The use of information and communication technologies in agricultural development in rural areas: case of smallholder farmers in Umzimvubu Local Municipality
- Authors: Makaula, Zimasa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agricultural extension work , Information technology , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Agric (Agric Extension)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11994 , vital:39125
- Description: Proper and timeous communication amongst different social development participants is one of the main driving factors for successful human progress. Different platforms have been used by different industries across the globe to ensure that useful information is shared with relevant structures at appropriate times. The global increase on use and availability of Information Communication Technologies (ICT’s) has prompted a thorough analysis and study of their relevance on different industries. Much of the increase has been observed mainly on highly urbanized areas, where the majority of the population is literate and who are above the poverty line. Some researchers have argued that the language used in some of the ICT’s is limited to the elite few, while others highlight cost implications in the use of these ICTs. The agricultural industry is not immune to the debates that relate to the development of ICTs, it is in most cases at the center, due to its diverse nature (in terms of participation) and close linkage to human development. There seems to be a correlation between ICT usage and the economies of scale in agricultural development, where smallholder farmers tend to use less of highly modernized ICTs, while commercial large scale farmers use more of the modernized ICTs. This disparity amongst farmers is exacerbated in many areas by the differing support systems employed by the public extension services. This study was initiated in order to study the usage and relevance of the ICTs by the smallholder farmers of the Umzimvubu Local Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The research address the following research questions: 1. Which ICTs are owned by smallholder farmers of Umzimvubu local municipality? 2. Do smallholder farmers use ICTs to communicate agricultural information? 3. What are the types of ICT devices and services used by smallholder farmers for vi agricultural development? 4. What are the challenges faced by smallholder farmers when using ICTs to communicate agricultural information? A survey questionnaire was then developed to collect the relevant data from randomly selected six villages of Umzimvubu Local Municipality. The questionnaires structure employed both closed and open-ended questions that were administered using a face to face interview, conducted on the sample population in each village. The results indicated that the most common ICTs that were owned by smallholder farmers in the study area were: mobile phones (33%), televisions (TV) (28%), and radio (20%). The results also showed that communication amongst farmers (35%) and extension officers (35%) was the most notable use of mobile phone from the study area. The results also revealed that most smallholder farmers faced the following challenges when using ICTs to retrieve agricultural information; poor signal (40%), inconsistent broadcasting times for TV and radio agricultural programmes (35%), language barrier (15%) and lack of electricity (10%). The study, therefore, concludes that a majority of smallholder farmers from the study area own ICT devices necessary for rural agricultural development (mobile phones, TV and radio) that can be targeted by extension officers, policy makers, rural development implementing agencies and agro-industries to promote rural development. However, several challenges (language barrier, poor network signal and no electricity) limit the potential of these ICT devices and services from fully benefiting smallholder farmers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Makaula, Zimasa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agricultural extension work , Information technology , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Agric (Agric Extension)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11994 , vital:39125
- Description: Proper and timeous communication amongst different social development participants is one of the main driving factors for successful human progress. Different platforms have been used by different industries across the globe to ensure that useful information is shared with relevant structures at appropriate times. The global increase on use and availability of Information Communication Technologies (ICT’s) has prompted a thorough analysis and study of their relevance on different industries. Much of the increase has been observed mainly on highly urbanized areas, where the majority of the population is literate and who are above the poverty line. Some researchers have argued that the language used in some of the ICT’s is limited to the elite few, while others highlight cost implications in the use of these ICTs. The agricultural industry is not immune to the debates that relate to the development of ICTs, it is in most cases at the center, due to its diverse nature (in terms of participation) and close linkage to human development. There seems to be a correlation between ICT usage and the economies of scale in agricultural development, where smallholder farmers tend to use less of highly modernized ICTs, while commercial large scale farmers use more of the modernized ICTs. This disparity amongst farmers is exacerbated in many areas by the differing support systems employed by the public extension services. This study was initiated in order to study the usage and relevance of the ICTs by the smallholder farmers of the Umzimvubu Local Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The research address the following research questions: 1. Which ICTs are owned by smallholder farmers of Umzimvubu local municipality? 2. Do smallholder farmers use ICTs to communicate agricultural information? 3. What are the types of ICT devices and services used by smallholder farmers for vi agricultural development? 4. What are the challenges faced by smallholder farmers when using ICTs to communicate agricultural information? A survey questionnaire was then developed to collect the relevant data from randomly selected six villages of Umzimvubu Local Municipality. The questionnaires structure employed both closed and open-ended questions that were administered using a face to face interview, conducted on the sample population in each village. The results indicated that the most common ICTs that were owned by smallholder farmers in the study area were: mobile phones (33%), televisions (TV) (28%), and radio (20%). The results also showed that communication amongst farmers (35%) and extension officers (35%) was the most notable use of mobile phone from the study area. The results also revealed that most smallholder farmers faced the following challenges when using ICTs to retrieve agricultural information; poor signal (40%), inconsistent broadcasting times for TV and radio agricultural programmes (35%), language barrier (15%) and lack of electricity (10%). The study, therefore, concludes that a majority of smallholder farmers from the study area own ICT devices necessary for rural agricultural development (mobile phones, TV and radio) that can be targeted by extension officers, policy makers, rural development implementing agencies and agro-industries to promote rural development. However, several challenges (language barrier, poor network signal and no electricity) limit the potential of these ICT devices and services from fully benefiting smallholder farmers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The psychological sequelae of the impact of violence perpetrated against men in intimate partner relationships: A systematic review
- Authors: Warmington, Meagan Patricia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Intimate partner violence -- South Africa , Gender based Violence -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45646 , vital:38923
- Description: Men who are victims of intimate partner violence seem to be largely ignored in research and literature. This in part is linked to the perception of men as perpetrators, rather than as victims of violence. While intimate partner violence has been studied extensively across the world, through a number of disciplines, there appears to be a glaring gap in the literature. Men who are victims of intimate partner violence may experience the emotional and psychological consequences of violence differently, given the factors influencing the role of men in society. The resulting shame, guilt and even rejection may be factors explaining why these cases of violence are underreported. This research used a systematic review methodology and data was collected through online databases. Significant thematic findings identified included 1) the impact of stigma, 2) misrepresentation of the article content focus, and 3) the lack of awareness surrounding the act of male abuse within intimate partner relationships. The study findings suggested that male victims of intimate partner violence are likely to experience the psychological and emotional experiences that follow the experience. Further insight was given regarding the need to develop interventions that take into account the required social, psychological and emotional needs of men in violent intimate partner relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Warmington, Meagan Patricia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Intimate partner violence -- South Africa , Gender based Violence -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45646 , vital:38923
- Description: Men who are victims of intimate partner violence seem to be largely ignored in research and literature. This in part is linked to the perception of men as perpetrators, rather than as victims of violence. While intimate partner violence has been studied extensively across the world, through a number of disciplines, there appears to be a glaring gap in the literature. Men who are victims of intimate partner violence may experience the emotional and psychological consequences of violence differently, given the factors influencing the role of men in society. The resulting shame, guilt and even rejection may be factors explaining why these cases of violence are underreported. This research used a systematic review methodology and data was collected through online databases. Significant thematic findings identified included 1) the impact of stigma, 2) misrepresentation of the article content focus, and 3) the lack of awareness surrounding the act of male abuse within intimate partner relationships. The study findings suggested that male victims of intimate partner violence are likely to experience the psychological and emotional experiences that follow the experience. Further insight was given regarding the need to develop interventions that take into account the required social, psychological and emotional needs of men in violent intimate partner relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An assessment of IDP implementation and sustainable development : the case of the housing sector in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Mwatenga, John
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: City planning Sustainable development Housing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13447 , vital:39667
- Description: This research study assessed the implementation of the Integrated Development Plan and sustainable development in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality. The study intended to achieve the following objectives: i) to identify factors affecting the provision of dwelling units in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and their effect on sustainable development in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality; to assess the perceptions of the municipality and the community on the role of the IDP as a tool for development; iii) to suggest strategies that can be adopted to improve IDP implementation for sustainable development in the area. The literature reviewed in the study was drawn from several researchers. The sustainable development theory, the incremental planning model and the rational planning model underpinned the study. Although three theories were used, the sustainable development theory was the major theory adopted in this study. The mixed research methods are used to collect the primary data for this study. The use of both quantitative and qualitative methods is deemed most appropriate for this research study, as most researchers regard them as best methods in answering the research questions. The use of mixed methods has the assumption that both approaches can complement each other and help in avoiding unnecessary shortcomings. Since the study collected both quantitative and qualitative data, an interview guide and questionnaires were used. Interviews were conducted with three (3) municipal officials as well as (2) councillors from Mangaung metropolitan municipality (MMM), whereas questionnaires were distributed to (90) community members. The analysis of the study made the following conclusions about the IDP implementation and sustainable development in Mangaung metropolitan municipality. Firstly, there is satisfactory majority understanding among the participants regarding Integrated Development Plan and its related processes. The respondents have a common view that the IDP is a key tool that buoys development and that continued implementation challenges halt every form of development within the municipal area. Secondly, there is implementation of the IDP in Mangaung metropolitan municipality (MMM); nevertheless, the extent of implementation has not had the anticipated effect on the general populace in communities, given the ineffectiveness and inefficiencies in resource utilisation. Thirdly, it was also discovered that the municipality currently has serious housing backlogs that have brought auxiliary challenges thus impeding developmental efforts of MMM. Fourthly, the study also concluded that the causes of housing backlogs are: apartheid legacy, influx of foreign nationals, lack of oversight monitoring, heightened poverty, corruption, poor governance, insufficient budget, ineffective IDP implementation, urbanisation, natural population; unemployment and lack of capacity and skills can be regarded as the major contributors to housing shortages currently plaguing MMM. Thus the study recommended that an oversight, monitoring and evaluation policy, good governance, public participation, utilisation of PPPs and implementation of environmental management policy will go a long way in enhancing IDP implementation towards attaining sustainable development in the Mangaung metropolitan municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mwatenga, John
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: City planning Sustainable development Housing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13447 , vital:39667
- Description: This research study assessed the implementation of the Integrated Development Plan and sustainable development in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality. The study intended to achieve the following objectives: i) to identify factors affecting the provision of dwelling units in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and their effect on sustainable development in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality; to assess the perceptions of the municipality and the community on the role of the IDP as a tool for development; iii) to suggest strategies that can be adopted to improve IDP implementation for sustainable development in the area. The literature reviewed in the study was drawn from several researchers. The sustainable development theory, the incremental planning model and the rational planning model underpinned the study. Although three theories were used, the sustainable development theory was the major theory adopted in this study. The mixed research methods are used to collect the primary data for this study. The use of both quantitative and qualitative methods is deemed most appropriate for this research study, as most researchers regard them as best methods in answering the research questions. The use of mixed methods has the assumption that both approaches can complement each other and help in avoiding unnecessary shortcomings. Since the study collected both quantitative and qualitative data, an interview guide and questionnaires were used. Interviews were conducted with three (3) municipal officials as well as (2) councillors from Mangaung metropolitan municipality (MMM), whereas questionnaires were distributed to (90) community members. The analysis of the study made the following conclusions about the IDP implementation and sustainable development in Mangaung metropolitan municipality. Firstly, there is satisfactory majority understanding among the participants regarding Integrated Development Plan and its related processes. The respondents have a common view that the IDP is a key tool that buoys development and that continued implementation challenges halt every form of development within the municipal area. Secondly, there is implementation of the IDP in Mangaung metropolitan municipality (MMM); nevertheless, the extent of implementation has not had the anticipated effect on the general populace in communities, given the ineffectiveness and inefficiencies in resource utilisation. Thirdly, it was also discovered that the municipality currently has serious housing backlogs that have brought auxiliary challenges thus impeding developmental efforts of MMM. Fourthly, the study also concluded that the causes of housing backlogs are: apartheid legacy, influx of foreign nationals, lack of oversight monitoring, heightened poverty, corruption, poor governance, insufficient budget, ineffective IDP implementation, urbanisation, natural population; unemployment and lack of capacity and skills can be regarded as the major contributors to housing shortages currently plaguing MMM. Thus the study recommended that an oversight, monitoring and evaluation policy, good governance, public participation, utilisation of PPPs and implementation of environmental management policy will go a long way in enhancing IDP implementation towards attaining sustainable development in the Mangaung metropolitan municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
PhD graduates' perceptions of supervision contact sessions at the University of Fort Hare, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Muleya, Ekem
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: University of Fort Hare Graduate students Doctoral students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12914 , vital:39401
- Description: PhD supervision is mostly studied from the supervisor and education institutions’ point of view in South Africa. The role and what exactly transpires during supervision contact sessions, how it influences or contributes to the successful completion of a PhD degree has been under researched. The government of South Africa through the NDP has clear targets in terms of raising the annual number of people who graduate with PhDs, however the processes and the actual ingredients contributing to the increase are not being adequately examined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of supervision contact sessions in enabling a doctoral candidate to successfully complete a doctoral degree. Specifically this study sought to find out how supervision meetings enable a PhD candidate to finish the PhD degree successfully. This exploratory study sought to address the question through pin-pointing the specific benefits PhD candidates derive from supervision contact sessions and at the same time documenting the challenges faced in these meetings. Findings from this study point to the fact that supervision contact sessions are crucial in empowering a PhD candidate to finish his or her studies. Candidates benefit from both technical (professional) and social (emotional) support through supervision meetings with their supervisors and most importantly supervisors also assist and advise their candidates with regard to funding for their studies. In the main, PhD candidates prefer to meet frequently with their supervisors to discuss their PhD work however they in some instances encounter challenges in trying to set up meetings with their supervisors. Challenges also come during the actual supervision sessions due to the unequal relationship between supervisor and candidate. Given the role of supervision meetings in PhD completion, it is important to note some measures which can assist in terms of making supervision meetings more beneficial to a PhD candidate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Muleya, Ekem
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: University of Fort Hare Graduate students Doctoral students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12914 , vital:39401
- Description: PhD supervision is mostly studied from the supervisor and education institutions’ point of view in South Africa. The role and what exactly transpires during supervision contact sessions, how it influences or contributes to the successful completion of a PhD degree has been under researched. The government of South Africa through the NDP has clear targets in terms of raising the annual number of people who graduate with PhDs, however the processes and the actual ingredients contributing to the increase are not being adequately examined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of supervision contact sessions in enabling a doctoral candidate to successfully complete a doctoral degree. Specifically this study sought to find out how supervision meetings enable a PhD candidate to finish the PhD degree successfully. This exploratory study sought to address the question through pin-pointing the specific benefits PhD candidates derive from supervision contact sessions and at the same time documenting the challenges faced in these meetings. Findings from this study point to the fact that supervision contact sessions are crucial in empowering a PhD candidate to finish his or her studies. Candidates benefit from both technical (professional) and social (emotional) support through supervision meetings with their supervisors and most importantly supervisors also assist and advise their candidates with regard to funding for their studies. In the main, PhD candidates prefer to meet frequently with their supervisors to discuss their PhD work however they in some instances encounter challenges in trying to set up meetings with their supervisors. Challenges also come during the actual supervision sessions due to the unequal relationship between supervisor and candidate. Given the role of supervision meetings in PhD completion, it is important to note some measures which can assist in terms of making supervision meetings more beneficial to a PhD candidate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An exploratory study of female South African university students’ knowledge and perceptions of subdermal contraceptive implants
- Kalla, Sikander Abdul Razaak
- Authors: Kalla, Sikander Abdul Razaak
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Contraceptives -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Birth control -- South Africa -- Students Contraception -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17691 , vital:28437
- Description: South Africa‟s recent efforts to improve contraceptive uptake include the public launch of the subdermal contraceptive implant (branded Implanon NXT®). The launch of this modern contraceptive was welcomed as an initiative that holds promise in addressing elevated unintended pregnancy rates in the country. However, a paucity of research regarding the uptake of this contraceptive exists. This study sought to narrow this research gap by exploring the knowledge and perceptions that young female South African university students have of contraceptive implants, as well as investigate how these views may shape the willingness for these females to incorporate contraceptive implants into their birth control regimen. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with young female students enrolled at Nelson Mandela University and data from these interviews was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings were examined through a lens of social constructionism and critical psychology. Analysis revealed the following key findings: the function, suitability, and negative perceptions, of a particular contraceptive are notable considerations taken into account by young female university students when investigating contraceptives; psychosocial challenges are prominent in the arena of contraception; contraceptive implants possess the potential to reduce stigmatisation and empower women; however, participants asserted that there are significant psychosocial and structural barriers to the uptake of this contraceptive. These findings highlighted that contraceptive knowledge and perceptions are influenced by an interplay of psychosocial and structural factors. These factors were ultimately noted to influence young female South African university students‟ willingness to incorporate contraceptive implants into their birth control regimen.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Kalla, Sikander Abdul Razaak
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Contraceptives -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Birth control -- South Africa -- Students Contraception -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17691 , vital:28437
- Description: South Africa‟s recent efforts to improve contraceptive uptake include the public launch of the subdermal contraceptive implant (branded Implanon NXT®). The launch of this modern contraceptive was welcomed as an initiative that holds promise in addressing elevated unintended pregnancy rates in the country. However, a paucity of research regarding the uptake of this contraceptive exists. This study sought to narrow this research gap by exploring the knowledge and perceptions that young female South African university students have of contraceptive implants, as well as investigate how these views may shape the willingness for these females to incorporate contraceptive implants into their birth control regimen. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with young female students enrolled at Nelson Mandela University and data from these interviews was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings were examined through a lens of social constructionism and critical psychology. Analysis revealed the following key findings: the function, suitability, and negative perceptions, of a particular contraceptive are notable considerations taken into account by young female university students when investigating contraceptives; psychosocial challenges are prominent in the arena of contraception; contraceptive implants possess the potential to reduce stigmatisation and empower women; however, participants asserted that there are significant psychosocial and structural barriers to the uptake of this contraceptive. These findings highlighted that contraceptive knowledge and perceptions are influenced by an interplay of psychosocial and structural factors. These factors were ultimately noted to influence young female South African university students‟ willingness to incorporate contraceptive implants into their birth control regimen.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Informal urbanism : an appraisal of socio-legal and economic dynamics in East London, South Africa
- Authors: Sibanda, Phaxenda Maxwell
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Street vendors -- Legal status, laws, etc Informal sector (Economics) -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5763 , vital:29381
- Description: Many cities and towns in the Global South continue to experience the growth of the informal sector. There are a number of reasons which explain the growth of the informal sector. These include formal sector retrenchments, shortage of jobs in the formal sector and lack of skills. Street vendors are the most visible traders in the informal sector as compared to other kind of traders. In many cities, the spaces in which vendors conduct their trading is not allocated to them legally as they are seen as a nuisance or obstruction to commerce and the free flow of traffic. Against this background, this study examines the contestation for vending in the East London Central Business District (CBD) Eastern Cape, South Africa. It specifically explores social processes and vendor decision making when it comes to choosing (or claiming) a particular vending space, the legal instruments (by-laws) that either promote or constrain informal trading activities. Furthermore, it investigates the extent to which street vending contributes to the traders‟ income generation and sustainable livelihoods. This study uses a qualitative research design. Purposive sampling was used to select thirty informal traders. In-depth semi structured interviews were conducted with all thirty respondents In addition to the thirty respondents, five key informants were interviewed. The study found that street vending plays a major role in providing BCMM people with livelihood opportunities. Trading space in the CBD is strictly competitive and the spaces they acquire are too small for their businesses to expand to another level. Vendors face a lot of challenges but at the epitome of their challenges is the vending by- laws which the vendors view as a major constraint when it comes to operating smoothly in the streets. The study suggested that vending polices and by- laws be reviewed in order to derive a better socio- economic and functional environment for vendors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Sibanda, Phaxenda Maxwell
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Street vendors -- Legal status, laws, etc Informal sector (Economics) -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5763 , vital:29381
- Description: Many cities and towns in the Global South continue to experience the growth of the informal sector. There are a number of reasons which explain the growth of the informal sector. These include formal sector retrenchments, shortage of jobs in the formal sector and lack of skills. Street vendors are the most visible traders in the informal sector as compared to other kind of traders. In many cities, the spaces in which vendors conduct their trading is not allocated to them legally as they are seen as a nuisance or obstruction to commerce and the free flow of traffic. Against this background, this study examines the contestation for vending in the East London Central Business District (CBD) Eastern Cape, South Africa. It specifically explores social processes and vendor decision making when it comes to choosing (or claiming) a particular vending space, the legal instruments (by-laws) that either promote or constrain informal trading activities. Furthermore, it investigates the extent to which street vending contributes to the traders‟ income generation and sustainable livelihoods. This study uses a qualitative research design. Purposive sampling was used to select thirty informal traders. In-depth semi structured interviews were conducted with all thirty respondents In addition to the thirty respondents, five key informants were interviewed. The study found that street vending plays a major role in providing BCMM people with livelihood opportunities. Trading space in the CBD is strictly competitive and the spaces they acquire are too small for their businesses to expand to another level. Vendors face a lot of challenges but at the epitome of their challenges is the vending by- laws which the vendors view as a major constraint when it comes to operating smoothly in the streets. The study suggested that vending polices and by- laws be reviewed in order to derive a better socio- economic and functional environment for vendors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Smallholder farmer's climate change knowledge in Ngqushwa Local Municipality, Eastern Cape : implications on coping and adaptation
- Authors: Shoko, Witness Alvis
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable agriculture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6480 , vital:29744
- Description: Lack of knowledge about climate change poses a greater risk to human development in general. This study emerges from the premise that agriculture, and more specifically smallholder farmers, are the most affected by climate variability due to the type of assets they hold. Among other factors, climate change can directly and adversely impact the ability of smallholder farmers to sustain their livelihoods. Taking into consideration spatial differences across Ngqushwa Local Municipality, smallholder farmers in different areas have to understand the constraints they face that emanate from climate change. The study aimed to explore the knowledge that smallholder farmers in Ngqushwa local municipality have on climate change, strategies they utilise to cope and minimise the detrimental effects of climate change. The study also focused on climate change information sources namely, meteorological and Indigenous Knowledge (IK) that smallholder farmers have at their disposal for coping and adaptation to climate change. Furthermore, the study analyses comprehensiveness and usefulness of information that the resource-poor farmers possess. The findings of this study show that smallholder farmers in Ngqushwa local municipality access climate change information through televisions, newspapers and listening to the radio. Their knowledge of the behaviour of birds, moon, wind, and insects is also an important source of forecasting weather patterns. Recommendations from this study include the following: enhancing and widening the sources of climate change information, education encompassing the nature of climate change, networking of smallholder farmers, linking meteorological and indigenous knowledge and supplementing natural water supply.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Shoko, Witness Alvis
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable agriculture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6480 , vital:29744
- Description: Lack of knowledge about climate change poses a greater risk to human development in general. This study emerges from the premise that agriculture, and more specifically smallholder farmers, are the most affected by climate variability due to the type of assets they hold. Among other factors, climate change can directly and adversely impact the ability of smallholder farmers to sustain their livelihoods. Taking into consideration spatial differences across Ngqushwa Local Municipality, smallholder farmers in different areas have to understand the constraints they face that emanate from climate change. The study aimed to explore the knowledge that smallholder farmers in Ngqushwa local municipality have on climate change, strategies they utilise to cope and minimise the detrimental effects of climate change. The study also focused on climate change information sources namely, meteorological and Indigenous Knowledge (IK) that smallholder farmers have at their disposal for coping and adaptation to climate change. Furthermore, the study analyses comprehensiveness and usefulness of information that the resource-poor farmers possess. The findings of this study show that smallholder farmers in Ngqushwa local municipality access climate change information through televisions, newspapers and listening to the radio. Their knowledge of the behaviour of birds, moon, wind, and insects is also an important source of forecasting weather patterns. Recommendations from this study include the following: enhancing and widening the sources of climate change information, education encompassing the nature of climate change, networking of smallholder farmers, linking meteorological and indigenous knowledge and supplementing natural water supply.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The legitimacy of violence as a political act: an investigation of vandalism surrounding service delivery protests in South Africa
- Authors: Malalepe, Keagile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Protest movements -- South Africa Municipal services -- South Africa , Vandalism -- South Africa Municipal government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18113 , vital:28577
- Description: This study aimed at investigating the legitimacy of violence as political act, especially the issue of vandalism surrounding service delivery protests in South Africa. The investigation was conducted in a small township around Soweto called Kliptown as a case study. This study was necessitated by the increasing number of violent service delivery protests around all provinces in the country. The statement of the problem provided a foundation within which the aims of the study were explained. The importance of this research cannot be justified enough especially given the mounting daily protests witnessed over service delivery by different communities from different provinces around the country.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Malalepe, Keagile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Protest movements -- South Africa Municipal services -- South Africa , Vandalism -- South Africa Municipal government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18113 , vital:28577
- Description: This study aimed at investigating the legitimacy of violence as political act, especially the issue of vandalism surrounding service delivery protests in South Africa. The investigation was conducted in a small township around Soweto called Kliptown as a case study. This study was necessitated by the increasing number of violent service delivery protests around all provinces in the country. The statement of the problem provided a foundation within which the aims of the study were explained. The importance of this research cannot be justified enough especially given the mounting daily protests witnessed over service delivery by different communities from different provinces around the country.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2017
An investigation into the prevalence and nature of boredom in Grade 10 Mathematics classrooms : a case study
- Authors: Mbelani, Xoliswa Lydia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Boredom , Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Evaluation , Mathematical ability , Teaching -- Aids and devices , Creative teaching -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2040 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017351
- Description: This research report focuses on an investigation into the prevalence and nature of boredom in Grade 10 Mathematics classrooms in the Grahamstown region, South Africa. Boredom seems to be strongly evident in our classrooms. Quantitative data was derived from an initial survey questionnaire while semi-structured interviews were used to elicit qualitative data. The data from the survey was analysed quantitatively using descriptive statistics. The quantitative data was categorised according to the structure of the survey. The data was represented in bar graphs and then discussed accordingly. In the final narrative I infused extracts from the interviews with my quantitative analysis. The qualitative data was analysed and coded according to different categories and themes that emerged through repeated engagement with the interview transcripts. The findings revealed that boredom is a common problem in the 8 Grade 10 Mathematics schools in the Grahamstown region and this finding answered my first research question. To answer my second research question, the results showed that learners were bored due to many factors, such as; lack of understanding, repetition and the teacher’s actions and many more. My findings align with what is highlighted by Nett, Goetz, & Hall. (2011) that many learners from particularly the senior secondary schools frequently report episodes of boredom. The study recommends that teachers make their teaching more interesting, much use of concrete teaching materials and make mathematics tasks to be relevant and real.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Mbelani, Xoliswa Lydia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Boredom , Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Evaluation , Mathematical ability , Teaching -- Aids and devices , Creative teaching -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2040 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017351
- Description: This research report focuses on an investigation into the prevalence and nature of boredom in Grade 10 Mathematics classrooms in the Grahamstown region, South Africa. Boredom seems to be strongly evident in our classrooms. Quantitative data was derived from an initial survey questionnaire while semi-structured interviews were used to elicit qualitative data. The data from the survey was analysed quantitatively using descriptive statistics. The quantitative data was categorised according to the structure of the survey. The data was represented in bar graphs and then discussed accordingly. In the final narrative I infused extracts from the interviews with my quantitative analysis. The qualitative data was analysed and coded according to different categories and themes that emerged through repeated engagement with the interview transcripts. The findings revealed that boredom is a common problem in the 8 Grade 10 Mathematics schools in the Grahamstown region and this finding answered my first research question. To answer my second research question, the results showed that learners were bored due to many factors, such as; lack of understanding, repetition and the teacher’s actions and many more. My findings align with what is highlighted by Nett, Goetz, & Hall. (2011) that many learners from particularly the senior secondary schools frequently report episodes of boredom. The study recommends that teachers make their teaching more interesting, much use of concrete teaching materials and make mathematics tasks to be relevant and real.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Investigating the factors affecting citizen's ability to access e-government services in Nkonkobe municipality in the Easterrn Cape province
- Authors: Ntobongwana,Nolitha
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Internet in public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Electronic government information -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1708 , vital:27551
- Description: E-government which refers to electronic Government is the process of transformation of relationships of government with its constituents ie the citizens, the businesses and between its own organs, through the use of the tools of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). E-government services are the outcome of e-governance that come as automated services delivered through ICTs particularly Internet based applications that provide access to and delivery of information or services to the public, businesses, other agencies and governmental departments. This study seeks to examine the factors affecting citizens ability to access e-government services in Nkonkobe Municipality in the province of Eastern Cape and come with recommendations of how to address the issue. E-government services should be developed on platforms with the consideration of devices that people can have access to. The study showed that in as much as one can have cell phone that has access to internet , some website services such as home affairs enquiry applications are not accessible on a phone with a general web browser that has no Java Script capacity but has acces to internet. Therefore developing Short Message Service (SMS) based services or Unstructured Supplementary Serviuce Data (USSD) code that is available on all Globile System for Mobile (GSM) cell phones can increase accessibility of most services at a cheaper cost. The study concludes that although e-government is the future for our country and in this era of technology, much still has to be done in areas like Nkonkobe Municipality in Eastern Cape, as the citizens have no or lack appropriate tools to access the internet, and sometimes citizens are not aware of e-government services available. The research indicates that most citizens have cell phones despite the differences in handset capabilities, which therefore means that applications developed for e-government services can be ported foe accessibility to ordinary GSM cell phone including those without internet access.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ntobongwana,Nolitha
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Internet in public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Electronic government information -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1708 , vital:27551
- Description: E-government which refers to electronic Government is the process of transformation of relationships of government with its constituents ie the citizens, the businesses and between its own organs, through the use of the tools of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). E-government services are the outcome of e-governance that come as automated services delivered through ICTs particularly Internet based applications that provide access to and delivery of information or services to the public, businesses, other agencies and governmental departments. This study seeks to examine the factors affecting citizens ability to access e-government services in Nkonkobe Municipality in the province of Eastern Cape and come with recommendations of how to address the issue. E-government services should be developed on platforms with the consideration of devices that people can have access to. The study showed that in as much as one can have cell phone that has access to internet , some website services such as home affairs enquiry applications are not accessible on a phone with a general web browser that has no Java Script capacity but has acces to internet. Therefore developing Short Message Service (SMS) based services or Unstructured Supplementary Serviuce Data (USSD) code that is available on all Globile System for Mobile (GSM) cell phones can increase accessibility of most services at a cheaper cost. The study concludes that although e-government is the future for our country and in this era of technology, much still has to be done in areas like Nkonkobe Municipality in Eastern Cape, as the citizens have no or lack appropriate tools to access the internet, and sometimes citizens are not aware of e-government services available. The research indicates that most citizens have cell phones despite the differences in handset capabilities, which therefore means that applications developed for e-government services can be ported foe accessibility to ordinary GSM cell phone including those without internet access.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Platinum share prices and the Marikana tragedy: an event study
- Authors: Sunga, Tapuwa Terence
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Marikana (Rustenburg, South Africa) , Massacres -- South Africa -- Rustenburg , Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa , Stocks -- Prices -- Mathematical models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1094 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013002
- Description: An event study is an economic tool of analysis that has begun to gain popularity in recent empirical literature. It is a technique that gives a researcher the opportunity to map out the reaction of a firm's stock to an event, usually making use of daily or monthly data. However, up to this point, event study methodology has generally been applied to more traditional phenomena capable of affecting equity value, such as dividend and macroeconomic policy announcements, and there have only been a few exceptions to this. This study looks at what impact the tragic shootings at Lonmin mine in Marikana on August 16th 2012 had on the share prices of platinum mining firms based in South Africa using event study methodology. It makes use of the technique to investigate how the share prices responded to the tragedy over a number of trading days, including the day of the shootings. To be best of our knowledge, no attempt has been made to analyse the impact on share prices using events of this nature. For the investigation, daily returns data was used for each firm. The abnormal returns and cumulative abnormal returns to each were then calculated and compared with their respective expected returns in order to determine whether investors in the shares of that particular firm reacted positively, negatively or not at all. The evidence found suggests that tragedies of this nature are capable of influencing share prices in the same manner as more traditional economic phenomena. Overall, only one firm was found to have been negatively affected by the shootings in a persistent manner, while the shares of the other firms examined reacted in a manner that was positive overall, but varied according to individual firm characteristics such as size. These finding conformed to our a priori expectations. In addition, the results also confirm the benefits of applying event study methodology to a wide variety of phenomena that fall outside the boundaries usually associated with business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Sunga, Tapuwa Terence
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Marikana (Rustenburg, South Africa) , Massacres -- South Africa -- Rustenburg , Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa , Stocks -- Prices -- Mathematical models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1094 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013002
- Description: An event study is an economic tool of analysis that has begun to gain popularity in recent empirical literature. It is a technique that gives a researcher the opportunity to map out the reaction of a firm's stock to an event, usually making use of daily or monthly data. However, up to this point, event study methodology has generally been applied to more traditional phenomena capable of affecting equity value, such as dividend and macroeconomic policy announcements, and there have only been a few exceptions to this. This study looks at what impact the tragic shootings at Lonmin mine in Marikana on August 16th 2012 had on the share prices of platinum mining firms based in South Africa using event study methodology. It makes use of the technique to investigate how the share prices responded to the tragedy over a number of trading days, including the day of the shootings. To be best of our knowledge, no attempt has been made to analyse the impact on share prices using events of this nature. For the investigation, daily returns data was used for each firm. The abnormal returns and cumulative abnormal returns to each were then calculated and compared with their respective expected returns in order to determine whether investors in the shares of that particular firm reacted positively, negatively or not at all. The evidence found suggests that tragedies of this nature are capable of influencing share prices in the same manner as more traditional economic phenomena. Overall, only one firm was found to have been negatively affected by the shootings in a persistent manner, while the shares of the other firms examined reacted in a manner that was positive overall, but varied according to individual firm characteristics such as size. These finding conformed to our a priori expectations. In addition, the results also confirm the benefits of applying event study methodology to a wide variety of phenomena that fall outside the boundaries usually associated with business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The role of donors in promoting professionalism in non-profit organisations
- Authors: Mphule, Tlakale Suzan
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Professional ethics Nonprofit organizations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11298 , vital:26908
- Description: The debate of Non-Profit Organisations (NPO) transformation has by far occupied the welfare sector with the urge to evolve and employ business-like attributes in their operations. Professionalism is pointed out as an attribute NPO should move towards to improve their services and be accountable to donors (Reinhardt, 2009). This report investigated the role of National Lotteries Board (NLB) as a donor in promoting professionalism in NPOs. Case-studies were conducted on two selected NPOs who received grants from the NLB through the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund. Data was collected using interviews, documentation and observation. The analysis of the data showed that donors use funding and reporting requirements to drive professionalism within the NPO sector. The recommendations in the report are for both NPOs and donors indicating the need for collaboration between the two parties in ensuring that professionalism benefits them collectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mphule, Tlakale Suzan
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Professional ethics Nonprofit organizations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11298 , vital:26908
- Description: The debate of Non-Profit Organisations (NPO) transformation has by far occupied the welfare sector with the urge to evolve and employ business-like attributes in their operations. Professionalism is pointed out as an attribute NPO should move towards to improve their services and be accountable to donors (Reinhardt, 2009). This report investigated the role of National Lotteries Board (NLB) as a donor in promoting professionalism in NPOs. Case-studies were conducted on two selected NPOs who received grants from the NLB through the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund. Data was collected using interviews, documentation and observation. The analysis of the data showed that donors use funding and reporting requirements to drive professionalism within the NPO sector. The recommendations in the report are for both NPOs and donors indicating the need for collaboration between the two parties in ensuring that professionalism benefits them collectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Preliminary normative indications for Xhosa speaking unskilled workers on the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test
- De Kock, Heinrich Karl Theodor
- Authors: De Kock, Heinrich Karl Theodor
- Date: 2013 , 2013-08-26
- Subjects: Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test Educational tests and measurements Xhosa (African people) -- Education Neuropsychological tests -- Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3130 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006476
- Description: The aim of this study was to establish preliminary normative indications for Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure test administered in English on a non-clinical population of Xhosa, unskilled workers (N = 33). The population has a history of relatively poor quality education and has received no tertiary education. The sample was stratified into two age grouping (18 – 29 and 30 – 40 years). Both sex and level of education were equally distributed within these age groupings. Within-sample statistical comparisons indicated no significant sex effect was present for any of the trials (Copy, IR or DR). Similarly, no significant age effect was present in the Copy trial. Significant age effects were observed for both recall trials (IR and DR). The local sample’s mean performance was descriptively and statistically compared to demographically equivalent nonlocal normative studies. Excluding an illiterate Columbian sample’s performance, the local sample performed significantly lower than all other available normative populations. Lastly, the local sample performed significantly lower than scores derived from a meta-analysis of normative indications in respect of educationally advantaged westernized groups for all three trials (p = .000 in all instances). These results assert the indispensable need for, and use of, culturally appropriate normative datasets in contemporary South African psychological assessments. Equally, these findings serve to highlight the significant influence of quality of education on cognitive test performance, being a critical socio-cultural variable that needs to be taken into consideration for norming purposes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: De Kock, Heinrich Karl Theodor
- Date: 2013 , 2013-08-26
- Subjects: Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test Educational tests and measurements Xhosa (African people) -- Education Neuropsychological tests -- Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3130 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006476
- Description: The aim of this study was to establish preliminary normative indications for Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure test administered in English on a non-clinical population of Xhosa, unskilled workers (N = 33). The population has a history of relatively poor quality education and has received no tertiary education. The sample was stratified into two age grouping (18 – 29 and 30 – 40 years). Both sex and level of education were equally distributed within these age groupings. Within-sample statistical comparisons indicated no significant sex effect was present for any of the trials (Copy, IR or DR). Similarly, no significant age effect was present in the Copy trial. Significant age effects were observed for both recall trials (IR and DR). The local sample’s mean performance was descriptively and statistically compared to demographically equivalent nonlocal normative studies. Excluding an illiterate Columbian sample’s performance, the local sample performed significantly lower than all other available normative populations. Lastly, the local sample performed significantly lower than scores derived from a meta-analysis of normative indications in respect of educationally advantaged westernized groups for all three trials (p = .000 in all instances). These results assert the indispensable need for, and use of, culturally appropriate normative datasets in contemporary South African psychological assessments. Equally, these findings serve to highlight the significant influence of quality of education on cognitive test performance, being a critical socio-cultural variable that needs to be taken into consideration for norming purposes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of the expanded public works programme on poverty in Amathole district municipality
- Authors: Nkonki, Pamela
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: South Africa. Expanded Public Works Programme , Public works -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9209 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020762
- Description: The study aimed at analysis the South African government’s attempt to reduce poverty through alleviation and reduction of unemployment. The study analyses this using Ngqushwa Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape. The introduction of labour intensive projects of government in infrastructural development, under auspices of the Department of Public Works, has brought a relief in addressing unemployment and poverty in the country. While the provision of these short-term based jobs is life-saving, the question is whether or not these projects (EPWP) will provide a sustainable solution to unemployment and poverty with the skills and information they provide to the employees. To achieve this aim the study used both qualitative and quantitative research methodology. First, a literature review on the Expanded Public Works Programme was done. Secondly, policy review on poverty and conservation was done. A small sample size of sixteen people was selected using purposive sampling, targeting ten beneficiaries of EPWP, three Municipal managers and three Departmental managers that were involved in EPWP. Firstly, I wanted to know how many people participated in the EPWP initiatives in the Amathole District Municipality between 2008 and 2012. Secondly, what training was provided to people that were temporarily employed on the EPWP projects and what recruitment tools were used to recruit EPWP employees. Thirdly, to find out how many were able to find permanent employment after the EPWP projects in Amathole District Municipality communities were completed. Fourthly, has the EPWP benefited the poorest of the targeted areas and redressing racial imbalances? It is clear that EPWP is appreciated by some of the beneficiaries who do not have better school qualifications as they make significant, short-term contribution to their livelihoods and, than those who have better qualifications especially the youth, who claimed that this programme is partly wasting their time as they were looking for permanent jobs, and in South Africa age restriction is one of the problems that the people were facing when looking for a job. The study proposes that the government should make a physical relief on poverty and employment reduction by making this programme a permanent job.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Nkonki, Pamela
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: South Africa. Expanded Public Works Programme , Public works -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9209 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020762
- Description: The study aimed at analysis the South African government’s attempt to reduce poverty through alleviation and reduction of unemployment. The study analyses this using Ngqushwa Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape. The introduction of labour intensive projects of government in infrastructural development, under auspices of the Department of Public Works, has brought a relief in addressing unemployment and poverty in the country. While the provision of these short-term based jobs is life-saving, the question is whether or not these projects (EPWP) will provide a sustainable solution to unemployment and poverty with the skills and information they provide to the employees. To achieve this aim the study used both qualitative and quantitative research methodology. First, a literature review on the Expanded Public Works Programme was done. Secondly, policy review on poverty and conservation was done. A small sample size of sixteen people was selected using purposive sampling, targeting ten beneficiaries of EPWP, three Municipal managers and three Departmental managers that were involved in EPWP. Firstly, I wanted to know how many people participated in the EPWP initiatives in the Amathole District Municipality between 2008 and 2012. Secondly, what training was provided to people that were temporarily employed on the EPWP projects and what recruitment tools were used to recruit EPWP employees. Thirdly, to find out how many were able to find permanent employment after the EPWP projects in Amathole District Municipality communities were completed. Fourthly, has the EPWP benefited the poorest of the targeted areas and redressing racial imbalances? It is clear that EPWP is appreciated by some of the beneficiaries who do not have better school qualifications as they make significant, short-term contribution to their livelihoods and, than those who have better qualifications especially the youth, who claimed that this programme is partly wasting their time as they were looking for permanent jobs, and in South Africa age restriction is one of the problems that the people were facing when looking for a job. The study proposes that the government should make a physical relief on poverty and employment reduction by making this programme a permanent job.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Performance of defensive shares on the JSE during financial crisis: evidence from analysis of returns and volatility
- Authors: Arguile, Wayne Peter
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Industries -- South Africa -- Finance Industries -- South Africa -- Statistics Johannesburg Stock Exchange Rational expectations (Economic theory)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1001 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002736
- Description: This study analyses whether historically defensive sectors on the JSE have – with respect to the market – proven to be defensive during the recent global financial crisis. By withstanding the shocks of market volatility, defensive industries (such as pharmaceuticals and consumer staples) are renowned for their consistent performance throughout the business cycle. Using daily data for the period 2000–2009, the study compares the descriptive statistics of sector returns before and during the crisis. The volatility of each sector relative to the market index is calculated using the CAPM beta and a simplified volatility ratio. The same comparison is extended to the conditional volatilities of each of the sectors, which is estimated using the GARCH model and two of its extensions: the EGARCH and GJR GARCH models. While no sector experienced a positive mean return during the financial crisis, Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Consumer Services and Industrials all proved less volatile than the market. Surprisingly, Telecommunications proved more volatile than the market and experienced leverage effects during the financial crisis. Since the timing of a recession is difficult to predict, defensive securities were found to be a useful investment tool for protection against adverse movements in the stock market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Arguile, Wayne Peter
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Industries -- South Africa -- Finance Industries -- South Africa -- Statistics Johannesburg Stock Exchange Rational expectations (Economic theory)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1001 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002736
- Description: This study analyses whether historically defensive sectors on the JSE have – with respect to the market – proven to be defensive during the recent global financial crisis. By withstanding the shocks of market volatility, defensive industries (such as pharmaceuticals and consumer staples) are renowned for their consistent performance throughout the business cycle. Using daily data for the period 2000–2009, the study compares the descriptive statistics of sector returns before and during the crisis. The volatility of each sector relative to the market index is calculated using the CAPM beta and a simplified volatility ratio. The same comparison is extended to the conditional volatilities of each of the sectors, which is estimated using the GARCH model and two of its extensions: the EGARCH and GJR GARCH models. While no sector experienced a positive mean return during the financial crisis, Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Consumer Services and Industrials all proved less volatile than the market. Surprisingly, Telecommunications proved more volatile than the market and experienced leverage effects during the financial crisis. Since the timing of a recession is difficult to predict, defensive securities were found to be a useful investment tool for protection against adverse movements in the stock market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The legal consequences of alcohol and drugs in the workplace
- Authors: Swartz, Johnny Dick
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Labor discipline -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Employees -- Alcohol use , Drugs and employment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10248 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019960
- Description: Drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace is a worldwide problem as it impacts on the company efficiency and cost effectiveness. Companies have prioritized the need to find ways of managing and reducing intoxication in the workplace. In South Africa such processes have to occur within the confines of a constitutional right of fair labour practices and other prescriptive labour legislation. An employee has a constitutional obligation to give faithful and diligent service to the employer. Intoxication contradicts this obligation and may pose a security risk in the workplace. It will be incumbent of an employer to prove that the employee was drunk at the relevant time or was affected by liquor or narcotic substance. Suspicion regarding abuse of alcohol and drugs without proper evidence to support such claims will not satisfy the substantive fairness requirements. When it comes to proving that the employee is indeed under the influence of alcohol and drugs in the workplace, many questions arise. Is it necessary for the employer always to conduct a breathalyzer test or even a blood or urine test? Is it sufficient for the employer to lead other evidence like smelled of alcohol, unsteadiness on his feet and slurred speech? The author will attempt to answer these questions. An employee who consumes alcohol or drugs in the workplace can either be disciplined for misconduct or incapacity. The dividing line between misconduct and incapacity is not always clear. The author suggests various ways of dealing with alcohol and drug-related misconduct and incapacity depending on the facts of each case. Disciplinary sanctions should, as far as possible, be designed to discourage repeated alcohol and drug abuse. Different standards of conduct may be expected of different employees given the nature of their work and the degree of their responsibility. Fair discipline requires a fair procedure, fair disciplinary rules and a fair graduated system of punishment. Termination for incapacity occurs if the employee no longer has the capacity work (on account of his alcohol and drug dependence). Termination for misconduct occurs if the employee consistently acts as though he is not bound by the rules of conduct within the employer‟s establishment on account of his repeated alcohol or drug abuse. Discipline should be progressive in nature, intended to remedy rather than merely punish wrongful behaviour. Case law suggests that employers treat alcohol and drug dependence, the same as other illnesses, with sympathy, understanding and compassion. The author suggests that alcohol and drug abuse in the workplace must be dealt with on a case to case basis
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Swartz, Johnny Dick
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Labor discipline -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Employees -- Alcohol use , Drugs and employment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10248 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019960
- Description: Drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace is a worldwide problem as it impacts on the company efficiency and cost effectiveness. Companies have prioritized the need to find ways of managing and reducing intoxication in the workplace. In South Africa such processes have to occur within the confines of a constitutional right of fair labour practices and other prescriptive labour legislation. An employee has a constitutional obligation to give faithful and diligent service to the employer. Intoxication contradicts this obligation and may pose a security risk in the workplace. It will be incumbent of an employer to prove that the employee was drunk at the relevant time or was affected by liquor or narcotic substance. Suspicion regarding abuse of alcohol and drugs without proper evidence to support such claims will not satisfy the substantive fairness requirements. When it comes to proving that the employee is indeed under the influence of alcohol and drugs in the workplace, many questions arise. Is it necessary for the employer always to conduct a breathalyzer test or even a blood or urine test? Is it sufficient for the employer to lead other evidence like smelled of alcohol, unsteadiness on his feet and slurred speech? The author will attempt to answer these questions. An employee who consumes alcohol or drugs in the workplace can either be disciplined for misconduct or incapacity. The dividing line between misconduct and incapacity is not always clear. The author suggests various ways of dealing with alcohol and drug-related misconduct and incapacity depending on the facts of each case. Disciplinary sanctions should, as far as possible, be designed to discourage repeated alcohol and drug abuse. Different standards of conduct may be expected of different employees given the nature of their work and the degree of their responsibility. Fair discipline requires a fair procedure, fair disciplinary rules and a fair graduated system of punishment. Termination for incapacity occurs if the employee no longer has the capacity work (on account of his alcohol and drug dependence). Termination for misconduct occurs if the employee consistently acts as though he is not bound by the rules of conduct within the employer‟s establishment on account of his repeated alcohol or drug abuse. Discipline should be progressive in nature, intended to remedy rather than merely punish wrongful behaviour. Case law suggests that employers treat alcohol and drug dependence, the same as other illnesses, with sympathy, understanding and compassion. The author suggests that alcohol and drug abuse in the workplace must be dealt with on a case to case basis
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The social and political identities of coloured women in the northern areas of Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Barker, Celeste Heloise
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Women, Colored -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Colored people (South Africa) -- Race identity , Ethnicity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8261 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013081
- Description: This treatise explores the social and political identity of coloured women in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM) with the intention of understanding why some stereotypes of coloured women‟s identity have endured since colonialism in South Africa. Topic selection was stimulated by heated public response to a newspaper article (“Jou Ma se Kinders” (Your Mother‟s Children), (Roberts 2011: http://www.lifeissavage.com/) which negatively labeled and pigeon-holed coloured women‟s identity. With the notable exception of the Saartje Baartman story, most text selection in the Literature Review (Chapter 2) was informed by research in the Western Cape because studies have a patriarchal bias and there are scant records of coloured women‟s lives and identity in the East Cape, Port Elizabeth and the NMBM. The study includes select readings of literary theory and South African fiction from which examples were chosen to illustrate the longevity of stereotypes attached to coloured women‟s identity. Commemorative narrative highlights the role coloured women played and continue to play as their alternative histories or counter narratives embed alternative histories in group identity. A comparative historical analysis of racist and gendered policies and practices contextualises the social construction of coloured women‟s identity from the colonial period to the present time and a focus group discussion among ten female evictees from South End and Richmond ] Hill in Port Elizabeth (PE) generated rich details of coloured women‟s lives and experience in Port Elizabeth and the NMBM. Findings are captured in four themes: Living, Loving and Laughing; Religion and Resistance; Hardship and Trauma and Identity and Ambivalence. These themes highlight nostalgia, courage and humour; the special role played by religious affiliation and coloured people‟s successful resistance to the demolition and deconsecration of places of worship in PE together with pride and a sense of achievement which continues to influence coloured women‟s political identity in the NMBM. Police brutality, everyday racism and sexism, the impact of apartheid on matriculants and the influence of petty apartheid on coloured women‟s lives and identity, as well as participants‟ contradictory perceptions of their post-apartheid social and political identity which continue to be defined by a deficit discourse, are discussed and described in Chapter 4. Focus Group findings locate coloured women‟s identity in a milieu of racist and gendered laws, policies and practices. It is suggested that sexualised stereotypes of coloured women‟s commodification and second class status persist regardless of the South African transition to a constitutional democracy. Evidence is presented of coloured women as bounded storytellers who create a counter narrative to apartheid justification of forced removals.It is suggested that the counter narrative is a vehicle for group support, affirmation and the recovery of roots, identity and post apartheid heritage including records and memorabilia displayed in the South End Museum. As the field is under-researched it is recommended that further research should be conducted to include studies of the social and political identity of an expanded sample of coloured women representative of diverse ages and backgrounds in the rural and urban areas of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Barker, Celeste Heloise
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Women, Colored -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Colored people (South Africa) -- Race identity , Ethnicity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8261 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013081
- Description: This treatise explores the social and political identity of coloured women in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM) with the intention of understanding why some stereotypes of coloured women‟s identity have endured since colonialism in South Africa. Topic selection was stimulated by heated public response to a newspaper article (“Jou Ma se Kinders” (Your Mother‟s Children), (Roberts 2011: http://www.lifeissavage.com/) which negatively labeled and pigeon-holed coloured women‟s identity. With the notable exception of the Saartje Baartman story, most text selection in the Literature Review (Chapter 2) was informed by research in the Western Cape because studies have a patriarchal bias and there are scant records of coloured women‟s lives and identity in the East Cape, Port Elizabeth and the NMBM. The study includes select readings of literary theory and South African fiction from which examples were chosen to illustrate the longevity of stereotypes attached to coloured women‟s identity. Commemorative narrative highlights the role coloured women played and continue to play as their alternative histories or counter narratives embed alternative histories in group identity. A comparative historical analysis of racist and gendered policies and practices contextualises the social construction of coloured women‟s identity from the colonial period to the present time and a focus group discussion among ten female evictees from South End and Richmond ] Hill in Port Elizabeth (PE) generated rich details of coloured women‟s lives and experience in Port Elizabeth and the NMBM. Findings are captured in four themes: Living, Loving and Laughing; Religion and Resistance; Hardship and Trauma and Identity and Ambivalence. These themes highlight nostalgia, courage and humour; the special role played by religious affiliation and coloured people‟s successful resistance to the demolition and deconsecration of places of worship in PE together with pride and a sense of achievement which continues to influence coloured women‟s political identity in the NMBM. Police brutality, everyday racism and sexism, the impact of apartheid on matriculants and the influence of petty apartheid on coloured women‟s lives and identity, as well as participants‟ contradictory perceptions of their post-apartheid social and political identity which continue to be defined by a deficit discourse, are discussed and described in Chapter 4. Focus Group findings locate coloured women‟s identity in a milieu of racist and gendered laws, policies and practices. It is suggested that sexualised stereotypes of coloured women‟s commodification and second class status persist regardless of the South African transition to a constitutional democracy. Evidence is presented of coloured women as bounded storytellers who create a counter narrative to apartheid justification of forced removals.It is suggested that the counter narrative is a vehicle for group support, affirmation and the recovery of roots, identity and post apartheid heritage including records and memorabilia displayed in the South End Museum. As the field is under-researched it is recommended that further research should be conducted to include studies of the social and political identity of an expanded sample of coloured women representative of diverse ages and backgrounds in the rural and urban areas of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A regulationist approach to South Africa and a critique of inflation targeting
- Authors: Bax, Ryan Michael Jonathan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa International finance Economic development -- South Africa Sustainable development -- South Africa Inflation targeting -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1036 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004533
- Description: Since the 1970s, the international economic system has become prone to the volatility and undue effects associated with booms and busts. This forty year period spanning the present has exhibited restrained growth and repressive economic development. Critical changes to the system are presented by the transition from "Fordism" to the post 1970s neoliberal regime and the globalization of world markets. Underpinning this transformation is an ideological shift towards free market capitalism and the adoption of "reduced form" market models. These "reduced form" models appear to hinder economic sustainability as their grounding in economics fails to account for real economic activity. This thesis aims to provide a more holistic perception of sustainability, one that provides a sound basis on which to develop sustainable economic policy. The Regulationist Approach presents the requisite understanding of economic sustainability required within this research. The inclusion of economic, historical and socio-political fields of research proposes a wider understanding of the political economy and sustainability. The application of the Regulation Approach to the South African economy illustrates many problem areas that require attention. The examination found that firstly, aggregate demand in the South African economy was unsustainable due to the debt driven nature of demand under the asset price bubble of the mid to late 2000s. Secondly, aggregate supply also proved unsustainable as government is failing to provide any substantive growth within important sectors of the economy such as education and the provision of general services. Furthermore, the adoption of inflation targeting in South Africa poses a barrier to sustained economic growth as it focuses singularly on price inflation. The "reduced form" model of inflation targeting fails to account for market failures and a number of vital indicators of sustainability most notably, debt levels and asset prices. The inclusion of these indicators, and financial stability more generally, are found to provide a more holistic and sustainable approach to macroeconomic policymaking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Bax, Ryan Michael Jonathan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa International finance Economic development -- South Africa Sustainable development -- South Africa Inflation targeting -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1036 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004533
- Description: Since the 1970s, the international economic system has become prone to the volatility and undue effects associated with booms and busts. This forty year period spanning the present has exhibited restrained growth and repressive economic development. Critical changes to the system are presented by the transition from "Fordism" to the post 1970s neoliberal regime and the globalization of world markets. Underpinning this transformation is an ideological shift towards free market capitalism and the adoption of "reduced form" market models. These "reduced form" models appear to hinder economic sustainability as their grounding in economics fails to account for real economic activity. This thesis aims to provide a more holistic perception of sustainability, one that provides a sound basis on which to develop sustainable economic policy. The Regulationist Approach presents the requisite understanding of economic sustainability required within this research. The inclusion of economic, historical and socio-political fields of research proposes a wider understanding of the political economy and sustainability. The application of the Regulation Approach to the South African economy illustrates many problem areas that require attention. The examination found that firstly, aggregate demand in the South African economy was unsustainable due to the debt driven nature of demand under the asset price bubble of the mid to late 2000s. Secondly, aggregate supply also proved unsustainable as government is failing to provide any substantive growth within important sectors of the economy such as education and the provision of general services. Furthermore, the adoption of inflation targeting in South Africa poses a barrier to sustained economic growth as it focuses singularly on price inflation. The "reduced form" model of inflation targeting fails to account for market failures and a number of vital indicators of sustainability most notably, debt levels and asset prices. The inclusion of these indicators, and financial stability more generally, are found to provide a more holistic and sustainable approach to macroeconomic policymaking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessing challenges in public appointments and recruitment processes in Chris Hani District Municipality: a case study of human resource department in Lukhanji Local Municipality
- Authors: Gijana, Andile Patrick
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Civil service Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape South Africa -- Officials and employees -- Selection and appointment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5752 , vital:29379
- Description: The aim of this study was to assess challenges in Public Appointments and Recruitment Processes in Chris Hani District Municipality: A case study of Human Resource Department in Lukhanji Local Municipality (2008-2010) of the Eastern Cape Province. There has never been a detailed research study conducted in the Chris Hani Human Resource Department, regarding the subject in question. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in Section 195(i) directs that Public Administration must be broadly representative of the South African people, with employment and personnel management practices based on ability, objectivity, fairness and the need to redress the imbalances of the past to achieve broad representation. The literature review explored extensively the models used in implementing recruitment and appointment processes globally. From those tested models elsewhere, it was evident that South Africa has a great Constitution and good policies regarding Local Government Human Resource Department recruitment and appointment processes not withstanding some challenges cited in the study. This assessment of challenges in the public appointments and recruitment processes in Chris Hani District Municipality assisted in the establishment of the real facts about effective and fair recruitment and appointment processes in the Local Government Human Resource Management Department to deserving communities. It became clear from the study that providing efficient and fair recruitment and appointments processes to the Local Government Human Resource Department in South Africa requires a broader advocacy agenda encompassing the development of Human Resource systems and the generation of numerous skills and expertise to deliver services to the poor people of our country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gijana, Andile Patrick
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Civil service Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape South Africa -- Officials and employees -- Selection and appointment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5752 , vital:29379
- Description: The aim of this study was to assess challenges in Public Appointments and Recruitment Processes in Chris Hani District Municipality: A case study of Human Resource Department in Lukhanji Local Municipality (2008-2010) of the Eastern Cape Province. There has never been a detailed research study conducted in the Chris Hani Human Resource Department, regarding the subject in question. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in Section 195(i) directs that Public Administration must be broadly representative of the South African people, with employment and personnel management practices based on ability, objectivity, fairness and the need to redress the imbalances of the past to achieve broad representation. The literature review explored extensively the models used in implementing recruitment and appointment processes globally. From those tested models elsewhere, it was evident that South Africa has a great Constitution and good policies regarding Local Government Human Resource Department recruitment and appointment processes not withstanding some challenges cited in the study. This assessment of challenges in the public appointments and recruitment processes in Chris Hani District Municipality assisted in the establishment of the real facts about effective and fair recruitment and appointment processes in the Local Government Human Resource Management Department to deserving communities. It became clear from the study that providing efficient and fair recruitment and appointments processes to the Local Government Human Resource Department in South Africa requires a broader advocacy agenda encompassing the development of Human Resource systems and the generation of numerous skills and expertise to deliver services to the poor people of our country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessing the diet of the Cape leopard (panthera pardus) in the Cederberg and Gamka mountains, South Africa
- Authors: Rautenbach, Therèsè
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Leopard -- South Africa , Animal feeding -- South Africa , Predation (Biology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10699 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1078 , Leopard -- South Africa , Animal feeding -- South Africa , Predation (Biology)
- Description: As limited prey availability and persecution by humans in response to livestock predation are key conservation concerns for the Cape leopard (Martins & Martins 2006), the present study aimed to provide more information regarding their feeding habits. The first objective was to determine whether the Cape leopard was subject to a change in their prey base and how they responded to the change. This was established by comparison of their current diet in the Cederberg and Gamka Mountains, determined by using scat analysis techniques, with a previous dietary assessment (Norton et al. 1986). The second aim was to provide a preliminary assessment of the prey preference of the Cape leopard and examine the utility of camera trap surveys to determine leopard prey preference. Leopard diet in the Cederberg and Gamka Mountains consisted largely of small- (1-10 kg) and medium-sized (10-40 kg) mammals; rock hyraxes (Procavia capensis) and klipspringers (Oreotragus oreotragus) were key prey items. In terms of regional variation in leopard diet, there was a significant difference in the average weight of prey utilized in the Cederberg and Gamka Mountains. Despite the importance of prey availability of suitable size, their flexibility in terms of prey size utilization reflected their ability to switch to smaller prey to fulfil their dietary requirements, when prey is limited. The study suggested a dietary shift, with significant variation in prey species utilization in both regions. The shift did not appear to be in response to prey scarcity, but rather a reduction in key prey species, particularly the rock hyrax. The shift involved an increase in the number of species utilized, and only a very small increase in livestock predation in both areas. There was however no significant variation in prey size category utilization. This demonstrated their dietary flexibility, as well as the importance of suitable prey sizes rather than the presence of specific prey species to fulfil their dietary requirements. The camera trap survey revealed a strong correlation between the number of camera trap days and the number of photographs taken of identifiable species. Variation of this correlation between different habitats supported the notion that individual images are a better unit to determine sampling efficiency than trap days. The camera trap survey also showed that small rodent availability was underestimated by camera trap surveillance, which resulted in poor prey preference estimation. It was therefore suggested that camera trap surveys be restricted to the surveillance of larger prey species (> 1 kg). By excluding small rodents from the analysis, prey preference could be estimated for other species and prey size categories. Small- and medium-sized mammals were significantly preferred, whereas large mammals were significantly avoided by the Cape leopard.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Rautenbach, Therèsè
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Leopard -- South Africa , Animal feeding -- South Africa , Predation (Biology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10699 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1078 , Leopard -- South Africa , Animal feeding -- South Africa , Predation (Biology)
- Description: As limited prey availability and persecution by humans in response to livestock predation are key conservation concerns for the Cape leopard (Martins & Martins 2006), the present study aimed to provide more information regarding their feeding habits. The first objective was to determine whether the Cape leopard was subject to a change in their prey base and how they responded to the change. This was established by comparison of their current diet in the Cederberg and Gamka Mountains, determined by using scat analysis techniques, with a previous dietary assessment (Norton et al. 1986). The second aim was to provide a preliminary assessment of the prey preference of the Cape leopard and examine the utility of camera trap surveys to determine leopard prey preference. Leopard diet in the Cederberg and Gamka Mountains consisted largely of small- (1-10 kg) and medium-sized (10-40 kg) mammals; rock hyraxes (Procavia capensis) and klipspringers (Oreotragus oreotragus) were key prey items. In terms of regional variation in leopard diet, there was a significant difference in the average weight of prey utilized in the Cederberg and Gamka Mountains. Despite the importance of prey availability of suitable size, their flexibility in terms of prey size utilization reflected their ability to switch to smaller prey to fulfil their dietary requirements, when prey is limited. The study suggested a dietary shift, with significant variation in prey species utilization in both regions. The shift did not appear to be in response to prey scarcity, but rather a reduction in key prey species, particularly the rock hyrax. The shift involved an increase in the number of species utilized, and only a very small increase in livestock predation in both areas. There was however no significant variation in prey size category utilization. This demonstrated their dietary flexibility, as well as the importance of suitable prey sizes rather than the presence of specific prey species to fulfil their dietary requirements. The camera trap survey revealed a strong correlation between the number of camera trap days and the number of photographs taken of identifiable species. Variation of this correlation between different habitats supported the notion that individual images are a better unit to determine sampling efficiency than trap days. The camera trap survey also showed that small rodent availability was underestimated by camera trap surveillance, which resulted in poor prey preference estimation. It was therefore suggested that camera trap surveys be restricted to the surveillance of larger prey species (> 1 kg). By excluding small rodents from the analysis, prey preference could be estimated for other species and prey size categories. Small- and medium-sized mammals were significantly preferred, whereas large mammals were significantly avoided by the Cape leopard.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010