Exploring interventions for South African pregnant women with alcohol use disorder: a scoping review
- Authors: Majoe, Mono Onalenna
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478316 , vital:78176
- Description: Access restricted. Expected enbargo release date in 2026. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-25
Exploring interventions for South African pregnant women with alcohol use disorder: a scoping review
- Authors: Majoe, Mono Onalenna
- Date: 2025-04-25
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478316 , vital:78176
- Description: Access restricted. Expected enbargo release date in 2026. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-25
Exploring Foundation Phase pre-service teachers’ mathematical pedagogical content knowledge for teaching additive mental mathematics strategies
- Authors: Kumm, Marisa Luisa
- Date: 2025-04-03
- Subjects: Pedagogical content knowledge , Mathematics Study and teaching (Primary) South Africa , Pre-service teacher education , Student teachers South Africa , Addition Study and teaching (Elementary) , Number concept Study and teaching (Elementary)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480018 , vital:78389
- Description: Poor learner performance in mathematics remains a concern in South African primary and secondary education according to continuous national and international assessments. Many learners fall behind in the early grades without being provided the opportunity to establish a solid foundational number sense. This is an essential requirement to progress into the higher grades. Addressing the challenges of number sense in the Foundation Phase is mandatory. This study aimed to investigate third-year Foundation Phase pre-service teachers’ content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge of their additive reasoning strategies (a key aspect of number sense) at a private teacher education institution, guided by the question: What content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge do third-year Foundation Phase pre-service teachers have of additive reasoning mental mathematics strategies? Several researchers have identified the need to develop pre-service teachers’ mathematical content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge. This study was guided by Shulman’s (1986) constructs of teacher knowledge. This qualitative, descriptive study, which formed part of the Mental Mathematics – Work Integrated Learning (MM-WIL) programme, collected data from an interpretivist perspective. The information for this study was gathered from participants who agreed to be part of the study. The study collected data through pre- and post-intervention questionnaires that had two parts. The first part assessed pre-service teachers’ methods of solving four basic additive reasoning calculations (that lent themselves to using the strategies of bridging through ten, jump strategy, and rounding and adjusting). The second part of the questionnaire asked pre-service teachers to describe these strategies and how they would teach them, with the aim of understanding their additive reasoning skills and ability to use and teach these mental strategies. Key findings are that many pre-service teachers do not have the content knowledge to solve basic calculations using efficient methods. These are skills that they are required to teach in the Foundation Phase classroom. The findings in this study highlight the urgent need to address the weak content knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge and inefficient unit based counting methods of many pre-service teachers to improve learners’ development and fundamental understanding of numbers that allows for flexible and efficient calculation. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Primary and Early Childhood Education, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-03
- Authors: Kumm, Marisa Luisa
- Date: 2025-04-03
- Subjects: Pedagogical content knowledge , Mathematics Study and teaching (Primary) South Africa , Pre-service teacher education , Student teachers South Africa , Addition Study and teaching (Elementary) , Number concept Study and teaching (Elementary)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480018 , vital:78389
- Description: Poor learner performance in mathematics remains a concern in South African primary and secondary education according to continuous national and international assessments. Many learners fall behind in the early grades without being provided the opportunity to establish a solid foundational number sense. This is an essential requirement to progress into the higher grades. Addressing the challenges of number sense in the Foundation Phase is mandatory. This study aimed to investigate third-year Foundation Phase pre-service teachers’ content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge of their additive reasoning strategies (a key aspect of number sense) at a private teacher education institution, guided by the question: What content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge do third-year Foundation Phase pre-service teachers have of additive reasoning mental mathematics strategies? Several researchers have identified the need to develop pre-service teachers’ mathematical content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge. This study was guided by Shulman’s (1986) constructs of teacher knowledge. This qualitative, descriptive study, which formed part of the Mental Mathematics – Work Integrated Learning (MM-WIL) programme, collected data from an interpretivist perspective. The information for this study was gathered from participants who agreed to be part of the study. The study collected data through pre- and post-intervention questionnaires that had two parts. The first part assessed pre-service teachers’ methods of solving four basic additive reasoning calculations (that lent themselves to using the strategies of bridging through ten, jump strategy, and rounding and adjusting). The second part of the questionnaire asked pre-service teachers to describe these strategies and how they would teach them, with the aim of understanding their additive reasoning skills and ability to use and teach these mental strategies. Key findings are that many pre-service teachers do not have the content knowledge to solve basic calculations using efficient methods. These are skills that they are required to teach in the Foundation Phase classroom. The findings in this study highlight the urgent need to address the weak content knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge and inefficient unit based counting methods of many pre-service teachers to improve learners’ development and fundamental understanding of numbers that allows for flexible and efficient calculation. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Primary and Early Childhood Education, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-03
Impact of artificial intelligence and digitalisation on lean manufacturing and its drive for industrial revolution and smart factories
- Authors: Ninan, Abel
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Artificial intelligence , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa , Manufacturing industries -- South Africa -- Automation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70001 , vital:78272
- Description: Digitalisation with the development and rising of Artificial Intelligence has hugely transformed the Lean Manufacturing environment and enhanced the transition to Industry 4.0 and Smart factories. Organisations in South Africa are faced with a large variety of issues as they make the shift to Industry 4.0 and Smart Factories, with some problems being based on political will and expertise. This research looks at how developments in Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence can be integrated and relate with Lean Manufacturing methodologies, which can enhance productivity but at the same time reduce waste, while fostering continuous improvement. The focus is on Lean Manufacturing processes, which can be optimised and enhanced through data analytics, and predictive technologies, through the combination of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies in the digital space. The future industrial revolution could be enhanced by development in these areas, which can create and revolutionise production to become more efficient, flexible, and reactive. The research is based on a qualitative approach and involved the analysis of current literature as well as in depth interviews of 15 participants who were chosen based on their work experience and industry, they fall in. This research aims to identify current and possible future relationships between Lean Manufacturing, Digitalisation, Industry 4.0 and SMART factories. The research further attempts to understand how Digitalisation and AI together with emerging technologies can improve and enhance Lean capabilities, operational efficiencies, and contribute to the development and rise of Smart factories. Organisations in South Africa are faced with a large variety of issues as they make the shift to Industry 4.0 and Smart Factories, with some problems being based on political will and expertise. Lean Manufacturing has many benefits in solving these problems because of its emphasis on both process optimisation and waste reduction. Lean Manufacturing improves manufacturing productivity, promotes morale, lowers costs, increases profitability, and optimises space and inventory management by getting rid of non-value-adding operations. These various advantages are further enhanced by the incorporation of digitalisation, which turns manual operations into digital ones and improves data accessibility, cuts waste, and enables real-time monitoring. Large amounts of data are easier to monitor and analyse using digital technologies than they are with old manual approaches. Digitalisation and Lean Manufacturing concepts work together to optimize processes and provide artificial intelligence the ability to use processed data for predictive analytics and self-making. AI helps to create autonomous, self-sufficient Smart Factories by enabling the discovery and removal of non-value-adding operations via its rapid analysis of historical and real-time data. The combination of Industry 4.0, Digitalization, AI, and Lean Manufacturing creates a cooperative and collaborative environment where technology boosts productivity and competitiveness in the manufacturing sector. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Ninan, Abel
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Artificial intelligence , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa , Manufacturing industries -- South Africa -- Automation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70001 , vital:78272
- Description: Digitalisation with the development and rising of Artificial Intelligence has hugely transformed the Lean Manufacturing environment and enhanced the transition to Industry 4.0 and Smart factories. Organisations in South Africa are faced with a large variety of issues as they make the shift to Industry 4.0 and Smart Factories, with some problems being based on political will and expertise. This research looks at how developments in Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence can be integrated and relate with Lean Manufacturing methodologies, which can enhance productivity but at the same time reduce waste, while fostering continuous improvement. The focus is on Lean Manufacturing processes, which can be optimised and enhanced through data analytics, and predictive technologies, through the combination of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies in the digital space. The future industrial revolution could be enhanced by development in these areas, which can create and revolutionise production to become more efficient, flexible, and reactive. The research is based on a qualitative approach and involved the analysis of current literature as well as in depth interviews of 15 participants who were chosen based on their work experience and industry, they fall in. This research aims to identify current and possible future relationships between Lean Manufacturing, Digitalisation, Industry 4.0 and SMART factories. The research further attempts to understand how Digitalisation and AI together with emerging technologies can improve and enhance Lean capabilities, operational efficiencies, and contribute to the development and rise of Smart factories. Organisations in South Africa are faced with a large variety of issues as they make the shift to Industry 4.0 and Smart Factories, with some problems being based on political will and expertise. Lean Manufacturing has many benefits in solving these problems because of its emphasis on both process optimisation and waste reduction. Lean Manufacturing improves manufacturing productivity, promotes morale, lowers costs, increases profitability, and optimises space and inventory management by getting rid of non-value-adding operations. These various advantages are further enhanced by the incorporation of digitalisation, which turns manual operations into digital ones and improves data accessibility, cuts waste, and enables real-time monitoring. Large amounts of data are easier to monitor and analyse using digital technologies than they are with old manual approaches. Digitalisation and Lean Manufacturing concepts work together to optimize processes and provide artificial intelligence the ability to use processed data for predictive analytics and self-making. AI helps to create autonomous, self-sufficient Smart Factories by enabling the discovery and removal of non-value-adding operations via its rapid analysis of historical and real-time data. The combination of Industry 4.0, Digitalization, AI, and Lean Manufacturing creates a cooperative and collaborative environment where technology boosts productivity and competitiveness in the manufacturing sector. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
The influence of board member competency on the organisational performance of private sector companies in Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Dumalisile, Tutula
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Directors of corporations -- South Africa , Performance , Competency-based education
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70275 , vital:78335
- Description: This study investigates the significant influence that board member competency has on the organisational success of South African companies. Employing a quantitative analysis, the study concentrates on key areas of board competence, such as finance, policy interpretation, human resource management, and educational backgrounds. The results show that board members with expertise improve the effectiveness of governance, the calibre of financial reporting, and the choice of strategic investments. Furthermore, there is a correlation between enhanced decision-making procedures to better organisational results and the board members' proficiency in personnel management. The study also emphasises the critical role that board members have in interpreting policies, stressing their impact on the strategic direction and operational efficacy of businesses. Diverse perspectives and critical thinking are fostered by a board membership with a range of educational backgrounds, which has a favourable effect on return on investment and corporate governance. Overall, this study highlights how crucial a diverse board of directors is to advance organisational success and accomplish strategic goals in the ever-changing environment of South African private sector businesses. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Dumalisile, Tutula
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Directors of corporations -- South Africa , Performance , Competency-based education
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70275 , vital:78335
- Description: This study investigates the significant influence that board member competency has on the organisational success of South African companies. Employing a quantitative analysis, the study concentrates on key areas of board competence, such as finance, policy interpretation, human resource management, and educational backgrounds. The results show that board members with expertise improve the effectiveness of governance, the calibre of financial reporting, and the choice of strategic investments. Furthermore, there is a correlation between enhanced decision-making procedures to better organisational results and the board members' proficiency in personnel management. The study also emphasises the critical role that board members have in interpreting policies, stressing their impact on the strategic direction and operational efficacy of businesses. Diverse perspectives and critical thinking are fostered by a board membership with a range of educational backgrounds, which has a favourable effect on return on investment and corporate governance. Overall, this study highlights how crucial a diverse board of directors is to advance organisational success and accomplish strategic goals in the ever-changing environment of South African private sector businesses. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
An investigation into the causes and effect of rising public debt in South Africa, 2009-2019
- Authors: Mzumala, Mirriam
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Debts, Public South Africa , South Africa Economic conditions , Global Financial Crisis, 2008-2009 , Expenditures, Public , Economic development South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/461918 , vital:76251
- Description: This study delves into the intricate factors contributing to the rising public debt in South Africa between 2009 and 2019, while also scrutinising the efficacy of public debt expenditure during this period. By examining data sourced from the SA National Treasury of South Africa and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), the research endeavours to elucidate the underlying causes behind the burgeoning public debt and assess the impact of expenditure patterns on economic outcomes. The global financial crisis of 2008/2009 marked a pivotal juncture for South Africa's economy, precipitating a series of fiscal challenges that reverberated throughout the subsequent decade. Against this backdrop, this study embarks on a dual mission: firstly, to decipher the drivers underpinning the surge in public debt, and secondly, to gauge the efficacy of public expenditure vis-à-vis economic growth and development objectives. From 2009 to 2019, fiscal analysis shows a clear pattern of growing budget deficits, with government spending surpassing revenue growth. South Africa's fiscal policy has heavily favoured deficit spending, relying on debt to cover revenue shortfalls and maintain expenditure growth. Most government spending goes towards current payments and social transfers, leaving little for capital formation. Despite the National Development Plan's emphasis on investing in productive assets, both public and private sector investments have consistently fallen below targets, hindering significant contributions to economic growth. The rising public debt in South Africa stems from numerous factors, including excessive spending on unproductive areas like government compensation and social transfers, alongside high borrowing costs. This consumption-focused economic approach, coupled with insufficient investment in productive assets, has hindered South Africa's economic progress compared to global counterparts. Given these challenges, it is crucial to shift fiscal priorities towards strategies focused on investment-led growth. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
- Authors: Mzumala, Mirriam
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Debts, Public South Africa , South Africa Economic conditions , Global Financial Crisis, 2008-2009 , Expenditures, Public , Economic development South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/461918 , vital:76251
- Description: This study delves into the intricate factors contributing to the rising public debt in South Africa between 2009 and 2019, while also scrutinising the efficacy of public debt expenditure during this period. By examining data sourced from the SA National Treasury of South Africa and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), the research endeavours to elucidate the underlying causes behind the burgeoning public debt and assess the impact of expenditure patterns on economic outcomes. The global financial crisis of 2008/2009 marked a pivotal juncture for South Africa's economy, precipitating a series of fiscal challenges that reverberated throughout the subsequent decade. Against this backdrop, this study embarks on a dual mission: firstly, to decipher the drivers underpinning the surge in public debt, and secondly, to gauge the efficacy of public expenditure vis-à-vis economic growth and development objectives. From 2009 to 2019, fiscal analysis shows a clear pattern of growing budget deficits, with government spending surpassing revenue growth. South Africa's fiscal policy has heavily favoured deficit spending, relying on debt to cover revenue shortfalls and maintain expenditure growth. Most government spending goes towards current payments and social transfers, leaving little for capital formation. Despite the National Development Plan's emphasis on investing in productive assets, both public and private sector investments have consistently fallen below targets, hindering significant contributions to economic growth. The rising public debt in South Africa stems from numerous factors, including excessive spending on unproductive areas like government compensation and social transfers, alongside high borrowing costs. This consumption-focused economic approach, coupled with insufficient investment in productive assets, has hindered South Africa's economic progress compared to global counterparts. Given these challenges, it is crucial to shift fiscal priorities towards strategies focused on investment-led growth. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
Managing releases of Anagyrus vladimiri (Triapitsyn) to augment biocontrol of the citrus mealybug Planococcus citri (Risso) in South African citrus orchards
- Authors: Mommsen, Wayne Trevor
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Citrus Diseases and pests South Africa , Citrus mealybug , Anagyrus vladimiri , Parasitism , Hyperparasite , Pests Biological control
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434952 , vital:73118
- Description: In May 2019, South Korean inspectors rejected numerous grapefruit consignments from Letsitele, Hoedspruit and Onderberg in South Arica, because of live mealybug found on fruit. Growers expressed deep concern as mealybug management to a phytosanitary level was almost unattainable. Regular spray interventions for control of citrus black spot fungus, Phyllosticta citricarpa, and citrus thrips, Scirtothrips aurantii, cause repercussions in mealybug populations because they undermine the naturally occurring biocontrol complex. As part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, release of commercially produced parasitoids is common practice, to augment the naturally occurring beneficial insect populations. Prior knowledge of the harmful effects of insecticides on parasitoids is essential to IPM planning and the success of the biocontrol component in such a programme. Timing of augmentative releases to coincide with the phenology of citrus and the mealybug pest is also considered important for the successful establishment and control. Consequently, field trials were conducted to compare efficacy of early vs. late releases of Anagyrus vladimiri (Triapitsyn), an effective parasitoid of the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso). Semi-field bioassays were conducted concurrently to determine the impact of various thripicides on A. vladimiri. The impact of sulfoxaflor, spinetoram, spirotetramat and prothiofos were rated harmless, as A. vladimiri mortality was lower than 25% after coming into contact with aged residues between 7 and 14 days old. October and November releases of A. vladimiri resulted in early parasitism and lowered peak-infestation of mealybug. January releases are possibly too late in grapefruit and lemon, open field, orchards, considering parasitism by A. vladimiri peaked in February. In mandarin orchards under net, percentage parasitism of 3rd instar mealybug increased a month later. Notably, at harvest, the difference in efficacy between treatments was not clear. This could be explained by high levels of natural parasitism observed in the treated and untreated orchards, which emphasises the importance of conservation biocontrol. In a second season, the proportion of hyperparasitoids captured (61%) from samples of mealybug-infested fruit was larger than the proportion of primary parasitoids, Anagyrus vladimiri, Coccidoxenoides perminutus (Girault) and Leptomastix dactylopii (Howard) (39%), which was far lower than the captures of eclosing primary parasitoids the previous season, which was 60%. The new discovery of Pseudaphycus sp. in citrus orchards in South Africa could be a key in explaining the uncontrollable levels of mealybug experienced and has drawn attention to a need for further understanding of ecological factors that influence biological control in citrus. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
- Authors: Mommsen, Wayne Trevor
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Citrus Diseases and pests South Africa , Citrus mealybug , Anagyrus vladimiri , Parasitism , Hyperparasite , Pests Biological control
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434952 , vital:73118
- Description: In May 2019, South Korean inspectors rejected numerous grapefruit consignments from Letsitele, Hoedspruit and Onderberg in South Arica, because of live mealybug found on fruit. Growers expressed deep concern as mealybug management to a phytosanitary level was almost unattainable. Regular spray interventions for control of citrus black spot fungus, Phyllosticta citricarpa, and citrus thrips, Scirtothrips aurantii, cause repercussions in mealybug populations because they undermine the naturally occurring biocontrol complex. As part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, release of commercially produced parasitoids is common practice, to augment the naturally occurring beneficial insect populations. Prior knowledge of the harmful effects of insecticides on parasitoids is essential to IPM planning and the success of the biocontrol component in such a programme. Timing of augmentative releases to coincide with the phenology of citrus and the mealybug pest is also considered important for the successful establishment and control. Consequently, field trials were conducted to compare efficacy of early vs. late releases of Anagyrus vladimiri (Triapitsyn), an effective parasitoid of the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso). Semi-field bioassays were conducted concurrently to determine the impact of various thripicides on A. vladimiri. The impact of sulfoxaflor, spinetoram, spirotetramat and prothiofos were rated harmless, as A. vladimiri mortality was lower than 25% after coming into contact with aged residues between 7 and 14 days old. October and November releases of A. vladimiri resulted in early parasitism and lowered peak-infestation of mealybug. January releases are possibly too late in grapefruit and lemon, open field, orchards, considering parasitism by A. vladimiri peaked in February. In mandarin orchards under net, percentage parasitism of 3rd instar mealybug increased a month later. Notably, at harvest, the difference in efficacy between treatments was not clear. This could be explained by high levels of natural parasitism observed in the treated and untreated orchards, which emphasises the importance of conservation biocontrol. In a second season, the proportion of hyperparasitoids captured (61%) from samples of mealybug-infested fruit was larger than the proportion of primary parasitoids, Anagyrus vladimiri, Coccidoxenoides perminutus (Girault) and Leptomastix dactylopii (Howard) (39%), which was far lower than the captures of eclosing primary parasitoids the previous season, which was 60%. The new discovery of Pseudaphycus sp. in citrus orchards in South Africa could be a key in explaining the uncontrollable levels of mealybug experienced and has drawn attention to a need for further understanding of ecological factors that influence biological control in citrus. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
Investigating long-term sustainability of financing photovoltaic systems, small scale inverters for the local communities in Soweto, South Africa
- Authors: Mnyani, Siphamandla
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Photovoltaic power systems , Solar energy , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65197 , vital:74045
- Description: The study explores the energy supply challenges faced by South Africa. The research was triggered by the decline of the social fabric and lack of economic development in communities such as Soweto due to energy crisis in South Africa. It also analyses the impact that the energy supply challenges have on communities, as well as socio-economic development, employment opportunities and human development. Hence, it provides the nexus between the feasibility of funding photovoltaic (PV) installations, supply of clean reliable energy, socio-economic development, and environmental sustainability. An in-depth literature review was conducted to obtain insights into various funding mechanisms that were adopted in Asia and the Andean countries for the installation of renewable PV systems to provide electricity in marginalised communities, with the aim of achieving sustainable development. This study was conducted using quantitative research methods, which consisted of collecting data from Soweto residents and using probability sampling method, 92 of the respondents completed the survey. The data collected was analysed using data analysis techniques such as, Pearson correlation test, Chi2 and sample T-testing analysis which were conducted to help the researcher to create knowledge and better decision-making and allowed for multiple measurements to be analysed simultaneously. The results obtained from the Pearson correlation as well as Chi2 techniques, indicated a positive relationship between the value of funding PV solar systems and the installation of small-scale inverters in Soweto Township. The analysis performed shows that funding the installation of PV solar system will contribute towards affordable, sustainable energy as well as economic growth in Soweto. Strong emphasis should be put on the analysis of funding models that will contribute towards affordable, clean, sustainable energy in the Townships. This can be achieved through tax breaks or incentives that were implemented by the national treasury in February 2023 or, the establishment of green funds coupled with incentives from the United Nations (UN) (National treasury , 2023). This study was significant in South Africa, since there are no studies of similar nature that have been conducted before, that are related to funding models, renewable energies technologies, micro grids for the marginalised communities. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Mnyani, Siphamandla
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Photovoltaic power systems , Solar energy , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65197 , vital:74045
- Description: The study explores the energy supply challenges faced by South Africa. The research was triggered by the decline of the social fabric and lack of economic development in communities such as Soweto due to energy crisis in South Africa. It also analyses the impact that the energy supply challenges have on communities, as well as socio-economic development, employment opportunities and human development. Hence, it provides the nexus between the feasibility of funding photovoltaic (PV) installations, supply of clean reliable energy, socio-economic development, and environmental sustainability. An in-depth literature review was conducted to obtain insights into various funding mechanisms that were adopted in Asia and the Andean countries for the installation of renewable PV systems to provide electricity in marginalised communities, with the aim of achieving sustainable development. This study was conducted using quantitative research methods, which consisted of collecting data from Soweto residents and using probability sampling method, 92 of the respondents completed the survey. The data collected was analysed using data analysis techniques such as, Pearson correlation test, Chi2 and sample T-testing analysis which were conducted to help the researcher to create knowledge and better decision-making and allowed for multiple measurements to be analysed simultaneously. The results obtained from the Pearson correlation as well as Chi2 techniques, indicated a positive relationship between the value of funding PV solar systems and the installation of small-scale inverters in Soweto Township. The analysis performed shows that funding the installation of PV solar system will contribute towards affordable, sustainable energy as well as economic growth in Soweto. Strong emphasis should be put on the analysis of funding models that will contribute towards affordable, clean, sustainable energy in the Townships. This can be achieved through tax breaks or incentives that were implemented by the national treasury in February 2023 or, the establishment of green funds coupled with incentives from the United Nations (UN) (National treasury , 2023). This study was significant in South Africa, since there are no studies of similar nature that have been conducted before, that are related to funding models, renewable energies technologies, micro grids for the marginalised communities. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
A qualitative review on the manner in which psychologists address language barriers in psychological testing with isiXhosa speaking clients.
- Authors: Fouche, Nicoleen
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: language barriers , isiXhosa , psychological tests,
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62838 , vital:73055
- Description: A racially segregated culture historically influenced the growth of psychological testing and evaluation in South Africa. Thus, South Africa's multicultural and multilingual community poses difficulties for psychologists in their daily work. Most of the psychological tests used by psychologists are predominantly normed in either or only English/Afrikaans. Given the economic and professional resources required to develop new standardised tests for the broader South African population, the current status quo is set to continue for the foreseeable future. Consequently, language barriers pose a challenge when psychometric standardised tests are administered in a language that is different from that of the client, and as a result, psychologists must develop ways to enhance the fairness of these measures for their client base. The avenue of research that was explored is how psychologists overcome the language boundary when assessing clients who speak an indigenous first language, particularly isiXhosa. As such, this study explored this question through qualitative methods. Through purposive sampling, nine psychologists were invited to share their practical expertise on this topic, using semi-structured online interviews. The findings of this study suggested several core themes providing useful methods for other psychologists facing the same challenge, including the challenges with administering psychological tests with isiXhosa clients, the availability of standardised tests in the South African context, and the importance of determining the client’s language proficiency. Five themes with several sub-themes emerged from the study. The study contributes to the currently limited existing body of knowledge, and subsequently to the research area that this study explores - thus further providing guidelines that practitioners can employ when working with clients who are isiXhosa speaking. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Health Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Fouche, Nicoleen
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: language barriers , isiXhosa , psychological tests,
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62838 , vital:73055
- Description: A racially segregated culture historically influenced the growth of psychological testing and evaluation in South Africa. Thus, South Africa's multicultural and multilingual community poses difficulties for psychologists in their daily work. Most of the psychological tests used by psychologists are predominantly normed in either or only English/Afrikaans. Given the economic and professional resources required to develop new standardised tests for the broader South African population, the current status quo is set to continue for the foreseeable future. Consequently, language barriers pose a challenge when psychometric standardised tests are administered in a language that is different from that of the client, and as a result, psychologists must develop ways to enhance the fairness of these measures for their client base. The avenue of research that was explored is how psychologists overcome the language boundary when assessing clients who speak an indigenous first language, particularly isiXhosa. As such, this study explored this question through qualitative methods. Through purposive sampling, nine psychologists were invited to share their practical expertise on this topic, using semi-structured online interviews. The findings of this study suggested several core themes providing useful methods for other psychologists facing the same challenge, including the challenges with administering psychological tests with isiXhosa clients, the availability of standardised tests in the South African context, and the importance of determining the client’s language proficiency. Five themes with several sub-themes emerged from the study. The study contributes to the currently limited existing body of knowledge, and subsequently to the research area that this study explores - thus further providing guidelines that practitioners can employ when working with clients who are isiXhosa speaking. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Health Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
The use of assistive technology in inclusive education: understanding the experiences of students with learning disabilities at South African universities
- Maswana, Lindokuhle Ngcwelekazi
- Authors: Maswana, Lindokuhle Ngcwelekazi
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Discrimination against people with disabilities , Ableism , Learning disabilities South Africa , College students with disabilities South Africa , Inclusive education South Africa , Assistive computer technology , Self-help devices for people with disabilities
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425160 , vital:72215
- Description: The primary purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of students with learning disabilities in accessing assistive technology at South African universities. The field of learning disabilities is relatively emerging in South Africa. Critical scholarly literature demonstrates that universal access, democratic participation and inclusion remains a challenge for students with learning disabilities in higher education. This research is informed by the Social Model of Disability (SMD) and the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which are considered vital elements of disability inclusion and transformation in higher education. The social model of disability provides valuable insights into social barriers that continue to marginalise, discriminate and exclude those living with disabilities. This research is primarily qualitative using in-depth semi-structured interviews. Quantitative surveys were utilised to further complement the research. The unit of analysis in this study were students with learning disabilities, academic, library, disability unit, Student Affairs Services and ICT staff members. Two universities were chosen for this purpose: one with a dedicated disability unit and another one still in its infancy in establishing a disability unit. The findings indicate that the disability services offered to the students at the two institutions are qualitatively different. This study reveals glaring gaps at institutional level in the nature and extent of support services available to students with learning disabilities: lack of adequate resources including funding, inaccessible assistive technology, lack of training and expertise and staff attitudes in dealing with students with learning disabilities. The study found that after the students with learning disabilities disclose, they are neglected, and experience negative attitudes and stigma. The study showed that sometimes it is hard and expensive to get accommodations as a student with learning disabilities. The findings suggest that having a dedicated disability unit increases inclusion and awareness about available services compared to universities that do not have them. A concern was raised by the staff members that students with disabilities do not make use of the available assistive technology. This study calls for integrating the universal design for learning with assistive technology to enhance the inclusion of students with learning disabilities in South African universities. This will assist students with learning disabilities to achieve better academic outcomes and complete their tasks more efficiently and independently. This study recognises that the provision of disability services is a costly enterprise but service delivery needs to be fast-tracked regardless. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Maswana, Lindokuhle Ngcwelekazi
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Discrimination against people with disabilities , Ableism , Learning disabilities South Africa , College students with disabilities South Africa , Inclusive education South Africa , Assistive computer technology , Self-help devices for people with disabilities
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425160 , vital:72215
- Description: The primary purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of students with learning disabilities in accessing assistive technology at South African universities. The field of learning disabilities is relatively emerging in South Africa. Critical scholarly literature demonstrates that universal access, democratic participation and inclusion remains a challenge for students with learning disabilities in higher education. This research is informed by the Social Model of Disability (SMD) and the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which are considered vital elements of disability inclusion and transformation in higher education. The social model of disability provides valuable insights into social barriers that continue to marginalise, discriminate and exclude those living with disabilities. This research is primarily qualitative using in-depth semi-structured interviews. Quantitative surveys were utilised to further complement the research. The unit of analysis in this study were students with learning disabilities, academic, library, disability unit, Student Affairs Services and ICT staff members. Two universities were chosen for this purpose: one with a dedicated disability unit and another one still in its infancy in establishing a disability unit. The findings indicate that the disability services offered to the students at the two institutions are qualitatively different. This study reveals glaring gaps at institutional level in the nature and extent of support services available to students with learning disabilities: lack of adequate resources including funding, inaccessible assistive technology, lack of training and expertise and staff attitudes in dealing with students with learning disabilities. The study found that after the students with learning disabilities disclose, they are neglected, and experience negative attitudes and stigma. The study showed that sometimes it is hard and expensive to get accommodations as a student with learning disabilities. The findings suggest that having a dedicated disability unit increases inclusion and awareness about available services compared to universities that do not have them. A concern was raised by the staff members that students with disabilities do not make use of the available assistive technology. This study calls for integrating the universal design for learning with assistive technology to enhance the inclusion of students with learning disabilities in South African universities. This will assist students with learning disabilities to achieve better academic outcomes and complete their tasks more efficiently and independently. This study recognises that the provision of disability services is a costly enterprise but service delivery needs to be fast-tracked regardless. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The effectiveness and feasibility of online prolonged exposure therapy for post-traumatic stress among university students
- Authors: Slabbert, Maryna
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Exposure therapy , Post-traumatic stress disorder , College students South Africa , Prolonged exposure therapy , Online therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408885 , vital:70534
- Description: Research has found that 70.6% of university students reported exposure to several traumatic events (Hoffman, 2002). Considering the high prevalence of trauma exposure among South African university students, many are at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Iribarren, Prolo, Naegos & Chiappelli, 2005). Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) is regarded as a first-line trauma therapy for PTSD (Foa, Hembree, Rothbaum, & Rauch, 2019). During the Covid-19 pandemic, public health guidelines for physical distancing reduced access to face-to-face mental health care. In response to this, many health care providers adapted to pandemic constraints by meeting their clients online, through Zoom, for example (Wells et al., 2020). Considering the prevalence of trauma exposure among university students, as well as the increased necessity of teletherapy, the study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of online PE for PTSD among university students in a South African setting. The study employed Single-Case Experimental Design (SCED) as basis for its research design. Participants included a sample of Rhodes University students (n = 3) who were recruited through purposive sampling. Prior to the intervention, all three participants met the criteria for PTSD, and comorbid depression. Based on the measures used, two of the three participants did not meet the criteria for PTSD post-intervention. In terms of depression symptoms, one participant did not meet the criteria for depression post-intervention, and another participant showed a decrease in depression symptoms. Regarding the feasibility of online PE, all three participants reported the intervention to be feasible, acceptable, and appropriate. Overall, the study provides preliminary results to support the effectiveness and feasibility of online PE. It also gives insight into the value of intervention research and how it can ameliorate PTSD in a South African setting, as well as other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-30
- Authors: Slabbert, Maryna
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Exposure therapy , Post-traumatic stress disorder , College students South Africa , Prolonged exposure therapy , Online therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408885 , vital:70534
- Description: Research has found that 70.6% of university students reported exposure to several traumatic events (Hoffman, 2002). Considering the high prevalence of trauma exposure among South African university students, many are at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Iribarren, Prolo, Naegos & Chiappelli, 2005). Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) is regarded as a first-line trauma therapy for PTSD (Foa, Hembree, Rothbaum, & Rauch, 2019). During the Covid-19 pandemic, public health guidelines for physical distancing reduced access to face-to-face mental health care. In response to this, many health care providers adapted to pandemic constraints by meeting their clients online, through Zoom, for example (Wells et al., 2020). Considering the prevalence of trauma exposure among university students, as well as the increased necessity of teletherapy, the study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of online PE for PTSD among university students in a South African setting. The study employed Single-Case Experimental Design (SCED) as basis for its research design. Participants included a sample of Rhodes University students (n = 3) who were recruited through purposive sampling. Prior to the intervention, all three participants met the criteria for PTSD, and comorbid depression. Based on the measures used, two of the three participants did not meet the criteria for PTSD post-intervention. In terms of depression symptoms, one participant did not meet the criteria for depression post-intervention, and another participant showed a decrease in depression symptoms. Regarding the feasibility of online PE, all three participants reported the intervention to be feasible, acceptable, and appropriate. Overall, the study provides preliminary results to support the effectiveness and feasibility of online PE. It also gives insight into the value of intervention research and how it can ameliorate PTSD in a South African setting, as well as other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-30
A multimodal analysis of the representation of voter disillusionment in social media memes distributed on Twitter in the lead up to the 2019 South African general election
- Authors: Jeftha, Courtney Alexandra
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Elections South Africa 21st century , Culture Study and teaching South Africa , Mass media Study and teaching South Africa , Social media South Africa , Memes South Africa , Visual sociology , Textual Analysis , Critical discourse analysis , Modality (Linguistics)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405930 , vital:70220
- Description: This study is situated in the context of the 2019 South African general election, which saw the lowest voter turnout since its first democratic election in 1994. Many have questioned the capabilities of the African National Congress (ANC) since they came into power in 1994, due to allegations of corruption, maladministration and poor leadership. The concerns about the party’s ability to manage the country’s various social issues have led to a drop in voter turnout. There was much discussion in the media about the lack of voter turnout amongst young people in South Africa. This topic became a trending topic on social media under the #iwanttovotebut hashtag. The sentiments expressed by South African Twitter users in the #iwanttovotebut memes are explored in this study. The analysis of the memes draws on the works of Kress and van Leeuwen’s (1996; 2006) visual social semiotics, Fairclough’s (1989) approach to Critical discourse analysis (CDA), and Thompson’s operation of ideologies. VSS allows for the description of the various semiotic resources that memers use to construct their meaning from multimodal texts. The tools provided by CDA go beyond the description of VSS and develop a more detailed analysis of how the memers construct their discourses of democracy/governance. Thompson’s (1991) approach to understanding how ideology operates in language enables the deepening of the understanding of the dominant and naturalised notions of democracy/governance. The findings indicate that memers have a limited understanding of democracy. They also have a limited understanding of how political parties operate and their responsibilities in the form of government and various agencies. In addition, it is not surprising that young people are not voting in the 2019 general election. This is a phenomenon that the media has characterized as “apathy.” However, this research indicates that it would be more accurate to describe it as “disillusionment.” , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Journalism and Media Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Jeftha, Courtney Alexandra
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Elections South Africa 21st century , Culture Study and teaching South Africa , Mass media Study and teaching South Africa , Social media South Africa , Memes South Africa , Visual sociology , Textual Analysis , Critical discourse analysis , Modality (Linguistics)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405930 , vital:70220
- Description: This study is situated in the context of the 2019 South African general election, which saw the lowest voter turnout since its first democratic election in 1994. Many have questioned the capabilities of the African National Congress (ANC) since they came into power in 1994, due to allegations of corruption, maladministration and poor leadership. The concerns about the party’s ability to manage the country’s various social issues have led to a drop in voter turnout. There was much discussion in the media about the lack of voter turnout amongst young people in South Africa. This topic became a trending topic on social media under the #iwanttovotebut hashtag. The sentiments expressed by South African Twitter users in the #iwanttovotebut memes are explored in this study. The analysis of the memes draws on the works of Kress and van Leeuwen’s (1996; 2006) visual social semiotics, Fairclough’s (1989) approach to Critical discourse analysis (CDA), and Thompson’s operation of ideologies. VSS allows for the description of the various semiotic resources that memers use to construct their meaning from multimodal texts. The tools provided by CDA go beyond the description of VSS and develop a more detailed analysis of how the memers construct their discourses of democracy/governance. Thompson’s (1991) approach to understanding how ideology operates in language enables the deepening of the understanding of the dominant and naturalised notions of democracy/governance. The findings indicate that memers have a limited understanding of democracy. They also have a limited understanding of how political parties operate and their responsibilities in the form of government and various agencies. In addition, it is not surprising that young people are not voting in the 2019 general election. This is a phenomenon that the media has characterized as “apathy.” However, this research indicates that it would be more accurate to describe it as “disillusionment.” , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Journalism and Media Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Knowledge of and concern about global biodiversity loss vs local biodiversity loss in the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany Hotspot (MPA)
- Authors: Toyisi, Zanele Jacqueline
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Biodiversity Public opinion , Biodiversity conservation South Africa , Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany Hotspot , Biodiversity loss , Local knowledge
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365025 , vital:65671
- Description: Biodiversity forms the basis of the ecosystem services that society depends on. However, humanity has caused an increase in the extinction rates up to 100 times higher than that of evolutionary background levels. Recent studies found that biodiversity conservation becomes successful when it is grounded in local support. Support for conservation of biodiversity depends on peoples’ knowledge of biodiversity, their attitudes and awareness of the number of species that are present and that are threatened with extinction. However, some studies have shown that the public has little knowledge about the concept of biodiversity and have poor biodiversity identification skills. There is growing concern that people know and are more concerned about global biodiversity loss than what is happening around them locally. The notion that people know and are more concerned about global biodiversity loss rather than local, has not been deeply studied. Most studies have been in developed countries, with limited studies in developing countries and countries that have high diversity such as South Africa. Having accurate knowledge about biodiversity and the environment is said to be the key predictor of intention to change behaviour in relation to biodiversity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand the knowledge and concern (if any) people have of biodiversity at global and local scales. More so, it set out to determine how familiar people are with the term biodiversity, what they consider as forces leading to biodiversity decline, the level of concern that they have for biodiversity loss and if knowledge and concern is influenced by demographic profiles. To achieve this aim, a total of 220 random interviews were conducted in three towns within the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany Hotspot in South Africa. The results show that respondents are familiar with the term biodiversity. There was a strong relationship between having heard of the term and the ability to define it with 55 % of the respondents aware of it and able to define it. Respondents had moderate knowledge general knowledge related to biodiversity. Gender, education and childhood background did play a role in the knowledge of biodiversity. Women had more knowledge about biodiversity than men, highly educated respondents knew more and the youth knew more than older respondents. The results of this study found that there were no respondents who could not name any local species from South Africa. However, things changed at global level with 32 % of the participants unable to name species at global level. Endangered species are still relatively unknown, as the majority of respondents could not name any at district (84 %) or at global level (61 %). Charismatic species were known the most by respondents as 52 % mentioned them at national level and 59 % at global level. This study also assessed if there is concern for biodiversity loss. The results showed that there is concern for biodiversity with 71 % of the respondents in support for conservation and 60 % of the respondents willing to donate towards conservation. This study found that reasons for conservation related to the level of products consumed directly from the environment. Those that supported conservation for use values consumed more products from the environment than those who were in support for non-use values. Furtherly, this study found that women were more concerned about biodiversity loss than men. Highly educated respondents were more concerned and the youth was not. Furtherly, this study found that knowledge about biodiversity loss corelated with concern. For example, women had more knowledge and were more concerned about biodiversity loss. Overall, this study has shown that there is some knowledge and concern that people have about biodiversity and its loss. This can assist the relevant policy makers and researchers to know where intervention is needed to increase the knowledge that people have of biodiversity loss and which aspects of biodiversity people are most concerned about. This is so that new policies and conservation measures can include what is appealing to the local people so that support for conservation can be built and accepted by local people. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Toyisi, Zanele Jacqueline
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Biodiversity Public opinion , Biodiversity conservation South Africa , Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany Hotspot , Biodiversity loss , Local knowledge
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365025 , vital:65671
- Description: Biodiversity forms the basis of the ecosystem services that society depends on. However, humanity has caused an increase in the extinction rates up to 100 times higher than that of evolutionary background levels. Recent studies found that biodiversity conservation becomes successful when it is grounded in local support. Support for conservation of biodiversity depends on peoples’ knowledge of biodiversity, their attitudes and awareness of the number of species that are present and that are threatened with extinction. However, some studies have shown that the public has little knowledge about the concept of biodiversity and have poor biodiversity identification skills. There is growing concern that people know and are more concerned about global biodiversity loss than what is happening around them locally. The notion that people know and are more concerned about global biodiversity loss rather than local, has not been deeply studied. Most studies have been in developed countries, with limited studies in developing countries and countries that have high diversity such as South Africa. Having accurate knowledge about biodiversity and the environment is said to be the key predictor of intention to change behaviour in relation to biodiversity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand the knowledge and concern (if any) people have of biodiversity at global and local scales. More so, it set out to determine how familiar people are with the term biodiversity, what they consider as forces leading to biodiversity decline, the level of concern that they have for biodiversity loss and if knowledge and concern is influenced by demographic profiles. To achieve this aim, a total of 220 random interviews were conducted in three towns within the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany Hotspot in South Africa. The results show that respondents are familiar with the term biodiversity. There was a strong relationship between having heard of the term and the ability to define it with 55 % of the respondents aware of it and able to define it. Respondents had moderate knowledge general knowledge related to biodiversity. Gender, education and childhood background did play a role in the knowledge of biodiversity. Women had more knowledge about biodiversity than men, highly educated respondents knew more and the youth knew more than older respondents. The results of this study found that there were no respondents who could not name any local species from South Africa. However, things changed at global level with 32 % of the participants unable to name species at global level. Endangered species are still relatively unknown, as the majority of respondents could not name any at district (84 %) or at global level (61 %). Charismatic species were known the most by respondents as 52 % mentioned them at national level and 59 % at global level. This study also assessed if there is concern for biodiversity loss. The results showed that there is concern for biodiversity with 71 % of the respondents in support for conservation and 60 % of the respondents willing to donate towards conservation. This study found that reasons for conservation related to the level of products consumed directly from the environment. Those that supported conservation for use values consumed more products from the environment than those who were in support for non-use values. Furtherly, this study found that women were more concerned about biodiversity loss than men. Highly educated respondents were more concerned and the youth was not. Furtherly, this study found that knowledge about biodiversity loss corelated with concern. For example, women had more knowledge and were more concerned about biodiversity loss. Overall, this study has shown that there is some knowledge and concern that people have about biodiversity and its loss. This can assist the relevant policy makers and researchers to know where intervention is needed to increase the knowledge that people have of biodiversity loss and which aspects of biodiversity people are most concerned about. This is so that new policies and conservation measures can include what is appealing to the local people so that support for conservation can be built and accepted by local people. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Rural households’ perceptions of an invasive alien species rosa rubiginosa l. (rosehip) and the role it plays in rural livelihoods in Lesotho
- Authors: Makhorole, Thato Violet
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Rose hips Lesotho , Invasive plants Lesotho , Rural poor Lesotho , Probit model , Principal components analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403069 , vital:69919
- Description: Despite the vast research on the negative impacts of invasive alien species on the environment, these species remain part of the rural communities due to their numerous livelihood uses. Thus, more research is required, focusing mainly on the impacts of invasive alien species on the livelihoods of rural communities. This study investigated the community perceptions of rosehip (Rosa rubiginosa) and its contribution to rural communities as an invasive alien species. Four community councils, Pitseng, Matlameng, Limamarela and Mphorosane in the Leribe District Lesotho, were assessed. The study followed the pragmatism paradigm. The contribution of rosehip to rural livelihoods was analysed by comparing income from rosehip with other income sources. The study used simple random sampling and snowball sampling to select a representative of 160 respondents. The primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires. Moreover, SPSS and Stata statistical package programs were used for statistical analyses. The results showed that rosehip's livelihood benefits, its negative impacts, the length of time it has been available in the area, and its abundance highly influence the social, economic and environmental perception of rural communities. Furthermore, the study revealed that although the income from rosehip is extremely low and available for only three months of the year, the income plays an important part to the poorer households who have no other income sources. The study found that the main reason for engagement in rosehip harvesting despite its challenging nature was unemployment. The study also revealed that rosehip is part of the risk-reducing strategy or income diversification. Some households used it to complement other sources of income, such as agricultural production. Rosehip trade, if well-controlled, has the potential to alleviate rural poverty by creating job opportunities, providing a source of household income, and acting as a safety net in the face of shocks such as limited job opportunities and food shortages. In conclusion, households’ perceptions of rosehip have proven that rosehip is a valuable resource that provides a supplementary income that contributes towards alleviating poverty in Lesotho’s rural communities. The study recommends the private sector to establish and manages small agro-processing industries focusing on products used daily. The study also encourages environmental education and indigenous knowledge among community members, which would include knowledge and recognition of invasive alien species and their potential benefits and threats. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Makhorole, Thato Violet
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Rose hips Lesotho , Invasive plants Lesotho , Rural poor Lesotho , Probit model , Principal components analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403069 , vital:69919
- Description: Despite the vast research on the negative impacts of invasive alien species on the environment, these species remain part of the rural communities due to their numerous livelihood uses. Thus, more research is required, focusing mainly on the impacts of invasive alien species on the livelihoods of rural communities. This study investigated the community perceptions of rosehip (Rosa rubiginosa) and its contribution to rural communities as an invasive alien species. Four community councils, Pitseng, Matlameng, Limamarela and Mphorosane in the Leribe District Lesotho, were assessed. The study followed the pragmatism paradigm. The contribution of rosehip to rural livelihoods was analysed by comparing income from rosehip with other income sources. The study used simple random sampling and snowball sampling to select a representative of 160 respondents. The primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires. Moreover, SPSS and Stata statistical package programs were used for statistical analyses. The results showed that rosehip's livelihood benefits, its negative impacts, the length of time it has been available in the area, and its abundance highly influence the social, economic and environmental perception of rural communities. Furthermore, the study revealed that although the income from rosehip is extremely low and available for only three months of the year, the income plays an important part to the poorer households who have no other income sources. The study found that the main reason for engagement in rosehip harvesting despite its challenging nature was unemployment. The study also revealed that rosehip is part of the risk-reducing strategy or income diversification. Some households used it to complement other sources of income, such as agricultural production. Rosehip trade, if well-controlled, has the potential to alleviate rural poverty by creating job opportunities, providing a source of household income, and acting as a safety net in the face of shocks such as limited job opportunities and food shortages. In conclusion, households’ perceptions of rosehip have proven that rosehip is a valuable resource that provides a supplementary income that contributes towards alleviating poverty in Lesotho’s rural communities. The study recommends the private sector to establish and manages small agro-processing industries focusing on products used daily. The study also encourages environmental education and indigenous knowledge among community members, which would include knowledge and recognition of invasive alien species and their potential benefits and threats. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Financial technology and bank risk-taking behavior: a case of selected South African banks
- Authors: Magula, Zizipho
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/234206 , vital:50172
- Description: In this study, our analysis contributes to the emerging literature investigating if the introduction of FinTech enhances or diminishes the effect of the bank risk determinants in the South African banking sector and establish if FinTech can be a channel that affects bank risk-taking behaviour in South Africa. Using data collected from Thomson Reuters and the South African Reserve Bank covering the top ten South African banks based on the availability of data on all variables, we provide detailed evidence on the effects of FinTech on risk-taking behaviour of banks and the effects of FinTech on bank determinants such as Non-performing loans (NPL). Still, scant empirical research has investigated whether FinTech start-ups cause banks to increase their risk- taking behaviour to remain relevant, competitive and maintain their market share. From an economic perspective, it is crucial to close the research gap to understand better how FinTechs reshape the banking sector, the financial sector, and the economy by analyzing the effects of FinTech on bank characteristics. The study shows that banks' risk-taking behaviour is increased when the FinTech financial planning platform is introduced in the selected banks. Secondly, the effects of NPLs are enhanced through the following, which in turn affects the bank risk: 1. Credit dummy variable when the money market dummy variable is introduced in banks. 2. The interaction of NPL and the transfer dummy variable when the FinTech credit segment is introduced in banks. 3. Money market dummy variable and NPL interaction when the credit and transfer segment is introduced in banks. The findings of this study add to the advancement of bank and FinTech literature and provide new opportunities for future research, particularly in the South African context. Finance specialists may be interested in the changes that FinTechs make in the financial sector, while economists may investigate the implications for the overall economy or required policy reforms. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Magula, Zizipho
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/234206 , vital:50172
- Description: In this study, our analysis contributes to the emerging literature investigating if the introduction of FinTech enhances or diminishes the effect of the bank risk determinants in the South African banking sector and establish if FinTech can be a channel that affects bank risk-taking behaviour in South Africa. Using data collected from Thomson Reuters and the South African Reserve Bank covering the top ten South African banks based on the availability of data on all variables, we provide detailed evidence on the effects of FinTech on risk-taking behaviour of banks and the effects of FinTech on bank determinants such as Non-performing loans (NPL). Still, scant empirical research has investigated whether FinTech start-ups cause banks to increase their risk- taking behaviour to remain relevant, competitive and maintain their market share. From an economic perspective, it is crucial to close the research gap to understand better how FinTechs reshape the banking sector, the financial sector, and the economy by analyzing the effects of FinTech on bank characteristics. The study shows that banks' risk-taking behaviour is increased when the FinTech financial planning platform is introduced in the selected banks. Secondly, the effects of NPLs are enhanced through the following, which in turn affects the bank risk: 1. Credit dummy variable when the money market dummy variable is introduced in banks. 2. The interaction of NPL and the transfer dummy variable when the FinTech credit segment is introduced in banks. 3. Money market dummy variable and NPL interaction when the credit and transfer segment is introduced in banks. The findings of this study add to the advancement of bank and FinTech literature and provide new opportunities for future research, particularly in the South African context. Finance specialists may be interested in the changes that FinTechs make in the financial sector, while economists may investigate the implications for the overall economy or required policy reforms. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
The host specificity and efficacy of Phenrica guerini (Bechyné) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a candidate biological control agent of Pereskia aculeata Miller (Cactaceae) in Australia
- Authors: Dixon, Elizabeth Anne
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Chrysomelidae Australia , Pereskia Australia , Pereskia Biological control Australia , Invasive plants Biological control Australia , Insects as biological pest control agents Australia , Cactus Biological control Australia
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290826 , vital:56789
- Description: Pereskia aculeata Miller (Cactaceae) is a primitive creeping cactus that originated from South America and has become an invasive alien plant in South Africa and Australia. Due to its vine-like growth form mechanical and chemical control are not feasible options for its control, therefore biological control is the best option for controlling this plant. Phenrica guerini (Bechyné) (Chrysomelidae) is a leaf-feeding flea beetle that has been released as a biological control agent against Pe. aculeata in South Africa and has been shown to be damaging at some sites in the country. In this thesis, further studies into the use of Ph. guerini as a biological control agent against Pe. aculeata were conducted to determine whether the beetle should be released as an agent against the target weed in Australia. The host range of a potential biological control agent is important to determine as only monophagous agents, or agents with suitably restricted host ranges, should be considered for release. Host specificity testing was conducted to determine if Ph. guerini was suitably specific for release in Australia. Phenrica guerini larvae only fed and partially developed on three out of 25 test plants, but failed to pupate on any plants besides Pe. aculeata. Adult beetles did not feed on any test plants and only oviposited on one test plant species. Phenrica guerini did not develop on any plant other than the target weed and is therefore suitably host specific for release in Australia. The efficacy of a potential agent is also important to consider as the release of an ineffective agent can reduce the success of a biological control programme. A laboratory based pre-release efficacy assessment was done to determine the impact that Ph. guerini could have on Pe. aculeata. There was a significant difference between the control plants and those with larvae, with an average of 72 (S.E. ± 12.33) less leaves on plants with feeding and the main stem of the plant being 11.1 cm (S.E. ± 7.17) shorter. Although there were no significant differences observed in the number of additional stems, and weights of the different plant parts, this was not a long term study and many of these differences would not have been observed in a short period. Based on the impact observed on the leaves and the main stem, and various field studies that have been done to assess the impact of Ph. guerini on Pe. aculeata in the field in South Africa, Ph. guerini appears to be a potentially damaging agent. As Pe. aculeata is still in its early stages of invasion in Australia the beetle has the potential to be damaging and reduce the invasion trajectory of the plant. This study showed that the beetle is suitably host specific and potentially damaging enough to be recommended for release as a biological control agent against Pe. aculeata in Australia. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Dixon, Elizabeth Anne
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Chrysomelidae Australia , Pereskia Australia , Pereskia Biological control Australia , Invasive plants Biological control Australia , Insects as biological pest control agents Australia , Cactus Biological control Australia
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290826 , vital:56789
- Description: Pereskia aculeata Miller (Cactaceae) is a primitive creeping cactus that originated from South America and has become an invasive alien plant in South Africa and Australia. Due to its vine-like growth form mechanical and chemical control are not feasible options for its control, therefore biological control is the best option for controlling this plant. Phenrica guerini (Bechyné) (Chrysomelidae) is a leaf-feeding flea beetle that has been released as a biological control agent against Pe. aculeata in South Africa and has been shown to be damaging at some sites in the country. In this thesis, further studies into the use of Ph. guerini as a biological control agent against Pe. aculeata were conducted to determine whether the beetle should be released as an agent against the target weed in Australia. The host range of a potential biological control agent is important to determine as only monophagous agents, or agents with suitably restricted host ranges, should be considered for release. Host specificity testing was conducted to determine if Ph. guerini was suitably specific for release in Australia. Phenrica guerini larvae only fed and partially developed on three out of 25 test plants, but failed to pupate on any plants besides Pe. aculeata. Adult beetles did not feed on any test plants and only oviposited on one test plant species. Phenrica guerini did not develop on any plant other than the target weed and is therefore suitably host specific for release in Australia. The efficacy of a potential agent is also important to consider as the release of an ineffective agent can reduce the success of a biological control programme. A laboratory based pre-release efficacy assessment was done to determine the impact that Ph. guerini could have on Pe. aculeata. There was a significant difference between the control plants and those with larvae, with an average of 72 (S.E. ± 12.33) less leaves on plants with feeding and the main stem of the plant being 11.1 cm (S.E. ± 7.17) shorter. Although there were no significant differences observed in the number of additional stems, and weights of the different plant parts, this was not a long term study and many of these differences would not have been observed in a short period. Based on the impact observed on the leaves and the main stem, and various field studies that have been done to assess the impact of Ph. guerini on Pe. aculeata in the field in South Africa, Ph. guerini appears to be a potentially damaging agent. As Pe. aculeata is still in its early stages of invasion in Australia the beetle has the potential to be damaging and reduce the invasion trajectory of the plant. This study showed that the beetle is suitably host specific and potentially damaging enough to be recommended for release as a biological control agent against Pe. aculeata in Australia. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
A model for recommending related research papers: A natural language processing approach
- Authors: Van Heerden, Juandre Anton
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Machine learning , Artificial intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55668 , vital:53405
- Description: The volume of information generated lately has led to information overload, which has impacted researchers’ decision-making capabilities. Researchers have access to a variety of digital libraries to retrieve information. Digital libraries often offer access to a number of journal articles and books. Although digital libraries have search mechanisms it still takes much time to find related research papers. The main aim of this study was to develop a model that uses machine learning techniques to recommend related research papers. The conceptual model was informed by literature on recommender systems in other domains. Furthermore, a literature survey on machine learning techniques helped to identify candidate techniques that could be used. The model comprises four phases. These phases are completed twice, the first time for learning from the data and the second time when a recommendation is sought. The four phases are: (1) identify and remove stopwords, (2) stemming the data, (3) identify the topics for the model, and (4) measuring similarity between documents. The model is implemented and demonstrated using a prototype to recommend research papers using a natural language processing approach. The prototype underwent three iterations. The first iteration focused on understanding the problem domain by exploring how recommender systems and related techniques work. The second iteration focused on pre-processing techniques, topic modeling and similarity measures of two probability distributions. The third iteration focused on refining the prototype, and documenting the lessons learned throughout the process. Practical lessons were learned while finalising the model and constructing the prototype. These practical lessons should help to identify opportunities for future research. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering the Built Environment and Technology, Information Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Van Heerden, Juandre Anton
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Machine learning , Artificial intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55668 , vital:53405
- Description: The volume of information generated lately has led to information overload, which has impacted researchers’ decision-making capabilities. Researchers have access to a variety of digital libraries to retrieve information. Digital libraries often offer access to a number of journal articles and books. Although digital libraries have search mechanisms it still takes much time to find related research papers. The main aim of this study was to develop a model that uses machine learning techniques to recommend related research papers. The conceptual model was informed by literature on recommender systems in other domains. Furthermore, a literature survey on machine learning techniques helped to identify candidate techniques that could be used. The model comprises four phases. These phases are completed twice, the first time for learning from the data and the second time when a recommendation is sought. The four phases are: (1) identify and remove stopwords, (2) stemming the data, (3) identify the topics for the model, and (4) measuring similarity between documents. The model is implemented and demonstrated using a prototype to recommend research papers using a natural language processing approach. The prototype underwent three iterations. The first iteration focused on understanding the problem domain by exploring how recommender systems and related techniques work. The second iteration focused on pre-processing techniques, topic modeling and similarity measures of two probability distributions. The third iteration focused on refining the prototype, and documenting the lessons learned throughout the process. Practical lessons were learned while finalising the model and constructing the prototype. These practical lessons should help to identify opportunities for future research. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering the Built Environment and Technology, Information Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Intergatind information and cominication technology into teaching and learning in selected Secondary Schools of OR Thambo Inland, Eastern Capee South Africa
- Fumba, Ntombentle Nomahlanga
- 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
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-00
- 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
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-00
Corporate social responsibility from the community perspective
- Authors: De Kock, Breched Richard
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53846 , vital:46016
- Description: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a strategy that is used by organisations to take responsibility for the social and environmental responsibility of where they are operating. The organisation has to make sure that the community in which they are operating benefits from their operations through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The researcher conducted this study which focuses on the developmental side of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as an instrument for supplementing the role of governments in developing communities, particularly in the Northern Cape, South Africa, where poverty and underdevelopment have become prevalent. The study explores CSR investments from a community perspective, community participation, supporting enterprise and social trust development within the respective communities. While Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers (REIPP) made every effort to implement CSR as part of their contribution to developing the communities they operate in, CSR is used as a tick box exercise for many. While some of these companies do it for more than just bragging rights, these CSR strategies normally follow a top-down approach. Some of these implementation programmes are purely based on desktop research and are so far removed from the current realities and needs of the communities that the money and effort spend does not have the multiplier effect that everyone desires. The study aimed to analyse Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from a community perspective, thus, the study explored the view of the community on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The study discovered that many of the respondents have a general understanding of CSR and how it should impact the community. This impact, however, is not being seen with the research indicating that most of the youth are uneducated and unemployed. The majority have also pointed towards dissatisfaction and the lack of trust in how the government and REIPP are applying the renewable energy sector CSR principles within these communities. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: De Kock, Breched Richard
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53846 , vital:46016
- Description: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a strategy that is used by organisations to take responsibility for the social and environmental responsibility of where they are operating. The organisation has to make sure that the community in which they are operating benefits from their operations through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The researcher conducted this study which focuses on the developmental side of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as an instrument for supplementing the role of governments in developing communities, particularly in the Northern Cape, South Africa, where poverty and underdevelopment have become prevalent. The study explores CSR investments from a community perspective, community participation, supporting enterprise and social trust development within the respective communities. While Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers (REIPP) made every effort to implement CSR as part of their contribution to developing the communities they operate in, CSR is used as a tick box exercise for many. While some of these companies do it for more than just bragging rights, these CSR strategies normally follow a top-down approach. Some of these implementation programmes are purely based on desktop research and are so far removed from the current realities and needs of the communities that the money and effort spend does not have the multiplier effect that everyone desires. The study aimed to analyse Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from a community perspective, thus, the study explored the view of the community on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The study discovered that many of the respondents have a general understanding of CSR and how it should impact the community. This impact, however, is not being seen with the research indicating that most of the youth are uneducated and unemployed. The majority have also pointed towards dissatisfaction and the lack of trust in how the government and REIPP are applying the renewable energy sector CSR principles within these communities. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Wille Dagga
- Authors: Kruger, Liesel Hilge
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Kaaps , Creative writing (Higher education) South Africa , Diaries -- Authorship , South African poetry 21st century , Graphic novels 21st century , Fiction History and criticism , Kaaps poetry 21st century
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192230 , vital:45208
- Description: My thesis isse graphic novel/fumetto (photos)/ poetry hybrid. It speel af innie Kylemore, ’n klein ghetto net byte Stellenbosch. Vi ways wat mens genre en visual borders kan veskyf kyk ek ve’al na ‘Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth’ geskryf dee Grant Morrison en illustrated dee Dave McKean. Met ‘Arkham Asylum’ combine McKean painting, photos, collage en illustration. ‘Bitterkomix’ dee Anton Kannemeyer en Conrad Botes is nogge inspirasie in terme vanne meer fluid approach tot style waa die storie die art-style dictate. Ek kyk oek ve’al na ‘Fun Home’ dee Alison Bechdel, vi haa incredible ability om inne tragic, maa somehow humorous way, oo sexual repression te skryf. Oek kyk ek na ‘Dykes to Watch Out For’, dee Bechdel en ‘Wimmen’s Comix’ (Michele Brand, Diane Noomin, et al.) vi die unapologetic manier waa’op díe vrouens oorie vroue liggaam geskryf et. Die struktuur is largely influenced dee Joe Sacco se ‘Palestine’, waa’in hy die broader storie van Palestine vetel innie form van episodic short stories. Vi die sensitiewe handling van LGBTQ themes kyk ek na ‘Death: The Time of Your Life’ dee Neil Gaiman en ‘Blue is the Warmest Colour’ dee Julie Maroh. Ek draw ook oppie wêk van Nathan Trantraal en Gert Vlok Nel se poetry, virrie way hoe hulle oo arme mense skryf, Trantraal oo Bishop Lavis, Vlok Nel oo Beaufort Wes. En oek vi hoe beide skryf innie stem wat hulle praat. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Kruger, Liesel Hilge
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Kaaps , Creative writing (Higher education) South Africa , Diaries -- Authorship , South African poetry 21st century , Graphic novels 21st century , Fiction History and criticism , Kaaps poetry 21st century
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192230 , vital:45208
- Description: My thesis isse graphic novel/fumetto (photos)/ poetry hybrid. It speel af innie Kylemore, ’n klein ghetto net byte Stellenbosch. Vi ways wat mens genre en visual borders kan veskyf kyk ek ve’al na ‘Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth’ geskryf dee Grant Morrison en illustrated dee Dave McKean. Met ‘Arkham Asylum’ combine McKean painting, photos, collage en illustration. ‘Bitterkomix’ dee Anton Kannemeyer en Conrad Botes is nogge inspirasie in terme vanne meer fluid approach tot style waa die storie die art-style dictate. Ek kyk oek ve’al na ‘Fun Home’ dee Alison Bechdel, vi haa incredible ability om inne tragic, maa somehow humorous way, oo sexual repression te skryf. Oek kyk ek na ‘Dykes to Watch Out For’, dee Bechdel en ‘Wimmen’s Comix’ (Michele Brand, Diane Noomin, et al.) vi die unapologetic manier waa’op díe vrouens oorie vroue liggaam geskryf et. Die struktuur is largely influenced dee Joe Sacco se ‘Palestine’, waa’in hy die broader storie van Palestine vetel innie form van episodic short stories. Vi die sensitiewe handling van LGBTQ themes kyk ek na ‘Death: The Time of Your Life’ dee Neil Gaiman en ‘Blue is the Warmest Colour’ dee Julie Maroh. Ek draw ook oppie wêk van Nathan Trantraal en Gert Vlok Nel se poetry, virrie way hoe hulle oo arme mense skryf, Trantraal oo Bishop Lavis, Vlok Nel oo Beaufort Wes. En oek vi hoe beide skryf innie stem wat hulle praat. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Transition experiences from student to nascent Entreprenuership: a narrative analysis.
- Authors: Soda, Ruth
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Business education. , Entrepreneurship. , Career development.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22323 , vital:52023
- Description: Orientation: South Africa is facing an increase in the unemployment rate. This has affected many youths, particularly the graduates of South Africa. In a quest to better their lives, many of them are engaging in nascent entrepreneurship. Although they are facing challenges in the journey, they are managing to devise solutions that work for their success. Research purpose: The main purpose of this research was to explore the transition experiences from student to nascent entrepreneur. The secondary aims included: i) investigating the journey (experiences and transitions in becoming a nascent entrepreneur), ii) exploring the challenges as part of the experiences and transitions faced by nascent entrepreneurs, and iii) exploring how nascent entrepreneurs, as part of the challenges faced during experiences and transition, navigate past these. Motivation for the study: Many studies in literature have focused on nascent entrepreneurship. Further studies should concentrate on narrowing this aspect to the South African context and also more qualitative studies should be conducted to gain a deep understanding of nascent entrepreneurship. Research approach/design and method: A qualitative research approach was used as a way of generating new information. Narrative inquiry was employed and this allowed the participants to express their views freely. A sample of 22 participants was utilised for this study. Data was analysed using the three levels of meaning-making. Main findings: The findings of this study were grouped into three narratives. The first narrative was nascent entrepreneurship expressed as a solution to social challenges. The second narrative elaborated the challenges that these participants faced in their nascent entrepreneurship journey. The last narrative focused on the solutions that were implied by the participants in response to the challenges they encountered in the transition process. Practical implications: Based on the research findings, this research has recommendations that can assist universities and students, those who are already in the entrepreneurial space, as well as the government. Contribution/value-add: All the universities in South Africa should integrate the need for thorough entrepreneurship education in their institutions to prepare students for the world of work and policies set for entrepreneurship should be amended. , Thesis (MCom) (Business Management) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-05
- Authors: Soda, Ruth
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Business education. , Entrepreneurship. , Career development.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22323 , vital:52023
- Description: Orientation: South Africa is facing an increase in the unemployment rate. This has affected many youths, particularly the graduates of South Africa. In a quest to better their lives, many of them are engaging in nascent entrepreneurship. Although they are facing challenges in the journey, they are managing to devise solutions that work for their success. Research purpose: The main purpose of this research was to explore the transition experiences from student to nascent entrepreneur. The secondary aims included: i) investigating the journey (experiences and transitions in becoming a nascent entrepreneur), ii) exploring the challenges as part of the experiences and transitions faced by nascent entrepreneurs, and iii) exploring how nascent entrepreneurs, as part of the challenges faced during experiences and transition, navigate past these. Motivation for the study: Many studies in literature have focused on nascent entrepreneurship. Further studies should concentrate on narrowing this aspect to the South African context and also more qualitative studies should be conducted to gain a deep understanding of nascent entrepreneurship. Research approach/design and method: A qualitative research approach was used as a way of generating new information. Narrative inquiry was employed and this allowed the participants to express their views freely. A sample of 22 participants was utilised for this study. Data was analysed using the three levels of meaning-making. Main findings: The findings of this study were grouped into three narratives. The first narrative was nascent entrepreneurship expressed as a solution to social challenges. The second narrative elaborated the challenges that these participants faced in their nascent entrepreneurship journey. The last narrative focused on the solutions that were implied by the participants in response to the challenges they encountered in the transition process. Practical implications: Based on the research findings, this research has recommendations that can assist universities and students, those who are already in the entrepreneurial space, as well as the government. Contribution/value-add: All the universities in South Africa should integrate the need for thorough entrepreneurship education in their institutions to prepare students for the world of work and policies set for entrepreneurship should be amended. , Thesis (MCom) (Business Management) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-05