AbstractsEducation Research & Administration

Exploring the educational requirements within the local mining community of Delmas

by Barend Fredrik Jacobs




Institution: Stellenbosch University
Department:
Year: 2016
Keywords: Education  – Aims and objectives; Mines and mineral resources  – Communities; UCTD
Posted: 02/05/2017
Record ID: 2063713
Full text PDF: http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/99445


Abstract

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Delmas is small town is Mpumalanga, South Africa. The main industries are agriculture and mining. The area is economically depressed resulting in high unemployment. Therefore organisations invest substantially in educational and socio-economic development. However, there is no clear indication of whether these programmes are addressing the real education needs of the community. Programmes often have a high failure rate owing to their relevance in addressing community needs. Many of the programmes initiated have been selected based on gut feel, convenience or past experiences. This research study aims to identify the educational needs of the mining community, Botleng, based in Delmas. This will be done through a stakeholder engagement process. Organisations and service providers can use the research findings in the development of appropriate educational interventions for the Botleng community. The results of the study will provide a guidelines for programme selection. In this qualitative research study, the researcher engaged the community members through interviews to get their views and insights into matters pertaining to educational needs. The necessary ethical clearance for the research project was obtained and all participants gave permission to participate in the study. The study concluded by identifying the educational needs indicated by community members. Mining houses can address these needs through the vehicle of the Social and Labour Plan. Community members have identified the need for basic skills education. These skills should aid participants in finding employment within the dominant industries in the area or creating employment for themselves. AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar Advisors/Committee Members: Smit, Arnold.