Assessing NGO’s contribution to the overall quality of life and sustainability of the community, a case study
- Van der Westhuizen, P. H., Kesa, H.
- Authors: Van der Westhuizen, P. H. , Kesa, H.
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Quality of life , Community , sustainability
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/248480 , uj:25827 , Citation: Van der Westhuizen, P.H. & Kesa, H. 2017. Assessing NGO’s contribution to the overall quality of life and sustainability of the community, a case study.
- Description: Abstract: The study first aims to determine the contribution of none governmental organizations, (NGO’s) to the overall quality of life of the community and its members. Quality of life is a vague and difficult concept and students have not yet agreed on the definition of quality of life (Kruger, Rootenberg, & Ellis, 2013; Massam, 2002; Dissart and Deller; 2000). The question that needs to be answered is how many of these statements have been translated into sustainable actions? In its simplest form it describes a person’s satisfaction or dissatisfaction with their life. Well-being and quality of life usually means the same (Kim, Uysal & Sirgy, 2013) and can be measured from a multi-material dimension and non-material dimension (Easterlin and Angelescu, 2012; Stiglitz, Sen & Fitoussi, 2010). Secondly it identifies the socio-demographic variables relative to quality of life perceptions. Embracing the framework of appreciative inquiry the researchers looks at how community engagement has continued to strive towards sustainability to be sustained in communities and then add to the quality of life in a community. There is a focus on the levels of interest in community engagement, with the intervention of students in a structured academic programme and what is being done by higher education institutions to sustain that interest. Theoretically this study contributes to the body of knowledge on the contribution of the School of Tourism and Hospitality, (STH), working with students over the last years (2014, 2015 and 2016). It is important that the STH develop long-term strategies for the NGO’s that will benefit the community and its members and so ensure the sustainability of the relationship with the NGO’s and improve the overall quality of life.
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- Authors: Van der Westhuizen, P. H. , Kesa, H.
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Quality of life , Community , sustainability
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/248480 , uj:25827 , Citation: Van der Westhuizen, P.H. & Kesa, H. 2017. Assessing NGO’s contribution to the overall quality of life and sustainability of the community, a case study.
- Description: Abstract: The study first aims to determine the contribution of none governmental organizations, (NGO’s) to the overall quality of life of the community and its members. Quality of life is a vague and difficult concept and students have not yet agreed on the definition of quality of life (Kruger, Rootenberg, & Ellis, 2013; Massam, 2002; Dissart and Deller; 2000). The question that needs to be answered is how many of these statements have been translated into sustainable actions? In its simplest form it describes a person’s satisfaction or dissatisfaction with their life. Well-being and quality of life usually means the same (Kim, Uysal & Sirgy, 2013) and can be measured from a multi-material dimension and non-material dimension (Easterlin and Angelescu, 2012; Stiglitz, Sen & Fitoussi, 2010). Secondly it identifies the socio-demographic variables relative to quality of life perceptions. Embracing the framework of appreciative inquiry the researchers looks at how community engagement has continued to strive towards sustainability to be sustained in communities and then add to the quality of life in a community. There is a focus on the levels of interest in community engagement, with the intervention of students in a structured academic programme and what is being done by higher education institutions to sustain that interest. Theoretically this study contributes to the body of knowledge on the contribution of the School of Tourism and Hospitality, (STH), working with students over the last years (2014, 2015 and 2016). It is important that the STH develop long-term strategies for the NGO’s that will benefit the community and its members and so ensure the sustainability of the relationship with the NGO’s and improve the overall quality of life.
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Bridging the digital divide in an African smart city
- Janse van Rensburg, Nickey, Matheri, Anthony Njuguna, Meyer, Johan
- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, Nickey , Matheri, Anthony Njuguna , Meyer, Johan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Community , Infrastructure , Smart City
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/402155 , uj:33642 , Citation: Janse van Rensburg, N., Matheri, A.N. & Meyer, J. 2019. Bridging the digital divide in an African smart city.
- Description: Abstract: Sustainable transformation of cities is only possible when conducted in a smart way. This research assessed the impact of rolling out free Wi-Fi networks and online services in Johannesburg, South Africa as it relates to the sustainable development of vulnerable communities. Informed by the early adopters of a free Wi-Fi network provided by the City of Johannesburg, participating in the Johannesburg digital ambassadors training programme, the research evaluated smart city enablement in the City of Johannesburg. The case study reviewed relevant smart city metrics and compared to the standard for sustainable development of communities (BS ISO 37120:2014), evaluate indicators for city services and quality of life to identify design criteria for future developments. The results from this study contribute to the enablement of smart city infrastructure development geared toward capacitating vulnerable and previously digitally disadvantaged communities.
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- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, Nickey , Matheri, Anthony Njuguna , Meyer, Johan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Community , Infrastructure , Smart City
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/402155 , uj:33642 , Citation: Janse van Rensburg, N., Matheri, A.N. & Meyer, J. 2019. Bridging the digital divide in an African smart city.
- Description: Abstract: Sustainable transformation of cities is only possible when conducted in a smart way. This research assessed the impact of rolling out free Wi-Fi networks and online services in Johannesburg, South Africa as it relates to the sustainable development of vulnerable communities. Informed by the early adopters of a free Wi-Fi network provided by the City of Johannesburg, participating in the Johannesburg digital ambassadors training programme, the research evaluated smart city enablement in the City of Johannesburg. The case study reviewed relevant smart city metrics and compared to the standard for sustainable development of communities (BS ISO 37120:2014), evaluate indicators for city services and quality of life to identify design criteria for future developments. The results from this study contribute to the enablement of smart city infrastructure development geared toward capacitating vulnerable and previously digitally disadvantaged communities.
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Community conservation volunteering activities in Kruger National Park
- Authors: Shabalala, P. , Thomas, P
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Community , Park , Volunteering
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/401051 , uj:33499 , Citation: Shabalala, P. & Thomas, P. 2019.
- Description: Abstract: Community conservation volunteering at game parks has been a much talked about topic in tourism research in recent years. This research examined conservation volunteering activities of communities abutting the Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. The research sought to identify challenges faced by these communities which prevent them from being a member of a conservation volunteer-based organisation and consequently, inhibits them from taking part in related park volunteer conservation activities. A qualitative methodology using focus groups was adopted to establish why volunteer activities in national parks were generally not supported by people from abutting park communities. Little is known from these rural communities in terms of their reasons for not volunteering. Findings highlighted that there is need to build stronger alliances with these communities to overcome community socioeconomic challenges that hold them back from conservation volunteerism participation. A key recommendation is how conservation volunteer organisations can make changes within their organisation can be more inclusive via community-based ecotourism education to promote the need for communities to take an active role in conservation.
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- Authors: Shabalala, P. , Thomas, P
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Community , Park , Volunteering
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/401051 , uj:33499 , Citation: Shabalala, P. & Thomas, P. 2019.
- Description: Abstract: Community conservation volunteering at game parks has been a much talked about topic in tourism research in recent years. This research examined conservation volunteering activities of communities abutting the Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. The research sought to identify challenges faced by these communities which prevent them from being a member of a conservation volunteer-based organisation and consequently, inhibits them from taking part in related park volunteer conservation activities. A qualitative methodology using focus groups was adopted to establish why volunteer activities in national parks were generally not supported by people from abutting park communities. Little is known from these rural communities in terms of their reasons for not volunteering. Findings highlighted that there is need to build stronger alliances with these communities to overcome community socioeconomic challenges that hold them back from conservation volunteerism participation. A key recommendation is how conservation volunteer organisations can make changes within their organisation can be more inclusive via community-based ecotourism education to promote the need for communities to take an active role in conservation.
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Community engagement on public projects – case study of Hammanskraal Pedestrian Bridge, Gauteng, South Africa
- Rathenam, B.D.C., Musonda, I., Talukhaba, A., Dabup, N.L.
- Authors: Rathenam, B.D.C. , Musonda, I. , Talukhaba, A. , Dabup, N.L.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Stakeholders , Stakeholder management , Community
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/216723 , uj:21545 , Citation: Rathenam, B.D.C. et al. 2016. Community engagement on public projects – case study of Hammanskraal Pedestrian Bridge, Gauteng, South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Construction projects in the public sector have often been affected by major challenges with regards to project ownership by stakeholders particularly the co-operation of local communities. Various government policies and regulations exist which supports the participation of small and medium scale enterprises within the built environment especially on public sector projects. This research study investigated the influence of local communities on public sector construction projects with a focus on the impact of the local community involved in the construction of the Hammanskraal Pedestrian Bridge over the R101 in Hammanskraal, Pretoria. Structured interviews were conducted with the main contractor, the professional team involved in the project and the municipality officials overseeing the project. The findings show that the stakeholders from the Hammanskraal community had a high degree of influence on the project, unfortunately their influence on the project was negative.
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- Authors: Rathenam, B.D.C. , Musonda, I. , Talukhaba, A. , Dabup, N.L.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Stakeholders , Stakeholder management , Community
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/216723 , uj:21545 , Citation: Rathenam, B.D.C. et al. 2016. Community engagement on public projects – case study of Hammanskraal Pedestrian Bridge, Gauteng, South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Construction projects in the public sector have often been affected by major challenges with regards to project ownership by stakeholders particularly the co-operation of local communities. Various government policies and regulations exist which supports the participation of small and medium scale enterprises within the built environment especially on public sector projects. This research study investigated the influence of local communities on public sector construction projects with a focus on the impact of the local community involved in the construction of the Hammanskraal Pedestrian Bridge over the R101 in Hammanskraal, Pretoria. Structured interviews were conducted with the main contractor, the professional team involved in the project and the municipality officials overseeing the project. The findings show that the stakeholders from the Hammanskraal community had a high degree of influence on the project, unfortunately their influence on the project was negative.
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Mine operations in South Africa : community and employee reactions
- Authors: Thaba, Sebonkile C.
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Mine Industry , Community , Mini workers
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/488135 , uj:44460 , Citation: Thaba, S.C. 2021. Mine operations in South Africa : community and employee reactions.
- Description: Abstract: For several years, the mining industry in South Africa has experienced widespread protest action on the part of mine workers and members of communities where mines are located. To identify reasons for these protests, a total of 46 accounts of protest actions, published in a range of South African newspapers, were reviewed for the study discussed in this paper. Key findings from a thematic content analysis of these accounts are that community members have been protesting about lack of job creation, inadequate service delivery and pollution of the environment. The mineworkers are mainly dissatisfied with salaries, benefits and some working conditions. Most of the mining companies which have experienced protest action are high profile international mining organisations which have experiences of operating in several countries. This paper argues that these mining companies have excellent operational strategies which ensure cost-efficient and good return on investment, but the problem is that the strategy is excluding some of the stakeholders, whom then becomes obstacles and threat to the profitability of such organisations. The mining unrest had taken place in many countries, which the South African mining companies could have learned from every time initiating a mining business in the land of the indigenous. Ensuring that operational excellence at all-time covers the three aspects of sustainability in a win-win situation is a way to go. This is the integration of economic, social and environmental elements within the operational excellence.
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- Authors: Thaba, Sebonkile C.
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Mine Industry , Community , Mini workers
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/488135 , uj:44460 , Citation: Thaba, S.C. 2021. Mine operations in South Africa : community and employee reactions.
- Description: Abstract: For several years, the mining industry in South Africa has experienced widespread protest action on the part of mine workers and members of communities where mines are located. To identify reasons for these protests, a total of 46 accounts of protest actions, published in a range of South African newspapers, were reviewed for the study discussed in this paper. Key findings from a thematic content analysis of these accounts are that community members have been protesting about lack of job creation, inadequate service delivery and pollution of the environment. The mineworkers are mainly dissatisfied with salaries, benefits and some working conditions. Most of the mining companies which have experienced protest action are high profile international mining organisations which have experiences of operating in several countries. This paper argues that these mining companies have excellent operational strategies which ensure cost-efficient and good return on investment, but the problem is that the strategy is excluding some of the stakeholders, whom then becomes obstacles and threat to the profitability of such organisations. The mining unrest had taken place in many countries, which the South African mining companies could have learned from every time initiating a mining business in the land of the indigenous. Ensuring that operational excellence at all-time covers the three aspects of sustainability in a win-win situation is a way to go. This is the integration of economic, social and environmental elements within the operational excellence.
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