Raymond Mhlaba Research Articles

Earthworm diversity and density as affected by soil and climatic factors in Raymond Mhlaba municipality, Eastern Cape province, South Africa

Earthworms play a key role in improving soil health, and their diversity and density are mainly affected by soil and climatic factors. This study determined the effects of rainfall, temperature and selected soil properties on the diversity and density of earthworms in Raymond Mhlaba municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Nine sites in the municipality covering the humid, sub-humid, semi-arid and arid regions were sampled. At each site, earthworms were collected for identification and quantification. The relationships between earthworm density and diversity against the selected factors were analysed using analysis of variance and Pearson correlations. Seven exotic earthworm species were identified, namely: Dendrobaena octaedra; (epigeic groups); Aporrectodea caliginosa; Pontoscolex corethrurus (Rhinodrillidae); Allolobophora chlorotica (endogeic groups); Amynthas aspergillum, Lumbricus terrestris and Fimoscolex sporadochaetus (anecic groups). No indigenous earthworms were found. There were significant differences in earthworm density and biomass across all the climatic zones (p < 0.05). Earthworm density and biomass showed positive correlations with soil moisture and rainfall but strong negative correlations with temperature (p < 0.05). Earthworm densities across all sites were lower than the global average. The study concluded that sub-humid environments exhibited the highest earthworm diversity and density while rainfall, temperature and soil moisture influenced earthworm distribution, diversity and density.

Adoption and perceptions of biogas: Empirical evidence from rural households of Melani village in Raymond Mhlaba municipality

Renewable energies, which include biogas, have been identified as a possible panacea for the energy challenges faced by the poor and can potentially ensure that they obtain cheaper energy that is more accessible and environmentally sustainable. However, its adoption and use has been limited despite the important trade-offs it offers to rural households. Literature on agricultural innovations show that perceptions have an impact on decision-making in respect of adoption of new technology, and biogas is no exception. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of systematic studies on the adoption and perception of biogas. This study aimed to assess the use and perceptions of biogas among rural farming households and identify factors affecting adoption of biogas digesters. A cross-sectional survey of 48 households, randomly selected from Melani village, was conducted. Descriptive statistics and the Binary Logistic Regression (BLR) model were employed to address the study objectives. Descriptive statistics showed remarkable disparities between biogas adopters and non-adopters. Findings from the BLR show that age has a negative influence on biogas adoption, whilst employment status, land size and education have positive impacts on biogas adoption. Information on the economic benefits of low cost biogas should be accessible to rural households. We recommended that rural households be made aware of biogas digesters and the design of small-scale rural biogas policies take cognisance of the socio-economic characteristics of biogas adopters.

Knowledge and Practice of Contraceptives among High School Learners in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality

ABSTRACT Three in every ten teenagers fall pregnant before they reach the age of twenty. Unplanned pregnancy is a major concern in South Africa. Unplanned pregnancies are due to non-use/utilization of contraceptives. Early parenthood leads to teenage mothers dropping out of school and fifty percent of them do not graduate from high school. The knowledge and awareness of contraceptive use are known to be moderate, and as a result unplanned pregnancies have become the norm. Understanding the reasons behind the discontinuation and non-utilization of contraceptives may assist in future interventions, aimed at maintaining and curbing the unabated rise in prevalence rate of unplanned pregnancies. Objectives of the study are: to analyze the knowledge, attitude, and practice of contraceptives among high school learners in some selected schools in Raymond Mhlaba municipality, and additionally test the statistical association between some risk factors (gender, grade, religion, relationship status, knowledge of contraception, sexually active, friends practice contraception, father educational status, mother educational status, who learner stays with) and contraception. The study adopted a cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study design. A sample size of 144 high school learners participated in the study through a self-administered questionnaire. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Respondents were selected from two high schools within Raymond Mhlaba municipality. Chi-square test of association was used to test the relationship between contraception and some selected risk factors using SPSS. The findings of the study revealed that about 64.58 percent learners were sexually active, and 54.86 percent reported using contraceptives. The most commonly used methods of contraception were oral contraceptives at 1.39 percent, and 33.33 percent for male condoms. Female learners mostly used condoms at eighty-four percent (84%), and injectable at 20.14 percent as methods of contraception. The knowledge of contraceptive use (65.28%) enhanced learners in preventing sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy. Chi-square test of independence showed that mother’s level of education, being sexual active, having friends who use contraceptives, and being in a relationship have a strong association with contraceptive use. Conclusively, the study’s findings show that knowledge of contraceptive use among high school learners is high, and use and practice of the knowledge is high with only fifteen percent (15%) of the sexual active learners declining to use contraceptives. From this study, effect of knowledge on contraceptives use is poor. Interventions from the parents and health care workers should stress the importance of consistent use of contraceptives, especially condoms, as they do not prevent not only pregnancy but also sexually transmitted diseases.

Rural community use and perception of rangeland products in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

The significance of rangelands to the welfare of the rural poor has been acknowledged. The study explores perceptions and determinants of rural households’ rangeland harvesting. A cross-sectional survey of 159 rural households harvesting communal rangeland products was utilized, as well as 64 non-harvesting households. The sample was purposively selected. Dyamala community in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province was the study area, and was also purposively selected. Questionnaires were the data collection tool utilized, aiming at data on demographics, perceptions and participation in rangeland harvesting. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were utilized to analyze the data. The study found that among the rangeland harvesters there was a high positive perception of rangelands in terms of recreation and tourism, storm protection, nutrient retention as well as provision of wild fruit. However, the rangeland harvesters also exhibited negative perceptions towards factors such as the hosting of predators and deity. The decision to participate in rangeland product harvesting was influenced by the age of household head as well as perceptions pertaining to rangelands as a source of medicinal plants, recreation and ecotourism, deep-water wells, storm protection, micro-climate stabilization, income and wild fruit. The study recommends the provision of extension-based training in sustainably utilizing rangelands as a source of income, food and nutrition. Ecotourism can also be promoted as this dualistically and sustainably incorporates rangeland harvesting and income generation from wildlife. Promotion of indigenous knowledge, especially in medicinal plants, may dualistically improve income and health from harvesting such flora as well as enhancing conservation of these vital plants.

Potato rot disease incidence among supermarket owners two within the Raymond Mhlaba local municipality of South Africa

This study assessed the incidence of potato rot disease in supermarkets, within Raymond Mhlaba local municipality. Sixty two structured questionnaire, were randomly administered to supermarket owners in towns that were within the study municipality. The results obtained, revealed that 40.3% of the sampled supermarkets lose between R1501-R2000 (South African rand) annually,while 24.3% of the respondents lost R500 yearly. The study further revealed that, 98.4% of the supermarket owner indicated that potato rot disease mostly occurs in summer. Conversely, 51.6% of the respondents indicated that they lost 101 kg of potatoes per annum. Furthermore, 6.5% of the supermarket owners do not have knowledge of the cause of potato rot disease. A total of 100% of the respondents indicated that they do not use artificial fungicide in the preservation of potatoes. However, 91.95% of the supermarket owner indicated their willingness to adopt the use of bio fungicides for potato preservation. Environmental factors, such as temperature, relative humidity, poor handling and poor sanitary conditions were identified as factors that could lead to potato rot disease infestation during storage.

Influence of Knowledge Management Practices on Public Service Delivery by Municipalities

This study examines the influence of knowledge management (KM) practices on public service delivery by municipalities in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The study sought to determine the factors that have triggered the implementation of KM practices; the effectiveness of KM practices towards public service delivery; and the extent to which KM practices have influenced public service delivery by municipalities in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed in this study. Quantitative data were collected through a survey questionnaire administered to a sample of 202 employees at the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Qualitative data were collected through observations and interviews of 2 senior managers. The data collected gave a response rate of 72 per cent. The quantitative and qualitative data were analysed descriptively and presented verbatim respectively. The results indicated that the internal and external factors included in this study have contributed to the implementation of KM practices in the municipality. Furthermore, the effective use of KM practices has increased the organisational KM initiative, as well as the provision of services such as electricity, education, transport, and social services by the municipality. The study recommends the establishment of KM awareness and the establishment of an integrated system that will assist in effective knowledge sharing, retention and acquisition across municipalities in the Eastern Cape.

Impact of Implementation of Back-to-Basic Programme in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality in Eastern Cape

Impact of Implementation of Back-to-Basic Programme in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality in Eastern Cape

Investigating the Effects of Amalgamation of Municipalities on Organisational Culture in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape

Investigating the Effects of Amalgamation of Municipalities on Organisational Culture in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape

Mitigating the Effects of Father Imprisonment on the Family: A Study of Social Work Intervention Strategies in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in Eastern Cape

Mitigating the Effects of Father Imprisonment on the Family: A Study of Social Work Intervention Strategies in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in Eastern Cape

Challenges Faced by the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality in Implementing the Back-to-Basics Programme

Challenges Faced by the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality in Implementing the Back-to-Basics Programme

Investigating the Effects of Amalgamation of Municipalities on Organisational Culture in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape

Investigating the Effects of Amalgamation of Municipalities on Organisational Culture in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape

Social Media Use for Water Conservation Education in South Africa: Perceptions of Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality’s Residents

Water scarcity is increasing in South Africa and communities need to be educated about water conservation practices. This article investigated the perceptions of Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality’s residents concerning the use of social media for water conservation education in their community. Through a quantitative methodology, a sample of 383 respondents answered a questionnaire and the main findings were that 75 per cent of respondents did not know about the municipality’s social media platforms. This article recommends that the municipality creates awareness about its social media platforms, increases social media usage and employs persuasive strategies for participation.

Prevalence and Determinants of Smoking Behaviour in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality

Prevalence and Determinants of Smoking Behaviour in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality

Conceptualizing community economic development strategic framework for poverty alleviation: The case of Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality

Economic regeneration is a segment of neighbourhood renewal that boosts community economics and sustains certain principles of sustainable urbanization. The community economic development framework for poverty reduction, the implementation loop for stakeholder collaboration, and the Neo‐Marxist community economic development strategy for local economic freedom are imperative for sustaining and renewing the idealism of shared prosperity, which is the basis of collectivism and community economic development in relation to community development. Because, where there is poor economic vivacity; it is difficult, if not impossible for such community to galvanize towards the realisation of the sustainable development agenda, is tied to economic vivacity of an area. It is on this ground that this paper develops a neighbourhood regeneration model or the community economic development strategic framework for poverty alleviation for the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. Data were sorted from Statistics South Africa, ScienceDirect, EBSCOHost, Proquest, and Scopus among others, and the data were cushioned with substantial qualitative analysis. Triangulation, content, and theme analysis were used to analysis the data and propose the models for the paper. It must be noted that an understanding and appreciation of this paper is dependent on the understanding of the earlier papers advanced in this series. Finding demonstrates the suitability and the need for models in empowering those at the rural areas in South Africa.

Listeners Perceptions of Forte FM’s Role in Facilitating Community Development in Alice, South Africa

ABSTRACTThis paper examined listeners’ perceptions of Forte FM’s role in facilitating community development in Alice, which is a small rural town under Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, South Africa. Forte FM is a community radio station located at University of Fort Hare, Alice campus, established to facilitate development in communities within the Amathole District Municipality. The paper adopted a qualitative design in which qualitative questionnaires with open-ended questions were used to collect primary data. The findings revealed that listeners view Forte FM as a community station that facilitates development in Alice in various ways, including providing the community with agricultural information, promoting local culture and local artists as well as creating health awareness among others. The paper further revealed that listeners feel a sense of community ownership towards the radio station and this means that the community is involved in their own development.

Capacity development for scaling up Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) innovations: agricultural extension's role in mitigating climate change effects in Gqumashe community, Eastern Cape, South Africa

This study aimed at ascertaining what role agricultural extension plays in mitigating the effects of climate change and variability using farmers’ perceptions in Gqumashe village, Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The survey research design was adopted for the study, and data for the study were collected from 50 respondents using a convenience sampling method in the study area. Data was analysed using SPSS and descriptive statistics (means, percentages and graphs) were produced. Farmers in the study area were aware of and perceived climate change and variability as detrimental to agricultural production as they reported various problems associated with changes and variability in climate to their extension workers and other available agricultural officials. The paper concludes by making three recommendations: a) Extension agents as the disseminators of information to farmers need to conduct targeted training for farmers in order to raise more awareness about climate change and variability as a subject; b)Extension agents need to visit farmers regularly and also provide information on current issues related to farming, new technology development for agriculture and farming, climate change and variability issues, as well as training about new agricultural techniques to counteract climate change and variability effects; and c) Extension agents need to proactively meet the expressed need for market information and storage facilities. Keywords: Perceptions, capacity development, climate smart agriculture, agricultural extension

Exploring the philosophical engagements for community economic development analytical framework for poverty alleviation in South African rural areas

This paper is the second paper in a series of papers on Community Economic Development Strategic Framework for Poverty Alleviation in Local Government with particular attention to the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality (RMLM). The objective of this paper is twofold: (i) to examine the rationale for community economic development in contemporary philosophy for poverty reduction and (ii) to develop an analytical framework for community economic development for alleviating poverty. It uses existing statistics and research data from Statistics South Africa and other indexes cushioned with over 100 research papers to generate data for this argument. Theme and narrative analysis were used to analyse the data for this paper. In conclusion, the paper demonstrated that for poverty to be alleviated—local investments, buying locally made products, patronising local shops and spaza shops, local regeneration, local reconversion, community linking, and building sustainable capital and market in communities are integral for the survival of any community that intends to be economical viable or sustainable. It recommends that one of the ways in which community viability or sustainability may be guaranteed is through regeneration/reconversion policy and a framework that articulates and harmonise sustainability issues and localisation challenges of communities in each locality.

Beekeeping and crop farming integration for sustaining beekeeping cooperative societies: a case study in Amathole District, South Africa

Beekeeping has been used with success in several parts of the world to address pervasive poverty. In the last 15 years, the initiative had been used in South Africa; although no evidence of sustainable projects have been found . This study examined the challenges faced by some of the beekeeping cooperative societies (BKCSs) from Ngqushwa, Mnquma and Raymond Mhlaba in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Data were collected between September and December 2014 and August and November 2015 from eight BKCSs in three local municipalities, using a random sampling technique. The findings revealed poor farm planning and orientation on the part of the farmers, pilfering from and vandalising of apiaries, poor skills training, poor management techniques, and weak agricultural extension support. The study suggests an integrated beekeeping and crop farming model as a viable option.

Consumers’ Social Representations of Meat Safety in Two Selected Restaurants of Raymond Mhlaba Municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

This study was conducted at two different restaurants of Raymond Mhlaba Municipality (Alice), Eastern Cape, South Africa, to determine consumers’ social representations of meat safety. A total number of 251 people were interviewed in focus group discussions, each comprising 4–6 interviewees were conducted. Each focus group consisted of university students and staff, and members of rural communities surrounding the town of Alice. A semi-structured questionnaire comprising both closed-ended and open-ended questions was used to collect data. Consumers were concerned about the hygiene at the place of purchase and the freshness of meat. Moreover, they revealed that they were always worried about the risk of food-borne diseases. Although food-borne diseases were not cited as a significant problem, related ideas such as “washing of hands before preparation of food to minimize food-borne diseases” were important to consumers. Consumers indicated that meat safety at the abattoirs should be thoroughly managed given that “hygiene during meat processing is important to prevent the occurrence of food-borne diseases”. Consumers in both retail outlets have shown to have a limited understanding of meat safety. Thus, consumers’ social representations, perceptions, and knowledge are complex and dynamic with respect to meat safety.

The ‘Indian Chap’: Recollections of a South African Underground Trainee in Mao's China

Little is known about the first South African underground group sent for training in China in 1961 before the Sino-Soviet breakdown. As a member of that group, for over 50 years I have not spoken publicly about the experience but, at 79, feel obliged to overcome previous reticence in the interest of adding to our country's knowledge of its complex past. I outline here the personal and political environment that shaped my views on justice and freedom and the journey that took me, as a student from Natal to London, where I participated in early campaigning against apartheid, and from there to the Peoples' Republic of China. I describe joining Wilton Mkwayi in Prague and Raymond Mhlaba, Joe Gqabi and Patrick Mthembu in Beijing where Mao Zedong spoke with us. I give a detailed account of the training in radio communication and technology that I received with Andrew Mlangeni in Mukden/Shenyang. While disappearing from my family's radar, my mother died and I was unable to honour a commitment to my father. I describe how, on my return to South Africa, although not formally recruited to any organization, I took instructions conveyed through Mac Maharaj, mainly after the reconstitution of the High Command following the Rivonia Trial. My subsequent arrest, interrogation (‘Rooi Rus’ Swanepoel), and trial, ending in acquittal, were followed by escape to Botswana where I remained among South African refugees for a year before managing to reach exile in England. My narrative indicates a need to explore the tension between developing critical-thinking cadres and the demands of organizational discipline; and that between personal and political commitment.