned the decisions in Samsung and Hospersa and opted to follow the decision in Protekon. Apollo is worthy of note as it is the latest contribution from the LAC regarding the interpretation of the term benefits and it is of binding force for the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration and Labour Courts in terms of the principle of stare decisis. The purpose of this note is threefold. Firstly, the facts, arguments and judgment in Apollo are stated briefly. Secondly, the judgment is critically analysed and commented upon. Thirdly, the note concludes by commenting on the way forward for benefit disputes in terms of section 186(2)(a) of the LRA.
The year of jubilee: a hermeneutic for social and moral transformation in South Africa
19 May 2014
North West University

Barry, Stephen

This article aims to show that the Old Testament concept of the year of jubilee is neither an anachronistic, nor a peripheral de- tail of Scripture. It is an integral part of it and indeed one her- meneutical tool for interpreting and applying it to social and mo- ral transformation in South Africa. Israel, liberated from slavery and returning to God, became a paradigm for the liberated slave to return to his inheritance in the year of jubilee celebrated every 50th year. Its underlying concerns are: justice, freedom, human dignity and rights. Jesus clearly understood his mission in terms of the proclama- tion of “the year of the Lord’s favour” (Luke 4:14-21), and de- monstrated this by preaching good news to the poor, freeing the prisoners, restoring sight to the blind, and releasing the op- pressed. He linked the mission of his followers with his own and with the promise and gift of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost, seen as fulfilment and announcement of God’s promise, demonstrates that the kingdom of God is already here and still to come. The Book of Revelation gathers together this scriptural theme and presents the jubilee as good news for now and the future. Indeed, God’s future is presented as the ultimate jubilee. Although these institutions cannot be imposed on a secular democracy, there are implications here for holistic evangelism and mission as well as for social and moral transformation in South Africa. These implications, it is argued, should include a reference to the ‘missio Dei’ as Jesus expressed it: holistic evangelism; a commitment to the values and practices of restorative justice; restoration, healing and hope; economic justice and land re- form; ecological responsibility; and moral restoration.
Benchmarking of Johannesburg Stock Exchange CEO compensation
23 June 2014
North West University

Oberholzer, Merwe;Theunissen, Marli

The purpose of the study is to empirically compare CEO compensation benchmarks set by the frequently used Linear Regression Analysis (LRA), which is based on “averages” and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), which is based on “best practices”. To fulfill this purpose, an empirical investigation on South African listed companies was executed using a sample of 187 Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) companies, grouped into three categories according to their sizes by using total assets, i.e. large, medium and small companies. For the LRA model, total CEO compensation is the dependent variable (y) with return on equity (as a measurement of performance) and total assets (as measurement of company size) as the independent variables (x). In the LRA model, the expected CEO compensation was calculated as a benchmark for each company and then compared to the actual value of the CEO compensation. In the DEA model, total CEO compensation is the input variable and return on equity and total assets the two output variables. The input-orientated technical efficiency estimate was calculated and the input targets (benchmarks for CEO compensation) set by the DEA model were compared to the actual CEO compensation. The study found that, using the LRA model, CEOs are on average actually underpaid in monetary terms by 36.8%, 33.2% and 17.8% for the large, medium and small companies, respectively. In contrast, the results for these three groups using DEA have shown that CEOs are on average actually overpaid in monetary terms by 47.6% 55.3% and 49.9%. This implies that LRA favors CEOs in comparison with the DEA model. Therefore, the study concludes that the frequently used LRA model is probably a reason that contributes to excessive CEO compensation.
Repetitive strain injury among South African employees: the relationship with burnout and work engagement
27 June 2014
North West University

Mostert, Karina;Schultz, Gillian;Rothmann, Ina

The objective of this study was to analyse the incidence of symptoms probably related to Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and to compare three groups of South African employees: employees highly engaged and not burned out (high vitality and dedication, low exhaustion and cynicism); employees who are engaged, but also exhausted (high vitality and dedication, high exhaustion); and burned out employees (high exhaustion and cynicism, low vitality and dedication – i.e. not engaged). A cross-sectional field survey approach was used and a convenient sample was utilised (N = 15,663). Of the employees who indicated that they experienced RSI-related symptoms sometimes and frequently, 47% (7427) indicated experiencing neck, shoulder and/or upper back pain (28.9% experienced it sometimes; 18.5% experienced it frequently), followed by 42% (6595) reporting eyestrain (27.5% experienced it sometimes; 14.7% experienced it frequently), and 24% (3838) experiencing muscle stiffness (17.5% experienced it sometimes; 7.00% experienced it frequently). From the total sample, sub-samples were created to represent the three groups (n = 4411). Significant differences existed between highly engaged employees (n = 1645), engaged employees with exhaustion (n = 1196), and burned out employees (n = 1570) with regard to eyestrain, F(2,2739.50) = 656.60, p < 0.001; muscle stiffness, F(2,2618.76) = 477.05, p < 0.001; and neck, shoulder and/or upper back discomfort F(2,2741.85) = 795.48, p < 0.001. Burned out employees and engaged employees with exhaustion experienced significantly higher RSI-related symptoms compared to the highly engaged group. Relevance to industry: RSI is the most common form of work-related ill health and has signiﬁcant implications for organisations in terms of lost productivity, drops in work quality and costly compensation claims. Not much research is available within South Africa on the incidence of RSI and how RSI-related symptoms (such as neck, shoulder and/or upper back pain, eyestrain and muscle stiffness) may differ between employees with different levels of burnout and work engagement. This research can serve to raise awareness, provide evidence on the incidence of RSI-related symptoms as well as allow for adjustments in workplace behaviour related to burnout and work engagement that can reduce the risk of RSI risk symptoms.
"We are free, you are slaves. Come on, let's run away": Escape from Constantia, 1712.
28 July 2014
North West University

Paulse, Michele

Slaves were imported to the Cape from 1658 to 1808. The majority of the captives lived in Cape Town and many other slaves lived on farms. Added to this captive population were political exiles. In 1712, 23 slaves and exiles gathered at Constantia, a renowned wine farm, to run away. Since the holding was an important homestead, one would expect that this escape would have been reconstructed in the histories of the farm and slavery at the Cape. At the time, the escape raised sufficient alarm among authorities to warrant a copy of the judicial record be entered into the daybook of the Dutch East India Company (hereafter referred to as the Company).1 However, it would appear that the non-participation of the farm’s captives lessened the apparent significance of the desertion and distracted historians from engaging with the dynamics surrounding the plot and with the escapers’ eventual dash to freedom. Carefully planned to succeed, the escape failed and the trial of the runaways who were captured brought the desertion into the historical record. To date, the brave hopefuls, their risky strike at liberty, and the disruption they caused at Constantia one spring day have received minimal scholarly attention.2 To address this oversight, the following account will provide as full details of the escape as possible.
Work-life balance policies: the use of flexitime
23 September 2014
North West University

Downes, Caroline;Koekemoer, Eileen

This study investigated the use of flexitime as a Work-life balance (WLB) policy and understanding employee perceptions regarding the use of flexitime among South African employees. A qualitative design with an exploratory approach was used. A non-probability purposive sample (n = 15) was taken in the financial sector. Data collection was done by was means of semi-structured interviews. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. Four main themes were extracted. The first two themes related to the various ways in which participants use flexitime and the influencing factors. Participants use flexitime according to their own preference (e.g., Spillover of working hours, dividing one's working day into smaller work hours, working from different locations) and were influenced by factors such as client's needs and expectations, own workload/pressure and personal commitments/responsibilities. The third theme related to various perceptions regarding the level of position of management, visibility and also personal life and situation. The last theme indicated that the use of flexitime have consequences, which include amongst others delay in work/deadlines, reduced productivity or performance, increased workload and health consequences.
Manager relations, psychological need satisfaction and intention to leave in the agricultural sector
29 September 2014
North West University

Rothmann, Sebastiaan;Diedericks, Elsabé;Swart, Johannes P.

Orientation: If South African organisations are to retain talented and skilled staff, they need to consider the psychological needs of employees and their predictors. Research purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between manager relations, the satisfaction of the psychological needs of employees and their intentions to leave. Motivation for the study: The effective retention of skilled employees is necessary in organisations in South Africa. However, studies on the psychological processes (and specifically the satisfaction of psychological needs), through which manager relations could promote the retention of staff, are necessary. Research design, approach and method: The authors used a cross-sectional survey design. They drew convenience samples of managers in agricultural organisations (N = 507) in South Africa. They administered the Manager Relations Scale, the Work-related Basic Need Satisfaction Scale and the Turnover Intention Scale. Main findings: The results confirmed a model in which manager relations affected the satisfaction of psychological needs and intentions to leave. Autonomy satisfaction mediated the relationship between manager relations and the intentions of employees to leave. Practical/managerial implications: Managers should participate in training on applying self determination theory to support the autonomy and the relatedness satisfaction of employees. Contribution/value add: This study contributes to the literature by exploring the processes through which manager relations influence the intentions of employees to leave.
The implementation of gender equality policies in achieving millennium development goal three in the Sedibeng District Municipality
28 October 2014
North West University

Govender, S.D.;Vyas-Doorgapersad, S.

Globally, the achievement of Millennium Development goal 3 is slow, as is evidenced by surveys conducted by some of the reputable international organisations, such as the Global Employment Trends, (2009) and the Global Employment Trends for Women, (2009) (both conducted by the International Labour Organisation), the Mastercard Worldwide Index on Women's Advancement, (2009), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, (2011). The surveys explore the reality that gender equality in the labour market is still low and remain unchanged due to the fact that women are not receiving the required employment opportunities, are under-represented in the working place and are not considered for strategic portfolios. The outcomes of these surveys are supported by academic such scholars, as Meintjies (2005); Parker (2009); Tsuari (2010); Penceliah (2011); Zukang (2012); and KiMoon (2012) whose studies emphasise the discrimination of women in the labour market. The paper aims to focus on the Millennium Development Goal 3 due to the fact that gender equality and the empowerment of women is at the heart of this initiative, as stated in the Millennium Development Goals Report of 2010, in which it is reported that this objective is not yet fully realised. There is a need to investigate the essence of gender equality (in favour of the female aspect of gender) demanding appropriate recognition and opportunities for empowerment in a country-specific milieu. The previous researches conducted by Mathye (2002); Tsuari (2010); Penceliah (2011); Sithole et al. (2012) explore the findings emphasising that the municipal employment practices are not done in favour of women in the society as there are still some municipalities that do not invest in offering training programmes for gender balancing their working environment; while and the professional and managerial roles are not extended to women. The paper examines the role South Africa is playing in achieving the Millennium Declaration, by focusing on Goal 3 that encourages gender equality and women empowerment. The paper assesses the level of beneficiation at the Sedibeng District Municipality as its focus area.
Disability management in the South African Public Service. Redress or tokenism?
19 November 2014
North West University

Ababio, Ernest;Mahlangu, Lindi

Cabinet has on two instances set specific transformation targets to be achieved by Public Service departments as part of its transformation agenda. A 2% target was set for the employment of people with disabilities in the Public Service by March 2010. In order to assist the process, various legislations, regulations, framework documents and other relevant resources were promulgated. Structures such as the Department of Public Service and Administration, Department of Labour, the Public Service Commission and the recently established Ministry of Women, Children, Youth and people with Disabilities, have all been tasked with a responsibility of ensuring that departments achieve these targets. It is however not clear what informed the 2% versus the overall population statistics of people with disabilities in South Africa. This would be imperative as it would possibly further explain the inability of Public Service departments to achieve this target. Public Service departments are, by virtue of legislation, required to develop employment equity plans that will specify disability targets within a specific time-frame. The key objective of this article is to assess the performance of the Public Service on disability management in South Africa. It is argued that despite the provision of elaborate legislative framework to redress the rights and employment of the disabled, implementation thus far is mere tokenism. In pursuance of the discourse, the conceptual and legislative frameworks for disability management are discussed. Challenges that confront the implementation process are identified. Recommendations are offered for consideration by departments as strategies for effective disability management.
Outcomes of job insecurity climate: the role of climate strength
19 November 2014
North West University

Beatriz Sora;Nele De Cuyper;Amparo Caballer,;José M. Peiro;Hans De Witte

The large majority of studies on job insecurity have focused upon the individual level. Recent research has also paid some attention to job insecurity at the level of the organisation, referred to as job insecurity climate. This research has shown negative relationships between job insecurity climate and employees' individual job attitudes. Nevertheless, in these studies no attention has been paid to organisational climate strength, in spite of the recommendations formulated in the literature on this topic. In response, this study aims to account for climate strength in the relationship between job insecurity and job attitudes. We hypothesise that climate strength is related to job satisfaction, organisational commitment, work involvement, and organisational trust. Moreover, we hypothesise that the relationship between job insecurity climate and these outcomes may be stronger when there is a strong agreement among employees concerning their job insecurity perceptions compared to when there is a weak agreement (strong versus weak climate strength). Results based on a Spanish sample of 428 employees from 20 organisations largely supported our hypotheses except in the case of work involvement: climate strength was negatively related to job attitudes, and the relationship between job insecurity climate and individual job attitudes was moderated by climate strength.
To be or not to be? The role of private enquiries in the South African insolvency law
21 January 2015
North West University

Joubert, Yvette;Calitz, Juanitta

This article analyses the role of the so-called private examinations in our South African insolvency law and deals with the question of whether or not section 417 of the Insolvency Act (Act 24 of 1936) is adequately and effectively framed in order to fulfil its intended purpose in South African law. The contribution also points out that although the scrutiny of private examinations is not novel; it is argued that further exploration of the subject is justified by virtue of the fact that robust and innovative legislative changes have been experienced in the South African corporate landscape. Although the section has already passed the test of lawfulness and constitutionality, the aim is to ascertain whether the section serves a legitimate purpose and is essential and relevant in a democratic society. This is done by considering the South African law relating to South African private examinations and includes academic texts and judicial interpretation. Both section 417 of the Companies Act (Act 61 of 1973) and the matter of Kebble v Gainsford in particular are discussed. A brief comparative analysis of a similar provision in the Insolvency Act of the United Kingdom (UK), namely section 236 of the Insolvency Act 1986 is also included. Finally recommendations are made on aspects where the section may be enhanced by reform which in part relies on the premise that South African insolvency law in toto is desperately in need of an overhaul. The article concludes that it is vital that section 417 be retained in a new insolvency regime as there is a greater awareness of the interdependence between companies and the society in which they function, and it is submitted that there should be an increased responsibility in the insolvency process on the reasons why companies have failed. The accessibility of the section to practitioners, the inquisitorial nature of the proceedings, the wide scope of the section and the effective sanctions should examinees not comply together combine to make a formula that has over the years proved impervious to circumvention and it therefore fulfils its function with prudent efficiency.
The different worlds of labour and company law: truth or myth?
04 February 2015
North West University

Botha, Monray Marsellus

Recently the South African company law landscape underwent a dramatic overhaul with the introduction of the Companies Act 71 of 2008. Central to company law is the promotion of corporate governance. It is clear that companies are no longer accountable just to their shareholders but also to society at large. Leaders should, for example, direct company strategies and operations with a view to achieving the triple bottom-line (economic, social and environmental performance) and should thus also manage the business in a sustainable manner. An important question in company law still today is in whose interest the company should be managed. Different stakeholders of importance to companies include shareholders, managers, employees, creditors etcetera. The Companies Act aims to balance the rights and obligations of shareholders and directors within companies, and it encourages the efficient and responsible management of companies. When considering the role of employees in corporations it must be noted that the Constitution grants every person a fundamental right to fair labour practices. Social as well as political changes were evident after South Africa's re-entering the world stage in the 1990s. Changes in socio-economic conditions within a developing country were also evident. These changes had a major influence on the South African labour law dispensation. Like company law, labour law is to a large extent also codified. Like company law, no precise definition of labour law exists. It is clear from the various definitions of labour law that it covers both the individual and collective labour law and that various role-players are involved. Some of these role-players include trade unions, employers/companies, employees, and the state. The various relationships between these parties are ultimately what will guide a certain outcome if there is a power play between them. In 1995 the South African labour market was transformed with the introduction of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995. The LRA remains the primary piece of labour legislation that governs labour law in South Africa. The notion of industrial democracy and transformation of the workplace are central issues in South African labour law. This is due to the constitutional changes that have taken place in South Africa, where the protection of human rights and the democratisation of the workplace are advanced. Before the enactment of the LRA, employee participation and voice was a much-debated topic not only locally but also internationally. It is therefore essential when considering employee participation to take due cognisance of both the labour and company law principles that may be pertinent, as well as the need for workers to have a voice in the workplace and for employers to manage their corporations. This article will attempt to indicate how the different functions, theories and models of labour and company law accommodate and promote the interests of employees in corporations and will also attempt to reconcile these differences.
Limiting organisational rights of minority unions: Popcru v Ledwaba 2013 11 BLLR 1137 (LC)
05 February 2015
North West University

Cohen, Tamara

The Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 unequivocally promotes the policy choice of majoritarianism, in furtherance of orderly collective bargaining and the democratisation of the workplace. The majoritarian model aims to minimise the proliferation of trade unions in a single workplace and to encourage the system of a representative trade union. Section 18(1) of the Labour Relations Act enables majority unions to enter into collective agreements setting thresholds of representivity for the granting of access, stop-order and trade-union leave rights to minority unions. In furtherance of the majoritarian framework, collective agreements concluded between majority unions and employers can be extended to non-parties to the agreement in terms of section 23(1)(d) of the Labour Relations Act provided specified requirements are satisfied. In Police & Prisons Civil Rights Union v Ledwaba 2013 11 BLLR 1137 (LC) (POPCRU) the Labour Court was required to consider if the collective agreements concluded between the employer and the majority union could be relied upon to prohibit the minority union from securing organisational rights. In so doing, the Labour Court had to reconcile the fundamental principle of freedom of association and the right to fair labour practices (to organise and engage in unfettered collective bargaining) within the context of the majoritarian framework. The Labour Court in POPCRU held that the collective agreement concluded with the majority union must have preference over the organisational rights of minority unions, in keeping with the principle of collective bargaining hierarchy and the legislative framework. This case note argues that, while the finding of the labour court in POPCRU is correct on the facts and is in keeping with the principle of majoritarianism, the legislative model may no longer be suitable within the context of the current socio-economic and political landscape. Strike violence, loss of confidence in existing bargaining structures, and the alienation of vulnerable employees from majority unions has resulted in minority unions taking up the cudgels of frustrated and disempowered employees, as witnessed in the Marikana experience. The note suggests that in the light of the changing dynamics of the collective bargaining environment, it may be time to revisit the majoritarian model.
Examining the relationship between job security, compensation and training among professional sport coaches in South Africa
09 February 2015
North West University

Surujlal, J.

Sport organizations are mainly in the business of providing a service - for example sport coaching. For coaches to perform at the optimal level they need, among other things, to be provided with appropriate training and development opportunities to develop their skills, adequate compensation which will lead to greater job satisfaction, organizational commitment and job security. The sport organization therefore needs to shape and align its HRM system to suit the needs of coaches so that it can attract, nurture and retain one of its most precious resources - the sport coach. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between job security, compensation and training among professional sport coaches in South Africa. A quantitative research approach was used for the study. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used to recruit a sample of human resources managers for the study. A two-section structured questionnaire was developed to collect data from potential participants in all provinces in South Africa. Frequencies were used to report on the demographic data and correlations and regressions were used to report on the relationship between job security, training and compensation of sport coaches. A positive practical significant relationship was found between training and compensation (medium effect). A practically significant relationship with a positive large effect was found between training and job security. A positive statistically significant effect was found between compensation and job security. The results of the regression analysis revealed that training predicted positively towards job security, implying that if employees receive more training their job security is higher. The current study provides crucial evidence of the influence of both compensation and training on the job security of sport coaches. From the findings it is evident that training makes a larger contribution to the job security of coaches than compensation.
The appearance and significance of Rastafari cultural aspects in South Africa.
17 February 2015
North West University

Chawane, Midas

This article explores the presence and importance of Rastafari cultural features in South Africa. These cultural aspects include symbols and language that have become popular in South Africa from 1997 when the movement was formalised.1 The symbols include religious signifiers employed in Rastafarianism such as the colours of Marcus Garvey, which are displayed in the attires worn by both Rastafarians and non-Rastafarians. While practices of symbolic investment include the growing of dreadlocks, and the use of “ganja” (marijuana) as a sacrament – these practices are frequently distilled into visual signifiers such as equating dreadlocked person with a lion and a “ganja” sign that appears on T-shirts and car stickers. Rastafarians have also coined a new language (“iry talk or dread language”) as their means of communication. In the wake of the democratic transition in 1994, both the language and symbols of the Rastafarian movement have gained increasing popularity in South Africa. By analysing specific examples of symbolic practice and visual signification within a historical framework, the article explores the meanings of Rastafarian language and symbolism for post-apartheid South Africa. While Rastafarian symbols have been adopted by various people for different reasons, their language has become popular among people outside the movement.
Leisure-time physical activity and some psychological parameters among some executive employees in selected African countries
25 February 2015
North West University

Thendo, Thangavhuelelo;Monyeki, Andries M.;Strydom, Gert L.;Amusa, Lateef O.;Temane, Michael O.

Participation in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is vital to ensure adequate physical work capacity for the demands of daily living and job performance. Due to work demand, most top and middle level (executive) managerial employees become physically inactive and experience psychological and other health problems which may lead to hypokinetic diseases and even premature death. The purpose of this study was twofold: to determine leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being of executive employees; and to determine the relationship between leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being of executive employees in selected African countries. A cross-sectional study design was carried out on a group of 156 (mean age; 41.22±10.17 years) available executive employees from selected African countries. Participants were grouped according to ages (≤35 years; 36–46 years and ≥ 45 years). Standardized questionnaires were used to collect the data. Subsequently, total scores were calculated for all variables. Out of 156 participants in the study, 42.9% occupied top level management and 57.1% middle level management positions. Age groups analysis indicated that, 31% and 68.6% in the less than 35 years age group were in the top and the middle levels management positions respectively. In the age group 36 to 46 years, 47% occupied the top level management position and 52.8% occupied the middle level management position. With regard to LTPA, top level managers (71.6%) scored low LTPA compared to the middle level managers (62.9%). In addition, both the top and middle level managers reported bad emotional (49.3%; 56.2%) and happiness indexes (41.8%; 37.1%) respectively. Though not significant, LTPA was positively associated with psychological well-being parameters amongst top level managers. The study concluded that both top and middle levels managers exhibited low LTPA, and with no participation in high physical activity among top level managers. In addition, more middle level managers reported bad emotional stage than the top level managers, while the top level managers were less happy than the middle level managers. It is recommended that urgent strategic intervention programmes for leisure-time physical activity and psychological wellness are needed to promote physical health and well-being of the executive employees.
Job insecurity, leadership empowerment behaviour, employee engagement and intention to leave in a petrochemical laboratory
23 April 2015
North West University

Van Schalkwyk, Sonet;Du Toit, Danie H.;Bothma, Adriaan S.;Rothmann, Sebastiaan

Orientation: Engaging individuals at work plays an important role in retaining them. Job security and leadership empowerment behaviour are antecedents of employee engagement. Research purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between job insecurity, leadership empowerment behaviour (as perceived by the employees who report to leaders), employee engagement and intention to leave their jobs in a petrochemical laboratory. Motivation for the study: Knowledge of the effects of job insecurity and leadership on employee engagement and turnover intention will contribute to improved talent management. Research design, approach and method: A correlational design was used. A total of 169 employees in a petrochemical laboratory were studied. The measuring instruments included the Job Insecurity Index, the Leadership Empowerment Behaviour Questionnaire, and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. Two questions were used to measure intention to leave. Main findings: The results showed that job insecurity was not statistically significantly related to employee engagement and turnover intention. Leadership empowerment behaviour contributed statistically significantly to employee engagement and low turnover intention. Employee engagement partially mediated the relationship between leadership empowerment behaviour and turnover intention. Practical implications: Leaders should be developed to show empowerment behaviour, because it affects employee engagement, which in turn affects their turnover intention Contribution: This was the first study that demonstrated the effect of empowerment behaviour of leaders on the engagement and turnover intention of employees.
Constructing ancient slavery as socio–historic context of the New Testament
04 June 2015
North West University

Goede, Hendrik

Considering the vast scope of material on slavery in antiquity, this article aimed to design a search filter that delimits the scope of socio-historical aspects specifically relevant to the New Testament passages dealing with slavery. The term ‘search filter’ was borrowed from Information Technology, denoting defined search terms aimed at more efficient and effective searches of vast amounts of data. The search filter designed in this article made use of the following search terms: the period under investigation; the geographical region under investigation; various definitions of slavery; ancient terminology for slavery; and aspects arising from the New Testament passages themselves. Each of these criteria were considered in turn, and the results were used to define the search filter. Finally, the search filter was represented schematically.
What Constitutes a Benefit by Virtue of Section 186(2) of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995? Apollo Tyres South Africa (Pty) Ltd v CCMA 2013 5 BLLR 434 (LAC)
24 June 2015
North West University

Fourie, Elmarie

The uncertainty surrounding the concept benefit as provided for in section 186(2) of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 was created not by the courts but rather by the legislature. The concept is not defined and clearly has a wide ambit. In previous decisions the courts upheld a restrictive interpretation of benefits to maintain the divide between disputes of interest and disputes of rights and to ensure that issues that should be the subject of negotiation could not become issues that can be decided by an arbitrator. Previously the courts insisted that a benefit was something arising out of a contract or law. In the Apollo case the court had to determine what constitutes a benefit and if a benefit is limited to an entitlement which arises ex contractu or ex lege. The court found that the early retirement scheme was a benefit, although the employee at that stage did not have a contractual entitlement to the benefit and that the benefit was subject to the employer's discretion. What becomes clear from this case is that the unfair labour practice jurisdiction cannot be used to assert an entitlement to new benefits, new forms of remuneration or new policies. The Labour Appeal Court criticizes the distinction between salaries and remuneration drawn by our courts and describes it as artificial and unsustainable. Under the unfair labour practice regime the conduct of the employer may be scrutinized by the CCMA in at least two instances, namely when an employer fails to comply with a contractual obligation, an entitlement or right that an employee may have in terms of a statute, and secondly when an employer exercises a discretion under the contractual terms of a scheme conferring a benefit, including situations where the employer enjoys a discretion in terms of benefits provided in terms of a policy or practice – rights created judicially. This decision places the emphasis on the employer's actions and the unfairness of such acts or omissions.
Patronage and clientelism in the fourth gospel
01 July 2015
North West University

Mbamalu, Abiola

Patronage and clientelism as a social-scientific model is used in this article to read the fourth gospel. It is the contention of the article that this model affords the reader fresh vistas of meaning that otherwise would have remained unexplored. It is a reading amongst other readings and does not make pretensions to illuminate every segment of the fourth gospel. Rather, it selectively looks at areas where reading against the backdrop of a patron-client model illuminates the text. This reading sheds light on the greatest gift Jesus came to give, the gift of life as a beneficium, and affirms that the signs that Jesus performed are commendationes. Jesus brokers the blessings of the kingdom to those who believe in him on behalf of the father who is the ultimate patron. Jesus also challenges popular notions of patronage by performing acts reserved for slaves by, for example, washing the feet of his disciples.

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