Participation Information Sheet

  1. Research Project Title

Analysing Race Relations in Post-Apartheid South Africa

  1. Invitation

You are being invited to take part in this research project. Before you decide to do so, it is important for you to understand why the research is being carried out, and what it will involve. Please take time to read the information that follows carefully. Feel free to discuss the information with others. If you need anything clarifying or do not understand the information you are presented, do not hesitate to contact me. Take time to decide whether or not you wish to be a part of this study. Thank you for reading this.

  1. What is the purpose of the project?

This research project aims to identify and analyse the way race relations may have changed in South Africa since the collapse of apartheid in 1994. This project will be based on information collected from secondary sources as well as the data sourced from my primary investigations.

  1. Why have I been chosen to participate?

You have been selected as a participant because you have previously or currently live in South Africa. You will have knowledge of and personal insight on the changing race relations in South Africa since 1994.

  1. Do I have to take part?

You are under no obligation to take part in this study. If you do decide to take part in the study you will be able to keep a copy of this information sheet. You should indicate your agreement to taking part in the study. You can withdraw from the study at any point. You do not have to give a reason.

  1. What will happen to me if I take part?

You will be asked to complete a web-based questionnaire. In the event of a lack of internet connection, an alternative method of questionnaire delivery will be provided. This questionnaire should take you no longer than 15 minutes to complete. You may also be approached for a follow up interview to gain a more in-depth understanding of your information.

  1. What do I have to do?

Please answer the questionnaire. There are no other commitments involved. This will not restrict or limit your lifestyle in anyway.

  1. What are the possible disadvantages and risks involved in taking part?

There are no anticipated risks or disadvantages involved in taking part in this study. There are no perceived or anticipated physical/ or psychological harms involved with this study.

  1. What are the possible benefits of taking part?

Whilst there are no immediate benefits for participants, this study will hopefully provide information for further research to be carried out. This will potentially benefit the participant in the future. Results and copies of the study will be available to the participant.

  1. What happens if the study is ended prematurely?

You will be contacted with the information and an explanation. You should not be impacted by any abrupt endings to the study.

  1. What if I have an issue with the study?

If you have any issues/or complaints about the project, you should contact the primary researcher at your first availability. If you feel that the issue has not been handled to your satisfaction you can contact the project supervisor and or the University of Coventry to file a formal complaint.

  1. Will my taking part in this project be kept confidential?

All information that we collect relating to you during the research will be kept completely confidential. In the presentation and analysis of your given information, you will not be identifiable and will be kept completely anonymous. Any data collected will be stored in a secure manner, via a password protected system.

Any data that may be presented will be kept anonymous in order to allow reuse by third parties. All data that contains sensitive information will be destroyed once transferred into an anonymous form or by 08/01/2018.

  1. Will I be recorded, and how will the recorded media be used?

You will not be recorded for any part of this study, other than the given information involved in filling in the questionnaire.

  1. What type of information will be sought from me and why is the information relevant to the study?

The questionnaire will ask for information related to your race & ethnicity, an approximation of your annual income and your personal insight on the changing nature of race relations in South Africa.

This information will be analysed to identify how different racial groups perceive any changing nature of racial tensions.

  1. What will happen to the results of the research project?

The results of the research will be analysed and published. You or any information provided will not be identifiable. Any sensitive data will be destroyed after it has been transferred into an anonymous form. The results and study are available at request. If you would like a copy of the study, indicate this and you will be placed on a mailing list.

  1. Who is organising and funding the research?

The project will not receive any external funding outside the primary researcher. The study will be organised and carried out in its entirety by the primary researcher and will be supervised by Dr.MacLellan of Coventry University.

  1. Who has ethically reviewed this project?

The project has been reviewed by CU Ethics based in Coventry University. The project has been given approval.

  1. Contact information.

Mr Thomas Hendy, School of Energy, Environment and Construction, Coventry University, UK. Tel: +44 (0)7521 970256 email:

Dr Marion MacLellan, School of Energy, Environment and Construction, Coventry University, UK. Tel: +44 (0)2476 657043