Vol 1 - Support Services Ufs Ac Za - University of the Free State

collective efforts of researchers in this Cluster is duefor publication in 2009. Again the approaches topoverty reduction and sustainable developmentdraw on the challenges and opportunities presentedin peripheral, non-metropolitan areas.The Cluster research also links closely with thehighly successful Arid Areas Socio-EconomicResearch Programme headed by Prof DoreenAtkinson of the University’s Centre for DevelopmentSupport. Projects falling within the ambit of boththis programme and the Cluster includeinvestigations into the challenges of low-costhousing policy issues (Ms Kholisa Sigenu), mineworkerhousing options in arid areas (Mr JanCloete), the impacts of large-scale investment insmall towns located in arid areas (Ms Deidré vanRooyen), and guidelines to mine-close in theseunique environments (Ms Cathy Muller).better understand the South African labour market,while Ms Annelize Booysen is unpacking the socioeconomicrole of women in the South Africaneconomy and society.Cluster 3: Transformation inHighly Diverse SocietiesSocieties in transition experience challenges due tothe problems brought about by the process ofNewly-funded Cluster projects include theimpact of economic multipliers in the growth of thesmall business sector in the Eastern Free State (DrMusigi Ruhiiga) and second home development inthe post-productivist country-side undertaken bythe newly established Second Homes ResearchGroup, led by Prof Gustav Visser with coinvestigatorsMr Gijsbert Hoogendoorn of theDivision Physical Resources, Mr JJ Pienaar of theDepartment of Urban and Regional Planning, andMs Anette Pienaar and Ms Elle Goitsemodimo (bothwith the Department of Anthropology).In addition, two postdoctoral projects arefunded. Ms Helene Maisonnave is exploringComputable General Equilibrium modelling toCluster Coordinator: Prof Piet Erasmus, Department ofAnthropology.34