Papers by Leo Mafuso
This study investigates the role of educational levels and skills attainment as 'development asse... more This study investigates the role of educational levels and skills attainment as 'development assets' within the Zimbabwean context through the narratives of skilled Zimbabwean migrants living in South Africa. Drawing on the Capability Approach, which underscores the importance of utilizing skills in a socioeconomic context, the research explores how the departure of skilled professionals impacts Zimbabwe's development efforts. Findings reveal that respondents consider their skills crucial in their home country, challenging the perception of migrants solely as remitters of foreign exchange. The study underscores the significant economic and social consequences of skill migration, highlighting the need for strategic investments in tertiary education to address unemployment and poverty. Additionally, the research examines the macroeconomic impact of remittances, emphasizing their role in household welfare improvement and potential contributions to national development, contingent upon the economic and political structures of recipient countries. However, the study also highlights challenges such as market imperfections and the varying impact of remittances based on the type of migration and likelihood of return.
The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the educational and skill levels of Zimbabwean imm... more The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the educational and skill levels of Zimbabwean immigrants and their impact on the country of origin. It begins by contextualizing the historical migration patterns in Zimbabwe, emphasizing the significant brain drain and its detrimental effects on the country's economy and social structure. The literature review delves into the migration-development conundrum, highlighting the positive influence of migration on sending countries and migrants themselves, while recognizing the challenges it poses to development. The paper also explores the theories of the Capability Approach and the Rights-based Approach, providing critical appraisals and their application to the study. The findings reveal that many highly skilled Zimbabwean citizens have migrated to more developed countries, exacerbating the brain drain phenomenon. The paper concludes with recommendations for the Zimbabwean government to encourage skilled citizens to apply their expertise at home and to devise programs to facilitate the return of skilled emigrants. It also emphasises the importance of addressing brain drain and leveraging the skills and expertise of the diaspora for national development. Overall, the paper offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with migration and its impact on the country of origin.
The paper examines the experiences of skilled Zimbabwean citizens in East London, South Africa, f... more The paper examines the experiences of skilled Zimbabwean citizens in East London, South Africa, focusing on the impact of home remittances on the Zimbabwean economy and the loss of skills due to emigration. Using a mixed-methods approach, including a survey of 158 skilled Zimbabweans, key informant interviews, and a focus group discussion, the study reveals that most respondents regularly send money home, believing it fulfils familial obligations and supports the national economy. It challenges prevailing views on the developmental significance of remittances, emphasising the importance of skilled professionals beyond their role as remitters. By centring on the perspectives of skilled migrants, the study sheds light on their self-perceptionn and contributions to migration and development debates. Thus, it delves into the migration-remittance-development nexus, underscoring the significance of migrants themselves.
The effectiveness of foreign aid in developing countries is one of the most controversial topics ... more The effectiveness of foreign aid in developing countries is one of the most controversial topics in the development literature. This study focused on the effectiveness of foreign aid in the developing countries; with particular emphasis on Zimbabwe. The background to the study is that, Zimbabwe is a developing country that has received and continues to accept foreign aid but is still underdeveloped.The investigation was based on a historical narrative of foreign aid in Zimbabwe between 1965 and 2000. It also investigated if foreign aid has been effective after it was received. The undertakings draw its arguments on aid as imperialism which asserts that, foreign aid cannot be effective when it is not free of donor influence. It argued that the idea of granting and the withholding of aid were and is still being used to influence the macro-economic policies of developing countries. This study is essential largely due to the fact that many developing countries clamor for more foreign aid yet little economic growth is being achieved. Furthermore, the study argues that foreign aid’s effectiveness can only be seen if people’s livelihoods are changed for the better. The investigation focuses on Zimbabwe and may also be used to solve many questions surrounding foreign aid in other developing countries. The study discovered foreign aid has been granted to the Zimbabwean government and it made tremendous contributions to the economy. However, the undertaking argues that foreign aid in Zimbabwe was largely tied to certain stipulations by donors which impacted negatively to its purpose. Moreover, the recipient government became more responsive to the demands of donors. This has resulted in the Zimbabwean government becoming dependent on foreign aid. In conclusion the investigation sees foreign aid as beneficial but foreign aid’s effectiveness is prejudiced by donor’s control.
Rethinking Environmental Protection legislation and environmental sustainability amid threats fro... more Rethinking Environmental Protection legislation and environmental sustainability amid threats from illegal mining activities in an African context. " It is people who make the world: the bush has wounds and scars " (Malawian Proverb) 1. Introduction This chapter examines the scholarly debates of the perceived mining legislation and its impact on the environment. The extraction of resources through the mining of Africa's minerals has been a bone of contention faced with the past which has been evidenced with the continual plundering of the much-needed resources. The investigation seeks to recognize the true role of environmental protection whilst also looking at the effect on illegal mining activities which are curtailed by mining legislation. Africa is faced with high rates of poverty which have led to the poor individuals resorting to illegal mining activities as a way to escape poverty. Illegal mining has led to the crippling of the environmental protection as African governments seem to justify the illegality of the mining practices by using historical political rhetoric. In addition, illegal mining activities have facilitated the rise of derelict mines as a result of their abandonment which has resulted in a lot of environmental issues. This chapter seeks to take a holistic approach to understanding the illegal mining activity and paying attention to the mining legislation in shaping environmental laws. The irony is that Africa is a resource-endowed continent which has continued to slide up the poverty scale while its available resources are not economically relevant. At the same time the rise of illegal mining activities, mining has led to many environmental issues, the lack of a clear legal framework to stop these practices has led to question the enforcement of mining laws.
Mentions by Leo Mafuso
Thesis Chapters by Leo Mafuso
The Protection of Investment Act (POIA) functions as a dual-edged instrument, safeguarding the St... more The Protection of Investment Act (POIA) functions as a dual-edged instrument, safeguarding the State's regulatory authority over its economy and society while also fostering foreign investments. However, in comparison to Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs), the POIA falls short in providing equivalent protection, posing challenges for South Africa in attracting global investors.
Rooted in the imperative to address historical economic disparities, the POIA's primary mission is to bridge societal gaps and uphold constitutional rights. Yet, balancing the interests of investors and the South African public is a delicate task, with the legislation currently tilting towards domestic policies, potentially neglecting international investors' concerns.
To address this imbalance and challenge conventional norms, regional investment codes have emerged, aiming to align the POIA with African states' policies. This approach seeks to harmonize the rights and interests of all stakeholders in accordance with the nation's Constitution, providing a more cohesive and equitable investment environment in South Africa.
This research delves into the contentious issue of the effectiveness of foreign aid in developing... more This research delves into the contentious issue of the effectiveness of foreign aid in developing countries, with a specific focus on Zimbabwe. Despite receiving ongoing foreign aid, Zimbabwe remains underdeveloped, prompting an exploration into the historical narrative of foreign aid in the country from 1980 to 2000. The study critically examines the concept of aid as a form of imperialism, asserting that foreign aid's efficacy is compromised when influenced by donors. It contends that the grant and withholding of aid are tools used to shape the macroeconomic policies of developing nations. The research emphasises the need to assess foreign aid's impact on improving people's livelihoods, highlighting its relevance in the context of persistent economic challenges in many developing countries. The findings reveal that while foreign aid has made significant contributions to Zimbabwe's economy, it often comes with stipulations imposed by donors, undermining its intended purpose. The study argues that such conditions create a dependency on foreign aid and erode the autonomy of the recipient government. In conclusion, the research acknowledges the potential benefits of foreign aid but emphasises its effectiveness is hindered by donor control. The insights gained from this investigation extend beyond Zimbabwe, providing valuable perspectives on foreign aid in other developing nations.
University of Fort Hare, 2018
Against the backdrop of a growing orthodoxy that places the issue of home remittances by a countr... more Against the backdrop of a growing orthodoxy that places the issue of home remittances by a country’s emigrant citizens at the centre of national and international development, this study presents a social value analysis of skills and home remittances in the Zimbabwean context. The study unveils the narratives of skilled Zimbabwean citizens living and working in East London, South Africa, with specific regard to the extent to which the revenues gained by the Zimbabwean economy through home remittances offset the skills lost by the same economy through the emigration of its skilled citizens. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, with data drawn from a survey of 158 skilled Zimbabweans, three key informant interviews (with officers of immigration stakeholder organisations) and one focus group discussion. The study found that an overwhelming majority of survey respondents regularly remitted money home, and believed that such remittances helped them to fulfil filial and other familial obligations, besides being vital to the Zimbabwean economy as a whole. They emphasised, however, that the total value of home remittances, though substantial in monetary terms, was miniscule when compared to the skills the country had lost as a result of migration. Respondents expressed the view that home remittances could not substitute for the skills lost by a country and that the proper utilisation of, and compensation for, their skills at home would develop their country faster. The study thus cuts through the dominant discourse on the developmental significance of home remittances and provides insights into the importance of skilled professionals in the Zimbabwean context, and the developmental consequences of seeing them simply as “remitters” of foreign exchange. By privileging the perspectives of skilled migrants, the study highlights how skilled professionals see themselves and their role within the migration-development debate. This therefore was a study of the migration-remittance-development nexus as though the migrant mattered.
Books by Leo Mafuso
This book offers a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of Zimbabwe's intricate socio-political an... more This book offers a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of Zimbabwe's intricate socio-political and economic landscape, making it a valuable read for those interested in understanding the complexities of conflict, governance, and economic development in developing nations.
Drafts by Leo Mafuso
This research investigates the intricate relationship between African culture and economic develo... more This research investigates the intricate relationship between African culture and economic development, addressing the paradoxical challenge faced by many African nations in translating their rich cultural heritage into sustainable economic growth. Grounded in the context of the African continent's diverse cultures and abundant resources, the study explores how cultural norms, values, and perceptions impact work ethic, decision-making, and economic participation. Drawing on a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing insights from cultural entrepreneurship, development projects, cultural policymaking, and research institutes specializing in cultural economics, the research aims to unravel the nuanced dynamics shaping Africa's economic trajectory. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including in-depth interviews with cultural entrepreneurs and stakeholders, a comprehensive survey distributed to a diverse participant pool, and quantitative analysis using SPSS. The anticipated findings aspire to contribute not only to academic literature but also to the development of culturally sensitive policies, empowerment of communities, and unlocking Africa's full economic potential by leveraging its rich cultural heritage.
High failure rates plague small businesses in South Africa, often due to reliance on Western kno... more High failure rates plague small businesses in South Africa, often due to reliance on Western knowledge and lack of long-term sustainability strategies. This research investigates the potential of indigenous knowledge (IK) to address these challenges, focusing on small businesses in East London. Through interviews and document analysis, the study explores how businesses utilize IK, its effectiveness, and its compatibility with Western knowledge. By identifying barriers and facilitators to IK integration, the research aims to develop recommendations for promoting its use in small business sustainability. This research contributes to the understanding of IK's role in sustainable development and informs the creation of effective strategies for long-term socio-ecological sustainability for small businesses.
This research explores the complex interplay between globalized feminist ideologies and deeply em... more This research explores the complex interplay between globalized feminist ideologies and deeply embedded traditions and values within African societies. The study delves into the potential for conflict and challenges arising from this interaction, particularly focusing on the impact on men, cultural heritage, and societal stability.
Teaching Documents by Leo Mafuso
The 3 perspectives to define a state Idealist approach • Three moments of social existence: o Fam... more The 3 perspectives to define a state Idealist approach • Three moments of social existence: o Family o Civil Society o The state • In the family, people are encouraged to set aside their own personal interests for the good of their children and elderly relatives.
Concepts models and theories are the tools of political analysis. Concepts • General idea about s... more Concepts models and theories are the tools of political analysis. Concepts • General idea about something. • Not a thing but an idea. • Concepts are the tools in which we think, criticise, argue, explain and analyse. • In order to make sense of the world we must impose meaning on it and this we do it through the construction of concepts.
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Papers by Leo Mafuso
Mentions by Leo Mafuso
Thesis Chapters by Leo Mafuso
Rooted in the imperative to address historical economic disparities, the POIA's primary mission is to bridge societal gaps and uphold constitutional rights. Yet, balancing the interests of investors and the South African public is a delicate task, with the legislation currently tilting towards domestic policies, potentially neglecting international investors' concerns.
To address this imbalance and challenge conventional norms, regional investment codes have emerged, aiming to align the POIA with African states' policies. This approach seeks to harmonize the rights and interests of all stakeholders in accordance with the nation's Constitution, providing a more cohesive and equitable investment environment in South Africa.
Books by Leo Mafuso
Drafts by Leo Mafuso
Teaching Documents by Leo Mafuso
Rooted in the imperative to address historical economic disparities, the POIA's primary mission is to bridge societal gaps and uphold constitutional rights. Yet, balancing the interests of investors and the South African public is a delicate task, with the legislation currently tilting towards domestic policies, potentially neglecting international investors' concerns.
To address this imbalance and challenge conventional norms, regional investment codes have emerged, aiming to align the POIA with African states' policies. This approach seeks to harmonize the rights and interests of all stakeholders in accordance with the nation's Constitution, providing a more cohesive and equitable investment environment in South Africa.