Browsing Faculty of Social Sciences by Title
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Mpabanga, D. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: This article attempts to analyse the trends and patterns relating to the past eight general elections in Botswana, from the pre-independence period in 1965 to 1999. Factors that have influenced elections in the last eight years will be discussed, and trends established for the same period. Data from various past election reports and analysis carried out by other researchers will be referred to in this article. The data used will be derived from; the total number of potential voters in Botswana; the number of electorate who registered for the elections and the number who actually voted. Percentages of the electorate who registered and actually voted, the ratio of electorate who voted to potential voters, and the ratio of voted to registered voters will be discussed. The electoral trend of percentage of voters by party and by number, and percentages of national assembly seats by political parties that contested in the last eight general elections will be studied. A summary and conclusions on these factors and lessons to be learned from the experiences of the past eight elections will be included. These experiences will be beneficial to all the political parties in the country, and the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in particular, which has won the 1999 general elections with an overwhelming victory. The BDP government and political parties should learn from the past experiences, and develop an improved and effective performance for the government. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/906 Files in this item: 1
Mpabanga_PBJAS_2000.pdf (889.0Kb) -
Molomo, M.G. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: This article outlines that the Constitution of Botswana provides for an executive presidency with extensive powers. Unlike other constitutions in the region where power is vested with the people, in Botswana it is vested with the President. While democratic procedures have not been flaunted in Botswana, in a situation where one political party dominates both the executive and the legislative branches of government, there is cause for concern. In this situation, the checks and balances provided for in the constitution are almost redundant. The declaration of the state of emergency and the granting of the Vice-President, Ian Khama, sabbatical leave by the President are examples where the President used his executive powers. This article concludes that given the wide-ranging executive powers that the President enjoys, there is a strong case for presidential elections. In that way, the president would be directly elected by the electorate and therefore directly accountable to them. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/897 Files in this item: 1
Molomo_PBJAS_2000.pdf (1.063Mb) -
Mokomane, Z.S. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: In this anicle, data from a survey conducted in March 1999 by the University of Botswana Democracy Research Project in fifteen constituencies in Botswana is used to examine the relationship between party preference and selected demographic characteristics namely, age, sex, place of residence and education. Bivariate analysis results indicate the ruling BDP is the only party that enjoys higher support among women and among rural dwellers. Opposition parties, on the other hand, have a stronger suppon base among middle-aged people in the 29-49 years age bracket. The results also indicate that the level of education tends to have a major role in determining party preference. The last section of the article critically discusses these findings. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/898 Files in this item: 1
Mokomane_PBJAS_2000.pdf (423.7Kb) -
Forcheh, N.; Fako, T. (Academic Journals, http://www.academicjournals.org, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The study proposes a measure of effective productivity among service workers and seeks a parsimonious predictive model of “effective productivity” among nurses in Botswana. Employee productivity has become a concern of organisations in all economic sectors world wide. In Botswana, it has also become a national priority issue and has been listed as one of the goals of the long term vision for Botswana due to perceived low productivity among the workforce. Productivity among nurses is of special significance because of their critical role in the primary health care system. Nurses working under local government control in Botswana provide a good case study since they all have to perform certain routine activities from which their productivity could be measured and compared. Self completed anonymous questionnaires were used to collect the relevant data from all health facilities under local government control in Botswana. A representative sample of 325 questionnaires were returned and analysed. Chi-squared test of association was used to identify univariate factors associated with effective productivity from among a list of 38 variables. Hierarchical stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify a predictive model for effective productivity among nurses. Thirteen of the 38 variables were found to be significant univariate predictors of effective productivity (p<0.05). Only eight of these factors were retained during a search for a parsimonious predictive model. These in order of importance were midwifery training, involvement with the Village Development Committee, involvement in making health policies, peer support, religious affiliation, ability to complete the Botswana Obstetric Record, quality of health after posting and involvement with the community. The overall impact of these factors was found to be additive. The results underline the importance of midwifery training for effective productivity among nurses in Botswana. It is concluded that all nurses in Botswana should be encouraged and accorded the opportunity to do midwifery training. Nurses should further be encouraged to become more involved in the communities in which they work, as well as develop supportive relationships and a friendly atmosphere at the work place. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/713 Files in this item: 1
Forcheh_AJBM_2007.pdf (191.7Kb) -
Siphambe, H.K. (University of Botswana, http://ub.bw, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper brings out the various theoretical measurements of poverty and looks at Botswana's performance in terms of these measures. In terms of income poverty, Botswana's poverty has been declining over time and predictions are that it will continue on the downward trend even though the reduction is not at an adequate pace to achieve the Vision 20I6 goal of zero poverty levels by 20I6. Until the advent of HIV/AIDS, Botswana was doing extremely well in terms of capability poverty as was shown by improving human development indices such as life expectancy, infant mortality, primary school enrollment and illiteracy rates. The health indices have however started to decline due to HIV/AIDS. Botswana has had a system that allows for equal participation of all individuals, even though in practice women and minority tribes are excluded from participation in decision-making processes. The paper also looks at the various poverty reduction programmes and argues that even though some of them have been successful in reducing poverty, there is a need to move away from welfare programmes that created a dependency syndrome of Batswana on government. Lessons learnt from the past programmes are useful for designing better future programmes for poverty reduction. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/993 Files in this item: 1
Siphambe_PBJAS_2003.pdf (470.3Kb) -
Mookodi, G. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Gender inequality is characterised by unequal power relations between women and men. One of the key manifestations of these unequal power relations is violence. Studies conducted in Botswana indicate that actual violence and threats of violence against women severely hamper the achievement of gender equality. This paper presents the results of national studies on the extent and nature of violence against women. The studies reveal that most cases of violence are domestic - committed by men against their wives or cohabiting parmers. The paper examines the dynamics of domestic violence. the factors that perpetuate it and the difficulties of stopping it. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/904 Files in this item: 1
Mookodi2_PBJAS_2004.pdf (644.1Kb) -
Siphambe, H.K. (Taylor and Francis (Routledge), NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: Using primary data from a 1993/4 Household Income and Expenditure Survey in Botswana, this article presents empirical results on occupational attainment, its determinants, and the extent of filtering down in Botswana's labour market, given changes in labour market conditions over time. It was found that the Botswana labour market has been characterised by some ‘filtering down’ of educated workers into less skilled jobs as the supply of skilled manpower exceeded demand. Those who entered the labour market earlier, those with more education, those located in the urban areas and male workers are more likely to occupy jobs that are higher up in the hierarchy than to be in an unskilled blue-collar job. Jobs higher up in the hierarchy are also more rewarding financially. The article shows that there is occupational segregation of workers by gender in Botswana's labour market in that female workers are generally confined to a narrow range of occupations. The policy implications are that employment creation has to be pursued vigorously and the issue of gender discrimination investigated further URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/884 Files in this item: 1
Siphambe_DSA_2000.pdf (652.9Kb) -
Forcheh, N. (Wiley-Blackwell, www.wiley.com/wiley-blackwell, NaN, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: Summary. Ehrenberg presented the simple law-like relationship log(w) = 0.8h + 0.4 ? 0.04 between the weight and height of children aged 5-13 years. Several researchers have confirmed that this relationship holds, irrespective of the child's ethnic, racial, gender and social class. In anthropometry, a weight-height relationship is used to measure the nutritional status of children. For this purpose, the World Health Organization have adopted the National Center for Health Statistics population as the international reference population. The relationship between the World Health Organization-National Center for Health Statistics anthropometric standards and Ehrenberg law-like relationship is examined. Differences between the weight-for-height relationship in anthropometry and the law-like relationship between weight and height for children are small and can be attributable to functional differences. It is found that an Ehrenberg law-like relationship can be extended to include children who are under 5 years old. Criteria for using the law-like relationship to assess the nutritional status of these children are thus suggested. The criteria are evaluated using anthropometric data of a sample of 513 children from a rural district of Botswana. The results indicate that the proposed method of using the law-like relationship to assess nutritional status is much simpler and at least as reliable as the existing methods in anthropometry. Description: Symbols on the abstract may differ from the original abstract URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1055 Files in this item: 1
Forcheh_JRSS.A_2002.pdf (2.588Mb) -
Fako, T. (Botswana Society, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40979677, NaN, 1983)[more][less]
Abstract: There has been sufficient concern in Botswana about the family that it has become a subject of several radio debates and panel discussions. Recently, a National Law Reform Committee was set up to look into, among other things, the existence of both customary and statutory laws relating to marriage. Whatever the success of the Law Reform Committee will prove to be in the future, for now, it does represent a significant formal recognition by government that there are serious problems in this area of concern. By reflecting on field experiences, teaching as well as public discussions of the subject, this paper calls attention to an area of social research which is contemporary and relevant, but which has not enjoyed systematic attention hitherto. The aim of this paper will be to illustrate how the modern Tswana family as it is found today throughout the country, to a lesser or greater extent, does not correspond with its modern ideal as well as its legal conception. This departure from the defining characteristics creates problems for family life and in the long run have retarding effects on community, and by extrapolation, National development potentials. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1133 Files in this item: 1
Fako_BNR_1983.pdf (1.462Mb) -
Mookodi, G.; Fuh, D. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Researchers and activists in Botswana have played an active role in the international campaign to alleviate women s subordinate position in economic development. Of late attention has shifted from 'women' to 'gender'. This shift has been premised on the need to provide a more holistic framework that focuses on relations between women and men, rather than on women exclusively. However, there are mounting concerns among academics and development practitioners that the gender debate has reached a stalemate in Botswana. The impasse is manifested in the perception that 'gender' and 'women' are used as synonyms in much gender discourse, research and activism. This paper argues that focusing on women and ostracising men makes the task of mainstreaming (or engendering) research and practice an unobtainable illusion. We propose new dimensions in gender discourses that will provide more balanced perspectives on both women and men. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/901 Files in this item: 1
Mookodi_PBJAS_2004.pdf (790.8Kb) -
Mogalakwe, M. (Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa, http://www.codesria.org/?lang=en, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Britain declared Bechuanaland a 'protectorate' in 1885 in a move largely driven by military strategic considerations rather than by the availability of economic resources. This can give the impression that in Botswana the process of economic underdevelopment, that is often associated with colonialism, never took place in this British 'protectorate'. This article reveals that even in the so-called 'protectorate', the British colonial state policies subverted indigenous economic interests and stifled opportunites for indigenous private capital accumulation, while actively promoting the economic interests of a small white settler capitalist class. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/652 Files in this item: 1
Mogalakwe_AD_2006.pdf (1.331Mb) -
Ama, N.O.; Oucho, J.O. (Medical and Pharmaceutical Publications, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Background: The healthcare of Batswana (citizens of Botswana) as indicated in the country’s Vision 2016 is one of the top priorities of the government of Botswana, yet Botswana’s National Health Policy, the Immigration Policy and the National Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme Framework all are silent on the obligations of the government to provide health services to the immigrant and refugee population. In view of the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Botswana, South Africa and other sub-Saharan countries, it is critical that reproductive health services be as affordable and accessible for the immigrants and refugees as they are for other residents in Botswana. This study measured the views of the primary healthcare providers in Botswana on the perceived reproductive health needs of immigrants and refugees and the availability and accessibility of reproductive healthcare services to the immigrant and refugee populations in the country. This information will be important for policy makers, the government of Botswana and the private sector to shape intervention measures to assist immigrants and refugees in seeking and accessing the desired reproductive health services. Methods: The study targeted all 4 667 medical doctors and nurses who were serving in various hospitals and clinics in 23 health districts of Botswana as at June 2005 when this study was conducted. Using NCS Pearson statistical software, the sample size for the study was determined to be 851. This estimated sample size was allocated to the 23 health districts (strata) using probability proportional to size (PPS). Having obtained the sample size for each district, the healthcare providers to be interviewed from each health district were selected randomly and in proportion to the number of doctors and nurses in each district. Questionnaires were administered to these healthcare providers by research assistants who explained the purpose of the study and obtained informed consent. The questionnaires were coded to ensure the anonymity of the respondents. It contained questions about the healthcare providers’ demographic characteristics, their opinions on the reproductive health needs of immigrants and refugees, and their views on factors that influence the accessibility of these services to immigrants and refugees. Data were collected from 678 doctors and nurses(about 80% of the targeted sample). Results: The majority of the healthcare providers indicated that the most important reproductive health needs of the immigrants and refugees, namely pregnancy-related services (prenatal, obstetrics, postnatal conditions), treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV/AIDS treatment and counselling and family planning were not different from those of the locals. However, some major differences noted between the local population and the foreigners were (i) that antiretroviral (ARV) treatment and prevention of mother-to-child-transmission (PMTCT) programmes were never accessible to the non-citizens; and (ii) that while treatments and other health services were free to Batswana, a fee was charged to non-citizens. Although 86% of the 21 studied reproductive health services were available in the healthcare system more than 50% of the time, only 62% of them were accessible to the immigrants and refugees 50% of the time. The major reasons for inability to access these services were: (i) The immigrants and refugees have to pay higher fees to access the reproductive health services; (ii) Once an immigrant or refugee is identified as HIV positive, there are no further follow-ups on the patient such as detecting the immune status using a CD4 count or testing the viral load; (iii) The immigrants and refugees do not have referral rights to referral clinics/hospitals for follow-ups in case of certain health conditions; and (iv) The immigrants and refugees are required to join a medical aid scheme to help offset part of the costs for the desired services. Conclusions: The study recommended that the government of Botswana should improve the availability of reproductive health services to immigrants and refugees, and expunge those laws and practices that make it difficult for immigrants and refugees to access the available reproductive health services. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1070 Files in this item: 1
Ama_SAFP_2009.pdf (664.2Kb) -
Mogalakwe, M.; Mufune, P.; Molutsi, P. (Taylor and Francis (Routledge), www.taylorandfrancisgroup.com/, NaN, 1998)[more][less]
Abstract: Labour legislation is the unique device governments use to lay down standards and conventions in the workplace and to control industrial relations. Using focused interviews with unionists, government officials, employers and other relevant parties, this field study investigated the way in which labour legislation in Botswana affects the organisation of the country's federation of unions. The findings indicate that the BFTU's organisation is affected by the Trade Union and Employers Organisation Act.In particular, the restrictions in this Act separate policy and administration in the BFTU and this has had negative implications for the union's effectiveness. The fact that its policymaking body is part-time negatively affects coordination, communication and cooperation processes in the BFTU. According to the Act, public sector workers are not technically employees and therefore cannot belong to unions. This gives the impression that the state is not particularly convinced about the benefits of unionisation. This may create a difficult environment in which the BFTU and other unions must operate. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/886 Files in this item: 1
Mogalakwe_DSA_1998.pdf (1.165Mb) -
Molomo, M.G. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: Electoral systems are manipulative instruments that determine how elections are won and lost. Botswana is widely regarded as a frontrunner in democratic politics, but the electoral system that it operates has been wanting in some respects. Tthe First-past-the-post system has helped to consolidate democratic practice, and also provides for an effective link between Members of Parliament and their constituencies, but empirical evidence suggests that it is the least democratic electoral system. Its winner-take-all practic distorts electoral outcomes, and often produces minority governments. The article proceeds to discuss proportional representation (PR) and semi-proportional representation, and outlines their strengths and weaknesses. The paper concludes that since both the FPTP system and PR systems have inherent limitations, the best system would be one that draws on the best aspects of each system. The anicle recommends a variation of the Mixed-Member Proportionality system. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/900 Files in this item: 1
Molomo2_PBJAS_2000.pdf (880.6Kb) -
Sebudubudu, D. (Made Plain Commucation, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Botswana has since 1965 held nine successive multi-party elections, making it Africa's longest running democracy. Although elections are high tension events, they have not sparked violence in Botswana- a rare feature in the African continent. This chapter provides an assessment on how the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) contributes to the national integrity system of the country. This chapter examines the role and structure of the commission; the resources it accounts for; its mechanisms for redress, as well as its relationship with other national integrity pillars. The aim of this assessment is to provide an overview of the laws that establish and govern the commission, and the practical situation. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/592 Files in this item: 1
Sebudubudu_TACB_2008.pdf (1.331Mb) -
Kiggundu, J. (CODESRIA http://www.africanbookscollective.com, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Copyrights may provide more effective protection for indigenous knowledge than other forms of intellectual property such as patents, trademarks, and 97 confidential information. The most important aspect of copyright law may be neighboring rights. Neighboring rights are provided to those who perform in ceremonies or belong to groups which hold knowledge. The rights of indigenous peoples must be protected with international laws as well as national laws which are designed to protect those with indigenous knowledge. Model Licensing Agreements as well as university involvement in indigenous knowledge are also essential for international indigenous knowledge protection. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/583 Files in this item: 1
Kiggundu_IKSIPC_2007.pdf (3.611Mb) -
Rathedi, M. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, www.thuto.org/pula/html/, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: Poverty is a complex problem and reducing it depends upon many interconnected factors. It cannot be attributed to one main cause. Its reduction is possible only by achieving economic growth. An indirect causal connection between growth and poverty reduction can be seen because governments will have greater scope for action through suitable policy measures that can take care of the interests of the poor. In spite of the efforts of most of the developing countries, where the levels of poverty are high, to reduce the magnitude of poverty, the percentage of people living below the poverty level has not been reduced significantly. Of course, international financial institutions have been extending the necessary assistance by setting the goals. But poverty reduction lies in the nature of the growth process itself, as determined by the set of economic policies that are being pursued by governments to justify actions targeted towards the poor. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/883 Files in this item: 1
Rathedi_PBJAS_2003.pdf (574.5Kb) -
Fako, T.T.; Forcheh, N. (Taylor & Francis, www.taylorandfrancis.com, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: In this paper the authors examines the extent of job satisfaction and dissatisfaction in a national sample of 325 nurses working in hospitals, clinics and health posts in Botswana. The analyses explored the effects of background variables, work context variables, resources variables, recognition and support variables, and union membership on job satisfaction. The findings show that nurses were generally not satisfied with their jobs. Twelve of the 31 variables examined were found to be associated with job satisfaction. Age, basic level of education, level of nursing training, level of income, extent of satisfaction with income, type of health facility, adequacy of telecommunication facilities and overall health since posting were found to have strong and positive associations with job satisfaction. Adequacy of equipment, recognition from supervisors, and overall health before posting had moderate and positive effects on job satisfaction. Satisfaction with current workstation had a positive but weak relationship with job satisfaction. No relationship was found between job satisfaction and other work environment variables such as adequacy of transport, opportunity for in-service training and relationships with peers. Similarly, workload was not found to be an important determinant of job satisfaction among nurses, nor were community involvement and membership of nursing organisations. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1132 Files in this item: 1
Fako_ST_2000.pdf (1.521Mb) -
Mfundisi, A. (Made Plain Commucation, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This chapter looks at local governance in the context of the national integrity system. Local councils provide local services and incur financial expenses within the statutory framework set by the central government. The chapter first looks at the legal and policy framework to ascertain whether it facilitates transparency, accountability and integrity in the local government system. Secondly, the accountability of local governance is examined. Thirdly, the relationship between local government finance and local integrity system is explored. Lastly, anti-corruption agencies are examined to assess their effectiveness in fighting corruption at local government level. The chapter concludes that local government is not actively involved in anti-corruption activities and makes some key recommendations. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/595 Files in this item: 1
Mfundisi_TACB_2008.pdf (1.799Mb) -
Mogalakwe, M. (Emerald Group Publishing Limited, www.emeraldinsight.com/, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether expatriate workers in Botswana are a labour aristocracy. Design/methodology/approach - This is a case study based on documentary research methods. Findings - The evidence presented supports the case for the existence of a foreign labour aristicracy in Botswana. The labour aristocracy thesis has come under attack for describing the better-paid workers aslabour aristocrats and for its failure to take cognizance of the heterogeneity of the working class. Although it appears that the thesis has now been relegated to the periphery of labour studies debates, evidence from Botswana of a two tier wage structure, one for citizens and another for "expatriates", resonates with the basic tenets of the labour aristocracy thesis. Research limitations/implications - There is a need to revisit the debate and for more case studies from different Third World countries. Practical implications - The paper highlights the difficulties faced by citizen employees in Botswana in seeking to improve their material conditions. Originality/value - This paper reveals a linkage between a wages policy and the notion of national development in a specific society. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/892 Files in this item: 1
Mogalakwe_ER_2008.pdf (817.5Kb)