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Teachers' experiences of English as the language of teaching and learning: a case study of two primary schools in East London education district

  • Authors: Mkohlwa, Tantaswa
  • Date: 2015-01
  • Subjects: Language and languages , English language -- Study and teaching , Primary school teachers
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26515 , vital:65519
  • Description: This study investigates teachers‘ experiences on English as the language of learning and teaching of isiXhosa learners. It critically examines the teachers‘ practices and experiences towards English as the sole language of learning and teaching LOLT at two different primary schools in Ncerha in the East London District in the Eastern Cape. The study is guided by the fact that most learners use their mother tongue isiXhosa in classroom as well as outside classroom contexts. Furthermore, some teachers use the translation method as they code-switch to their home language when teaching content subjects as well as English but learners are expected to answer the test and examination questions in English Maphalala 1988.Theoretically, this study is underpinned by the constructivist view of language learning Gaserfeld 2003 and English as an international language Sivasubramaniam, 2011. On the basis of the ecological and the constructivist approaches to language learning, Sivasubramaniam 2011 p53 views language as a creative instrument of meaning which has the power to create meaning anew and afresh‘ each time that someone uses it. The study makes use of the qualitative research method with a case study design. The data collected was analysed within the framework of discourse analysis.The findings of this study suggest some instrumental motivations for the use of English as LOLT. Some of these motivations are studying abroad, business with foreign investors Abongdia, 2009 and integrative motivations as the learner might be able to communicate with people from different countries Lambert and Gardner, 1972 Baker 2006 and Abongdia 2009. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2015
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  • Date Issued: 2015-01

The four flows model and organising: a case study of the grounding programme at the University of Fort Hare

  • Authors: Dube, Nomzamo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9873-6566
  • Date: 2015-01
  • Subjects: Communication in organizations , Organizational behavior
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24739 , vital:63538
  • Description: The research focuses on McPhee and Zaug (2000)’s four flows model prevalent in the Communicative Constitution of Organisation (CCO) school of thought to explicate its applicability in the organisation of the Grounding Programme, a compulsory trans-disciplinary first year programme at Fort Hare University. This thesis diverts emphasis from studying organisation as a noun to Karl Weick (1979)’s view of seeing organisation as a verb, shifting emphasis to the term organising, thus looking at organisation as an on-going process not as an entity. The theoretical basis of the research is Giddens’ structuration theory which attempts to offer a conceptual stability to the friction of employees’ compelling needs for freedom and the organisational rules and policies. The structuration theory is foundational to the CCO perspective which gave birth to the four flows model, therefore perfectly ideal for the purpose of the study. Research methods used in this study are open ended interviews, participant observation and document examination. These complement each other and impeccable for this study. Upon intersecting the four flows model and the Grounding Programme, it came to light that the model was formed out of a series of models and theories, the weaknesses of each model or theory perpetuates to the next hence causing series of problems. Unsolved issues of the structuration theory perpetuates to the CCO which in the long-run extend to the four flows model. Findings also show that the inadequacies of one communicative flow of the four flows model affect the other flows hence it is sometimes difficult to track how the actual problem began. Again, not all flows are relevant for organisational purposes. In spite of McPhee and Zaug’s attempt to narrow the model into four distinct flows, the model still remains incomprehensive and has loopholes when linked to a particular organisation because organisations are different. However, McPhee and Zaug’s model ought to be credited for its successes too, which are outlined in the thesis. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
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  • Date Issued: 2015-01

The impact of portfolio investment on economic growth in South Africa

  • Authors: Tenderere, Morris
  • Date: 2015-01
  • Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Portfolio management , Capital market
  • Language: English
  • Type: text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25603 , vital:64338
  • Description: The main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of foreign portfolio investmenton economic growth in South Africa. South Africa, just like other several developing countries has recorded large capital inflows in recent years, reversing a trend of outflows. Much of this new capital inflow has been in the form of portfolio investment. This has been attributed to large domestic capital markets in South Africa. This surge in portfolio flows has raised the question whether these flows will be sustained or will instead be reversed in the near future. Some observers argue that the recent flows are inherently unsustainable because in many cases they have short maturities. In light of this, this study, then, sought to establish the impact of portfolio investment on economic growth in South Africa. The study used annual data from 1990 to 2012. The data was tested for stationarity using the Phillips Perron and Augmented Dickey–Fuller tests. This was followed by cointegration, after which thevector error correction modelling was carried out. Diagnostic checks, impulse response and variable decomposition were also conducted. Estimation results revealed that there is a positive relationship between foreign portfolio investments and economic growth in South Africa. The study recommended that the SARB and the government should remove all impediments that make it hard for foreign investors to invest in South Africa. The SARB should also keep interest rates at a rate that is high enough to attract foreign portfolios into South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
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  • Date Issued: 2015-01

Determinants and risk factors of cardiovascula diseases among urban black adults in Mdantsane , Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Mayekiso, Zoliswa
  • Date: 2015-00
  • Subjects: Medicine and Health Sciences
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/13031 , vital:76859
  • Description: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are no longer the diseases of only the developed countries or the rich as initially described and understood, but the poor and the working age (30-64 years) are also affected the most. This is the age that drives the economy of a country. Sickness, disability and death as a result of CVD causes decline in individual earning power and this undermines their ability to generate revenue for a country and also support their families. The purpose of this study was to determine the determinants and associated risk factors of CVD among urban black adults of Mdantsane. Methods: An observational, analytic case control study (n=100; 50 cases, 50 controls). Participants (92 women, 8 men) from a regional hospital and primary health clinics. Age, gender and ethnicity matched controls. Univariate and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses was performed using SPSS version 21. Results: There was no difference observed in physical activity and a healthy diet practice between these groups. Physical activity was shown to be adequate 95% (n=100), and the method was doing household work 74%, with 68% daily frequency. Majority of participants in both groups did not smoke, nor drink alcohol. A slightly higher occurrence of obesity (55 vs 45%) was observed in cases. Hypertension (72%) was the most occurring determinant of CVD among cases; 78% were obese. Family history of CVD with hypertension (92%, n=100) being the most prevalent, a high proportion had mothers (46%, n=100) who suffered from a known CVD. Conclusion: There is a high burden of risk factors of CVDs in this study population in the age group 36 - 57 years. The lack of knowledge of the condition among those diagnosed with CVD is regretful; because knowledge is pivotal for optimal disease control and management. The challenges individuals face in changing behaviours and adopting healthier lifestyles does not only affect their quality of life but also places a huge burden of costs on the health care systems of a country. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2015
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  • Date Issued: 2015-00

Molecular characterization, antibiograms and activity of medicinal plants against streptococcus pneumoniae and haemophilus influenzae isolates from clinical samples of patients in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa

  • Authors: Morobe, Isaac Christopher
  • Date: 2015-00
  • Subjects: Medicinal plants
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's/Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6469 , vital:46340
  • Description: H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae are important causes of community acquired respiratory tract infections including, pneumonia, acute sinusitis, otitis media, meningitis, bacteremia, sepsis, osteomyelitis, pericarditis, septic arthritis, endocarditis, peritonitis, cellulitis and brain abscesses. The ability to effectively treat bacterial infections has been compromised in recent years due to the acquisition of antibiotic resistance, particularly to β-lactam drugs. The increasing trends in antibiotic resistance have prompted incessant searches aimed at unraveling new effective sources for the management of microbial infections. Plant derived antimicrobial compounds that have no or minimal toxicity to host cells are considered candidates for developing new antimicrobial drugs. Safety is therefore critical in the development and formulation of such antimicrobials. In addition to studies on the structural elucidation of active compounds of selected medicinal plants and determination of their toxicity levels, concerted investigations on the molecular landscape of the designated bacteria, including genes coding for resistance and virulence, the phylogenetic profiles of isolates from different sources and the abilities of isolates to withstand the normal bactericidal activities of human serum samples from different blood groups are critical for a thorough understanding of the management, pathogenetic and clinico- epidemiological trajectories of the pathogens. Therefore, the aims of the various studies were to characterize local H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae isolates by serological and molecular methods; ascertain the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of isolates in order to provide updated data and guide clinicians and other health care workers on the empiric management of patients; determine genes coding for virulence and phylogenetic relatedness of isolates of H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae from diverse sources; ascertain the bactericidal activity of human serum samples from different blood groups against H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae and also to determine the activity of active compounds and toxicity levels of selected medicinal plants. In order to achieve these goals, relevant samples were collected and screened using an array of microbiological, serological, molecular and phytochemical methods, which would be espoused in the relevant chapters, presented hereunder. Key findings of the various chapters including their contributions to knowledge are highlighted. The studies are presented in eight chapters and each chapter, with the exception of chapter one (General Introduction and Literature Review) consists of an introduction, materials and methods, results, discussions, conclusions and references. Each chapter is therefore designed as a publishable unit. Chapter 1 gives an account of the background to the study and the literature review. The morphology, cultural characteristics, laboratory diagnosis, pathogenesis, antibiogram and clinical manifestations of H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae were reviewed. Furthermore, the activities of medicinal plants and their various applications in the management of infections in different countries, including their possible active compounds and toxicity levels were also explored in order to provide a suitable background for the study. Similar reviews were undertaken for molecular aspects of both pathogens as well as the activities of human serum samples against microbial infections. In Chapter 2 the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of H. influenzae and, S. pneumoniae isolates from clinical samples of patients in Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province were investigated. Clinical samples were obtained randomly from individuals attending different hospitals in Mthatha district. Samples were analysed using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion test (antibiotic susceptibility testing) and MIC breakpoints were determined using E-test strips. From a total of 475 clinical samples tested, 323 (68.0%) were positive for both H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae. Most of the positive isolates were obtained from children under 9 years. Out of 323 isolates, 187 (57.89%) were positive for H. influenzae and 136 (42.1%) were positive for S. pneumoniae. From 10 hospitals selected for sampling in this study, Mthatha General Hospital recorded the highest number of isolates, 42 (25.15%) and 31 (22.79%) of H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae positive isolates respectively, followed by Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital 33 (19.76%) and 26 (19.12%) respectively while ST. Patricks 8 (4.79%) recorded the least number of isolates for H. influenzae and Khotsong 4 (2.94%) recorded the least number of isolates for S. pneumoniae. Antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed Amoxicillin (MIC50, 0.125μg/ml) and Vancomycin (MIC50,0.12μg/ml) as the most effective antibiotics against S. pneumoniae isolates and Co-amoxiclav (MIC50,0.3µg/ml) and Cefuroxime (MIC50,0.15µg/ml) against H. influenzae isolates. These data highlight the need for education and to consider predominant resistance when choosing empiric therapies to treat bacterial infections. Chapter 3 was designed to investigate the virulence factors of H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae isolates from clinical specimens of patients with respiratory tract infections in Mthatha district, the Eastern Cape Province. PCR and sequencing methods were used to verify the genetic determinants responsible for virulence in H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae strains. Results indicated that, of the 187 H. influenzae isolates studied, 26 (13.9%) were typeable, positive by genotypic determination, while 161 (86.1%) were non typeable (NTHi) strains. On the other, out of the 136 S. pneumoniae isolates 24 (17.6%) were typeable while 112 (82.4%) were non typeable strains. All isolates tested contained the metS2 gene for both H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae. The phylogenetic clusters identified by maximum-parsimony analysis were also compared to the results of 16S rRNA sequences. Twenty five percent of none typeable strains were typed by 16S rRNA sequencing. The phylogenetic tree yielded 7.7% H. influenzae similarities while S. pneumoniae yielded 25% similarities with other typeable strains. The presence of genes coding for virulence in this study suggest a significant contribution of genes encoding for virulence to antimicrobial resistance among respiratory tract organisms studied. This study underlines the importance of understanding the virulence composition and diversity of pathogens for enhanced clinico-epidemiological monitoring and health care delivery. The findings will also provide a genetic foundation for future research into mechanisms of pathogenesis of H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae and may accelerate the development of safe and effective vaccines to prevent and control diseases caused by H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae. In Chapter 4, cytotoxic effects and safety profiles of extracts of active medicinal plants from the OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape of South Africa were carried out. The most prominent families of medicinal plants (Solanacea and Euphorbiaceae) were used. Extracts of nine South African medicinal plants were screened for cytotoxic activities against MAGI CC5+ cells using MTT assay. Results indicated that nine plant extracts (methanolic and aqueous) used in the MTT assay revealed Herb 2 (Cyanthula inculata) as the most potent extract identified with activity of 1.4 Cc50 values of 25.6 mg/mL and induced over 50% of cell deaths, followed by herb 3 (Croton grattismus) and Herb 4 (Cassine trasvaalensis) with activity of 0.2 Cc50 values of 3.7 mg/mL each. The herbs that induced the least cell death, were herbs 5 (Capris tomentosa) and 7 (Hypoxis hemerocallidea), with the activity of 0.05 Cc50 values of 0.9 mg/mL each. Of the nine plant extracts 2(22%) exhibited minimal toxicity on MAGI cells and 7(77.8%) exhibited 50% toxicity. Two (22%) of the methanolic extracts exhibited anti-HIV1 IIIB activities and against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) only one medicinal plant extract (Lysium inerme) exhibited 29% activity. Cytotoxicity tests will provide comprehensive reference data bases for the profiling and eventual considerations of medicinal plants as potential templates for drug designs and medical applications. In chapter 5 Chemical Components of the volatile and non-volatile extractives of Croton species and their microbial activities were screened. Isolation of the essential oils from the leaves of Croton pseudopulchellus and C. gratissimus from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces in South Africa were performed using an all glass Clevenger apparatus according to the British Pharmacopeia method. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the oils were assessed against the seven different standard strains of bacteria: H. influenzae, Bacillus pimitus, Staphylococcus aureus, S. pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens and Entarobacter cloacae using micro dilution technique on a 96 well microtitre plate. Results showed golden to very light yellow oils obtained with percentage yield of 1.03 -1.25 respectively (w/w). Analysis of the oils was performed using Gas Chromatography and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrophotometry. The leaf oil of Croton pseudopulchellus had germacrene (24.2%),β-phellandrene (17.4%), myrcene (13.4%) and β-caryophyllene (11.4%) as the prominent compounds identified in the oil. The chemical composition of the leaf oil of C. gratissimus was characterized by sabinene (14.6%), β-phellandrene (12.3%), α-phellandrene (10.7%), α-pinene (6.0%) and germacrene D (5.9%). Chemical profiles of the essential oils of Croton species reported in literatures are specific to their geographical location. The oils from C. pseudopulchellus and C. grattisimus were found to have significant antibacterial activities and therefore could be used as natural antimicrobial agents for the treatment of several infectious diseases caused by pathogenic and antibiotic resistant organisms. Chapters 6 and 7 were designed to isolate two bioactive compounds from the stem bark of Lycium inerme and the leaves of Croton grattisimus and were screened for their biological activities against H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae. A qualitative phytochemical screening and bioassay of the plants extracts was carried out. Antimicrobial screening was by broth microdilution and bioautography. Bioassay results showed that compounds with Rf –values between 0.67 to 0.80 were very active against H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae. However, the most active of these compounds was observed at 0.70 for H. influenzae and 0.69 for S. pneumoniae from the dichloromethane extract. Column chromatography, Preparative Thin Layer Chromatography (PTLC) and Sephadex LH20 were used for isolation, sample clean-up and purification of this extract. Two active compounds: a coumarin (7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-coumarin) and two triterpenoids, Ursolic acid (3-oxo-19-hydroxyl-6-methoxylpomolic acid) and Moronic acid (3-oxoolean-12-en-28-oic acid) were isolated from the dichloromethane fraction. The presence of Coumarins and Terpenoids in this herb was observed from the TLC fingerprints. NMR spectroscopic methods were used for the structural elucidation of the active compounds while the GC-MS was used to determine the presence of essential oils from volatile samples obtained from the leaves of C. grattisimus and L. inerme. C. grattisimus extracts possess strong free radicals with scavenging, antimicrobial and antifungal activities; therefore, further studies are needed to determine their efficacies in vivo or clinical usefulness. L. inerme stem bark can therefore be used as a source of alternative medicine or new pharmaceutical and health care product or as a starting material for synthesis of drugs. In chapter 8, general conclusions and perspectives of various parts of the findings were captured. The multi-drug resistance was observed among the emerging respiratory tract bacterial pathogens. It was recommended that measures should be put in place to control the spread of drug resistance in pathogens through improved and standardized laboratory practices, proper and regular surveillance to help guide against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in empirical treatment. The recognition but cautious use of medicinal plants as alternative sources of therapies and a probable means to solve the emerging resistance problem was recommended. Improved standard of hygiene in hospital settings and the communities is important to prevent the spread of infections. The thesis provides a novel reference document on the genes coding for resistance, antibiograms and phylogenetic profiles of local isolates of H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae as well as the activities, active compounds and toxicity levels of medicinal plants investigated in an endeavour to effectively understand the possible therapeutic, molecular and epidemiological trends in respect of the designated pathogens. , Thesis (Phd) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2015
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  • Date Issued: 2015-00

A process maturity framework of information security policy development life cycle

  • Authors: Tuyikeze, Tite
  • Date: 2014-12
  • Subjects: Computer security , Information technology , Computer crimes
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26797 , vital:66010
  • Description: Information security policy development involves more than policy formulation and implementation. Unless organisations explicitly recognise the various steps required in the development of a security policy, they run the risk of developing policies that are poorly thought out, incomplete, redundant and, irrelevant and which will not be fully supported by the users. This study argues that an information security policy has an entire life cycle through which it must pass through during its useful lifetime. A content analysis on information security policy development methods was conducted using secondary sources in the relevant literature. The outcome of the content analysis resulted in the proposal of a framework of information security policy development and implementation. The proposed framework outlines the various steps required in the development, implementation and enforcement of an effective information security policy. A survey of 400 security professionals was conducted in order to evaluate the concepts contained in the framework.This study also emphasises the importance of integrating a security maturity assessment process into the information security policy development life cycle. A key finding of this study is the proposed maturity assessment framework which offers a structured methodology for evaluating the maturity level of an information security policy. The framework presents an integrated and holistic approach to ensure the incremental process maturity of the organisation’s information security policy development process. In addition, organisations using the proposed framework will be able both to determine the current maturity levels of their information security policy development process and also to plan enhancements in the correct sequence. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-12

An assessment of the role played by social protection in addressing poverty and vulnerability in Zimbabwe: the case of Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Daitai, Joseph
  • Date: 2014-12
  • Subjects: Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Zimbabwe -- Social conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25983 , vital:64639
  • Description: The focus of this study was based on the role played by social protection programs to alleviate poverty. This was achieved through analyzing generally the various social assistance programs delivered by both the government and the non-governmental organizations in trying to alleviate the scourge of wide spread poverty in Zimbabwe. The study also clearly outlined the endless list of various factors that contributed to some economic depressions and recessions that affected the country ever since the dawn of new Zimbabwe at independence in April of 1980. This study places social protection within the wider context of social assistance and relates to both concepts to poverty alleviation and wellbeing of the Zimbabwean citizens. The research made use of one of the major approaches in social science which is the qualitative method. The use of qualitative technique reflects an attempt to ensure an in-depth understanding of the phenomena under study, that is, to understand the successes and challenges faced by the government and non-governmental organizations in alleviating poverty.The study adopted a qualitative research methodology and mainly desktop approach was used meaning that data used was obtained from secondary sources whereby already exciting data within the area of social protection is analyzed and a conclusion is reached. This paper analyses the field of social protection, viewed within the broader concept of social assistance programs. The analysis relates both social protection and social assistance programs focusing on the (WFP) programs of Vulnerable group Feeding (VGF) and the government of Zimbabwe’s Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), their contribution to poverty alleviation. This study widens the focus from conventional narrowly defined elements of social protection to a broader interpretation which emphasizes the interface between social protection and its contribution to poverty alleviation. The linkage to poverty alleviation is also thoroughly discussed; various government and nongovernmental interventions have been also discussed where appropriate. The study also argues that many forms of socio-economic vulnerability need to be addressed from the central level to the grassroots level and also that local institutional structures are very crucial in the successful design, implementation and monitoring of these interventions. The study also suggested a possible government social protection framework that can be implemented by the government in order to achieve remarkable change and achievement in the social protection field. Recommendations were also given as the way forward for the proper and positive existence of social protection in Zimbabwe. In the theoretical framework, the study used two theories as the back bone of the study; the Capability approach and the State Welfare theory. The findings of the study revealed that in Zimbabwe, there are quite a number of social assistance programs underway but the problems discovered are that the coverage of the programs is very much inadequate and unequal hence larger percentages of citizens in the country remain unattended to, the government does not have strong financial muscles to implement successful assistance programs, political interferences also hinder success of the programs implemented by non-state organizations and also a poor grass root involvement in these programs makes them fail to achieve their purpose. , Thesis (MSoc Dev) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-12

An evaluation of the impact of social media on youth political participation in South Africa's 2014 general election: the case of Fort Hare students

  • Authors: Mhlomi, Yolisa
  • Date: 2014-12
  • Subjects: Political participation -- South Africa , Elections -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa Maps
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26255 , vital:65225
  • Description: The aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact that social media had on influencing youths to engage in political and civic participation in the campaigning for and national elections of 2014, South Africa. Different views may impact on the implementation and use of social networking sites for politics. Youths consist of a larger population in the country but young people are also considered to be apathetic in political activities. However, it is essential to understand the perceptions of youth as this strategy was implemented especially to reach out to them, as they are the beneficiaries of the democratic system as well as future leaders of the country. Using the quantitative method, 200 questionnaires were distributed to the respondents in the University of Fort Hare and analysed by the researcher. The results of the study show that, youth are not entirely apathetic to politics and the use of social media for campaigning was seen as having a positive impact on voters because it managed to shift some youth’s perspectives about voting and how important it is for them to participate in the electoral process. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-12

An evaluation of the impact of social media on youth political participation in South Africa's 2014 general election: the case of Fort Hare students

  • Authors: Mhlomi, Yolisa
  • Date: 2014-12
  • Subjects: Political participation -- South Africa , Social media and college student , Elections -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29065 , vital:76585
  • Description: The aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact that social media had on influencing youths to engage in political and civic participation in the campaigning for and national elections of 2014, South Africa. Different views may impact on the implementation and use of social networking sites for politics. Youths consist of a larger population in the country but young people are also considered to be apathetic in political activities. However, it is essential to understand the perceptions of youth as this strategy was implemented especially to reach out to them, as they are the beneficiaries of the democratic system as well as future leaders of the country. Using the quantitative method, 200 questionnaires were distributed to the respondents in the University of Fort Hare and analysed by the researcher. The results of the study show that, youth are not entirely apathetic to politics and the use of social media for campaigning was seen as having a positive impact on voters because it managed to shift some youth’s perspectives about voting and how important it is for them to participate in the electoral process. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-12

De-industrialisation and the economic crisis in Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Dlamini, Trinity N
  • Date: 2014-12
  • Subjects: Community life , Land reform -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's thesis , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25915 , vital:64563
  • Description: Zimbabwe has faced massive de-industrialization in the past decade. Decline in manufacturing production has immensely contributed to the economic crisis that hit the country since 1997. Most scholars have regarded the land reform program as the main contributor to the economic crisis but this study reveals how industrial decline led to the same crisis. Sustainable economic growth should be consistent with high levels of employment. This can be achieved through a strong role by a developmental state with autonomy over industrial development and guiding the process of capital accumulation. During the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) period, there were high levels of economic growth with the manufacturing sector emerging as the leading sector in the country`s economy. However, this growth failed to translate into economic development. The UDI regime had favoured capital-intensive production, controls on trade, foreign currency and the exchange rate system. With the attainment of independence, the post-independence government had to alter policies so as to expand productivity and create employment opportunities for the previously marginalized black people. This study notes that the state failed to invest accumulated capital and diversify production in the years it had achieved strong economic growth. The state did not address the issue of transformation of colonial production processes through policy. It failed to promote labour-intensive production and there was inadequate investment in expanding the manufacturing sector. The Zimbabwean economy has the potential to generate significant investible capital but it is never reinvested locally in a more balanced and integrated pattern of development. Even with the liberalization of the economy in 1991 through the Economic Structural Adjustment Program (ESAP), the country never achieved the targeted economic growth. Focus further shifted towards investing on capital-intensive production in the agricultural sector at the expense of labour-intensive industries. Therefore, the decline in manufacturing production in the early 1990s led to the economic crisis in Zimbabwe. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-12

Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and employee engagement in a leading South African car rental company

  • Authors: Mtati, Yanela
  • Date: 2014-12
  • Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53330 , vital:45134
  • Description: The car rental industry in South Africa is a highly competitive sector. The industry’s players are constantly faced with the challenge of finding ways in which to enhance their competitiveness. One of the most important challenges for organisations operating in this industry is to deliver the best service to their customers, hence ensuring they retain customer loyalty, growth and securing future profitability. While a number of competitors may rely on various competitive strategies such as lower prices, it could become increasingly challenging for others to adopt similar approaches without comprising profitability. To overcome this challenge, together with Barloworld, Avis has implemented various employment engagement strategies with the aim of attracting, empowering, and retaining an engaged workforce. Research has shown that employees provide organisations with sustainable competitive advantage. More specifically, it has shown that engaged employees outperform disengaged employees. The differentiating factor for organisations in the pursuit of competitive advantage would therefore be an engaged workforce. In order to remain competitive, Avis realised that their employees area source of competitive advantage. In the year 2013, Avis packaged and introduced EVP as a human resources strategy towards winning an engaged workforce. Some of the objectives for taking on this strategy were to increase job satisfaction and motivation amongst employees and thus result in higher job performance. The main purpose of this study was to measure the impact that the introduction of EVP had on employee engagement at Avis. Introducing a structured EVP plan within this organisation was aimed to increase employee engagement and thus, this study aimed to measure the impact of this intervention. A literature review was conducted to expand on the various definitions of EVP, employee engagement and the elements that influence and impact these variables. This research revealed that engaged employees make positive contributions to key business outcomes such as financial performance, productivity and customer satisfaction. An empirical study was conducted by means of a survey with a questionnaire as data collecting tool. The purpose of the structured questionnaire was to validate the findings obtained from the theoretical overview and to assess employees’ perceptions of the EVP elements, engagement factors and the impact of engagement on the organisational success. The population comprised of 142employeesand 65% a response rate was obtained. The key findings of the study indicated that in general employees are engaged and committed to the vision of the organisation. It also indicated that the introduction of EVP improved the manner in which employees’ viewed their leaders and created a leadership culture that was conducive to the success of the organisation. Furthermore, the study validated the existence of a strong positive relationship between EVP, employee motivation, leadership culture, employee retention, compensation and employee engagement. This study provided direction and feedback in the organisation’s attempt to improve engagement levels and ultimately in the pursuit of competitive advantage. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMMU Business School, 2014.
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  • Date Issued: 2014-12

The use of a rapid incineration field test for determining soil organic carbon in the Southern Cape Region

  • Authors: Ackhurst, Albert Arthur
  • Date: 2014-12
  • Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53336 , vital:45135
  • Description: Knowledge of soil organic carbon levels is important both for agricultural effectiveness and soil carbon sequestration accounting, especially against the backdrop of increased climate change impacts and pressure on food production landscapes. However, current methods for soil carbon determination are expensive, energy intensive, time consuming and potentially hazardous leading to a call for alternative methods, which should be cheap, fast, simple, accurate, safe and usable where resources and soil analysis laboratories are limited. To this end the student invented a novel rapid incineration field test (RIFT) for determining soil organic carbon and tested its validity in this study. This method incorporates principles found in dry combustion as well as loss-on-ignition and quantifying organic carbon through gravimetric analysis. In order to illustrate effectiveness and accuracy it was necessary to correlate RIFT with a reference method, in this instance dry combustion with a Leco device as well as another commonly used indirect method namely the Walkley-Black wet chemical oxidation method. Samples from eleven soil forms were collected from the Southern Cape region and they were subjected to the three testing methods. It was found that RIFT is indeed as effective and in 72% of the soil forms even more effective than Walkley-Black. Furthermore, it was ascertained whether the accuracy of RIFT can be improved by correcting for clay content. The correlation of RIFT with clay % was not very significant and clay % as a variable was therefore not used in this study to obtain further refinement of RIFT predictions. Another finding was also that RIFT illustrated less variability than both the Leco and Walkley-Black methods. Lastly it was ascertained that the RIFT device and methodology is indeed cost effective, energy efficient, fast and safe in terms of the need to use potentially hazardous chemicals. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2014-12

WAIS-IV test performance in the South African context: a comparison between existing grade 12 WAIS-III norms with grade 12 WAIS-IV for populations that were educated in former-DET schools

  • Authors: Klopper, Coenraad Christoffel
  • Date: 2014-12
  • Subjects: Intelligence tests , Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale , Psychological tests
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25891 , vital:64561
  • Description: Accurate IQ assessment in the field of psychology is a constant pursuit and an ethical requirement in the field of psychology. In the South African cross cultural context, the use of within group norms are very important in order to improve the accuracy and interpretive value of psychometric tests. This is due to differences between cultural groups in South Africa in terms of IQ test performance of which the biggest mediating factor is quality of education. Shuttleworth-Edwards et al. (2013), performed cross cultural normative research on the WAIS-III in which participants were stringently stratified for age, level of education, quality of education, race and language. The current study is a partial duplication of the WAIS-III normative study by Shuttleworth-Edwards et al. (2013). The sub-group in that study that indicated the most significant lowering relative to the US/UK standardisation of the WAIS-III was duplicated in this study and tested with the WAIS-IV. This group included participants stratified for race (Black South African), language (Xhosa speaking), level of education (Grade 12) and quality of education (previous Department of Education and Training (former-DET) schools). The WAIS-IV results of the current study were statistically compared with the WAIS-III results from Shuttleworth-Edwards et al. (2013). No statistically significant differences were found between the WAIS-III test performance and WAIS-IV test performance in terms of scaled score comparisons, index score comparisons and full scale index comparisons. Further comparisons were made between male and female and urban and rural participants. Significant differences were found between males and females on the verbal comprehension index. No significant differences were found between the urban and rural participants. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2014-12

An assessment of electronic-governance as a support system for service delivery in the public sector

  • Authors: Maramura, Tafadzwa Clementine https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4419-1887
  • Date: 2014-11
  • Subjects: Civil service -- South Africa , Electronic government information , Internet in public administration
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26053 , vital:64786
  • Description: This is an exploratory research that is aimed at assessing the role of e-governance tools and initiatives on how they can be support systems for service delivery in the public service sector. The rationale of this research came as a response to the ever increasing and recurring service delivery protests that are underpinning the Government of South Africa. Hence the inception of electronic-governance (e-governance) comes at the right time with the aim of mordernising and reforming the public sector for efficient and effective service delivery. E-governance is about transforming governance to be more citizens centered and thus technology is the tool in this effort which can enable change in how the government works and how public officials interact with the public at stake. Cloete (2012:128) asserts that e-governance is the future of public governance and public service delivery globally. Thus governments that do not make the transition from paper-based systems of public administration to electronic platforms of public service delivery may swiftly undermine their chances of developing their societies as 21st century information societies. This research however does not imply that e-governance will be a miraculous panacea to poor service provision in South Africa, but it implies that its role in the public service sector can be as a support system for efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery. This is coupled by the research findings which are espoused on through a secondary data approach and thematically analysed to assess the role of e-governance as a support system on service delivery in the public service sector. Thus from the literature it is remarkable to acknowledge that the South African public service sector has successfully established and implemented a significant number of e-governance initiatives from 1994 to present day. Simultaneously to reveal how e-governance can be a support system for the public service, it is not one-dimensional, it is however multidimensional and thereby cutting across the entire field of public administration inter alia the public service sector. The already initiated e-governance tools in South Africa also range from national, provincial and municipal level thereby clearly revealing how e-governance can also be a support system to cooperative governance and intergovernmental relations inter alia. This research does not imply that e-governance can be a panacea to the public service sector ills but however with the fast moving techno-global world the move to an ICT driven public service sector has more merits than demerits to the general public who are at the receiving end of public services. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-11

An investigation of poverty as a contributory factor to sexual risk-taking behaviour among female adolescent scholars: a case study of Mbuzini Village Mpumalanga province

  • Authors: Mahlalela, Vusi Zakhele
  • Date: 2014-11
  • Subjects: Risk-taking (Psychology) in adolescence , Sexually transmitted diseases , College students -- Sexual behavior
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26548 , vital:65584
  • Description: The study investigated poverty as a contributory factor to risky sexual behaviour among female adolescent scholars. A qualitative approach was employed in this study, which was carried out among 27 participants, 21 of whom were females between the ages of 14 and 27 years. 6 of whom were drawn from the ranks of social workers, community development practitioners, community leaders and parents who formed the school governing body. Non- probability sampling methods and purposive sampling techniques were employed to select the sample. The data was collected by means of one-to-one in-depth interviews and a once-off focus group discussion. The findings of the study revealed that most of the participants were sexually active: only one was sexually inactive and some had children. The study also found that some of the participants received money from their sexual partners. These findings are discussed in the conclusion to the study and appropriate recommendations are made. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-11

Exploring the usefulness of learning management system (LMS) in higher education learning development at a historically disadvantaged Eastern Cape University

  • Authors: Holmberg, Lorraine
  • Date: 2014-11
  • Subjects: Instructional systems--Management , Education, Higher--Management , Universities and colleges--South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24216 , vital:62443
  • Description: This case study aims to explore how using a Learning Management System (LMS*) to mediate learning, impacts learning development (LD) at a historically disadvantaged university (HDU) in the Eastern Cape (EC). Massification and the technological revolution have together changed the way that teaching and learning takes place, more especially in higher education institutions (HEI). Due to the increased demand for higher education (HE), computers have been used to mediate the learning space, altering the skills teachers and learners are required to have. The LMS under exploration provides a multitude of tools for managing both administrative and academic tasks. This study has drawn extensively from the framework of Activity Theory (AT), and Vygotsky’s theory of learning development to develop understandings and guide data analysis in preparation for discussion and for conclusions to be drawn. The study mostly investigated student interaction patterns with the various tools of the LMS in an effort to determine how these activities impact learning development. A mixed methods approach was used to address data that was automatically generated by the LMS; quantitative analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics was applied to numeric data, while thematic analysis was applied to textual data obtained from the threaded discussion that transpired between members of the learning community. Findings show the impact which context has on learner development and how, unless all the tools of the LMS are formally integrated for learning purposes, learners can become distracted by the functions these tools offer. This in particular pertains to learners struggling to integrate and assimilate new information. Further to this, the discussion tools serve social purposes, and have the potential to benefit constructionist learning principles, on condition that activity on the tools is structured and has clear outcomes. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-11

Factors responsible for sex practice, STIs and non-contraceptive use among female adolescents: a case study of an Eastern Cape institute, South Africa

  • Authors: Fagbamila, Tolulope Odunola
  • Date: 2014-11
  • Subjects: Sexually transmitted diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape. , Teenage pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Abused teenagers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29021 , vital:76465
  • Description: In spite of the number of studies that have been carried out on the factors responsible for sex practice and non-contraceptive use among the female adolescents, very little impact has been felt on female adolescents‟ sexual behaviour. This is seen from a very high record of unintended pregnancy rates, STIs and illegal abortion among them. An initial assumption that adolescents always try not to get pregnant since most of the pregnancies are unplanned but reverse is the case in this era. What are the responsible factors to this social challenge? The researcher wanted to know the underlying epidemiological factors that are responsible for the early sexual behaviour and non-contraceptive use among the female adolescents using descriptive statistics and two-way ANOVA. Descriptive statistics describe the basic features of the data in a study and provide simple summaries about the sample and the measures. They also form the basis of virtually every quantitative analysis of data together with simple graphic summaries. A Two-way ANOVA is used to compare the effect of multiple levels of two factors with multiple observations at each level. However, it is expected that the outcome of the research would help to generate information that will assist in identifying and introducing strategies to reduce adolescent pregnancy rates, sexually transmitted infections and to encourage greater levels of contraceptive measures usage among the female adolescents. Research findings were that more than half of the female adolescents were extremely poor. Majority of the young female adolescents were being taken care of by single parents, their mothers only. Nevertheless, the level of contraceptive measures unawareness among the female adolescents decreased as their academic performance increased. Hence, the highly contacted sexually transmitted infection among the middle aged female adolescents was HIV/AIDS 4,5 percent while the highly contacted sexually transmitted infection among the adult female adolescent was syphilis 7.2 percent. The main factor attributed to factor responsible for their sex practice was experimentation followed by family status. By “strongly agree” opinion rating, poverty was rated as the main factor responsible for sex practice, STIs and non-contraceptive use among female adolescents. Among the factors associated with sexually transmitted infections, poverty was also rated the main factor. Female adolescent income source had no effect on their academic performance, be it parents, guardian, grants, NGO or friends. Sex practice had an effect on female adolescents academic performance. Nevertheless, adolescent income source and contraceptive category/method never had effect on poverty opinion, as a factor responsible for sex practice, STIs and non-contraceptive use among female adolescents while contraceptive awareness had a significant effect on poverty opinion, as STIs risk factors. However, further studies will be carried out later in future using one way Analysis of Variance to study each of the factor effects on the dependent variables. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-11

Job insecurity and work-family conflict in relation to job engagement in the energy industry in selected organisations in Amathole District

  • Authors: Chamisa, Shingirayi Florence https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5804-583X
  • Date: 2014-11
  • Subjects: Role conflict , Job security , Work and family
  • Language: English
  • Type: text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25546 , vital:64332
  • Description: Most employees are failing to meet the competing work related and household strains leading to burnout, absenteeism and loss of the few existing highly skilled employees. The current study utilised the Job Demand-Resources Model to examine the relationship between job insecurity and work-family conflict on the one hand and job engagement on the other hand among technical personnel within selected Eskom depots in the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape. There is limited research regarding the impact of job insecurity and work-family conflict on job engagement among technicians in the energy industry. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was used. The sample (N= 221) comprised of technicians from Eskom branches. Data was collected through the questionnaire method and SPSS was used for data analysis. The results of the Product Pearson Correlation method indicated that job insecurity negatively predicts job engagement, contrary to work-family conflict. Unexpectedly, results from multiple regression method and chi-square showed that job insecurity and work-family conflict together do not account for a significantly higher proportion of variance on job engagement than any of the two separately. This study argument existing knowledge on job insecurity, work-family conflict and job engagement among technicians in the energy industry that has largely been ignored by previous researchers and validates certain aspects of the Job Demands Resources Model. The energy industry should provide consideration to how the need for shifts and sometimes working long hours is justified. Strategies need to be implemented in improving managerial and co-worker support for technicians through socialization and team building activities. In addition, employers must invest in strategies used in stimulating employee well-being directly such as supportive leadership to reduce feelings of job insecurity and stress from the pressure of competing work and home demands. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-11

Social intrepreneurship and millennium development goals in developing countries: case study of Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Ngorora, Grace P K https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4756-313
  • Date: 2014-11
  • Subjects: Social entrepreneurship -- Zimbabwe , Economic development -- Zimbabwe , Poverty -- Zimbabwe
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26661 , vital:65847
  • Description: The study set out to examine the contribution of social entrepreneurship to the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly MDG 1, the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger. Poverty reduction occurred when social entrepreneurial activities resulted in the improvement of the socio-economic well-being of social entrepreneurs and their beneficiaries. The problem this study sought to research on was that, despite the impact of social entrepreneurship, there has been inadequate attention to and discussion of its contribution to attaining the MDGs in Zimbabwe. The population were social entrepreneurs in Harare, Zimbabwe. The random sampling method was used to determine the sample size. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data in Harare, Zimbabwe from 132 social entrepreneurs and 200 beneficiaries of social entrepreneurial activities. Secondary information was obtained from textbooks and various internet sources. The data collected was analyzed through SPSS Version 22 because of its appropriateness and wide use. The null hypothesis that social entrepreneurship does not contribute to the achievement of MDGs was rejected in favor of the alternative hypothesis that social entrepreneurship provides an alternative to the achievement of MDGs. Findings from the study suggest that social entrepreneurs contribute immensely to poverty reduction. They also contribute towards research and development, promoting gender equality and empowerment, education for all as well as access to health facilities. The segments of the population benefiting from social entrepreneurship include the poor, socially excluded, discriminated, the unemployed and disabled. The impact on poverty and hunger was achieved through microfinance initiatives, income generation activities, empowerment and capacity building. Results showed that social entrepreneurship activities solve social problems through providing food, shelter, water, education and collateral to access finance. The study concluded that social entrepreneurship is a plausible approach to promote implementation of policies to reduce extreme poverty and hunger by using readily available resources to bring sustainable solutions to problems. The strategies to make social entrepreneurship more effective included creating a conducive legal and policy environment, financial provision, political support, and government support, publicity of the contribution of social entrepreneurship, mentorship and collaboration among stakeholders. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-11

The effectiveness of business incubators in enhancing growth, survival and performance of small, medium and micro enterprises in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa

  • Authors: Sarakunze, Annie.
  • Date: 2014-11
  • Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Economic development -- South Africa , Small business
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26786 , vital:66005
  • Description: In both developed and developing countries, the growth of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise sector is considered an important factor in boosting the economic well-being of a country. The governments of many countries play a basic role in creating policies and programmes which support the growth of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises. One of the initiatives used by the governments to nurture small businesses is business incubation.This study investigated the effectiveness of business incubators in enhancing growth, survival and performance of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in selected areas of the Eastern Cape Province. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of business incubation on the performance of SMMEs, determine the impact of business incubation on the growth of the SMME, to assess the impact of business incubation on the survival of the SMMEs and to investigate whether SMMEs are satisfied with the role of business incubators in their areas.This study employed a stratified simple random sampling technique. The population was first divided into six homogeneous strata and then simple random sampling was then employed. The self-administered questionnaires were then distributed into each and every stratum randomly. Simple random sampling was used because it enabled each and every member in the strata to have an equal chance of being selected. Owners, managers and employees were used as respondents in this study and a total sample of 200 SMMEs answered the questionnaire. The study followed a quantitative research design as it involved variables such as growth, firm performance and survival which have measures that involves the use of figures such as sales, number of employees and total value of assets. The data was analysed by Anova, Pearson Chi-Square and T-test statistical methods in order to arrive at findings and conclusions. Based on the findings from this survey it was found that business incubators are effective in enhancing growth, survival and performance of SMMEs. Although other researchers found that there are no significant variations in growth, survival and performance of incubated and non-incubated businesses, this study however recognizes the importance of business incubation to SMMEs. This study concurs with most findings by many researchers of business incubation and thus recommends vigorous business incubation awareness to the SMMEs and networking. , Thesis (MBm) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014-11
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