Waste management is a global phenomenon and a challenge to all nations. There is a need to ensure that waste is handled in an environmental friendly and healthy manner. The high rate of unemployment in South Africa leads to elevated poverty, which is one of the most serious socio-economic problems in developing countries. This leads to people opting to work anywhere, particularly in the informal sector for survival. Waste picking is classified as a type of informal employment. In South Africa, the last stage in the life cycle of waste disposal is at the landfill sites. Landfill sites are normally located on the outskirts of towns and away from communities for safety and health reasons. This study researched the working conditions and health status of waste pickers working at some landfill sites in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, namely Ga-Rankuwa, Onderstepoort and Hatherly. The study used a multi method approach, where both qualitative and quantitative factors of research were utilized. Data was gathered through survey questionnaire with a sample of 176 waste pickers at three landfill sites, together with unstructured interviews with municipal workers. The researcher also observed how waste pickers work at the landfill sites. Some of the findings of this study are that: • About 66 % of waste pickers at the landfill sites were females with an average age of 45 years. • A majority (93 %) of waste pickers did not reach matric and were not employable in the formal sector • Most waste pickers (53%) work 5 days and a few (41%) work 6 days per week. • Only 22% of participants reported injury at work and 41% consulted the clinic or hospital due to injury or illness. Descriptive statistical results of the study revealed that waste pickers view their health to be fair as compared to their peers but were not satisfied with their working conditions. Waste pickers are aware of stigma including health challenges associated with working at a landfill site and the need of acting appropriately in protecting themselves / Department of Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Management)

The objective of this study was to assess the perceptions of individuals with disabilities regarding the career advancement challenges they face and to determine whether the perceptions of career advancement challenges disabled individuals from different races, ages, genders and occupational levels differ. This study employed a qualitative approach to explore the career advancement challenges and also to achieve the empirical objectives. The empirical study was conducted with 15 employees with declared disabilities employed by two group companies in different sectors in the Gauteng Province. Probability, purposeful and snowballing sampling techniques were applied. The findings indicated that most people with disabilities experienced career advancement challenges, especially promotion opportunities. Managers and colleagues’ lack of knowledge about disabilities have an adverse impact on the careers of individuals living with a disability. The findings of this study may help companies improve practices on the integration and inclusion of employees with disabilities and also on decision-making regarding their careers. / Human Resource Management / M. Com. (Business Management)

This study endeavoured to uncover the trust experiences of individuals involved in business alliances between traditional companies (TCs) and historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs) with a view to constructing a model that would facilitate a better understanding of organisational trust within these institutions. The theoretical study proposed a theoretical model of trust in the alliances between TCs and HDIs within an economic empowerment domain. The empirical study employed Q methodology to investigate the trust experiences of the participants. The 25 individuals who participated in the study were selected by means of both non-probability purposive and snowball sampling The participants were presented with the Q sample containing 50 items which they had to sort in accordance with the instruction given. The post-Q sorting interview was conducted to give the participants a chance to expound on their reasoning for the sorting of the Q sample. Data were analysed using Pearson product-moment correlation and factor analysis. Six factors revealed participants’ experiences of trust in the alliances: Factor A (Sincerity trust alliances), Factor B (Values trust alliances), Factor C (Duped trust alliances), Factor D (Vigilant trust alliances), Factor E (Deceitful trust alliances) and Factor F (Inclination to trust alliances). The trust experiences of the six groups were used to theorise about the association between the participants’ trust experiences and their performance on the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). In the main, the study found that groups that had pleasant trust experiences with their partner organisations exhibited have high positive affect (PA) and low negative affect (NA). Although exploratory in nature, the study contributed an empirically derived theoretical framework of cognitive and affective trust within business alliances that may be further investigated in future research endeavours. In this was it identified and proposed a modus operandi for closing the trust gap. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / D. Com. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

The aim of the study was to investigate the implications of the intersectionality of gender, race and class on the career progress of women in corporate South Africa and Zimbabwe in order to create a theoretical framework of the factors that can influence women career experiences. The research problem statement was derived from the continued underrepresentation of women in leadership positions shown in global annual reports despite undisputed research on the necessity for gender diversity in management teams. The key study objective was to investigate how the intersections of gender, race and class have contributed to career experiences of women in senior and executive leadership positions in corporate South Africa and Zimbabwe. The detailed objectives included: (i) Exploring the impact of authorisation processes and dynamics on the career journeys of women (i.e., study participants), (ii) Understanding the internal influences (meaning the woman herself, her confidence, self-esteem, interpersonal skills etc.) and their impact on the career journeys of women, (iii) Exploring the systemic influences and their impact on or contribution to the career journeys of women and, (iv) Creating a holistic theoretical framework that explores the career “twists and turns” that women have to navigate and proposes how they can do so, thus enabling the creation of retention strategies for women in corporates. The research questions formulated to unpack the research problem and study objectives were as follows: (i) How do gender, race and class simultaneously impact the experiences and career progression of women? (ii) How do organisations authorise or fail to authorise women in leadership positions? (iii) How do personal and internal factors influence the career journeys of women leaders? and lastly (iv) How do systemic and/or organisational factors impact the career experiences of women leaders? Methodology: Qualitative data was gathered through semi-structured interviews from a total of 18 participants (i.e., 12 South African and 6 Zimbabwean women in positions ranging from junior manager to chief executive officer) selected using a combination of purposeful and snowballing sampling techniques. The main study findings showed that gender, race and class intersect on the career starting points of the working class African, Coloured and Indian women, and that race plays the bigger role in career progression in South Africa, while in Zimbabwe, gender is the bigger challenge. The study outcomes resulted in the development of a theoretical framework that women could use as a reference to navigate the workplace. The study limitations are that it focused only on three primary identities. The study will significantly contribute to a better understanding of the experiences of African women in management and could potentially advance the debate on race and gender transformation premised on lived experiences of women. It also confronts the issues of sexual harassment and intergenerational dynamics in the workplace. In addition, several recommendations are made for future research. / Business Management / D.B.L.

The Transvaal Colony experienced a huge problem with the scarcity of African labour for the mines and for the farms after the South African War. From 1901 to 1906 African labourers displayed great reluctance to meet the labour demands of the Transvaal colony. Both black and white witnesses to the Transvaal Labour Commission (TLC) and the South African Native Affairs Commission (SANAC) gave their views regarding the reasons why African labourers were unavailable for wage labour. The Chamber of Mines dominated the proceedings of the TLC so that in the end very little objective information could be gained from the TLC. Africans themselves, testifying before SANAC stated a number of grievances which might have been responsible for the widespread withdrawal from employment on the mines. It became clear that Africans preferred to work independently rather than to provide labour for whites who ill-treated them. This they could only do if land was available to them. / History / M.A. (History)

Social Work / M.A. Social Science (Mental Health)

Until recently, the legal position of domestic workers in South Africa could be described as a relic of the nineteenth century, when the contract of employment and the common law defined the employer-employee relationship. The legal rules which regulate the relationship between the domestic worker and her employer are examined. International labour standards and the legal position of domestic workers in other countries are considered. Cognisance is taken of the social phenomenon which finds domestic workers at the convergence of three lines along which inequality is generated, namely gender, race and class. Furthermore, the unique economic forces at play in this sector are examined. The law will be stretched to its limits when attempting to resolve what is, essentially, a socio-economic problem. However, the working lives of a million people are at stake. The legislature has a constitutional, political and moral responsibility to attend to reform in this sector as a matter of urgency. / Private Law / LL.M.

The Transvaal Colony experienced a huge problem with the scarcity of African labour for the mines and for the farms after the South African War. From 1901 to 1906 African labourers displayed great reluctance to meet the labour demands of the Transvaal colony. Both black and white witnesses to the Transvaal Labour Commission (TLC) and the South African Native Affairs Commission (SANAC) gave their views regarding the reasons why African labourers were unavailable for wage labour. The Chamber of Mines dominated the proceedings of the TLC so that in the end very little objective information could be gained from the TLC. Africans themselves, testifying before SANAC stated a number of grievances which might have been responsible for the widespread withdrawal from employment on the mines. It became clear that Africans preferred to work independently rather than to provide labour for whites who ill-treated them. This they could only do if land was available to them. / History / M. A. (History)

Text in English / The purpose of the study was to explore the registered nurse’s perceptions with regard to the use of authority by nurse managers in the workplace. A qualitative approach using phenomenological descriptive design was used. Data was collected by means of audio-taped individual interviews and field notes. The sample included registered nurses aged 25-45 years with more than two years’ experience. Ethical issues were adhered to. The data was analysed using content analysis as proposed by Creswell (2013). Five themes and seventeen subthemes emerged from the data. The findings revealed that the registered nurses were unhappy with the way authority is being used, their non-involvement in decision-making; lack of two way communication between nurses and managers; poor relationship between nurses and health service managers which hindered nurses’ opportunity for growth. Autonomy is a major determinant of nurse job satisfaction, and failure to apply it may lead to high turnover and absenteeism. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

This research was undertaken within the broader concept of Corporate Social Investments and how this concept is integrated within the context of staff retention and what this means for business and creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Illustrated through the description of CSI literature and intending to explain the link between CSI and employee retention, research questions presented as part of the outcomes for the research examines notion that there is a relationship between Corporate Social Investment and Employee Retention. Reference to the case study "Rhodes / Kuyasa Partnership" illustrates how such partnerships attempt to create opportunities for the community, the organisation, people with disabilities and employees at large. The case study was written to be used as a teaching case study in the context of Human Resources, Business Sustainability and Corporate Social Investment. The effectiveness and viability of the Kuyasa / Rhodes partnership will highlight acceptance and or non acceptance of people with disability by the non-disabled workforce. This case study will highlight CSI linkages that lead to staff retention, higher job satisfaction, lower turnover of staff, enhanced community engagement, creating opportunities that accommodate people with special needs, developing models that can be replicated in other organisations, creating additional opportunities for existing staff. Metcalf (2008:61) suggests that organisations need to ensure that the leadership and organisation culture within organisations is appropriate to engage staff with disabilities and non-disabled staff, and that their most senior managers demonstrate their commitment to develop, and help others develop, in the same way. The Kuyasa Rhodes Partnership may have started off as a Retention Strategy, however has given rise to a social initiative that can be replicated in other enabling organisations. The case study material was acquired through one on one interviews, and a focus group session on the effectiveness with the retention of such employees with intellectual disabilities, internship and mentoring issues, and as well as issues such as affirmative action, and the benefits and shortcomings of staff retention to the organisation. Key stakeholders interviewed for this case study expressed differing view -points, and in particular the benefits and shortcomings of this initiative. The Rhodes Kuyasa initiative appears to have achieved some success in enabling young adults / learners to work in a mainstream working environment by developing employment skills and life skills, and by improving their employment opportunities. Factors critical to the continuation of such initiatives included: the close involvement with both partners (Rhodes and the Kuyasa Special School), the sensitive treatment of the learners, and creating internal departmental partnerships within the Rhodes environment. A selected group of ten learners were mentored and provided with full time employment within the industrial Campus Food Services facility. Discussion that was highlighted in the case study must give consideration to a more investigative approach into overcoming the barriers of discrimination in the workplace and the major barriers to skills development. These have highlighted a number of relatively consistent themes around what were the successful and unsuccessful strategies. Integration of people with disabilities within the Rhodes University service areas has had positive effects for the disabled learner and employee workplace. People with disabilities indicated on how having mainstream employment allowed them to be independent, have a purpose in life and enhance their self worth in their communities and place of employment. Furthermore, being employed had positive repercussions on the person‘s co-workers. By demonstrating their competence, people with disabilities have had significant impact on other people‘s attitudes to disabled persons. Discussions held with the Principal of the Kuyasa Specialised School highlighted the need for crucial planning within special schools for disabled people in the area of transition from school to skills development and work. Skills development guidance is important in ensuring a choice of relevant interventions and obtaining the necessary information. Some staff expressed frustration at being with co-workers who questioned their presence and placement in the kitchen environment. Even though the disabled person was suitably placed they faced stereotypical behaviour and attitudes from their co-workers on what people with disabilities can or cannot do. Staff with intellectual disabilities commented that their co-workers see them as needing constant attention and care and not being capable of working. Some of the staff with disabilities had to work much harder to be recognised by their co-workers and supervisors. Currently few people with disabilities seem to be receiving career guidance while at school, as reflected in the case studies. One person with an intellectual disability described how the intervention of developing a comprehensive school leaving plan, which was then implemented by the school, allowed for good transition from school to Rhodes University. The role of personal factors such as life skills, personal motivation, the desire for personal achievement and a positive attitude were common themes that came out of the focus group. Initiatives to ensure that people accept themselves, their circumstances and are able to express their desires and realise their dreams are important factors. In addressing the barriers, co-worker attitudes make a big difference to how effectively the disabled person is able to participate in the training and employment. The future focus must be enabling and in line with successes and failures in the areas of employee integration in the workplace, life-skills development for people with disabilities. A clear career guidance plan should be developed for all disabled children before they leave school. This plan should include provision of adequate information on different career options and training. The negative attitudes of co-workers and supervisors should be changed by providing training support to ensure that they feel confident to meet the needs of disabled staff. Employers should be providing support and information on how to meet the needs of disabled employees. People with intellectual disabilities are an integral part of the South African population. Business and social enterprises need to have a focused inclusive strategy to integrate people with intellectual disabilities within the South African society to ensure equity and diversity awareness. Working with people with intellectual disabilities has been the focus of this research to ensure long term sustainable employment, CSI and Employment equity. Integrating Corporate Social Investment policies with Human Resources Equity policies are important factors in ensuring that people with intellectual disabilities are a fundamental focus in recruitment and retention strategies within business and social enterprises. Initiatives such as the Kuyasa / Rhodes Partnership are attempting to align to the overall objectives of incorporating people with intellectual disabilities into mainstream work, in particular, with the objective of incorporating people with disabilities in some accessible sections within the organisation. This contributes to the Rhodes University Campus Food Services becoming an example of excellence in the CSI and employee retention field. It is hoped that this teaching case study will make an important contribution to students learning about sustainable business practices, and for business focusing on employment recruitment and retention strategies to integrate people with intellectual disabilities within their organisations.