Corporate Social Responsibility Intervention Of One Mining Operator: A Community Development Case In Bojanala District, South Africa

The South African economy constantly experiences work stoppages, is gradually losing its pride and currently experiences decisive anomalous moments underpinning new operational perceptions. Mining organisations seem to be blamed for not doing enough social capital development initiatives, particularly in underdeveloped communities. This study examines in depth the role of a mining company’s involvement in an identifiable community in South Africa’s Bojanala District. Specifically, the study evaluates the steps followed in identifying needs and the usefulness of a mining-project designed to enhance capacity-building opportunities for young South Africans; a sustainable development initiative. Qualitative action research was used in this study to ensure a participatory approach of the data gathering processes to personal and professional transformation. Action research phases were followed in the manner of Maree (2014). The findings suggest that expectations for community development projects are greater in rural and peri-uburban South African communities. It was found that participants had a general inability to read, write, speak, listen and apply the mathematical proficiency that is needed in order to function effectively in an employment environment. The youth unemployment rate in the Bojanala District can be attributed to the gap between their level of education and the employment requirements. The miners are deemed to have a responsibility towards their communities and it is the youth of these same communities that look towards the mines for employment. Mining companies can contribute to education, skills development and training of the youth. If community engagement is taken seriously as a CSR strategic approach, this would enhance positive inter-relations between the mining companies and their communities

The Impact Of Price Changes On Demand Among Poor Households In A South African Township

The study reported in this article used household level data to analyse the impact of recent price changes on the demand for food and non-food items among households of different poverty statuses in a township of Bophelong, Gauteng Province, South Africa. The unprecedented rises in prices prompt households to make adjustments on their consumption patterns as real income declines. In this paper, the poor are separated from the non-poor by means of an income poverty line and their responsiveness to price changes compared. Of the sampled population, 56% were found to be poor of which 26% of the participants were categorised as moderately poor, with 30% extremely poor. Changes in demand patterns of households are estimated by computing the demand elasticities that explain the level of demand by a household given the structure of relative prices faced and household income. The study reports that households respond differently to rising prices depending on their poverty levels

Household illness, poverty and physical and emotional child abuse victimisation:Findings from South Africa’s first prospective cohort study

Physical and emotional abuse of children is a large scale problem in South Africa, with severe negative outcomes for survivors. Although chronic household illness has shown to be a predictor for physical and emotional abuse, no research has thus far investigated the different pathways from household chronic illness to child abuse victimisation in South Africa.Confidential self-report questionnaires using internationally utilised measures were completed by children aged 10-17 (n = 3515, 56.7% female) using door-to-door sampling in randomly selected areas in rural and urban locations of South Africa. Follow-up surveys were conducted a year later (96.7% retention rate). Using multiple mediation analyses, this study investigated direct and indirect effects of chronic household illness (AIDS or other illness) on frequent (monthly) physical and emotional abuse victimisation with poverty and extent of the ill person's disability as hypothesised mediators.For children in AIDS-ill families, a positive direct effect on physical abuse was obtained. In addition, positive indirect effects through poverty and disability were established. For boys, a positive direct and indirect effect of AIDS-illness on emotional abuse through poverty were detected. For girls, a positive indirect effect through poverty was observed. For children in households with other chronic illness, a negative indirect effect on physical abuse was obtained. In addition, a negative indirect effect through poverty and positive indirect effect through disability was established. For boys, positive and negative indirect effects through poverty and disability were found respectively. For girls, a negative indirect effect through poverty was observed.These results indicate that children in families affected by AIDS-illness are at higher risk of child abuse victimisation, and this risk is mediated by higher levels of poverty and disability. Children affected by other chronic illness are at lower risk for abuse victimisation unless they are subject to higher levels of household disability. Interventions aiming to reduce poverty and increase family support may help prevent child abuse in families experiencing illness in South Africa

Dimensions of attachment among fans within the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) and the relationship with attendance

In the last decade there has been growing interest in the study of fans to better understand sport consumption behaviours, motives, attachment, loyalty and satisfaction. This study was aimed at ascertaining the various dimensions of attachment of fans within the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL). The secondary purpose of the study was to establish the relationship of the various forms of attachment with game attendance. The study employed a review of related literature on attachment and team identification scales to adapt and validate a reliable measure of fan attachment using a quantitative research approach. Four points of attachments, namely attachment to the team, player(s)/coach, the sport of soccer and the level of sport were extracted from a factor analysis approach. Attachment to the level of sport in general appeared to be the most highly correlated form of attachment with attendance. Fans appear to attach greater importance to the sport, the level of soccer and the team as opposed to specific players or the coach. The study proposes a framework reflecting both its practical application and statistical reliability which can be used to measure and understand fans’ attachment and identification within the soccer fraternity. Limitations and implications for further research are outlined.Key words: Soccer fans, attachment, identification, loyalty, social identity theory

Motivational factors affecting fan decisions to attend Premier Soccer League (PSL) games in South Africa

Individuals’ involvement in sport comes in different forms such as a profession, a hobby, or as entertainment. As part of the entertainment experience, an individual may be either a spectator or a fan. In South Africa, soccer is arguably the most popular sport, recreationally, economically as well as regarding active and passive participants. In recent years there has been growing interest in the study of fan motivation to better understand fan behaviours in sport. This study is aimed at ascertaining the factors that motivate fans to attend the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches. Two methods of research were undertaken, namely a literature study on motivational factors affecting fan attendance of sporting events and an empirical research. Five hundred questionnaires were distributed to selected soccer fans by 10 trained fieldworkers. Data were treated using exploratory factor analysis. This resulted in a six factor solution consisting of twenty nine variables. The factors were social interaction, display of skill, escape, sharing in glory, enjoying the drama and entertaining artistry/form of entertainment. The study proposed a comprehensive framework reflecting both its practical application and statistical reliability which can be used to measure and understand motivational factors affecting fan decisions to attend PSLmatches in the South African context