The nexus between technology penetration, financial service regulation and financial inclusion in Sub-Saharan Countries
- Ndlovu Sopho https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4958-5719
- Authors: Ndlovu Sopho https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4958-5719
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: Technological innovations -- Developing countries , Finance -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29506 , vital:77973
- Description: Over the past two decades there has been a significant increase in technological advancement, with development and usage at high levels. One sector that has embraced the advancement in technology is financial services, with regulations revision following suit- albeit with criticism on some contradictions. On the other hand, technology penetration has been viewed as panacea to slow and almost reduced financial inclusion in emerging and developing economies. The study utilised a unique data for selected 24 Sub-Saharan Countries to interrogate the nexus between technology penetration, financial services regulation, and financial inclusion. The purpose of this study is to examine the nexus between technology penetration, financial regulation, and financial inclusion within the Sub-Saharan region. We look at the regulatory frameworks within these countries and the resultant financial inclusion levels. Using robust empirical estimation techniques controlling for the country differences, the results have important regulatory and financial sector transformation lessons. The author employed the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique from 2011 to 2021. The study revealed that technology penetration has a positive effect on financial inclusion, while financial service regulation has a negative relationship with financial inclusion. In addition, the study revealed financial technology as the major drive to financial inclusion due to its ability to meet the unbanked section of the community. On the other hand, financial service regulation hinders the ability of the financial sector to provide finance due to its capital adequacy stringent rules. The empirical results imply that policy makers should centre their focus on policies that promote technology penetration so as to enhance financial inclusion. Moreover, policies on financial regulation may strike a balance between financial inclusion and bank stability. , Thesis (MCom in Economics) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-11
- Authors: Ndlovu Sopho https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4958-5719
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: Technological innovations -- Developing countries , Finance -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29506 , vital:77973
- Description: Over the past two decades there has been a significant increase in technological advancement, with development and usage at high levels. One sector that has embraced the advancement in technology is financial services, with regulations revision following suit- albeit with criticism on some contradictions. On the other hand, technology penetration has been viewed as panacea to slow and almost reduced financial inclusion in emerging and developing economies. The study utilised a unique data for selected 24 Sub-Saharan Countries to interrogate the nexus between technology penetration, financial services regulation, and financial inclusion. The purpose of this study is to examine the nexus between technology penetration, financial regulation, and financial inclusion within the Sub-Saharan region. We look at the regulatory frameworks within these countries and the resultant financial inclusion levels. Using robust empirical estimation techniques controlling for the country differences, the results have important regulatory and financial sector transformation lessons. The author employed the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique from 2011 to 2021. The study revealed that technology penetration has a positive effect on financial inclusion, while financial service regulation has a negative relationship with financial inclusion. In addition, the study revealed financial technology as the major drive to financial inclusion due to its ability to meet the unbanked section of the community. On the other hand, financial service regulation hinders the ability of the financial sector to provide finance due to its capital adequacy stringent rules. The empirical results imply that policy makers should centre their focus on policies that promote technology penetration so as to enhance financial inclusion. Moreover, policies on financial regulation may strike a balance between financial inclusion and bank stability. , Thesis (MCom in Economics) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-11
The role of traditional leadership in community development: the Mbhashe Local Municipality Case Study, Eastern Cape in South Africa
- Fojisa, Azukile https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8705-0021
- Authors: Fojisa, Azukile https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8705-0021
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa , Tribal government -- South Africa , Leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29398 , vital:77963
- Description: Following South Africa's democratic elections, the challenges that traditional leaders faced during apartheid rule were investigated in 1994 in an attempt to repair the damage done to traditional leadership by multiple administrations throughout the colonial and apartheid regimes. The introduction of a democratic system brought about significant changes in political ties and geographical demarcations thus affecting traditional leaders' influence and their impact in their districts. New legislation was introduced following democratic elections. According to the revised limits of local governments, communities were placed in the hands of municipal councilors rather than traditional leaders for community development. This study investigated how traditional leadership contributes to community development in Mbhashe Municipality in South Africa's Eastern Cape province. A qualitative research approach was used in collecting and analyzing the data. The findings revealed tensions between the traditional authorities of the Mbhashe local government and the government, which are attributed to the poor relations. Consequently, this negatively affects the development of the local residents. Traditional leaders feel they have legitimacy based on cultural history and religion, while government officials believe they are responsible for all community development programs in their area of operation. The findings also indicate that traditional leaders face challenges in developing their communities, and the residents of Mbhashe municipality have poor access to social services. The study concludes that competent traditional leadership may significantly contribute to the growth and developmet of communities. By considering some of the proposals made, local, municipal and national governments can work together to improve the service delivery. , Thesis (MCom (DevStud)) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-11
- Authors: Fojisa, Azukile https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8705-0021
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa , Tribal government -- South Africa , Leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29398 , vital:77963
- Description: Following South Africa's democratic elections, the challenges that traditional leaders faced during apartheid rule were investigated in 1994 in an attempt to repair the damage done to traditional leadership by multiple administrations throughout the colonial and apartheid regimes. The introduction of a democratic system brought about significant changes in political ties and geographical demarcations thus affecting traditional leaders' influence and their impact in their districts. New legislation was introduced following democratic elections. According to the revised limits of local governments, communities were placed in the hands of municipal councilors rather than traditional leaders for community development. This study investigated how traditional leadership contributes to community development in Mbhashe Municipality in South Africa's Eastern Cape province. A qualitative research approach was used in collecting and analyzing the data. The findings revealed tensions between the traditional authorities of the Mbhashe local government and the government, which are attributed to the poor relations. Consequently, this negatively affects the development of the local residents. Traditional leaders feel they have legitimacy based on cultural history and religion, while government officials believe they are responsible for all community development programs in their area of operation. The findings also indicate that traditional leaders face challenges in developing their communities, and the residents of Mbhashe municipality have poor access to social services. The study concludes that competent traditional leadership may significantly contribute to the growth and developmet of communities. By considering some of the proposals made, local, municipal and national governments can work together to improve the service delivery. , Thesis (MCom (DevStud)) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-11
Assessing the invasive status of the Oenothera species (evening primroses) in South Africa
- Authors: Scott, Zimbini
- Date: 2023-10
- Subjects: Evening primrose , Invasive plants -- Biological control -- South Africa , Ecological assessment (Biology)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28414 , vital:74321
- Description: Oenothera species (Myrtales: Onagraceae), commonly known as evening primroses, were introduced to South Africa for various purposes, where they established alien populations and expanded their distribution nationwide. Although some of these species are listed as emerging invaders in South Africa, their invasive status is currently unclear. This study assessed the invasive status of eight Oenothera species listed as emerging invaders in South Africa, namely, O. biennis, O. glazioviana, O. laciniata, O. indecora, O. stricta, O. jamesii and O. rosea. The study also focused on the biotic interactions of Oenothera with native arthropod species to assess any potential ecological impacts. The distribution of the eight Oenothera species was mapped using available occurrence records from sources such as the SAPIA database, herbarium records, and BRAHMS database. Additional records were collected by conducting field surveys in KwaZulu- Natal and Eastern Cape provinces. The distribution of these species was mapped using QGIS. Most Oenothera species were found in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga and Western Cape provinces, while North-West, Northern Cape, and Limpopo provinces had fewer species. The grassland, savanna and fynbos biomes had more Oenothera species than other biomes in South Africa. The results indicated that O. biennis, O. glaziviana, and O. rosea are spreading at a preceding rate. In South Africa, the species flower predominantly in the spring and summer seasons. Species distribution modelling was conducted using Maxent to identify climatically suitable areas for establishing evening primrose populations. Species distribution models results show that the climatically suitable areas are concentrated in the central, eastern, and south-western regions of South Africa. The most considerable climatic variables contributing to the distribution of most Oenothera species were the annual mean temperature and precipitation during the driest month. To evaluate biotic interactions between native arthropods and Oenothera species and assess the potential ecological impacts, arthropods were collected from two Oenothera species (O. biennis and O. glazioviana) in different localities (only in Eastern Cape: East London and Fort Beaufort). The arthropods collected were identified, and diversity indices were calculated to determine the diversity of native arthropods collected in sites where these species are present. The overall number of individual arthropods collected was 768, belonging to six orders. These arthropod species belong to three feeding guilds: herbivores, predators, and palynivores. The ANOVA results showed that these species statistically differ in diversity for all the diversity indices. Overall, there were significant interactions between the arthropods’ orders and their feeding guilds. Lastly, the risk analysis framework assessed the potential for managing and listing two species (O. biennis and O. rosea) in the NEM: BA A&IS list. After considering all the likelihood elements, environmental, socioeconomic, and potential impacts, the risks posed by Oenothera biennis in South Africa were found to be high. The recommendation of this analysis suggests that O. biennis and O. rosea species be listed as category 1b in the NEMBA A & IS regulations list. The results of this study indicate that these congeners experience ecological differences, resulting in their varied distribution and invasion. Furthermore, they offer new insights regarding the geographical patterns and potential distribution of Oenothera species in South Africa. Moreover, it also provides recommendations for the management of the species in the South African context. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10
- Authors: Scott, Zimbini
- Date: 2023-10
- Subjects: Evening primrose , Invasive plants -- Biological control -- South Africa , Ecological assessment (Biology)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28414 , vital:74321
- Description: Oenothera species (Myrtales: Onagraceae), commonly known as evening primroses, were introduced to South Africa for various purposes, where they established alien populations and expanded their distribution nationwide. Although some of these species are listed as emerging invaders in South Africa, their invasive status is currently unclear. This study assessed the invasive status of eight Oenothera species listed as emerging invaders in South Africa, namely, O. biennis, O. glazioviana, O. laciniata, O. indecora, O. stricta, O. jamesii and O. rosea. The study also focused on the biotic interactions of Oenothera with native arthropod species to assess any potential ecological impacts. The distribution of the eight Oenothera species was mapped using available occurrence records from sources such as the SAPIA database, herbarium records, and BRAHMS database. Additional records were collected by conducting field surveys in KwaZulu- Natal and Eastern Cape provinces. The distribution of these species was mapped using QGIS. Most Oenothera species were found in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga and Western Cape provinces, while North-West, Northern Cape, and Limpopo provinces had fewer species. The grassland, savanna and fynbos biomes had more Oenothera species than other biomes in South Africa. The results indicated that O. biennis, O. glaziviana, and O. rosea are spreading at a preceding rate. In South Africa, the species flower predominantly in the spring and summer seasons. Species distribution modelling was conducted using Maxent to identify climatically suitable areas for establishing evening primrose populations. Species distribution models results show that the climatically suitable areas are concentrated in the central, eastern, and south-western regions of South Africa. The most considerable climatic variables contributing to the distribution of most Oenothera species were the annual mean temperature and precipitation during the driest month. To evaluate biotic interactions between native arthropods and Oenothera species and assess the potential ecological impacts, arthropods were collected from two Oenothera species (O. biennis and O. glazioviana) in different localities (only in Eastern Cape: East London and Fort Beaufort). The arthropods collected were identified, and diversity indices were calculated to determine the diversity of native arthropods collected in sites where these species are present. The overall number of individual arthropods collected was 768, belonging to six orders. These arthropod species belong to three feeding guilds: herbivores, predators, and palynivores. The ANOVA results showed that these species statistically differ in diversity for all the diversity indices. Overall, there were significant interactions between the arthropods’ orders and their feeding guilds. Lastly, the risk analysis framework assessed the potential for managing and listing two species (O. biennis and O. rosea) in the NEM: BA A&IS list. After considering all the likelihood elements, environmental, socioeconomic, and potential impacts, the risks posed by Oenothera biennis in South Africa were found to be high. The recommendation of this analysis suggests that O. biennis and O. rosea species be listed as category 1b in the NEMBA A & IS regulations list. The results of this study indicate that these congeners experience ecological differences, resulting in their varied distribution and invasion. Furthermore, they offer new insights regarding the geographical patterns and potential distribution of Oenothera species in South Africa. Moreover, it also provides recommendations for the management of the species in the South African context. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10
Determinants of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) inflow in lowincome Sub-Saharan African countries
- Moyo, Patience https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3024-085X
- Authors: Moyo, Patience https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3024-085X
- Date: 2023-10
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29484 , vital:77971
- Description: A panel data analysis from 1980 to 2019 on determinants that lure Foreign Direct Investment in 48 low-income countries in SSA was carried out. The fixed effects random effects and Haussmann test were used. This study also contributed to the existing literature by applying all these techniques and embracing the Institutional and eclectic paradigm theoretical framework to assess the significance of factors that influence FDI inflow. A trend analysis of developed, transitional, and developing countries as compared to low-income countries, on factors that attract investors to finance their country's economic activities was discussed. Previous studies show that high- and middle-income countries attract higher FDI as compared to low-income countries. Results from the study show that political stability, investment in infrastructure, political stability and control of corruption enhance FDI. The study fills the gap in the existing literature that location factors in coastal regions attract more FDI as compared to inland economies. High income economies attract more FDI as compared to low income economies in SSA. , Thesis (MCom in Economics) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10
- Authors: Moyo, Patience https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3024-085X
- Date: 2023-10
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29484 , vital:77971
- Description: A panel data analysis from 1980 to 2019 on determinants that lure Foreign Direct Investment in 48 low-income countries in SSA was carried out. The fixed effects random effects and Haussmann test were used. This study also contributed to the existing literature by applying all these techniques and embracing the Institutional and eclectic paradigm theoretical framework to assess the significance of factors that influence FDI inflow. A trend analysis of developed, transitional, and developing countries as compared to low-income countries, on factors that attract investors to finance their country's economic activities was discussed. Previous studies show that high- and middle-income countries attract higher FDI as compared to low-income countries. Results from the study show that political stability, investment in infrastructure, political stability and control of corruption enhance FDI. The study fills the gap in the existing literature that location factors in coastal regions attract more FDI as compared to inland economies. High income economies attract more FDI as compared to low income economies in SSA. , Thesis (MCom in Economics) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10
Housing market dynamics and economic growth in South Africa (1994 – 2019)
- Authors: Muchaonyerwa, Forward
- Date: 2023-09
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Housing -- Prices -- South Africa , Housing forecasting -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28628 , vital:74477
- Description: The housing market contributes significantly to economic growth. On this background, the study examined South Africa’s housing market dynamics, particularly determinants of demand, supply, and formal housing prices. Furthermore, the study looked at the impact of housing prices on economic growth from 1994:Q1 to 2019:Q2. The study period is important as it covers the new political dispensation in South Africa where the country entered a new democracy in 1994. The first three objectives of the study were to identify the determinants of housing demand, supply, and prices. The theory of demand and supply provided the theoretical framework for these models. Estimation of the housing demand, supply and price models was done by the employing Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) technique. The Three Stage Least Squares (3SLS) model was estimated for robustness. Findings from SUR and 3SLS confirmed that Housing Demand (HD) is negatively and significantly influenced by residential Building Costs per Square Meter (BCSM), Housing Supply (HS) and Financial Costs (FC); and positively influenced by House Prices (HP). In addition, HS is negatively affected by BCSM, HD, Production Costs (PC) and Urban Population (UP); and positively influenced by HP and Residential Construction Confidence (RC). Lastly, HP are negatively affected by Prime Overdraft Rate (POR) and RC; and positively influenced by BCSM, HS, HD, Coincident Business Cycle Indicator (CBC) and residential Valuation (VAL). The fourth objective was to examine the impact of house prices on economic growth. An economic model was specified with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as its dependent variable. The new growth theory provided the theoretical framework for this model. The Johansen co-integration technique confirmed a long run-term relationship between economic growth and house prices. The Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) was estimated to analyze the long and short run relationship among the variables. Empirical results confirmed that house prices have a positive impact on economic growth. Results further confirmed that CBC and Unemployment Rate (UR) are also positively related to GDP. POR and Leading Business Cycle indicator (LEBC) are negatively related to GDP. Granger Causality test was performed to analyze the causality between house prices and economic growth. The results indicated that there is a long run unidirectional causality from house prices to economic growth. With these results, the study recommends policy formation emanating from continuous research by establishing a human settlement agency or task team. The team can establish procedures for data collection and maintain a database for all kinds of housing market data. Their mandate includes research on commissioning of new towns and/or cities to boost housing supply. The government should avail more land and relax restrictive regulations and minimize red tape to ensure that houses are supplied to meet the growing demand as well as to stabilize prices. Policies to promote confidence and stabilize building costs are needed. These variables indicated significant influence on housing dynamics. It is also recommended to incentivize households to participate on the mortgage market. This assist both households through the wealth effect which positively influence increase in economic activity in South Africa. , Thesis (DCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-09
- Authors: Muchaonyerwa, Forward
- Date: 2023-09
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Housing -- Prices -- South Africa , Housing forecasting -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28628 , vital:74477
- Description: The housing market contributes significantly to economic growth. On this background, the study examined South Africa’s housing market dynamics, particularly determinants of demand, supply, and formal housing prices. Furthermore, the study looked at the impact of housing prices on economic growth from 1994:Q1 to 2019:Q2. The study period is important as it covers the new political dispensation in South Africa where the country entered a new democracy in 1994. The first three objectives of the study were to identify the determinants of housing demand, supply, and prices. The theory of demand and supply provided the theoretical framework for these models. Estimation of the housing demand, supply and price models was done by the employing Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) technique. The Three Stage Least Squares (3SLS) model was estimated for robustness. Findings from SUR and 3SLS confirmed that Housing Demand (HD) is negatively and significantly influenced by residential Building Costs per Square Meter (BCSM), Housing Supply (HS) and Financial Costs (FC); and positively influenced by House Prices (HP). In addition, HS is negatively affected by BCSM, HD, Production Costs (PC) and Urban Population (UP); and positively influenced by HP and Residential Construction Confidence (RC). Lastly, HP are negatively affected by Prime Overdraft Rate (POR) and RC; and positively influenced by BCSM, HS, HD, Coincident Business Cycle Indicator (CBC) and residential Valuation (VAL). The fourth objective was to examine the impact of house prices on economic growth. An economic model was specified with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as its dependent variable. The new growth theory provided the theoretical framework for this model. The Johansen co-integration technique confirmed a long run-term relationship between economic growth and house prices. The Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) was estimated to analyze the long and short run relationship among the variables. Empirical results confirmed that house prices have a positive impact on economic growth. Results further confirmed that CBC and Unemployment Rate (UR) are also positively related to GDP. POR and Leading Business Cycle indicator (LEBC) are negatively related to GDP. Granger Causality test was performed to analyze the causality between house prices and economic growth. The results indicated that there is a long run unidirectional causality from house prices to economic growth. With these results, the study recommends policy formation emanating from continuous research by establishing a human settlement agency or task team. The team can establish procedures for data collection and maintain a database for all kinds of housing market data. Their mandate includes research on commissioning of new towns and/or cities to boost housing supply. The government should avail more land and relax restrictive regulations and minimize red tape to ensure that houses are supplied to meet the growing demand as well as to stabilize prices. Policies to promote confidence and stabilize building costs are needed. These variables indicated significant influence on housing dynamics. It is also recommended to incentivize households to participate on the mortgage market. This assist both households through the wealth effect which positively influence increase in economic activity in South Africa. , Thesis (DCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-09
Human capital development and strategic plan alignment: a case of the Eastern Cape Department of Education
- Zindi, Beauty https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4790-5379
- Authors: Zindi, Beauty https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4790-5379
- Date: 2023-09
- Subjects: Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28694 , vital:74500
- Description: Human capital development as an interactive process enhances and facilitates the development of skills, capabilities and potential of human capital through organisational development. Thus, to achieve goals and strategic plans effectively and efficiently, the public sector must continuously upskill the knowledge and capacity of its human capital. The dearth in skills and capacity, often result in sub-optimal performance in the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE). To achieve key objectives in its strategic plan, the ECDoE must align its hhuman capital development needs with its strategic plan. The main objective of this study is to explore the nature and extent of alignment between human capital development and the strategic plan of the ECDoE. The sub-objectives of the study are to: (i) establish a conceptual framework for informing human capital development and strategic plan alignment in theECDoE ; (ii) determine how continuous teacher development as a human capital development approach can be more closely aligned with the strategic priorities of the ECDoE’s strategic plan; (iii) explore how human capital development aligns with the strategic plan and Performance Development Management System (PDMS) of the ECDoE and (iv) recommend how the ECDoE can align its strategic human capital development to its strategic plan and performance management system. The study adopts a pragmatic research philosophy and a mixed- methods approach. The quantitative strategy and positivist paradigm were adopted to collect data, from purposefully two hundred and sixty-seven (n=267) educators using a survey questionnaire. The interpretivist research philosophy informed the qualitative strategy. In-depth interview data was collected from five (n=5) purposefully sampled information-rich participants to a point of data saturation. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. Statistical results from survey data rejected hypothesis H10 and confirmed H11 which hypothesised that there was a relationship between eemployee performance and sstrategic plan alignment. Results further confirmed the relationship between employee performance and effectiveness of training alignment. Furthermore, results confirmed an association between employee performance and trainee evaluation. Results from qualitative data suggest that the ECDoE lacked competitive and effective skills human capital development training programmes, effective human resource development strategy as well as developmental capacity building training opportunities for educators. Such capacity dearth affected both educator and learner performance, leading to sub-optimal performance learner outcomes and academic achievement results. The ECDoE must therefore closely monitor and evaluate training programmes and assess their impact on educator performance. Training must be closely aligned with skills and capacity training needs of employees and must contribute to skills acquisition and job performance indicators, envisaged in the department’s strategic plan, mission and vision. Given the findings, the study recommends a framework for human capital development and strategic plan alignment in the public sector, particularly in the ECDoE. It concludes that continuous professional development must be a key performance driver for improving effectiveness and efficiency in strategic goal, vision and mission attainment. , Thesis (DPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-09
- Authors: Zindi, Beauty https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4790-5379
- Date: 2023-09
- Subjects: Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28694 , vital:74500
- Description: Human capital development as an interactive process enhances and facilitates the development of skills, capabilities and potential of human capital through organisational development. Thus, to achieve goals and strategic plans effectively and efficiently, the public sector must continuously upskill the knowledge and capacity of its human capital. The dearth in skills and capacity, often result in sub-optimal performance in the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE). To achieve key objectives in its strategic plan, the ECDoE must align its hhuman capital development needs with its strategic plan. The main objective of this study is to explore the nature and extent of alignment between human capital development and the strategic plan of the ECDoE. The sub-objectives of the study are to: (i) establish a conceptual framework for informing human capital development and strategic plan alignment in theECDoE ; (ii) determine how continuous teacher development as a human capital development approach can be more closely aligned with the strategic priorities of the ECDoE’s strategic plan; (iii) explore how human capital development aligns with the strategic plan and Performance Development Management System (PDMS) of the ECDoE and (iv) recommend how the ECDoE can align its strategic human capital development to its strategic plan and performance management system. The study adopts a pragmatic research philosophy and a mixed- methods approach. The quantitative strategy and positivist paradigm were adopted to collect data, from purposefully two hundred and sixty-seven (n=267) educators using a survey questionnaire. The interpretivist research philosophy informed the qualitative strategy. In-depth interview data was collected from five (n=5) purposefully sampled information-rich participants to a point of data saturation. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. Statistical results from survey data rejected hypothesis H10 and confirmed H11 which hypothesised that there was a relationship between eemployee performance and sstrategic plan alignment. Results further confirmed the relationship between employee performance and effectiveness of training alignment. Furthermore, results confirmed an association between employee performance and trainee evaluation. Results from qualitative data suggest that the ECDoE lacked competitive and effective skills human capital development training programmes, effective human resource development strategy as well as developmental capacity building training opportunities for educators. Such capacity dearth affected both educator and learner performance, leading to sub-optimal performance learner outcomes and academic achievement results. The ECDoE must therefore closely monitor and evaluate training programmes and assess their impact on educator performance. Training must be closely aligned with skills and capacity training needs of employees and must contribute to skills acquisition and job performance indicators, envisaged in the department’s strategic plan, mission and vision. Given the findings, the study recommends a framework for human capital development and strategic plan alignment in the public sector, particularly in the ECDoE. It concludes that continuous professional development must be a key performance driver for improving effectiveness and efficiency in strategic goal, vision and mission attainment. , Thesis (DPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-09
The dynamics of implementing inclusive education: case studies of four secondary schools, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Nyawo, Nokuphumula Grace https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7816-5910
- Authors: Nyawo, Nokuphumula Grace https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7816-5910
- Date: 2023-09
- Subjects: Inclusive education , Special education , Education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29587 , vital:78275
- Description: Investigating how teachers implement inclusive education (IE) in their teaching in the 21st century is of the utmost importance, as classrooms are representative of the communities outside of the school, where people confront similar real-life issues, irrespective of their physical and mental abilities. Schools are the locations where young people are prepared to cope in the real world as adults. There is no place – other than the school – where learners who do not have special needs can become better acquainted with peers who face barriers to learning, and the ways in which they go about overcoming such hurdles hence this study explored how teachers implement IE in selected schools in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and the manner in which they react to the challenges such implementation presents. The interpretivist paradigm underpinned this research study, with the researcher employed qualitative research methodology to conduct the study in four secondary schools in KwaZulu-Natal. In addition to conducting interviews, the researcher reviewed documents and carried out observations, to determine how teachers implemented IE in their teaching. To that end, the researcher interviewed eight teachers from the four schools (two per school). It is worth noting that teachers implementing IE were interviewed, in an attempt to make the study as meaningful as possible. The participants valued the impact which IE had on the lives of learners with special needs who, in most cases, felt deprived of a chance to learn, and believed their right to access education was being denied them. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, even teachers who had been unwilling to use technology felt obliged to use it, in an attempt to ensure that no learner would be left behind. Surprisingly, as the findings indicated, some participants revealed that despite the introduction of Education White Paper 6 (RSA, 2001), teachers still felt inadequately trained and ill-equipped to deal with learners with special needs, as the playing field was not level in terms of the teacher–learner ratio, given that overcrowding remains a thorn in the flesh of rural and township schools alike, and in light of the fact that unemployment is rife, meaning many parents cannot send their child(ren) to psychologists for diagnoses or remedial interventions. Based on the research findings, it is recommended that pre-service teachers be exposed to modules on IE implementation prior to commencing teaching, and that serving teachers be exposed to incentivised training on IE implementation. Teacher support, such as scribes and electronic devices, is recommended, as these aids may prove handy when educators are faced with diverse learner needs within one class, and need to give their undivided attention to highflyers and struggling learners alike. Lastly, the Department of Basic Education is encouraged to provide ongoing support to serving teachers, and to design a flexible curriculum that will accommodate all learners, irrespective of their mental and physical capabilities. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-09
- Authors: Nyawo, Nokuphumula Grace https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7816-5910
- Date: 2023-09
- Subjects: Inclusive education , Special education , Education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29587 , vital:78275
- Description: Investigating how teachers implement inclusive education (IE) in their teaching in the 21st century is of the utmost importance, as classrooms are representative of the communities outside of the school, where people confront similar real-life issues, irrespective of their physical and mental abilities. Schools are the locations where young people are prepared to cope in the real world as adults. There is no place – other than the school – where learners who do not have special needs can become better acquainted with peers who face barriers to learning, and the ways in which they go about overcoming such hurdles hence this study explored how teachers implement IE in selected schools in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and the manner in which they react to the challenges such implementation presents. The interpretivist paradigm underpinned this research study, with the researcher employed qualitative research methodology to conduct the study in four secondary schools in KwaZulu-Natal. In addition to conducting interviews, the researcher reviewed documents and carried out observations, to determine how teachers implemented IE in their teaching. To that end, the researcher interviewed eight teachers from the four schools (two per school). It is worth noting that teachers implementing IE were interviewed, in an attempt to make the study as meaningful as possible. The participants valued the impact which IE had on the lives of learners with special needs who, in most cases, felt deprived of a chance to learn, and believed their right to access education was being denied them. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, even teachers who had been unwilling to use technology felt obliged to use it, in an attempt to ensure that no learner would be left behind. Surprisingly, as the findings indicated, some participants revealed that despite the introduction of Education White Paper 6 (RSA, 2001), teachers still felt inadequately trained and ill-equipped to deal with learners with special needs, as the playing field was not level in terms of the teacher–learner ratio, given that overcrowding remains a thorn in the flesh of rural and township schools alike, and in light of the fact that unemployment is rife, meaning many parents cannot send their child(ren) to psychologists for diagnoses or remedial interventions. Based on the research findings, it is recommended that pre-service teachers be exposed to modules on IE implementation prior to commencing teaching, and that serving teachers be exposed to incentivised training on IE implementation. Teacher support, such as scribes and electronic devices, is recommended, as these aids may prove handy when educators are faced with diverse learner needs within one class, and need to give their undivided attention to highflyers and struggling learners alike. Lastly, the Department of Basic Education is encouraged to provide ongoing support to serving teachers, and to design a flexible curriculum that will accommodate all learners, irrespective of their mental and physical capabilities. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-09
The mediating effects of human resource management practices on the relationship between organisational learning and the performance of small businesses
- Jongilanga, Nandi https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2360-6753
- Authors: Jongilanga, Nandi https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2360-6753
- Date: 2023-09
- Subjects: Small business -- Personnel management , Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29424 , vital:77965
- Description: SMEs are the productive drivers of economic growth and create jobs in many economies around the globe and in South Africa. Moreover, these businesses operate in a highly competitive environment and as they grow, there is a need to develop and implement HRM practices to achieve sustainability. However, there is still limited research about SMEs in the HRM context. The purpose of this study was to establish the role of HRM in the performance and sustainability of SMEs in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve the purpose of this study the study adopted the positivist paradigm motivated by the quantitative approach that used a descriptive research design. A survey in the form of questionnaires was employed in which 265 questionnaires were randomly distributed across small businesses in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape. Findings/results: The findings of the study showed that there is a positive significant impact of a) organisational learning and performance of small businesses, b) organisational learning and HRM practices, c) HRM practices and performance of small businesses, d) HRM practices significantly mediates the relationship between organisational learning and sustainable development. The study showed that HRM practices does not mediates the relationship between organisational learning and financial performance. Practical implications: Based on the findings of the study, scholars must conduct more research on the HRM in SMEs because of the significant role that HRM plays in the sustainability of these businesses. Moreover, small businesses must implement the HR function or policy in the businesses to remain sustainable and maximise their resources. Originality/value: The results of this study could guide small business owners and managers must implement HRM practices in their businesses to achieve a competitive sustainable advantage int the highly competitive environment in which they operate. , Thesis (MBM) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-09
- Authors: Jongilanga, Nandi https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2360-6753
- Date: 2023-09
- Subjects: Small business -- Personnel management , Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29424 , vital:77965
- Description: SMEs are the productive drivers of economic growth and create jobs in many economies around the globe and in South Africa. Moreover, these businesses operate in a highly competitive environment and as they grow, there is a need to develop and implement HRM practices to achieve sustainability. However, there is still limited research about SMEs in the HRM context. The purpose of this study was to establish the role of HRM in the performance and sustainability of SMEs in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve the purpose of this study the study adopted the positivist paradigm motivated by the quantitative approach that used a descriptive research design. A survey in the form of questionnaires was employed in which 265 questionnaires were randomly distributed across small businesses in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape. Findings/results: The findings of the study showed that there is a positive significant impact of a) organisational learning and performance of small businesses, b) organisational learning and HRM practices, c) HRM practices and performance of small businesses, d) HRM practices significantly mediates the relationship between organisational learning and sustainable development. The study showed that HRM practices does not mediates the relationship between organisational learning and financial performance. Practical implications: Based on the findings of the study, scholars must conduct more research on the HRM in SMEs because of the significant role that HRM plays in the sustainability of these businesses. Moreover, small businesses must implement the HR function or policy in the businesses to remain sustainable and maximise their resources. Originality/value: The results of this study could guide small business owners and managers must implement HRM practices in their businesses to achieve a competitive sustainable advantage int the highly competitive environment in which they operate. , Thesis (MBM) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-09
Tourism and economic growth in the Republics of Botswana and Madagascar: an empirical investigation of causal links
- Authors: Masvingise, Kudzai
- Date: 2023-09
- Subjects: Tourism -- Botswana , Economic development -- Botswana , Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28334 , vital:74267
- Description: This study investigated the Granger causality of tourism and economic growth in the Republics of Botswana and Madagascar during the period 1995 2019. The study was inspired by speculation regarding the influence of tourism on the economic growth of the two countries, given that the literature cautions that the relationship is not always direct and obvious, but rather depends on the country and changes over time. The ARDL-bounds F-test was used to test for co-integration and for Granger causality, with the ECM-based multivariate Granger-causality test used. The results confirm that tourism and economic growth have a prevailing stable, long-run co-integration in both countries, with a unidirectional causation, in that tourism is propelled by economic growth. These findings support the growth-led tourism GDP TOR hypothesis for both countries, and do not corroborate the popular tourism-led growth TPR GDP hypothesis. The study findings imply that both countries’ rich natural resources are insufficient to propel tourism growth and drive GDP in the absence of a supportive economic environment. The study therefore recommends that investment and policy efforts in Botswana and Madagascar focus more on overall economic development than at tourism per se. This would create an environment conducive for attracting and retaining visitors to these countries, and thus boost tourism. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-09
- Authors: Masvingise, Kudzai
- Date: 2023-09
- Subjects: Tourism -- Botswana , Economic development -- Botswana , Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28334 , vital:74267
- Description: This study investigated the Granger causality of tourism and economic growth in the Republics of Botswana and Madagascar during the period 1995 2019. The study was inspired by speculation regarding the influence of tourism on the economic growth of the two countries, given that the literature cautions that the relationship is not always direct and obvious, but rather depends on the country and changes over time. The ARDL-bounds F-test was used to test for co-integration and for Granger causality, with the ECM-based multivariate Granger-causality test used. The results confirm that tourism and economic growth have a prevailing stable, long-run co-integration in both countries, with a unidirectional causation, in that tourism is propelled by economic growth. These findings support the growth-led tourism GDP TOR hypothesis for both countries, and do not corroborate the popular tourism-led growth TPR GDP hypothesis. The study findings imply that both countries’ rich natural resources are insufficient to propel tourism growth and drive GDP in the absence of a supportive economic environment. The study therefore recommends that investment and policy efforts in Botswana and Madagascar focus more on overall economic development than at tourism per se. This would create an environment conducive for attracting and retaining visitors to these countries, and thus boost tourism. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-09
Pragmatic necessity for breaching Gricean maxims in fiction: Towards a literary plot theory
- Tserayi, Jonathan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6200-8177
- Authors: Tserayi, Jonathan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6200-8177
- Date: 2023-08
- Subjects: Indic fiction (English) , Maxims in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28705 , vital:74555
- Description: Unlike in most literary studies involving the analysis of the Gricean Cooperative Principle, where the main thrust has been to expose where and how the Gricean maxims were violated, the focus in this study was to investigate the utility or functionality of breached maxims in fictional works. This novel approach, issuing from the presupposition that breached maxims add value to literature, warranted the speculation that it is necessary to breach Gricean maxims for the success of the literary plot. To prove such necessity, the researcher sampled three texts consisting of two novels and a play for in depth analysis. Using two theories (Relevance Theory (RT) and Pragma-crafting theory (PC), and methodologically applying Discourse Analysis (DA) and Conversation Analysis (CA), the researcher sought to establish the effect of breached maxims in the sampled texts. Furthermore, the researcher utilised both quantitative and qualitative methods, even though the former was minimally applied. As expected for a study of this nature, the analysis was largely qualitative. Findings confirmed that breached maxims have the effect of generating literary content and hence are purposefully used to achieve literary creativity and convenience. This affirms the necessity of expediently breaching the maxims in the interest of the literary plot. In this regard, literary works have traditionally thrived on breached Gricean maxims, but the act of violating maxims has hardly been viewed in a positive light. Thus, this research partly fills the gap of articulating the efficacy of breached maxims in literary works, and ultimately proposes a literary plot theory premised on the efficacy of breached maxims. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-08
- Authors: Tserayi, Jonathan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6200-8177
- Date: 2023-08
- Subjects: Indic fiction (English) , Maxims in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28705 , vital:74555
- Description: Unlike in most literary studies involving the analysis of the Gricean Cooperative Principle, where the main thrust has been to expose where and how the Gricean maxims were violated, the focus in this study was to investigate the utility or functionality of breached maxims in fictional works. This novel approach, issuing from the presupposition that breached maxims add value to literature, warranted the speculation that it is necessary to breach Gricean maxims for the success of the literary plot. To prove such necessity, the researcher sampled three texts consisting of two novels and a play for in depth analysis. Using two theories (Relevance Theory (RT) and Pragma-crafting theory (PC), and methodologically applying Discourse Analysis (DA) and Conversation Analysis (CA), the researcher sought to establish the effect of breached maxims in the sampled texts. Furthermore, the researcher utilised both quantitative and qualitative methods, even though the former was minimally applied. As expected for a study of this nature, the analysis was largely qualitative. Findings confirmed that breached maxims have the effect of generating literary content and hence are purposefully used to achieve literary creativity and convenience. This affirms the necessity of expediently breaching the maxims in the interest of the literary plot. In this regard, literary works have traditionally thrived on breached Gricean maxims, but the act of violating maxims has hardly been viewed in a positive light. Thus, this research partly fills the gap of articulating the efficacy of breached maxims in literary works, and ultimately proposes a literary plot theory premised on the efficacy of breached maxims. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-08
Developing logit calibration model for wildfire smoke characterization based on sentinel-2 multispectral data and machine learning techniques
- Authors: Sali, Athule
- Date: 2023-07
- Subjects: Wildfires -- Prevention and control -- Contracting out , Smoke plumes , Remote-sensing images
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28467 , vital:74338
- Description: Wildfires are complicated incidents that arise as results of both natural causes and anthropological activities. They have long been regarded as the most devastating phenomena globally. Wildfires are considered a powerful natural factor which has detrimental effect on the global environment. This study was aimed at developing logit calibration models for wildfire smoke prediction based on Sentinel-2 multispectral data and machine learning techniques. Remotely sensed data, in the form of the Sentinel-2 imagery, was used as the base from which wildfire smoke plumes were spectrally characterized and distinguished from clouds and flame using endmember selection. The Smoke Detection Index (SDI) was generated to detect the relative abundance of smoke from the imagery. The Cloud Detection Index (CDI) was also generated from Sentinel-2 imagery to detect the relative abundance of clouds. The bi-level thresholding technique was also used to characterize wildfire smoke from the imagery. The logit models were developed through multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network to predict wildfire smoke plumes. The Relative Operator Characteristic - Area Under the Curve (ROC-AUC) metrics was used to evaluate the logit models performance. The spectral signature pattern from endmembers revealed that wildfire smoke behaves different across Sentinel-2 multispectral channels with shortwave 1 channel (SWIR-1) exhibiting the highest radiance value. The signature patterns from endmember selection also revealed the distinctive spectral characterization of smoke from those of clouds. The findings showed that whilst smoke exhibited high radiance value on SWIR-1 channel, clouds exhibited high radiance value in the near infrared (NIR), signifying that smoke and cloud are spectrally separatable in the NIR. The smoke-containing pixels from bi-level thresholding were characterized by SDI values that ranged between 0.089 and 0.561. Suggesting that pixels associated with wildfire smoke are limited to this range of values. The logit models developed showed that smoke is predicted in SWIR-2. The ROC-AUC value obtained by this model was 0.77. The Implications emerging from the ROC-AUC results revealed that MLP model employed on the SWIR-2 band present a viable and accurate prediction of wildfire smoke plume. The findings of this study suggest that wildfire smoke is efficiently predicted at the shortwave channels of the electromagnetic spectrum. The wildfire smoke can be spectrally distinguished from cloud in the near infrared channel. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-07
- Authors: Sali, Athule
- Date: 2023-07
- Subjects: Wildfires -- Prevention and control -- Contracting out , Smoke plumes , Remote-sensing images
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28467 , vital:74338
- Description: Wildfires are complicated incidents that arise as results of both natural causes and anthropological activities. They have long been regarded as the most devastating phenomena globally. Wildfires are considered a powerful natural factor which has detrimental effect on the global environment. This study was aimed at developing logit calibration models for wildfire smoke prediction based on Sentinel-2 multispectral data and machine learning techniques. Remotely sensed data, in the form of the Sentinel-2 imagery, was used as the base from which wildfire smoke plumes were spectrally characterized and distinguished from clouds and flame using endmember selection. The Smoke Detection Index (SDI) was generated to detect the relative abundance of smoke from the imagery. The Cloud Detection Index (CDI) was also generated from Sentinel-2 imagery to detect the relative abundance of clouds. The bi-level thresholding technique was also used to characterize wildfire smoke from the imagery. The logit models were developed through multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network to predict wildfire smoke plumes. The Relative Operator Characteristic - Area Under the Curve (ROC-AUC) metrics was used to evaluate the logit models performance. The spectral signature pattern from endmembers revealed that wildfire smoke behaves different across Sentinel-2 multispectral channels with shortwave 1 channel (SWIR-1) exhibiting the highest radiance value. The signature patterns from endmember selection also revealed the distinctive spectral characterization of smoke from those of clouds. The findings showed that whilst smoke exhibited high radiance value on SWIR-1 channel, clouds exhibited high radiance value in the near infrared (NIR), signifying that smoke and cloud are spectrally separatable in the NIR. The smoke-containing pixels from bi-level thresholding were characterized by SDI values that ranged between 0.089 and 0.561. Suggesting that pixels associated with wildfire smoke are limited to this range of values. The logit models developed showed that smoke is predicted in SWIR-2. The ROC-AUC value obtained by this model was 0.77. The Implications emerging from the ROC-AUC results revealed that MLP model employed on the SWIR-2 band present a viable and accurate prediction of wildfire smoke plume. The findings of this study suggest that wildfire smoke is efficiently predicted at the shortwave channels of the electromagnetic spectrum. The wildfire smoke can be spectrally distinguished from cloud in the near infrared channel. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-07
Exploring the involvement of the SARS-CoV-2 Replicase in the synthesis of polyamines and heat shock proteins
- Authors: Mthembu,Yamkela
- Date: 2023-07
- Subjects: Post COVID-19 condition (Disease) , COVID-19 (Disease) , Polyamines in the body
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:74275
- Description: A disease named COVID-19 almost destroyed the human population. It is caused by the SARS CoV 2 virus which emerged in 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide forcing all countries to shut down. This virus uses non-structural proteins to complete its invasion and development inside the host. The non-structural protein 2 NSP2 defined as the RNA binding protein involved in coronavirus genome replication and decreases the human immune response is key for this virus’s development and invasion. It is believed that the NSP2 associate themselves with polyamines and heat shock proteins inside the host cell, to proceed with the viral development and this study aimed to investigate how SARS CoV 2 virus key non-structural proteins NSP2 utilizes polyamines and heat shock proteins using the molecular docking approach and molecular dynamics MD. In this present study a docking approach was used. The dockings were done on ClusPro, and analysis was done on Discovery Studio, chimera, and PyMOL. One of the enzymes that are involved in the regulation of polyamine biosynthesis, adenosylmethionine decarboxylase AdoMetDC was used in investigating the polyamine binding to the viral NSP2, and major heat shock proteins HSPs HSP40, HSP70, and HSP90 were used in the investigation of the binding of HSPs to viral non-structural proteins NSP2. The results obtained show that 32 interactions were formed when docking heat shock protein 40 HSP40 with the SARS CoV 2 NSP2, but the area that has the highest interactions was from amino acid Ala554 to His557. Asp553 plays a very crucial role in this interaction forming six interactions. Heat shock protein 70 produced about 28 interactions when docked with the SARS CoV 2 NSP2. But the section with the most bonds was from position 550 to 560 of the ligand. Human heat shock protein 90 HSP90 formed 19 interactions when docked with the SARS CoV 2 viral NSP2. MD revealed Arg458, Asn508, Met297, Arg301 and Tr417 active residues. And pharmacophore modeling indicated zinc inhibitors as crucial for inhibiting this virus. Enough interactions were produced with ideal bonds lengths, and it can be said that the functioning of the SARS CoV2 viral non-structural proteins functioning majorly depends on the presence of the heat shock proteins at hand for proper formation and depends on polyamines for complete development and correct functioning. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-07
- Authors: Mthembu,Yamkela
- Date: 2023-07
- Subjects: Post COVID-19 condition (Disease) , COVID-19 (Disease) , Polyamines in the body
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:74275
- Description: A disease named COVID-19 almost destroyed the human population. It is caused by the SARS CoV 2 virus which emerged in 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide forcing all countries to shut down. This virus uses non-structural proteins to complete its invasion and development inside the host. The non-structural protein 2 NSP2 defined as the RNA binding protein involved in coronavirus genome replication and decreases the human immune response is key for this virus’s development and invasion. It is believed that the NSP2 associate themselves with polyamines and heat shock proteins inside the host cell, to proceed with the viral development and this study aimed to investigate how SARS CoV 2 virus key non-structural proteins NSP2 utilizes polyamines and heat shock proteins using the molecular docking approach and molecular dynamics MD. In this present study a docking approach was used. The dockings were done on ClusPro, and analysis was done on Discovery Studio, chimera, and PyMOL. One of the enzymes that are involved in the regulation of polyamine biosynthesis, adenosylmethionine decarboxylase AdoMetDC was used in investigating the polyamine binding to the viral NSP2, and major heat shock proteins HSPs HSP40, HSP70, and HSP90 were used in the investigation of the binding of HSPs to viral non-structural proteins NSP2. The results obtained show that 32 interactions were formed when docking heat shock protein 40 HSP40 with the SARS CoV 2 NSP2, but the area that has the highest interactions was from amino acid Ala554 to His557. Asp553 plays a very crucial role in this interaction forming six interactions. Heat shock protein 70 produced about 28 interactions when docked with the SARS CoV 2 NSP2. But the section with the most bonds was from position 550 to 560 of the ligand. Human heat shock protein 90 HSP90 formed 19 interactions when docked with the SARS CoV 2 viral NSP2. MD revealed Arg458, Asn508, Met297, Arg301 and Tr417 active residues. And pharmacophore modeling indicated zinc inhibitors as crucial for inhibiting this virus. Enough interactions were produced with ideal bonds lengths, and it can be said that the functioning of the SARS CoV2 viral non-structural proteins functioning majorly depends on the presence of the heat shock proteins at hand for proper formation and depends on polyamines for complete development and correct functioning. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-07
Gender and shifting urban property relations: the impacts of tenure upgrading on women’s access to land and housing in Mdantsane, South Africa
- Stofile, Zimkhitha Sphokazi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1566-1376
- Authors: Stofile, Zimkhitha Sphokazi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1566-1376
- Date: 2023-07
- Subjects: Women's shelters , Land tenure -- South Africa , Right to housing
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28717 , vital:74556
- Description: A detailed empirical focus on the social impacts of progressive land policy shifts on women in Africa remains limited, particularly when it comes to urban property rights. This study examined contemporary dynamics of gender and access to urban property in the context of South Africa’s post-apartheid radical policy changes that attempt to address primarily the historical exclusion of blacks from urban property rights and housing. The thesis adopted a gendered approach to the concept of ‘access’ as an overriding concept to analyse the impacts of land tenure upgrading on women’s access to urban land and housing in Mdantsane, South Africa’s second-largest township. This study also adopts a liberal feminist perspective, particularly egalitarian liberal feminism (emanating from the works of John Stuart Mill) to explore how the post-apartheid progressive institutional and legal reforms have influenced the autonomy and power of women to access urban property rights. Through this perspective, the study also draws on several key theoretical concepts to put together a conceptual schema – a framework – that provides enhanced understanding of gendered dimensions of access to urban landed property (in this case housing). In many developing countries, there has been a shift from indigenous land tenure systems to private land ownership. These shifts were caused by several factors, including population pressure, rising land income, urbanisation, and land grabbing. International organisations such as the World Bank, the United States Agency for International Development and Department for International Development have expanded their land tenure reform programmes in developing countries from the 1970s until the late 1990s. These have suggested individualised land rights (land titling) as a precondition for investment, economic progress, poverty alleviation, and a framework for secure, transparent, and enforceable property rights. Gender equity became a growing concern among donor institutions that promote and fund titling and registration programmes. Land titling was viewed as a solution to bring an end to gender inequalities in land ownership. In South Africa, the Upgrading of Land Tenure Rights Act 112 of 1991 (ULTRA) was enacted for upgrading and converting ownership of certain rights granted in respect of land. The study used a case study of women in sections of Mdantsane. Qualitative methods, mainly in-depth interviews and life histories enabled the researcher to obtain detailed personal accounts of the historical and contemporary struggles of black women in accessing land and property in South Africa’s urban peripheries. The findings demonstrate that tenure upgrading produced differential outcomes among women in Mdantsane, and some diverse meanings that women attach to their land and houses in the context of tenure upgrading in post-apartheid South Africa. While tenure upgrading has guaranteed non-eviction for most house occupants (including women), it resulted in eviction for others. Male occupants, who secretly and fraudulently acquired the title deeds for family houses, displaced some of their women relatives. The study also established that these displacements were mostly done by those men who were regarded as heirs to property in many of the urban households. As such, they took most decisions about the formal registration of family homes, thus weakening the rights and power of women over urban property. Among the dominant meanings attached to land after tenure upgrading, women in Mdantsane generally viewed the ownership of urban property – no matter how small – as a form of empowerment, socially and economically. This study also found that after tenure upgrading, other women lost access to the accommodation they rented for more than a decade, even though they qualified to become the owners. In some instances, the politicians fraudulently sold the houses, and the occupants were thus displaced. Poor housing administration by the municipal officials was one of the reasons most occupants lost access to housing. In general, the results indicate that post-apartheid, urban land laws and policies afforded women better access to land and housing. Furthermore, in several instances, titling afforded women equal ownership rights as men compared to other tenure systems. Nonetheless, the history of exclusion still negatively affects women’s access to land and housing. Even in cases where they are not excluded, women still face social, political, and cultural constraints in acquiring urban land. Such a finding indicates that, gender-sensitive land laws and policies do not automatically lead to positive outcomes for women in South Africa’s urban peripheries. Therefore, the struggle for equal property rights does not begin and end with gender-progressive laws. Urban land policy should also grapple with past and contemporary obstacles in the implementation of legislation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-07
- Authors: Stofile, Zimkhitha Sphokazi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1566-1376
- Date: 2023-07
- Subjects: Women's shelters , Land tenure -- South Africa , Right to housing
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28717 , vital:74556
- Description: A detailed empirical focus on the social impacts of progressive land policy shifts on women in Africa remains limited, particularly when it comes to urban property rights. This study examined contemporary dynamics of gender and access to urban property in the context of South Africa’s post-apartheid radical policy changes that attempt to address primarily the historical exclusion of blacks from urban property rights and housing. The thesis adopted a gendered approach to the concept of ‘access’ as an overriding concept to analyse the impacts of land tenure upgrading on women’s access to urban land and housing in Mdantsane, South Africa’s second-largest township. This study also adopts a liberal feminist perspective, particularly egalitarian liberal feminism (emanating from the works of John Stuart Mill) to explore how the post-apartheid progressive institutional and legal reforms have influenced the autonomy and power of women to access urban property rights. Through this perspective, the study also draws on several key theoretical concepts to put together a conceptual schema – a framework – that provides enhanced understanding of gendered dimensions of access to urban landed property (in this case housing). In many developing countries, there has been a shift from indigenous land tenure systems to private land ownership. These shifts were caused by several factors, including population pressure, rising land income, urbanisation, and land grabbing. International organisations such as the World Bank, the United States Agency for International Development and Department for International Development have expanded their land tenure reform programmes in developing countries from the 1970s until the late 1990s. These have suggested individualised land rights (land titling) as a precondition for investment, economic progress, poverty alleviation, and a framework for secure, transparent, and enforceable property rights. Gender equity became a growing concern among donor institutions that promote and fund titling and registration programmes. Land titling was viewed as a solution to bring an end to gender inequalities in land ownership. In South Africa, the Upgrading of Land Tenure Rights Act 112 of 1991 (ULTRA) was enacted for upgrading and converting ownership of certain rights granted in respect of land. The study used a case study of women in sections of Mdantsane. Qualitative methods, mainly in-depth interviews and life histories enabled the researcher to obtain detailed personal accounts of the historical and contemporary struggles of black women in accessing land and property in South Africa’s urban peripheries. The findings demonstrate that tenure upgrading produced differential outcomes among women in Mdantsane, and some diverse meanings that women attach to their land and houses in the context of tenure upgrading in post-apartheid South Africa. While tenure upgrading has guaranteed non-eviction for most house occupants (including women), it resulted in eviction for others. Male occupants, who secretly and fraudulently acquired the title deeds for family houses, displaced some of their women relatives. The study also established that these displacements were mostly done by those men who were regarded as heirs to property in many of the urban households. As such, they took most decisions about the formal registration of family homes, thus weakening the rights and power of women over urban property. Among the dominant meanings attached to land after tenure upgrading, women in Mdantsane generally viewed the ownership of urban property – no matter how small – as a form of empowerment, socially and economically. This study also found that after tenure upgrading, other women lost access to the accommodation they rented for more than a decade, even though they qualified to become the owners. In some instances, the politicians fraudulently sold the houses, and the occupants were thus displaced. Poor housing administration by the municipal officials was one of the reasons most occupants lost access to housing. In general, the results indicate that post-apartheid, urban land laws and policies afforded women better access to land and housing. Furthermore, in several instances, titling afforded women equal ownership rights as men compared to other tenure systems. Nonetheless, the history of exclusion still negatively affects women’s access to land and housing. Even in cases where they are not excluded, women still face social, political, and cultural constraints in acquiring urban land. Such a finding indicates that, gender-sensitive land laws and policies do not automatically lead to positive outcomes for women in South Africa’s urban peripheries. Therefore, the struggle for equal property rights does not begin and end with gender-progressive laws. Urban land policy should also grapple with past and contemporary obstacles in the implementation of legislation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-07
The moderation and mediation influence of dynamic capabilities and decision-making dimensions on South African family business performance
- Pike-Bowles, Angela https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4811-0455
- Authors: Pike-Bowles, Angela https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4811-0455
- Date: 2023-07
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Decision making , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Management information systems
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28684 , vital:74499
- Description: Family businesses are fundamental for any world economy where they contribute significantly to economic prosperity. However, family firms are faced with new obstacles that are directly affecting their business performance due to the current economic uncertainties and the rapidly changing environments. The implementation of dynamic capabilities is a fundamental strategic tool family firms can exercise to improve their competitive advantage. Although family business research has proliferated over the last 10 years, there are few studies in South Africa investigating the extent to which dynamic capabilities influence family business performance. This study, therefore, had a primary objective to investigate the determinants of family business performance and the role that dynamic capabilities play as mediators and moderators. Studying such a research theme has not received sufficient attention within the family business field, which emphasises the need for such a topic to be investigated. The independent variables for the study entailed dynamic capabilities and decision-making constructs while the dependent variable comprised family business performance. Consequently, the mediating variables included strategic foresight, strategic flexibility, and strategic creativity while the moderating variables included strategic creativity and strategic flexibility. This investigation followed a quantitative methodological logic by employing the questionnaire as the research instrument. In total, 347 family business managers and owners from the eight districts of the Eastern Cape participated in the study. The family businesses were accessed through a convenience sampling technique to identify if their business suited the inclusion criteria of the study. Data analysis was executed through SPSS where the moderation-mediation analysis followed the Hayes process macro through multiple regression analysis. The research findings revealed that there is both a significant positive and mediation relationship between the dynamic capabilities constructs entailing environmental scanning, scenario planning, knowledge creation, culture, and formal organisation with the decision-making constructs of strategic foresight, flexibility, and creativity with family business performance. Interestingly, a moderation relationship does not exist between these constructs and the strategic foresight of the family firm. However, a moderation relationship does exist between the dynamic capabilities constructs of knowledge creation and culture and strategic foresight when moderated by strategic creativity. Thus, family business performance is positively influenced by the said dynamic capabilities and decision-making constructs. The results ultimately provided implications for family businesses with practical advice on the successful implementation and monitoring of dynamic capabilities and decisionmaking in the family business. Lastly, this study makes recommendations for family and non-family business owners, government, and academics. These recommendations entail family businesses implementing a lucrative dynamic capability model to improve family business performance in the context of South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-07
- Authors: Pike-Bowles, Angela https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4811-0455
- Date: 2023-07
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Decision making , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Management information systems
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28684 , vital:74499
- Description: Family businesses are fundamental for any world economy where they contribute significantly to economic prosperity. However, family firms are faced with new obstacles that are directly affecting their business performance due to the current economic uncertainties and the rapidly changing environments. The implementation of dynamic capabilities is a fundamental strategic tool family firms can exercise to improve their competitive advantage. Although family business research has proliferated over the last 10 years, there are few studies in South Africa investigating the extent to which dynamic capabilities influence family business performance. This study, therefore, had a primary objective to investigate the determinants of family business performance and the role that dynamic capabilities play as mediators and moderators. Studying such a research theme has not received sufficient attention within the family business field, which emphasises the need for such a topic to be investigated. The independent variables for the study entailed dynamic capabilities and decision-making constructs while the dependent variable comprised family business performance. Consequently, the mediating variables included strategic foresight, strategic flexibility, and strategic creativity while the moderating variables included strategic creativity and strategic flexibility. This investigation followed a quantitative methodological logic by employing the questionnaire as the research instrument. In total, 347 family business managers and owners from the eight districts of the Eastern Cape participated in the study. The family businesses were accessed through a convenience sampling technique to identify if their business suited the inclusion criteria of the study. Data analysis was executed through SPSS where the moderation-mediation analysis followed the Hayes process macro through multiple regression analysis. The research findings revealed that there is both a significant positive and mediation relationship between the dynamic capabilities constructs entailing environmental scanning, scenario planning, knowledge creation, culture, and formal organisation with the decision-making constructs of strategic foresight, flexibility, and creativity with family business performance. Interestingly, a moderation relationship does not exist between these constructs and the strategic foresight of the family firm. However, a moderation relationship does exist between the dynamic capabilities constructs of knowledge creation and culture and strategic foresight when moderated by strategic creativity. Thus, family business performance is positively influenced by the said dynamic capabilities and decision-making constructs. The results ultimately provided implications for family businesses with practical advice on the successful implementation and monitoring of dynamic capabilities and decisionmaking in the family business. Lastly, this study makes recommendations for family and non-family business owners, government, and academics. These recommendations entail family businesses implementing a lucrative dynamic capability model to improve family business performance in the context of South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-07
The role of leadership in enhancing organisational performance: the case of Eastern Cape department of education (ECDoE)
- Dlamkile, Phumlani https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0551-0846
- Authors: Dlamkile, Phumlani https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0551-0846
- Date: 2023-07
- Subjects: Leadership--Education , Performance--Management , Public Administration
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29376 , vital:77958
- Description: This study seeks to establish that there are many problems facing the educational system in the Eastern Cape. This has resulted in many children learning in nonconducive environments, and dilapidated infrastructure among others. Noticeably, many teaching and learning are been undertaken under the tress The objectives of the study were: to ascertain the role of leadership on organisational performance in enhancing public services delivery in the ECDOE; to identify and evaluate the current leadership challenges of ECDOE; to identify and evaluate the leadership roles and styles used in ECDOE; to examine the factors affecting performance monitoring and evaluation within ECDOE; to assess the type of culture within ECDOE; and to come up with a model/framework that will enhance efficiency within ECDOE. Both quantitative and qualitative research techniques were utilised in this study, and 40 questionnaires were distributed to the participants. The data were analysed using SPSS. The result of the study shows that there is a huge gap between the DoBE, the school, the community, and other partners. The study also revealed the shortage of resources, and support from districts and the department, also schools in rural areas are neglected, outdated infrastructure, inadequate community participation and inadequate stakeholders’ involvement. The finding from the literature also confirmed that many principals do face various obstacles especially when making efforts to manage their school affairs in order to achieve brilliant, desired goals. The study noted that the government has not done enough in addressing most of the problems facing learners in the Eastern Cape and as a matter of urgency; there is a need for the government to intervene urgently before the educational systems collapsed in the Eastern Cape. The study recommended that the department, the districts, the school, the municipalities, and other government departments should come together to build a better future for South African young minds. The study also recommended the school must build international relationships with the help of universities close to the schools for better performance and success of the schools. , Thesis (DPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-07
- Authors: Dlamkile, Phumlani https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0551-0846
- Date: 2023-07
- Subjects: Leadership--Education , Performance--Management , Public Administration
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29376 , vital:77958
- Description: This study seeks to establish that there are many problems facing the educational system in the Eastern Cape. This has resulted in many children learning in nonconducive environments, and dilapidated infrastructure among others. Noticeably, many teaching and learning are been undertaken under the tress The objectives of the study were: to ascertain the role of leadership on organisational performance in enhancing public services delivery in the ECDOE; to identify and evaluate the current leadership challenges of ECDOE; to identify and evaluate the leadership roles and styles used in ECDOE; to examine the factors affecting performance monitoring and evaluation within ECDOE; to assess the type of culture within ECDOE; and to come up with a model/framework that will enhance efficiency within ECDOE. Both quantitative and qualitative research techniques were utilised in this study, and 40 questionnaires were distributed to the participants. The data were analysed using SPSS. The result of the study shows that there is a huge gap between the DoBE, the school, the community, and other partners. The study also revealed the shortage of resources, and support from districts and the department, also schools in rural areas are neglected, outdated infrastructure, inadequate community participation and inadequate stakeholders’ involvement. The finding from the literature also confirmed that many principals do face various obstacles especially when making efforts to manage their school affairs in order to achieve brilliant, desired goals. The study noted that the government has not done enough in addressing most of the problems facing learners in the Eastern Cape and as a matter of urgency; there is a need for the government to intervene urgently before the educational systems collapsed in the Eastern Cape. The study recommended that the department, the districts, the school, the municipalities, and other government departments should come together to build a better future for South African young minds. The study also recommended the school must build international relationships with the help of universities close to the schools for better performance and success of the schools. , Thesis (DPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-07
A framework for understanding the role of culture and the transmission of women entrepreneurship promotion in South Africa
- Karasi, Yvonne https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8822-281X
- Authors: Karasi, Yvonne https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8822-281X
- Date: 2023-06
- Subjects: Women in economic development -- South Africa , Businesswomen -- South Africa , Women-owned business enterprises -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28569 , vital:74421
- Description: Developing countries are increasingly recognising the need for promoting women entrepreneurship. Within Africa, women’s contribution tends to be ignored. Thus, gender discrimination, the lack of finance, limited education, limited technical skills, role conflicts, and culture are among the most cited barriers for women entrepreneurship. Recent literature challenges the notion that all aforementioned factors are barriers to entrepreneurial action. To contribute to knowledge, this study sensitises the culture element. Accordingly, there is a growing body of knowledge that is viewing culture as an enabler (and not a barrier) of women entrepreneurship. Two factors are at the core of this argument: (1) culture, as it is understood, in the contemporary literature is not appropriately conceptualised from an African perspective. (2) The definition of entrepreneurship as it relates to the developing countries is restrictive. These definitions ignore various economic activities undertaken mostly by women, which if carefully considered are indeed entrepreneurship. Therefore, it was appropriate for this thesis to explore the issues of both culture and entrepreneurship within the existing body of literature with the intention of gaining a knowledge of the dynamics of women's entrepreneurship in Africa. The scant research that has been done on the entrepreneurial dynamics of women and, in particular, how culture influences the latter, was recognized as a lacuna in the existing body of literature. Consequently, this study considered cultural determinants of entrepreneurship as well as the transmission of entrepreneurship across generations. The thesis was undertaken using a qualitative methodology. Using snowballing sampling technique, female entrepreneurs from 3 provinces (i.e., Gauteng, Limpopo, and Eastern Cape) in South Africa participated in the study. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed, among others, that there is a misconception on what constitutes “true African culture.” Thus, results suggest that the conceptualisation of culture in the African context, contrasts the conceptualisation in previous (non-African) literature. Furthermore, some elements of culture are indeed barriers. Interestingly, personal factors such as characteristics of women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial intentions have also contributed to the barriers to women entrepreneurship. Finally, the study proposes a framework for leveraging culture to be an entrepreneurial enabler for women entrepreneurship. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-06
- Authors: Karasi, Yvonne https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8822-281X
- Date: 2023-06
- Subjects: Women in economic development -- South Africa , Businesswomen -- South Africa , Women-owned business enterprises -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28569 , vital:74421
- Description: Developing countries are increasingly recognising the need for promoting women entrepreneurship. Within Africa, women’s contribution tends to be ignored. Thus, gender discrimination, the lack of finance, limited education, limited technical skills, role conflicts, and culture are among the most cited barriers for women entrepreneurship. Recent literature challenges the notion that all aforementioned factors are barriers to entrepreneurial action. To contribute to knowledge, this study sensitises the culture element. Accordingly, there is a growing body of knowledge that is viewing culture as an enabler (and not a barrier) of women entrepreneurship. Two factors are at the core of this argument: (1) culture, as it is understood, in the contemporary literature is not appropriately conceptualised from an African perspective. (2) The definition of entrepreneurship as it relates to the developing countries is restrictive. These definitions ignore various economic activities undertaken mostly by women, which if carefully considered are indeed entrepreneurship. Therefore, it was appropriate for this thesis to explore the issues of both culture and entrepreneurship within the existing body of literature with the intention of gaining a knowledge of the dynamics of women's entrepreneurship in Africa. The scant research that has been done on the entrepreneurial dynamics of women and, in particular, how culture influences the latter, was recognized as a lacuna in the existing body of literature. Consequently, this study considered cultural determinants of entrepreneurship as well as the transmission of entrepreneurship across generations. The thesis was undertaken using a qualitative methodology. Using snowballing sampling technique, female entrepreneurs from 3 provinces (i.e., Gauteng, Limpopo, and Eastern Cape) in South Africa participated in the study. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed, among others, that there is a misconception on what constitutes “true African culture.” Thus, results suggest that the conceptualisation of culture in the African context, contrasts the conceptualisation in previous (non-African) literature. Furthermore, some elements of culture are indeed barriers. Interestingly, personal factors such as characteristics of women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial intentions have also contributed to the barriers to women entrepreneurship. Finally, the study proposes a framework for leveraging culture to be an entrepreneurial enabler for women entrepreneurship. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-06
Foreign direct investment, institutions and economic growth in the selected Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries
- Authors: Onceya, Siyabulela
- Date: 2023-06
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- Africa, Southern , Southern African Development Community -- Economic conditions , Economic development -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28672 , vital:74497
- Description: Examining the relationship between economic growth and foreign direct investment (FDI) has been a subject of discussion for many researchers, economists, and policy analysts mainly in developing regions. It is important to note that, recent literature highlights that there are other country-specific conditions such as state of institutions which are important in attracting FDI inflows into a country. Given this, the study analysed the relationship between FDI, institutions and economic growth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for the period 1990- 2020. The analysis was carried out at both cross- country (2010 to 2018) and individual country level (1990 to 2018). The main objectives of the study were to review the trends of FDI inflow into the region, institutional framework, and trends economic growth in the region as well as member countries. Secondly, to analyse the impact of FDI inflow and institutions on economic growth in the selected SADC countries. Thirdly, to examine how institutions and other factors determine the amount of FDI inflow to the selected SADC countries an provide policy recommendations. Existing literature has documented the relationship between FDI and economic growth. However, the significance of this study is that it provides an analysis of the impact of FDI inflows on economic growth in the SADC region at both cross-country and country specific level. At cross- country level, the Generalized Methods of Moments (GMM) was utilized as the estimation technique. The empirical results revealed that there exists a positive relationship between FDI and economic growth both in the short run and long run. The results also revealed that institutions in combination with financial sector development have a positive effect on economic growth in the SADC region. This gives support to the complimentary view of the importance of institutions and financial sector development as important factors determining the extent to which FDI influences economic growth. Guided by economic theory which suggests that there is a two-way relationship between FDI and economic growth, granger causality tests were performed to check the direction of effect between the two variables. The empirical results revealed that there is a bi-directional relationship between FDI, institutions and economic growth. This in a way suggest that the past values of each of the variables, explains the current values of the other variables. On the other hand, at country level, utilising the Autoregressive Distributed Lag model, empirical results revealed that the effects of FDI and institutions on economic growth is positive and significant. However, this was not found to be the case for Mauritius and Namibia. Given the significant role played by FDI in promoting economic growth, the study also investigated the factors determining the inflow of FDI into the SADC region focusing on the role played by institutions and other factors utilising GMM technique. The empirical results revealed that, in addition to institutions, financial development, infrastructure, and education also play an important role in determining the inflow of FDI into these countries. To a greater extent the same findings were also established at country level. Of great importance the study recommends that at a country level, countries should develop and adopt policies that strengthen good governance and sound institutions. These policies must be implemented and monitored to attract more FDI both in the short-run and long-run. , Thesis (DCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-06
- Authors: Onceya, Siyabulela
- Date: 2023-06
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- Africa, Southern , Southern African Development Community -- Economic conditions , Economic development -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28672 , vital:74497
- Description: Examining the relationship between economic growth and foreign direct investment (FDI) has been a subject of discussion for many researchers, economists, and policy analysts mainly in developing regions. It is important to note that, recent literature highlights that there are other country-specific conditions such as state of institutions which are important in attracting FDI inflows into a country. Given this, the study analysed the relationship between FDI, institutions and economic growth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for the period 1990- 2020. The analysis was carried out at both cross- country (2010 to 2018) and individual country level (1990 to 2018). The main objectives of the study were to review the trends of FDI inflow into the region, institutional framework, and trends economic growth in the region as well as member countries. Secondly, to analyse the impact of FDI inflow and institutions on economic growth in the selected SADC countries. Thirdly, to examine how institutions and other factors determine the amount of FDI inflow to the selected SADC countries an provide policy recommendations. Existing literature has documented the relationship between FDI and economic growth. However, the significance of this study is that it provides an analysis of the impact of FDI inflows on economic growth in the SADC region at both cross-country and country specific level. At cross- country level, the Generalized Methods of Moments (GMM) was utilized as the estimation technique. The empirical results revealed that there exists a positive relationship between FDI and economic growth both in the short run and long run. The results also revealed that institutions in combination with financial sector development have a positive effect on economic growth in the SADC region. This gives support to the complimentary view of the importance of institutions and financial sector development as important factors determining the extent to which FDI influences economic growth. Guided by economic theory which suggests that there is a two-way relationship between FDI and economic growth, granger causality tests were performed to check the direction of effect between the two variables. The empirical results revealed that there is a bi-directional relationship between FDI, institutions and economic growth. This in a way suggest that the past values of each of the variables, explains the current values of the other variables. On the other hand, at country level, utilising the Autoregressive Distributed Lag model, empirical results revealed that the effects of FDI and institutions on economic growth is positive and significant. However, this was not found to be the case for Mauritius and Namibia. Given the significant role played by FDI in promoting economic growth, the study also investigated the factors determining the inflow of FDI into the SADC region focusing on the role played by institutions and other factors utilising GMM technique. The empirical results revealed that, in addition to institutions, financial development, infrastructure, and education also play an important role in determining the inflow of FDI into these countries. To a greater extent the same findings were also established at country level. Of great importance the study recommends that at a country level, countries should develop and adopt policies that strengthen good governance and sound institutions. These policies must be implemented and monitored to attract more FDI both in the short-run and long-run. , Thesis (DCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-06
Implementation of grade progression policy and its implications for progressed grade 12 learners’ identities
- Authors: Mdingi, Khayalethu Chris
- Date: 2023-06
- Subjects: Grade repetition , Education -- Standards
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28524 , vital:74380
- Description: The aim of progressing learners is to allow them to move with their age cohort, thereby boosting their motivation levels. It is believed that this would encourage these learners to study hard and produce good academic results. The Grade Progression Policy also assumes that the dropout rate caused by learners’ academic underperformance would be reduced. Despite the existence of the Grade Progression Policy, it seems that there is still high failure and dropout rates among progressed Grade 12 learners in the Eastern Cape Province. This qualitative case study was premised on the interpretivist paradigm and explored the implementation of the Grade Progression Policy and its implications on progressed Grade 12 learners’ identities. Twelve teachers (four principals, four Departmental Heads, four Post Level One teachers), and four learners were purposively selected in four secondary schools in the Amathole East Education District. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis. The data was analysed by means of thematic approach. The data showed that the implementation of Grade Progression Policy brought about learner-teacher adversarial relations. Findings also showed that teachers had a negative attitude to the Grade Progression Policy and were unwilling to adapt to change. They had low morale and blamed the Department of Education for not giving them support. With regards to the implications of grade progression on Grade 12 learners’ identities, it emerged from the data that these learners were negatively affected by the implementation of this policy as their self-esteem was reportedly low. They felt stigmatized and regarded themselves as learners who could not achieve academically. Although most of the selected learners reported that it enhanced their motivation levels, it also transpired from the data that progressed Grade 12 learners were not achieving academically and were inadequately given support by the teachers. The study concluded therefore that the policy did not sufficiently address the intention of the DoE in terms of improving learners’ academic performance and enhancement of learners’ psychosocial identities. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-06
- Authors: Mdingi, Khayalethu Chris
- Date: 2023-06
- Subjects: Grade repetition , Education -- Standards
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28524 , vital:74380
- Description: The aim of progressing learners is to allow them to move with their age cohort, thereby boosting their motivation levels. It is believed that this would encourage these learners to study hard and produce good academic results. The Grade Progression Policy also assumes that the dropout rate caused by learners’ academic underperformance would be reduced. Despite the existence of the Grade Progression Policy, it seems that there is still high failure and dropout rates among progressed Grade 12 learners in the Eastern Cape Province. This qualitative case study was premised on the interpretivist paradigm and explored the implementation of the Grade Progression Policy and its implications on progressed Grade 12 learners’ identities. Twelve teachers (four principals, four Departmental Heads, four Post Level One teachers), and four learners were purposively selected in four secondary schools in the Amathole East Education District. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis. The data was analysed by means of thematic approach. The data showed that the implementation of Grade Progression Policy brought about learner-teacher adversarial relations. Findings also showed that teachers had a negative attitude to the Grade Progression Policy and were unwilling to adapt to change. They had low morale and blamed the Department of Education for not giving them support. With regards to the implications of grade progression on Grade 12 learners’ identities, it emerged from the data that these learners were negatively affected by the implementation of this policy as their self-esteem was reportedly low. They felt stigmatized and regarded themselves as learners who could not achieve academically. Although most of the selected learners reported that it enhanced their motivation levels, it also transpired from the data that progressed Grade 12 learners were not achieving academically and were inadequately given support by the teachers. The study concluded therefore that the policy did not sufficiently address the intention of the DoE in terms of improving learners’ academic performance and enhancement of learners’ psychosocial identities. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-06
Knowledge, awareness, and molecular epidemiology of fasciolosis in dairy cattle slaughtered in three commercial abattoirs in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mpisana, Zuko
- Date: 2023-06
- Subjects: Farm management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Dairy cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fascioliasis
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28173 , vital:73792
- Description: Flukes and snail-borne diseases present significant challenges to livestock production, particularly impacting the dairy industry in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Despite the challenges faced by the dairy sector, the level of knowledge and awareness among dairy farm personnel regarding the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis is unknown in Eastern Cape Province. Additionally, the genomic sequence of Fasciola spp. in dairy cattle slaughtered under abattoir conditions remains undisclosed. The primary objective of the titled study is to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and molecular epidemiology of fasciolosis in dairy cattle slaughtered in three commercial abattoirs in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. A structured questionnaire was prepared and randomly administered to 152 dairy farm personnel to investigate the knowledge and awareness of the aetiology, risk factors, and clinical signs of bovine fasciolosis among dairy farm personnel in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A higher proportion of respondents from coastal regions were knowledgeable about the aetiology P equals 0.001 and the intermediate host P equals 0.000 of fasciolosis than those from the inland farms. A higher proportion of dairy farm personnel were not knowledgeable about the clinical signs of fasciolosis P equals 0.000 and the zoonotic potential P equals 0.001 of the disease. All farm personnel knew that season P 0.001 is a risk factor associated with snail-borne disease and occur throughout the year. However, the majority 63.2 percent of farm personnel agreed that fasciolosis was more prevalent in the summer followed by spring 27.6 percent, autumn 4.7 percent and winter 4.7 percent. Experiment 2 examined the body condition scores, fluke intensity, liver pathology, and carcass quality of various dairy cattle genotypes affected by Fasciola spp. infection, within three high-capacity abattoirs located in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Milder infections were significantly noted to occur at a higher rate P 0.05 in Cross-bred cattle 46.9 percent followed by Holstein Friesian 39.5 percent and Jersey 30.9 percent cattle. Conversely, moderate infections were more prevalent P 0.05 among Jersey cattle 28.0 percent followed by Holstein Friesian 15.4 percent and Cross bred 1.9 percent cattle. Severe infections were more frequent P 0.05 in Holstein-Friesian 45.1 percent, followed by Jersey 41.9 percent and then Cross-bred 31.7 percent cattle. Heavy infections were observed in cattle with poor body condition scores in CA3. Mild infections were observed more in cattle with moderate body condition scores in CA3 and CA1 and less in CA2. Chapter 5 compared the detection rate of Fasciola infections using four different methods real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction qPCR faecal sedimentation, antibody enzyme linked immunosorbent assay Ab ELISA and post-mortem liver examination among naturally infected cattle slaughtered at the abattoirs in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A total of 145 slaughter cattle were screened for Fasciola infestation by liver examination, and corresponding samples from individual animals were analysed in the laboratory using Ab ELISA faecal sedimentation, and qPCR. The detection rate by liver inspection gold standard was significantly P 0.0001 higher than that by sedimentation and Ab ELISA but not significantly P 0.05 different from that by qPCR P equals 0.198. Post-mortem liver examination 94.5 percent and qPCR 90.4 percent had higher detection rate compared to Ab ELISA 22.6 percent and sedimentation 3.53 percent, respectively. The agreement between Ab ELISA and sedimentation was poor to slight kappa equals to minus 0.09 and with qPCR it was 0.008. The fourth experiment investigated genomic sequence of Fasciola spp. from faecal sample of slaughtered dairy cattle in Eastern Cape Province South Africa. Sequential and phylogenetic analyses were conducted to detect the presence of Fasciola spp. from the faecal samples obtained at the high throughput abattoirs. Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica ITS 2 sequences were obtained by amplifying the 364 bp and 300 bp genes, respectively using species specific conventional PCR assays followed by cloning and sequencing. The phylogenetic tree revealed the presence of Fasciola hepatica as the only aetiological agent infecting dairy cattle in the Eastern Cape Province South Africa. The study concluded that dairy farm personnel lacks knowledge about zoonotic potentials, aetiological agents of fasciolosis high fluke intensity and its impact on carcasses sensitivity and suitability of detection methods. The study observed Fasciola hepatica as the only trematode spp. present in Eastern Cape Province South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-06
- Authors: Mpisana, Zuko
- Date: 2023-06
- Subjects: Farm management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Dairy cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fascioliasis
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28173 , vital:73792
- Description: Flukes and snail-borne diseases present significant challenges to livestock production, particularly impacting the dairy industry in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Despite the challenges faced by the dairy sector, the level of knowledge and awareness among dairy farm personnel regarding the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis is unknown in Eastern Cape Province. Additionally, the genomic sequence of Fasciola spp. in dairy cattle slaughtered under abattoir conditions remains undisclosed. The primary objective of the titled study is to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and molecular epidemiology of fasciolosis in dairy cattle slaughtered in three commercial abattoirs in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. A structured questionnaire was prepared and randomly administered to 152 dairy farm personnel to investigate the knowledge and awareness of the aetiology, risk factors, and clinical signs of bovine fasciolosis among dairy farm personnel in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A higher proportion of respondents from coastal regions were knowledgeable about the aetiology P equals 0.001 and the intermediate host P equals 0.000 of fasciolosis than those from the inland farms. A higher proportion of dairy farm personnel were not knowledgeable about the clinical signs of fasciolosis P equals 0.000 and the zoonotic potential P equals 0.001 of the disease. All farm personnel knew that season P 0.001 is a risk factor associated with snail-borne disease and occur throughout the year. However, the majority 63.2 percent of farm personnel agreed that fasciolosis was more prevalent in the summer followed by spring 27.6 percent, autumn 4.7 percent and winter 4.7 percent. Experiment 2 examined the body condition scores, fluke intensity, liver pathology, and carcass quality of various dairy cattle genotypes affected by Fasciola spp. infection, within three high-capacity abattoirs located in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Milder infections were significantly noted to occur at a higher rate P 0.05 in Cross-bred cattle 46.9 percent followed by Holstein Friesian 39.5 percent and Jersey 30.9 percent cattle. Conversely, moderate infections were more prevalent P 0.05 among Jersey cattle 28.0 percent followed by Holstein Friesian 15.4 percent and Cross bred 1.9 percent cattle. Severe infections were more frequent P 0.05 in Holstein-Friesian 45.1 percent, followed by Jersey 41.9 percent and then Cross-bred 31.7 percent cattle. Heavy infections were observed in cattle with poor body condition scores in CA3. Mild infections were observed more in cattle with moderate body condition scores in CA3 and CA1 and less in CA2. Chapter 5 compared the detection rate of Fasciola infections using four different methods real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction qPCR faecal sedimentation, antibody enzyme linked immunosorbent assay Ab ELISA and post-mortem liver examination among naturally infected cattle slaughtered at the abattoirs in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A total of 145 slaughter cattle were screened for Fasciola infestation by liver examination, and corresponding samples from individual animals were analysed in the laboratory using Ab ELISA faecal sedimentation, and qPCR. The detection rate by liver inspection gold standard was significantly P 0.0001 higher than that by sedimentation and Ab ELISA but not significantly P 0.05 different from that by qPCR P equals 0.198. Post-mortem liver examination 94.5 percent and qPCR 90.4 percent had higher detection rate compared to Ab ELISA 22.6 percent and sedimentation 3.53 percent, respectively. The agreement between Ab ELISA and sedimentation was poor to slight kappa equals to minus 0.09 and with qPCR it was 0.008. The fourth experiment investigated genomic sequence of Fasciola spp. from faecal sample of slaughtered dairy cattle in Eastern Cape Province South Africa. Sequential and phylogenetic analyses were conducted to detect the presence of Fasciola spp. from the faecal samples obtained at the high throughput abattoirs. Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica ITS 2 sequences were obtained by amplifying the 364 bp and 300 bp genes, respectively using species specific conventional PCR assays followed by cloning and sequencing. The phylogenetic tree revealed the presence of Fasciola hepatica as the only aetiological agent infecting dairy cattle in the Eastern Cape Province South Africa. The study concluded that dairy farm personnel lacks knowledge about zoonotic potentials, aetiological agents of fasciolosis high fluke intensity and its impact on carcasses sensitivity and suitability of detection methods. The study observed Fasciola hepatica as the only trematode spp. present in Eastern Cape Province South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-06
Effect of Nitrogen application , leaf age, and drying method on growth, yield and quality of sweet potato
- Joko, Lungisa Banathi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6369-7146
- Authors: Joko, Lungisa Banathi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6369-7146
- Date: 2023-05
- Subjects: Nitrogen in agriculture , Sweet potato leaves , Sweet potatoes -- Harvesting
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28244 , vital:73957
- Description: Root crops, such as sweet potatoes, are important sources of carbohydrates in the pacific region where soils are generally of inferior quality. Sweet potato leaves are said to be more nutritious when compared with storage roots, therefore can be used as a source of nutrition by human beings. Sweet potatoes like other vegetables are perishable and therefore they need to be processed in order to increase storage life. The shelf life of perishable vegetables can be increased by the use of drying methods. This brings an opportunity area for research to realize the full potential of sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes can be developed as a sustainable crop for diverse nutritionally enhanced and value-added food products to promote human nutrition. Thus, the study sought to develop nitrogen level that could result in maximum yield of tubers while the green leaves are harvested for human consumption. The study also sought to find the best suitable drying method to extend the shelf life of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes OFSP leaves. The research was conducted at the University of Fort Hare glasshouse, Alice, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. OFSP plants were grown at the UFH research farm, harvested and sorted according to their different age groups. The leaves were then taken to the glasshouse for the experiment to be conducted. The first experiment followed CRD 4x3 factorial replicated 3 times, with 4 levels of leaf age (upper, middle, lower, basal) and 3 levels of drying sun, shade, oven. The second experiment followed a RCBD replicated five times, with 4 levels of N 50 100 150, and 200 kgha randomly allocated. All the nutritional analysis was done based on the recommendations by the Association of Official Chemists A.O.A.C. Statistical analysis was done using SAS, Version 9.1. Where a significant difference was detected, variable means were separated using Fisher’s protected least significant difference p 0.05. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-05
- Authors: Joko, Lungisa Banathi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6369-7146
- Date: 2023-05
- Subjects: Nitrogen in agriculture , Sweet potato leaves , Sweet potatoes -- Harvesting
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28244 , vital:73957
- Description: Root crops, such as sweet potatoes, are important sources of carbohydrates in the pacific region where soils are generally of inferior quality. Sweet potato leaves are said to be more nutritious when compared with storage roots, therefore can be used as a source of nutrition by human beings. Sweet potatoes like other vegetables are perishable and therefore they need to be processed in order to increase storage life. The shelf life of perishable vegetables can be increased by the use of drying methods. This brings an opportunity area for research to realize the full potential of sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes can be developed as a sustainable crop for diverse nutritionally enhanced and value-added food products to promote human nutrition. Thus, the study sought to develop nitrogen level that could result in maximum yield of tubers while the green leaves are harvested for human consumption. The study also sought to find the best suitable drying method to extend the shelf life of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes OFSP leaves. The research was conducted at the University of Fort Hare glasshouse, Alice, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. OFSP plants were grown at the UFH research farm, harvested and sorted according to their different age groups. The leaves were then taken to the glasshouse for the experiment to be conducted. The first experiment followed CRD 4x3 factorial replicated 3 times, with 4 levels of leaf age (upper, middle, lower, basal) and 3 levels of drying sun, shade, oven. The second experiment followed a RCBD replicated five times, with 4 levels of N 50 100 150, and 200 kgha randomly allocated. All the nutritional analysis was done based on the recommendations by the Association of Official Chemists A.O.A.C. Statistical analysis was done using SAS, Version 9.1. Where a significant difference was detected, variable means were separated using Fisher’s protected least significant difference p 0.05. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-05