Artha Journal of Social Sciences

Balancing Economic Growth and Local Needs: Community-Driven Approaches to Township Development in South Africa

2025-08-12T04:32:38+00:00

This paper explores the potential of community-driven approaches to foster sustainable and equitable development in South African townships, which face persistent socio-economic challenges rooted in apartheid-era inequalities. Using a systematic review of qualitative, secondary data, the study employs the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) framework to examine how leveraging local assets, participatory decision-making, and cooperative initiatives can address these issues. Findings reveal that while investment and entrepreneurial activity in townships have increased, benefits often fail to reach residents, exacerbating disparities. Community-driven strategies, such as cooperatives and community-based organizations, demonstrate transformative potential by creating jobs, fostering local entrepreneurship, and aligning development with residents' needs. Case studies, including the Gugulethu Cooperative Development Project and the Soweto Urban Farmers’ Cooperative, highlight their effectiveness in promoting economic growth, social cohesion, and sustainability. The paper concludes that collaborative efforts between government, private sector, and civil society are essential for scaling these strategies. Recommendations include prioritizing participatory approaches, supporting cooperatives, addressing infrastructure deficits, and promoting ethical investment. Community-driven models offer a viable pathway to inclusive and sustainable development in South African townships.

Key words: Community, Economic growth, Economic development, Township, socio-economic issues.

The Wellbeing Equation: Work-Life, Support, and Satisfaction in Policing

2026-02-02T10:36:25+00:00

Policing is characterized by high occupational demands that often disrupt work–life balance (WLB). Grounded in Conservation of Resources (COR) theory and Work–Family Enrichment theory, this study examined the structural relationships between perceived social support, job satisfaction, and work-life balance (WLB) among police personnel in Bengaluru, India. A cross-sectional survey of 400 officers was conducted using stratified random sampling, and Structural Equation Modeling was employed to test direct and indirect effects. The results indicated that social support significantly predicted job satisfaction (β = 0.304, p < 0.01) and WLB (β = 0.353, p < 0.01). Job satisfaction also positively influenced WLB (β = 0.444, p < 0.01) and partially mediated the relationship between social support and WLB. The findings highlight the importance of relational resources in promoting occupational and cross-domain well-being in high-demand professions.

The World Was Silent When Biafrans Died

2026-03-27T10:45:56+00:00

From Boom to Ban: The Implications of India’s Online Gaming Act, 2025

2026-03-16T09:49:08+00:00

The Online Gaming Act 2025, passed by the Central Government, introduces a nationwide ban on real-money games in India, reshaping a sector that provides employment to thousands and contributes significantly to the country's tax revenue. While the government claims that the bill is a safeguard to society against addiction, fraud, and social harm, it threatens investors' confidence as well as places around 1,00,000 jobs at risk. This article examines the gaming industry's growth potential, economic contribution, and the implications of the ban, drawing on the experiences of China's restrictive model and Korea's success in E-Sports. It advocates for a balanced regulatory approach that protects consumers while ensuring sustainable growth practices for the country's online gaming economy.