Artha Journal of Social Sciences

Editorial

Om Prakash — 2024-10-23

Critical Unexplored Actions by Zimbabwean Political Opposition

Likhwa Ncube — 2024-10-10

In this article, I critique Zimbabwe’s main opposition party by pointing out its shortcomings and proposing what it should do differently. Unlike the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), which skilfully studies and exploits its opponents’ weaknesses, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has neglected this critical strategy, leading to significant consequences. Drawing on critical theory’s concepts of political power, ideology, and praxis, I highlight the lack of clear evidence that the CCC fully understands ZANU-PF’s strengths and weaknesses. Even if such understanding exists, there is no indication that the CCC effectively uses this knowledge to its advantage. This paper emphasises the urgent need for the opposition to close this strategic gap, warning that failure risks political irrelevance and ineffective tactics in Zimbabwean politics.

Parents’ Awareness, Forms, and Extent of Participation in Supporting Pre-Primary Schools' Feeding Programmes in Tanzania

Mussa Julius Swila — 2024-10-10

This study examined parents’ awareness, forms and extent of participation in supporting pre-primary schools’ feeding programmes. Data were collected in Mvomero District, where pre-primary schools employ a variety of school-feeding practices. A mixed research approach was used to gather qualitative and quantitative data from 130 respondents. Data were collected using focus group discussions, interviews, and questionnaires involving head teachers, teachers, district education officers, ward education officers, parents, and school committee members. Quantitative data were analysed through descriptive analysis, while qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis. Findings revealed that most parents did not visit the school to evaluate and monitor the programme; moreover, their contribution level in terms of money (36%) and materials (20%) was also low. The only activity in which most parents engaged was joint planning for the programme (70.0%), usually done at the beginning of the programme. The study concluded that most parents did not adequately fulfil their roles in supporting the implementation of school-feeding programmes. The study recommends intervention by the government and development stakeholders to educate parents on playing their part according to national guidelines for school feeding. This will help prevent school-age children from vulnerability to malnutrition and enhance sustainable growth and practical learning.

Investigating the Internet Skills of Older Adults in South Africa

Nkonzwenhle Gwala — 2024-10-10

The older adult population is growing in South Africa. However, it is reported that approximately only 3.6% of older adults use the Internet. Using information technology resources and the internet can enable older adults to be independent for longer, and the internet may improve older adults’ quality of life. Additionally, access to technology and the internet supports access to information and digital inclusion. This study investigated older adults’ level of internet skills in South Africa and their experiences regarding internet use. The research followed a positivist, quantitative approach and used online questionnaires for data collection. The results showed that older adults appear to be lacking in internet skills in South Africa. The overall mean scores were low, where mobile skills seemed to be the lowest-rated skill for the respondents. The evaluation also showed that online operational and creativity skills appeared low for older adults.

Understanding the Underlying Causes of Corruption and their Implications on Sustainable Service Delivery in Limpopo Province, South Africa

John Mamokhere — 2024-10-10

This study intends to understand the underlying causes of corruption and their implications on sustainable service delivery in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Corruption threatens democracy and undermines the provisions of the Constitution. Corrupt practices negatively impacts basic services, such as clean water, sanitation, electricity, and employment opportunities. The study uses a qualitative research methodology and the New Public Management (NPM) paradigm to understand the causes of corruption, governance challenges, and poor service delivery. It is found that there is a negative relationship between corruption, governance issues, and sustainable service delivery. The findings suggest that South African municipalities need skilled personnel, oversight, watchdog mechanisms, independent institutions, internal audit, whistleblower protection, and media empowerment to combat corruption and poor governance. Municipalities should adopt e-municipalities (information communication technology) to provide efficient, effective, and sustainable services and further preserve correct financial records.