This study was influenced by two sociological theories namely: Durkheim’s Structural
Functionalism and Relativism. In terms of Durkheim’s Structural Functionalism, I claim
that the aspects of social structures, cultural norms and values, which are among its main
components, are also among the main components of Indigenous Knowledge Systems
(IKS). In line with Relativism, this study argues against Durkheim’s claim that social
structures, and cultural norms and values determine human choices and behaviour. It is
claimed that in line with my understanding of IKS in this study social structures, cultural
norms and values are relative aspects, because they change and differ from context to
context even if their carriers are the same, and human choice in different times and places
play a vital role in determining decisions.
These theories have been applied practically by examining the relationship between
Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and good governance. The study asserts that IKS
has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of policies at the local
municipality level. Thus, the study has sought to understand the extent to which IKS is
incorporated in the policy development and implementation at the local municipality level.
This investigation has been undertaken in the thematic context of HIV/AIDS. I investigated
the extent to which IKS is incorporated into policy development and implementation
related to HIV/AIDS at the local municipality level.
The study has argued that the extent to which IKS is appropriated into policy development
and implementation relies on the power dynamics between the provincial and national
spheres of government on the one hand, and the local municipality leaders and officials
on the other. The study has found that local municipality leaders and officials have a
strong affinity to the IKS due to their proximity to the local citizens. But, political leaders
at the national and provincial spheres of the South African government exert influence on
the local municipality leaders and officials to exercise their power with limited response
to the IKS needs of the local communities. / Sociology / D. Phil. (Sociology)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/24967 |
| Date | 02 1900 |
| Creators | Likalimba, Makhaliha Bernard Nkhoma |
| Contributors | Mathebe, Lucky |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (xx, 447 leaves) : color illustrations, maps, application/pdf |
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