OpenUCT :: Browsing by Author "Taylor, Viviene"

Browsing by Author "Taylor, Viviene"

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Open Access
A critical examination of the concept of welfare dependency: its assumptions, underlying values and manifestation in social policy, internationally and in South Africa
(2006) Di Lollo, Adrian; Taylor, Viviene
[page 38, 54, 81 missing, page 97 duplicated] Concern over "welfare dependency" has featured prominently in the public discourse around social assistance programmes in numerous countries for many years. The notion that social assistance payments tend to sap the recipient's initiative, independence and propensity for securing paid employment is widespread and is often assumed to be an objective fact (rather than a concept) by public officials, social commentators and the media. Consequently, charges of "welfare dependency" have often been used as the basis for cutting social assistance expenditure, restricting eligibility or preventing new initiatives. In South Africa, for example, the concept has been used in opposition to developing a universal Basic Income Grant (BIG). With the aid of case studies focusing on recent social welfare developments in South Africa, Australia and Brazil, this study attempts to critically analyse the term "welfare dependency" to determine which social values and assumptions inform the concept. In addition, the study aims to determine how "welfare dependency" manifests in contemporary social welfare policy and, most importantly, determine if the utilisation of the concept is related to other socio-economic agendas.
Open Access
Alternative care options and social protection policy choices to support orphans and vulnerable children : a comparative study of Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau
(2016) Shibuya, Tomoko; Taylor, Viviene
The number of orphans in Sub-Saharan Africa reached 51,900,000 in 2013. There has been limited research, particularly in the countries of Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau, on the role of social protection policies, types of alternative care, and fulfillment of basic needsin ensuring the welfare of this vulnerable population. The goal of the present thesis was to examine the interconnections between these factors and their relations to the overall well-being of 122 orphans and vulnerable children between the ages of 10 and 17 yearsin the two countries. Using a mixed-method approach, both quantitative data (health, basic needs fulfillment, domains of well-being) and exploratory qualitative interview-based data were collected. A literature review on the social protection policies of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) was undertaken prior to data collection in the field. Caregivers and local authorities were also interviewed. The results showed a marked difference in the way basic and psycho-social needs were met in the different types of alternative care situations children experienced in the two countries. The well-being of children varied widely among the care centres within each country, and indicated a comparative advantage for those children living in residential centres. The findings also indicated that the efforts to support orphans and vulnerable children were more advanced in Mozambique than in Guinea-Bissau at the policy-level, but this did not necessarily translate into higher overall well-being for children in that country. Significant associations were also found between the overall well-being of orphans and vulerable children and their social situation in the community, food, health, and education situations. Taking these findings into account, the researcher calls for more comprehensive social protection policies in the two countries, promoting community integration of these children.
Open Access
An analysis of the Department of Social Welfare & Pensions' capacity to respond to needs & social problems of the people in Venda
(1992) Davhana, Tendani Doreen; Taylor, Viviene
This study analyses the Department of Welfare & Pension's capacity to respond to the needs and social problems of the people in Venda. The analysis focused on the internal and external factors that have a bearing or impact on the Department's service provision. The internal organizational factors covered aspects such as the structure of welfare service provision, some management processes, resource limitations, human resource management, and methods or approaches used to address the needs and social problems, other employment conditions and the welfare approach at state level. The external factors covered the unfavourable political and socio-economic conditions experienced by the Welfare Department and it's clientele. The study also describes and examines the types of social problems and needs of the people, and what the Department is actually able to provide. How the Department responds to problems and needs is examined in relation to the social work profession. An exploratory descriptive approach was used. Data was gathered from primary and secondary sources. Observations and interviewing were used for collecting primary data. Both structured and unstructured interviews were carried out with people belonging to various professions, Government Departments and welfare organizations. The needs and social problems of the clients were quantified in terms of the Department's statistical records and waiting lists. The services rendered by the Department of Social Welfare and Pensions were quantified in terms of clients being served, the number of projects and programmes undertaken, and available welfare institutions. The findings revealed that there are problems surrounding . the analyzed factors. The Department's capacity to respond to needs is limited, and is also negatively affected by many factors. (iv) The analysis demonstrated that the most serious constraints of the Department are the discrepancy between needs/problems and· resources, as well as the over utilization of a single social work method of problem solving. Serious problems exist as regards human resource management, motivation, job satisfaction, and other employment conditions. Such problems have a negative impact on the provision of social . welfare services. The welfare approach at State level, Welfare policy, and Venda's economic dependency on South Africa, also have serious implications for the Department's response to needs and problems. The study's recommendati6ns draw attention to the need for improvement in the areas or factors examined. An alternative organizational design to improve the Welfare Department's capacity, is suggested, and details on how it could work are provided.
Open Access
A case study of Non-Governmental Organisations' (NGOS) responses to food insecurity in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe
(2009) Ndlovu, Nompilo; Taylor, Viviene
The following study highlights the institutional failures in Zimbabwe which have resulted in social and economic underdevelopment. As such, poverty in Zimbabwe has manifested in various aspects, particularly food deprivation. This study focuses on the response of two Non-Governmental Organisations to food insecurity in the rural Matabeleland provinces. The research aims are to: define poverty and food insecurity; understand the reasons behind the food insecurity crisis; describe the extent of poverty and food insecurity; explore NGO responses to the food insecurity crisis and to discuss the impact of these interventions. This research is guided by Sen's (1999) 'development as freedom' approach as well as literature reviews from various researchers who offer definitions and theories on concepts such as poverty and food insecurity. The researcher also maps out the developmental path that the Government of Zimbabwe has taken through implementing strategies such as land reform, and how these policies have contributed to the food insecurity crisis. The impacts of the food crisis make citizens such as women and children increasingly vulnerable. They have been severely affected and rely on coping strategies to survive food deprivation. NGOs have stepped in to provide humanitarian assistance. Using a case study approach, ten key informants involved with the two NGOs were interviewed. The research findings are that poverty is multi-faceted and manifests through many interconnected deprivations. As such, food insecurity has become a chronic problem for the vulnerable. The organisations have answered to the food crisis mainly through relief programmes which give people short-term assistance. Rehabilitation strategies through livelihoods and micro-enterprise are medium-term strategies that have been constrained because of the political and economic instability. The two NGOs have not engaged in development-orientated programmes due to the instability in the country and the fact that the long-term development of any country ultimately lies in the hands of its Government. Recommendations are made to the two NGOs under study, to ,the government, as well as for further research.
Open Access
A critical examination of the concept of welfare dependency : its assumptions, underlying values and manifistation in social policy, internationally and in South Africa
(2006) Di Lollo, Adrian; Taylor, Viviene
Concern over "welfare dependency" has featured prominently in the public discoursearound social assistance programmes in numerous countries for many years. The notionthat social assistance payments tend to sap the recipient's initiative, independence andpropensity for securing paid employment is widespread and is often assumed to be anobjective fact (rather than a concept) by public officials, social commentators and themedia. Consequently, charges of "welfare dependency" have often been used as the basisfor cutting social assistance expenditure, restricting eligibility or preventing newinitiatives. In South Africa, for example, the concept has been used in opposition todeveloping a universal Basic Income Grant (BIG).With the aid of case studies focusing on recent social welfare deVelopments in SouthAfrica, Australia and Brazil, this study attempts to critically analyse the term "welfaredependency" to determine which social values and assumptions inform the concept. Inaddition, the study aims to determine how "welfare dependency" manifests incontemporary social welfare policy and, most importantly, determine if the utilisation ofthe concept is related to other socio-economic agendas.
Open Access
An examination of the response of the Cape Mental Health Society to the mental health needs of blacks in the Western Cape
(1989) Mangwana, Thobeka Cikizwa; Taylor, Viviene
This study examined the response of the Cape Mental Health Society to the mental health problems of Blacks in the Western Cape. This response has been examined against the organisational and the community contexts in which such services are provided. Environmental constraints which surround service provision were examined at macro- and micro-level. The macro-level covered the unfavourable political, social and economic aspects as experienced by both the organisation and its clientele. The micro-level covered those aspects which impinge on service delivery but are within the scope of the organisation. It is agreed that these aspects affect the nature of the response of the organisation to mental health needs of blacks negatively. The study emphasizes the need to define mental health within the South African context from a psychiatric and socio-political perspective as such a definition allows for appropriate service provision. Data was collected from primary and secondary sources. Interviewing was used as a technique for collecting primary data. Structured and unstructured interviews were carried out with people from various disciplines, community members, and present and prospective service consumers. The exploratory-descriptive approach was used. The problems and needs of clients were quantified in terms of the organisation's waiting lists and other criteria. Services rendered by the Society were quantified in terms of clients being served and the number of projects and programmes undertaken to meet different mental health needs. Ideas have been developed about mental health services amongst the black communities and their cultural perception of mental health needs. The findings emphasize inadequacy of the response of the Cape Mental Health Society to mental health needs of blacks. The present facilities are insufficient and inappropriate to mental health needs of blacks. They are characterised by inaccessibility, inefficiency and ineffectiveness where they do exist. A marked inequality in the provision of services to the two population groups, that is, Coloureds and Blacks, has been identified. A framework for developing mental health services for blacks in the Western Cape has been recommended. This framework proposed various steps which can be taken in such development.
Open Access
An exploration of social policy responses for orphans and vulnerable children in Botswana
(2012) Motlogelwa, Kealeboga Kelly; Taylor, Viviene
This study explores whether social policy responses for orphans and vulnerable children(OVC) in Botswana address the needs of this category of children. The objectives of social policies and legislation (such as the Constitution, the Children's Act of 2009, the National Guidelines on the Care of OVC of 2008, and the Botswana National Plan of Action for OVC of 2010-2016) in relation to social protection are analysed, and the availability, accessibility and adequacy of the HIV and AIDS social protection measures for OVC, namely prevention of mother-to-child transmission, antiretroviral therapy, and community home-based care and orphan food baskets, are described. The study argues that these social policy responses for OVC are inadequate and do not comprehensively meet the needs of OVC. There is an inadequate legal and policy framework, fragmentation of social protection provisions, inadequate minimum eligibility criteria, shortage of human resources, insufficient funding, lack of awareness, and the presence of stigma and discrimination. These present barriers to the availability, accessibility and adequacy of social protection provision to OVC.
Open Access
An exploration of the experiences of select women informal traders in the City of Cape Town
(2012) Fonutchi, Ngum Mabel; Taylor, Viviene
This study focuses on what has changed and what has remained the same for women in post 1994 South Africa as far as women informal traders in the City of Cape Town (CBD) are concerned. The study shows that despite Legislative and Constitutional changes at the practical level women remain economically and socially disenfranchised.
Open Access
Leadership for democratic development in Tanzania: the perspective of Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere during the first decade of independence
(2005) Haussler, Peter; Taylor, Viviene
This study analyses the perspectives about 'good leadership' as spelt out by an outstanding African leader, Julius Karnbarage Nyerere, who ruled Tanzania from independence in 1962 until 1985, and influenced African history until his death in 1999. This research reveals an exciting and interesting time in politics and social development in Africa, and puts questions forward in order to unveil Nyerere's perspectives on leadership. The particular period investigated is the decade of the 1960s, the critical time of independence and nation building. The study is composed of two parts, the understanding of the context of Tanzania's development, and the hermeneutical analysis of Nyerere's perspectives. To understand Nyerere in his context, I randomly selected seven authentic speeches and a handpicked one. I used content analysis (manifest and latent coding) and hermeneutics as my methodological approaches. Key-concepts explored in the study were Democracy, Development, Unity and Peace, and Leadership. The underlying assumption of this study is that 'good leadership' is needed to promote participation, democracy and socio~economic development, creating national stability. The research proves this assumption right. The qualitative character of the research does not allow for generalisation of the results, which is limited by the small sample of speeches. However, recent challenges of economic globalisation and its impact on the 'poor' countries remind us of the social and political responsibility of leaders. Understanding the importance of good leadership for development is one of Nyerere's legacies. Political leadership has to be learnt. Core to the research was a "dialogue' between Nyerere, in his historical, political and personal context, and I, in mine. Hans-Georg Gadamer, a prominent henneneuticaJ philosopher. taught me how to understand first, in order to interpret and then to influence social reality. I have developed a methodological technique, the 'triple•jump', to understand and to interpret the text and to approach the 'truth'. The central research question, "what in Nyerere's perspective is a good lead.er for democratic development?" could be answered through the study: a leader has to be ethical, reliable, knowledgeable, decisive, accountable, humble, hard working and socially responsible. Nyerere's perspectives on good leadership also serve as guidance to contemporary political leaders, who are committed to democratic development. It is hoped that the results of this study will enrich the Youth Leadership Training Programme (YL TP) in Tanzania and other leadership training programmes elsewhere in Africa.
Open Access
Leadership in Africa: A hermeneutic dialogue with Kwame Nkrumah and Julius Nyerere on equality and human development
(2017) Häussler, Karl-Peter; Taylor, Viviene
This study deals with leadership and 'humanness' and compares the perceptions of human equality of two outstanding African leaders, 'fathers of their nations', Kwame Nkrumah, first president of Ghana, and Julius Nyerere, first president of Tanganyika, later Tanzania. Leadership is a key issue for political, economic and social development in Africa and worldwide. This is especially true in times of financial and economic globalisation that affects people in poor African countries significantly. Half a century after the independence of most countries on the continent, poverty is the daily experience of the majority of Africa's people. Public criticism about the present political leadership and their 'delivery' of goods and services to the people is widespread and profound. This problem prompted me to study the leadership experiences of Nkrumah and Nyerere. The overall goal of this research is to better understand Nkrumah and Nyerere as leaders in Africa. Therefore, my study has two research questions: what are their perceptions on equality and human development - and what is their historical and contemporary relevance, in times of human rights violations and increasing inequalities. The methodological choice is critical hermeneutics (Gadamer 1990, 2013; Ricoeur 1991b; Habermas 1992b, 1996), which allows a multi-cultural historical and contemporary dialogue with Nkrumah and Nyerere through their text. Hermeneutics also has relevance in Africa (Oruka 1990; Serequeberhan 1994; Mbembe 2001). I name my method the "triple jump" (Häussler 2009a). The study is a combination of a quantitative and a qualitative method with a hermeneutic conversation. The core-keywords of the dialogues are colonialism, unity, socialism, equality, freedom and development. There are three significant findings that contribute new knowledge to our understanding of Nkrumah and Nyerere as leaders. First, that using the hermeneutic dialogue (my "triple jump") as a holistic and practical model enables a 'better' understanding of Nkrumah and Nyerere. Second, interpreting their perceptions on human equality reveals that both leaders prioritise education as a critical part of human development and achieving equality in society. It also unveils differences in their focus: Nkrumah on de-colonisation and African unity; Nyerere on social and economic self-reliance, and equal rights. Thirdly, the study reveals tensions between their discourses on equality and freedom and their personal capacity to deal with power, opposition, human rights and idealism. My study concludes with recommendations for the development of ethical leadership and for personal support for leaders in office.
Open Access
A path to social development : the contribution of a micro-level programme in reducing poverty and enhancing capabilities: a case study
(2013) Brooks, Edwina; Taylor, Viviene
This aim of this study was to explore if and how a micro-level intervention, Jobstart, impacts on the lives of the poor and vulnerable people in the City of Cape Town metropolitan area by reducing poverty and expanding capabilities. Jobstart is a programme in the Economic Development Focus area of the Catholic Welfare and Development (CWD) agency. Jobstart provides accredited courses for the hospitality industry and assists and mentors graduates to find employment in the hospitality industry. The theoretical and operational focus of the study was Sen’s (1999) capabilities approach. A conceptual model was designed that asked the following questions: a) how is poverty conceptualised by CWD and by participants in the programme? Do participants consider themselves poor? b) how is development promoted through a capabilities approach? c) how does Jobstart contribute to development in households and communities? and d) how are participants’ lives changed by expanding their capabilities? The research design was a qualitative, single case study with descriptive and exploratory elements. The sources of data collection were organisational documents, direct observations, semi-structured interviews with seven recent graduates and interviews with three staff members. The sampling approach was theoretical sampling for the selection of the case and purposive sampling for the selection of interview participants. Reliability and construct validity were attained but due to the small sample size, external validity is not attained. Ethical considerations and the promotion of the participants’ dignity were foundational to the study. The data was analysed through manual coding until categories and themes emerged that were linked to the theoretical model. The findings show that Jobstart promotes economic and social development through a capabilities approach; and that Jobstart had an impact on the lives of the participants and their families. A case description and quantitative and qualitative indicators support this finding. The findings also show that many participants do not consider themselves poor for several reasons. Both CWD and participants conceptualised poverty as multidimensional and more than income deprivation. “Lists” of capabilities emerged that were linked with Sen’s (1999) capabilities framework, which in turn highlighted gaps for further research.
Open Access
"Pot of gold at the end of the rainbow" : experiences of unaccompanied refugee girls in Cape Town
(2008) Warria, Ajwang' R; Becker, Lily; Taylor, Viviene
The arrival of unaccompanied minors poses unique challenges to the host country, raising serious questions about the rights and psychosocial health of that child. This mini thesis explores the experiences of young unaccompanied girls who arrived in South Africa and who are classified today as teenage refugee girls. The author investigated the challenges faced and adjustment mechanisms applied by the girls during pre-migration, trans-migration and post-migration phases. This study highlights significance of stability and safety for functional adolescent development and what happens when stability and safety are absent.
Open Access
Resettlement and poverty : the plight of vulnerable groups affected by the Lesotho highlands water project : case study of phase 1B communities
(2002) Parrow, Thato Robina; Marsh, James; Tshishonga, Ndwakwulu; Taylor, Viviene; Conradie, Ina
Involuntary resettlement due to planned economic interventions for the purpose of economic growth, is a political and socio-economic phenomenon. It is associated with development and poverty, as it affects livelihoods of those involved. This process impacts differently on different individuals, depending on their capability to regain earning and productive bases, to access support systems, as well as to access opportunities and widen choices that sustain their lives. The study investigates the assumption that their vulnerability, ineligibility for compensation provisions and lack of specific programmes to address their needs affect their capability to adjust in new areas. In view of this, the purpose of the study is to explore the impact of resettlement on vulnerable groups (the landless, unemployable aged and disabled). The overall objective is to highlight their situation, because of a concern for their long-term welfare, possible marginalisation from mainstream development and risk of poverty. The coverage involved vulnerable groups in stage one resettlement. A stratified sampling technique was employed to select 31 respondents who represent these groups. In the study, primary and secondary data were collected by making use of In-depth interviews, focus-group discussions and content analysis of related literature. A semi-structured schedule with open-ended questions was employed to gather information that was qualitatively manipulated. The findings suggest that the resettlement process has resulted in the disruption of support systems, limited opportunities in host areas, and inadequate restorative measures to sustain livelihoods of vulnerable groups. As a result, these groups are disempowered, marginalised and excluded from mainstream social and economic development, which compounds their risk of impoverishment.
Open Access
South Africa's social assistance intervention as a building block of a developmental state
(2014) Chagunda, Chance Arisitaliko; Taylor, Viviene
This study explores the extent to which South Africa's social assistance programme can constitute a building block of a developmental state. Using a critical research approach and Taylor's conceptual framework (2002) that draws on Sen's understanding of development as freedom, I explore the impact of cash transfers on households, on access to socio-economic opportunities and to the overall development of local democracy. Sen's capability approach and theoretical analysis of development helps to link different dimensions of poverty with human and institutional capabilities. There are five research objectives: examining whether a cash transfer has a developmental impact on the people who receive it; establishing whether cash transfers improve opportunities for households to take part in socio-economic activities; investigating how cash transfers promote civic participation and local democracy; ascertaining ways in which cash transfers promote development; and ascertaining the extent to which a cash transfer could be a significant feature of a developmental state. The findings are in two parts. The first is a review of the relevant literature. Previous studies have found that social grants can lead to poverty reduction, help to send dependents to school and enable respondents to get loans to start their own businesses. The second part consists of new findings, based on interviews from a purposive sample of 160 men and women from Khayelitsha and Graafwater in the Western Cape who received a social grant. The respondents perceived the cash transfer as opening up socio-economic opportunities for them, such as skills training. Social grants also reportedly enabled women to break free of abusive relationships and function independently, which they described as restoring their human dignity and freedom. Further, 46% indicated that the social grant income assisted them to become active citizens. A minority of respondents, especially those with small businesses or employment, perceive the grants as a backup in case of business failure or retrenchment. My assumption of cash transfers having a developmental impact has been confirmed. In conclusion, the thesis expands the theoretical and policy understanding of social assistance beyond its impacts on income poverty and provides new insights on the multiple ways through which cash transfers enable poor household members to participate in enterprise development and in building local democracy. Based on the findings, recommendations are offered to government and stakeholders.
Open Access
The role of social protection programmes in reducing household poverty and vulnerability in Katakwi District - Uganda
(2020) Okello, Julius; Taylor, Viviene; Khosi, Kubeka Alvina
This study examined the role of social protection programmes in reducing household poverty in the post-conflict area of Teso in Eastern Uganda and focused on Katakwi district. Mixed methods, was used in the form of qualitative and quantitative tools drawing on a sample of 200 respondents and 20 key informant interviews and 30 participants who were part of focus group discussions. The study results showed that 45% of the sampled population in Katakwi district was poor; 20% were at risk of being poor if social protection is removed, and 35% not poor. We further established that 53% of the female non-beneficiaries live in poverty compared to 49% of female beneficiaries. In contrast, male beneficiaries (51%) were found to be living outside the poverty line compared to male non-beneficiaries (47%) who live in poverty (see Figure 4.2). This variation in poverty levels among male respondents is attributed to the overreliance of household beneficiaries to social protection services, which in most cases are delayed; hence, they fall back into poverty These findingsfurther show that social protection cash transfers constitute the most direct approach that the Government of Uganda uses to address household poverty and vulnerability. Social protection cash transfers can raise living standards; reduce the severity of poverty and vulnerability at the household level and distribute income to the poorest which, thus, reduces the poverty gap between the rich and poor. We further, established that male heads of households who shoulder the burden of paying school fees do not actually receive cash transfers. Factors that significantly influence the standard of life of households include having a university graduate in the household, receipt of income and access to social services. Access to social protection services such as education, health and water were shown to significantly influence a household's status. Although households in Katakwi district that receive social protection support have better chances of escaping poverty, the district is more susceptible to insecurity as a result of continued the cattle rustling compared to those districts that are not closer to cattle rustling warriors. The value of the study is that it provides a better understanding of social protection services in reducing household poverty in post-conflict areas. This study contributes to the limited body of literature on household heads experiences in dealing with vulnerability poverty and household vulnerability to community poverty in post-conflict settings. It provides a disaggregated analysis of social protection measures in responding to poverty and vulnerabilities at the household level.
Open Access
Using performance budgeting to improve service delivery : a case study of the Mpumalanga Department of Health
(2008) Vananda, Ntuthuzelo; Taylor, Viviene
This thesis evaluates implementation of budget reform within the Department of Health and Social Services in Mpumalanga, and the extent to which this has led to implementation of policy objectives and improved equitable service delivery.

Browsing by Author "Taylor, Viviene"

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