>Magister Scientiae - MSc / The historical patterns of access to water and other areas of public service delivery in South
Africa predominantly favoured the white minority. There was inadequate distribution of
water where townships and rural areas bore the brunt of the apartheid administration.
Women are disadvantaged within the household and carry the burden of providing water for
their families. This is particularly true in a water stressed environment, such as the
Ehlanzeni District Municipality in Mpumalanga. This study considered the practical
application of the Capability Approach and its key idea of human well-being. In particular,
the idea of the Capability Approach that social arrangements should aim to expand people‟s
capabilities and their freedom to promote or achieve what they value doing or being was
considered. Sen‟s ideas were assessed and the study considered how these ideas help
understand collective action and strategies adopted by women to cope in the face of water
stress and poverty. The thesis examined how community involvement, in particular
women‟s involvement in a group called Vukani, impacts on water related issues and helps
them to cope with external stressors. The study also considered the links between group
belonging and capabilities. The findings suggest that group belonging cultivates a unique
set of capabilities such as hope and empowerment. Due to group belonging and the
capabilities attained through collective action, Vukani was able to develop adaptive
strategies through innovation, partnerships and knowledge sharing.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uwc/oai:etd.uwc.ac.za:11394/4257 |
| Date | January 2013 |
| Creators | Ncube, Greater |
| Contributors | Goldin, Jacqueline |
| Publisher | University of the Western Cape |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | University of the Western Cape |
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