Browsing by Subject "Cape Town"

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    A case study of public transport preference in Cape Town using the best-worst scaling method
    (2025) Thanjekwayo, Maxine Nokuthula; Zuidgeest, Marcus; Behrens, Roger
    Commuter preference and service satisfaction influences transport mode choice and even when there is no choice (captive travellers) there is dignity in providing minimal quality. It has been proven that a shift from private transport towards public transport is rare. It is therefore easier to improve satisfaction or perceptions of captive public transport users than to move car users to public transport. Except in Greece where well-timed transport improvement during an economic downturn resulted in an increase in public transport use. The national fiscus has competing priorities it supports infrastructure, health, education, public transport and many other government services. Justification for funding public transport in lieu of other government priorities is linked to commuter demand. Commuter demand is measured by the number of passengers per mode or trip. The goal for public transport modes is full occupancy of vehicles. Higher occupancy rates justify the trip and by implication the fiscal investment on the trip and or mode. Commuters choose transport modes based on a number of attributes such as: cost, travel time, access time, frequency of service, comfort, safety etc. Therefore, improving public transport users preference capture may lead to better informed public transport improvement investments decisions. Case 2 best worst scaling is a survey method that compares varying attributes to one another by soliciting a ranking of one best and one worst. The method allows for at least three attributes per domain of investigation. Each attribute's attribute level is compared, in a choice set, to other attributes' attribute level. Commuters seek a transport service from origin to destination that is safe, economical and comfortable. Commuter studies show that needs and levels of satisfaction vary from person to person and mode choices are usually restricted by affordability. However, as soon as there is affordability for better options, commuters always choose the most responsive mode. In urban areas this choice is evidenced by higher percentage of low-occupancy private car commute. The aim of this research was to determine the applicability of case 2 best worst scaling; and commuter preferred service attribute levels for travel, safety and comfort for Bus, Minibus Taxi, MyCiTi and Train commuters in Cape Town. The study used attributes and dissatisfaction data from the National Household Travel Survey to identify key attributes and attribute levels for investigation. Case 2 best worst scaling surveys were designed as follows: three domains – travel, safety and comfort; three to four attributes per domain; and each attribute tiered into attribute three levels. The field work was intercept surveys to Cape Town commuters. Data were analysed using R and yielded the following key findings: Case 2 best worst scaling is applicable for preference studies in South Africa and beyond; paying more, experiencing sudden braking and overcrowding were least preferred (disutility); there were nuanced variations for other attribute levels based on mode and demographic groups.
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    A descriptive study of treatment provision for problem alcohol drinking in adult males in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa
    (BioMed Central, 2017-12-04) Saban, Amina; Morojele, Neo; London, Leslie
    Background: Poor, Black African males are underrepresented as patients in facilities that treat problem drinking in Cape Town, South Africa. Reasons for this remain unclear, but factors such as the kinds of treatment provided, perceptions of treatment efficacy, social stigma and traditional treatment beliefs have been suggested as possible barriers to treatment seeking. This descriptive study examined the availability and nature of problem drinking treatment facilities in Khayelitsha, a largely poor township of Black, Xhosa-speaking Africans, on the outskirts of Cape Town. Methods: Seven treatment facilities for problem drinking in adult males were identified using data from the Department of Social Development in the City of Cape Town. Staff members were identified as key informants at each of the treatment facilities, and were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Twelve interviews were conducted. Results: Findings indicated that the available alcohol treatment facilities were relatively new, that treatment modalities varied both across and within treatment facilities, and that treatment was provided largely by social workers. Treatment facilities did not accommodate overnight stay for patients, operated during weekday office hours, and commonly referred patients to the same psychiatric hospital. Discussion: The study provides a baseline for assessing barriers to treatment for problem drinking in Khayelitsha by highlighting the nature of available facilities as playing a predominantly screening role with associated social work services, and a point of referral for admission to a psychiatric institution for treatment. The social and financial implications of such referral are pertinent to the discussion of treatment barriers. Conclusions: Recommendations are made to inform policy towards locally-provided integrated care to improve treatment provision and access.
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    A flood of communications in a drought: a frame analysis of the City of Cape Town's communications during the 2017-2018 water crisis
    (2020) Hill, Erin; Scott, Diane; Taylor, Anna
    Like many other urban areas around the world, Cape Town, South Africa relies on governmental management authorities to ensure water supply. Recently, a three year drought from 2015 to 2018 caused a major water shortage, threatening water supply to the city. In response, the City engaged in multiple mitigation efforts, amongst which was a major communications campaign to inform the public and encourage conservation behaviour. Drawing on literature on water crisis management and framing theory, this thesis analyses how the water crisis was framed in communications made available online by the City of Cape Town (CCT) to the public between March 2017 and March 2018. To answer this question, the project adopted a frames study approach to determine the types and characteristics of communication items released by the City of Cape Town, as the water managing authority, during the recent water crisis. The study established that a range of frames were employed by the CCT in communicating the drought. Through an analysis of the trends in the framing of the water crisis messages the study further identified the shifts in framing and messaging throughout the water crisis response period. Six key frames were identified, namely ‘the City success story'; ‘obscurity and ambiguity'; ‘consumption is key'; ‘the situation is controllable'; ‘together we can beat the drought'; and ‘us versus them'. It was found that while there may have been a lack of strategic planning regarding public communications which resulted in conflated messages, the City's communications campaign was nonetheless effective in that it correlated with a significant drop in private – individual and household – water consumption which delayed Day Zero (when water supply would be cut-off and daily water rations would only be available at collection points for the public). The key implication of this study is that despite contradictions, idiosyncrasies and lack of planning, a heterogenous range of messages in communicating a crisis can reach and evoke appropriate responses from multiple audiences of the public.
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    A formative evaluation of the parent infant home visiting programme
    (2021) Percival, Sheridan-Lee; Boodhoo, Adiilah
    Background The Parent-Infant Home Visiting Programme (PIVHP) is a home-based parenting programme targeted at new and expectant mothers, characterised as vulnerable. Participants are recruited from low-income communities situated on the Cape Flats, in Cape Town, South Africa. The programme consists of antenatal and postnatal sessions, facilitated by trained Parent Infant Attachment Counsellors (PIACs) recruited from target communities. There are two programme cycles per year: one from January to June, and a second one from July to December. The overarching goal of PIHVP is to contribute towards the prevention of child abuse, abandonment and neglect; and to promote positive infant growth and development. The programme has to date not been guided by an explicit theory of change (TOC). There was no Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system in place, at the time of the evaluation, either. The programme engages in extensive data collection for administrative purposes. This data, however, is not captured nor analysed systematically to monitor progress or measure impact. This formative evaluation aims to capitalise on the existing data. Evaluation Focus This evaluation focused on the first 2019 programme cycle. The main objective of this evaluation was to determine the extent to which the PIHVP had been implemented with fidelity. As such, a process evaluation was conducted to address the following evaluation questions: 1. Did the PIHVP beneficiaries recruited for the first 2019 programme cycle meet the eligibility criteria specified by programme? 2. What proportion of participants completed and dropped out of the PIHVP during the first programme cycle of 2019? What are the reasons provided for programme dropout? questions: 3. To what extent did the PIHVP meet its targeted number of participants? What are the reasons for over/under coverage? 4. Did the participants receive the home-visiting sessions at the duration and frequency prescribed by the programme model? 5. Did PIACs complete and conduct all programme activities, developmental screenings and demonstrations as intended? 6. How did participants perceive PIACs in terms of the support they provided and their preparation level, knowledge, and reliability? 7. To what extent do PIACs implement the skills acquired through their training into their sessions? 8. Are the participants satisfied with the service they received? What are the strengths and limitations they identified? 9. To what extent did participants engage with the PIACs (around the content) during home-visit sessions? Methodology The evaluator first extracted and refined the programme's TOC through structured consultations with the programme manager. The plausibility of the PIHVP's programme theory was then assessed through an extensive literature review. The evaluator then proceeded with the process evaluation. A mixed methods approach was used, as combination of both primary and secondary data sources, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis were used to systematically answer the evaluation questions.
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    A model for an urban structure on the Cape Flats
    (1969) Fox, Revel, 1924-; Cotta, Jose
    In 1966 the American Institute of Planners mounted a two year consultation to study the Next Fifty Years. Part 1 was entitled Optimum Environment with Man as the Measure. It was this arresting theme and the papers that flowed from it ( 1) that became the central idea and the broad objective of the study. The method by which this study is carried out is by means of a model for an urban structure, as a basis for a satisfactory framework for human settlement. After due consideration a purely abstract diagram is rejected in favour of a model designed in conformity with all known criteria but theoretical in the sense that detailed topographical and locality constraints are subdued. With this method the essential nature of the diagram is undiluted, and the processes of analysis are easily grasped.
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    A model for an urban structure on the Cape Flats
    (1969) Fox, Revel; Cotta, Jose
    In 1966 the American Institute of Planners mounted a two year consultation to study the Next Fifty Years. Part 1 was entitled Optimum Environment with Man as the Measure. It was this arresting theme and the papers that flowed from it ( 1) that became the central idea and the broad objective of the study. The method by which this study is carried out is by means of a model for an urban structure, as a basis for a satisfactory framework for human settlement. After due consideration a purely abstract diagram is rejected in favour of a model designed in conformity with all known criteria but theoretical in the sense that detailed topographical and locality constraints are subdued. With this method the essential nature of the diagram is undiluted, and the processes of analysis are easily grasped.
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    A socio-legal approach to the abandonment of infants in Cape Town.
    (2025) Luther, Susanna; Moult, Kelley
    This dissertation considers the impact of the law in its current form on service providers for abandoned infants in Cape Town. It looks at what works, what does not, and possible solutions. The topic is examined through qualitative empirical research in Cape Town with social workers who work with abandoned infants. A thematic content analysis of the data collected from six interviews shows that the system is failing infants abandoned in Cape Town. The social workers suggested that possible solutions include safe haven laws, baby savers, education, and publicity.
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    A study for the redevelopment of Muizenberg
    (1968) Hockly, Anthony H
    From being "South Africa's Premier Holiday Resort", Muizenberg today presents a picture of a depressed resort suburb. This Thesis will study the physical, social and economic characteristics of the area and by relating them to present and likely future patterns of social activity, identify the problems that beset the area and gauge Muizenberg's future as a holiday resort. The Thesis will then put forward proposals for the relief of these problems and present a redevelopment plan within the general framework of which detailed physical form could be planned.
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    Afrikaaps and decoloniality: a case study of a hip hop artist on the Cape Flats in Cape Town South Africa
    (2023) Mitchell, Keanan Lyle; Bruinders, Sylvia; Haupt, Adam
    There has been much debate surrounding the topic of the ‘coloured' community, its history as well as its identity and social placement within South African society post-apartheid. After the run of the theatre production Afrikaaps (2011), a rise in interest and pride in this ‘coloured' culture as well as language variety occurred. This study shows the importance of popular music in the formation of culture and society. Focusing on the work of YoungstaCPT, this thesis explores Afrikaaps in hip hop as a musical style to illustrate the role it plays within the Cape Flats ‘coloured' community. YoungstaCPT, a self-proclaimed representative of said community, maintains a vast youth-based audience and portrays himself as ‘Young Van Riebeeck'. ‘The Cape Crusader' (YoungstaCPT) claims to colonize Cape hip hop as a conscious rapper in order to educate the youth about a problematic history that was written in textbooks. Through the exploration of hip hop, YoungstaCPT's influence and choices in music, I analyse how this persona serves ‘coloured' people of the Cape Flats. This thesis examines elements regarding communities of this nature, such as the construction of their socio-political identity as well as the culture portrayed through the Cape hip hop community and its audiences.
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    All dressed up with nowhere to go? the rapid transformation of the South African parliamentary committee system (in comparative theoretical perspective)
    (1997) Calland, Richard James Tristan; Murray, Christina
    South Africa's transition to democracy has been a journey of almost mythical proportions. The national parliament, in Cape Town, lies at the heart of the country's new democratic dispensation. Those who were fortunate enough to be present on 9 May 1994 to see the National Assembly elect the country's first black President, Nelson Mandela, will never forget the moving spectacle that followed, as black MP after black MP was sworn into a parliament that had, for over four decades, overseen and sustained the immoral laws of the Apartheid state. Now, in theory and in practice, parliament is the institutional centrepiece of democratic governance. As such it has been transformed from a part-time, cynical rubber-stamp into a full-time, vibrant place of work. It is a transformation that however dramatic and however inspiring it has been to behold, has not been without serious problems. Over three years into the new democracy, and parliament is only just beginning to come to terms with the consequences of its transformation and many questions, both conceptual and logistical remain unanswered.
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    An analysis of the impact of chloride-induced corrosion on reinforced concrete structures in the port of Cape Town
    (2025) Prinsloo, Mishka; Beushausen, Hans-Dieter
    Corrosion of steel reinforcement is a main deterioration mechanism for reinforced concrete structures in the marine environment, where chloride ingress causes severe and widespread damage. These structures make up a substantial proportion of infrastructure globally and are costly to construct and require constant maintenance throughout their service life. For infrastructure owners such as the Transnet National Ports Authority, whose infrastructure is mostly civil in nature and is exposed to severe marine exposure conditions, an improved understanding of each port's environment can lead to the design of more durable structures, or the improved maintenance of existing structures, both leading to more effective investment decisions. The aim of this research is therefore to understand the relationship between marine exposure conditions, cover depths, age, and deterioration due to chloride-induced corrosion in the port of Cape Town through the investigation of select structures. As-built data collection, visual condition assessments, and cover measurements were performed on various components of seventeen reinforced concrete structures in the port of Cape Town. These structures varied in terms of type, age, distance from the sea and marine exposure. The condition assessments focused on deterioration related to corrosion namely rust staining and spalling, and damage ratings were ascribed based on the classification scheme provided in the RILEM technical committee 104-DDC 1994. Further, the predominant wind direction affecting the structural component (either South Easterly or North Westerly) and the marine exposure class were noted. These assessments were supplemented by cover readings on the structural components, with a focus on average and minimum cover depth per component. Findings from the visual condition assessments confirmed significant reinforcement corrosion damage on twelve of the seventeen structures. This would imply that these structures are in the propagation phase of the two-phase corrosion model, or at the end of the maintenance free period in service life models. In addition, the average cover depth was found to be above 50 mm in most of the structural components (27 out of 38), however, the minimum cover was found to be below 40 mm in 55% of the structural components and below 30mm in 26% of the components. The distance from the sea was found to significantly affect the damage ratings of structures, particularly for those further than 100 m from the sea, where ratings showed minimal damage. Further, the predominant wind direction was found to have a significant influence, damage ratings being higher for structures exposed to South Easterly winds compared to those exposed to North Westerly winds. Minimum cover, or localised low cover depth, and average cover were found to have no significant influence on the degree of deterioration as no trend could be identified. In addition, deterioration compared to the age of structures, particularly for structures in the age ranges of 40-50 and 50-60 years showed an increase in damage ratings with an increase in age. Anomalies in the data can be attributed to the limitation of performing single parameter analysis since it is likely that multiple parameters influence the deterioration ratings. The findings from this study can be used to inform the design and maintenance of structures in severe marine environments while quality controls can be put in place during construction to ensure the design cover is met and that localised low cover areas are prevented as much as possible. In addition, the findings from the visual condition assessment can be used to inform repair strategies for damaged structural components. The incorporation of cover meter readings in condition assessments, as well as other tests such as chloride concentration tests, can be used to inform preventative repair methodologies for existing structures at a high risk of corrosion damage, but with little to no visual damage.
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    An application of the theory of planned behaviour to predict financial behaviour of minibus-taxi drivers and owners in Cape Town
    (2025) Mohamed, Imaan; Meyer, Ines
    The minibus-taxi industry is one of the largest informal employment sectors in South Africa. While informal employment often equates to low income work anecdotal reports from minibus- taxi drivers suggest that this does not necessarily apply in the minibus-taxi industry. This implies that working in this industry could thus provide a stepping stone out of poverty. At the same time, anecdotal evidence, too, indicates that many minibus-taxi drivers have little to no savings. The objective of this research was to explore if the theory of planned behaviour could provide a useful theoretical framework to explain the saving and spending habits of individuals in the minibus-taxi industry. This is as the theory could assist in identifying at which level to intervene in order to shift more individuals in the minibus-taxi industry to use their jobs as an opportunity to improve their financial situation. Minibus-taxi owners and drivers participated in a self-report survey (N=119). It included scales derived from existing measures when possible, and self-developed items where not possible. Principal component analysis revealed that the financial behaviour scale was only adequate to assess saving behaviour, but not spending behaviour. Perceived behavioural control comprised three components which linked differently to saving behaviour: perceived knowledge and ability to manage money were positively related to intentions to save and to actual saving behaviour, while perceived challenges in managing money were related to saving behaviour but not to saving intention. Greater subjective norms and more positive attitudes towards saving were related to greater saving intentions. Intention to save was the strongest predictor of actual saving behaviour. When considering all five predictor variables (subjective norms, attitudes, perceived knowledge of money management, perceived challenges to manage money and perceived ability to handle money) together, only perceived ability to manage money explained a significant amount of unique variance in saving intentions. Perceived ability to manage money and challenges in managing money explained unique proportions of variance in saving behaviour. Greater challenges in managing money were associated with lower saving behaviour. Saving intention mediated the relationships between attitudes, perceived knowledge and perceived ability to manage money - and saving behaviour, but not the relationship between challenges with money and subjective norms - and saving behaviour. Most of the results were in line with the theory of planned behaviour and specifically indicates that strengthening the perceived behavioural control of those working in the minibus-taxi industry could be a beneficial intervention point to encourage saving behaviour.
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    An evaluation of the Cape Townships Ordinance, no. 33 of 1934, as amended
    (1974) Binedell, O B; Chapman, R.
    Accepting that there may be scope for improvement, the goal of this thesis is to evaluate in certain depth the performance of the Cape Townships Ordinance against the background of present day 6. development pressures and a sound approach to planning. The subject is tackled by presenting "Ideals to strive for", "The status quo", "An evaluation", "Remedies" and a 'Summary". Map No.1 orientates the reader geographically to the Cape Province in which the Ordinance functions.
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    An exploration of the role of toxic workplaces and burnout amongst social workers in Cape Town
    (2025) Manqindi, Zodwa; Swart-Opperman, Christina
    Social Workers in Cape Town operate within high-pressure environments characterised by complex social issues, limited resources, and emotionally intense workloads. These conditions often give rise to toxic workplace dynamics, including poor leadership, lack of emotional support, excessive caseloads and organisational dysfunction (September and Dinbabo, 2008; Matlakala, 2022). The purpose of this study was to explore the role of toxic workplaces and burnout amongst Social Workers in Cape Town. The primary objective was to develop an in-depth understanding of the experiences, challenges, and coping strategies of Social Workers in workplaces where leaders behave negatively, that result in Social Workers experiencing burnout. The secondary objective was to engage practitioners' opinions as to what can be done to mitigate toxic environments in the workplace. A qualitative exploratory research design was employed to achieve these objectives. In-depth semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 18 Social Workers working in Non-profit Organisations in Cape Town. The findings revealed that Social Workers face heavy workloads, fast-paced environments, unsafe areas, inadequate resources, and lack of supervision, all of which impact their Mental Health and Well-being. Common problems included micromanagement, unmanaged caseloads, poor leadership, nepotism, gaslighting, disrespect, and lack of appreciation. Additionally, ineffective leadership characterised by a lack of transparency, unity, and ineffective styles was noted. Participants suggested that founders of private organisations should have social work experience to better support employees. The findings of the study also stressed the impact of toxic workplaces on social workers, including mental health struggles, with many coping through medication, alcohol, or smoking. High turnover rates were attributed to burnout, underperformance, absenteeism, feeling underpaid, and mistreatment. Decisions to stay or leave were influenced by personal circumstances and mental health priorities. In summary, these findings highlight the need for better leadership, support systems, and mental health resources to improve the work environment for Social Workers.
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    An explorative descriptive study of social and religious barriers affecting access of young black women to sexual and reproductive healthcare in Cape Town
    (2025) Mlangeni, Nonhlanhla; Loubser, Silas
    This explorative descriptive study used a qualitative inquiry method to explore the social and religious barriers impacting young Black women's access to sexual and reproductive healthcare in Cape Town. Previous research studies have been conducted on barriers limiting access of women to sexual and reproductive healthcare. These studies are important as women have the right to be in control of their own healthcare decisions. However, limited attention has been given to the manner in which social and religious barriers impact young Black women's access to sexual and reproductive healthcare. Fifteen participants who follows Christian norms and values were purposively sampled, and in-depth interviews were conducted to gather qualitative data. The data was thematically analysed and the process revealed various barriers affecting the access to sexual and reproductive healthcare of young Black women. The findings emphasise that access is impacted by obstacles such as a lack of communication in families, community judgment, religious doctrine, and poor attitudes from healthcare providers. The findings further highlight that schools, digital platforms and peer groups are significant channels where sexual and reproductive healthcare information can be accessed. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations include developing family communication programmes to facilitate familial discussions about female healthcare. Interventions within church settings that encourage balancing religious principles with young women's healthcare needs could also assist to address the challenges voiced by participants. Overall, this study highlights the need to protect the rights and dignity of women to access sexual and reproductive healthcare services.
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    An exploratory study on the experiences of female youth victims of crime during load shedding in Site C, Khayelitsha
    (2025) Dike, Megan; Kinnes, Irvin; Mguzulwa, Sisanda
    Load shedding has become a common problem in South Africa, resulting in daily disruptions affecting every sector of life. Load shedding is a planned and temporary disruption of energy supply to specific areas. The present study explored the experiences of crime of female youth during load shedding at night in Site C, Khayelitsha. While there is extensive literature on the impact of load shedding on crime, no attention has been given to its impact on crime against female youth in Site C, Khayelitsha. The study fills this gap in the existing literature. Although males can experience crime too, the focus of this study is on the experiences of the female youth. Using a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 female youth residents of Site C, of which 8 out of the 15 participants directly experienced crime during load shedding and the other 7 participants had not directly experienced crime, but were witnesses of crime during load shedding. The findings of this study indicate that load shedding is associated with higher levels of robberies, with house robbery being the most common crime during load shedding. Furthermore, the research underscores the role of environmental factors in shaping crime opportunities and highlights the disproportionate impact load shedding has on the female youth. The study also emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect vulnerable groups during load shedding.
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    Arabic: The language of Muslimness in Cape Town
    (2025) Sadan, Fatima; Deumert, Andrea
    This dissertation is a linguistic ethnography of Arabic language use among Muslims in Cape Town. The study seeks to understand how a group of Arabic learners experience and engage with Arabic as the language of Islam. The teaching of Arabic in South Africa has often been seen as problematic by researchers, many of whom have argued that students do not acquire communicative skills in these learning environments (Mall & Nieman 2002; Dawood 2008; Mohamed 1998, 1997). Such critiques conceive of language ability, or proficiency, in terms of four skills, namely, speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension. These four language skills have been deemed lacking among many Arabic language learners. Even though these researchers have acknowledged that Arabic is a religious language, they have tended to overlook the myriad ways in which Arabic ‘lives' in the complex semiotic repertoires of Capetonian Muslims who learn the language for religious purposes. This study shows that Arabic language practices and the ideologies surrounding the language are deeply intertwined with participants' spiritual/religious ideologies about Muslimness. The group of Arabic learners who are at the centre of the research spend hours vocalising Arabic sounds when reciting Quran, performing prayers, and reading religious texts. In other words, their daily religious practices, which form part of their everyday lives, are saturated with Arabic sounds and script. Moreover, they are visually and somatically engaged in writing Arabic script when doing calligraphy and copying Arabic texts by hand. Thus, this study asks, how do Muslim Arabic learners in Cape Town meaningfully engage with Arabic amidst their perceived ‘lack' of communicative language abilities? In what way do they make meaning with Arabic in their daily practices, and in what ways is the materiality of language involved therein? This study included ten participants: eight were in their twenties, and two were in their fifties. Through in-depth interviews and participant observation, this ethnographic study examines how Muslim learners experience Arabic as the language of Islam; how the characterisation of Arabic as a sacred language opens up different pathways of meaning-making; and how Muslim learners experience the (sonic and written) materiality of Arabic in their daily lives. The data were analysed using the constant comparative method (Merriam & Grenier, 2019: 43) alongside MacLure's (2013: 661) approach of attuning to “glowing” data – moments in the data that evoke affective or conceptual resonance. The analysis was informed by theories of language materiality (Cavanaugh & Shankar, 2017: 2) and the aesthetics of language (Jakobson, 1960: 356). These frameworks foreground three key concepts – ideologies, indexicality, and iconicity – which shaped the interpretation of the data. This dissertation argues that Muslim learners in Cape Town meaningfully engage with Arabic as a sacred language by prioritising the aesthetic and affective dimensions of language (Jakobson 1960; Besnier 1990), and in so doing, emphasise the aural and visual materiality of Arabic in their cultivation of Muslimness.
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    ‘Asihlali Phantsi!': a study of agency among isiXhosa-speaking women traders in a Cape Town township
    (2020) Mpofu-Mketwa, Tsitsi Jane; de Wet, Jacques
    This study examined how isiXhosa-speaking women street traders in Cape Town's Langa Township exercised agency in responding to similar structural constraints and opportunities that affected their livelihoods. Drawing on Giddens's Structuration Theory and Sen's Capabilities Approach, I unpacked and conceptualised agency as five dimensions (reflexivity, motivation, rationality, purposive action and transformative capacity). This analytical framework was then used to assess the ways in which women from a poor township community exercised their agency as street traders. A case study methodology (n=25) was adopted using participant observation and in-depth interviews. Miles and Huberman's thematic coding approach guided the qualitative analysis. The study found that structurally imposed constraints were rooted in class, multiple sources of power dynamics, and material constraints related to health; while opportunities emanated from market mechanisms of supply and demand, community social support systems in the form of social capital and social networks, family support and statutory social welfare programmes. Other key findings included resistance to patriarchy, cultural norms and practices, such as submission to abusive partners and unreasonable demands from extended family members. The findings report structure and agency as mutually constitutive in so far as familial circumstances, previous work experience, social capital, educational achievements and temporality either reinforced or diminished the participants' agency. Three profiles of agency among the women traders emerged from the data. The profiles demonstrated varying degrees of enablement (most enabled, moderately enabled and least enabled) and that individual agency was a distinguishing factor. Reflexivity, as a dimension of agency, presented as more fluid and malleable than the other four dimensions. The findings show that agency is reasonably elastic and it can expand capabilities and opportunities for enablement. Finally, the study proposed a diagnostic tool for assessing and enhancing agency with potential applications in entrepreneurial training for development. My study contributes to a theoretical understanding of the concept of agency, the role it plays in development at a micro-level and criteria for assessment. Furthermore, lessons learnt from the profiles can be applied to development practice and entrepreneurial training among African women traders.
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    Assessment of perceived characteristics of solar lamps in Khayelitsha
    (IEEE, 2016-02-17) Reckson, S; Madhlopa, A
    Energy plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of any nation. Nevertheless, many people do not have access to modern energy services for lighting or other applications. Solar lamps are an innovation of modern lighting services for low-income households. In spite of the benefits associated with the adoption of solar lamps there have been few attempts for the diffusion of this technology among South Africa residences. The objective of this study was to assess perceived characteristics of solar lamps from persons in non-electrified households in Khayelitsha, Cape Town (South Africa). Such households rely predominantly on paraffin lamps and candles for lighting. The authors wished to assess public perceived characteristics of solar lamps (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity and affordability in a preliminary persuasive stage). Primary data was collected through use of a structured questionnaire (respondents completed 26). Each response - from `strongly disagree' to `strongly agree' received an integer score of 1 to 5. In addition, data reliability was determined by using Cronbach's Alpha. Results indicated most respondents perceived solar lamps as more advantageous, compatible and affordable than paraffin lamps and candles. Answers swayed more towards `disagree' on the complexity of the technology. The values of alpha ranged from 0.46 (for affordability) to 0.84 (for relative advantage, indicating solar lamps had a significant perceived relative advantage over paraffin lamps and candles.