Browsing by Author "Qwatekana, Zikho"

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Assessing successful land claims and the efficacy of co-management in protected areas
(International Bibliography of the Social Sciences (IBSS), 2020-12-24) Qwatekana, Zikho; Sibiya, Nozipho Prudence
The aim of this paper is to assess successful land claims as well as the efficacy of co-management in striking a balance between community land rights with the goals of conservation for tourism. The study adopted a qualitative approach, using a case of a successful land claim in the Tala Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Province. A purposive sample was selected from the claimant community and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. The findings reflect that co-management may be a logical approach to involving local communities in the management of protected areas. However, as a model used to address land claims by reconciling the necessity of conservation for tourism purposes with land rights, its efficacy remains in doubt. This study thus concludes that unless there is a reassessment of the co-management model and the role of the government in providing post settlement support, the rights of successful claimants will not be realised. It is essential that the government recognizes that sufficient time, support, and resources are fundamental to the success of co-management projects.
Interconnectedness of road infrastructure and tourism development : perspectives from residents and enterprises
(Turkish Online Journal of Qualitative Inquiry (TOJQI), 2021-07-01) Luthuli, Mthokozisi Sydney; Ndlovu, Thulile Promise; Qwatekana, Zikho; Zondi, Nkululeko Ephraim
This article notes significant views articulated by several social scientists regarding the importance of road infrastructure to tourism growth and development. Tourism is undoubtably one of the key economic sectors in Msunduzi Municipality. However, the potential for this sector to thrive and yield benefits for local tourism businesses is hindered by poor road infrastructure. Thus, resulting in limited access to tourism attractions and the city’s aesthetic appeal. The study aimed to examine the extent to which poor road infrastructure affects accessibility, and aesthetics of Msunduzi Municipality as a tourism destination. A qualitative research approach was adopted in conjunction with the development theory which was guided by two models, namely the Critics of the modernisation and structural adjustment. Data was collected using primary and secondary sources, including newspaper articles, social media platforms and imaged-based analysis. The findings revealed that residents and businesses are inconvenienced by roads that are riddled with potholes and the slow pace of maintenance. Similarly, the service delivery is mounted with client dissatisfaction that emanate from the municipality’s lack of response and action in repairing roads. The study concludes with recommendations on how the service delivery value chain can be implemented within the municipality to accelerate service delivery and maximize its economic potential.
Modernisation of rural communities : solid waste management implication
(Durban University of Technology, 2023) Zondi, Nkululeko; Qwatekana, Zikho; Dube, Simphiwe
Solid waste management is a global challenge, particularly in economically developing countries due to their growing population, urbanisation, and increasing waste generation. Municipalities in South Africa are responsible for general waste management in both residential areas and industrial sites. However, waste management is not implemented in all rural areas of South Africa, even against the background of socioeconomic improvement and increased consumption patterns in these communities. This study aims to examine the relationship between rural socioeconomic conditions and solid waste generation and management. The target population of this study is five rural communities of the Vulindlela area, which is situated west of Msunduzi Municipality in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. A total of 50 households were randomly selected as sample sites as the result of a detailed field survey in 2022 and 50 respondents participated in the study for interview through cluster sampling technique. The study uses a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods. Primary data about the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents were gathered through close-ended questions. Open-ended questions in the semi-structured interviews were utilised to gather data on Vulindlela residents’ perceptions of waste pollution effects and strategies implemented in their area. Microsoft Excel version 2305 was used to perform basic descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) to examine the socio-economic characteristics of respondents. While a thematic content analysis was undertaken to analyse the open-ended question data which was on respondents’ perceptions of waste pollution in their area. The study findings suggest that Vulindlela is a socioeconomically diverse rural community, with households earning between 500 and 31,000 Rand per month. In addition, grocery expenditures range from 800 to 3100 Rand per month. Communities characterised by lower income generation dispose of their waste inside their households, apart from certain waste such as nappies that are disposed of in freshwater ecosystems and open spaces, while those who earn more money have diverse waste types and dispose of their waste at illegal dump sites.
Vandalism of monuments and neglect : a concern for heritage tourism
(SERSC, 2021-12-14) Qwatekana, Zikho; Ndlovu, Thulile Promise; Zondi, Nkululeko Ephraim; Luthuli, Mthokozisi Sydney
The occurrence of vandalism in structures of historical and cultural value has been largely observed in urban environments. The destruction to these structures ultimately imposes challenges to historical and cultural tourism in particular. Local municipalities in urban cities are tasked with a responsibility of maintaining local infrastructure and essential services to support tourism activity. However, amongst the biggest constraints for local governments to meet these objectives is limited budgets, therefore leaving the cities with unpleasant aesthetics. This study determines the extent and forms of vandalism that exists in the city of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa and its implications to heritage tourism. The city is governed within the jurisdiction of Msunduzi Municipality housing many of South Africa’s heritage monuments that are integral to the city’s history, culture and multiplicity of tourism offerings. A review of online sources as well as visual and photographic methods were applied for data collection. The analysis revealed various forms of vandalism mainly concentrated in the central business district (CBD). These results suggest that residents are oblivious to the intrinsic and monetary value of historic monuments. The disjuncture between residents and monuments may be attributed to South Africa’s harrowing history of oppression as well as the lack of connection and sentimental value. On this basis, it is recommended that Msunduzi Municipality in collaboration with heritage agencies creates postcolonial monuments that are inclusive and transformational. In addition, it is suggested that aggressive educational initiatives are introduced on existing monuments.