Exploring socio-economic factors influencing incidences and outcome of multidrug resistance tuberculosis among patients and facility staffs in Makana Sub-District, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Cannon, Lesley-Ann Lynnath
- Date: 2022-02
- Subjects: Multidrug resistance , Multidrug-resistant -- tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23471 , vital:57896
- Description: Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) is one of the main causes of global public health crisis, due to the morbidity and mortality rates associated with the disease. This DR-TB is a complex illness having direct and indirect impact on finances, social functioning, and quality of life of infected individuals. Major research advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of DR-TB. However, minimal information exists on the socio-economic factors influencing the incidence and outcomes. This study aims to fill the gap by exploring the socio-economic factors from both the health care professional and patient perspective in particular settings to gain insights into developing context-specific strategies against the burden of DR-TB. The study applied a qualitative method to explore the socio-economic factors influencing MDR-TB through key-in-depth interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). The study enrolled a total of thirty-two (32) consenting participants. The KIIs was conducted for ten (10) healthcare workers and nine (9) MDR-TB patients. Two focus group discussions were done involving seven (7) MDR-TB patients and six (6) MDR-TB patients, respectively. The study targeted healthcare workers working in the MDR-TB field and TB patients with the following: GeneXpert Rifampicin resistance and patient confirmed as MDR TB. Eligible participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique from the hospitals` routine data electronic records (EDR-WEB database) and hardcopy registers (drug-resistant TB register) on MDR-TB patients enrolled in care at the study site. Informed consent was obtained from all study participants after thoroughly explaining the purpose. No personal information of participants was used. All responses from respondents were coded during analysis for autonomy and the respondents were not identifiable in any published or unpublished work following this research. The interviews were transcribed, some translated into English, where necessary, and analysed until saturation was reached. Data was coded and analysed using both thematic and content analysis technique. There were 3 main themes identified in the study: social factors, economic factors, and other contributing factors. 7 sub- themes were recorded under social factors and 2 subthemes under economic factors. Two independent factors that were also considered to impact MDR-TB were the attitude of healthcare workers, as well as the current COVID-19 pandemic. MDR-TB is a major public health concern in the Makana Sub-district of the Eastern Cape. The findings of this study highlight the impact of socio- economic factors on the incidence, spread, defaulter rate and outcomes of MDR-TB. The social areas highlighted by the study participants as affecting the incidence and outcomes of MDR TB were housing and relocation, decreased immunity, stigma, patients’ attitude and lack of support, alcohol and other substance usage and prison/ incarceration. The economic factors identified by the participants were unemployment and job loss and health related expenses. Other factors are those factors contributing to the increased incidence and possible poor outcomes of MDR TB. Healthcare workers impact and attitude and the effects of the covid-19 pandemic were highlighted as additional factors influencing the incidence and outcomes of MDR TB. The management of MDR-TB requires rigorous efforts that should be directed at addressing the socio-economic factors. Therefore, future quantitative studies and important programmatic strategies should be considered to tackle the socio-economic challenges that contribute to the burden of MDR-TB infection in the Makana community. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-02
- Authors: Cannon, Lesley-Ann Lynnath
- Date: 2022-02
- Subjects: Multidrug resistance , Multidrug-resistant -- tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23471 , vital:57896
- Description: Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) is one of the main causes of global public health crisis, due to the morbidity and mortality rates associated with the disease. This DR-TB is a complex illness having direct and indirect impact on finances, social functioning, and quality of life of infected individuals. Major research advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of DR-TB. However, minimal information exists on the socio-economic factors influencing the incidence and outcomes. This study aims to fill the gap by exploring the socio-economic factors from both the health care professional and patient perspective in particular settings to gain insights into developing context-specific strategies against the burden of DR-TB. The study applied a qualitative method to explore the socio-economic factors influencing MDR-TB through key-in-depth interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). The study enrolled a total of thirty-two (32) consenting participants. The KIIs was conducted for ten (10) healthcare workers and nine (9) MDR-TB patients. Two focus group discussions were done involving seven (7) MDR-TB patients and six (6) MDR-TB patients, respectively. The study targeted healthcare workers working in the MDR-TB field and TB patients with the following: GeneXpert Rifampicin resistance and patient confirmed as MDR TB. Eligible participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique from the hospitals` routine data electronic records (EDR-WEB database) and hardcopy registers (drug-resistant TB register) on MDR-TB patients enrolled in care at the study site. Informed consent was obtained from all study participants after thoroughly explaining the purpose. No personal information of participants was used. All responses from respondents were coded during analysis for autonomy and the respondents were not identifiable in any published or unpublished work following this research. The interviews were transcribed, some translated into English, where necessary, and analysed until saturation was reached. Data was coded and analysed using both thematic and content analysis technique. There were 3 main themes identified in the study: social factors, economic factors, and other contributing factors. 7 sub- themes were recorded under social factors and 2 subthemes under economic factors. Two independent factors that were also considered to impact MDR-TB were the attitude of healthcare workers, as well as the current COVID-19 pandemic. MDR-TB is a major public health concern in the Makana Sub-district of the Eastern Cape. The findings of this study highlight the impact of socio- economic factors on the incidence, spread, defaulter rate and outcomes of MDR-TB. The social areas highlighted by the study participants as affecting the incidence and outcomes of MDR TB were housing and relocation, decreased immunity, stigma, patients’ attitude and lack of support, alcohol and other substance usage and prison/ incarceration. The economic factors identified by the participants were unemployment and job loss and health related expenses. Other factors are those factors contributing to the increased incidence and possible poor outcomes of MDR TB. Healthcare workers impact and attitude and the effects of the covid-19 pandemic were highlighted as additional factors influencing the incidence and outcomes of MDR TB. The management of MDR-TB requires rigorous efforts that should be directed at addressing the socio-economic factors. Therefore, future quantitative studies and important programmatic strategies should be considered to tackle the socio-economic challenges that contribute to the burden of MDR-TB infection in the Makana community. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-02
Exploring suicide ideation and depression among university students: a systematic review
- Jarana, Luyanda https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9625-8302
- Authors: Jarana, Luyanda https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9625-8302
- Date: 2022-02
- Subjects: Suicide , Depression in adolescence
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23698 , vital:58580
- Description: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among the youth and university students. The aim of this study was to explore knowledge that is available in published literature on suicide ideation and depression among university students in the South African context. This study utilised a systematic review in exploring suicide ideation and depression among university students so that knowledge and awareness about the prevalence of and factors associated with suicide ideation and depression among young people at university could be established. Method: A systematic review was the methodology used in the study. The main aim of the systematic review was to answer the research question that was formulated through the Patient of interest, Intervention, Comparison intervention and Outcome of interest (PICO) format. After the research question was formulated, 100 articles were collected through PsycInfo, Google Scholar, Ebscohost, Research Gate, and Taylor and Francis websites. From the 100 articles, five articles which met the inclusion criteria were selected with guidance from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) flow chart. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) screening checklist was used to verify the eligibility of the five selected articles. Results: Three themes, which are effectiveness of psychological interventions, students who do not seek psychological interventions and decrease in suicide ideation and depression after intervention emerged from the eligible articles. The themes answered the research question and confirmed that psychological and psychosocial interventions decrease the rate of suicide ideation and depression among university students. The most effective interventions were individual therapy and online counselling. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-02
- Authors: Jarana, Luyanda https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9625-8302
- Date: 2022-02
- Subjects: Suicide , Depression in adolescence
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23698 , vital:58580
- Description: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among the youth and university students. The aim of this study was to explore knowledge that is available in published literature on suicide ideation and depression among university students in the South African context. This study utilised a systematic review in exploring suicide ideation and depression among university students so that knowledge and awareness about the prevalence of and factors associated with suicide ideation and depression among young people at university could be established. Method: A systematic review was the methodology used in the study. The main aim of the systematic review was to answer the research question that was formulated through the Patient of interest, Intervention, Comparison intervention and Outcome of interest (PICO) format. After the research question was formulated, 100 articles were collected through PsycInfo, Google Scholar, Ebscohost, Research Gate, and Taylor and Francis websites. From the 100 articles, five articles which met the inclusion criteria were selected with guidance from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) flow chart. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) screening checklist was used to verify the eligibility of the five selected articles. Results: Three themes, which are effectiveness of psychological interventions, students who do not seek psychological interventions and decrease in suicide ideation and depression after intervention emerged from the eligible articles. The themes answered the research question and confirmed that psychological and psychosocial interventions decrease the rate of suicide ideation and depression among university students. The most effective interventions were individual therapy and online counselling. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-02
Factors associated with infant mortality in Sarah Baartman District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Muavha, Mukondeleli Selina
- Date: 2022-02
- Subjects: Infants--Mortality
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22067 , vital:51980
- Description: This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with infant mortality in Sarah Baartman District hospitals. A quantitative descriptive case-control design was used to investigate and describe the association between maternal socio-demographic, infant, environmental factors, and infant mortality. A data abstraction instrument was used to identify cases and their controls, and to retrieve information related to antenatal and obstetric care for the mothers of both cases and controls, as well as some information related to perinatal care for both mother and infant, from the registers in the district hospitals in Sarah Baartman district for the financial years 2015/2016 to 2017/2018. This was followed by structured questionnaires which were hand-delivered, to the mothers of the cases and controls. This study showed that seven maternal socio-demographic factors (educational level, mother’s source of income, religion, where mother took sick child to, frequency of visits by a health care worker within the last one year, number of alive siblings, and history of intrauterine death) were significantly related to infant mortality among the study participants. Among the environmental factors, the type of house, availability of tap and type of toilet were significantly related to infant mortality among the study participants. The study recommends public policies concerning maternal health through targeting mothers for food supplementation and prenatal care to reduce infant mortality rates. Infant mortality in the study area can also be reduced by improving mother’s education because women’s education has spill over effects on fertility and maternal health care behaviour. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-02
- Authors: Muavha, Mukondeleli Selina
- Date: 2022-02
- Subjects: Infants--Mortality
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22067 , vital:51980
- Description: This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with infant mortality in Sarah Baartman District hospitals. A quantitative descriptive case-control design was used to investigate and describe the association between maternal socio-demographic, infant, environmental factors, and infant mortality. A data abstraction instrument was used to identify cases and their controls, and to retrieve information related to antenatal and obstetric care for the mothers of both cases and controls, as well as some information related to perinatal care for both mother and infant, from the registers in the district hospitals in Sarah Baartman district for the financial years 2015/2016 to 2017/2018. This was followed by structured questionnaires which were hand-delivered, to the mothers of the cases and controls. This study showed that seven maternal socio-demographic factors (educational level, mother’s source of income, religion, where mother took sick child to, frequency of visits by a health care worker within the last one year, number of alive siblings, and history of intrauterine death) were significantly related to infant mortality among the study participants. Among the environmental factors, the type of house, availability of tap and type of toilet were significantly related to infant mortality among the study participants. The study recommends public policies concerning maternal health through targeting mothers for food supplementation and prenatal care to reduce infant mortality rates. Infant mortality in the study area can also be reduced by improving mother’s education because women’s education has spill over effects on fertility and maternal health care behaviour. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-02
The impact on restitution claims as a means of achieving a sustainable livelihood among the people of CATA Village in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mgweba, Bongani
- Date: 2022-02
- Subjects: Land reform--Law and legislation , Land reform--Government policy--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23721 , vital:58594
- Description: Land reform contestation in South African reflects how restitution of lands has impacted the livelihoods of beneficiaries and the community at large. This study examines the restitution impact on the livelihood of Cata community members, a controversial land reform zone in Eastern Cape. Although the people of Cata suffered a loss of land through forced removal by the apartheid government, the ‘betterment planning’ by the state did not address their problem. The study investigates the extent of socioeconomic livelihood improvement that the land restitution policy has offered the people of Cata. The study explores the extent to which land restitution settlement has contributed to a sustainable development and how such development has impacted the everyday lives of the community. The study made use of qualitative approach for data collection. Interviews were conducted among land beneficiaries in Cata. These included land beneficiaries living in Cata and those who are also beneficiaries but were not presently living in Cata. To understand the state of developmental impact in the lives of Cata people, a focus-group discussion was organized to hear contributions from some community members. The study indicates that, financial compensation has not benefited many of the claimant. This is because many of the funds have not been put to good use considering the enormous socioeconomic challenges facing households. However, the formation of BRC brought some relief to the community members through helping beneficiaries by lodging their claims, helping with appropriate compensation awards and offering land restitution advice to claimants. The help from BRC has contributed to the developmental project that respondents attest has improved their livelihoods. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-02
- Authors: Mgweba, Bongani
- Date: 2022-02
- Subjects: Land reform--Law and legislation , Land reform--Government policy--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23721 , vital:58594
- Description: Land reform contestation in South African reflects how restitution of lands has impacted the livelihoods of beneficiaries and the community at large. This study examines the restitution impact on the livelihood of Cata community members, a controversial land reform zone in Eastern Cape. Although the people of Cata suffered a loss of land through forced removal by the apartheid government, the ‘betterment planning’ by the state did not address their problem. The study investigates the extent of socioeconomic livelihood improvement that the land restitution policy has offered the people of Cata. The study explores the extent to which land restitution settlement has contributed to a sustainable development and how such development has impacted the everyday lives of the community. The study made use of qualitative approach for data collection. Interviews were conducted among land beneficiaries in Cata. These included land beneficiaries living in Cata and those who are also beneficiaries but were not presently living in Cata. To understand the state of developmental impact in the lives of Cata people, a focus-group discussion was organized to hear contributions from some community members. The study indicates that, financial compensation has not benefited many of the claimant. This is because many of the funds have not been put to good use considering the enormous socioeconomic challenges facing households. However, the formation of BRC brought some relief to the community members through helping beneficiaries by lodging their claims, helping with appropriate compensation awards and offering land restitution advice to claimants. The help from BRC has contributed to the developmental project that respondents attest has improved their livelihoods. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-02
Backpack carriage and musculoskeletal pain among primary school learners in King Williams Town, South Africa
- Authors: Moni, Busisiwe
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: Backache -- Prevention , Pediatric rheumatology , Pain -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26984 , vital:66208
- Description: BACKGROUND: There is rising concern that kids are walking to school with too much weight on their backs. The weight of schoolchildren's backpacks is a persistent and divisive topic in the fields of education and health. Children who carry heavy backpacks are more likely to have back discomfort and musculoskeletal pain, which raises their risk of developing chronic back pain as adults. There is little research on this topic among South African school-age youngsters. The goal of the study was to find out how common low back and other musculoskeletal complaints were among primary school students who used a school bag. RESEARCH AIM: The purpose of the study was to identify the prevalence and location of musculoskeletal discomfort in primary school students in King William's Town, South Africa, and describe their link with backpack use. METHOD: In King Williams Town, Eastern Cape, South Africa, a descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among elementary school students between the ages of 9 and 14 years old. A systematic questionnaire and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Questionnaire were used to gather the data (body chart). Age, gender, and schoolbag details (style of backpack, carrying technique, and carrying time) were collected. The learner's waist, hip, and bag circumferences were all measured. On the data, descriptive and interferential statistics were used. FINDINGS: The study's conclusions showed that students' musculoskeletal pain was brought on by the weight of their backpacks or school bags. The majority of the students (89.8percent) complain about the difficulty they experience when lugging their heavy backpacks to class. In addition, 83.4percent of the students had bags that weighed more than 10percent of their body weight. Additionally, a sizable percentage of students (89.8percent) carry a hefty bag to school every day and report feeling fatigued while doing so (90.8percent). 90percent of the students reported feeling discomfort before, during, or after carrying their schoolbags. This pain is related with carrying a schoolbag. The majority of students (53.5percent) felt that their daily pain interferes with their ability to study. In order of severity, the majority of students report having discomfort in their shoulders (82.7percent), lower back (59.9percent), neck (47.0percent), upper back (40.7percent), and upper arm (16.4percent). CONCLUSION: According to the study, there is a link between students' musculoskeletal pain and carrying hefty backpacks or school bags. The shoulders are where musculoskeletal discomfort is most frequently felt. The study supported the findings of the majority of studies cited in the literature that most schoolchildren suffer from musculoskeletal pain because the weight of their backpacks is excessive compared to their size, weight, and age. RECOMMENDATIONS: The study produced a number of recommendations, including that the Department of Basic Education inform teachers, students, parents, guardians, and other key stakeholders about the effects of heavy backpacks or schoolbags on students' musculoskeletal pain. For students' convenience and to lighten the load on their school bags, locker rooms should be available. Teachers, parents, and guardians should also pay attention to the school bags that students are using to make sure that the weight is appropriate for their age and body size. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Moni, Busisiwe
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: Backache -- Prevention , Pediatric rheumatology , Pain -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26984 , vital:66208
- Description: BACKGROUND: There is rising concern that kids are walking to school with too much weight on their backs. The weight of schoolchildren's backpacks is a persistent and divisive topic in the fields of education and health. Children who carry heavy backpacks are more likely to have back discomfort and musculoskeletal pain, which raises their risk of developing chronic back pain as adults. There is little research on this topic among South African school-age youngsters. The goal of the study was to find out how common low back and other musculoskeletal complaints were among primary school students who used a school bag. RESEARCH AIM: The purpose of the study was to identify the prevalence and location of musculoskeletal discomfort in primary school students in King William's Town, South Africa, and describe their link with backpack use. METHOD: In King Williams Town, Eastern Cape, South Africa, a descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among elementary school students between the ages of 9 and 14 years old. A systematic questionnaire and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Questionnaire were used to gather the data (body chart). Age, gender, and schoolbag details (style of backpack, carrying technique, and carrying time) were collected. The learner's waist, hip, and bag circumferences were all measured. On the data, descriptive and interferential statistics were used. FINDINGS: The study's conclusions showed that students' musculoskeletal pain was brought on by the weight of their backpacks or school bags. The majority of the students (89.8percent) complain about the difficulty they experience when lugging their heavy backpacks to class. In addition, 83.4percent of the students had bags that weighed more than 10percent of their body weight. Additionally, a sizable percentage of students (89.8percent) carry a hefty bag to school every day and report feeling fatigued while doing so (90.8percent). 90percent of the students reported feeling discomfort before, during, or after carrying their schoolbags. This pain is related with carrying a schoolbag. The majority of students (53.5percent) felt that their daily pain interferes with their ability to study. In order of severity, the majority of students report having discomfort in their shoulders (82.7percent), lower back (59.9percent), neck (47.0percent), upper back (40.7percent), and upper arm (16.4percent). CONCLUSION: According to the study, there is a link between students' musculoskeletal pain and carrying hefty backpacks or school bags. The shoulders are where musculoskeletal discomfort is most frequently felt. The study supported the findings of the majority of studies cited in the literature that most schoolchildren suffer from musculoskeletal pain because the weight of their backpacks is excessive compared to their size, weight, and age. RECOMMENDATIONS: The study produced a number of recommendations, including that the Department of Basic Education inform teachers, students, parents, guardians, and other key stakeholders about the effects of heavy backpacks or schoolbags on students' musculoskeletal pain. For students' convenience and to lighten the load on their school bags, locker rooms should be available. Teachers, parents, and guardians should also pay attention to the school bags that students are using to make sure that the weight is appropriate for their age and body size. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Evaluation of the extent of the public programming by Eastern Cape Provincial Archives and Records Services
- Tshebi, Siyathemba Mboneleli https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2833-9842
- Authors: Tshebi, Siyathemba Mboneleli https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2833-9842
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27663 , vital:69381
- Description: Public programming initiatives are an integral part of archival operations worldwide as they support the greater use of archival records by attracting prospective users and sponsors. Public programming comprises a sequence of strategies for publicizing and marketing archives to the public, which are crucial in archival operations as they promote better use of archives and records. South African National Archives and Records. Services depends on provisions of the National Archives of South Africa Act of 1996 in its strive to promote access and use of archives as sources of information. . unknown and therefore not used to their maximal utility value, likely due to low-key and ineffective archival public programming initiatives. Consequently, the primary purpose of this research study was to evaluate the extent of public programming strategies used by the Eastern Cape Provincial Archives and Records Services (EAPARS). The study used a mixed-method, embracing qualitative and quantitative research approaches. As an integrated record-keeping framework, Record Continuum was used as a theoretical framework to guide the study. Sixteen copies of questionnaire were distributed among staff and users ECPARS. The research uncovered that ECPARS does not have specific regulations and policies on public programming, but relies on the more general provisions of the Provincial Archives and Records Services Act of 1996 as a guiding instrument in executing its public programming operations. The study further revealed various factors, such as the limited budget and inadequate staff, as key hindering factors in the smooth execution of archival public programming plans by ECPARS. The study recommends a review and update by ECPARS of how it can specifically effectively implement the provisions of the 1996 Act to the modern ways of taking public archives to the people. The research also recommends that ECPARS engage additional staff or outsourced services to strengthen its the public programming of its archival resources and services workforce for Eastern Cape Provincial Archives and Records. The study concludes that improved financial resources, use of ICTs, and coherent policy framework, and public awareness creation and education can facilitate better to acquire, widen access to use of its archives. Keyword , Thesis (MLIS) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Tshebi, Siyathemba Mboneleli https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2833-9842
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27663 , vital:69381
- Description: Public programming initiatives are an integral part of archival operations worldwide as they support the greater use of archival records by attracting prospective users and sponsors. Public programming comprises a sequence of strategies for publicizing and marketing archives to the public, which are crucial in archival operations as they promote better use of archives and records. South African National Archives and Records. Services depends on provisions of the National Archives of South Africa Act of 1996 in its strive to promote access and use of archives as sources of information. . unknown and therefore not used to their maximal utility value, likely due to low-key and ineffective archival public programming initiatives. Consequently, the primary purpose of this research study was to evaluate the extent of public programming strategies used by the Eastern Cape Provincial Archives and Records Services (EAPARS). The study used a mixed-method, embracing qualitative and quantitative research approaches. As an integrated record-keeping framework, Record Continuum was used as a theoretical framework to guide the study. Sixteen copies of questionnaire were distributed among staff and users ECPARS. The research uncovered that ECPARS does not have specific regulations and policies on public programming, but relies on the more general provisions of the Provincial Archives and Records Services Act of 1996 as a guiding instrument in executing its public programming operations. The study further revealed various factors, such as the limited budget and inadequate staff, as key hindering factors in the smooth execution of archival public programming plans by ECPARS. The study recommends a review and update by ECPARS of how it can specifically effectively implement the provisions of the 1996 Act to the modern ways of taking public archives to the people. The research also recommends that ECPARS engage additional staff or outsourced services to strengthen its the public programming of its archival resources and services workforce for Eastern Cape Provincial Archives and Records. The study concludes that improved financial resources, use of ICTs, and coherent policy framework, and public awareness creation and education can facilitate better to acquire, widen access to use of its archives. Keyword , Thesis (MLIS) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Indifference and Epistemic Injustice: Phenomenological Reflections
- Roos,R
- Authors: Roos,R
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: Epistemic logic , Virtue epistemology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27150 , vital:66324
- Description: The proposed research seeks to address salient questions concerning the relation of indifference and epistemic injustice. This involves questions dealing with the necessary and sufficient conditions for indifference; how it arises through our conditions of lived experience and how it extends to the production, maintenance and engagement with knowledge. In short, to what extent does indifference play a role in epistemic injustice? Conversely, to what extent does epistemic injustice relate to indifference? The proposed research will explore major concepts of the relation between indifference and epistemic injustice. The research will settle on a phenomenological approach. Its claim is that major contemporary concepts of indifference and injustice can be critically informed by a phenomenological analysis of these concepts. Thus, it will attempt to analyse the relation of indifference and injustice from within the context of our lived conditions of experience. Ultimately, this research will try to locate the similarities between the experience of indifference and the act of epistemic injustice. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Roos,R
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: Epistemic logic , Virtue epistemology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27150 , vital:66324
- Description: The proposed research seeks to address salient questions concerning the relation of indifference and epistemic injustice. This involves questions dealing with the necessary and sufficient conditions for indifference; how it arises through our conditions of lived experience and how it extends to the production, maintenance and engagement with knowledge. In short, to what extent does indifference play a role in epistemic injustice? Conversely, to what extent does epistemic injustice relate to indifference? The proposed research will explore major concepts of the relation between indifference and epistemic injustice. The research will settle on a phenomenological approach. Its claim is that major contemporary concepts of indifference and injustice can be critically informed by a phenomenological analysis of these concepts. Thus, it will attempt to analyse the relation of indifference and injustice from within the context of our lived conditions of experience. Ultimately, this research will try to locate the similarities between the experience of indifference and the act of epistemic injustice. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
The nexus between petroleum energy security and South Africa’s foreign policy
- Authors: Seshibedi S S
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: Petroleum industry and trade -- Government policy , Energy industries , Petroleum law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27165 , vital:66325
- Description: This study sets out to explore the nexus between South Africa’s petroleum energy security and its foreign policy. The specific objectives of the research include: to find out the state of South Africa’s oil energy security, the extent to which oil is a consideration in the development of the country’s foreign policy and the extent to which its foreign policy is framed to favour oil exporting states. Qualitative research methodology is applied in this study with the Realism as the theoretical framework. The study found out that the state of South Africa’s oil energy security, which compels the country to rely on foreign oil, provides grounds for foreign policy intervention, with discernible espousal of relations with oil exporting states that is different to those that do not produce oil. The study also found that oil is a consideration in the development of South Africa’s foreign policy, as the country’s policy strategy towards oil exporting states is to build relations of bilateral nature, through diplomatic instruments, among others. South Africa’s regional politics makes discernible the fact that South Africa prefers a policy of multilateralism to manage its relations with SADC and SACU members who are not oil exporting, while evidence showed that bilateral relations are preferred towards oil exporting states. The study recommends amongst others, that South Africa’s over-reliance on foreign oil can be mitigated by taking the lead in transitioning to renewable energy. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Seshibedi S S
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: Petroleum industry and trade -- Government policy , Energy industries , Petroleum law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27165 , vital:66325
- Description: This study sets out to explore the nexus between South Africa’s petroleum energy security and its foreign policy. The specific objectives of the research include: to find out the state of South Africa’s oil energy security, the extent to which oil is a consideration in the development of the country’s foreign policy and the extent to which its foreign policy is framed to favour oil exporting states. Qualitative research methodology is applied in this study with the Realism as the theoretical framework. The study found out that the state of South Africa’s oil energy security, which compels the country to rely on foreign oil, provides grounds for foreign policy intervention, with discernible espousal of relations with oil exporting states that is different to those that do not produce oil. The study also found that oil is a consideration in the development of South Africa’s foreign policy, as the country’s policy strategy towards oil exporting states is to build relations of bilateral nature, through diplomatic instruments, among others. South Africa’s regional politics makes discernible the fact that South Africa prefers a policy of multilateralism to manage its relations with SADC and SACU members who are not oil exporting, while evidence showed that bilateral relations are preferred towards oil exporting states. The study recommends amongst others, that South Africa’s over-reliance on foreign oil can be mitigated by taking the lead in transitioning to renewable energy. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
An analysis of the design of evaluation standards in the South African National Evaluation System
- Authors: Segopolo, Morakane Jocobeth
- Date: 2022-01
- Subjects: Quality control , Educational evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23448 , vital:57735
- Description: Globally, the development of evaluation standards and related quality assurance measures for managing and assessing evaluation quality has been the focus of much debate in the evaluation community. Especially in the current context of COVID 19, validating the quality of evaluation and research evidence to respond to the global pandemic and to socio-economic development has become more relevant. The question of evaluation quality has also become important in South Africa. This has resulted in a need for a National Evaluation System to manage the quality of the evaluation process and outputs; so that critical stakeholders can trust and use the evaluation evidence to measure performance and accountability of government. The South African National Evaluation System through the National Evaluation Policy Framework (NEPF) was adopted by Cabinet to guide the development and management of systemic and institutional evaluation policy and practice. This research responds to the conceptual gap in the design of the evaluation standards. The purpose of the research study is to analyse the design of evaluation standards in the South African National Evaluation System (NES). The research objectives of the study were: To analyse the design of evaluation standard in the South African National Evaluation System against international evaluation normative frameworks, To assess the theory underpinning the evaluation standards in the South African National Evaluation System. A qualitative research approach using a semi-structured interview was used to collect data from the eight respondents. The participants included in the sample were those who played a meaningful role in the design and application of the evaluation standards and the Evaluation Quality Assessment Tool (EQAT) of the NES. Content and thematic analysis were used to process and analyse the empirical data. The research study produced the following key findings. The design of the national evaluation standards as a component of the South African National Evaluation System was technically and conceptually clear about its context, rationale, purpose and its claims to manage the evaluation process to promote evaluation quality. Although most national evaluation standards of the NES were consistent with international frameworks, both national and international standards did not adequately address the development and transformative issues such as equity, diversity and inclusion. Finally, the discourse of paradigms was absent in the design of the standards. The national evaluation standards did not explicitly show the influence of the paradigm on methodological approaches, evaluation designs and methods. This theoretical gap is also evident in most of the international frameworks that the national standards were benchmarked against. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-01
- Authors: Segopolo, Morakane Jocobeth
- Date: 2022-01
- Subjects: Quality control , Educational evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23448 , vital:57735
- Description: Globally, the development of evaluation standards and related quality assurance measures for managing and assessing evaluation quality has been the focus of much debate in the evaluation community. Especially in the current context of COVID 19, validating the quality of evaluation and research evidence to respond to the global pandemic and to socio-economic development has become more relevant. The question of evaluation quality has also become important in South Africa. This has resulted in a need for a National Evaluation System to manage the quality of the evaluation process and outputs; so that critical stakeholders can trust and use the evaluation evidence to measure performance and accountability of government. The South African National Evaluation System through the National Evaluation Policy Framework (NEPF) was adopted by Cabinet to guide the development and management of systemic and institutional evaluation policy and practice. This research responds to the conceptual gap in the design of the evaluation standards. The purpose of the research study is to analyse the design of evaluation standards in the South African National Evaluation System (NES). The research objectives of the study were: To analyse the design of evaluation standard in the South African National Evaluation System against international evaluation normative frameworks, To assess the theory underpinning the evaluation standards in the South African National Evaluation System. A qualitative research approach using a semi-structured interview was used to collect data from the eight respondents. The participants included in the sample were those who played a meaningful role in the design and application of the evaluation standards and the Evaluation Quality Assessment Tool (EQAT) of the NES. Content and thematic analysis were used to process and analyse the empirical data. The research study produced the following key findings. The design of the national evaluation standards as a component of the South African National Evaluation System was technically and conceptually clear about its context, rationale, purpose and its claims to manage the evaluation process to promote evaluation quality. Although most national evaluation standards of the NES were consistent with international frameworks, both national and international standards did not adequately address the development and transformative issues such as equity, diversity and inclusion. Finally, the discourse of paradigms was absent in the design of the standards. The national evaluation standards did not explicitly show the influence of the paradigm on methodological approaches, evaluation designs and methods. This theoretical gap is also evident in most of the international frameworks that the national standards were benchmarked against. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-01
From the lens of isiXhosa female writers: female protagonists and the use of non-conformity in challenging gender roles in the post liberation isixhosa literature
- Authors: Zeleni, Olwethu
- Date: 2022-01
- Subjects: Women in literature , Feminism and literature , Xhosa literature
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23840 , vital:60915
- Description: This dissertation explored the way women are presented in five isiXhosa literary works by female writers in post independence South Africa, with particular focus on how non-conformity is used to challenge gender roles. The study analysed two novels entitled Iqhina lomtshato (1995) by Nomlamli Mayosi and Uzenzile akakhalelwa (2016) by Yolisa Madolo, as well as four drama books titled Nyana nank’unyoko (1997) by Yoliswa Taleni, Akwaba (2004) by Thenjiswa Ntwana, Hamba nam ndipheleke and Imida (2015) by Nompumezo Buzani. Structural, Afrocentrism and African feminism were used to guide the study. The structural theory gave the researcher to review language contructs in relation to gender, African feminism and Afrocentrism gave the researcher the lenses to view gender issues within the African context, in line with the peculiar challenges that women continue to face in the content. Another important factor which is the focus of the study is the depiction of women by female writers, in order to challenge the roles that are given to women. The question that one ask then is: How do female writers lend their voices to female characters to address gender issues in society, with particular focus on gender roles? This thesis argues that the five isiXhosa female writers, who are contemporary African women writers, have noticed gender related assumptions and in their works, they are making an attempt to debunk these assumptions. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the existing debates on gender and division of labour. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-01
- Authors: Zeleni, Olwethu
- Date: 2022-01
- Subjects: Women in literature , Feminism and literature , Xhosa literature
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23840 , vital:60915
- Description: This dissertation explored the way women are presented in five isiXhosa literary works by female writers in post independence South Africa, with particular focus on how non-conformity is used to challenge gender roles. The study analysed two novels entitled Iqhina lomtshato (1995) by Nomlamli Mayosi and Uzenzile akakhalelwa (2016) by Yolisa Madolo, as well as four drama books titled Nyana nank’unyoko (1997) by Yoliswa Taleni, Akwaba (2004) by Thenjiswa Ntwana, Hamba nam ndipheleke and Imida (2015) by Nompumezo Buzani. Structural, Afrocentrism and African feminism were used to guide the study. The structural theory gave the researcher to review language contructs in relation to gender, African feminism and Afrocentrism gave the researcher the lenses to view gender issues within the African context, in line with the peculiar challenges that women continue to face in the content. Another important factor which is the focus of the study is the depiction of women by female writers, in order to challenge the roles that are given to women. The question that one ask then is: How do female writers lend their voices to female characters to address gender issues in society, with particular focus on gender roles? This thesis argues that the five isiXhosa female writers, who are contemporary African women writers, have noticed gender related assumptions and in their works, they are making an attempt to debunk these assumptions. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the existing debates on gender and division of labour. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-01
Images of black women during the period of slavery: perspectives from selected African American female authored texts
- Authors: Makwela, Nombeko B
- Date: 2022-01
- Subjects: Slavery , Enslaved women , Enslaved persons' writings
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27117 , vital:66304
- Description: The study sought to interrogate the narratives of Black African-American women during the period of slavery. It analysed three literary works written by women, namely The Color Purple by Alice Walker (1992), Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs (1988) and Beloved by Toni Morrison (1987). The plot is on all the horrors, inhumanity, degradation, the sexual abuse, struggles and social injustices that the African-American women were subjected to under slavery. The study employed a case study design, as it analysed the three selected literary works. Critical analysis and close reading were employed to arrive at themes. The study not only illuminated the harsh reality of the experiences of African-American women, but it has also revealed the harrowing conditions that they encountered. These women suffered immensely under the yoke of dual oppression. Their horrors varied in gravity in the form of beatings and lynching, sexual abuse, having their children taken from them to be auctioned off, loss of identity and loss of human dignity among the countless social injustices they experienced. The study used the psychoanalytic feminist theory as a theoretical lens. Through the depiction of women in slavery in the literary works of Toni Morrison, Harriet Jacobs and Alice Walker, the case study approach revealed that women are resilient. Contrary to portrayals of women under the stereotyped labelling of women as wanton or promiscuous, with no virtues or principles, the female characters in the three novels are victims of slavery and patriarchy. In Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, the women characters, namely Celie, Squeak and Shug Avery, are not in the least immoral, nor do they lack virtues or principles; they are, as the analysis shows, self-loving women that have been victims of dual oppression. In Toni Morrison’s Beloved, the love of a mother for her children drives Sethe to commit infanticide, believing this to be the better option than allowing her children to suffer and endure the horrors of slavery. In Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Jacobs chooses to use her feminine sexuality to align herself to one man, Mr Sands, and her intelligence to stay in this relationship is her escape and deterrent strategy against the lecherous sexual exploitations by other white masters. She ends up bearing two children for this same man, reflecting her stability as a self-loving woman who was not wayward. Findings established that even through all the plights of slavery, African-American women made difficult yet relevant choices under the twin yokes of slavery and patriarchy. They may have been subjected or compelled to make morally unsavoury choices or to compromise on their principles for survival or succumb under situations that reduced them to being victims or sacrificial lambs for the satisfaction of the slave owners, but they never lacked principles and they were not promiscuous. The will to survive drove the women in the narratives to design and adopt survival strategies to sustain their livelihoods. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-01
- Authors: Makwela, Nombeko B
- Date: 2022-01
- Subjects: Slavery , Enslaved women , Enslaved persons' writings
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27117 , vital:66304
- Description: The study sought to interrogate the narratives of Black African-American women during the period of slavery. It analysed three literary works written by women, namely The Color Purple by Alice Walker (1992), Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs (1988) and Beloved by Toni Morrison (1987). The plot is on all the horrors, inhumanity, degradation, the sexual abuse, struggles and social injustices that the African-American women were subjected to under slavery. The study employed a case study design, as it analysed the three selected literary works. Critical analysis and close reading were employed to arrive at themes. The study not only illuminated the harsh reality of the experiences of African-American women, but it has also revealed the harrowing conditions that they encountered. These women suffered immensely under the yoke of dual oppression. Their horrors varied in gravity in the form of beatings and lynching, sexual abuse, having their children taken from them to be auctioned off, loss of identity and loss of human dignity among the countless social injustices they experienced. The study used the psychoanalytic feminist theory as a theoretical lens. Through the depiction of women in slavery in the literary works of Toni Morrison, Harriet Jacobs and Alice Walker, the case study approach revealed that women are resilient. Contrary to portrayals of women under the stereotyped labelling of women as wanton or promiscuous, with no virtues or principles, the female characters in the three novels are victims of slavery and patriarchy. In Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, the women characters, namely Celie, Squeak and Shug Avery, are not in the least immoral, nor do they lack virtues or principles; they are, as the analysis shows, self-loving women that have been victims of dual oppression. In Toni Morrison’s Beloved, the love of a mother for her children drives Sethe to commit infanticide, believing this to be the better option than allowing her children to suffer and endure the horrors of slavery. In Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Jacobs chooses to use her feminine sexuality to align herself to one man, Mr Sands, and her intelligence to stay in this relationship is her escape and deterrent strategy against the lecherous sexual exploitations by other white masters. She ends up bearing two children for this same man, reflecting her stability as a self-loving woman who was not wayward. Findings established that even through all the plights of slavery, African-American women made difficult yet relevant choices under the twin yokes of slavery and patriarchy. They may have been subjected or compelled to make morally unsavoury choices or to compromise on their principles for survival or succumb under situations that reduced them to being victims or sacrificial lambs for the satisfaction of the slave owners, but they never lacked principles and they were not promiscuous. The will to survive drove the women in the narratives to design and adopt survival strategies to sustain their livelihoods. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-01
Soil erodibility indices affecting the development of gully erosion in highly erodible soils of the Tsitsa Catchment in T35D and T35E, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Kanuka, Gcobisa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4736-7136
- Authors: Kanuka, Gcobisa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4736-7136
- Date: 2022-01
- Subjects: Soil erosion , River sediments
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22677 , vital:52642
- Description: This study evaluated soil inherent properties for the development of gullies and their erodibility potential using the holistic field and laboratory sample investigation approach. The potential of negative impact of sedimentation on dam and water infrastructure performance has raised the need to evaluate the factors promoting soil erosion leading to land degradation. The study aimed to assess the relationship among the selected properties of soil and variability among various soil groups. A case study design approach was adopted at the T35D and T35E areas of Tsitsa hydrologic Basin, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The task was accomplished through detailed random soil sampling in the field, soil chemical analysis and comparative analysis of soil variables. Based on the scope of the study soil laboratory analysis included the following: particle size distribution, soil textural analysis, physicochemical parameters analysis, macro-and-micronutrient analysis, and micro-porosity analysis. Further spatial and scenario analysis of soil erodibility was done using selected erodibility indices such as Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP), Dispersivity Ratio (DR), Clay Dispersion Ratio (CDR), Clay Flocculation Index (CFI), Water-Stable Aggregate analysis (WSA), and Soil Erodibility factor analysis (KEF). The findings of the study showed that the catchment hosts sixteen distinct soil forms categorized into seven unique soil groups. The results further indicated that the Katspruit soil form of the gleyic soil group has the highest clay-size particles and a considerably high clay dispersion attribute among others soil forms. It was further deduced that gleyic soil type exhibited the highest soil pH (6.36), a considerably low Ca:Mg ratio (1.43), a substantially high sodium ion (0.50 mg/kg), the highest SAR (0.5), lowest WSA (0.018percent) and a substantially high KEF (0.018ab). Similarly, saprolite soils exhibited the nature of the lixisol with a virtually equal amount of clay (43.63percent) and fine sands (41.68percent), the lowest amount of Ca:Mg ratio (1.35), the highest acid saturation (50.59), the highest ESP (8.39), and a considerably high WSA (38.75). Other remarkable problematic soils identified in the study include the lithic soil and the duplex soil. For instance, the Lithic soil is characterized by the highest fine sand-size texture (61.38percent), considerably low organic carbon (2.63percent), low cation exchange capacity (3.55 cmol(+)/kg), much high DR (0.75), very low WSA (0.027percent), and the highest KEF (0.027a). Whereas, the duplex soil is characterized by the highest DR (0.81), critically high CDR (38.19percent), very low WSA (0.019percent), and a considerably high KEF (0.019a). The relatively stable soils within the catchment are the oxidic, and melanic, where the WSA is highest in oxidic (38.19percent) and relatively high for melanic (36.6percent), CFI is highest in melanic (85.02percent), and oxidic (74.32percent), and KEF is relatively low (0.016b) for both. Correlation of the selected soil erodibility indices shows that CFI shares a perfect inverse relationship with CDR while maintaining a strong significant relationship with DR (R = -0.504). Findings also show that the SAR expectedly produced a robust significant relationship with ESP (R = 0.644), while KEF exhibited a solid inverse relationship with WSA (R = 0.913). The correlation across the physical and chemical properties suggests that DR and CDR can be firmly and positively influenced by dispersive clay. At the same time, the two factors maintain a significantly negative relationship with dispersive sand. Also, clay-sized particles depicted a significant relationship with WSA. Physicochemical and chemical parameters influence only the ESP and SAR. A remarkable finding is the influence of iron and its presence on SAR. On the other hand, ESP was distinguished from SAR due to the inverse influence of potassium. The lithic soils identify as members of the collapsible soil of South Africa, while the gleyic soils identify with duplex and saprolite soils in the class of dispersive soils. The vertic soils characterize as expansive soil, while the Duplex soil also exhibits a soft soil attribute. In general, the study suggests that T35D and T35E areas of Tsitsa catchment vary spatially in soil erodibility potential. T35D area is characterized by dominant oxidic soil cover of relatively stable aggregate whose iron oxide enrichment could be attributed to inculcation of dolerite debris. Overall, the soil erodibility indices showed that the development of gully erosion in Tsitsa catchment is driven by high clay dispersivity ratio of the soil (mean = 0.70; 24percent CV), and poor soil structure relative to the low WSA range (18.1 – 34.0). Erodibility due to high sodicity are associated with saprolite (ESP = 8.02) and gleyic soils (ESP = 7.43) while the high soil dispersion was due to the vertic (46percent), duplex (38percent), cumulic (30percent), and lithic (27percent) soil components. The poor soil aggregates (WSA) were mainly controlled by the lithic (10percent), vertic (27percent), duplex (28percent), cumulic (31percent), and gleyic (34percent) soil components. Meanwhile, the T35E area is dominated by the dispersive and collapsible soils dominated by saprolites and lithic soils. Therefore, the environmental stakeholders are advised to adopt the best management practices within the dam area considering the vulnerability of the catchment to the development of gullies and the potential impact of sedimentation on the adequate performance of Tsitsa dam and its water infrastructures. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-01
- Authors: Kanuka, Gcobisa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4736-7136
- Date: 2022-01
- Subjects: Soil erosion , River sediments
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22677 , vital:52642
- Description: This study evaluated soil inherent properties for the development of gullies and their erodibility potential using the holistic field and laboratory sample investigation approach. The potential of negative impact of sedimentation on dam and water infrastructure performance has raised the need to evaluate the factors promoting soil erosion leading to land degradation. The study aimed to assess the relationship among the selected properties of soil and variability among various soil groups. A case study design approach was adopted at the T35D and T35E areas of Tsitsa hydrologic Basin, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The task was accomplished through detailed random soil sampling in the field, soil chemical analysis and comparative analysis of soil variables. Based on the scope of the study soil laboratory analysis included the following: particle size distribution, soil textural analysis, physicochemical parameters analysis, macro-and-micronutrient analysis, and micro-porosity analysis. Further spatial and scenario analysis of soil erodibility was done using selected erodibility indices such as Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP), Dispersivity Ratio (DR), Clay Dispersion Ratio (CDR), Clay Flocculation Index (CFI), Water-Stable Aggregate analysis (WSA), and Soil Erodibility factor analysis (KEF). The findings of the study showed that the catchment hosts sixteen distinct soil forms categorized into seven unique soil groups. The results further indicated that the Katspruit soil form of the gleyic soil group has the highest clay-size particles and a considerably high clay dispersion attribute among others soil forms. It was further deduced that gleyic soil type exhibited the highest soil pH (6.36), a considerably low Ca:Mg ratio (1.43), a substantially high sodium ion (0.50 mg/kg), the highest SAR (0.5), lowest WSA (0.018percent) and a substantially high KEF (0.018ab). Similarly, saprolite soils exhibited the nature of the lixisol with a virtually equal amount of clay (43.63percent) and fine sands (41.68percent), the lowest amount of Ca:Mg ratio (1.35), the highest acid saturation (50.59), the highest ESP (8.39), and a considerably high WSA (38.75). Other remarkable problematic soils identified in the study include the lithic soil and the duplex soil. For instance, the Lithic soil is characterized by the highest fine sand-size texture (61.38percent), considerably low organic carbon (2.63percent), low cation exchange capacity (3.55 cmol(+)/kg), much high DR (0.75), very low WSA (0.027percent), and the highest KEF (0.027a). Whereas, the duplex soil is characterized by the highest DR (0.81), critically high CDR (38.19percent), very low WSA (0.019percent), and a considerably high KEF (0.019a). The relatively stable soils within the catchment are the oxidic, and melanic, where the WSA is highest in oxidic (38.19percent) and relatively high for melanic (36.6percent), CFI is highest in melanic (85.02percent), and oxidic (74.32percent), and KEF is relatively low (0.016b) for both. Correlation of the selected soil erodibility indices shows that CFI shares a perfect inverse relationship with CDR while maintaining a strong significant relationship with DR (R = -0.504). Findings also show that the SAR expectedly produced a robust significant relationship with ESP (R = 0.644), while KEF exhibited a solid inverse relationship with WSA (R = 0.913). The correlation across the physical and chemical properties suggests that DR and CDR can be firmly and positively influenced by dispersive clay. At the same time, the two factors maintain a significantly negative relationship with dispersive sand. Also, clay-sized particles depicted a significant relationship with WSA. Physicochemical and chemical parameters influence only the ESP and SAR. A remarkable finding is the influence of iron and its presence on SAR. On the other hand, ESP was distinguished from SAR due to the inverse influence of potassium. The lithic soils identify as members of the collapsible soil of South Africa, while the gleyic soils identify with duplex and saprolite soils in the class of dispersive soils. The vertic soils characterize as expansive soil, while the Duplex soil also exhibits a soft soil attribute. In general, the study suggests that T35D and T35E areas of Tsitsa catchment vary spatially in soil erodibility potential. T35D area is characterized by dominant oxidic soil cover of relatively stable aggregate whose iron oxide enrichment could be attributed to inculcation of dolerite debris. Overall, the soil erodibility indices showed that the development of gully erosion in Tsitsa catchment is driven by high clay dispersivity ratio of the soil (mean = 0.70; 24percent CV), and poor soil structure relative to the low WSA range (18.1 – 34.0). Erodibility due to high sodicity are associated with saprolite (ESP = 8.02) and gleyic soils (ESP = 7.43) while the high soil dispersion was due to the vertic (46percent), duplex (38percent), cumulic (30percent), and lithic (27percent) soil components. The poor soil aggregates (WSA) were mainly controlled by the lithic (10percent), vertic (27percent), duplex (28percent), cumulic (31percent), and gleyic (34percent) soil components. Meanwhile, the T35E area is dominated by the dispersive and collapsible soils dominated by saprolites and lithic soils. Therefore, the environmental stakeholders are advised to adopt the best management practices within the dam area considering the vulnerability of the catchment to the development of gullies and the potential impact of sedimentation on the adequate performance of Tsitsa dam and its water infrastructures. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-01
The South African media portrayal of Sindisiwe Manqele’s intimate partner homicide Case of Nkululeko ‘Flabba’ Habedi: A feminist narrative analysis
- Authors: Ntweni, Nosiphiwo
- Date: 2022-01
- Subjects: Homicide -- Psychological aspects , Content analysis (Communication)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23787 , vital:60542
- Description: The story construction of intimate partner homicide in the media reflects the inherent influence the media has on the society and the shaping of its attitudes. This study uses an exploratory qualitative research design with the aim that is to investigate how the South African news media constructs and narrates the Intimate Partner Homicide of Nkululeko ‘Flabba’ Habedi by Sindisiwe Manqele. This objective was achieved through feminist narrative analysis of 30 South African media articles, with an underpinning theory of feminist constructionism. Feminist constructionism is a theoretical framework that ties together feminist psychology and social constructionist methods. The main ideas followed by the S.A. media reporters were sub-divided into three main deductive themes; ‘sad/victim’, ‘mad’ and ‘bad’. Overall, Manqele as a character, was demonised and portrayed as a villain, which followed the bad narrative. The ‘sad/victim’ narrative followed, and then the ‘mad’ narrative. The ‘sad/victim’ narrative frames Manqele as a victim of intimate partner violence (IPV). The ‘mad’ narrative showed up in the smallest number of the sample represented her as unstable and irrational. The ‘bad’ Manqele was primarily depicted as wicked and evil manipulator, the jealous, cold-blooded killer, and a promiscuous, sexual deviant. The possibility of history of IPV in the relationship its context was largely ignored. The narrative about rappers made allowances for the use of drugs, living a life of sexual experimentation and living with culture of aggression. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-01
- Authors: Ntweni, Nosiphiwo
- Date: 2022-01
- Subjects: Homicide -- Psychological aspects , Content analysis (Communication)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23787 , vital:60542
- Description: The story construction of intimate partner homicide in the media reflects the inherent influence the media has on the society and the shaping of its attitudes. This study uses an exploratory qualitative research design with the aim that is to investigate how the South African news media constructs and narrates the Intimate Partner Homicide of Nkululeko ‘Flabba’ Habedi by Sindisiwe Manqele. This objective was achieved through feminist narrative analysis of 30 South African media articles, with an underpinning theory of feminist constructionism. Feminist constructionism is a theoretical framework that ties together feminist psychology and social constructionist methods. The main ideas followed by the S.A. media reporters were sub-divided into three main deductive themes; ‘sad/victim’, ‘mad’ and ‘bad’. Overall, Manqele as a character, was demonised and portrayed as a villain, which followed the bad narrative. The ‘sad/victim’ narrative followed, and then the ‘mad’ narrative. The ‘sad/victim’ narrative frames Manqele as a victim of intimate partner violence (IPV). The ‘mad’ narrative showed up in the smallest number of the sample represented her as unstable and irrational. The ‘bad’ Manqele was primarily depicted as wicked and evil manipulator, the jealous, cold-blooded killer, and a promiscuous, sexual deviant. The possibility of history of IPV in the relationship its context was largely ignored. The narrative about rappers made allowances for the use of drugs, living a life of sexual experimentation and living with culture of aggression. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-01
The use of earth observation multi-sensor systems to monitor and model Pastures: a case of Savannah Grasslands in Hluvukani Village, Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
- Nduku, Lwandile https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9168-4548
- Authors: Nduku, Lwandile https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9168-4548
- Date: 2022-01
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Grassland conservation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22578 , vital:52470
- Description: Grassland degradation associated with climate change and inappropriate grassland management has been characterized as a global environmental concern driving decreased grassland ecosystem's ecological functioning. More than 60% of South African grassland is degraded or permanently transformed to other land uses and nearly 2% properly conserved. Yet, grasslands are a major source of food for livestock grazing and provide material and non-material benefits to many livelihoods. Therefore, grassland above-ground biomass (AGB) estimation is crucial in planning and managing pastoral agriculture and the benefits derived from it. However, current grassland monitoring techniques used in rural smallholder livestock farms rely on conventional methods, which are destructive, labour-intensive, costly, and restricted to small areas. This study investigated the monitoring and modelling of protected grasslands biomass using current Earth observation systems (EOS), an approach, which is non-destructive, cost-effective, cover larger areas and is a time-saving alternative to conventional methods. Hence, the research objectives were: (i) to map the trends and advances in data and models used in the monitoring of grassland (pastures) with Earth observation systems, and (ii) to assess above-ground biomass estimation in semi-arid savannah grassland integrating Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data with Machine-Learning. This goal was to assess if this approach could provide the requisite information, which could contribute to the long-term goal of developing a semi-automated system for data processing, and mapping grassland biomass to benefit local communities. For this investigation, it was crucial to understanding what research had achieved so far in this area of pasture management. An assessment of the Scopus database showed the recent developments in European Union (EU) programs and Sentinel missions, including statistical models and machine learning for monitoring grassland changes at multiple scales. However, Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data, machine learning models, and variable importance techniques were applied for grassland AGB estimation. These techniques have been used in similar studies to determine optimum machine learning models, influential variables, and the capability of integrated Sentinel datasets for mapping grassland AGB, spatial distribution, and abundance. Results showed improved performance with the Random forest regression (RFR) model (R² of 34.7%, RMSE of 9.47 Mg and MAE of 7.68 Mg ). The study also observed optimum sensitivity of Difference Vegetation Index (DVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) in all three machine learning models for modelling grassland AGB estimation in the study area. A further, statistical comparison of all three machine learning models showed an insignificant difference in the predictive capacity for AGB in the study area with Gradient Boosting regression (GBR) model (R² of 27.7, RMSE of 9.97 Mg and MAE of 8.03 Mg ) and Extreme Gradient Boost Regression (XGBR) model (R² of 17.3%, RMSE of 10.66 Mg and MAE of 8.83 Mg ). The study revealed that an integration of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 has improved capabilities for monitoring grassland AGB estimation. This research sheds light on the timely and cost-effective techniques for grassland management strategies to enhance or restore the ecological functioning of grassland ecosystems and promote community sustainability. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-01
- Authors: Nduku, Lwandile https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9168-4548
- Date: 2022-01
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Grassland conservation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22578 , vital:52470
- Description: Grassland degradation associated with climate change and inappropriate grassland management has been characterized as a global environmental concern driving decreased grassland ecosystem's ecological functioning. More than 60% of South African grassland is degraded or permanently transformed to other land uses and nearly 2% properly conserved. Yet, grasslands are a major source of food for livestock grazing and provide material and non-material benefits to many livelihoods. Therefore, grassland above-ground biomass (AGB) estimation is crucial in planning and managing pastoral agriculture and the benefits derived from it. However, current grassland monitoring techniques used in rural smallholder livestock farms rely on conventional methods, which are destructive, labour-intensive, costly, and restricted to small areas. This study investigated the monitoring and modelling of protected grasslands biomass using current Earth observation systems (EOS), an approach, which is non-destructive, cost-effective, cover larger areas and is a time-saving alternative to conventional methods. Hence, the research objectives were: (i) to map the trends and advances in data and models used in the monitoring of grassland (pastures) with Earth observation systems, and (ii) to assess above-ground biomass estimation in semi-arid savannah grassland integrating Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data with Machine-Learning. This goal was to assess if this approach could provide the requisite information, which could contribute to the long-term goal of developing a semi-automated system for data processing, and mapping grassland biomass to benefit local communities. For this investigation, it was crucial to understanding what research had achieved so far in this area of pasture management. An assessment of the Scopus database showed the recent developments in European Union (EU) programs and Sentinel missions, including statistical models and machine learning for monitoring grassland changes at multiple scales. However, Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data, machine learning models, and variable importance techniques were applied for grassland AGB estimation. These techniques have been used in similar studies to determine optimum machine learning models, influential variables, and the capability of integrated Sentinel datasets for mapping grassland AGB, spatial distribution, and abundance. Results showed improved performance with the Random forest regression (RFR) model (R² of 34.7%, RMSE of 9.47 Mg and MAE of 7.68 Mg ). The study also observed optimum sensitivity of Difference Vegetation Index (DVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) in all three machine learning models for modelling grassland AGB estimation in the study area. A further, statistical comparison of all three machine learning models showed an insignificant difference in the predictive capacity for AGB in the study area with Gradient Boosting regression (GBR) model (R² of 27.7, RMSE of 9.97 Mg and MAE of 8.03 Mg ) and Extreme Gradient Boost Regression (XGBR) model (R² of 17.3%, RMSE of 10.66 Mg and MAE of 8.83 Mg ). The study revealed that an integration of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 has improved capabilities for monitoring grassland AGB estimation. This research sheds light on the timely and cost-effective techniques for grassland management strategies to enhance or restore the ecological functioning of grassland ecosystems and promote community sustainability. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-01
Dualistic role of the Employee Relations Office and its influence on labour relations at the University of Fort Hare
- Authors: Mnqayi, Leon M
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Industrial relations--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23416 , vital:57729
- Description: Employee relations are important for the success of any organisation. Maintaining healthy cordial employee relations usually involves creating understanding and harmony between the employees and the employer. However, due to several dynamics within the work environment, employee relations become complex. The employee relations unit in the human resources management department is tasked with handling this complex situation by dealing with different grievances in organisations. In this regard, in organisations like the University of Fort Hare, the employee relations office represents both the employees and employer. The dualistic role assumed by the employee relations office is associated with several challenges, such as employees not trusting the employee relations office. The employee relations office is deemed to be safeguarding the interests of the management, which complicates employee relations at the university. Therefore, this study sought to explore perceptions on the dualistic role of the employee relations office and its influence on labour relations at the University of Fort Hare. The study utilised a qualitative research methodology to find out perceptions of participants on the dualistic role of the employee relations office and its influence on labour relations at the University of Fort Hare. The research used semi-structured interviews to collect data. The participants were purposively selected from the University of Fort Hare. The Human Relations Theory was used as the main theory, and it provided underpinning arguments regarding employee relations at the University of Fort Hare. The data gathered were thematically analysed. The main findings revealed that there are fragmented employee relations at the university, mainly due to lack of clarity about the standard working conditions that should be expected and that are acceptable by the university. Furthermore, the study also established that the employee relations office is largely seen as biased against employees and seems to favour employers most of the times, leading to disputes being taken to an external party. Based on these findings, the study recommends that to improve objectivity, the employee relations office can create an oversight team that independently provides insights on specific issues faced by employees and management. Improving objectivity should include making decisions based on facts or data, focusing on the vision and mission of the institution, increasing the ratio of positive against negative feedback, improving on transparency during decision-making and the creation of an anonymous human resources engagement system. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mnqayi, Leon M
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Industrial relations--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23416 , vital:57729
- Description: Employee relations are important for the success of any organisation. Maintaining healthy cordial employee relations usually involves creating understanding and harmony between the employees and the employer. However, due to several dynamics within the work environment, employee relations become complex. The employee relations unit in the human resources management department is tasked with handling this complex situation by dealing with different grievances in organisations. In this regard, in organisations like the University of Fort Hare, the employee relations office represents both the employees and employer. The dualistic role assumed by the employee relations office is associated with several challenges, such as employees not trusting the employee relations office. The employee relations office is deemed to be safeguarding the interests of the management, which complicates employee relations at the university. Therefore, this study sought to explore perceptions on the dualistic role of the employee relations office and its influence on labour relations at the University of Fort Hare. The study utilised a qualitative research methodology to find out perceptions of participants on the dualistic role of the employee relations office and its influence on labour relations at the University of Fort Hare. The research used semi-structured interviews to collect data. The participants were purposively selected from the University of Fort Hare. The Human Relations Theory was used as the main theory, and it provided underpinning arguments regarding employee relations at the University of Fort Hare. The data gathered were thematically analysed. The main findings revealed that there are fragmented employee relations at the university, mainly due to lack of clarity about the standard working conditions that should be expected and that are acceptable by the university. Furthermore, the study also established that the employee relations office is largely seen as biased against employees and seems to favour employers most of the times, leading to disputes being taken to an external party. Based on these findings, the study recommends that to improve objectivity, the employee relations office can create an oversight team that independently provides insights on specific issues faced by employees and management. Improving objectivity should include making decisions based on facts or data, focusing on the vision and mission of the institution, increasing the ratio of positive against negative feedback, improving on transparency during decision-making and the creation of an anonymous human resources engagement system. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Factors influencing the performance of staff members in a tertiary hospital
- Combrink, Cornelius Johannes
- Authors: Combrink, Cornelius Johannes
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Community health services
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21642 , vital:51737
- Description: Healthcare services within a hospital setting are the basic aspects for the success of service delivery and staff performance in this regard. The paramount component of human resources makes a positive contribution to a healthcare system. Recently, it has been recognised that the performance of healthcare personnel ought to be a key factor for a sustainable performance system. Nevertheless, it is generally known that healthcare workers fail to accomplish the anticipated outcomes of health interventions. This concept leads to the research question: Why is the public sector known for poor service delivery and poor performance? This study aims to determine the factors that impact on the health worker’s performance in a tertiary hospital in South-Africa. A framework will be carefully constructed and cautiously implemented to improve and develop the performance of healthcare workers in this hospital. The vast scope and population involved in this study make a quantitative research approach most suitable, along with a non-probability purposive sampling method. A survey method using an electronic questionnaire that was circulated via a web survey, and a paper-based questionnaire that was distributed within the hospital were used to obtain a diverse perception of the healthcare workers. Data analysis included determining factors, group differences and correlations using the SPSS-27 program. The target population included all healthcare workers in the tertiary hospital – from junior employees to senior management level staff. Statistical data analysis collected for this study revealed four major factors (politics-related resources, resource, training and socioeconomic) that play a major role in the trends of performance culture at the selected tertiary hospital. These results lead to the understanding that the hospital is currently experiencing inadequate human resources management components such as recognition of employees who perform above expectations; execution of a performance appraisal system; lack in implementing the annual salary increase; unfavourable working conditions (lack of resources); troublesome management skills, and insufficient feedback on performance outcomes. These features are directly associated with the quality and degree of the performance of healthcare personnel. Based on the results, a management framework was proposed. The framework consists of activities that will improve the healthcare profession; strengthen expertise and knowledge; develop management skills; enhance knowledge through research and, ultimately, upgrade the performance of healthcare personnel. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Combrink, Cornelius Johannes
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Community health services
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21642 , vital:51737
- Description: Healthcare services within a hospital setting are the basic aspects for the success of service delivery and staff performance in this regard. The paramount component of human resources makes a positive contribution to a healthcare system. Recently, it has been recognised that the performance of healthcare personnel ought to be a key factor for a sustainable performance system. Nevertheless, it is generally known that healthcare workers fail to accomplish the anticipated outcomes of health interventions. This concept leads to the research question: Why is the public sector known for poor service delivery and poor performance? This study aims to determine the factors that impact on the health worker’s performance in a tertiary hospital in South-Africa. A framework will be carefully constructed and cautiously implemented to improve and develop the performance of healthcare workers in this hospital. The vast scope and population involved in this study make a quantitative research approach most suitable, along with a non-probability purposive sampling method. A survey method using an electronic questionnaire that was circulated via a web survey, and a paper-based questionnaire that was distributed within the hospital were used to obtain a diverse perception of the healthcare workers. Data analysis included determining factors, group differences and correlations using the SPSS-27 program. The target population included all healthcare workers in the tertiary hospital – from junior employees to senior management level staff. Statistical data analysis collected for this study revealed four major factors (politics-related resources, resource, training and socioeconomic) that play a major role in the trends of performance culture at the selected tertiary hospital. These results lead to the understanding that the hospital is currently experiencing inadequate human resources management components such as recognition of employees who perform above expectations; execution of a performance appraisal system; lack in implementing the annual salary increase; unfavourable working conditions (lack of resources); troublesome management skills, and insufficient feedback on performance outcomes. These features are directly associated with the quality and degree of the performance of healthcare personnel. Based on the results, a management framework was proposed. The framework consists of activities that will improve the healthcare profession; strengthen expertise and knowledge; develop management skills; enhance knowledge through research and, ultimately, upgrade the performance of healthcare personnel. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The impact of COVID-19 on depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress levels in doctors and nurses at a South African health facility
- Authors: Finger-Motsepe, Kelebogile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) , Mental health
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27920 , vital:70880
- Description: Introduction: The emergence of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (Covid-19) has wrought profound and enduring transformations in global health, economic dynamics, and social interactions. However, the comprehensive quantification of the psychological repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic remains elusive and is poised to compound the preexisting burden of mental health disorders within the general populace. Elevated transmission rates, rapid disease progression within vulnerable demographics, and the absence of definitive curative or preventive measures have collectively contributed to a heightened worldwide state of stress and anxiety. Extensive research has demonstrated that the apprehension and stress associated with Covid-19 are markedly pronounced among healthcare professionals, commonly referred to as front-line workers, in comparison to the general population. The Covid-19-related psychological distress is anticipated to act as a catalyst, exacerbating mental health conditions within high-risk groups. Aims and Objectives: This study endeavours to ascertain the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among medical doctors and nurses employed at a regional hospital in South Africa. Methodology: A cross-sectional investigation was conducted to evaluate the presence of anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms among medical doctors and nurses working at a Regional Hospital situated in the Free State Province of South Africa. A purposive sample of 200 participants, comprising all willing doctors and nurses employed at the study site, was enrolled in the study. Findings: The participants exhibited an average age of 42 years and an average tenure of approximately 72 months at the hospital. The majority of participants were of African descent, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2.3. Female healthcare workers reported significantly higher instances of PTSD than their male counterparts. In the aggregate, 71.4percent of doctors reported symptoms indicative of depression, 73.2percent reported anxiety-related symptoms, and 19.6percent reported PTSD-related symptoms. Among nurses, 72percent displayed clinically significant symptoms of depression, 81percent exhibited anxiety-related symptoms, and 27.7percent manifested symptoms suggestive of PTSD. A moderately robust positive correlation was discerned between PTSD and Anxiety (p = .000; r = .466) as well as PTSD and Depression (p = .000; r = .315). Additionally, a strong positive correlation was identified between Anxiety and Depression (p = .000; r = .631). A statistically significant disparity (p = .030) in anxiety levels was observed among workers in different risk-prone areas. Nurses reported substantially higher levels of anxiety (p = .039; M = 10.63, sd = 4.03) compared to doctors (M = 9.01, sd = 3.80) and administrators (M = 10.50, sd = 4.32). Moreover, both nurses (M = 27.06, sd = 13.61) and administrators (M = 33.33, sd = 14.44) exhibited significantly higher instances of PTSD (p = .003) than doctors (M = 19.96, sd = 15.03). Conclusions: The healthcare workers under scrutiny reported elevated levels of anxiety and depression attributable to the Covid-19 pandemic, although the prevalence of posttraumatic stress symptoms was comparatively lower within the hospital setting. Furthermore, this study illuminates that depressive, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms were more prevalent among nurses than doctors. Additionally, healthcare professionals operating in high-risk Covid-19 environments, such as the Covid-19 ward, demonstrated heightened levels of anxiety when juxtaposed with their counterparts stationed in low-risk Covid-19 areas within the healthcare facility. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Finger-Motsepe, Kelebogile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) , Mental health
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27920 , vital:70880
- Description: Introduction: The emergence of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (Covid-19) has wrought profound and enduring transformations in global health, economic dynamics, and social interactions. However, the comprehensive quantification of the psychological repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic remains elusive and is poised to compound the preexisting burden of mental health disorders within the general populace. Elevated transmission rates, rapid disease progression within vulnerable demographics, and the absence of definitive curative or preventive measures have collectively contributed to a heightened worldwide state of stress and anxiety. Extensive research has demonstrated that the apprehension and stress associated with Covid-19 are markedly pronounced among healthcare professionals, commonly referred to as front-line workers, in comparison to the general population. The Covid-19-related psychological distress is anticipated to act as a catalyst, exacerbating mental health conditions within high-risk groups. Aims and Objectives: This study endeavours to ascertain the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among medical doctors and nurses employed at a regional hospital in South Africa. Methodology: A cross-sectional investigation was conducted to evaluate the presence of anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms among medical doctors and nurses working at a Regional Hospital situated in the Free State Province of South Africa. A purposive sample of 200 participants, comprising all willing doctors and nurses employed at the study site, was enrolled in the study. Findings: The participants exhibited an average age of 42 years and an average tenure of approximately 72 months at the hospital. The majority of participants were of African descent, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2.3. Female healthcare workers reported significantly higher instances of PTSD than their male counterparts. In the aggregate, 71.4percent of doctors reported symptoms indicative of depression, 73.2percent reported anxiety-related symptoms, and 19.6percent reported PTSD-related symptoms. Among nurses, 72percent displayed clinically significant symptoms of depression, 81percent exhibited anxiety-related symptoms, and 27.7percent manifested symptoms suggestive of PTSD. A moderately robust positive correlation was discerned between PTSD and Anxiety (p = .000; r = .466) as well as PTSD and Depression (p = .000; r = .315). Additionally, a strong positive correlation was identified between Anxiety and Depression (p = .000; r = .631). A statistically significant disparity (p = .030) in anxiety levels was observed among workers in different risk-prone areas. Nurses reported substantially higher levels of anxiety (p = .039; M = 10.63, sd = 4.03) compared to doctors (M = 9.01, sd = 3.80) and administrators (M = 10.50, sd = 4.32). Moreover, both nurses (M = 27.06, sd = 13.61) and administrators (M = 33.33, sd = 14.44) exhibited significantly higher instances of PTSD (p = .003) than doctors (M = 19.96, sd = 15.03). Conclusions: The healthcare workers under scrutiny reported elevated levels of anxiety and depression attributable to the Covid-19 pandemic, although the prevalence of posttraumatic stress symptoms was comparatively lower within the hospital setting. Furthermore, this study illuminates that depressive, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms were more prevalent among nurses than doctors. Additionally, healthcare professionals operating in high-risk Covid-19 environments, such as the Covid-19 ward, demonstrated heightened levels of anxiety when juxtaposed with their counterparts stationed in low-risk Covid-19 areas within the healthcare facility. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
A contingency management framework to mitigate cybersecurity threats to electronic health records in the public health sector in South Africa
- Ngxabane, Mbulelo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2942-2568
- Authors: Ngxabane, Mbulelo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2942-2568
- Date: 2021-11
- Subjects: Health services administration--Information technology , Computer Security
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23427 , vital:57730
- Description: Most developing countries in the African continent, including South Africa, seem to be lagging behind in research, policy development, and how to prevent cybersecurity threats. These findings are evident in the significant number of cyberattacks recorded in the Cost of Data Breach Study and Global Analysis by Ponemon Institute. Research studies are placing the blame on the element of portability in electronic health records (EHRs) that has contributed to numerous vulnerabilities to hospital healthcare data. As a result, the healthcare information of patients in those hospitals that are equipped with interconnected medical devices is exposed to cybersecurity threats. The purpose of the study was to develop a healthcare contingency management framework that can be used by healthcare institutions to mitigate cybersecurity threats to EHRs in the public health sector in South Africa. The integrated systems theory (IST) which amalgamated five different theories relating to information security management was used as a theoretical foundation in this study. In achieving this purpose, the literature review was selected as the research design best suited to answer the question presented in this research study. An expert review was used to refine the framework outcome using interviews and questionnaires. The contribution that will be made by this study will be in a form of a conceptual framework that will be used to mitigate cybersecurity threats concerning EHRs in the public health sector. The healthcare contingency management framework (HCMF) can be adopted by either the National Health Department or Provincial Health Department to be used by healthcare facilities as a guide in reviewing their support function, process management, governance management, and their contingency management. Similar future studies need to be conducted on large scale such as in the whole public sector with the focus on the health sector. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-11
- Authors: Ngxabane, Mbulelo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2942-2568
- Date: 2021-11
- Subjects: Health services administration--Information technology , Computer Security
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23427 , vital:57730
- Description: Most developing countries in the African continent, including South Africa, seem to be lagging behind in research, policy development, and how to prevent cybersecurity threats. These findings are evident in the significant number of cyberattacks recorded in the Cost of Data Breach Study and Global Analysis by Ponemon Institute. Research studies are placing the blame on the element of portability in electronic health records (EHRs) that has contributed to numerous vulnerabilities to hospital healthcare data. As a result, the healthcare information of patients in those hospitals that are equipped with interconnected medical devices is exposed to cybersecurity threats. The purpose of the study was to develop a healthcare contingency management framework that can be used by healthcare institutions to mitigate cybersecurity threats to EHRs in the public health sector in South Africa. The integrated systems theory (IST) which amalgamated five different theories relating to information security management was used as a theoretical foundation in this study. In achieving this purpose, the literature review was selected as the research design best suited to answer the question presented in this research study. An expert review was used to refine the framework outcome using interviews and questionnaires. The contribution that will be made by this study will be in a form of a conceptual framework that will be used to mitigate cybersecurity threats concerning EHRs in the public health sector. The healthcare contingency management framework (HCMF) can be adopted by either the National Health Department or Provincial Health Department to be used by healthcare facilities as a guide in reviewing their support function, process management, governance management, and their contingency management. Similar future studies need to be conducted on large scale such as in the whole public sector with the focus on the health sector. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-11
Assessment of compliance to the maintenance procedure of medical equipment in a selected hospital, Oliver Reginald Tambo District, Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Mbangata, Mzuyanda
- Date: 2021-11
- Subjects: Equipment health monitoring , Maintenance--Equipment and supplies
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21871 , vital:51838
- Description: Background Medical equipment assumes a major part in diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases as well as illness and rehabilitation of patients. The maintenance of medical equipment is one of the most vital components in quality health care service delivery and it should not be ignored in the hospital. Therefore, it is critical that medical equipment must be maintained, and be in good working condition to ensure it completes its life cycle, also to prevent possible injuries to the patients and clinicians/end-users. Proper maintenance of medical equipment needs compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Inappropriate maintenance of medical equipment leads to medical equipment malfunctioning, decreases the level of medical equipment performance, and wastes money and other resources. The equipment downtime makes health care services not accessible to patients. Maintenance includes the following activities, medical equipment acceptance, preventive maintenance, inspection, calibration and repair following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Aim of the study The purpose of the study was to assess compliance to the maintenance procedures of medical equipment in a selected hospital in Oliver Reginald Tambo District, Eastern Cape Province. Methodology A qualitative descriptive design was used to access information regarding compliance with the maintenance of medical equipment in a selected hospital, in Oliver Reginald Tambo District, Eastern Cape. The compliance was accessed at the selected hospital that has eight departments. The research objectives gave a framework for how the research was to be conducted. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews until data saturation. An open coding Tesch’s qualitative method was used for data analysis. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants who were knowledgeable and responsible for management of medical equipment maintenance. The participants were experienced clinicians and technicians answerable for medical equipment maintenance and management. The researcher adhered to ethical and trustworthiness principles. Findings The following themes and their related categories emerged as compliance procedures adhered to/applied: i) Determinants of applied procedures; ii) Compliance with maintenance that is facilitate frequent checks, daily regular testing of equipment; iii) Report faulty equipment; iv) Send equipment for repairs; v) Do follow up on repairs; and vi) Keep machines working all the time. Contributory factors to non-compliance included: Unavailability of funds; technical staff shortage; lack of technical training; non-compliance in performance of quality checks; lack of training of end users; lack of set of maintenance plans; and long procurement process. Complications aligned with non-compliance: Inappropriate referral patients; inaccessibility of health care services; and misdiagnosing patients. Recommendations The strengthening of clinical engineering department with human resources (technical staff), finance (funds for spare parts) and physical resources (workspace, testing equipment and tools, service manuals etc.) Prioritise medical equipment maintenance also improvement of maintenance budget allocation and utilization. Provision of training for end users and technical staff. Establishment and implementation of maintenance plan and improvement of procurement processes. Conclusion The selected hospital is partially compliant with the maintenance of medical equipment because the hospital performs only reactive maintenance. It evidently appeared that affected service delivery is initiated by the shortage of technical staff and equipment availability and reliability. The hospital needs to focus and improve on the above mentioned factors affecting medical equipment maintenance. The results showed that improper maintenance of medical equipment contributes to the overcrowding of tertiary hospitals through unnecessary referrals due to medical equipment malfunctioning. The study contributes to improving the maintenance management of medical equipment. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-11
- Authors: Mbangata, Mzuyanda
- Date: 2021-11
- Subjects: Equipment health monitoring , Maintenance--Equipment and supplies
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21871 , vital:51838
- Description: Background Medical equipment assumes a major part in diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases as well as illness and rehabilitation of patients. The maintenance of medical equipment is one of the most vital components in quality health care service delivery and it should not be ignored in the hospital. Therefore, it is critical that medical equipment must be maintained, and be in good working condition to ensure it completes its life cycle, also to prevent possible injuries to the patients and clinicians/end-users. Proper maintenance of medical equipment needs compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Inappropriate maintenance of medical equipment leads to medical equipment malfunctioning, decreases the level of medical equipment performance, and wastes money and other resources. The equipment downtime makes health care services not accessible to patients. Maintenance includes the following activities, medical equipment acceptance, preventive maintenance, inspection, calibration and repair following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Aim of the study The purpose of the study was to assess compliance to the maintenance procedures of medical equipment in a selected hospital in Oliver Reginald Tambo District, Eastern Cape Province. Methodology A qualitative descriptive design was used to access information regarding compliance with the maintenance of medical equipment in a selected hospital, in Oliver Reginald Tambo District, Eastern Cape. The compliance was accessed at the selected hospital that has eight departments. The research objectives gave a framework for how the research was to be conducted. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews until data saturation. An open coding Tesch’s qualitative method was used for data analysis. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants who were knowledgeable and responsible for management of medical equipment maintenance. The participants were experienced clinicians and technicians answerable for medical equipment maintenance and management. The researcher adhered to ethical and trustworthiness principles. Findings The following themes and their related categories emerged as compliance procedures adhered to/applied: i) Determinants of applied procedures; ii) Compliance with maintenance that is facilitate frequent checks, daily regular testing of equipment; iii) Report faulty equipment; iv) Send equipment for repairs; v) Do follow up on repairs; and vi) Keep machines working all the time. Contributory factors to non-compliance included: Unavailability of funds; technical staff shortage; lack of technical training; non-compliance in performance of quality checks; lack of training of end users; lack of set of maintenance plans; and long procurement process. Complications aligned with non-compliance: Inappropriate referral patients; inaccessibility of health care services; and misdiagnosing patients. Recommendations The strengthening of clinical engineering department with human resources (technical staff), finance (funds for spare parts) and physical resources (workspace, testing equipment and tools, service manuals etc.) Prioritise medical equipment maintenance also improvement of maintenance budget allocation and utilization. Provision of training for end users and technical staff. Establishment and implementation of maintenance plan and improvement of procurement processes. Conclusion The selected hospital is partially compliant with the maintenance of medical equipment because the hospital performs only reactive maintenance. It evidently appeared that affected service delivery is initiated by the shortage of technical staff and equipment availability and reliability. The hospital needs to focus and improve on the above mentioned factors affecting medical equipment maintenance. The results showed that improper maintenance of medical equipment contributes to the overcrowding of tertiary hospitals through unnecessary referrals due to medical equipment malfunctioning. The study contributes to improving the maintenance management of medical equipment. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-11
Big data use at an automotive manufacturer: a framework to address privacy concerns in Hadoop Technology.
- Authors: Padayachee, Prenisha
- Date: 2021-11
- Subjects: Data protection. , Privacy, Right of. , Computer networks--Security measures.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22255 , vital:52009
- Description: An automotive manufacturer can generate big data through accessible data points from internal and external Internet of Things (IoT) data sources connected to the production line. Big data analytics needs to be applied to these large and complex datasets to realise the associated opportunities, such as an improved manufacturing process, optimised supply chain management, competitive advantage and business growth. In order to store, manage and process the data, automotive manufacturers are using Apache Hadoop technology. Apache Hadoop is a cost-effective, scalable, and fault-tolerant technology. However, there has been a concern raised regarding the privacy of big data in Apache Hadoop. A key challenge in Hadoop technology is its ineffective security model, making the data susceptible to unauthorised users. Consequently, a breach in data privacy results in automotive manufacturers becoming victims of theft of trade secrets and intellectual property via corporate spies. This theft has a negative impact and results in the loss of company reputation, business competitiveness and business growth in the automotive market. This study investigated a solution to ensure big data privacy when using Hadoop technology. The Selective Organisational Information Privacy and Security Violations Model (SOIPSVM) and the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) provided the theoretical base for this study. The researcher undertook a literature analysis and qualitative study to understand and address the identified research problem. The primary data was collected from ten Information Technology (IT) specialists at a local automotive manufacturer. These specialists participated in an interview session, which also included the completion of a questionnaire. All questions were pre-determined and open-ended, and the participants' responses were recorded. Primary data was analysed using the inductive approach by identifying relevant themes and sub-themes. In contrast, the literature analysis included academic journals, conference proceedings, websites, and books, which were critically discussed in this study. This study's findings indicated various measures to be implemented by the automotive manufacturer to address the research problem. Critical success factors were derived from the identified measures, which addressed significant data privacy issues in using Hadoop technology. The identified critical success factors included: control of internal and external data sources; monitor the value of big data towards improving the automotive manufacturing process and user behaviour; implementation of user authentication; encryption to secure data; disaster recovery and backup plan; execution of authorisation and Access Control List (ACLS); conduct audits and regular reviews of user access to data; apply data masking to sensitive data and tokenization to secure data; build own infrastructure to store and analyse data; install regular security updates and update passwords regularly. Each factor had a purpose that examined big data management, governance and compliance in detail. The identified factors contributed towards ensuring data privacy in the use of Hadoop technology. These factors were categorised into contextual and rule and regulatory conditions adopted from the SOIPSVM. Identified conditions were then aligned to the five-level CMM. Each condition was expanded upon at various maturity levels to form a framework that addressed the main research problem. The framework's application was described as an independent assessment of each critical success factor and provided a guide through various maturity levels. The framework's purpose was to address and overcome big data privacy concerns in using Hadoop technology at a local automotive manufacturer. , Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-11
- Authors: Padayachee, Prenisha
- Date: 2021-11
- Subjects: Data protection. , Privacy, Right of. , Computer networks--Security measures.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22255 , vital:52009
- Description: An automotive manufacturer can generate big data through accessible data points from internal and external Internet of Things (IoT) data sources connected to the production line. Big data analytics needs to be applied to these large and complex datasets to realise the associated opportunities, such as an improved manufacturing process, optimised supply chain management, competitive advantage and business growth. In order to store, manage and process the data, automotive manufacturers are using Apache Hadoop technology. Apache Hadoop is a cost-effective, scalable, and fault-tolerant technology. However, there has been a concern raised regarding the privacy of big data in Apache Hadoop. A key challenge in Hadoop technology is its ineffective security model, making the data susceptible to unauthorised users. Consequently, a breach in data privacy results in automotive manufacturers becoming victims of theft of trade secrets and intellectual property via corporate spies. This theft has a negative impact and results in the loss of company reputation, business competitiveness and business growth in the automotive market. This study investigated a solution to ensure big data privacy when using Hadoop technology. The Selective Organisational Information Privacy and Security Violations Model (SOIPSVM) and the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) provided the theoretical base for this study. The researcher undertook a literature analysis and qualitative study to understand and address the identified research problem. The primary data was collected from ten Information Technology (IT) specialists at a local automotive manufacturer. These specialists participated in an interview session, which also included the completion of a questionnaire. All questions were pre-determined and open-ended, and the participants' responses were recorded. Primary data was analysed using the inductive approach by identifying relevant themes and sub-themes. In contrast, the literature analysis included academic journals, conference proceedings, websites, and books, which were critically discussed in this study. This study's findings indicated various measures to be implemented by the automotive manufacturer to address the research problem. Critical success factors were derived from the identified measures, which addressed significant data privacy issues in using Hadoop technology. The identified critical success factors included: control of internal and external data sources; monitor the value of big data towards improving the automotive manufacturing process and user behaviour; implementation of user authentication; encryption to secure data; disaster recovery and backup plan; execution of authorisation and Access Control List (ACLS); conduct audits and regular reviews of user access to data; apply data masking to sensitive data and tokenization to secure data; build own infrastructure to store and analyse data; install regular security updates and update passwords regularly. Each factor had a purpose that examined big data management, governance and compliance in detail. The identified factors contributed towards ensuring data privacy in the use of Hadoop technology. These factors were categorised into contextual and rule and regulatory conditions adopted from the SOIPSVM. Identified conditions were then aligned to the five-level CMM. Each condition was expanded upon at various maturity levels to form a framework that addressed the main research problem. The framework's application was described as an independent assessment of each critical success factor and provided a guide through various maturity levels. The framework's purpose was to address and overcome big data privacy concerns in using Hadoop technology at a local automotive manufacturer. , Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-11