Prevalence and risk factors of imaging confirmed neurological complication amongst patients withhypertensive disorders in pregnancy admitted at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital
- Authors: Sabona, Ncumisa
- Date: 2023-00
- Subjects: Medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/9868 , vital:74635
- Description: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) are the world's second leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity, with sub-Saharan Africa taking the lead. The prevalence of HDP in Africa is 10%, remarkably higher than the reported global range of 5.2-8%. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of CT-confirmed neurological complications in patients managed at the labour ward at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital (NMAH) over two years. Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on obstetric patients with clinical files at NMAH from January 2018 to December 2020. We tracked and merged hospital admission data and radiological (brain CT) findings in patients managed for HDP at the labour ward at NMAH within the specified period. Descriptive analysis, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associated clinical risk predictors of neurological complications. Major findings: Of the 5119 patients with HDP, 153 underwent CT scans. Our study found that 78.2% of the scanned patients with HDP were between 18 and 34 years old. Patients younger than 18 years accounted for 10% of the 154 patients who underwent CT-scan. We found that 81.1% had abnormal CT-brain findings, while 18.9% were normal. The most common abnormal finding was posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) (25.1%), followed by cytotoxic oedema (16,5%), neurocysticercosis (15.1%), and dural sinus thrombosis (7.9%). The most common neurological findings on admission were headache (82%), low GCS (60.1%), fits (55.6%), blindness (28.8%), and focal signs (11.5%). In addition, the following risk predictors were statistically associated with PRES: post-partum onset ( aOR=6.26,95% CI 1.02-38.83, p-value0.049 ), blindness (aOR=3.19, 95% CI; 1.07-9.59, p=0.038) and fits (aOR=0.20, 95% CI: 0.64-0.63, p-value=0.006. Recommendations and clinical implications: The most common radiological finding among obstetric patients with HDP in this study is PRES. The most significant risk predictors for PRES are the post-partum onset of symptoms and blindness. As PRES is | 3 associated with significant morbidity and mortality, vigilance and aggressive management should be continued and include the post-partum period. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-00
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Traumatic Lumbar Puncture in Children at Nelson Mandela Central Hospital, Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Ghu, Pumza
- Date: 2023-00
- Subjects: Medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/9879 , vital:74636
- Description: Traumatic lumbar puncture signals improper procedural and proceduralist factors working on existing patient attributes. Occurrence is very common though believed to be overestimated and cut-off definitions are vague. Complications that follow incurs economic implications to the hospital setting due to high admission rate, long hospital stay and unnecessary use of antibiotics. None of these concepts around this topic is known in the present setting thus necessitating this research. The findings thereof would cause a fundamental change in the manner in which this procedure is performed in the present setting. Aim To determine the prevalence and risk factors of traumatic lumbar punctures, with the secondary goal of developing a protocol for performing appropriate lumbar punctures in order to reduce the rate of traumatic lumbar punctures. Methods An analytical cross-sectional data using retrospective data of 82 lumbar punctures performed over a four (4) month period from March to June 2022 at the paediatric emergency department of Nelson Mandela Central Hospital. Results Demographics characteristics: The median age was two (2) years (IQR = 0.83 – 3.35 years) and the highest proportion (53.66%) was observed for the age group two years and younger. Males constituted more than half (63.41%) of the population. Clinical features: Most of the children presented with seizures (56.10%) and high fever (46.34%). The top three conditions diagnosed were febrile seizures (40.24%), meningitis (17.07%) and acute gastroenteritis (9.78%). More females (20% p=0.047) suffered from acute gastroenteritis than males (3.8%). , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-00
Private suplementary tutoring and grade 12 education in Geometry performance
- Authors: Mabhamba, Mfuneko
- Date: 2023-00
- Subjects: Mathematics Education
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10448 , vital:75181
- Description: The primary intention of this study was to explore the extent to which private tutorials relate to Euclidean Geometry performance amongst Grade 12 learners from selected schools in OR Tambo Inland District. The first objective was to examine the correlation between private tutorials and Euclidean Geometry performance. The second research question was to investigate the Euclidean Geometry means scores of students who attend private tutorials as compared to the group of students who do not attend private tutorials. The study had a sample size of 347 participants from four schools. Lev Vygotsky's Socio-cultural Theory was used as a theoretical framework to underpin the study. The study adopted quantitative research methodology to answer the research questions. A questionnaire and a standardised Euclidean Geometry test were administered to collect the data from the participants. Correlational and regression analysis were performed to analyse to data. The outcomes of the study reveal that private tutorials and Euclidean Geometry performance were significantly correlated. Furthermore, private tutorials were found to be the determinant or predictor of performance in Euclidean Geometry. Secondly, students who are attending private tutorials significantly outperformed their counterparts (i.e., students who are not attending private tutorials) in Euclidean Geometry. Recommendations were made to implicate stakeholders to enhance the effective use private tutorials to boost Euclidean Geometry performance while also improvising alternative measures to students who might want to attend private tutorials, but affordability becomes a detrimental hindrance. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-00
Synthesis and characterization of high energy milled silicon nanoparticles for electronic applications
- Authors: Mnguni, Nomvula Bianca
- Date: 2023-00
- Subjects: Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/9936 , vital:74651
- Description: This study demonstrates that high energy milling using a planetary disc mill offers a new simple route to the production of polycrystalline silicon nanoparticles which are suitable for electronic applications. By manipulating process variables such as milling duration and mass of the feedstock load, the microstructure of the nanoparticles can be tuned to meet requirements. The internal structure of the nanoparticles prepared by high energy milling was found to predominantly consist of nanocrystalline silicon and their surfaces are characterised by a disordered layer of silicon sub-oxides and an insignificant proportion of fully oxidized silicon. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and Raman spectra were used to calculate the average crystallite size and correlating it to the milling process variables. The surface chemistry of the nanoparticles was elucidated using X-ray photo spectroscopy (XPS) and was also related to the milling parameters. The internal structure, agglomeration and aggregation of the particles were tested using high resolution transmission microscopy (HRTEM) and complemented by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Conductivity tests were done on the particles to ascertain their suitability for electronic applications. It is demonstrated that the longer the milling time, the smaller the sizes of particles and crystals. The sizes also depended on the mass of feedstock load. 30 g feedstock loads resulted in average nanoparticle size which were 30 - 40 % larger than for 10 g loads. The average size of nanoparticles produced were in the range 50 – 80 nm as measured by SEM. The distribution of the size of particles became less polydisperse with increase in milling time and a reduction in feedstock load. The particles were devoid of significant SiO2 layer and hence were confirmed by conductivity tests to be electrically active. Data from XPS indicate that the silicon nanoparticles have a unique surface chemistry which is consistent with the silicon surfaces being dominantly oxygen terminated. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Commerce and Administration, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2023-00
The nexus between oil prices, exchange rate and foreeign direct investment in South Africa
- Authors: Mapanzure, Rufaro
- Date: 2023-00
- Subjects: Direct Marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10126 , vital:74939
- Description: The 2000 to 2020 relationship between oil prices, exchange rates, and foreign direct investment (FDI) in South Africa presents a fascinating case in the global economics. Noteworthy is that this period is marked by some important geopolitical events, technological advancements, and economic shifts that provide a rich ground for analyzing how these three critical factors interact in an emerging country. South Africa, with its unique economic and political landscape, offers an exemplary context for exploring the dynamics of these variables and their collective impact on the nation's economic health and growth. This study conducted an empirical analysis to investigate the association of oil prices, exchange rates, and foreign direct investment (FDI) in South Africa from 2000 to 2020. The research applied the autoregressive distributed lag bounds technique (ARDL) after initial unit root tests indicated different orders of integration (1(0) and 1(1)) for the variables. The results align with the risk aversion theory, revealing a significant and negative relationship between exchange rates and foreign direct investment in the long-term. Conversely, the interaction term EXCH_OIL, interest rates, and inflation demonstrated a significant and positive relationship with foreign direct investment in both the short-run and the long-run. The Granger causality test identified a unidirectional causality from foreign direct investment to exchange rates. This study recommends implementing policies aimed at stabilizing oil prices and exchange rates to entice foreign investment into South Africa. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-00
The relationship between financial inclusion and economic well being in South Africa
- Authors: Genukile, Lwazi
- Date: 2023-00
- Subjects: Commerce in economics
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10053 , vital:74934
- Description: Financial inclusion has been regarded as a solution to the problem of poor economic well-being by providing quality access to financial services. It also contributes to resource and income distribution and boosts consumption and investment, which lead to an overall stimulation in economic well-being. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between financial inclusion and economic well-being in South Africa. To achieve this, the study examined the long-run and short-run relationships between financial inclusion and economic well-being in South Africa using quarterly time-series data from 1992 to 2020. The data was obtained from World Bank economic indicators and a SARB statistics enquiry. The study used the Autoregressive Distributed lag bound test and the Error Correction Model to examine the long-run and short-run relationships of the variables. The Granger causality test was conducted to identify the directional causality amongst the variables. The variables used in this study were GDP per capita (GDPPC) as a measure of economic well-being, which is the dependent variable, whereas bank account holders, access to credit, and insurance were used as major explanatory variables. The study discovered that in the long-run, bank account holders and access to credit have a positive significant relationship with GDP per capita, whilst inflation rate indicated a negative relationship with GDP per capita. However, in the short-run results, the study revealed that insurance and inflation rate have a positive relationship with GDP per capita, whereas access to credit presented a negative relationship with GDP per capita. The Granger causality test only indicated a bi-directional causality between inflation rate and GDP per capita. A diagnostic test was conducted in the model and the results revealed that all instruments used in the model are valid and reliable. Based on these findings, the existence of a positive relationship between financial inclusion and economic well-being can be confirmed, hence validating the hypothesis in South Africa. This study recommends that government and policy-makers should focus more on accelerating the expansion of access to credit and insurance at lower transactional costs and management fees, especially for the poor and most vulnerable population in the country. Furthermore, the access to credit, insurance and economic well-being relationship should take place in an inflation framework-sensitive environment. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Economics and Financial Sciences, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-00
The relationship between trade opennes and government size in South Africa
- Authors: Mnyantore, Mukiza Brian
- Date: 2023-00
- Subjects: Commerce and administration
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10130 , vital:74940
- Description: The relationship between trade openness and government size has drawn interest in the domains of public policy and economics. To add to this discourse, the current study conducts an empirical analysis using annual data covering the years 1994 to 2020, focusing on South Africa as the case study. By analysing the complex dynamics between trade openness and government size, this study aims to offer an insightful analysis of the economic landscape and shed light on the implications for government policies. An autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model was utilized in the study, allowing for a thorough analysis of the short- and long-run relationship between trade openness and government size. The empirical findings indicate a substantial positive relationship between trade openness and government size. Moreover, the Granger causality demonstrates that trade openness and government size in South Africa have a unidirectional causal relationship, which further solidifies this relationship, aligning with theoretical literature's compensation hypothesis. Based on the findings indicating a substantial and positive relationship between trade openness and government size, as well as the Granger causality research supporting the compensation hypothesis, certain policy implications emerge. To optimize economic outcomes in South Africa, policy-makers could focus on implementing trade liberalization policies to reduce barriers and promote free trade agreements, facilitating economic integration and access to new markets. Additionally, attention to prudent public expenditure management becomes crucial, ensuring that increased government size is accompanied by efficient allocation of resources to foster economic growth and development. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Economics and Financial Sciences, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-00
The role that principals play in the functionality of South African Schools: A case study
- Authors: Mahlathi, Mcebisi
- Date: 2023-00
- Subjects: Educational Leadership and Development
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10501 , vital:75185
- Description: The aim of the study was to explore the roles that principals play in the functionality of the South African schools. The Instructional Leadership Theory was used, and a case study design was followed. Detailed individual and group discussions were done to get rich data from 5 participants from 5 purposively carefully chosen high schools. Through thematic analysis of the interviews, three major findings emerged. One of the key findings was that school principals in this study relied overwhelmingly on the old knowledge they acquired from their junior degrees, and from observations, to lead the schools. As such, there was a leadership gap in their daily execution of roles. This study concludes that school principals are not as capacitated and well developed to perform their everyday roles in South African schools. It was recommended that the Department of Education offer on-going development plans to up-skill the school principals so that they can be professional and administratively ready for their roles. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-00
Tourism and trade opennes, and economic development nexus in selected SADC countries
- Authors: Livi, Ondela Olwethu
- Date: 2023-00
- Subjects: Tourism and trade openness
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10172 , vital:74947
- Description: The interplay between tourism, trade openness, and economic development in selected SADC countries holds significant importance in understanding their complex relationships and identifying strategies for sustainable economic growth. This study aimed to investigate this nexus using extensive datasets and robust panel data estimation techniques, specifically employing the Panel ARDL model to examine short and long-run relationships among the variables. The utilization of the Panel ARDL model was deemed appropriate due to its efficiency in providing reliable and robust estimates. The study revealed a strong positive relationship among tourism, trade openness, and economic development within the SADC region. This demonstrates the crucial role these variables play in shaping the development trajectory of the region, influencing economic growth, creating employment, providing education, and ensuring overall economic development. Based on these findings, several potential policy implications can be drawn. Firstly, SADC countries should prioritize trade liberalization to solidify the benefits derived from trade within the bloc. Additionally, strengthening policies such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) can contribute to enhanced economic development within the SADC region. Lastly, it is recommended that government officials and relevant authorities in the selected SADC countries implement tourism promotion strategies to emphasize the integration of tourism development programs, recognizing the significant impact of sustainable tourism on economic growth. These policy implications aim to provide guidance for policymakers and stakeholders in the SADC region to capitalize on the positive relationship between tourism, trade openness, and economic development, and ultimately foster sustainable economic growth and development in the region. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-00
Transmission Dynamics and Public Health Impact of Clonal Composition and Mixed Strain M. tuberculosis Infections among Patients in Rural High TB Incidence Settings Of Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Faye, Lindiwe Modest
- Date: 2023-00
- Subjects: Medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/9702 , vital:74615
- Description: Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-00
Teacher's perspectives on the implementation of HIV/AIDS policy in OR Tambo Inland Education District: A case study of five selected schools
- Authors: Tebekana, Jongiwe
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Teaching strategies
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10842 , vital:75288
- Description: This thesis explored teachers’ perspectives in implementing HIV/AIDS policy in the O. R. Tambo Inland Education District. HIV/AIDS is one of the greatest challenges in the world and is crippling almost every aspect of society (politically, socially, financially, and educationally). In the education sector, it affects teachers, learners, their families, and the communities at large. Governments everywhere, especially Education Ministries, developed policies to combat the pandemic. In South Africa, the National Policy on HIV/AIDS for learners and teachers for public schools and students in Further Education and Training Institutions was published in 1999. The Department of Education also developed guidelines for teachers, to assist them in managing HIV/AIDS issues in Public Schools. Theoretically, this study was informed by the implementation theory of Pressman and Wildavsky (1973) who view policy implementation as a procedure of collaboration between the establishments of objectives, and Elite/Mass theory which implore that the key people in authority, who are considered as the elite group, determine policy without considering its implementation on the ground. This is a qualitative case study based on interpretivism, which strives to comprehend how individuals in everyday settings construct meaning and explain the events of their world. Purposive sampling was employed to identify twelve rich informants (teachers) from five purposively selected primary schools. Data were collected through document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and field notes. Findings reveal that teachers have insufficient knowledge about HIV/AIDS policy which they are expected to implement, they were insufficiently trained, lacked support, and encountered some barriers towards the implementation of HIV/AIDS policy. The study recommends that that professional in-service development programme should be developed by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) for all qualified Life Orientation (LO) teachers since HIV/AIDS is an aspect of the LO subject and DBE should increase school-based support visits by subject specialists to ensure that there is proper monitoring. It further recommends that policy formulators should engage the implementers in policy dissemination through meetings, newsletters, conferences, debates, circulars and networks like cluster and circuit networks to eradicate distortion of crucial policy information for implementation. It is further recommended based on the findings and informed by the two theoretical frameworks of Implementation and Elites/Mass theories, Tebekana Collaborative Policy Formulation, and Implementation model for the benefit of the schools is proposed. , Thesis (D.Ed) -- Faculty of Education Sciences, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2022-11
Limits of the Judiciary in the separation of powers in South Africa
- Authors: Qikani, Siphokazi
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Judiciary and law
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/9460 , vital:73539
- Description: The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 is the supreme law of the Republic and obligations imposed by it must be fulfilled. The laws of the country and government action draw their validity from the Constitution. The Constitution entrenches principles that ensure democratic processes which promote the objectives, spirit and purport of the Constitution. Separation of powers is one of such principles. Separation of powers is the doctrine that proposes division of power between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. The Constitution confers legislative power to parliament, executive power to the executive and judicial power to the courts. In the South African context of separation of powers, the role of each branch of government is not always clearly defined and sometimes gains perspective as courts interpret parliamentary legislations and executive policies. The Court’s role and limitations in the interpretation of laws often come under scrutiny and bring confusion as to what extent can courts intervene in matters purely left to other branches of government. The current study explores the meaning, implications and practical application of the doctrine of separation of powers by courts. The study pays particular attention to the role and the limits of the Judiciary within the context of separation of powers in South Africa, with the hope of bringing greater clarity of this doctrine to lawyers, academics, government officials and society at large. Keywords: constitutional supremacy, rule of law, separation of powers, legislature, executive, judiciary, judicial intervention. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Humanities Social Sciences and Law, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-08
The Right to a Speedy Trial for Crime Victims in South Africa
- Authors: Nomnganga, Pumza
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Speedy Trial
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6802 , vital:49307
- Description: Delays in criminal proceedings have characterised South Africa’s criminal justice system. This claim is substantiated by cases that take too long to commence or to be finalised. This study notes that the delays in criminal proceedings result in secondary victimisation of crime victims. Thus, the study argues that alleged crime victims should have a right to speedy trial too. The study further submits that the Constitution is silent about the right to a speedy trial for crime victims in South Africa. This silence has raised a perception among crime victims and the society at large that the Constitution favors the accused person only when dealing with delays. The studies that zoom into the problem of the delays in criminal proceedings have been mostly based on the criminological point of view. Such a topic of scholarly inquiry has been barely investigated from a legal point of view. The study investigates the delays, causes and negative effect that the delayed trials have on crime victims as the background of the study in order to evaluate the realisation of the right to a speedy trial for crime victims in South Africa. The main objective of the study is to propose the realisation and implementation of the right to a speedy trial for crime victims in South Africa. The study submits that most researchers exclusively focused on the accused’s speedy trial right in criminal proceedings and did not tackle this angle, thus leaving a gap in the literature that the study intends to fill. The study submits that the implementation of this right will protect crime victims from undue delays. It will also promote equality in the criminal justice system and eradicate future undue delays in criminal proceedings. Keywords: Accused person, crime victims, speedy trial, the criminal justice system, Constitution, undue delays, and secondary victimisation. his study sought to evaluate factors affecting the quality of food provided by the school nutrition programme in Mthatha, OR Tambo Inland Education District. This was a qualitative study in the form of case study research design. Two (2) schools were conveniently selected and from these, 2 principals, 2 school nutrition coordinators, 4 food handlers and 10 learners were purposefully selected to form the sample. Thus, 18 participants were selected in total. Interviews were used to collect data. A review of literature demonstrated that the school nutrition programme was valuable and played an important role towards addressing some of challenges prevalent in South Africa due to the history of the country. The literature reviewed also highlighted challenges faced by the school nutrition programme despite its tremendous success. These are some of the findings: the school nutrition programme was successful towards improving learner punctuality and engaging in the classroom. This had the potential to improve learner health overall; however, it was observed that lack of training around food preparation and hygiene could reduce the effectiveness of the programme. The provision for appropriate storage facilities was also noted as an issue that placed the programme at risk. These are some of the recommendations: the government should provide appropriate training and proper storage facilities in schools with nutrition programme; this could contribute meaningfully towards improving the quality of food provided by the school nutrition programme. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-03
An evaluation of the mechanical, engineering and retails service and training authority staff development project at an Eastern Cape University
- Authors: Masha, Anthony Nkambi
- Date: 2022-00
- Subjects: Evaluation and Training
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10691 , vital:75213
- Description: Higher Education (HE) has undergone significant changes in recent decades, necessitating the adaptation of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to focus on teaching, supporting, and academically developing academic staff. In Africa, some HEIs have requested their staff to obtain certain postgraduate qualifications, as research achievements lead to academic promotion. The MerSETA Staff Development Project was established to train lecturers in the Engineering Department to upgrade their qualifications to the doctorate level and to increase their research skills. This study aimed to evaluate the project's success using project management methodology. A mixed methods approach was used, with a qualitative and quantitative phase. Data was collected through focus group interviews (FGIs) and closed-ended questionnaires. A purposive sampling technique was used in the qualitative phase, while census sampling was used in the quantitative phase. Qualitative data analysis was primarily inductive, with interpretive data analysis techniques (IPA) used to discuss findings with existing literature. Statistical techniques were used in the quantitative phase, with Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) tested. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the features and summaries of the study's sample or data set. Regression analysis was used to test the research hypotheses and establish the relationship between variables under investigation. The study employed appropriate Cronbach alpha formulae to determine a co-efficient above 0.70. The results of this study indicate that the MerSETA Project successfully developed its beneficiaries academically at Walter Sisulu University. However, there are limitations to the study, such as the cross-sectional study design, which cannot reflect changes in variables over time. Further research is required to study the relationships between variables over time using a longitudinal study design. The MerSETA Project demonstrated the importance of understanding project life cycles, knowledge areas, and monitoring and evaluation techniques in managing projects like the MerSETA Project. To enhance causality, further research is needed to study relationships between variables over time using a longitudinal study design. The MerSETA Project, a successful project, requires an understanding of the project life cycle, management knowledge areas, and monitoring and evaluation techniques. The study's findings concluded that the project was a success. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-00
Are CardioVascular Diseases a Cause For Concern in People of African Ancestry?
- Authors: Nkeh-Chungag, Benedicta Ngwenchi
- Date: 2022-00
- Subjects: Cardiovascular system--Diseases--Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Inaugural Lecture , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/8030 , vital:59356
- Description: Professor Benedicta Ngwenchi Nkeh-Chungag’s BIO Professor Benedicta Ngwenchi Nkeh-Chungag is a Full Professor of Physiology and Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University. Professor Nkeh-Chungag is an NRF rated researcher, a scholar of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), a Fellow of the International Hypertension Society, Deputy President and co-founder of the newly established Childhood Hypertension Consortium of South Africa, Deputy Chairperson of the South African National Committee for International Union for Physiological Sciences (ICSU-IUPS), Chairperson of the Cardiometabolic Research Niche Area – WSU and Chairperson of the Animal Research Ethic Committee. She oversees the Carrier Orientation and International Mentoring Program run by Harness Ideas Association (HIDAS).Professor Nkeh-Chungag has published extensively in the of cardiovascular research covering epidemiology and African medicinal plants. She has served as an Associate Editor for the journal Frontiers in Public Health and is on the editorial board of two journals, Bioinformatics and Clinical Interventions in Aging. She is a member of several knowledge bodies including the International Hypertension Society.As an accomplished and passionate scholar, Professor Nkeh-Chungag enjoys both national and international recognition in her field of research. Her focus on the risk for cardiovascular diseases in children of African ancestry has attracted interest and funding from both national and international organizations. Her research findings have been showcased at many scientific fora including as keynote addresses. Professor Nkeh-Chungag is married to Dr Anye Chungag and they are blessed with four boys. , Inaugural Lecture (Prefessorial) -- Faculty of Natural Sciences, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-00
Chalenges of implimenting South African school administration and management system at Junior Secondary Schools in circuit 16, OR Thambo Coastal District
- Authors: Nkwanca, Loyiso Collis
- Date: 2022-00
- Subjects: Evaluation and Training
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10779 , vital:75220
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges of implementing South African School Administration and Management System at Junior Secondary Schools in Circuit 16 in OR Tambo Coastal District. Literature review looked mainly at aspects of challenges resulting from policy issues guiding the implementation of SASAMS, challenge of ICT and SA-SAMS training, other challenges that influence implementation of SASAMS in circuit 16, OR Tambo District. The study was qualitative in nature and employed case study research design. Convenient sampling was used to select two junior secondary schools in Circuit 16 in Port St. Johns Circuit Management Centre (CMC) in OR Tambo Coastal Education District. The principal, one (1) educator, one (1) school clerk were purposively selected from each school and this made a total of six (6) participants. Face-to-face individual semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data about the views and opinions of the participants. Data were analysed using the interpretational analytical strategies. Themes were drawn from the responses of the participants. The major findings were: School personnel lack the ICT skills for them to be able to operate SASAMS for administration and management; there is a lack of connection network for the school personnel to provide data promptly to the Department of Education; school personnel had not received appropriate training on using SASAMS for administration and management; the use of SASAMS is not guided by clearly spelt out policies and guidelines in all the school that were visited; participants unanimously agreed that SASAMS could be a user-friendly system only if all personnel were to get thorough training; due to lack training and knowledge for other personnel, at times especially when school clerks are not at work submissions are not done promptly; the school personnel have no expertise when there is break down of computers or the system crushes, they have to travel long distances to try and find help; when it is time to enter marks for learners, it is impossible for teacher to connect at the same time, only about four laptops can connect at a time and the Department of Education delays to install the latest patch. It is recommended that: SASAMS be incorporated in Teacher Education programmes in Universities and training colleges; there should be enough ICT and SASAMS technicians on standby for any technical error that might occur in schools; school principals, teachers and administrative clerks need to be equipped with training in ICT and SASAMS; there is a need for Department of Basic Education to ensure that each school has Wi-Fi connection so that all computers in the school are connected to the main-server at the same time; the DBE should consider formulating guiding policies where, for example, schools are allowed to factor in a certain percentage in enrolment increase, as it creates a good foundation for data falsification by unscrupulous officials. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Education, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2022-00
Factors leading to Complications following Traditional Male Circumcision among Initiates reporting at Mthatha Regional Hospital, South Africa
- Authors: Zokwe, Mendi Prince
- Date: 2022-00
- Subjects: Medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/9923 , vital:74643
- Description: Traditional male circumcision, a prestigious practice, and pathway to a sense of belonging and manhood among AmaXhosa has left unforgettable pains in the same society that admires it. The pains are due to the irreversible aftermaths such as death and loss of the penis that often accompanies it. Anecdotal evidence suggests that an increasing number of AmaXhosa males though still prefer TMC, only partakes in the cultural lessons at the initiation schools then go for medical male circumcision. But, who is to be blamed? The news reports of the deaths following traditional male circumcision (TMC) are heard and the fears for sure are real. This study was carried out to provide evidence-based knowledge on the prevalence of complications following TMC and factors that lead to such complications. Aim: To find out the types of complications and medical outcomes following TMC among initiates reporting at Mthatha Regional Hospital. Method: A retrospective study design was used. The study population included 23 initiates who sought medical intervention at Mthatha Regional Hospital from June to December 2018. The variables of interest were collected from the admission records and analysed. Results: The mean age of participants was 18.5 years (standard deviation = 1.4 years). The majority (65.2%) of the participants were in the age group 18-21 year, were circumcised in summer (52.2%), waited for 10-20 days before seeking medical intervention (47.8%), and were admitted in the male surgical ward (69.6%). xiv The mean and standard deviation of length of hospital stay was 22.2±20.3 days. During hospitalisation, antibiotics were given to 33.3% and wound dressing to 60.5%. Other medico-surgical interventions wee rehydration therapy (28.1%), analgesics (26.3%), penile reconstruction with a skin graft (23.7%), re-circumcised (5.3%) or had a dorsal slit (5.3%). Grade 3 septic circumcision was the most prevalent (43.5%) among the initiates and 26.1% had Grade 4 septic circumcision. The three main factors leading to TMC-related complications were wound sepsis (32.4%), dehydration (21.1%), and septic shock (12.7%). No variables were associated with TMC complications in the study population. Most (78.3%) of them were treated and discharged. Two (8.7%) participants died, one from septic shock and the other from severe dehydration. Though 82.6% were alive with no deformity at discharge, 4.8% had an artificial penis and another 4.8 percent loss of the penis. Conclusion: Complications following TMC are real. Severe septic complications were common following TMC. There is a need to explore how to transform the harmful aspects of the initiation ritual while promoting the positive ones. There is a need to also determine possible ways of interaction and partnership between traditional leadership and the Department of Health. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-00
Health Expenditure and Economic Performance in Selected Southern African Development Community (SADC) Countries
- Authors: Qoko, Alungile
- Date: 2022-00
- Subjects: Expenditure and economic performance
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10235 , vital:74951
- Description: The study examined the relationship between health expenditure and economic performance in 14 Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries using annual panel data for the period of 15 years (2005-2019). Economic performance was the dependent variable with gross domestic product (GDP) per capita used as the proxy for economic performance. The other determinants of economic performance used in this study include labour force participation rate, institutional quality, and trade openness. All variables were examined logged to eliminate possibility of outliers. To test for stationarity of the series, the study employed two panel unit root tests which are the Levin, Lien and Chu (2002) commonly known as LLC, and also Im, Pesaran and Shin (2003) popularly known as IPS. The finding revealed that the series were integrated of different orders including I(0) and I(1) but not I(2). To test for a long-run relationship, Pedroni and Kao panel cointegration tests were carried out. The findings revealed there was cointegration. Based on these findings, panel auto regressive sistributed lag (ARDL), using Pooled Mean Group analysis as the best estimator for the model, was chosen to test for both long-run and short-run relationships. The empirical findings showed that there was a negative and significant relationship between health expenditure and economic performance in the 14 selected SADC countries. Governments in the SADC region should enact and enforce laws that deal with leakages in the health sector to ensure that health expenditure improves economic performance. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Economics and Finacial Sciences, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-00
Intergatind information and cominication technology into teaching and learning in selected Secondary Schools of OR Thambo Inland, Eastern Capee South Africa
- Authors: Fumba, Ntombentle Nomahlanga
- Date: 2022-00
- Subjects: Technology education
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10434 , vital:75179
- Description: This study aimed to determine the readiness of secondary schools, in the OR Tambo Inland region of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa, in integrating the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) into their everyday teaching and learning. Most secondary schools in this region seem to lack ICT infrastructure and teachers seem to be unable to integrate technology into the everyday learning and teaching due to the lack of technology resources and other challenges. It has come to light that when secondary school learners reach tertiary institutions, their level of understanding when it comes to ICT activities differ immensely. This great difference in knowledge and skill makes it difficult for the lecturers to interact with them because some learners are computer literate, and some are not. The researcher believes that if all schools practice the use of ICT at secondary level that will bring all learners to the same level of knowledge, skill and understanding and that promotes uniformity across similar grades of learners. A qualitative research approach was chosen for this study by following an exploratory research design. The qualitative research method was chosen to gain an in-depth understanding of human behavior, experience, attitudes, intention, and motivations, based on interpretations, to find out the way people think and feel. The design used for this research enabled to get a better understanding of the existing problem. Data were collected through an interview guide and was analyzed via a thematic data analysis. A purposive sampling technique was used with a sample size of 30 participants that consisted of 27 teachers and three principals. The results show that some schools have already started integrating ICT into their teaching and learning but not across all learning areas. Teachers and principals have a degree of willingness to with ICT integration and are even willing to go for training to attain the necessary ICT skills. Findings show that in order to fill the gap in ICT integration with teaching and learning, curriculum adjustments and teacher motivation are necessary, and it is also evident use of ICT is becoming more popular in the education sector and that it can be attested by the higher education institutions which also benefited a lot during the lockdown period of the coronavirus outbreak. The study recommended that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) should ensure that schools are using ICT in their classroom and there should be ongoing teachers’ professional development to encourage the teachers to use ICT to teach their subjects. The study concluded that O.R. Tambo Inland participants are willing to include ICTs in their regular classroom instruction as long as they have the necessary expertise, technical support, a well-structured curriculum, and resources that are fully functional. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-00
perception of male university students regarding the relationshinship between masculinity and gender based violence: A health promotion enquiry
- Authors: Fosi, Mziwabantu
- Date: 2022-00
- Subjects: Medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/9637 , vital:74606
- Description: Globally, Gender Based Violence (GBV) refers to harmful act directed at an individual based on their gender, power and positions within a given society. According to Statistics South Africa report 2021, one in five women (21%) had experienced physical violence by a partner. GBV is rooted in gender disparities, the abuse of power and harmful norms. Both men and women to some extent experience GBV and suffer from discrimination if they deviate from societal expectations of masculinities. Men’s violence, whether directed at women, people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities or other men, is inextricably linked to hegemonic and toxic masculinity. The aim of the study was to investigate perception of male university students regarding the relationship between masculinity and gender-based violence. This study adopted qualitative phenomenological approach. The research was conducted at WSU, Mthatha campus, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Purposive sampling was used to select 24 participants. Semi-structured, in-depth, face to face interviews were used to gather data. The collected qualitative data was analysed utilizing thematic analysis method with the assistance of NVIVO software. Ten overarching themes were identified using thematic method and reported and categorised as factors associated with GBV and suggested action plans to fight against GBV and these includes: (1) Gender discrimination as a contributing factor towards GBV; (2) Impact of association on GBV; (3) Perception of males on how the law handles GBV cases; (4) Dark figures and unreported cases escalate GBV (5) Influence of materialistic things on “blesser/blesse” relationship; (6) Social norms or community common practices misconception that still promote gender differences; (7) Poor decision making based on wrong assumptions about what other people thinks or do (8) Sexual education gaps on deciding when to start sex in a relationship; (9) Suggested preventative actions to prevent GBV. This study concluded with discussion and recommendations of further study to support participants recommendations for continuous health education and strengthen increase on youth friendly GBV programs to empower males in the university and further suggested development of comprehensive health promotion strategies to reduce gender-based violence. This study concluded with discussions and recommendations of the required comprehensive health promotion program to curb GBV and as well suggestions for further research studies to focus on developing health promotion intervention to prevent causes of GBV. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of medicine and Health Sciences, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-00