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An analysis of intellectual property awareness among researchers at University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa

  • Authors: Mawokomayi-Moffat, Betina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7299-7327
  • Date: 2020-09
  • Subjects: Intellectual property
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21224 , vital:47418
  • Description: This study emerges in the period whereby innovation has become relevant in today’s society. Globally, universities are shifting from being merely centers of learning to becoming entrepreneurial universities as they are commercialising their intellectual property (IP). This study analyses IP awareness among researchers at University of Fort Hare (UFH). The study was informed by the pragmatic paradigm and a mixed-methods design was used to collect data. The study focuses on IP awareness activities conducted between 2016 and 2019, data was collected between January 2020 and November 2020 as there was need for collecting more data from the Innovation Office to supplement the data that was initially collected. Closed ended questionnaires were distributed to researchers at UFH since they are potential IP creators, an open-ended questionnaire was also used to collect data from one key informant from the Innovation Office, and a semi-structured interview was conducted with one key informant from the Innovation Office at UFH. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data from qualitative responses on questionnaires, interview responses and the UFH IP policy. Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Microsoft Excel were used to analyse quantitative data. The study revealed that the UFH Innovation Office employs various communication strategies to create awareness of IP among researchers and that the Office hosts at least three IP workshops each year. The study found out that methods used to create awareness include social media posts, email communication, distributing booklets and fliers that contain IP information, interactive discussions with IP experts, and small visits to faculty researchers, or research groups to conduct presentations on IP. However, despite these initiatives at the University, the study found out that researchers have a low level of IP awareness and this needs to be addressed by the Innovation Office. Interestingly, the results further indicated that UFH values IP and in responding to the requirements of the Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Funded Research Act, of 2008, the University established its Technology Transfer Office that is responsible for facilitation of commercialisation of research outputs and creating awareness of IP among researchers. The study recommends the need to improve communication strategies for IP awareness and that the Office should employ diversified strategies to educate researchers about the importance of IP and its protection and that awareness activities should not be a once off activity but continuous. The study also recommends the University and the government to consider incorporating IP modules in the curriculum of all disciplines so that every student and researcher would have the knowledge of IP and how it affects people’s lives. The study also recommends that research and development should be prioritised as innovations emanate from research projects. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020-09

An analysis of special needs in a.a. milne’s children’s series, winnie the pooh, and the updated pooh series authored by david benedictus

  • Authors: van Tonder, Tarryn
  • Date: 2020-09
  • Subjects: children’s literature , Children with disabilities--Education , Special education
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21189 , vital:47393
  • Description: A. A. Milne was an author that made an impact on the development of children’s literature that continues today. His collection of books, inspired by his own life experiences, has paved the way for the development of recognising individuals that behave in ways that are contrary to societal norms, a topic that had been given little attention before the Winnie the Pooh books were written. These little children’s books were a front runner in the discussion of disabilities and special needs characters in children’s literature and revealed to children that they did not need to be fearful of individuals who were unlike them. Winnie the Pooh books encouraged sensitivity toward those with disabilities and special needs and illustrated how one could show acceptance in a loving and safe environment. The Winnie the Pooh series incorporates captivating and endearing characters with physical or mental aberrations, thus, educating society, enlightening readers and paving the way for literature to incorporate novel characters that have physical barriers or deformities. Each character in the Winnie the Pooh books is unique in his or her own way, displaying various special needs, character ‘flaws’, personalities and disabilities. These special needs characters are depicted honestly and with a wry sense of humour wherein each is accepted despite his or her foibles. This collection of books opposed the norm in children’s literature of shunning differences and disabilities, but addressed this topic in an open, tolerant manner, enabling children around the globe to embrace the characters because of their uniqueness. A. A Milne defied society’s rules and norms and paved the way for child readers to be introduced to individuals with special needs in a fresh, inviting way, encouraging these young readers to envision affirming experiences in their interactions with special needs individuals. These books endeavoured to positively change perceptions concerning special needs and disabilities. As a result, the Winnie the Pooh books have altered mind-sets and inspired this topic to be brought to the forefront. This project seeks to provide an exploration of special needs within the characters of the Winnie the Pooh collection of books authored by A.A Milne, as well as the contemporary renditions of these books authored by David Benedictus, by analysing the characters through a psychoanalytical lens, as well as providing an extensive examination through the medical and social theories of disability. Thus, the study will provide a thorough, text-based literary analysis by discussing three main areas regarding the topic of special needs in Winnie the Pooh. The three focal areas in this study are as follows: firstly, to analyse the manner in which special needs or disabilities had been previously addressed and depicted in children’s literature; secondly, to identify the special needs traits in each of the Winnie the Pooh characters and examine how each of them are depicted or portrayed in the books written by A. A. Milne and David Benedictus; and thirdly, to examine what the other characters do to illustrate their acceptance of the special needs characters and consider how these books can be used as a tool in bibliotherapy. The analysis of The Winnie the Pooh books is important due to the way they address the topics of acceptance, friendship and love for individuals with special needs and disabilities. This study significantly contributes to the literary debates on the topics of special needs characters and their portrayal in children’s literature. The topic of special needs is on the rise in political and social debates and more efforts are made to create inclusion in society. Literature plays a fundamental role in shaping children’s perspectives on acceptance or fear regarding individuals who differ from them, including those that have special needs or a disability. Characters with special needs or disabilities have constantly been identified as villains, malevolent and rejected by society. A.A. Milne’s portrayal of characters with special needs in a friendly, loving and accepting way has made children from around the world fall in love with these characters. This study will contribute to the growing understanding of special needs and disabilities as represented in literature and contribute to the breadth of research on A.A. Milne’s, Winnie the Pooh books. , Thesis (MA) (English) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2020-09

Contested environmental knowledge: Struggles over meanings and uses of medicinal plants in Kabokweni, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

  • Authors: Mbeng, Emiline Oben Otang
  • Date: 2020-09
  • Subjects: Medicinal plants , Ethnobiology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21146 , vital:47143
  • Description: The main aim of this study was to examine the meanings attached by locals to medicinal plants in Kabokweni, Mpumalanga and how such meanings tend to shape the character of local struggles over access to, use and even commercial benefits of medicinal plants. This study draws its theoretical schema from political ecology, especially ethnoecology where the goal is to elucidate environmental conflict, most especially in terms of contestations over knowledge, power and practice, as they relate to the meaning and control of medicinal plants in Kabokweni. The study, therefore, recognises the complex interconnections between nature and society through a careful analysis of what one might call the forms of access and control over resources and their consequences for environmental health and sustainable livelihood. In-depth interviews, oral histories and non-participant observation were used to collect data and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data into meaningful themes according to the research questions and objectives of the study. The study found that Swati medicinal plant names are not subjective, but depend on socio-cultural and pragmatic perspectives, and meanings shape local struggles over medicinal plants in Kabokweni. Four underlying discourses were identified from the analysis of local narratives on the meanings and uses of medicinal plants. Each discourse offered a noticeably different concept of medicinal plants and people-plant relationships. Firstly, the ‘sustainability discourse’ referred to the role of foresters and environmentalists in sustainably managing plant resources. Secondly, the ‘livelihood discourse’ was entrenched in the local culture and economy. Thirdly, the ‘knowledge discourse’ conceptualises medicinal plants predominantly in terms of species richness and natural processes, while the ‘economic discourse’ emphasised the economic potential of medicines derived from plants as their major concern. Powerful social actors who influenced decisions about use and management of indigenous medicinal plants controlled these discourses. Finally, the study argues that rural communities would continue harvesting natural resources, even if illegally. Hence, to avert conflicts between indigenous actors and environmental agencies, communities need to be integrated into management programs, so they can be aware of some crucial issues such as sustainable harvesting of medicinal plants. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020-09

Negotiating Coloured identities in conversation with peers in a post-apartheid Eastern Cape rural context

  • Authors: Pretorius, Shaida Angelina
  • Date: 2020-09
  • Subjects: Colored people (South Africa) , Post-apartheid era--South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21123 , vital:47115
  • Description: The Coloured is a contested identity, and many who see themselves as “Coloured” are grappling with this social identity in a rapidly changing South African context. Therefore this study has sought to investigate how Coloured adolescents construct identities of what it means to be Coloured in conversation with their peers in the post-apartheid context. A qualitative study was conducted which allowed a phenomenon like the identity of Coloured young people to be studied in depth, openness and rich detail. The research sample for this study consisted of young Coloured people in their late adolescence, who either attended secondary school or had matriculated and attained the status of young adults, and had grown up in the rural Eastern Cape setting in which the study was conducted. Focus group discussions were held, three of the groups comprised both White and Coloured Afrikaans-speaking secondary school learners, while the remaining two comprised Coloured young people only (a total of thirty-three participants). Nonetheless, all five of the focus group discussions provided appropriate forums for the young Coloured participants to verbalise their experiences and the ways in which they constructed their identities as young Coloured members of post-apartheid South African society. A discursive and rhetorical analytic approach was utilized to analyze the data obtained from the focus group conversations held. This research project has adopted the perspective of discursive psychology and social constructionist meta-theory in investigating how Coloured adolescents construct ethnic identities in conversation. The analysis revealed that the adolescents in the study appear to negotiate constructive and liberated identities of Colouredness in dialogue with peers regarding the multi-cultural school setting as a social space, relating to peers and building friendships, as well as dealing with multi-cultural love relationships. There are indications that they succeed in transcending the apartheid barriers of the past in terms of relating to fellow South Africans, both Black and White. In contrast, there were also discourses of Colouredness that were more unsettling and pointing to heavy identity struggles. It became evident from the analysis that the narratives of what being Coloured means in the post-apartheid era were also saturated with senses of struggle, uncertainty, dissatisfaction, hopelessness, to mention a few. It appeared that many Coloured voices were trapped in ideologies of the past where Colouredness was equated with not being worthy enough, and being marginalised. The present study showed that Coloured adolescents often recite the discourse of the “inbetween-ness” in the construction of narratives of being Coloured. The sense of Colouredness emerging from these narratives seems to resonate with what was experienced during the Apartheid era. From a dialogical self perspective multivoicedness in terms of constructing identities of being Coloured in conversation emerged. In a cultural context of perceived tensions, contradictions and ambivalence living in the new South Africa as a Coloured young person gave rise to contestation of identities of being Coloured as well as a multiplicity and diversity of voices and identities, including voices that transcend the restrictions and boundaries of the past. The theory developed by Hermans and colleagues of the multi-voiced and dialogical self, allowed for this multiplicity and dynamic complexity of identities to be studied sufficiently. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Counselling Psychology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2020-09

Psychological empowerment as a moderator of the relationship between job insecurity and intention to quit among employees at Emalahleni local municipality, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Mapete, Siphosethu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1580-9382
  • Date: 2020-09
  • Subjects: Employee morale , Municipal officials and employees
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20174 , vital:45405
  • Description: Psychological empowerment, job security and retention are important characteristics that all organisations would be happy to have among all their employees. This is because retention and psychological empowerment on their own are characteristics that are linked to many desirable organisational outcomes such as job satisfaction, productivity and employee retention. In other words, a psychologically empowered employee is an engaged and desirable one, and it is therefore extremely important for organisations to know how engagement among employees can be generated or enhanced, especially the case in the public sector that is characterised by high levels of stress among its employees. The main objective of the study is to explore the combined effect of psychological empowerment, job insecurity and intention to quit in the South African public sector where psychological empowerment plays a moderating effect. The study enquires into the effects gender, race, marital status, age and educational level have on the study variables. A quantitative approach is adopted. A structured self – administered questionnaire comprising of four sections: biographical information, Psychological Empowerment Questionnaire (PEQ), Job Insecurity Inventory (JII) and Turnover Intention Scale (TIS) was used to collect the data. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) will be used to analyse data, and both descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized. The results revealed a negative relationship between job insecurity and intention to quit. A negative relationship was also found between the dependent variable psychological empowerment and the independent variable intention to quit. Additionally, a combined effect of psychological empowerment and job insecurity on intention to quit was also found due to the fact that no previous studies found job insecurity to be significantly positively related to intention to quit. Job insecurity was also found to be significantly negatively related to intention to quit, and the two variables combined (psychological empowerment and job insecurity) were found to be even more strongly related to intention to quit than any of the two separately. These are the results the present study found. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020-09

Teachers’ views of pragmatic strategies to enhance leadership potential for female learners in primary schools at Amathole East Education District

  • Authors: Bubulu, Thandiwe
  • Date: 2020-09
  • Subjects: Educational leadership , School improvement programs
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20024 , vital:44949
  • Description: This study examined how the establishment of leadership development programme targeted at female learners in primary schools could promote female learner leaders and motivate more women to take up leadership positions to address concerns of gender and to prepare females for the challenges they may face when assuming leadership roles in future.Whereas adolescent girls may be the future representation of women leaders in society, leadership development of female learners in primary schools has been neglected. Currently, a review of literature on the problem of gender imbalance at leadership level reveals a dearth of research among the youth, less so, among young women. Yet, globally, in Africa and in South Africa, particularly, there is an inequitable balance of leadership positions in society when comparing men and women. The researcher has identified this gap and has decided to dedicated research efforts in adolescent leadership development to enrich the scant existing knowledge on the born-global phenomenon. Because schools play an important role in student development and schools are a key resource for achieving equity goals, understanding how leadership is promoted by school teachers is an important step toward growing the literature on female learners’ leadership development. The study was based on five primary schools in the Amathole District in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The study followed a qualitative research approach where interviews were employed to elicit data from the study’s participants and to help in understanding the phenomenon under study. A non-probability, purposive sampling technique was used where ten participants were selected. The study’s participants were five (5) principals, two (2) HoDs, two (2) post level 1 teachers and one (1) Learner Support Assistant (LSA). The study found that a paradigm shift from the traditional view of leadership, where young people are not given leadership positions because they are regarded as young or quiet is a patriarchal belief system that should be done away with. Instead, role-players should embrace and encourage female children to be transformational and servant leaders. There is need for a change of mind-set from all role-players in South Africa to accept learners as equal participants in school leadership and to prioritise the training and development of female learner leaders. Female learners need to be taught a broader understanding of leadership as a concept including differing leadership theories and styles. Leadership as a concept needs to be taught early in primary school and to all learners. The study recommended leadership development seminars, camps, workshops and guest speakers that could aid in the development of leadership at primary school, and to be prioritised. The study concluded that continuous leadership training from a young age, for all learners in primary schools should be encouraged to ensure that learners chosen to lead assume leadership roles with confidence, skills and experience. Government schools need to allocate budget for leadership development of learners, with special funding for the relatively disadvantaged gender. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Education, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020-09

Usage of traditional medicines and other indigenous practices by childbearing women during pregnancy in Makoni District, Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Chituku, Sibongile
  • Date: 2020-09
  • Subjects: Traditional medicine -- Zimbabwe , Medicinal plants
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20142 , vital:45347
  • Description: Use of traditional medicinal plants (TMPs) during pregnancy, labour and delivery is common globally although evidence on their therapeutic effectiveness and safety is scarce. Research relating to indigenous practices and utilisation of traditional medicinal plants by childbearing women during pregnancy in Makoni District, Zimbabwe was carried out. The study included identification of culturally important indigenous knowledge (IK) practices and TMPs used by pregnant women in order to understand how such plants and practices may affect maternal, foetal, labour, and infant outcomes. Four hundred questionnaires were distributed to postnatal mothers in Makoni District, aimed at obtaining information on IK practices associated with utilisation of TMPs by childbearing women during pregnancy. In addition to this, five focused group discussions were carried out between September 2016 and December 2017 with 66 traditional healers from Makoni District. Documented information included names of utilised plants, plant parts used, dosage, methods of preparation and administration, and reasons for use. Voucher specimens of the utilised plant species were collected. Brine shrimp lethality test was used to evaluate potential toxicity of the documented plant species. The collected data were analysed used Epi info version 7.1 and SPSS version 16.5. Quantitative data revealed that 168 (42.0percent) of pregnant women in Makoni District use TMPs and 95 (23.8percent) used traditional practices (including elephant dung) for maternal and childcare. Among the women who used TMPs were those who experienced precipitated and prolonged labour. Correlation was found between demographic factors and utilisation of TMPs. For example, being a Christian was significantly associated with using TMPs with relative risk (RR) value of 8.9. Postnatal mothers who used TMPs during their pregnancy were 82.0percent less likely to have their membranes ruptured artificially, RR = 0.2 and more likely to experience late decelerations during active phase (RR = 2.8) than those who did not use TMPs. The differences between those who used TMPs and those who did not during pregnancy and labour, showed no significant differences in infant outcomes. The ethnobotanical survey revealed that a total of 47 plant species from 27 families and 13 non-plant products were used as herbal, complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) by pregnant women. More than half of all the documented plant species (59.8percent), belonged to the Fabaceae (19.1), Asteraceae, (8.5percent), Convolvulaceae (6.4percent), Asparagaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Malvaceae, Rubiaceae, Vitaceae and Xanthorrhoeaceae (4.3percent each) families. The most used plants were shrubs (40.4percent), trees (27.7percent), climbers (17.0percent), herbs (12.8percent) and a grasses (2.1percent). The most used plant parts were roots (61.7percent), leaves (25.5percent), fruits (12.8percent) and bark (10.6percent). A total of 26 medical conditions were treated with the majority of medicinal plants used to dilate or widen the birth canal (55.3percent) and to augment labour or speed up the delivery process (46.8percent). Interviews with traditional healers revealed that 14.9percent of the documented herbal medicines were used to guard against witchcraft and to prevent the infants’ illnesses. Other major uses of herbal medicines during pregnancy included their use to lower blood pressure or hypertension during pregnancy (12.8percent), to prevent caesarean section (10.6percent) and to loosen or relax muscles during pregnancy (8.5percent). Widely used non-plant products included soil of a burrowing mole (relative frequency citation (RFC) value of 0.61), elephant dung (RFC = 0.59), wasp nest (RFC = 0.32) and soap (RFC = 25). The majority of these non-plant products (22.8percent) were used to dilate birth canal (7.6percent) and augment labour (15.2percent). None of the twenty-five species with (RFC) > 0.05 evaluated for potential toxicity were categorised as toxic, but Albizia amara, Datura stramonium and Ricinus communis were categorised as having medium toxicity levels, nine species as having low toxicity levels while 13 species were categorised as non-toxic. This study provides valuable insights into the use of medicinal plants used by women during pregnancy, labour, delivery and post-delivery in Makoni District, Zimbabwe. Medicinal plants play an integral role in the provision of basic health care in Zimbabwe. However, the brine shrimp lethality test results categorised some of the prescribed species such as Albizia amara, Datura stramonium and Ricinus communis as having medium levels of toxicity and this is a cause of concern regarding utilization of TMPs during pregnancy. Therefore, TMPs used during pregnancy should be subjected to detailed phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological experiments aimed at identifying some of the potential toxic compounds and side effects associated with intake of TMPs and associated herbal products. , Thesis (PhD(Nursing)) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020-09

The role of funding composition on efficiency in public universities in South Africa

  • Authors: Nkohla, Tumi Vuyolwethu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2426-9509
  • Date: 2020-08
  • Subjects: Education, Higher -- Finance
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20373 , vital:45659
  • Description: Studies on the relationship between funding and efficiency of public universities in South Africa were triggered mainly by the decline of government spending on public universities while the enrolment of financially needy students is increasing. This increase is a product of government’s initiatives to redress the imbalances in access and success caused by the apartheid regime. However, the government seems to be grappling to strike a balance between its initiatives and funding. While the government’s HE transformation initiatives are appreciated, public universities are caught in a dilemma: their revenue is no longer sufficient for the operations given the increase in the number of unfunded and financially constrained students. It is with this background that the study evaluates the efficiency of public South African universities for the period 2009–2016 and how funding composition affects their efficiency. The study contributes to the existing literature in various ways First, a recent study on this subject matter found a decline in the average technical efficiency (TE) score of the South African public universities from 83percent in 2009 to 78percent in 2013. However, the study did not include non-academic staff among other input variables that are assumed to potentially influence performance outcomes of the universities. We therefore developed an argument that a biased conclusion on the subject matter is likely, if academic staff are assumed to dominate efficiency of public universities in South Africa while the efforts of non-academic staff are not considered. Using a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model, the findings of this study revealed that over the study period the average TE of public universities in South Africa increased from 91percent to 95percent. These results suggest that academic and non-academic staff can be deemed as mutually inclusive variables and therefore neglecting either of them can lead to biased estimated average TE scores. The efficiency levels provided in this study can be used as performance benchmarks for identifying potential improvements required to reach a satisfactory level of efficiency. Second, the literature argues that different streams of revenue utilised for funding universities’ activities can provide alternative incentives which might have an impact on efficiency. However, none of the studies examined comparatively the impact of different revenue streams on the efficiency of the public universities in South Africa. Using a fixed-effects regression model, this study found that only traditional universities’ efficiency can be affected by student fees and private income, while government funding does not seem to bear a significant impact on the efficiency of all universities irrespective of their category. Precisely, student fees enhance the efficiency of traditional universities while private income is deleterious on the efficiency of the traditional universities. The study concluded that traditional universities use students’ fees efficiently to deliver quality academic services in a bid to safeguard their reputation and image while revenue from private funders is not efficiently utilised due to the principal-agent problem. In terms of state funding, it was concluded that government spending on public universities is yet to reach a minimum threshold level at which it can contribute significantly to the efficiency of the universities. Third, recent literature used Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) efficiency scores to determine the drivers of efficiency of public universities in South Africa. Although SFA can control for the stochastic error component in the econometric estimation, the model imposes several theoretical assumptions in the production function which may lead to biased estimations. As a result, several studies on efficiency analysis of Higher Education Institutions (HIEs) around the globe have reverted to using DEA. Using DEA efficiency scores and a Tobit model, this study found that that quality of staff, government funding, student fees, private income, and GDP per capita are positive factors of efficiency while the share of non-white to white staff was found as the determinant of inefficiency. It was concluded that adequate funding and proper management of income by the universities, economic growth and employment of highly educated academic staff can increase efficiency levels of public universities in South Africa, whereas an increase of non-white to white staff in South African public universities is a threat to the universities’ efficiency. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that a cost-sharing framework is inevitable in the South African higher education (HE) system, particularly now that the government is heavily burdened due to the prevailing economic turmoil in the country. As a results, private funders and parents and/guardians are encouraged to honour their portion of obligations with universities. Due to limited funding across all sources, efforts dedicated to strengthen managerial competencies of public universities in South Africa can eliminate the principle-agent problem and therefore promote managerial efficiency. The South African government is encouraged to support its transformation initiatives on HEIs with adequate funding, otherwise the initiatives need to be revisited and revised to suit the current economic environment. Revision of these initiatives may include adjustment of the education standards such that state funding can be allocated to deserving students in terms of both finances and students’ performance starting from matric. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020-08

Water restriction and vitamin c supplementation on Xhosa goats during summer: Effect on growth performance, blood biochemical profile, nutrient balance, carcass characteristics and meat quality

  • Authors: Akinmoladun, Oluwakamisi Festus https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6462-374X
  • Date: 2020-08
  • Subjects: Goats -- Nutrition , Goats -- Feeding and feeds
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22710 , vital:52664
  • Description: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of single and extra vitamin C (VC) supplementation on water-stressed Xhosa goats during the summer by evaluating their growth performance, blood biochemical profile, nutrient balance, carcass characteristics and meat qualities. The objectives were to assess the effect of water restriction and vitamin C supplementation by evaluating: firstly, growth performance, heat tolerance responses, and blood metabolites; secondly, intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen and mineral balance; thirdly, stress indices, carcass characteristics and meat qualities parameters and lastly, fatty acid profile, oxidative stability of lipids and sensory attributes were evaluated. To achieve these objectives, forty-two (42) goats were divided equally into seven treatments (75-day trial); without water restriction (W0, control); water restriction of 70percent of ad libitum water intake WI (W70); water restriction of 50percent ad libitum WI (W50); water restriction of 70percent of ad libitum WI plus 3g VC daily (W70+); water restriction 50percent of ad libitum WI plus 3g VC daily (W50+); water restriction of 70percent of ad libitumWI plus 3g VC and extra 5gVC given every eight-day (70++); water restriction of 50percent of ad libitum WI plus 3g VC and extra 5gVC given every eight-day (W50++). In the first objective, growth performance parameters, body condition scores, rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heat tolerance response parameters and blood metabolites were measured.Weight loss due to water restriction was reduced by VC supplementation in treated groups. The attenuation effect of VC was significant (P<0.05) in responses to respiratory rate (RR), Na+, K+, Mg2+, Cl-, Ca2+ and urea. Supplementation of VC (either single or multiple) did not (P>0.05) improve the effect of water restriction on body condition scores (BCs), FAMACHA©, glucose, globulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In the second objective, intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen and mineral balance were evaluated. The reduced nutrient intake was similar (P>0.05) irrespective of water restrictions and VC supplementations. Water-restriction levels did not affect nutrient intake/metabolic weight. Retained nitrogen increased with water-restriction levels but not influenced by VC. NH3-N decreased with the levels of water restriction while the pH was similar across the water restricted groups. Supplementation of VC had no effect (P>0.05) on apparent digestibility and digestible nutrients induced by water restriction levels. The amount of Ca, K, Mg retained increased (P<0.05) with water-restriction levels. In the third objective, stress indices, carcass characteristics and meat quality parameters were evaluated. The level of plasma cortisol concentration due to water stress was lessened (P<0.05) by VC. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH) and insulin were not affected (P>0.05) by levels of water restriction. The hot and carcass weights were lower (P<0.05) in W70+ and W50+ compared to W70 and W50 respectively. Vitamin C treated goats had higher redness (a*) compared to W70, W50 and W0. The shear force and cooking loss increased (P<0.05) with water restriction levels, while thaw loss, pH45min and pH24h were not affected by water restriction levels. In the final objective, the treatments did not affect (P>0.05) the oxidative stability of lipids (TBARS). The moisture and fat content in the water restricted groups were lower (P<0.05) than W0. The consumer meat sensory appearance decreased (P<0.05) with levels of water restrictions. Regardless of VC concentration and supplementation, vaccenic, and docosahexaenoic acid increased (P<0.05) while linolenic acid decreased as the water restriction levels increased. Nonetheless, treatment did not affect (P>0.05) the saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. These studies showed that suboptimal water intake negatively affects the growth performance and nutrient intake of Xhosa goats. However, the reduction in body weight loss and decreased plasma cortisol (chief stress hormone) concentration following vitamin C supplementation (especially at a daily single dose [3g/d]) may well reduce the effect of water stress in goats. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020-08

Challenges experienced by xhosa single mothers during the traditional circumcision of their adolescent sons

  • Authors: Mdunyelwa, Akhona
  • Date: 2020-07
  • Subjects: Circumcision
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21004 , vital:46891
  • Description: Culturally, amongst Amaxhosa, traditional male circumcision is known to be a men subject and that women are supposed to be passive and submissive in the entire process (Kang’ethe & Nomngcoyiya, 2016). Women play a huge role in nurturing children, however, when it comes to traditional male circumcision of their sons, their role is limited to preparing food and traditional beer for the initiation ceremony. These women include single mothers, therefore, the interest of this study is on how Xhosa single mothers encounter challenges in the traditional circumcision of their sons, thus the main purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges experienced by Xhosa single mothers during traditional circumcision of their adolescent sons. The following three objectives were set out to guide the investigation A. To investigate challenges experienced by Xhosa single mothers during the traditional circumcision of their adolescent sons. B. To determine the extent to which Xhosa single mothers participate in the plans and decision making during the circumcision of their adolescent sons. C. To explore the support that Xhosa single mothers require during the process of their sons’ circumcision. A purposive sampling procedure was employed, and ten Xhosa single mothers were interviewed on a one-to-one basis. In addition, a focus group consisting of four men was conducted. The following are the main findings of the study: •Traditional male circumcision is the most respected custom amongst the AmaXhosa nation. Women are in fear of speaking publicly about the challenges they experience in traditional male circumcision processes. • There are various challenges experienced by Xhosa single mothers which include the need for involvement of men to usher their sons into the ritual. • The absence and lack of support from the biological fathers of the sons results in aconsiderable burden for the Xhosa single mothers that includes financial challenges. • The religious orientation or Christian faith of some of the Xhosa single mothers clashes with the request of their sons to participate in traditional male circumcision. • The individuals and societal drop in cultural standards and being stormed by the dominant Western culture as opposed to Ubuntu was identified as the greatest challenge in the Xhosa communities. • There is a clash of cultural norms and values with the current equality lifestyle as well as the enjoyment of constitutional rights by the Xhosa single mothers during traditional circumcision of their sons. There is a lack of support for Xhosa single mothers in relation to traditional circumcision of their adolescent sons from the families, community, and the government. Much of the support is directed to strategies to preserve the custom, improve the procedure and to curb the casualties. • The study proved that, traditional male circumcision is a stressful process for the Xhosa single mothers which inflict strain and anxiety. Some of the concepts from Bowen`s family systems theory were proven and discussed as part of the findings. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020-07

Knowledge, attitude and behaviors of pregnant women towards pregnancy induced hypertension in Mdantsane Township Buffalo City Health District

  • Authors: Peter, Bulelwa Beatrice
  • Date: 2020-07
  • Subjects: Hypotension in pregnancy , Pregnancy--Complications
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22930 , vital:53221
  • Description: The prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) deaths is high in the Eastern Cape. Anecdotal evidence indicates that most women fall pregnant because of attitudes towards contraceptives and are seemingly unaware of pregnancy-related complications. Hence, the objective of this study was to examine the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of pregnant women concerning pregnancyinduced hypertension in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey involving 200 pregnant women attending antenatal healthcare clinics in Mdantsane, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Collected data were managed and analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 24. Data analysis involved both descriptive (count, frequency, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Chi-square and logistics regression). For the inferential statistics, the level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: It was observed that the married women were more likely to be aware of PIH compared to single women (OR=2.4 95%CI (1.17; 4.90)). Of the 45 married women, 73.3% were aware of PIH compared to single women. Out of the women who participated in the study, 43.8% showed attitudes indicating they were not aware of this condition and associated complications from high-pressure during pregnancy. Compared to those in their first pregnancy, those who had previous pregnancy were more likely to be aware of PIH (OR=17.1 95 % CI (9.09; 32.15)). Of the 140 previously pregnant women, 83.6 % were aware of PIH compared to those during their first pregnancy. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that sociodemographic factors play a role in pregnant women 's understanding of PIH. Improving knowledge of PIH among pregnant women requires context-specific strategies. During an antenatal visit, health care providers should implement focussed health education programmes. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020-07

The Effect of financial sector development on International trade in South Africa

  • Authors: Moyo, Ntando T
  • Date: 2020-07
  • Subjects: South Africa--Economic conditions. , Economic development--South Africa. , Finance--Africa.
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22121 , vital:51986
  • Description: Even though improving international trade through financial sector development is one of the preoccupations of countries around the world, the empirical literature on the relationship between finance and trade has not been rigorous in its analysis. The main aim of this study is to explore the effects financial sector development has on international trade in South Africa. The study utilized quarterly data from 2001Q1 to 2018Q4 employing the Johnson cointegration method and Granger causality to analyse the relationship between the variables of interests. Cointegration, the Vector Error Correction Model was also used to capture dynamics of both the short run and the long run effect. The findings show that there is a long-term relationship between the two variables of interest and the causality flows from Financial Development to the international trade. System generalized method of moment’s reveals differential effects of finance on trade. In particular, some variables has a negative impact on trade, whereas others increases trade. These effects are robust to macroeconomic measures as well as to trade measures. , Thesis (MCom) (Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020-07

The perceived socio-environmental impacts of illegal sand mining along the Umvoti River in KwaDukuza Local Municipality, KwaZulu - Natal Province, South Africa

  • Authors: Mbiko, Lubabalo
  • Date: 2020-07
  • Subjects: Ecosystem health , Biodiversity
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20474 , vital:45669
  • Description: This study examined and documented the perceptions of local communities towards the socio-environmental impacts associated with illegal sand mining activities along the Umvoti River, in the KwaDukuza Local Municipality in South Africa. It was imperative to elicit the perceptions of both the local people and the government officials to understand the extent of the socio- environmental effects of illegal sand mining in the study area. To this end, a qualitative research approach was designed and used to collect the data. Data collection techniques employed included site observations and a semi-structured interview schedule with key informants. Additionally, 50 questionnaire surveys were administered to the residents of the Nsikeni and Melville communities within the study area. The results of the study revealed that illegal sand mining along the Umvoti River has contributed significantly to the degradation of grazing and farm lands, including diversion of the river and the destruction of the riparian vegetation. Evidence of water pollution, and air pollution in the form of dust, were also reported. The study observed problems in ecosystem functioning, particularly in regard to the flora and fauna, and there was extensive destruction of the aesthetic beauty of the local landscape. In addition, the study indicated that people and livestock drowned in the deep trenches that were not rehabilitated following illegal sand mining practise that was migrating along the river. Furthermore, illegal sand mining was linked with an increase in poverty and prostitution, as well as the destruction of the infrastructure in the nearby communities. Moreover, community conflicts arose from the differing perceptions on the existence of illegal sand mining in these communities. To curb illegal sand mining, the study recommends that the current legislation on the extraction of mineral commodities in South Africa should be stringently and effectively enforced. The research further recommends that community policing forums should be established and work closely with law enforcement agencies to deal with illegal sand mining activities. Accordingly, the research study recommends the elimination of the current tedious and burdensome process of obtaining amining permit. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020-07

Agricultural co-operative societies and challenges of sustainability: The case of vegetable cooperative societies in King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Sohuma, Anathi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6260-6428
  • Date: 2020-06
  • Subjects: Agriculture, Cooperative , Sustainable development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21422 , vital:48601
  • Description: The government has initiated various support programmes to assist agricultural co-operative societies to remain viable; however, many cooperatives continue to flounder while some have collapsed. This dissertation assesses the challenges of sustainability facing agricultural co-operative societies gushing vegetable co-operative societies in King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province as a point of departure. The study used the corporate sustainability theory to investigate the extent to which co-operative societies are able to operate sustainably. The data for this study were collected through document reviews and non-scheduled structured interviews which were conducted through a questionnaire. The board of directors were sampled purposively. The research adopted stratified sampling to select co-operative members that participated in the study. This research made use of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 software to analyse data. The outcomes provide an understanding of the sustainability challenges that face vegetable co-operative societies. The results show that most of the co-operative societies rely on members for daily farm management. With regards to management, co-operative societies reveal that they keep sales, production and meeting record books. Furthermore, most co-operatives specified that they received training for financial and production record-keeping. It was found that some cooperatives have had training only once since their establishment. However, fewer co-operatives reported that keeping records is still challenging for them due to lack of training and little profit made from sales. The findings suggest that co-operative societies can function well and become sustainable when there is good management and cooperation amongst members. Based on the findings of this research, it is recommended that the government and co-operative stakeholders should play a greater part in ensuring co-operative societies are developed and managed in a way that will make them sustainable without relying solely on government support. For example, the government and stakeholders can establish and enforce policies that encourage co-operatives to invest in member capability programmes that would equip farmers understanding, adoption and use of co-operative values and principles. This would help in reducing challenges that occur within co-operatives and promote cohesion and commitment within co-operatives. The role of extension services towards the sustainability of the co-operatives is crucial. The majority of the co-operatives indicated that there is some level of interaction between the co-operatives and extension personnel albeit, there is a need to improve the frequency of extension visits, training and follow-up appointments. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020-06

Determinants and contribution of participation in farming to rural households’ welfare in Nyandeni Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

  • Authors: Qange, Siphesihle
  • Date: 2020-06
  • Subjects: Agricultural systems , Rural development , Community development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20849 , vital:46634
  • Description: Participation in farming has been the main livelihood strategy for, especially in rural areas, where homesteads used to produce the majority of their basic food basket. Participation in farming is one of the strategies that can be used to address the food insecurity and poverty in rural areas. Participating in farming seems to be key in the improvement of rural households’ livelihoods, especially in the developing countries, however nowadays, participation in farming is declining from year to year. Rural households tend to invest more of their time in non-agricultural activities. Rural homesteads now behave like their urban counterparts; they purchase more food from the markets than they produce for themselves. Consequently, there are high levels of poverty and food insecurity in rural areas. Government and non-governmental organisations implemented a variety of agricultural projects with the intention of empowering subsistence farmers in rural areas. Despite these interventions, farming in rural areas has continued to decrease as rural dwellers have realised other livelihood strategies. Moreover, the decline in farming activities results in increased unemploymentrates, hunger, and food insecurity in rural areas, resulting in the depreciation of the economy. Therefore, the objective of the study is to investigate the determinants and contribution of participating in farming to the welfare of rural households. The study was conducted in Nyandeni Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in the survey and the data was obtained from 176 rural households comprising both those who participate in farming and those who do not. The study employed a cross-sectional research design, and purposive sampling was used to select the sample prior to the data collection. Data was collected and captured in Excel and then analysed using the Stata version 15. Descriptive statistics were used to profile the socio-economic characteristics of rural households, the probit model was used to determine the factors affecting farming in rural areas and Two stage least squares was used to determine the contribution of farming to the welfare of rural households. In reference to the descriptive statistics, the results indicated that 62 percent of the rural households were headed by females and 51 percent of the household heads were married. The average age of the household heads was 55 years old and above, and the average household comprised 5 persons. Moreover, 50 percent of the rural households had only obtained primary education and 55 percent were unemployed. The average farming experience was 12 years and 12 percent of the households confirmed that they receive extension services from the Government. The probit model was fitted to estimate the factors affecting rural households’ participation in farming. The empirical results indicated that education level, income and Participation in Agric. Project a negative influence on the participation of household in farming and they were significant at 0.01 and 0.05 significance level respectively. Access to extension services had a positive influence on households’ participation in farming and were significant at 5 percent. Farming experience had a positive influence on household participation in farming and was significant at 5 percent and farming experience had a positive influence on participation in farming and was significant at 1 percent significancelevel. Two stage least squares regression was used to measure factors affecting the contribution of household farming to rural household welfare. The study measured the contribution of household farming in terms of income generated from farming. The results indicated that Educational level, Household size and Condition of Infrastructure indicate a positive significant effect on income. The remaining variables, Age, Marital status, Participation in Agric. Project and Access to extension services have a negative significant effect on income. The study concluded that households headed by married individuals fared better than households headed by single individuals. Educated individuals have easy access to various sources of information that could help them with income-generating farming skills. Employment, more especially formal employment, results in higher income, and it is stated that the higher the income the better the welfare of the household. Therefore, the study recommends that Government must promote farming in rural areas through the initiation of support programmes and agricultural community projects. Rural households have the potential to succeed in farming but they lack input and proper equipment, and therefore it is recommended that Government should put more focus on household farming rather than their current primary focus on commercial farming. , Thesis (MSc) (Agricultural Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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Exploring preparedness of social workers to address the environmental justice issue in communities: the case of selected dumping sites in King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) municipality, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Njama, Thembani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8306-6501
  • Date: 2020-06
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22423 , vital:52064
  • Description: Social workers are mandated to address environmental justice issues as part of working towards promoting community and environmental sustainability within and between communities. This thesis reports from a research study that was aimed at exploring the preparedness of social workers to address pollution in King Sabata Dalindyebo communities with the objective to: understand the social work intervention strategies social workers use to address pollution in KSD communities; identify the challenges if any social workers face when addressing pollution in KSD communities; and explore the confidence of social workers when addressing pollution in KSD communities. To achieve its aim and objectives, this study was exclusively informed by a qualitative research approach and thus utilised an explorative case study design to obtain in-depth qualitative data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve social workers using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviewed social workers were sampled utilizing convenience and snowball sampling techniques. Mass collected data was analysed thematically and thus presented according to themes and subthemes. Findings indicated that social workers are not sufficiently prepared to address pollution in KSD communities because of lack of environmental education and training, coupled with lack of enabling resources. Therefore, this study recommended environmental social work education and training through organisational workshops as well as improved support and resourcing. This study also recommended a future study that will explore the progress of social work towards promoting environmental sustainability in communities. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2020-06

Perceptions of parents on their involvement in the implementation of the prevention and management of learner pregnancy : a case study of three secondary schools in Amathole West District

  • Authors: Mxothwa, Smileth Ncumisa
  • Date: 2020-06
  • Subjects: Pregnant teenagers , Sex instruction for teenagers
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19991 , vital:44923
  • Description: There is quite a number of researches dealing with perceptions of parents on the prevention and management of learner pregnancy. However, less has been said about how these perceptions of parents on the prevention and management are being implemented to fulfil their purpose. Discovering how these perceptions are being implemented is necessary, bearing in mind that a large number of Schools are having high learner pregnancy and are lacking parental involvement in South Africa, particularly in terms of prevention and management. This is a qualitative study that seeks to explore the perceptions of parents on their implementation of the prevention and management of the learner pregnancy policy in the three secondary school in the Amathole West Education District. The interpretivism paradigm was used by the researcher for this study. A case study design was further used to detect the participants’ lived experiences, thoughts and outlooks about the implementation of the prevention and management of learner pregnancy policy in the secondary school. The data was collected through the use of interviews and focus group. The participants were purposefully selected in the sampling of this study. The participants included School Governing Body Chairpersons. In total, the study consisted of 18 participants. The data were analysed by reducing data into themes through the process of coding. It was further shortened and organised based on evolving themes, overall ideas, and related features. The study discovered that parents are not made aware of their importance by being involved at school level and also are not involved in the implementation of the prevention and management of learner pregnancy policy in the secondary schools in the Amathole West Education District. This research revealed that there need for parental involvement be practised by all schools in the implementation of the prevention and management of learner pregnancy policy as this would help in reducing learner pregnancy in secondary schools of Amathole West Education District. Findings also showed that though parents used different strategies to prevent learner pregnancy, these were not in line with pregnancy policy. The study also discovered that there is a lack of support and monitoring from the district officials to schools. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020-06

Perceptions of teachers on the implementation of positive learner discipline: A case study of three primary schools in the Amathole-West Education District

  • Authors: Bantom, Laetitia Anneline
  • Date: 2020-06
  • Subjects: School discipline , Classroom management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19980 , vital:44915
  • Description: The aim of this study was to gain an insight into perceptions of teachers on the implementation of positive learner discipline in three primary schools in the Amathole- West Education District. The study was in the interpretive paradigm and adopted a qualitative approach in the collection of data. A case study design through face-to-face interviews and document analysis related to positive discipline were used for data collection. Three schools were selected through purposive sampling. Four teachers per school participated in the study and these were purposively sampled. Data from the findings were thematically presented and analysed by scrutinizing it for commonalities. The study revealed that teachers had ample knowledge on positive learner discipline and therefore tried to implement it to the best of their abilities. The study also established that teachers perceived positive discipline as a good approach for disciplining learners. Participants were aware that positive learner discipline made learners feel and that it assisted them to improve and sustain good behaviour. Data revealed that schools used different strategies to implement positive learner discipline, such as, class rules, rewards and awards, personal relationship with learners, role model, communication with learners, point system, goal setting, hand-system and sign language, isolated area in front of the classroom, positive attention and guidelines on discipline. In contrast, the study also revealed that a minority of teachers still administered corporal punishment, which is unlawful and traditional. They also applied punitive disciplinary measures. The study concluded that the selected schools encountered various challenges on the implementation of positive learner discipline. These included undisciplined learners, limited involvement and minimal support from the Department of Education (DoE) and limited support from the School Management Team (SMT), uninformed, ignorant and rude parents, lack of parental involvement, parents using punitive measures, no proper training for teachers and parents, overcrowded classrooms and unhappy teachers. As for monitoring and support from the SMT and DoE, the study envisaged that most participants were supported by the SMT, other than the DoE. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020-06

Psychological empowerment and organisational citizenship behaviour as predictors of intention to stay among employees in the banking sector in Lesotho

  • Authors: Domela-Serobanyane, Malinda
  • Date: 2020-06
  • Subjects: Psychology, Industrial , Organizational behavior , Banks and banking
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20263 , vital:45640
  • Description: This study investigated the association between psychological empowerment and organisational citizenship behaviour, on the one hand, and intention to stay among employees in the banking sector in Lesotho. A few studies have investigated the relationship between intention to stay and the two independent variables of psychological empowerment and organisational citizenship behaviour individually. However, no study has investigated the relationship between intention to stay and psychological empowerment and organisational citizenship behaviour (combined) as predictors of intention to stay in the banking sector in Lesotho. Investigating psychological empowerment and organisational citizenship behaviour as predictors of employee intention to stay in the Lesotho banking sector has been considered vital for this study. Variables were chosen due to deficiencies in previous research related to the constructs of psychological empowerment; organisational citizenship behaviour and intention to stay explain the necessity for further research, in particular to the banking sector in Lesotho. Utilizing a positivist perspective, the current research used a closed questionnaire to 321 employees from three commercial banks in Lesotho. The response rate was 98 percent (309 responses). To analyse data, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used. In particular, this research used exploratory factor analysis, Pearson correlation, and analysis of variance (ANOVA), analysis of moment structures (AMOS) as well as structural equation modelling to address the hypothesised relationships. Overall, the results of this study found that there is no association between psychological empowerment and employee intention to stay in the organisation. Demographic variables were used as control variables in the study and it was found, inter alia, that age positively influences the level of psychological empowerment as a predictor of intention to stay. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020-06

Societal attitudes towards previously incarcerated individuals in Mdantsane Township (N.U.2), Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Mathebe, Nosiphiwo
  • Date: 2020-06
  • Subjects: Prisoners , Ex-convicts , Prisoners' writings, South African (English)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27128 , vital:66305
  • Description: The study explored the societal attitudes towards previously incarcerated individuals in Mdantsane Township N.U.2, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study aimed to achieve the following specific objectives: i. To establish the attitudes of the Mdantsane N.U.2 selected residents towards previously incarcerated individuals ii. To assess the kinds of treatment meted by the selected Mdantsane residents towards the previously incarcerated individuals; and iii). To establish the structural challenges that previously incarcerated individuals experience that impedes integration into their society. The study utilized a qualitative paradigm as guided by the qualitative research approach; and adopted a case study design. It employed interviews with previously incarcerated individuals and key informants, and focus groups with community members. An interview guide was used as a data collection instrument. The study used non-probability sampling, with purposive and snow-ball sampling techniques being utilized. The population of the study was made up of eighteen 18 participants, which comprised of six 6 previously incarcerated individuals, and ten 10 selected community members. The latter included ordinary people within the community, selected because they represent the community and societal attitudes to previously incarcerated individuals within their society. The two 2 key informants (Probation Officers) were selected on the basis of their understanding of offender reintegration, families and society. The data was analysed qualitatively through content thematic analysis. The study revealed the following findings: i. Trust deficits characterized the relations between previously incarcerated individuals and the society; ii. Previously incarcerated individuals were labelled and often called thieves and criminals; iii. Poor socio-economic conditions structural conditions and systemic issues trigger previously incarcerated individual’s recidivism; iv). Previously incarcerated individuals resorted to criminal and corrupt practices for an income; v. Criminal record proved to be a stumbling block in the previously incarcerated individuals’ employment opportunities; vi. Previously incarcerated individuals obtained employment through familial connections and being self-employed; v. Community attitudes ran counter to previously incarcerated individuals’ rehabilitation and reintegration efforts; vi. The community dissuaded previously incarcerated individual’s reintegration; and vii). Integrated state intervention was recommended as a sure way to bolster effective reintegration of previously incarcerated individuals to their community. The following recommendations emerge from the study The need for additional recruitment of a variety of disciplines to work with the Department of Correctional Services to ease the reintegration process of previously incarcerated individuals Using stakeholders’ synergy to expedite previously incarcerated individual’s reintegration Community stakeholders holding awareness sessions on offender reintegration amongst communities and expediting victim- offender-family rehabilitation. The researcher hopes that the accomplishment of objectives will aid the government and the pertinent stakeholders in fighting the negative attitudes that hinder the success of previously incarcerated individual’s reintegration. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2020-06
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