Meet our new Dr(s) graduating from WSG

Six WSG students graduated with their PhD qualifications on Monday, 9 December 2024. Read a summary of their research.

Dr Jevon Jacobs - supervised by Dr Caryn Abrahams
 

Thesis: Alternative resident-led governance in the housing sector: the case of Ruo Emoh, Cape Town 
This thesis critically analyses the case of Ruo Emoh ('our home') in Mitchells Plain through insurgent resident-led urbanism. Ruo Emoh, a medium-density housing development, began in 1995 as a resident-led savings scheme aimed at providing adequate and affordable housing tenure. However, the state's centralist housing delivery mechanisms prohibit residents from assuming active - and recognised - roles in housing delivery. The thesis argues that democratic mobilisation is impossible, especially against a detatchist state that has eroded or corrupted the agency of citizens.
 

Dr Nana Asantewa Afadzinu - supervised by Professor David Everatt and Professor Bheki Moyo

Thesis: Understanding indigenous philanthropy in Ghana from an Akan perspective 
The thesis examines indigenous philanthropy in Ghana from an Akan perspective, utilising indigenous methods. It explores the meaning, nature, and practice of Akan philanthropy and its influences by colonisation and westernisation. Her findings reveal that indigenous Akan philanthropy exists and aligns with broader African philanthropy, contributing to the global philanthropy discourse. The work addresses gaps in understanding indigenous philanthropy, emphasising the need to decolonise philanthropy and recognise its diverse forms, offering new insights into African and global contexts. 

Dr Pogisho Godfrey Kgosinyane - supervised Dr Caryn Abrahams
 
 

Thesis: Decoding the District Development Model to understand decentralised governance in South Africa 
The study examines how the District Development Model in South Africa points to a recentralising tendency in the state. The model assumes that interests of governance actors are homogenous and core governance principles align. The thesis reveals uneven and fascinating interactions in two cases where different political parties govern different spheres of government. It demonstrates how multi-level governance is steeped in contestation, and in the context of coalition governments, critiques political culture in South Africa and its decentralised governance arrangements. 

Dr Daniel Manama Mokhohlane - supervised by Professor Mzukisi Qobo and the late Professor Ivor Sarakinsky

Thesis: Impact of Mega Astronomy Infrastructure Projects on Development in the Rural Northern Cape, South Africa 
This PhD is awarded to Daniel Manama Mokhohlane, whose unique contribution to knowledge is the development of a new framework for mega astronomy infrastructure projects for development of rural areas. His thesis grappled with the relationship between mega astronomy infrastructure and economic development in rural communities in the Northern Cape. It also engages with the paradoxes of development in marginal communities, casting a new light on development theory and its utility for rural development.
 

Dr Masibane John Molokwane - supervised by Dr TK Pooe

Thesis: The post-1994 land reform prism to interrogate development planning in South Africa 
While land reform has featured in various policies post-1994, it has not been elevated and used as a central means in advancing development planning and development to address socio-economic challenges. This study, therefore, took a unique approach, unlike previous studies examining land reform in the context of development planning and development. The study aimed to address the dearth of literature that prioritises and focuses on the instrumentality of land in development and the inability of the post-1994 South African land reform approach to view land as a development tool. 

Dr Osiel Bongani Radebe - supervised by Dr TK Pooe and Professor Anthoni Van Nieuwkerk
 

Thesis: Evaluation of the civilian intelligence service oversight model: A South African perspective 
Intelligence is vital for state security but requires robust governance to ensure accountability and protect civil rights. This research evaluated South Africa's post-1994 civilian intelligence oversight system, highlighting regulatory and institutional weaknesses. It recommends targeted reforms to enhance transparency and accountability, including reviewing legal frameworks and oversight mechanisms. Emphasising the integration of societal and constitutional values, the study advocates aligning these values with regulatory and institutional frameworks for effective governance. 
 

Learn more about our PhD programme.