OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open-access peer-reviewed journal
Systematic review of the fitting together between poverty and crime: A case study of South Africa
Nokukhanya N. Mbonambi [1], Adewale A. Olutola [2]
1,2 Department of Safety and Security Management. Faculty of Humanities,
Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa.
Volume 17, Issue 07, Pg. 11-16, 2024.
Abstract: Several social ills such as poverty, inequality, and high crime rates (with poverty being one of the factors contributing to crime) plague South Africa. However, some researchers recently have argued that there isn’t much data to support this statement, while foreign direct investment is significantly impacted by crime, it is still unclear how poverty and crime are connected. The main aim of this article is to examine whether there is direct link between poverty and crime in South Africa, this was deemed necessary considering that South Africa has the third highest crime rates in the world and suffers from severe poverty. Therefore, it is imperative to ascertain if the severe poverty correlate with the increasing crime rate in the country. This article was underpinned by the United Nations (UN) first Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to end poverty in all its forms everywhere as well as the South African National Developmental Plan (NDP) that envisages the elimination of poverty and safer communities in the South African milieu by 2030.
To ensure that the aim of this article was achieved, the use of a systematic literature review was utilized as research methodology, which assisted the researchers in identifying patterns in documents and communication artifacts which were applicable in answering the questions of this article. To conduct the systematic review the researchers systematically collected data from various sources including journal articles, newspaper articles, books, and search engines. Even though documents are a significant source of data, the researchers cautiously and critically examined every document.
Thus, the researchers searched for pertinent studies published between the years 2019 to 2023 in the search engines Google Scholar, Web of Science, Google, SciELO and EBSCO search engine. The search terms which were used included, poverty and crime in South Africa, the nexus between poverty and crime in South Africa, contributing factors to crime in South Africa, socio-economic factors and crime in South Africa and the link between poverty and crime in South Africa. The findings of this article indicate a strong association between poverty and crime in South Africa; these findings suggests that if poverty is eliminated in the country, then a considerable fraction of all crimes can be avoided. Consequently, a more concerted effort is required from the government and civil societies to reduce poverty in South Africa.
Keywords: crime, poverty, social causes of crime, South Africa
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Using Forensic Ballistics in the Courtroom in South Africa
Benedict Terence Hill 1, Jacob Tseko Mofokeng 2
1,2 Tshwane University of Technology, Faculty of Humanities, Department of Safety and Security Management, 2 Aubrey Matlakala Street, Soshanguve – K, Soshanguve, 0001, Pretoria, South Africa.
Volume 17, Issue 07, Pg. 17-34, 2024.
Abstract: In today’s world forensic ballistics experts gather shell casings and bullets collected at crime scenes or by test firing guns found at crime scenes to collect shell casings and bullets to create ballistic images, which are uploaded to crime databases to match other crimes with matching ballistics. Criminal laboratory technicians use the Ballistic Image databases to match evidence collected in other crimes. The expert must demonstrate the following four factors to the courts satisfaction; scientific, technical, or other specialised knowledge that will help the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue; the testimony is based on sufficient facts or data; the testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods; and the expert has reliably applied the principles and methods to the facts of the case. This article summarises the importance of ballistic evidence to the courts. Recently, there has been increased scrutiny of the ballistics field within South African courts, with defence teams arguing that it is not a forensic science. For this study, a qualitative methodology was employed to gather data. Articles from various platforms and interviews with participants were utilised, along with transcriptions from selected court cases. Non-probability sampling was utilised in the form of purposive sampling. The purposive sampling method provided authors with the opportunity to handpick participants who were suitable for the research. Fifteen (15) key informants were purposively sampled experts from the SAPS (9), National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) (4), private analyst (1) as well as private attorney (1) and the least experienced analyst had minimum experience of 7 years. Thematic analysis was chosen as the method to analyse the collected data. Forensic science, as defined, involves the examination of crime scene evidence using standardised and proven foundational principles, with the aim of assisting the court in making informed decisions. The study adequately addresses various factors, including manufacturing processes, class, sub-class, and individual characteristics, the AFTE-Theory of Identification (AFTE-TI), and the subjective versus objective nature of analysis. This study concludes that these factors have been thoroughly investigated through numerous research studies and ongoing research, ultimately strengthening the fundamental validity of firearm individualisation.
Keywords: Ballistic evidence, courts, firearm, forensic science, fundamental.
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Factors influencing Covid-19 vaccine uptake among women in the rural communities of South Africa (SDG 3, target 3.b.1)
Kholisani Ndlovu,1 Siwelile S. Ndlangamandla,2 Bukola G. Olutola 3
1,2,3 School of Engineering, Science and Health, Independent Institute of Education (IIEMSA), South Africa.
Volume 17, Issue 07, Pg. 35-46, 2024.
Abstract: Women in rural areas are less likely to have access to health care and more likely to have poorer health outcomes. The WHO has a gender-based approach, which addresses the specific health vulnerabilities and risks of rural women and girls that are addressed in health service delivery such as Covid-19 vaccination. Globally, Covid-19 has caused different health, social and economic outcomes. This led to the manufacturing of vaccines to manage the pandemic and has been a success story. The true measure of success depends on the rates of vaccine uptake globally and locally and among the marginalised populations. Therefore, this study looked at Covid 19 vaccine uptake among rural South women aged 15 and above. Data used were from the 2022 South African General Household Survey, a nationally representative survey. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to describe the characteristics of the sample and to identify factors associated with Covid-19 vaccine uptake amongst women who were 15 years and above in rural South Africa. Of the 7961 female respondents, 27.98% (2432) were between 15 and 24 years followed by those who were 45 years and older (26.53%, n=2537). The number of respondents who took the Covid-19 vaccine were almost the same as those who never had (48.5% vs. 48.6%). A higher percentage of those who were on a medical aid scheme took the Covid-19 vaccine than those who were not on the scheme (74.8% vs. 48.4%; p<0.001). Women with more than a grade 12 education were more likely to have taken the Covid-19 vaccine compared to those with no education. Those who did not have a cell phone were less likely to have taken the vaccine compared to those who had a cell phone. Other factors that were associated with Covid-19 vaccine uptake were- marital status, Covid -19 diagnosis, having a medical aid/insurance, diagnosis of hypertension by a physician, ethnicity/race, self-rated health, and age. Understanding factors affecting vaccine uptake allows for more targeted, equitable and effective vaccination campaigns. The study showed the different factors that affect Covid-19 uptake amongst rural women in South Africa.
Key words: Covid-19, South Africa, rural women, Covid-19 vaccine, Education
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TVET Lecturer Work-Integrated Learning Experience through Industry Meetings
Joseph Mesuwini 1, Sello Mokoena 2
1,2 Department of Educational Leadership and Management, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa.
Volume 17, Issue 07. Pg. 47-58, 2024.
Abstract: The provision of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) education requires lecturers who possess the necessary prerequisite industry-relevant skills. Work-integrated learning (WIL) offers TVET lecturers an opportunity to receive training from industry professionals through work placement. This study examined how TVET lecturers’ WIL experiences could be improved by attending industry meetings. An interpretivist paradigm, which employed a multiple case study design, informed this study. Purposive and convenience sampling was employed to select TVET colleges and industries hosting lecturers during WIL. Using face-to-face, semi-structured interviews, data were generated from nine industry personnel and eighteen purposively selected TVET college lecturers from the three selected TVET colleges. The instruments were piloted with three colleagues to eliminate ambiguity and ensuring the intended information is gathered. Bergami and Schuller’s theoretical model on teacher placement in industry guided this study. The model helps to explain the kinds of knowledge gained during WIL. Data were analysed thematically. Findings revealed that lecturers experienced learning from discussing the requirements and conditions of tasks. Lecturers learnt from daily scheduled tasks, sharing artisans’ feedback experiences, listening, communicating, and reflecting on previous experiences through different types of meetings. The study contributed to a unique way for TVET lecturers learning through WIL by presenting a learning platform during WIL.
Keywords: Industry, Lecturer, Meetings, Soft Skills Work-integrated Learning
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Life After Matric: The Impact of Drugs and Substance Abuse in South Africa and African Communities
Mokopane Charles Marakalala
College of Law, School of Criminal Justice, Department of Police Practice, University of South Africa,
Youth-Network Engaged Scholarship Project, Preller Street Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria, South Africa.
Volume 17, Issue 07, Pg. 59-74, 2024
Abstract: Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. One of the key impacts of illicit drug use on society is the negative health consequences experienced by its members. For many young people across the world, substance misuse is a serious problem. There have been reports that alcohol misuse is widespread in South Africa. The purpose of this paper is to outline the elements that influence of the impact of drugs and substance abuse in South Africa and Africa Communities. The findings of the study that was carried out in the unofficial settlement regions are presented in this essay. The findings of drug usage in the informal community serve as the foundation for the conclusions drawn in this article regarding substance abuse in South Africa. According to this report, young people in South Africa misuse and consume alcohol at significant rates. Unemployment, a lack of effective mentoring, a lack of family values, inadequate parental advice, and a loss of hope were some of the contributing reasons. To achieve the study’s goals, a desktop research technique was used, and secondary data was evaluated and deconstructed. This study’s major goal was to look at the causes and motivations behind young people’s alcohol abuse. The inquiry concentrated on young people’s excessive and unusual alcohol consumption.
Keywords: Social Justice, asset, engagement. intellectual enterprises, re-evaluate, Africanising curriculum, Epistemic injustice, disability.
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