The education system is a source of language discrimination and exclusion for many young people in South Africa. In South Africa, African languages are spoken by more than 70% of the population, while the colonial languages English and Afrikaans represent less than 25%. However, most South African schools use English or Afrikaans as the main language of instruction. Learners' transitioning to using and learning in a colonial language, and the role languages plays in youth education and development are the root cause of many challenges, including poor academic performance, unequal access to opportunity, social exclusion, and challenging identity formation. This qualitative study aimed to explore the intersection between language, educational opportunities, and identity from an isiXhosa speaking youth perspective in Cape Town, Western Cape. In depth individual interviews were conducted with 12 black African Xhosa youth, between the ages of 18 and 29. The researcher sought to examine the effects of the language challenges faced by isiXhosa speaking youth during their education journey and to gauge the perspective of isiXhosa speaking youth regarding the role of language in their academic performance, opportunities, and social identity. The researcher adopted the following three concepts as a framework for analysis: Sen's capability approach (1999), social identity theory by Tajfel and Turner (1979), and Soudien's work on language in post-apartheid education (2012). This study was important in order The findings revealed that participants faced various challenges in relation to language use in education, specifically transitioning to English as the main medium of instruction. The participants' experiences differed depending on the age at which they transitioned to using English in the education system, but the outcomes of this transition were similar. Their academic performance was negatively impacted by needing to learn in a different language. They had unequal opportunities throughout their education compared with native English speakers, putting them at higher risk of social exclusion and impacting negatively their access to higher education and employment. The participants' advocated for the need to decolonise education, specifically in regard to perceptions and use of languages, because of the prejudices and judgments based on their ability to speak English rather than their actual skills and capabilities. Participants tended to compare languages and look down on isiXhosa, then facing identity crises when returning to their Xhosa families. They had to navigate multiple identities depending on the language and context in which they found themselves. This study recommended reducing inequities by implementing inclusive language policies and measures to accommodate learners with non-colonial first languages, provide support through their transition to a new language, and not weighting incorrect English against them in non-English class. The recommendations also included the need to adapt national exams and grading systems to ensure all learners' have the opportunity to perform to their best ability. The government must also increase its investment in South African languages to promote their use in professional and public spaces. Finally, institutions must be encouraged to use multiple languages in schools, universities, and workplaces.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 88-100). / Recent studies have shown that Official Development Assistance (ODA) is able to contribute to poverty reduction through the Public Expenditure Management (PEM) system. The International Financial Institutions (IFIs) have also been channelling ODA in the form of budget support under the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs). While implementing PRSPs, Zambia, a poor country, showed remarkable improvement in the economic and social sectors. Whether it was ODA channelled for pro-poor expenditure or economic growth that was responsible for these improvements or both could only be ascertained by empirical research. To study this research problem, this undertaking used a quantitative research design. Data on Zambia's requests for ODA were collected from the Zambian national budget and official Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the period 1990 to 2008. Statistics on ODA received were obtained from the OECD.stat database, in order to find out the extent to which ODA receipts were a part of Zambia's public expenditure. Public expenditure was then correlated with the IMR, and numerically compared with the HDI and poverty headcount. The research produced a number of key findings. For nine of the fifteen years examined, Zambia received an average of 260.57 per cent of all ODA it requested. There was evidence that the association between pro-poor expenditure and IMR was strong. The HDI and poverty head count improved but the study was inconclusive on whether this was as a result of increased pro-poor expenditure or not. The PEM system was argued to be a vital factor for ODA to reach the poor. Overall, there was strong indication that ODA contributed to poverty reduction through pro-poor public expenditure in Zambia. It was therefore recommended that both donors and the Zambian government ensure that all ODA was targeted at primary and secondary education, primary health care, rural roads, and agricultural extension services.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 74-81). / The main purpose of this study is to explore the challenges and experiences of South Sudanese male refugees in South Africa. The 15 South Sudanese men who participated in the current study had left Sudan because of the civil war there. All the participants said that the civil war was characterised by gunshots fired by the Sudanese Government soldiers that were intended to kill the South Sudanese. The participants highlighted certain political, religious and racial inequalities, and the unequal distribution of resources between the South and North Sudanese. The participants indicated that they had come to seek refuge in South Africa for security, safety and socio-economic reasons. Because there was no war or conflict in South Africa, participants came to South Africa to seek refuge. Participants said that South Africa was one of the most peaceful countries in Africa; and that it has enacted laws that allow refugees to live in its territory. The findings show that, although the participants came to South Africa hoping to improve their quality of life and to be secure and safe, participants also acknowledged that living in a foreign country as a refugee is not easy and has positive, as well as negative aspects. All 15 participants identified the Department of Home Affairs as the main problem impeding a smooth application process in their attempts to secure refugee status. The participants identified the process as being lengthy, and spoke about the corruption and harassment they experienced at the Department of Home Affairs. The participants blamed the corruption in the Department of Home Affairs on the staff. The findings show that corruption reduces the chances of refugees securing their refugee status. The findings revealed that because the Home Affairs staff knew the importance of refugee status to refugees, they took advantage of this and asked for bribes from these refugees.

Homeless women face many challenges. They lack adequate housing and financial support and are confronted with the daunting challenge of securing sanitary products when menstruating (Parrillo and Feller, 2017). Menstruation is a crucial part of women's sexual and reproductive health (Reams, 2001). It is a significant biological experience that signifies a woman's transition from childhood to womanhood (Reams, 2001). For homeless women, purchasing menstrual products is an unreasonable financial burden (BRAWS, 2018). Homeless women end up using items such as rags, old socks, tissue paper, paper towels, torn pieces of clothing, or diapers to satisfy their menstrual needs (Mason et al., 2013). Often, homeless women go without menstrual protection altogether (Mason et al., 2013). This lack results in period poverty. Period poverty refers to a lack of sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, toilets, hand-washing facilities, and/or waste management (Sanchez and Rodriguez, 2019). Period poverty manifests in the absence of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM). MHM is a term used to refer to menstruating females having absorbents to absorb or collect blood that can be changed in privacy as many times as required, having soap and water to wash the body, and having facilities to dispose the used menstrual management materials (Sommer and Sahin, 2013). The purpose of the research study was to qualitatively explore the experiences and perceptions of period poverty among homeless women in Cape Town (South Africa) using the capability approach. As a result, the study was guided by a qualitative research design. Nonprobability sampling was used in recruiting participants. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 homeless women who experienced period poverty and received assistance from two organisations in Cape Town. The findings revealed that homeless women experience period poverty due to a lack of sanitary products and poor MHM. One of key challenges faced by the participants was that they do not have access to an adequate supply of water when having their period. Participants would then make use of dam, water under the bridge, public toilets or make use of a bucket in order keep clean during their period. This affected the confidence of the participants, making them feel inadequate. As a result, they developed unhealthy behaviours to survive the harsh realities of being homeless. This made them vulnerable to different forms of violence and affected their perception of the opportunities they believed they had access to. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that addressing period poverty amongst homeless women requires multifaceted policies and responses. Furthermore, there needs to be intense support from all stakeholders so that the issue of period poverty amongst homeless women is addressed as a wider public-health initiative. The financial burden of sanitary products should be eliminated across the globe. Essentially, free menstrual products should be made available to all menstruating individuals, including homeless women.

Non-compliance with court diversion orders by child divertees remain a challenge within the child justice system in South Africa. The overall aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of former divertees regarding the factors that contributed to their non-compliance with diversion orders. Qualitative research approach and a purposive sampling technique were adopted. Non-probability sampling was utilised to draw purposive sampling. Semi-structured one-to-one interviews were used as the method of data collection. There were 15 male participants between the ages of 15 and 21 years who represented the dominant gender type diverted in the rural courts of the Central Karoo. The study showed children diverted had a basic understanding of what diversion entails and the consequences for failing to comply with the diversion court orders. However, economic challenges in households played a significant role in non-compliance with diversion orders as some divertees chose temporary job opportunities over diversion programme attendance. Furthermore, the study revealed that diversion programmes do not offer food, and this affected their concentration level and hindered full participation to benefit from diversion opportunities. Another factor that contributes to non-compliance with diversion orders is a non-supportive child justice system. Courts showed inconsistency in the management of diversion, as some courts do act on noncompliance with diversion orders whilst others do not. Lack of proper support and monitoring by both probation officers and parents put divertees at risk of non-compliance with diversion orders. However, some divertees defied their diversion orders by not attending programmes. Association with older friends and smoking dagga for a greater part of their day put further risk on successful completion of diversion programmes. To encourage full diversion programme attendance, it is recommended that diversion service providers provide food for the divertees before the start of each session. Effective monitoring and follow-up of diversion programmes by probation officers are important to ensure compliance. Furthermore, to achieve long-term behavioural change and minimise the chances that divertees abandon diversion, it is recommended that diversion sessions include different facilitation methods such as physical activities to keep the divertees interest in attending.

This study was an exploration into the Ecological Risk and Protective Factors on Adolescent Substance Use and its Effects on Behavioural and Educational Outcomes. The data was gathered using a qualitative research approach. Focus groups were conducted with the assistance of a semistructure interview guide to gather information on the research topic. The researcher used gatekeepers within Arcadia High School, Bonteheuwel High School and The College of Science and Technology school environments to gain access to participants. A non-probability sampling method was used to select 37 participants. Participants either identified as Coloured or Black, between the ages of 13 and 18 years old and were all high school students. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and Tesch was used to create a framework of analysis. The main assumptions of the study were as followed: ● Adolescent substance use is not only influenced by individual characteristics but also family, environmental and peer influences; ● Protective factors against adolescent substance use include strong familial bonds, positive peer influences and attachment to the schooling environment. ● Adolescent substance use has a negative effect on behavioural outcomes. ● Adolescent substance use has a negative effect on educational outcomes. The findings of the study show that there were a number of factors that contributed towards the vulnerability of adolescents that ultimately resulted in them using substances. Environmental factors such as poverty played a crucial role in substance use behaviours. Similarly, family influences, such as parental substance abuse and lack of parent-child connection contributed towards adolescent socialization around substance use and substance- use behaviours. The predominant protective factor appeared to be the school environment. The school environment acted as a pseudo family for adolescents where they felt safe, protected and received positive emotions such as love and understanding. The researcher recommends the development of a multi-level intervention approach that addresses the imbalances in the adolescents immediate and non-immediate environments that contribute to their substance use behaviours. This multi-level intervention strategy will run parallel to the Life Orientation programme and will focus on multiple levels of psychosocial intervention strategies that will assist adolescents in dealing with substance use.

2019 marked 10 years since the beginning of the Boko Haram insurgency. While violent conflicts hardly ever have straightforward explanations, the narrative on the insurgency has been reductionist – largely addressing the role of religion and to some extent, other socio-economic indicators. Moreover, most of the literature on the drivers, impact and counter terrorism response has disproportionately focused on Nigeria. Consequently, data reflecting the regional spill-over of the insurgency has been very minimal. Finally, very little is known about the development response to the conflict in all affected countries in the Lake Chad Basin, including Nigeria. In an attempt to fill these gaps, this research sought to understand the nexus between conflict and development in all four riparian countries of Lake Chad, i.e. Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger. It built on data from secondary sources and empirical evidence from extensive fieldwork, to examine the complexity of economic, social, cultural, political and environmental drivers of the conflict in all affected countries. It also took stock of the socio-economic impact of the conflict and critically assessed development interventions aimed at addressing fragility and building resilience to violent conflict in the affected countries and the Lake Chad Basin at large. The study found that apart from oft-cited religious indoctrination, the drivers of the Boko Haram insurgency in all four affected countries are best explained in terms of huge infrastructural deficits, poverty, unemployment, climate change, weak state capacity and governance-related constraints. It concluded that there is a very strong correlation between underdevelopment and conflict in the Basin. Against this background, while counter terrorism and de-radicalisation measures are necessary to prevent Boko Haram from establishing a foothold in the Lake Chad Basin, addressing the drivers and building resilience to conflict in the Basin requires the promotion of infrastructural and socio-economic development, poverty reduction, good governance, sustainable livelihoods and climate change adaptation. This thesis elaborates on these and broadens the literature on the Boko Haram insurgency, by departing from a Nigerian narrative to a regional perspective. / Thesis (PhD (Development Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Anthropology and Archaeology / PhD (Development Studies) / Unrestricted

Includes abstract. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 64-72). / South Africa has been experiencing steady economic growth since 1994, but is increasingly battling with development issues such as persisting poverty and growing socio-economic inequality. This apparent contradiction is part of the complex South African development landscape in which development aid has gradually shifted from being transitional to a stable factor in development processes. Possible limitations and potential of development aid are set out by the dominating schools of thought; mainstream, neo-liberal, and radical left. The main aim of this thesis was to evaluate if and how development aid contributes to poverty alleviation in South Africa according to the theoretical and historical arguments of these schools of thought.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 78-85). / The primary purpose of this study is to explore the experiences and challenges of emerging organizations with regards to the financing of their services by the Department of Social Development in the Western Cape. This dissertation also provides the reader with an overview account of the research design as well as the research techniques, which were utilized in the fieldwork to gather information. The study is mainly qualitative and exploratory in nature. Interviews were held with the Directors of the non-profit organizations.

Includes abstract. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 79-85). / The aim of this study was to investigate cases of sustainable low income settlements from across the developing world in order to draw conclusions and recommendations for the South African context. Sustainable construction, which falls under the ambit of sustainable development, formed the theoretical basis of this study. In the developing world, where one of the most pressing issues is a dire housing shortage due to ever increasing urbanisation, and where the construction industry often impacts negatively on people and the natural environment, the need to make sustainable interventions in the built environment remains urgent for the survival of human beings.