An explosive study of factors leading to students drop out at Lilitha College of Education in Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mnikina, Thandazwa
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11914 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016148
- Description: This study is about exploring the factors that contribute to nursing students’ dropout at a public college. Lilitha College examination policy states that for a student to complete the Four Year Comprehensive Diploma Course, the student shall have passed all the four year courses. An increased student dropout rate has been identified to be affecting nursing student’s progress at Lilitha College of Nursing, East London Campus. This is a cause for concern and the researcher decided to investigate and explore the factors contributing to students’ dropout. This situation paralyzes the attempt by government to deal effectively with the shortage of trained nurses. The purpose of the study was to investigate and explore the factors that contribute to students’ dropout at Lilitha College of Nursing East London Campus. The objectives of this study were: To explore and describe experiences of students who dropped out from Lilitha College before course completion, to identify contributory factors related to increased students’ dropout rate, to come up with recommendations as how to curb the problem of student dropout and to ensure an increase of nursing students who complete at the end of the programme. This study followed a qualitative approach and explorative descriptive design. The population was all the students that have dropped out at Lilitha College of Nursing, East London Campus in the four year basic comprehensive programme from 2007 – 2011 at all levels of study. The sample size in this study was determined by data saturation, meaning that the data were collected to the point where no new information was obtained (Polit & Beck 2004: 308). A purposive sample of 15 former Lilitha students now working as Enrolled nursing assistants participated in this study. Data collection was divided into two sections, namely, demographic characteristics and face to face interviews. Demographic characteristics of the participants were obtained by asking questions related to age, sex, race, marital status, number of children per participant and the year of study at the time of dropping out. In section two of the study the interview guide was used for the purposes of data collection for this study, where four questions were formulated to guide the interview that was followed by probing questions. All tape recordings were listened to and transcribed verbatim. Field notes that were taken during unstructured interview were interpreted. The ideas that emerged from the interview sessions were then consolidated. Questions in the interview guide and their responses were drawn up and similar responses that arose from the interviews were grouped together. The identified major themes and sub themes were coded and categorized. Data belonging to each category were grouped together and analyzed and then the final remarks on the data analysis were completed. For most participants the course was frightening and difficult. They explained that they were exposed to a lot of information in a short space of time. In class, there was a lot of theory and in the wards there were skills to be learnt. Learners had to compile all the information and try to make sense out of it. Students follow up and support in the clinical facilities was reported as inadequate. The college should employ full time facilitators. This can improve teaching in the clinical area. The student should have mentors so that whenever they encounter a problem there will be people to assist and give them guidance. Through mentoring and support, student absenteeism can be controlled and students can gain self-confidence and learn more.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Analysis of official development assistance (ODA) in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Sotondoshe, Tolbert Hlanganisile
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9202 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020422
- Description: In this study Official Development Assistance (ODA) is defined as resource flows from international community in the form of grants, technical assistance, support and financial co-operation. Government is held partially responsible or accountable for the management of these resources but not accountable for utilization of direct support to NGOs and private sector. According to the National Treasury’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) 2010 Review Report, the Eastern Cape is the second largest recipient of ODA in relation to other provinces. The province of KwaZulu Natal, ranked number one, and the province of Limpopo was recorded as the third largest recipient of ODA. As such it is recorded that European Union is the greatest funder in the provincial government focusing in the areas of Health, Urban renewal and Local Economic Development source (National Treasury ODA 2010 Review Report). To date, no analysis has been done on ODA in the Eastern Cape. This study seeks to analyse Official Development Assistance in Eastern Cape with a view to identifying constraints and gaps that may be contributing towards the ineffectiveness of ODA in the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Challenges in the implementation of technology learning area in the senior phase in some Mthatha schools
- Authors: Nokwali, Mlandeli Philbert
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/245 , vital:26589
- Description: Technology education is an important factor in every learner’s education. It contributes to the intellectual and practical development of the learners to enable them to cope with the challenges of a technological society. The main purpose of the study was to investigate the extent to which the learning and teaching of technology were implemented in schools in the Mthatha District. The main research question was: What are the challenges for the implementation of technology learning area in the Senior Phase? Research sub questions were: What support does the Department of Education give to educators?; To what extent have the objectives of implementing the technology learning area been achieved?; and, What suggestions do educators have to improve implementation of technology education? There were 20 Junior Secondary Schools involved in the study. There were two groups of samples: (a) the educators’ sample and (b) the learners’ sample. The educators’ sample: The sample size was 20 educators consisting of those who were teaching technology in either all the Senior Phase grades (Grade 7, 8 and 9) or at least in one of the grades in the senior phase in his/her school. On the researcher’s request, the Principal of each school nominated an educator and hence there was one educator in the educators’ sample from each of the 20 schools. The learners’ sample: The sample size was 40 learners consisting of at least two learners from each of the 20 schools. On the researcher’s request each educator in the educators’ sample nominated two learners from the senior phase. The instrument which was made to collect data was a researcher-designed questionnaire. The researcher personally visited each school involved in the study and gave the questionnaires to the two learners and one educator from that particular school to complete them independently within five days. The researcher personally re-visited each school on a day after the agreed-upon 5-day period but only after confirming over the phone that the questionnaires were indeed completed. The data were analyzed manually. The results obtained revealed that the implementation of the technology learning area is challenged by a number of problems. Those which were specifically identified were: lack of resources especially the rural schools; lack of people who are knowledgeable on Outcomes-based education (OBE) or the OBE modes of learning & teaching technology and its assessment methods, ineffectiveness arising out of large and overcrowded classes, challenges originating from or as a consequence of redeployment and the rationalization of educators and the lack of human resource to assist in the implementation of technology. The study showed the need for the provision of supportive service and continuous contact with educators to offer advice and assistance in order to improve the quality of technology teaching and learning in schools. The professional knowledge and skills of subject advisors as well as educators needed to be extended, refreshed and updated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
How community participation influences the success and sustainability of the Ilitha farming project
- Authors: Nsanzya, Brenda Monde Kabika
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- Citizen participation , Economic development projects , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9208 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020622
- Description: In recent decades, development thinking has shifted from mainstream development strategies to more alternative development approaches incorporating various aspects of development such as equity, gender, sustainability, and participation. In South Africa, a country emerging from a past of injustice, community participation has become a central theme in social development as a way of addressing past inequalities. However, despite its popularity, there are concerns that its benefits are less visible. The literature on community participation shows that there are a number of factors why community participation in development projects has not been successful in many communities. On the other hand, literature on participatory development also shows that there are benefits of participation in development projects; community participation can be successful when the community has genuine participation in the process. However, there is evidence that even where participatory development has been successful, is not necessarily easy to replicate in other areas. This study sought to evaluate participation and how this affects the sustainability and success of the Ilitha farming project. Using the qualitative and quantitative indicators of participation by Oakley et al. (1991), which were adapted from various sources, I have shown that there was a high level of participation by members of this project who started on a small-scale basis, with minimal contributions in order to address the problem of unemployment, lack of skills and income opportunities, and growing poverty in the Ilitha community. The study has shown that success in participation is linked to the success and sustainability of the Ilitha farming project. This project is a success because it has achieved its initial objectives and has potential for expansion. In addition, the expansion of project activities has increased and sustains the project income throughout the year, benefiting not only project members but other members of the Ilitha community including the old age home, the HIV Aids awareness centre and households with patients needing assistance. Project success can be sustained on a long-term basis with a high level of participation through commitment, hard work, quality leadership, consultation, team work and respect for each project member as an equal partner irrespective of differences in age, gender and length of membership in the project. The level of internal sustainability i.e. the ability for the project to maintain its own developmental momentum is evidently high. The executive has led the project from its inception in 2003 to date with a clear vision and long-term commitment. However, there is a need for a succession plan in order to ensure continuity of the project as the current executive may not be able to continue due to old age. Secondary partnerships in the Ilitha farming project have had a significant impact on the level of success and sustainability of the project through the provision of funds, training and technical assistance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The diet of the Subantarctic (A. Tropicalis) and Antarctic (A. Gazella) Fur seal at Marion Island
- Authors: Mgibantaka, Nonkoliso Felicia
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Southern fur seals -- Feeding and feeds -- Antarctica , Seals (Animals) -- Antarctica , Marine ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10729 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021104
- Description: Studying the diet of marine top predators is important for understanding the trophic ecology of the predators but also the distribution, abundance and seasonal variation of prey species. Dietary studies on subantarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus tropicalis) and Antarctic fur seals (A. gazella) is important for assessing their role as predators in the Southern Ocean. Seven hundred and sixty four scats were collected from an A. tropicalis colony at Cape Davis while 659 scats were collected from an A. gazella colony at Watertunnel stream from April 2006 to March 2010. Hard remains such as fish otoliths and cephalopod beaks were used for identification and quantification of prey. A. tropicalis diet comprised of three animal groups (fish, cephalopod and crustaceans) while A. gazella diet was made up of four animal groups (fish, cephalopods, crustaceans and seabirds). Fish contributed substantially more than other prey items in the diet of both fur seal species over the study period. Both species fed predominantly on fish of the family Myctophidae which constituted a numerical abundance of 98.9 percent in scats for both species combined. A. tropicalis fed on fish prey species from eight families, namely: Myctophidae, Notosudidae, Paralepididae, Nototheniidae, Bathylagidae, Chlorophthalmidae, Sternoptychidae and Photichthyidae while A. gazella fed on fish from six of these families, with Chlorophthalmidae and Photichthyidae not represented in its diet. Cephalopods and crustaceans were found in low numbers in the diet of both seal species and seabird remains were only found in the diet of A. gazella. Numerically, the most dominant species were from the genus Gymnoscopelus followed by Protomyctophum and then Electrona. In the diet of A. tropicalis, Gymnoscopelus contributed 66 percent, Protomyctophum 18 percent and Electrona 5.9 percent while in the diet of A. gazella Gymnoscopelus, Protomyctophum and Electrona contributed 59.43 percent, 20.24 percent and 14.24 percent respectively. Gymnoscopelus species comprised G. piabilis, G. bolini, G. braueri, G. fraseri, and G. nicholsi; Protomyctophum comprised Protomyctophum bolini, P. choriodon and P. tenisoni while Electrona comprised Electrona antarctica, E. carlsbergi and E. subaspera. Gymnoscopelus piabilis was the most dominant species from this genus while Electrona carlsbergi and Protomyctophum tenisoni dominated the genus Electrona and Protomyctophum respectively. The total number of fish species utilised by A. tropicalis was twenty four while twenty three fish species were identified in A. gazella diet. Bathysauropsis gracilis only featured in the diet of A. tropicalis while Lampanyctus ater and Lepidonotothen larseni were only found in the diet of A. gazella. To compare the diet of the seal species between seasons, a year was divided into three seasons, early summer, late summer and winter. Their diet was also compared between years from 2006 to 2010. Myctophid fish species showed substantial seasonal and annual fluctuations in the diet of the two fur seal species. E. carlsbergi, G. nicholsi and G. piabilis increased in numerical abundance in winter while Melectrona ventralis increased in late summer. The numerical abundance of G. fraseri and P. tenisoni increased in early summer. Generally, the two fur seal species fed on the same prey species. However, there was a significant difference when the diet of both fur seals was compared seasonally. There was no significant difference when the diet of A. gazella was compared annually, although such a difference was apparent for A. tropicalis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of the Blue Crane development agency on tourism development: a comparative analysis
- Authors: Zokoza, Makhaya
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Travel agents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9129 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018602
- Description: This research investigates the impact of the Blue Crane Development Agency (BCDA) on tourism development by comparing the implementation of the Responsible Tourism Sector Plan of the Blue Crane Route Municipality (BCRM) with the Responsible Tourism Sector Plan of the Sundays River Valley Municipality (SRVM). In the latter instance, there is no development agency involved. A qualitative approach to research is applied with a specific focus on in-depth interviews. The literature review focuses on responsible tourism, local economic development (LED) and development agencies. The research is grounded in the Endogenous Growth Theory. The research notes the phenomenal success of the development agency model for delivery of LED projects. There is a notable growth in the tourism sector within the BCRM. With 45 permanent jobs created, the BCRM is a better place as compared to what it was in the era prior to the establishment of the BCDA. This surpasses by far the number of jobs created in the SRVM where the development agency model does not exist. The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) prefers a district-wide development agency as opposed to a local development agency. The establishment of Cacadu Development Agency (CDA) follows this suggestion. The findings of this research are thus very significant for the SALGA in their pursuit for best practices in LED. Both the BCRM and the SRVM are under-marketed, a negative factor on their tourism growth and development. Placing of billboards at the Ncanara interchange to advertise them would ideally enhance their tourism marketing campaigns. The research also finds that both local municipalities have inadequate monitoring and evaluation systems for projects. In this respect, the research suggests that the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) should consider conducting a provincial research covering all the districts, on the contribution of tourism to the local economies. As a provincial entity, the ECPTA would be better placed to undertake that task. They would have less legal restrictions imposed by jurisdictional issues than would a local municipality. The research recommends the relocation of the CDA and the CDM from the metropolitan city of Port Elizabeth to one of the local municipalities. That would most likely increase business tourism, thereby boosting the local economy in the relevant small municipality. In conclusion, this research proposes that the presence of a development agency enhances tourism growth and development in the BCRM.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013