Co-creating a pedagogy of care for our hydrocommons in South Africa
- Authors: Martin, Aaniyah
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Teaching Social aspects , Reparations for historical injustices South Africa , Posthumanism , Creation (Literary, artistic, etc.) , Feminism and higher education , Social justice , Environmental justice
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/466418 , vital:76726 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962/466418
- Description: My research focuses on watery relations in a South African context. Our planet, predominantly covered by water, relies on healthy oceans to sustain life by producing oxygen. Oceans, rivers, and wetlands constitute our natural water resources, integral to the hydrological cycle, collectively forming what Neimanis (2009) terms as hydrocommons. Hydrocommons encompass the shared water bodies and resources vital for human and more-than-human inhabitants alike. Caring for our hydrocommons is imperative for the well-being of the planet and all its inhabitants. Yet, the notion of responsibility for their upkeep sparks debate, as it intertwines with concepts of justice, extensively explored in academic discourse (Bozalek & Zembylas 2023). In South Africa, historical patterns of privilege tied to skin colour significantly influence perceptions of responsibility and care. This doctoral research engages with the enduring impacts of the apartheid legacy, which continues to shape notions of belonging, especially for Black and Brown South Africans who were forcibly displaced and restricted from accessing various areas, including urban spaces and natural environments such as beaches and game reserves. My perspective stems from my background as a scientist in the conservation field for over two decades, and transitioning into an educational doctorate with an emphasis on feminist, posthumanist, and care frameworks to address environmental and social justice concerns. Furthermore, I am a Brown Creole woman who was raised as a Muslim in Camissa, South Africa. The overarching question this dissertation seeks to address is; How can reparative care pedagogies reshape the hydrocommons for Black and Brown communities in post-apartheid South Africa? In order to respond to this question, I think diffractively with theory from feminism(s), posthumanism, research-creation and Slow scholarship - all of these are predicated on relational ontologies which embrace diverse ways of knowledge production in caring and meaning-making ways (Springgay & Truman, 2018; Stengers, 2011; Taylor et al, 2020). The research question I have posed is addressed through two key methods of enquiry namely strandlooping (beach walking) and hydro-rugging (stitching and mending). While there has been some literature on walking and mending methodologies from Northern contexts, I have opted to contextualise them within a South African framework with indigenous origins. By developing such methodologies in the local context, I aim to understand their application and relevance within South Africa's diverse cultural and environmental landscape. I have deliberately incorporated indigenous perspectives and practices in order to contribute to a more holistic and nuanced exploration of watery relations through iterative and collaborative events with participants. Chapter One provides an overview of my positionality and research practice by giving voice to those who have been marginalised, silenced and erased for three decades. The 30th anniversary for our first democratic elections was celebrated on the 27th April 2024 whilst I have been finalising my manuscript. The silence and erasure persist today, even though apartheid laws and regulations are no longer in effect. This lingering silence continues to permeate our lives and linger as a haunting presence. Consequently, strandlooping and hydro-rugging emerge as methods of enquiry that foster and provide avenues for care and healing. Chapter Two shares the stories of four Brown bodies and a tidal pool each of whom have a relationship with False Bay. The chapter shows how watery stories are shared through the process of hydro-rugging at the tidal pools. Chapter Three unravels the practice of strandlooping and develops propositions or watermarks to assist other researchers with this practice in their own contexts. Chapter Four articulates hydro-rugging as a method of enquiry and elucidates how the individual hydro-rugs are stitched alongside each other to create the Mother Hydro-rug. Chapter Five introduces three experiential research-creation events with fourth year students to meander and learn from them with regards to care for our hydrocommons. Drawing on relational ways of understanding and engaging with the world, this research culminates in several key implications for reparative care pedagogies in reshaping the hydrocommons. It underscores the importance of not only acknowledging but including diverse modes of knowledge and existence, particularly within Black and Brown communities marginalised by apartheid's racial and ethnic divisions. Additionally, it highlights the significance of challenging traditional educational paradigms entrenched in colonial and apartheid legacies. By prioritising embodied, experiential, and inclusive methodologies, the doctoral thesis advocates for a pedagogical shift toward relationality and process-oriented learning. This thesis prompts a reevaluation of extractive and exploitative educational practices, advocating instead for conviviality and the exploration of relational and embodied meanings and approaches. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
- Authors: Martin, Aaniyah
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Teaching Social aspects , Reparations for historical injustices South Africa , Posthumanism , Creation (Literary, artistic, etc.) , Feminism and higher education , Social justice , Environmental justice
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/466418 , vital:76726 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962/466418
- Description: My research focuses on watery relations in a South African context. Our planet, predominantly covered by water, relies on healthy oceans to sustain life by producing oxygen. Oceans, rivers, and wetlands constitute our natural water resources, integral to the hydrological cycle, collectively forming what Neimanis (2009) terms as hydrocommons. Hydrocommons encompass the shared water bodies and resources vital for human and more-than-human inhabitants alike. Caring for our hydrocommons is imperative for the well-being of the planet and all its inhabitants. Yet, the notion of responsibility for their upkeep sparks debate, as it intertwines with concepts of justice, extensively explored in academic discourse (Bozalek & Zembylas 2023). In South Africa, historical patterns of privilege tied to skin colour significantly influence perceptions of responsibility and care. This doctoral research engages with the enduring impacts of the apartheid legacy, which continues to shape notions of belonging, especially for Black and Brown South Africans who were forcibly displaced and restricted from accessing various areas, including urban spaces and natural environments such as beaches and game reserves. My perspective stems from my background as a scientist in the conservation field for over two decades, and transitioning into an educational doctorate with an emphasis on feminist, posthumanist, and care frameworks to address environmental and social justice concerns. Furthermore, I am a Brown Creole woman who was raised as a Muslim in Camissa, South Africa. The overarching question this dissertation seeks to address is; How can reparative care pedagogies reshape the hydrocommons for Black and Brown communities in post-apartheid South Africa? In order to respond to this question, I think diffractively with theory from feminism(s), posthumanism, research-creation and Slow scholarship - all of these are predicated on relational ontologies which embrace diverse ways of knowledge production in caring and meaning-making ways (Springgay & Truman, 2018; Stengers, 2011; Taylor et al, 2020). The research question I have posed is addressed through two key methods of enquiry namely strandlooping (beach walking) and hydro-rugging (stitching and mending). While there has been some literature on walking and mending methodologies from Northern contexts, I have opted to contextualise them within a South African framework with indigenous origins. By developing such methodologies in the local context, I aim to understand their application and relevance within South Africa's diverse cultural and environmental landscape. I have deliberately incorporated indigenous perspectives and practices in order to contribute to a more holistic and nuanced exploration of watery relations through iterative and collaborative events with participants. Chapter One provides an overview of my positionality and research practice by giving voice to those who have been marginalised, silenced and erased for three decades. The 30th anniversary for our first democratic elections was celebrated on the 27th April 2024 whilst I have been finalising my manuscript. The silence and erasure persist today, even though apartheid laws and regulations are no longer in effect. This lingering silence continues to permeate our lives and linger as a haunting presence. Consequently, strandlooping and hydro-rugging emerge as methods of enquiry that foster and provide avenues for care and healing. Chapter Two shares the stories of four Brown bodies and a tidal pool each of whom have a relationship with False Bay. The chapter shows how watery stories are shared through the process of hydro-rugging at the tidal pools. Chapter Three unravels the practice of strandlooping and develops propositions or watermarks to assist other researchers with this practice in their own contexts. Chapter Four articulates hydro-rugging as a method of enquiry and elucidates how the individual hydro-rugs are stitched alongside each other to create the Mother Hydro-rug. Chapter Five introduces three experiential research-creation events with fourth year students to meander and learn from them with regards to care for our hydrocommons. Drawing on relational ways of understanding and engaging with the world, this research culminates in several key implications for reparative care pedagogies in reshaping the hydrocommons. It underscores the importance of not only acknowledging but including diverse modes of knowledge and existence, particularly within Black and Brown communities marginalised by apartheid's racial and ethnic divisions. Additionally, it highlights the significance of challenging traditional educational paradigms entrenched in colonial and apartheid legacies. By prioritising embodied, experiential, and inclusive methodologies, the doctoral thesis advocates for a pedagogical shift toward relationality and process-oriented learning. This thesis prompts a reevaluation of extractive and exploitative educational practices, advocating instead for conviviality and the exploration of relational and embodied meanings and approaches. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
Screening and characterisation of novel compounds and their derivatives from South African medicinal plants against triple negative breast cancer cells
- Authors: Nyemba, Getrude Rutendo
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/463952 , vital:76460
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release in 2026. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology & Bioinformatics, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
- Authors: Nyemba, Getrude Rutendo
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/463952 , vital:76460
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release in 2026. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology & Bioinformatics, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
Investigating the role of UAVs and convolutional neural networks in the identification of invasive plant species in the Albany Thicket
- Authors: Wesson, Frank Cameron
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Drone aircraft -- Control systems , Drone -- South Africa , Albany Thicket -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61097 , vital:69755
- Description: The study aimed to determine whether plant species could be classified by using high resolution aerial imagery and a convolutional neural network (CNN). The full capabilities of a CNN were examined including testing whether the platform could be used for land cover and the evaluation of land change over time. A drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was used to collect the aerial data of the study area, and 45 subplots were used for the image analysis. The CNN was coded and operated in RStudio, and digitised data from the input imagery were used as training and validation data by the programme to learn features. Four classifications were performed using various quantities of input data to access the performance of the neural network. In addition, tests were performed to understand whether the CNN could be used as a land cover and land change detection tool. Accuracy assessments were done on the results to test reliability and accuracy. The best-performing classification achieved an average user and producer accuracy of above 90%, while the overall accuracy was 93%, and the kappa coefficient score was 0.86. The CNN was also able to predict the land coverage area of Opuntia to be within 4% of the ground truthing data area. A change in land cover over time was detected by the programme after the manual clearing of the invasive plant had been undertaken. This research has determined that the use of a CNN in remote sensing is a very powerful tool for supervised image classifications and that it can be used for monitoring land cover by accurately estimating the spatial distribution of plant species and by monitoring the species' growth or decline over time. A CNN could also be used as a tool for landowners to prove that they are making efforts to clear invasive species from their land. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Wesson, Frank Cameron
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Drone aircraft -- Control systems , Drone -- South Africa , Albany Thicket -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61097 , vital:69755
- Description: The study aimed to determine whether plant species could be classified by using high resolution aerial imagery and a convolutional neural network (CNN). The full capabilities of a CNN were examined including testing whether the platform could be used for land cover and the evaluation of land change over time. A drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was used to collect the aerial data of the study area, and 45 subplots were used for the image analysis. The CNN was coded and operated in RStudio, and digitised data from the input imagery were used as training and validation data by the programme to learn features. Four classifications were performed using various quantities of input data to access the performance of the neural network. In addition, tests were performed to understand whether the CNN could be used as a land cover and land change detection tool. Accuracy assessments were done on the results to test reliability and accuracy. The best-performing classification achieved an average user and producer accuracy of above 90%, while the overall accuracy was 93%, and the kappa coefficient score was 0.86. The CNN was also able to predict the land coverage area of Opuntia to be within 4% of the ground truthing data area. A change in land cover over time was detected by the programme after the manual clearing of the invasive plant had been undertaken. This research has determined that the use of a CNN in remote sensing is a very powerful tool for supervised image classifications and that it can be used for monitoring land cover by accurately estimating the spatial distribution of plant species and by monitoring the species' growth or decline over time. A CNN could also be used as a tool for landowners to prove that they are making efforts to clear invasive species from their land. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Validation and adaptation of statistical models based on the SAPS III score to predict in-hospital mortality in a South African ICU
- Authors: Pazi, Sisa
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Police -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Statistics – South Africa , Mortality – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61360 , vital:70602
- Description: In-hospital mortality prediction remains an important task in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). In particular, the estimated in-hospital mortality risk is essential to describe case-mix, for research and clinical auditing purposes. Furthermore, in settings with limited hospital resources (e.g beds) such as the South African public health care system, the estimated in-hospital mortality risk is essential for resource allocation and to inform local patient triage guidelines. Commonly used models for prediction of in-hospital mortality in ICU patients includes, but not limited to, the Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III). The SAPS III model was developed in 2005. Notably, the SAPS III model was developed without data collected from African based hospitals. Given the general application of the SAPS III model, including benchmarking and quality control, the development of such a model based on local data is of paramount importance. To this end, this study developed a model for prediction of in-hospital mortality based on data collected in a hospital in South Africa. Logistic regression modelling was used to develop the proposed mortality risk assessment model. The results indicated that the proposed model exhibited superior discrimination and classification abilities compared to the SAPS III model. Future research includes the external validation of the proposed model in different hospitals in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Pazi, Sisa
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Police -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Statistics – South Africa , Mortality – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61360 , vital:70602
- Description: In-hospital mortality prediction remains an important task in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). In particular, the estimated in-hospital mortality risk is essential to describe case-mix, for research and clinical auditing purposes. Furthermore, in settings with limited hospital resources (e.g beds) such as the South African public health care system, the estimated in-hospital mortality risk is essential for resource allocation and to inform local patient triage guidelines. Commonly used models for prediction of in-hospital mortality in ICU patients includes, but not limited to, the Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III). The SAPS III model was developed in 2005. Notably, the SAPS III model was developed without data collected from African based hospitals. Given the general application of the SAPS III model, including benchmarking and quality control, the development of such a model based on local data is of paramount importance. To this end, this study developed a model for prediction of in-hospital mortality based on data collected in a hospital in South Africa. Logistic regression modelling was used to develop the proposed mortality risk assessment model. The results indicated that the proposed model exhibited superior discrimination and classification abilities compared to the SAPS III model. Future research includes the external validation of the proposed model in different hospitals in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Towards an improved understanding of episodic benthic turbidity events (Benthic Nepheloid Layer) on the Eastern Agulhas Bank, South Africa
- Authors: Johnstone, Brett Mordaunt
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Nepheloid layer , Turbidity , Loligo reynaudii , Fisheries South Africa , Oceanography , Remote sensing , Altimetry , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362883 , vital:65371
- Description: The harvest of Loligo reynaudii, or "chokka," represents a critical source of revenue and job creation in the historically impoverished Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Due to the importance of visual stimuli in the reproductive processes, it has been hypothesized that a primary driver of successful reproduction is the clarity of the water column. The presence of increased particulate matter concentrations within the water column generates turbid conditions near the seafloor (visibility < 1m), that are proposed to restrict spawning activity. This benthic nepheloid layer (BNL) contains both organic and inorganic components, with the BNL intensity a function of bottom turbulence, substratum type, and detritus level. However, the spatial and temporal resolution of BNL intensity on the Eastern Agulhas Bank (EAB) and the environmental drivers thereof remain unknown. Here we show that benthic turbidity events are a common but highly variable occurrence on the EAB. Results from a 17-month time-series of in-situ and remote sensing data between 2002 – 2004 in Algoa Bay, supplemented by experiments in other bays important for spawning, show that turbid conditions existed for ∼ 30 % of the sample period. Exploration of environmental drivers, including the influence of wind, altimeter-derived significant wave height (Hs), sea surface temperature (SST), and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations indicate that BNL intensity does not conform to a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Rather, complex local hydrological and physiochemical parameters control the BNL characteristics on the EAB. Global warming is likely to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme westerly-wind and storm events, promoting BNL events on the Eastern Agulhas Bank and possibly causing a shift in the reproductive strategy of chokka squid to the cooler mid shelf region. This is likely to have consequences for both the species in terms of reproductive success and the fishery, which is concentrated on inshore spawning aggregations. Future research needs to quantify and characterize the constituents, source particles and spatial-temporal variability of BNL events in order to build a predictive capacity. Through incorporating the qualitative analysis of the dynamics of nepheloid layers on the EAB into Regional Oceanographic Models (ROMS), General Linear Models (GLM) and particle distribution models such as DELFT-3D, it is possible to move toward predicting the timing and intensity of these events. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Johnstone, Brett Mordaunt
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Nepheloid layer , Turbidity , Loligo reynaudii , Fisheries South Africa , Oceanography , Remote sensing , Altimetry , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362883 , vital:65371
- Description: The harvest of Loligo reynaudii, or "chokka," represents a critical source of revenue and job creation in the historically impoverished Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Due to the importance of visual stimuli in the reproductive processes, it has been hypothesized that a primary driver of successful reproduction is the clarity of the water column. The presence of increased particulate matter concentrations within the water column generates turbid conditions near the seafloor (visibility < 1m), that are proposed to restrict spawning activity. This benthic nepheloid layer (BNL) contains both organic and inorganic components, with the BNL intensity a function of bottom turbulence, substratum type, and detritus level. However, the spatial and temporal resolution of BNL intensity on the Eastern Agulhas Bank (EAB) and the environmental drivers thereof remain unknown. Here we show that benthic turbidity events are a common but highly variable occurrence on the EAB. Results from a 17-month time-series of in-situ and remote sensing data between 2002 – 2004 in Algoa Bay, supplemented by experiments in other bays important for spawning, show that turbid conditions existed for ∼ 30 % of the sample period. Exploration of environmental drivers, including the influence of wind, altimeter-derived significant wave height (Hs), sea surface temperature (SST), and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations indicate that BNL intensity does not conform to a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Rather, complex local hydrological and physiochemical parameters control the BNL characteristics on the EAB. Global warming is likely to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme westerly-wind and storm events, promoting BNL events on the Eastern Agulhas Bank and possibly causing a shift in the reproductive strategy of chokka squid to the cooler mid shelf region. This is likely to have consequences for both the species in terms of reproductive success and the fishery, which is concentrated on inshore spawning aggregations. Future research needs to quantify and characterize the constituents, source particles and spatial-temporal variability of BNL events in order to build a predictive capacity. Through incorporating the qualitative analysis of the dynamics of nepheloid layers on the EAB into Regional Oceanographic Models (ROMS), General Linear Models (GLM) and particle distribution models such as DELFT-3D, it is possible to move toward predicting the timing and intensity of these events. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Complaints and service recovery responses on South African banks’ facebook fan pages: a netnographic study.
- Authors: Phambuka, Nomfundo
- Date: 2022-02
- Subjects: Online social networks. , Consumers--Research. , Marketing research.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22266 , vital:52011
- Description: The internet transformation over the past decade has changed the way businesses and consumers communicate. Instead of face-to-face transactions, businesses can now interact with their customers online, not just by marketing new products and services, but also by providing added value services in the online environment. The internet has become a dominant aspect in assisting businesses to attract and retain customers. One of the fastest growing platforms for this communication is through social networking sites. Many consumers are preferring to use social media platforms such as Facebook to express their views on the products or service of a business. In fact, the business’s Facebook page has become a preferred channel for customers who wish to voice concerns or complaints about the service they have received. As a result, many businesses are using that same platform for service recovery, and to make amends with their customers following a service failure. The aspect of online customer complaints and service recovery on social media, has not been well researched in the South African banking industry, which highlights both a gap and an opportunity. The aim of this study was to provide an analysis and categorisation of the types of customer complaints and service responses on the top five South African banks’ Facebook pages. These banks are; ABSA bank, Capitec Bank, First National Bank (FNB), Nedbank and Standard Bank. A qualitative approach known as netnography was adopted, as it provided an insider’s perspective on what customers complain about on a social media platform and how the banks responded to these complaints. 1250 complaints and the corresponding responses were extracted from each of the banks’ Facebook pages over a period of three months through a qualitative research software known as Nvivo 11. Using the framework provided by the justice theory, complaints and the corresponding responses were categorised. Customer complaints were categorised as either process, outcome or random and the banks’ responses were categorised as either procedural, interpersonal, distributional or informational dimensions. The main finding across all the banks, was that 1050 of the total number of complaints were related to the outcomes of the services provided; such as the banking app , the ATM machine and the general service the customers received. On average, the banks responded to around 70 percent of the 1250 complaints, with Nedbank having the best response rate (196/250) and Standard having the worst response rate (138/250). In addition, most of the banks responded in an interpersonal manner, dealing with customer’s problems directly. Once again, Standard Bank had the least number of interpersonal responses. On the whole, all the banks were mindful of the importance of explaining the reasons for service failures and explaining how the problem was going to be solved. Findings from this study indicate that consumer expectations of service failures and recovery are context driven, which requires companies to modify their recovery strategies to improve the customer’s personal experience. It can also be noted that many customer complaints stem from a general lack of understanding of banking systems and that banks should therefore be utilising their online platforms to keep customers well informed regarding common and frequent customer complaints. The main recommendation from the study is that banks should be entirely transparent during online service recovery and utilise their social media pages to do so. , Thesis (MCom) (Business Management) -- University of Fort Hare, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-02
- Authors: Phambuka, Nomfundo
- Date: 2022-02
- Subjects: Online social networks. , Consumers--Research. , Marketing research.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22266 , vital:52011
- Description: The internet transformation over the past decade has changed the way businesses and consumers communicate. Instead of face-to-face transactions, businesses can now interact with their customers online, not just by marketing new products and services, but also by providing added value services in the online environment. The internet has become a dominant aspect in assisting businesses to attract and retain customers. One of the fastest growing platforms for this communication is through social networking sites. Many consumers are preferring to use social media platforms such as Facebook to express their views on the products or service of a business. In fact, the business’s Facebook page has become a preferred channel for customers who wish to voice concerns or complaints about the service they have received. As a result, many businesses are using that same platform for service recovery, and to make amends with their customers following a service failure. The aspect of online customer complaints and service recovery on social media, has not been well researched in the South African banking industry, which highlights both a gap and an opportunity. The aim of this study was to provide an analysis and categorisation of the types of customer complaints and service responses on the top five South African banks’ Facebook pages. These banks are; ABSA bank, Capitec Bank, First National Bank (FNB), Nedbank and Standard Bank. A qualitative approach known as netnography was adopted, as it provided an insider’s perspective on what customers complain about on a social media platform and how the banks responded to these complaints. 1250 complaints and the corresponding responses were extracted from each of the banks’ Facebook pages over a period of three months through a qualitative research software known as Nvivo 11. Using the framework provided by the justice theory, complaints and the corresponding responses were categorised. Customer complaints were categorised as either process, outcome or random and the banks’ responses were categorised as either procedural, interpersonal, distributional or informational dimensions. The main finding across all the banks, was that 1050 of the total number of complaints were related to the outcomes of the services provided; such as the banking app , the ATM machine and the general service the customers received. On average, the banks responded to around 70 percent of the 1250 complaints, with Nedbank having the best response rate (196/250) and Standard having the worst response rate (138/250). In addition, most of the banks responded in an interpersonal manner, dealing with customer’s problems directly. Once again, Standard Bank had the least number of interpersonal responses. On the whole, all the banks were mindful of the importance of explaining the reasons for service failures and explaining how the problem was going to be solved. Findings from this study indicate that consumer expectations of service failures and recovery are context driven, which requires companies to modify their recovery strategies to improve the customer’s personal experience. It can also be noted that many customer complaints stem from a general lack of understanding of banking systems and that banks should therefore be utilising their online platforms to keep customers well informed regarding common and frequent customer complaints. The main recommendation from the study is that banks should be entirely transparent during online service recovery and utilise their social media pages to do so. , Thesis (MCom) (Business Management) -- University of Fort Hare, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-02
The benefits of community music on individuals in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Rossouw, Carolyn
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54552 , vital:46703
- Description: Countless research studies have outlined the benefits of Community Music engagement. Community Music is a global phenomenon that offers benefits to and across both international and national music projects. There are many forms of Community Music, including choral groups, instrumentalists, bands, and other ensembles. A variety of reasons or perspectives exist as to why participants engage in Community Music activities, such as the benefits that they gain when engaging in a project and/or the experiences of learning music in a social context. Characteristics of Community Music entail voluntary participation for individuals from all walks of life (e.g., those of high or low socio-economic standing, different races, and/or different levels of mental and/or emotional well-being). This study investigated three Community Music projects that take place at three different churches in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The Community Music projects described in this study were different to those that are usually described in academic studies in so far as they are not aimed at social reform, social intervention, creative possibilities, or self-expression. Instead, this study focussed on investigating Community Music in Port Elizabeth based purely on creative possibilities and self-expression in order to better understand the benefits it can have on the individuals and community taking part therein. The Community Music projects described in this study involve both adult and youth participants and all fall under ‘church music’. Specifically, the projects consist of an adult church choir, a youth worship band, and an instrumental ensemble. In this qualitative study, a multiple case study approach was adopted, and data were gathered through observations, unstructured interviews, and both audio-visual and written materials. Themes emerged from the study that have been categorised as follows: social benefits, well-being benefits, spiritual benefits, musical skills development benefits, and leadership benefits. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Rossouw, Carolyn
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54552 , vital:46703
- Description: Countless research studies have outlined the benefits of Community Music engagement. Community Music is a global phenomenon that offers benefits to and across both international and national music projects. There are many forms of Community Music, including choral groups, instrumentalists, bands, and other ensembles. A variety of reasons or perspectives exist as to why participants engage in Community Music activities, such as the benefits that they gain when engaging in a project and/or the experiences of learning music in a social context. Characteristics of Community Music entail voluntary participation for individuals from all walks of life (e.g., those of high or low socio-economic standing, different races, and/or different levels of mental and/or emotional well-being). This study investigated three Community Music projects that take place at three different churches in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The Community Music projects described in this study were different to those that are usually described in academic studies in so far as they are not aimed at social reform, social intervention, creative possibilities, or self-expression. Instead, this study focussed on investigating Community Music in Port Elizabeth based purely on creative possibilities and self-expression in order to better understand the benefits it can have on the individuals and community taking part therein. The Community Music projects described in this study involve both adult and youth participants and all fall under ‘church music’. Specifically, the projects consist of an adult church choir, a youth worship band, and an instrumental ensemble. In this qualitative study, a multiple case study approach was adopted, and data were gathered through observations, unstructured interviews, and both audio-visual and written materials. Themes emerged from the study that have been categorised as follows: social benefits, well-being benefits, spiritual benefits, musical skills development benefits, and leadership benefits. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Re-imagining the use of the abacus as a visualization tool to develop number sense in Grade 3 learners
- Authors: Elifas, Taimi Ndinelago
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Abacus , Mathematics Study and teaching (Elementary) Namibia , Visual learning , Teaching Aids and devices , Constructivism (Education) , Effective teaching Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191953 , vital:45182
- Description: The poor performance of learners in mathematics has long been a matter of concern in Namibia. After more than three decades after independence, the country's education system is still seeking ways of addressing the high rate of poor performance in mathematics. Research previously conducted pointed out the lack of number sense in learners, as one of the contributing factors to the poor performance in mathematics. This research study is a contribution towards using the abacus as a visualization tool to develop number sense in the Foundation Phase. The study was premised on the thought – supported by literature – that effective use of concrete equipment and manipulatives, of which the abacus is part of, does affect the teaching and learning of number sense. The study further examines the use of the abacus as a visualization tool to develop number sense by the four selected Grade 3 teachers. The study argues that the effective use of the abacus develops number sense in learners. This study was framed as a multiple case study that was grounded within an interpretive paradigm and informed by the constructivist learning theory. The qualitative data of this study were collected using questionnaires, observation, reflective journals, and semi-structured interviews. The data were then analyzed using thematic analysis and an analytical tool developed from relevant literature. A survey was conducted using 50 Foundation Phase teachers in the //Kharas region, while the intervention programme consisted of four purposively selected teachers from the four primary schools in the Kalahari circuit in the Keetmanshoop district. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of teachers were not aware of abacus use in teaching mathematics before the intervention programme. It was also revealed that the few teachers that use the abacus as a visualization tool to develop number sense, employ it as a counting tool for explaining certain concepts and as well as for teaching simple arithmetic. In this research study, the selected teachers use the abacus to link the abstract mathematics content to a concrete way of doing mathematics. In the absence of the abacus in classrooms, various manipulatives are used to develop learners’ number sense. Mathematical games, verbalizing mathematics concepts, and drawing pictures to visualize abstract concepts among others are used by the selected teachers to enhance the development of number sense in the Foundation Phase. The use of the abacus by the selected teachers effectively fostered the visualization process and the conceptual understanding of number sense in learners. Through the abacus, teachers led their learners into visualizing number sense concepts such as subitizing, computing, performing mental mathematics and physical representation of numbers in different ways. The abacus was used by teachers to enhance listening skills, improve concentration and strengthen the memory of learners. On the other hand, the study also revealed that despite the various benefits of the abacus, it is time consuming. The lack of abacus use in previous grades has a huge impact on the use of it and the development of learners’ number sense in the grades being studied in this research study. Teachers are recommended to make their own abacuses, encourage learners to make their own abacuses from the readily available materials, and to allow the learners to realize that the mathematics they are doing in classrooms is around them. The use of re-imagining, re-envisioning, re-conceptualizing and re-examining of so-called ‘old teaching tools’ such as the abacus, needs to be encouraged through in-service and pre-service teacher training programmes. The study concludes that the use of traditional algorithm methods do not promote conceptual understanding and visual strategies for Foundation Phase learners and should be discouraged. It is hoped that this study will contribute towards improving the practices of mathematics teachers primarily in the Keetmanshoop district, //Kharas Region and in the rest our Namibian schools. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Elifas, Taimi Ndinelago
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Abacus , Mathematics Study and teaching (Elementary) Namibia , Visual learning , Teaching Aids and devices , Constructivism (Education) , Effective teaching Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191953 , vital:45182
- Description: The poor performance of learners in mathematics has long been a matter of concern in Namibia. After more than three decades after independence, the country's education system is still seeking ways of addressing the high rate of poor performance in mathematics. Research previously conducted pointed out the lack of number sense in learners, as one of the contributing factors to the poor performance in mathematics. This research study is a contribution towards using the abacus as a visualization tool to develop number sense in the Foundation Phase. The study was premised on the thought – supported by literature – that effective use of concrete equipment and manipulatives, of which the abacus is part of, does affect the teaching and learning of number sense. The study further examines the use of the abacus as a visualization tool to develop number sense by the four selected Grade 3 teachers. The study argues that the effective use of the abacus develops number sense in learners. This study was framed as a multiple case study that was grounded within an interpretive paradigm and informed by the constructivist learning theory. The qualitative data of this study were collected using questionnaires, observation, reflective journals, and semi-structured interviews. The data were then analyzed using thematic analysis and an analytical tool developed from relevant literature. A survey was conducted using 50 Foundation Phase teachers in the //Kharas region, while the intervention programme consisted of four purposively selected teachers from the four primary schools in the Kalahari circuit in the Keetmanshoop district. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of teachers were not aware of abacus use in teaching mathematics before the intervention programme. It was also revealed that the few teachers that use the abacus as a visualization tool to develop number sense, employ it as a counting tool for explaining certain concepts and as well as for teaching simple arithmetic. In this research study, the selected teachers use the abacus to link the abstract mathematics content to a concrete way of doing mathematics. In the absence of the abacus in classrooms, various manipulatives are used to develop learners’ number sense. Mathematical games, verbalizing mathematics concepts, and drawing pictures to visualize abstract concepts among others are used by the selected teachers to enhance the development of number sense in the Foundation Phase. The use of the abacus by the selected teachers effectively fostered the visualization process and the conceptual understanding of number sense in learners. Through the abacus, teachers led their learners into visualizing number sense concepts such as subitizing, computing, performing mental mathematics and physical representation of numbers in different ways. The abacus was used by teachers to enhance listening skills, improve concentration and strengthen the memory of learners. On the other hand, the study also revealed that despite the various benefits of the abacus, it is time consuming. The lack of abacus use in previous grades has a huge impact on the use of it and the development of learners’ number sense in the grades being studied in this research study. Teachers are recommended to make their own abacuses, encourage learners to make their own abacuses from the readily available materials, and to allow the learners to realize that the mathematics they are doing in classrooms is around them. The use of re-imagining, re-envisioning, re-conceptualizing and re-examining of so-called ‘old teaching tools’ such as the abacus, needs to be encouraged through in-service and pre-service teacher training programmes. The study concludes that the use of traditional algorithm methods do not promote conceptual understanding and visual strategies for Foundation Phase learners and should be discouraged. It is hoped that this study will contribute towards improving the practices of mathematics teachers primarily in the Keetmanshoop district, //Kharas Region and in the rest our Namibian schools. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Making Sense of Barkhuizen 2 : An Investigation into the Public Policy Defence of ‘Unfair Enforcement’ in South African Law, with Reference to the Law on Covenants in Restraint of Trade
- Authors: Moroeng, Tsukudu Kenyatta
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Restraint of trade -- South Africa , Public policy (Law) -- South Africa , Contracts (Roman-Dutch law) , Customary law -- South Africa , Barkhuizen v Napier
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177147 , vital:42794
- Description: This thesis investigates the application of the public policy test for determining the enforceability of a valid contractual clause established in Barkhuizen v Napier. After analysing the historical development of the application of the doctrine of public policy, the study examines the conceptualisation and application of the public policy test in the leading cases in South Africa. The study then provides an analysis of the recent judgment of Beadica 231 CC and Others v Trustees for the time being of the Oregon Trust and Others, which outlined the current legal position on the proper constitutional approach to the judicial enforcement of valid contractual clauses. The study argues that, although the Constitutional Court in Beadica provided some clarity on what public policy is in modern South African law, it did not, from a practical point of view, set out the method that should be used to adjudicate such cases. The study thereafter suggests that, to address this issue, our courts should consider developing a methodological approach to measuring public policy in unfair enforcement cases. To support this proposition, the study examines the law on determining the enforcement of restraint of trade agreements. It is argued that, within that context, the courts have formulated a methodological approach in the form of a list of standard questions that a judge should ask when determining the enforceability of a restraint clause. The thesis then closes with a case study, using guidelines established from the approach in restraint cases, to illustrate how the proposed guideline may be formulated, and how it could be applied in general unfair enforcement cases. The thesis argues that a practical guide of this nature would serve as a useful tool for judges to use when faced with a claim relating to the unfair enforcement of a valid clause other than a restraint clause, and would thus ensure consistency in contractual enforcement analysis in South Africa. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Law, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Moroeng, Tsukudu Kenyatta
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Restraint of trade -- South Africa , Public policy (Law) -- South Africa , Contracts (Roman-Dutch law) , Customary law -- South Africa , Barkhuizen v Napier
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177147 , vital:42794
- Description: This thesis investigates the application of the public policy test for determining the enforceability of a valid contractual clause established in Barkhuizen v Napier. After analysing the historical development of the application of the doctrine of public policy, the study examines the conceptualisation and application of the public policy test in the leading cases in South Africa. The study then provides an analysis of the recent judgment of Beadica 231 CC and Others v Trustees for the time being of the Oregon Trust and Others, which outlined the current legal position on the proper constitutional approach to the judicial enforcement of valid contractual clauses. The study argues that, although the Constitutional Court in Beadica provided some clarity on what public policy is in modern South African law, it did not, from a practical point of view, set out the method that should be used to adjudicate such cases. The study thereafter suggests that, to address this issue, our courts should consider developing a methodological approach to measuring public policy in unfair enforcement cases. To support this proposition, the study examines the law on determining the enforcement of restraint of trade agreements. It is argued that, within that context, the courts have formulated a methodological approach in the form of a list of standard questions that a judge should ask when determining the enforceability of a restraint clause. The thesis then closes with a case study, using guidelines established from the approach in restraint cases, to illustrate how the proposed guideline may be formulated, and how it could be applied in general unfair enforcement cases. The thesis argues that a practical guide of this nature would serve as a useful tool for judges to use when faced with a claim relating to the unfair enforcement of a valid clause other than a restraint clause, and would thus ensure consistency in contractual enforcement analysis in South Africa. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Law, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
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