Browsing by Author "Vika, Lutho"

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    Gender dynamics in the South African apparel value chain: a case study on the Western Cape province
    (2016) Vika, Lutho; Morris, Michael
    Since the early 2000s, South Africa's once thriving sector started to whither due to a combination of domestic and international factors. The result was a sharp decline in manufacturing output, low productivity levels, factory closures and massive job losses across the sector. The blow to the industry was exasperated by the surge of cheap imports, both legal and illegal, primarily coming from China. The poor performance and consequent contraction of the industry had a profound impact on the predominately female workers. In recent years, however, the clothing industry has started to stabilise and is beginning to show positive trends in terms of performance and competitiveness. This paper therefore examines whether female workers have gained from the changes that have taken place in the industry, looking specifically at the Western Cape region. It finds that although the Western Cape clothing industry was the most severely hit by the challenges of global competition, it is now doing relatively well. Furthermore, it argues that the sector is upgrading and providing increased opportunities for women in terms of employment and skills development. This can be attributed to the changes in policy approach by government as well as new and improved production methodologies that are being adopted by firms. Moreover, it argues that the Cape Clothing and Textiles Cluster (CCTC) has played a critical role in driving these processes in the industry primarily through high level trainings and the exposure of executives to the latest industry developments, both nationally and internationally.
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    PLUS tutorials with complementary Skills Development Lectures
    (2014-07-15) Duthie, Shawn; Tonkin, Caitlin; Moody, Daniel; Vika, Lutho;
    These materials are used in a second year Political Studies class to continue a students' skills development. A continuation from the first year PLUS tuts, these tutorials are linked with Skills Development Lectures (SDLs). The SDLs teach the skills to student in a mandatory lecture for all students and these skills are then practically applied with those in the PLUS tutorials. These materials are an ideal starting point for those looking to teach academic skills to their students, via the Skills Development Lectures, and then to review and practically apply the skill in a smaller tutorial setting. Lecturers are encouraged to modify the materials with their own course content to make it more applicable and relevant to students. The materials are separated into one PLUS handbook for tutors and a folder with the SDLs which contain lectures notes and Powerpoint slides.