Rural household dietary diversity and food security in Raymond Mhlaba local municipality
- Authors: Mnukwa, Minentle Lwando
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Food security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17282 , vital:40872
- Description: In order to formulate or implement relevant food security programmes in rural areas, it is important to have a deep understanding of the food security status of rural households. Accordingly, this study was conducted to assess the food security status of rural households in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. The study also sought to identify the socio-economic characteristics that influence household food security status. The research relied on primary data. Primary data were collected by using a structured questionnaire, which covered both demographic features of respondent households, and their recent food consumption patterns. The household survey was conducted among 272 participants of Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. Statistical tools employed in this study included both descriptive and inferential statistics. The main descriptive statistics used were frequency tables, means and percentages in relation to a number of demographic characteristics and food security indicators. The main indicator of food security/insecurity used in the study was the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS). After calculating the HDDS for each household, households were defined as either food secure or insecure depending on whether their HDDS was above or below the average HDDS. A logistic regression model (binary or dichotomous) was then used to identify socio-economic factors that influence some households to have above-average rather than below-average food security levels. The Binary logistic regression model revealed that four out of eight variables included in the model were significant in explaining the variation in the food security situation of households in the study areas, namely age of household head, education level of household head, household income and household size. Of these, the first three were positively associated with aboveaverage food security status, while household size had a negative association. A Tobit model was further used to identify the determinants of the household dietary diversity score. The exact same variables were significant from the Tobit analysis, and in the same manner.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mnukwa, Minentle Lwando
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Food security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17282 , vital:40872
- Description: In order to formulate or implement relevant food security programmes in rural areas, it is important to have a deep understanding of the food security status of rural households. Accordingly, this study was conducted to assess the food security status of rural households in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. The study also sought to identify the socio-economic characteristics that influence household food security status. The research relied on primary data. Primary data were collected by using a structured questionnaire, which covered both demographic features of respondent households, and their recent food consumption patterns. The household survey was conducted among 272 participants of Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. Statistical tools employed in this study included both descriptive and inferential statistics. The main descriptive statistics used were frequency tables, means and percentages in relation to a number of demographic characteristics and food security indicators. The main indicator of food security/insecurity used in the study was the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS). After calculating the HDDS for each household, households were defined as either food secure or insecure depending on whether their HDDS was above or below the average HDDS. A logistic regression model (binary or dichotomous) was then used to identify socio-economic factors that influence some households to have above-average rather than below-average food security levels. The Binary logistic regression model revealed that four out of eight variables included in the model were significant in explaining the variation in the food security situation of households in the study areas, namely age of household head, education level of household head, household income and household size. Of these, the first three were positively associated with aboveaverage food security status, while household size had a negative association. A Tobit model was further used to identify the determinants of the household dietary diversity score. The exact same variables were significant from the Tobit analysis, and in the same manner.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Community capacity-building in question? : finding a "missing" variable in the integrated development planning process in Berlin, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Solani, M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6458 , vital:29730
- Description: This study explored the measures adopted by Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality for capacity building of rural community members to participate effectively in the Integrated Developmental Planning (IDP) process. Focus was on the rural areas of Berlin. Existing studies suggest that, due to low literacy levels and lack of knowledge and understanding about local government issues and the benefits of participation, rural residents have little knowledge of their rights, roles and responsibilities in the IDP process, and do not know the structures designed to enhance participation. The present study was conducted against this backdrop. A mixed-methods research approach was employed, utilising quantitative and qualitative research techniques. A survey was conducted with members of four rural villages in Berlin in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Questionnaires, with open and close-ended questions, were utilised, while in-depth interviews were conducted with IDP officials at Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The findings show that, while the Municipality did have community capacity-building measures in place; these were more about building the capacity of local government councillors and other local government officials and not rural community members. Whereas the municipality believed the capacity building of councillors would translate to building the capacity of rural community members, capacity building of rural community members did not happen. Community members appeared not to understand the IDP process, an indication that whatever capacity-building measures were targeted at them had no real effect in terms of engendering meaningful participation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Solani, M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6458 , vital:29730
- Description: This study explored the measures adopted by Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality for capacity building of rural community members to participate effectively in the Integrated Developmental Planning (IDP) process. Focus was on the rural areas of Berlin. Existing studies suggest that, due to low literacy levels and lack of knowledge and understanding about local government issues and the benefits of participation, rural residents have little knowledge of their rights, roles and responsibilities in the IDP process, and do not know the structures designed to enhance participation. The present study was conducted against this backdrop. A mixed-methods research approach was employed, utilising quantitative and qualitative research techniques. A survey was conducted with members of four rural villages in Berlin in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Questionnaires, with open and close-ended questions, were utilised, while in-depth interviews were conducted with IDP officials at Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The findings show that, while the Municipality did have community capacity-building measures in place; these were more about building the capacity of local government councillors and other local government officials and not rural community members. Whereas the municipality believed the capacity building of councillors would translate to building the capacity of rural community members, capacity building of rural community members did not happen. Community members appeared not to understand the IDP process, an indication that whatever capacity-building measures were targeted at them had no real effect in terms of engendering meaningful participation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The implementation of leadership development strategic plan : a case study of the department of education in the Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Dom, Khanyiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Development leadership Strategic planning Performance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11288 , vital:39053
- Description: The study used qualitative methodology to investigate and evaluate the implementation of leadership development strategic plan in the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Education. The study sought to establish what does the Department‘s policy of leadership development entail to Human Resource Management and Development and what challenges are there in the implementation of the policy and what interventions are necessary to improve the implementation of the leadership policy. The study established that given the need for a transformed public service in line with the post-apartheid democratic dispensation, fundamental reforms to the administration, governance and the funding of education in general had to be given maximum attention hence the need for the adoption and implementation of the leadership development strategic plan in the Provincial Department of Education of the Eastern Cape. The study revealed that the nature of challenges that the department is facing speaks a lot the need for leadership development at the provincial level. However, the implementation of the strategic plan is marred by the challenges that include resources constraints and lack of funding among others. The study therefore came up with some recommendation that can help to improve the implementation of the leadership development plan in the public service sector especially as it relates to the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Dom, Khanyiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Development leadership Strategic planning Performance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11288 , vital:39053
- Description: The study used qualitative methodology to investigate and evaluate the implementation of leadership development strategic plan in the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Education. The study sought to establish what does the Department‘s policy of leadership development entail to Human Resource Management and Development and what challenges are there in the implementation of the policy and what interventions are necessary to improve the implementation of the leadership policy. The study established that given the need for a transformed public service in line with the post-apartheid democratic dispensation, fundamental reforms to the administration, governance and the funding of education in general had to be given maximum attention hence the need for the adoption and implementation of the leadership development strategic plan in the Provincial Department of Education of the Eastern Cape. The study revealed that the nature of challenges that the department is facing speaks a lot the need for leadership development at the provincial level. However, the implementation of the strategic plan is marred by the challenges that include resources constraints and lack of funding among others. The study therefore came up with some recommendation that can help to improve the implementation of the leadership development plan in the public service sector especially as it relates to the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A study of job stress, job satisfaction and turnover intentions among employees of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature in Bisho
- Authors: Tom, Zoliswa Mavis
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Job stress Job satisfaction Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1948 , vital:27587
- Description: According to Greenberg (2011) stress is an inevitable fact of organizational life today, and has an effect on both the employer and employee. The main aim of this study was on finding out the effect of job stress on job satisfaction and employee turnover in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature department. This study was conducted employing logical positivism as the philosophical paradigm; and this logical positivism derives from only two sources of knowledge which are logical reasoning and empirical experience. The researcher employed a non-experimental exploratory quantitative approach, employing the questionnaire as a data collection instrument. A sample size of 238 participants was used to collect data. Data analysis was done using the Pearson correlation coefficient and multi regressions. Job stress was found to have substantial influence to increase turnover intentions and to decrease job satisfaction. In addition, job stress and job satisfaction combine to have a collective influence on turnover intentions. The study recommends managers to implement motivational strategies to enhance job satisfaction and retain employees as long as possible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Tom, Zoliswa Mavis
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Job stress Job satisfaction Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1948 , vital:27587
- Description: According to Greenberg (2011) stress is an inevitable fact of organizational life today, and has an effect on both the employer and employee. The main aim of this study was on finding out the effect of job stress on job satisfaction and employee turnover in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature department. This study was conducted employing logical positivism as the philosophical paradigm; and this logical positivism derives from only two sources of knowledge which are logical reasoning and empirical experience. The researcher employed a non-experimental exploratory quantitative approach, employing the questionnaire as a data collection instrument. A sample size of 238 participants was used to collect data. Data analysis was done using the Pearson correlation coefficient and multi regressions. Job stress was found to have substantial influence to increase turnover intentions and to decrease job satisfaction. In addition, job stress and job satisfaction combine to have a collective influence on turnover intentions. The study recommends managers to implement motivational strategies to enhance job satisfaction and retain employees as long as possible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Improving knowledge sharing at an automotive component manufacturer
- Authors: Makanda, Ziphozihle Marius
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6579 , vital:21118
- Description: In this study the survey was conducted at an automotive component manufacturer to examine the theory about what influence knowledge sharing within an organisation. The evaluation would assist in improving knowledge sharing by indicating which strategies are appropriate for management to enhance knowledge sharing within the organisation. Organisations lose expertise and knowledge because of employee movements and old employees that have retired. The literature review was done as a guidance to test what influences employees to share their knowledge. Based on the survey and literature study that was conducted it was concluded that by making resources available, employee personality traits, giving employee recognition, encouraging better social environment within the organisation and job design that would make it easy for knowledge to flow amongst employees that will elevate knowledge sharing within the organisation. The conclusion and recommendation were formulated for management at the end of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Makanda, Ziphozihle Marius
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6579 , vital:21118
- Description: In this study the survey was conducted at an automotive component manufacturer to examine the theory about what influence knowledge sharing within an organisation. The evaluation would assist in improving knowledge sharing by indicating which strategies are appropriate for management to enhance knowledge sharing within the organisation. Organisations lose expertise and knowledge because of employee movements and old employees that have retired. The literature review was done as a guidance to test what influences employees to share their knowledge. Based on the survey and literature study that was conducted it was concluded that by making resources available, employee personality traits, giving employee recognition, encouraging better social environment within the organisation and job design that would make it easy for knowledge to flow amongst employees that will elevate knowledge sharing within the organisation. The conclusion and recommendation were formulated for management at the end of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The investigation of perceptions of professional nurses regarding care of mental health care users in a general hospital setting
- Manona-Nkanjeni, Nonkanyiso Yvonne
- Authors: Manona-Nkanjeni, Nonkanyiso Yvonne
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11924 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020200
- Description: This study sought to explore the perceptions of professional nurses regarding care of stabilised mental health care users in a general hospital setting. A qualitative, explanatory, descriptive and contextual design was used for the study. A non-probability, purposive sampling method was used to select 12 participants from the Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in Mdantsane. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The services of an independent interviewer were used to avoid any bias as interviews took place where the researcher is employed. The services of an editor were also used for language control (see Annexure H). The researcher repeatedly listened to the tapes used for data collection until completely satisfied with the interpretation of verbatim data. The research study was conducted in an ethically reflective manner and trustworthiness was ensured at all times. Four themes emerged from the analysis of the interviews: fear, stigma, myths and training. The researcher utilised the services of an independent coder who verified the identified major themes. The findings revealed that participants were fearful due to lack of knowledge, experience and psychiatric nursing skills. Participants feared because they lack knowledge about psychiatric medication and because mental health care users may have relapse. The participants also attached a stigma to mental health care users, which resulted in poor communication between participants and the stabilised mental health care user; a negative attitude towards mental health care users; and non-acceptance. Participants believed in myths about mental illness; they regarded it as contagious; and perceived mental health care users as dangerous. The participants strongly recommended that training should be provided to improve their knowledge and skills to enable them to care for stabilised mental health care users in a general hospital setting. The following should be facilitated: in-service training; adoption of a positive attitude; dispersal of myths and fear; education about referral systems; and allocation of specialist psychiatric nurses to medical wards for referral purposes with regard to complicated cases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Manona-Nkanjeni, Nonkanyiso Yvonne
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11924 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020200
- Description: This study sought to explore the perceptions of professional nurses regarding care of stabilised mental health care users in a general hospital setting. A qualitative, explanatory, descriptive and contextual design was used for the study. A non-probability, purposive sampling method was used to select 12 participants from the Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in Mdantsane. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The services of an independent interviewer were used to avoid any bias as interviews took place where the researcher is employed. The services of an editor were also used for language control (see Annexure H). The researcher repeatedly listened to the tapes used for data collection until completely satisfied with the interpretation of verbatim data. The research study was conducted in an ethically reflective manner and trustworthiness was ensured at all times. Four themes emerged from the analysis of the interviews: fear, stigma, myths and training. The researcher utilised the services of an independent coder who verified the identified major themes. The findings revealed that participants were fearful due to lack of knowledge, experience and psychiatric nursing skills. Participants feared because they lack knowledge about psychiatric medication and because mental health care users may have relapse. The participants also attached a stigma to mental health care users, which resulted in poor communication between participants and the stabilised mental health care user; a negative attitude towards mental health care users; and non-acceptance. Participants believed in myths about mental illness; they regarded it as contagious; and perceived mental health care users as dangerous. The participants strongly recommended that training should be provided to improve their knowledge and skills to enable them to care for stabilised mental health care users in a general hospital setting. The following should be facilitated: in-service training; adoption of a positive attitude; dispersal of myths and fear; education about referral systems; and allocation of specialist psychiatric nurses to medical wards for referral purposes with regard to complicated cases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Bacterial degradation of waste coal
- Authors: Madikiza, Lwazikazi
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54576 , vital:26590
- Description: As an energy source coal has one of the largest agglomerations in the world. Consequently mining of coal creates large volumes of waste in the form of low ranks coals. The complex structure of coal makes it difficult for the microorganisms to degrade and relatively few bacteria and fungi have been shown to break down coal. This study aimed to investigate bacteria not previously known to degrade coal. In this study bacteria were isolated from hydrocarbon contaminated sites and inoculated in coal medium where coal served as the only carbon source. Three strains produced a yellow – brown supernatant after 14 d of incubation at 30 °C. Bacteria generating a yellow – brown coloured supernatant were presumed to possess coal degrading capabilities and the best performing of these bacterial species was identified using 16s rDNA as Bacillus flexus. Scanning electron microscopy showed that there was a close association between the bacterium and substrate coal. The close association of bacteria to substrate suggested that these organisms were able to maximize solubilisation. FT-IR spectroscopic analysis demonstrated the addition of single bonded compounds COOH, OH, CN and CH that were absent prior to bacterial interaction. The increase in oxygen rich regions indicated degradation of the coal substrate. Elemental analysis showed that there was a decrease in carbon content from 47 % to 24 % during the 14 day incubation period. Reduction in coal carbon content was assumed to be due to bacterial utilization for metabolism and growth particularly as untreated coal substrate showed minimal loss of carbon. Analysis of the residual culture medium revealed that there was a linear increase in humic-like substance concentration for 8 d, coincident with increased coal biosolubilisation and colour change. Laccase activity was insignificant, and at 13 d enzyme activity was only 5×10-3 U/L suggesting that B. flexus may use a different mechanism to degrade coal. Residual culture medium remaining after bacterial action on the coal substrate appeared to possess plant growth promoting activity. This soluble biodegradation product with characteristics similar to humic acid-like substances was shown to impact growth of radish cotyledons. Expansion of isolated radish cotyledons was enhanced by 140% when incubated in coal biodegradation product. In conclusion, this study has yielded B. flexus and two other unidentified bacteria, isolated from polyaromatic hydrocarbon contaminated soils, and demonstrated the ability of these microorganisms to degrade waste coal. Further studies to elucidate the mechanism of coal breakdown by B. flexus, synergies with other coal degrading microorganisms, and incorporation of bacterium into Fungcoal bioprocess technology is imminent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Madikiza, Lwazikazi
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54576 , vital:26590
- Description: As an energy source coal has one of the largest agglomerations in the world. Consequently mining of coal creates large volumes of waste in the form of low ranks coals. The complex structure of coal makes it difficult for the microorganisms to degrade and relatively few bacteria and fungi have been shown to break down coal. This study aimed to investigate bacteria not previously known to degrade coal. In this study bacteria were isolated from hydrocarbon contaminated sites and inoculated in coal medium where coal served as the only carbon source. Three strains produced a yellow – brown supernatant after 14 d of incubation at 30 °C. Bacteria generating a yellow – brown coloured supernatant were presumed to possess coal degrading capabilities and the best performing of these bacterial species was identified using 16s rDNA as Bacillus flexus. Scanning electron microscopy showed that there was a close association between the bacterium and substrate coal. The close association of bacteria to substrate suggested that these organisms were able to maximize solubilisation. FT-IR spectroscopic analysis demonstrated the addition of single bonded compounds COOH, OH, CN and CH that were absent prior to bacterial interaction. The increase in oxygen rich regions indicated degradation of the coal substrate. Elemental analysis showed that there was a decrease in carbon content from 47 % to 24 % during the 14 day incubation period. Reduction in coal carbon content was assumed to be due to bacterial utilization for metabolism and growth particularly as untreated coal substrate showed minimal loss of carbon. Analysis of the residual culture medium revealed that there was a linear increase in humic-like substance concentration for 8 d, coincident with increased coal biosolubilisation and colour change. Laccase activity was insignificant, and at 13 d enzyme activity was only 5×10-3 U/L suggesting that B. flexus may use a different mechanism to degrade coal. Residual culture medium remaining after bacterial action on the coal substrate appeared to possess plant growth promoting activity. This soluble biodegradation product with characteristics similar to humic acid-like substances was shown to impact growth of radish cotyledons. Expansion of isolated radish cotyledons was enhanced by 140% when incubated in coal biodegradation product. In conclusion, this study has yielded B. flexus and two other unidentified bacteria, isolated from polyaromatic hydrocarbon contaminated soils, and demonstrated the ability of these microorganisms to degrade waste coal. Further studies to elucidate the mechanism of coal breakdown by B. flexus, synergies with other coal degrading microorganisms, and incorporation of bacterium into Fungcoal bioprocess technology is imminent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Factors influencing the procurement process in the supply chain management of the Eastern Cape Provincial Planning and Treasury
- Pharoe, Dieketseng Albertina
- Authors: Pharoe, Dieketseng Albertina
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Industrial procurement -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Process control , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Materials management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47858 , vital:40390
- Description: The study focused on the factors influencing the procurement processes in the Supply Chain Management. The empirical part of the study was conducted at the Eastern Cape Provincial Planning and Treasury at Bhisho. The Supply Chain Management (SCM) is the organisation’s identification, acquisition, access, positioning and management of resources in order to attain its objectives. Supply Chain Management System is the South African reform process that the South African Government developed, for sound management of procurement activities within government. Section 195 (1) of the Constitution of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996), sets out the basic values and principles governing public administration which include a high standard of professionalism, efficiency, economic and effective use of resources, and promoting transparency at all times. Section 217 (1) of the Constitution further states that when an organ of state contracts for goods and/or services it must do so in accordance with the system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost effective. Treasury Regulation 16A.6 on the procurement of goods and services provides that procurement either by way of quotations or through competitive bidding processes must be within the thresholds as determined by the National Treasury, and in the case of procurement through bidding processes, the SCM system must provide for the establishment, composition and functioning of Bid Specification, Evaluation and Adjudication Committees. The departmental processes were measured against the applicable prescripts and the study revealed that the departmental processes were in line with the applicable legislation. Areas of concerns were however raised where the department needs to come up with innovative ways to implement the procurement processes to be economical and also to train the officials involved in procurement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Pharoe, Dieketseng Albertina
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Industrial procurement -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Process control , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Materials management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47858 , vital:40390
- Description: The study focused on the factors influencing the procurement processes in the Supply Chain Management. The empirical part of the study was conducted at the Eastern Cape Provincial Planning and Treasury at Bhisho. The Supply Chain Management (SCM) is the organisation’s identification, acquisition, access, positioning and management of resources in order to attain its objectives. Supply Chain Management System is the South African reform process that the South African Government developed, for sound management of procurement activities within government. Section 195 (1) of the Constitution of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996), sets out the basic values and principles governing public administration which include a high standard of professionalism, efficiency, economic and effective use of resources, and promoting transparency at all times. Section 217 (1) of the Constitution further states that when an organ of state contracts for goods and/or services it must do so in accordance with the system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost effective. Treasury Regulation 16A.6 on the procurement of goods and services provides that procurement either by way of quotations or through competitive bidding processes must be within the thresholds as determined by the National Treasury, and in the case of procurement through bidding processes, the SCM system must provide for the establishment, composition and functioning of Bid Specification, Evaluation and Adjudication Committees. The departmental processes were measured against the applicable prescripts and the study revealed that the departmental processes were in line with the applicable legislation. Areas of concerns were however raised where the department needs to come up with innovative ways to implement the procurement processes to be economical and also to train the officials involved in procurement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The feasibility of forming a monetary union in SADC : meeting convergence and optimum currency area criteria and evaluating fiscal sustainability
- Authors: Mokoena, Motshidisi Suzan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community Economic and Monetary Union Common Monetary Area (Organization) Economic policy -- Africa, Southern Monetary policy -- Africa, Southern Monetary unions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1073 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007743
- Description: In conformity with the goal of the African Union to build a monetary union for the entire African continent, one of the goals of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is the formation of a monetary union with a single central bank. Towards this end certain macroeconomic convergence criteria, which are closely aligned with those used by the European Union (EU), have been set. While empirical research on whether or not SADC would benefit from the formation of a currency union has focused on the optimum currency area criteria, no reference to these criteria is made in the SADC programme. Instead, the SADC approach has been governed by a set of macroeconomic convergence criteria synonymous with those pursued by the European Monetary Union (EMU) prior to its formation. Doubts regarding the future of the EU have recently been raised as a result of debt crises in certain member states, implicitly raising questions about the adequacy of the convergence criteria that were adopted. Accordingly, this study considers the feasibility of establishing a currency union in the SADC region. The proposed convergence criteria are assessed against the theory of optimum currency areas as well as in terms of their adequacy in the light of recent EU experience. In addition, the paper provides a preliminary assessment of the fiscal sustainability of the SADC region by conducting Engle-Granger cointegration tests on the public debt and revenue series for the SADC countries under analysis. It was observed that SADC has made considerable progress towards meeting its macroeconomic convergence criteria in recent years. However, in light of the regions' heavy dependence on commodity exports coupled with recent price fluctuations in this regard, the sustainability of this progress is questioned. Furthermore, a review of the EMU experience to date highlights numerous flaws in its approach and the potential challenges the SADC region should consider in moving forward with its agenda. In essence, the study suggests that almost all the SADC member states are fiscally unprepared for monetary union formation and the recent EMU debt crisis has highlighted the importance of acquiring a state of fiscal sustainability prior to union formation. In addition, it is imperative that the SADC members continue to address issues of product diversification, intraregional trade and political unification, all of which should be governed by a centralised fiscal authoriry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mokoena, Motshidisi Suzan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community Economic and Monetary Union Common Monetary Area (Organization) Economic policy -- Africa, Southern Monetary policy -- Africa, Southern Monetary unions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1073 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007743
- Description: In conformity with the goal of the African Union to build a monetary union for the entire African continent, one of the goals of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is the formation of a monetary union with a single central bank. Towards this end certain macroeconomic convergence criteria, which are closely aligned with those used by the European Union (EU), have been set. While empirical research on whether or not SADC would benefit from the formation of a currency union has focused on the optimum currency area criteria, no reference to these criteria is made in the SADC programme. Instead, the SADC approach has been governed by a set of macroeconomic convergence criteria synonymous with those pursued by the European Monetary Union (EMU) prior to its formation. Doubts regarding the future of the EU have recently been raised as a result of debt crises in certain member states, implicitly raising questions about the adequacy of the convergence criteria that were adopted. Accordingly, this study considers the feasibility of establishing a currency union in the SADC region. The proposed convergence criteria are assessed against the theory of optimum currency areas as well as in terms of their adequacy in the light of recent EU experience. In addition, the paper provides a preliminary assessment of the fiscal sustainability of the SADC region by conducting Engle-Granger cointegration tests on the public debt and revenue series for the SADC countries under analysis. It was observed that SADC has made considerable progress towards meeting its macroeconomic convergence criteria in recent years. However, in light of the regions' heavy dependence on commodity exports coupled with recent price fluctuations in this regard, the sustainability of this progress is questioned. Furthermore, a review of the EMU experience to date highlights numerous flaws in its approach and the potential challenges the SADC region should consider in moving forward with its agenda. In essence, the study suggests that almost all the SADC member states are fiscally unprepared for monetary union formation and the recent EMU debt crisis has highlighted the importance of acquiring a state of fiscal sustainability prior to union formation. In addition, it is imperative that the SADC members continue to address issues of product diversification, intraregional trade and political unification, all of which should be governed by a centralised fiscal authoriry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Promoting learners' conceptual understanding of electrostatics through use of practical activities in conjunction with prior knowledge of lightning : a case study
- Authors: Maselwa, Matole Reuben
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Electrostatics -- Study and teaching -- Case studies Science -- Study and teaching -- Case studies Lightning -- Study and teaching -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1717 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003600
- Description: The research presented in this thesis is situated within an interpretivist paradigm. Within this paradigm, a qualitative case-study research approach was adopted. This seemed most appropriate in my research project since the main focus is on elicitation of prior knowledge and incorporation of such knowledge into 'hands-on' and 'minds-on' practical activities with a view to improving conceptual development. For the purposes of this research project, I designed an interactive teaching and learning unit in electrostatics as an attempt to put into practice a learner-centred approach. This approach, in my view, is in line with the new curriculum in South Africa. The emerging central theme of this thesis is the notion of active participation by learners during teaching and learning. This study was carried out over a period of two years and involved my grade 9 learners, who participated voluntarily. The research process documented in this thesis has been conceptualised into two phases. Phase one was concerned with the elicitation of learners' prior knowledge around lightning. In phase two, learners were engaged in 'hands-on' and 'minds-on' practical activities, and key concepts were identified to ensure conceptual development. The data was collected using a variety of data collection tools, namely: focus group interviews, follow-up whole-class semi-structured interviews, worksheets, videotaped lessons and photographs. The analysis of data revealed that learners come to class with prior knowledge concerning lightning. Within this prior knowledge it was found that there were both ‘scientific’ and ‘non-scientific’ concepts. The identification of key concepts during practical activities was found to be very useful in promoting learning. However, the incorporation of prior knowledge into practical activities posed a challenge and needs further research. iv This research study also highlights some insights into some of the complexities of elicitation and incorporation of learners' prior knowledge, and conceptual development in science classrooms. It also demonstrates the challenges and possibilities during teaching and learning as well as the realities of the demands of the new curriculum and OBE in South Africa, in particular, in historically disadvantaged schools
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Maselwa, Matole Reuben
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Electrostatics -- Study and teaching -- Case studies Science -- Study and teaching -- Case studies Lightning -- Study and teaching -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1717 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003600
- Description: The research presented in this thesis is situated within an interpretivist paradigm. Within this paradigm, a qualitative case-study research approach was adopted. This seemed most appropriate in my research project since the main focus is on elicitation of prior knowledge and incorporation of such knowledge into 'hands-on' and 'minds-on' practical activities with a view to improving conceptual development. For the purposes of this research project, I designed an interactive teaching and learning unit in electrostatics as an attempt to put into practice a learner-centred approach. This approach, in my view, is in line with the new curriculum in South Africa. The emerging central theme of this thesis is the notion of active participation by learners during teaching and learning. This study was carried out over a period of two years and involved my grade 9 learners, who participated voluntarily. The research process documented in this thesis has been conceptualised into two phases. Phase one was concerned with the elicitation of learners' prior knowledge around lightning. In phase two, learners were engaged in 'hands-on' and 'minds-on' practical activities, and key concepts were identified to ensure conceptual development. The data was collected using a variety of data collection tools, namely: focus group interviews, follow-up whole-class semi-structured interviews, worksheets, videotaped lessons and photographs. The analysis of data revealed that learners come to class with prior knowledge concerning lightning. Within this prior knowledge it was found that there were both ‘scientific’ and ‘non-scientific’ concepts. The identification of key concepts during practical activities was found to be very useful in promoting learning. However, the incorporation of prior knowledge into practical activities posed a challenge and needs further research. iv This research study also highlights some insights into some of the complexities of elicitation and incorporation of learners' prior knowledge, and conceptual development in science classrooms. It also demonstrates the challenges and possibilities during teaching and learning as well as the realities of the demands of the new curriculum and OBE in South Africa, in particular, in historically disadvantaged schools
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Pottery craft and culture
- Authors: Randell, Gillian
- Date: 1972
- Subjects: Pottery craft
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2452 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007559
- Description: "The idea and fact of containment have been the primary significance of pottery from the beginning, and pots of all ages and peoples, even when their ostensible function was ceremonial or symbolical, have expressed by their generous swelling volumes, the potential or holding things of vital importance to man food, liquid or the furnishings of the grave." The utilitarian value of a pot is inseparable from its aesthetic quality. "There can be no fullness of complete realization or utility without beauty, refinement and charm, for the simple reason that their absence must in the long run be intolerable to both maker and consumer... The continued production of utilities without delight in making and using is bound to produce only boredom and to end in sterility." Modern pottery, whether industrial or that of the artist potter, has each in its different way tended to separate the aesthetic and the utilitarian. This is one symptom of the cultural decline of our Western tradition since the Eighteenth Century. The making of pots has persisted from earliest times to the present day through our ever changing world. Circumstances have at times obscured the essential truths of this art.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1972
- Authors: Randell, Gillian
- Date: 1972
- Subjects: Pottery craft
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2452 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007559
- Description: "The idea and fact of containment have been the primary significance of pottery from the beginning, and pots of all ages and peoples, even when their ostensible function was ceremonial or symbolical, have expressed by their generous swelling volumes, the potential or holding things of vital importance to man food, liquid or the furnishings of the grave." The utilitarian value of a pot is inseparable from its aesthetic quality. "There can be no fullness of complete realization or utility without beauty, refinement and charm, for the simple reason that their absence must in the long run be intolerable to both maker and consumer... The continued production of utilities without delight in making and using is bound to produce only boredom and to end in sterility." Modern pottery, whether industrial or that of the artist potter, has each in its different way tended to separate the aesthetic and the utilitarian. This is one symptom of the cultural decline of our Western tradition since the Eighteenth Century. The making of pots has persisted from earliest times to the present day through our ever changing world. Circumstances have at times obscured the essential truths of this art.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1972
The response of pure organic crystals to ionising radiations
- Authors: King, J W
- Date: 1953
- Subjects: Inorganic scintillators , Crystals
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5529 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012641 , Inorganic scintillators , Crystals
- Description: The introduction contains introductory remarks on scintillation counters together with a brief description of the exciton theory believed to be the means of primary energy migration within organic crystals. Part I contains a review of the data published on the reletive responses of different organic crystals and the attempted correlations of these results with the molecular structures of the different phosphors. From data which may be accepted as being both reliable and suitable for comparison it is concluded that theories involving correlations between phosphor efficiencies and molecular structures may be tested only if the efficiency data has (i) been extrapolated to give results for crystals of very small thickness and {ii) been obtained at very low temperatures. Part II contains accurate calculations based on the exciton theory proposed by Birks (1951 ) to account for the response of crystals to different types of ionising radiations. Satisfactory agreement is obta1ned with all the avalable experimental data in the literature. In part III an account is given of the response of organic crystals observed by the author for low-energy ⋉particles, and of the similar behaviour found by Taylor et al, (1951 ) for low-energy electrons. A possible extension of the theory described in part II, allowing for the escape of excitons through the crystal surface is given accounting for this behaviour. An exciton mean free path in anthracene, terphenyl and stilbene of about 3 - 7/u is obtained. Results were obtained with strong ⋉-particle sources which could not be explained. in terms ot normal response of the phosphor used. This effect was inventigatea as described in part IV, and it is shown that photons are produced in air, glass and quartz when these materials are irradiated by ⋉particles. This luminescence was probably responsible for the "scintillations" which Richards and Cole (1951) have ascribed to thin films of various materials. Problems requiring further investigation are indicated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1953
- Authors: King, J W
- Date: 1953
- Subjects: Inorganic scintillators , Crystals
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5529 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012641 , Inorganic scintillators , Crystals
- Description: The introduction contains introductory remarks on scintillation counters together with a brief description of the exciton theory believed to be the means of primary energy migration within organic crystals. Part I contains a review of the data published on the reletive responses of different organic crystals and the attempted correlations of these results with the molecular structures of the different phosphors. From data which may be accepted as being both reliable and suitable for comparison it is concluded that theories involving correlations between phosphor efficiencies and molecular structures may be tested only if the efficiency data has (i) been extrapolated to give results for crystals of very small thickness and {ii) been obtained at very low temperatures. Part II contains accurate calculations based on the exciton theory proposed by Birks (1951 ) to account for the response of crystals to different types of ionising radiations. Satisfactory agreement is obta1ned with all the avalable experimental data in the literature. In part III an account is given of the response of organic crystals observed by the author for low-energy ⋉particles, and of the similar behaviour found by Taylor et al, (1951 ) for low-energy electrons. A possible extension of the theory described in part II, allowing for the escape of excitons through the crystal surface is given accounting for this behaviour. An exciton mean free path in anthracene, terphenyl and stilbene of about 3 - 7/u is obtained. Results were obtained with strong ⋉-particle sources which could not be explained. in terms ot normal response of the phosphor used. This effect was inventigatea as described in part IV, and it is shown that photons are produced in air, glass and quartz when these materials are irradiated by ⋉particles. This luminescence was probably responsible for the "scintillations" which Richards and Cole (1951) have ascribed to thin films of various materials. Problems requiring further investigation are indicated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1953
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