Browsing by Author "Xotyeni, Akhona Lerato"

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    Exploring the tensions, pressures and transformations of urban rivers through a social lens : the case study of the Kuils River in the Western Cape, South Africa
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-12) Xotyeni, Akhona Lerato; Blignaut, James; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: In the past, urban river restoration studies have prioritised economic, ecological and natural science perspectives and rather neglected social, cultural and political perspectives. However, with the rapid deterioration and degradation of urban rivers due to anthropogenic factors amongst many others, there has been an increase in researchers who have called for the incorporation of the social sciences and the perspectives, values and desires of social actors. Since the beginning of time, people have always been co-dependent with natural resources and water has not been exempted. Therefore, through a critical analysis of empirical and non-empirical data, the study explored the following: The restoration of urban rivers from a socio-ecological perspective through the application of the wicked systems theories. According to research, wicked systems theories consists of a combination of complicated and complex factors. The complicated aspect refers to the institutions which are involved in a system while complex factors refer to social dynamics. The Kuils River case study has become a wicked problem and therefore this was the most applicable theory which could be used to unpack the different components of the case study. The study also explored local natural resource management theories, namely, the Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) and Adaptive (Co) Management theories. Governance and management practices play a major role in shaping the desired state of the river, and there are also the roles of other stakeholders. Therefore, it is important for this study to explore and apply governance perspectives to the case study. In the final instance, the study aimed at filling a gap with regards to the lack of representation of social actors in river restoration in the past. This was done through highlighting the opinions, perspectives, values and uses social actors had for urban rivers. And also, through comparing recurring themes which came up during the literature review and theoretical frameworks in relation to management approaches with data contributed by the participants which were interviewed. This study found that most of the points which were raised by the interview participants corroborated with the research objects, as well as other existing information from previous research studies. The participants also raised new information which has subsequently been included in the findings and recommendation sections of this thesis.