Sustainable solid waste management in municipalities: experiences of selected settlements in Engcobo Local Municipality
- Nqwitha, Musa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1143-4149
- Authors: Nqwitha, Musa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1143-4149
- Date: 2024-10
- Subjects: Refuse and refuse disposal -- South Africa , Municipal government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29521 , vital:77974
- Description: South Africa has a variety of regulations on the provision of solid waste management services in municipalities as a result of the apartheid legacy. Nonetheless, discrepancies in waste management services persist despite new laws, legislative reforms and strategies. Those who live in marginalised and impoverished communities are the most susceptible and severely affected by improper waste management. This demonstrates a lack of integrated and sustainable waste management systems. This study aims to recommend a sustainable solid waste management system in Engcobo Local Municipality. More specifically, this study provides a sustainable and long-term waste management system for municipal solid waste (MSW) management in South African municipalities. Improving municipal solid waste management is essential for integrated and long-term management efficiency. Effective MSW management is critical, given the high generation rate and the capacity to decrease environmental consequences, depletion and contamination. To address the research issues, the study used a qualitative case study research design and an inductive research technique based on naturalistic interpretive research philosophy. Data was gathered through focus group discussions, documents, and semi-structured interviews. Considering this study is based on the interpretivism paradigm and qualitative research technique, the researcher employed nonprobability sampling. The sample size was n=35 participants who participated in semistructured interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic data analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings revealed that there have been gains in the management of sustainable waste. The municipality is experimenting with novel approaches to deal with the problem of solid waste, particularly in remote locations where people's trash is difficult to pick up and collect. Residents' views toward waste management have changed since few individuals attend the ‘General Mbizo’ on waste where the municipality speaks with citizens about waste and the economic rewards associated with effective waste management. Though it was shown that some participants in focus groups still need more information on waste management, there is a need for thorough educational initiatives on sanitation management, not particularly waste but water, waste and sanitation. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10
- Authors: Nqwitha, Musa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1143-4149
- Date: 2024-10
- Subjects: Refuse and refuse disposal -- South Africa , Municipal government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29521 , vital:77974
- Description: South Africa has a variety of regulations on the provision of solid waste management services in municipalities as a result of the apartheid legacy. Nonetheless, discrepancies in waste management services persist despite new laws, legislative reforms and strategies. Those who live in marginalised and impoverished communities are the most susceptible and severely affected by improper waste management. This demonstrates a lack of integrated and sustainable waste management systems. This study aims to recommend a sustainable solid waste management system in Engcobo Local Municipality. More specifically, this study provides a sustainable and long-term waste management system for municipal solid waste (MSW) management in South African municipalities. Improving municipal solid waste management is essential for integrated and long-term management efficiency. Effective MSW management is critical, given the high generation rate and the capacity to decrease environmental consequences, depletion and contamination. To address the research issues, the study used a qualitative case study research design and an inductive research technique based on naturalistic interpretive research philosophy. Data was gathered through focus group discussions, documents, and semi-structured interviews. Considering this study is based on the interpretivism paradigm and qualitative research technique, the researcher employed nonprobability sampling. The sample size was n=35 participants who participated in semistructured interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic data analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings revealed that there have been gains in the management of sustainable waste. The municipality is experimenting with novel approaches to deal with the problem of solid waste, particularly in remote locations where people's trash is difficult to pick up and collect. Residents' views toward waste management have changed since few individuals attend the ‘General Mbizo’ on waste where the municipality speaks with citizens about waste and the economic rewards associated with effective waste management. Though it was shown that some participants in focus groups still need more information on waste management, there is a need for thorough educational initiatives on sanitation management, not particularly waste but water, waste and sanitation. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10
Water-use efficiency Decision Support System for irrigation in smallholder farms using machine learning
- Authors: Mndela, Yonela
- Date: 2024-09
- Subjects: Irrigation farming , Agriculture--Economic aspects , Agricultural development projects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29933 , vital:79207
- Description: Small-scale farmers in arid and semi-arid regions rely mostly on irrigation to boost agricultural production and reduce dependency on unpredictable rainfall. However, due to poor farming knowledge, the efficiency of irrigation in these farms is low as crops are irrigated equally across the entire field without considering spatial variations in crop water requirements. This study was aimed at devising irrigation scheduling for various small-scale crops cabbage, sweet potato, maize, garlic, Florida broadleaf mustard, Solanum Retroflexum, green beans, sugar beans and spinach in the Mutale River catchment, based on changes in crop water status obtained from the regression models generated from the association between remotely sensed data and field data. Remotely sensed data in the form of unmanned aerial vehicle UAV imagery was used as the base from which crop spectral signatures and spatial patterns in water content were obtained. Endmember spectral analysis was performed to analyse spectral patterns of the crops. The Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index GNDVI, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NDVI, Normalized Difference Red edge NDRE, and Optimized Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index OSAVI were generated from the UAV imagery to serve as the base from which crops were characterized, and spatial patterns in water content were observed. Field survey method was carried out on the various crop plots to acquire leaf water content data fresh weight, turgid weight, and dry weight. The stratified random sampling method was used to select crops from which leaf samples would be extracted for measurements, based on crop type and growth stage. The measured leaf water content data was used to compute the Relative Water Content RWC which was used as an indication of water content in the crops. Field based RWC was used to observe spatial patterns in crop water content, as well as calibration and validation of crop water content empirical models retrieved from the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle UAV imagery. The Levene’s k-comparison test was performed to determine the spatial patterns in crop water content. A simple linear regression technique was employed to determine the nature and significance of the association of field based RWC and spectral vegetation indices. The linear regressions with the highest coefficient of determination r2 were used for modelling crop water content using spectral vegetation indices maps as the explanatory variable in the models. The time series regression technique was employed to simulate water changes across the crop types in the study area. The endmember spectral analysis results revealed variations in the spectral reflectance patterns of crops across the UAV spectral channels. A slight difference in spectral reflectance was noted across Solanum Retroflexum, green beans, sweet potato, pepper, maize, and sugar beans, as they all exhibited low and high reflectance in the red and near infrared channels, respectively. The spectral patterns of peas and cabbage were relatively easy to distinguish from the other crops because they exhibited high reflectance in the red-edge and green channels, respectively. The analysis of the spectral vegetation maps revealed that GNDVI, NDVI, NDRE, and OSAVI can be used to observe spatial variability of water content across various crops. In this study, the healthier plants were identified by a higher spectral index value (closer to +1) while unhealthy plants showed lower values closer to -1. The linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between GNDVI and water content of sweet potato, maize, sugar beans, and Florida broadleaf mustard, with r2 values of 0.948, 0.995, 0.978, and 0.953, respectively. NDVI revealed a strong association with water content of Solanum Retroflexum, pepper, and cabbage, with the r2 values of 0.949, 0.956, and 0.995, respectively. NDRE, on the other hand, revealed a strong relationship with water content in peas and green beans, with r2 values of 0.961, and 0.974, respectively. OSAVI was observed to be the least sensitive spectral index to water content across the surveyed crop types. The remotely sensed models produced in this study revealed that, RWC can be successfully predicted from UAV imagery. Time series regression revealed a gradual decrease in water content with an increase in the number of days for all the surveyed crops. The simulations revealed that Solanum Retroflexum, sweet potato, maize, sugar beans, and Florida Broadleaf Mustard reached their respective wilting points at day four after irrigation, implying that irrigation of these crops should be scheduled after every four 4 days basis. Peas, green beans, pepper, and cabbage reached their respective wilting points at day five after irrigation, implying that irrigation of these crops should be scheduled after every five days. The results of this study revealed that, with the current irrigation scheduling interval of seven days in the study area, the crops are subjected to water stress which has a huge impact on the quality and yield of the crops. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-09
- Authors: Mndela, Yonela
- Date: 2024-09
- Subjects: Irrigation farming , Agriculture--Economic aspects , Agricultural development projects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29933 , vital:79207
- Description: Small-scale farmers in arid and semi-arid regions rely mostly on irrigation to boost agricultural production and reduce dependency on unpredictable rainfall. However, due to poor farming knowledge, the efficiency of irrigation in these farms is low as crops are irrigated equally across the entire field without considering spatial variations in crop water requirements. This study was aimed at devising irrigation scheduling for various small-scale crops cabbage, sweet potato, maize, garlic, Florida broadleaf mustard, Solanum Retroflexum, green beans, sugar beans and spinach in the Mutale River catchment, based on changes in crop water status obtained from the regression models generated from the association between remotely sensed data and field data. Remotely sensed data in the form of unmanned aerial vehicle UAV imagery was used as the base from which crop spectral signatures and spatial patterns in water content were obtained. Endmember spectral analysis was performed to analyse spectral patterns of the crops. The Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index GNDVI, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NDVI, Normalized Difference Red edge NDRE, and Optimized Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index OSAVI were generated from the UAV imagery to serve as the base from which crops were characterized, and spatial patterns in water content were observed. Field survey method was carried out on the various crop plots to acquire leaf water content data fresh weight, turgid weight, and dry weight. The stratified random sampling method was used to select crops from which leaf samples would be extracted for measurements, based on crop type and growth stage. The measured leaf water content data was used to compute the Relative Water Content RWC which was used as an indication of water content in the crops. Field based RWC was used to observe spatial patterns in crop water content, as well as calibration and validation of crop water content empirical models retrieved from the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle UAV imagery. The Levene’s k-comparison test was performed to determine the spatial patterns in crop water content. A simple linear regression technique was employed to determine the nature and significance of the association of field based RWC and spectral vegetation indices. The linear regressions with the highest coefficient of determination r2 were used for modelling crop water content using spectral vegetation indices maps as the explanatory variable in the models. The time series regression technique was employed to simulate water changes across the crop types in the study area. The endmember spectral analysis results revealed variations in the spectral reflectance patterns of crops across the UAV spectral channels. A slight difference in spectral reflectance was noted across Solanum Retroflexum, green beans, sweet potato, pepper, maize, and sugar beans, as they all exhibited low and high reflectance in the red and near infrared channels, respectively. The spectral patterns of peas and cabbage were relatively easy to distinguish from the other crops because they exhibited high reflectance in the red-edge and green channels, respectively. The analysis of the spectral vegetation maps revealed that GNDVI, NDVI, NDRE, and OSAVI can be used to observe spatial variability of water content across various crops. In this study, the healthier plants were identified by a higher spectral index value (closer to +1) while unhealthy plants showed lower values closer to -1. The linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between GNDVI and water content of sweet potato, maize, sugar beans, and Florida broadleaf mustard, with r2 values of 0.948, 0.995, 0.978, and 0.953, respectively. NDVI revealed a strong association with water content of Solanum Retroflexum, pepper, and cabbage, with the r2 values of 0.949, 0.956, and 0.995, respectively. NDRE, on the other hand, revealed a strong relationship with water content in peas and green beans, with r2 values of 0.961, and 0.974, respectively. OSAVI was observed to be the least sensitive spectral index to water content across the surveyed crop types. The remotely sensed models produced in this study revealed that, RWC can be successfully predicted from UAV imagery. Time series regression revealed a gradual decrease in water content with an increase in the number of days for all the surveyed crops. The simulations revealed that Solanum Retroflexum, sweet potato, maize, sugar beans, and Florida Broadleaf Mustard reached their respective wilting points at day four after irrigation, implying that irrigation of these crops should be scheduled after every four 4 days basis. Peas, green beans, pepper, and cabbage reached their respective wilting points at day five after irrigation, implying that irrigation of these crops should be scheduled after every five days. The results of this study revealed that, with the current irrigation scheduling interval of seven days in the study area, the crops are subjected to water stress which has a huge impact on the quality and yield of the crops. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-09
Lived experiences of Gay traditional healers in the Amathole District Municipality
- Plaatjie, Nontsikelelo Margaret
- Authors: Plaatjie, Nontsikelelo Margaret
- Date: 2024-06
- Subjects: Healers -- South Africa , Gender identity -- South Africa , Ancestor worship --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29089 , vital:76626
- Description: The primary goal of this study was to explore the lived experiences of gay traditional healers in the Amathole District Municipality. The study focused on traditional healers who are diviners and work as cause investigators (amagqirha emvumisa).The study used qualitative research methodology and employed Interpretative phenomenological analysis research design to examine the lived experiences of gay traditional diviners.This study was based on Cass’ identity formation theory as its overarching theoretical framework and specifically on sexual identity formation with a focus on LGBTQI plus. The sample consisted of five participants recruited through the snowball sampling technique. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews. The researcher was acquainted with three of the participants and each of them brought an interview-ready subject with them. All participants were gay traditional diviners with credentials and practice in their own settings. The analysis of the research study revealed that gay traditional healers experienced multifaceted aspects. These aspects includes those coming from social factors like family background. The findings indicated that factors such as parental neglect and lack of financial support for the training needs of gay traditional healers had a negative impact. However it became clear from the findings that negative attitudes starting from participants’s upbringing, training and practice caused confusion, sadness but ultimately self acceptance. Furthermore, the research study revealed a need for awareness campaigns on traditional healing, as well as on the choice of sexual orientation. Lack of knowledge of policies and laws concerning homosexuality and traditional healing revealed the amount of work that remains to be done in our society. The researcher recommends that for future studies, more research on legislation with regards to traditional healers and gay people be undertaken. Also the researcher recommends involvement traditional medical practitioner policy decision makers. , Thesis (MPsych) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-06
- Authors: Plaatjie, Nontsikelelo Margaret
- Date: 2024-06
- Subjects: Healers -- South Africa , Gender identity -- South Africa , Ancestor worship --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29089 , vital:76626
- Description: The primary goal of this study was to explore the lived experiences of gay traditional healers in the Amathole District Municipality. The study focused on traditional healers who are diviners and work as cause investigators (amagqirha emvumisa).The study used qualitative research methodology and employed Interpretative phenomenological analysis research design to examine the lived experiences of gay traditional diviners.This study was based on Cass’ identity formation theory as its overarching theoretical framework and specifically on sexual identity formation with a focus on LGBTQI plus. The sample consisted of five participants recruited through the snowball sampling technique. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews. The researcher was acquainted with three of the participants and each of them brought an interview-ready subject with them. All participants were gay traditional diviners with credentials and practice in their own settings. The analysis of the research study revealed that gay traditional healers experienced multifaceted aspects. These aspects includes those coming from social factors like family background. The findings indicated that factors such as parental neglect and lack of financial support for the training needs of gay traditional healers had a negative impact. However it became clear from the findings that negative attitudes starting from participants’s upbringing, training and practice caused confusion, sadness but ultimately self acceptance. Furthermore, the research study revealed a need for awareness campaigns on traditional healing, as well as on the choice of sexual orientation. Lack of knowledge of policies and laws concerning homosexuality and traditional healing revealed the amount of work that remains to be done in our society. The researcher recommends that for future studies, more research on legislation with regards to traditional healers and gay people be undertaken. Also the researcher recommends involvement traditional medical practitioner policy decision makers. , Thesis (MPsych) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-06
Optimization of automatic speech recognition under noisy environment using machine learning techniques
- Authors: Yamkela, Melane
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Automatic speech recognition , Speech processing systems , Computational linguistics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29954 , vital:79216
- Description: Speech recognition technology is a fascinating field that enables machines to comprehend and interpret human speech. It allows users to interact with computers, smartphones, and other devices, using spoken commands rather than traditional input methods, like typing. Speech recognition systems analyse audio input, typically in the form of spoken words or phrases, and convert them into text or commands that computers can understand. The journey of speech recognition technology has been remarkable, evolving from simple command-based systems to advanced natural language processing algorithms capable of understanding context, accents, and even emotions. While speech recognition has made significant strides, challenges persist, particularly in accurately handling noisy environments and distinguishing between similarsounding words. This study aimed at developing an optimal automatic speech recognition system under a noisy environment, using machine learning techniques. In addition, the study aimed at evaluating the performance of the developed system. Speech recognition methodology involves several key steps to accurately transform verbal words into written commands or text, such as - Audio Input, Preprocessing, Feature Extraction, Acoustic Modeling, and Language Modeling. The model was developed using Google Collab and TensorFlow, an open-source machinelearning platform. This model used a transformer-hugging face, which is a pre-trained model. Transformers deploy convolutional neural networks that were trained with data collected by Facebook wac2 vec. For evaluation, the model made use of a confusion matrix, precision and accuracy metrics; the model was tested on real-time data and good results were achieved. Evaluation is continuing to observe the model's performance under different noisy backgrounds. This research adds to the corpus of knowledge, particularly in the field of speech recognition and for future work, the study will seek to use large live data and also investigate the error rate. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Yamkela, Melane
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Automatic speech recognition , Speech processing systems , Computational linguistics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29954 , vital:79216
- Description: Speech recognition technology is a fascinating field that enables machines to comprehend and interpret human speech. It allows users to interact with computers, smartphones, and other devices, using spoken commands rather than traditional input methods, like typing. Speech recognition systems analyse audio input, typically in the form of spoken words or phrases, and convert them into text or commands that computers can understand. The journey of speech recognition technology has been remarkable, evolving from simple command-based systems to advanced natural language processing algorithms capable of understanding context, accents, and even emotions. While speech recognition has made significant strides, challenges persist, particularly in accurately handling noisy environments and distinguishing between similarsounding words. This study aimed at developing an optimal automatic speech recognition system under a noisy environment, using machine learning techniques. In addition, the study aimed at evaluating the performance of the developed system. Speech recognition methodology involves several key steps to accurately transform verbal words into written commands or text, such as - Audio Input, Preprocessing, Feature Extraction, Acoustic Modeling, and Language Modeling. The model was developed using Google Collab and TensorFlow, an open-source machinelearning platform. This model used a transformer-hugging face, which is a pre-trained model. Transformers deploy convolutional neural networks that were trained with data collected by Facebook wac2 vec. For evaluation, the model made use of a confusion matrix, precision and accuracy metrics; the model was tested on real-time data and good results were achieved. Evaluation is continuing to observe the model's performance under different noisy backgrounds. This research adds to the corpus of knowledge, particularly in the field of speech recognition and for future work, the study will seek to use large live data and also investigate the error rate. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
A hybrid optimisation model for water quality prediction using Naive Bayes and SMO algorithms:: The bagging technique
- Authors: Mcedani, Lazola Asadumodwa
- Date: 2024-03
- Subjects: Water quality , Learning classifier systems , Time-series analysis--Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29911 , vital:79189
- Description: This study comprehensively evaluates machine learning classifiers to predict water quality using time-series data. The objective is to identify the most effective classifiers, assess the influence of reconfigurations on their performance, and construct a hybrid model using the superior classifiers. Additionally, the study seeks to ascertain the most suitable ensemble technique. The methodology incorporates the knowledge discovery in databases KDD process and scrutinises 56 classifiers available in WEKA. The investigation reveals support vector machine optimisation SMO and Naive Bayes as the leading classifiers, with 74.37 percent and 70.01 percent prediction accuracies, respectively. Performance enhancements were observed following reconfigurations, with the refined SMO model achieving an accuracy of 79.9827 percent on a novel unseen dataset and the adjusted Naive Bayes model reaching 78.3784 percent. The hybrid model, which amalgamates Naive Bayes and SMO, exhibited improved accuracy without compromising efficiency. Bagging was identified as the most influential ensemble technique, delivering the highest accuracy and overall model efficacy. Bagging achieves a prediction accuracy of 86.4865 percent, surpassing the best-performing base model. It also demonstrates a Kappa statistic of 0.7628, indicating substantial agreement with the ground truth, along with an impressive F-measure of 0.859 and other notable metrics, highlighting its robust performance across various evaluation criteria. This study contributes to developing water quality prediction models, providing valuable insights for researchers and practitioners, and enabling more informed decision-making in environmental management, public health, and resource allocation. The research advances algorithm design, optimises techniques, and pioneers novel hybrid models while offering a robust evaluation framework to compare the performance of various classifiers and ensemble techniques. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-03
- Authors: Mcedani, Lazola Asadumodwa
- Date: 2024-03
- Subjects: Water quality , Learning classifier systems , Time-series analysis--Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29911 , vital:79189
- Description: This study comprehensively evaluates machine learning classifiers to predict water quality using time-series data. The objective is to identify the most effective classifiers, assess the influence of reconfigurations on their performance, and construct a hybrid model using the superior classifiers. Additionally, the study seeks to ascertain the most suitable ensemble technique. The methodology incorporates the knowledge discovery in databases KDD process and scrutinises 56 classifiers available in WEKA. The investigation reveals support vector machine optimisation SMO and Naive Bayes as the leading classifiers, with 74.37 percent and 70.01 percent prediction accuracies, respectively. Performance enhancements were observed following reconfigurations, with the refined SMO model achieving an accuracy of 79.9827 percent on a novel unseen dataset and the adjusted Naive Bayes model reaching 78.3784 percent. The hybrid model, which amalgamates Naive Bayes and SMO, exhibited improved accuracy without compromising efficiency. Bagging was identified as the most influential ensemble technique, delivering the highest accuracy and overall model efficacy. Bagging achieves a prediction accuracy of 86.4865 percent, surpassing the best-performing base model. It also demonstrates a Kappa statistic of 0.7628, indicating substantial agreement with the ground truth, along with an impressive F-measure of 0.859 and other notable metrics, highlighting its robust performance across various evaluation criteria. This study contributes to developing water quality prediction models, providing valuable insights for researchers and practitioners, and enabling more informed decision-making in environmental management, public health, and resource allocation. The research advances algorithm design, optimises techniques, and pioneers novel hybrid models while offering a robust evaluation framework to compare the performance of various classifiers and ensemble techniques. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-03
A longitudinal study on the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 genome in wastewaters from typical urban and peri - urban communities in the Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Ngqwala, Balisa
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) , SARS-CoV-2 disease , SARS coronavirus 2 disease
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29888 , vital:79184
- Description: The global health system and economy has been convulsed by the origin of Severe Acute respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 SARS-CoV-2 infections which causes Coronavirus disease 2019 COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 infections has become a recent global health concern, with drastic increase of illnesses and mortality cases. COVID- 19 originated in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province in the People’s Republic of China, nonetheless, the diseases had spread to over 229 countries to date. COVID-19 clinical spectrum varies from mild fulminant pneumonia with acute respiratory distress to asymptomatic or mild respiratory infection or multi-organ failure resulting in death. Over 691 million cases with approximately 6.9 million fatalities have been recorded due to COVID-19 globally. The main route of transmission of this disease is reported to be respiratory droplets from an infected individual. However, previous studies demonstrate the presence of the virus in faces and urine as SARS-CoV-2 RNA fragments have been detected in wastewater and river waters around the world. The focal aim of this study was to profile and compare the incidence of SARS-COV-2 genomes in wastewater samples obtained from wastewater treatment facilities located in typical urban and peri-urban communities within the Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Raw wastewater (influent) samples were collected by the grab sampling technique on a weekly basis for a period of 12 months sampling regime. Ribonucleic Acids were extracted from the collected wastewater WW samples, using the commercial QIAGEN Powersoil Total RNA Extraction kit, following the manufacturer’s guideline. The extracted RNA samples were further profiled for the presence and quantity of SARS-COV-2 genomes from the collected wastewate samples by Quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction qRT-PCR technique. The findings of this study revealed the prevalence of SARS-COV-2 genomes from the raw wastewater samples across the urban and peri-urban study sites with the concentrations that ranged from 0.22 × 103 to 17.60 × 103 genome copies per millilitre GC/mL. Furthermore, various environmental matrices were utilized in the present study to estimate the potential health risk to plant operators associated with the exposure toSARS-CoV-2 viral particles using the quantitative microbiological risk assessment QMRA model. Different exposure scenarios were employed for the QMRA model and the findings indicate a probability of infection ranging from 0.93 percent to 37.81 percent across the study sites. Overall, the findings obtained in the current study highlight the bothersome concerns that reveal sewage systems as a transmission pathway for the dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 genomes in the environment. Therefore, this study accentuates the need for continued surveillance and constant environmental monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 other microbial pathogens through the wastewater based epidemiological model to timeously detect and recognize possible infections at a community level. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Ngqwala, Balisa
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) , SARS-CoV-2 disease , SARS coronavirus 2 disease
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29888 , vital:79184
- Description: The global health system and economy has been convulsed by the origin of Severe Acute respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 SARS-CoV-2 infections which causes Coronavirus disease 2019 COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 infections has become a recent global health concern, with drastic increase of illnesses and mortality cases. COVID- 19 originated in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province in the People’s Republic of China, nonetheless, the diseases had spread to over 229 countries to date. COVID-19 clinical spectrum varies from mild fulminant pneumonia with acute respiratory distress to asymptomatic or mild respiratory infection or multi-organ failure resulting in death. Over 691 million cases with approximately 6.9 million fatalities have been recorded due to COVID-19 globally. The main route of transmission of this disease is reported to be respiratory droplets from an infected individual. However, previous studies demonstrate the presence of the virus in faces and urine as SARS-CoV-2 RNA fragments have been detected in wastewater and river waters around the world. The focal aim of this study was to profile and compare the incidence of SARS-COV-2 genomes in wastewater samples obtained from wastewater treatment facilities located in typical urban and peri-urban communities within the Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Raw wastewater (influent) samples were collected by the grab sampling technique on a weekly basis for a period of 12 months sampling regime. Ribonucleic Acids were extracted from the collected wastewater WW samples, using the commercial QIAGEN Powersoil Total RNA Extraction kit, following the manufacturer’s guideline. The extracted RNA samples were further profiled for the presence and quantity of SARS-COV-2 genomes from the collected wastewate samples by Quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction qRT-PCR technique. The findings of this study revealed the prevalence of SARS-COV-2 genomes from the raw wastewater samples across the urban and peri-urban study sites with the concentrations that ranged from 0.22 × 103 to 17.60 × 103 genome copies per millilitre GC/mL. Furthermore, various environmental matrices were utilized in the present study to estimate the potential health risk to plant operators associated with the exposure toSARS-CoV-2 viral particles using the quantitative microbiological risk assessment QMRA model. Different exposure scenarios were employed for the QMRA model and the findings indicate a probability of infection ranging from 0.93 percent to 37.81 percent across the study sites. Overall, the findings obtained in the current study highlight the bothersome concerns that reveal sewage systems as a transmission pathway for the dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 genomes in the environment. Therefore, this study accentuates the need for continued surveillance and constant environmental monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 other microbial pathogens through the wastewater based epidemiological model to timeously detect and recognize possible infections at a community level. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
Exploring the social construction of masculine identity as it relates to rape in the Buffalo City Municipality
- Matshikwe, Noluthando https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0439-0766
- Authors: Matshikwe, Noluthando https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0439-0766
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Masculinity , Gender identity , Sex role
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28595 , vital:74454
- Description: In South Africa, rape is a pandemic that is persistent and pervasive in unprecedented amounts. The construction of masculinity is understood to be a contributing factor to the rape pandemic in the country, as its construction focuses on power, dominance, and control of the less masculine individual. This study explored the social construction of masculine identity related to rape in the Buffalo City Municipality. The study sample consisted of a mixed-gendered focus group interview of eight participants (four males and four females). In addition, the study utilised six individual virtual interviews (three males and three females) who were all students at a local university. When analysing the data received from the participants, the study adopted Willig’s six stages of Foucauldian discourse analysis outlined in her book “Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology” (2008, p. 118). The Foucauldian discourse analysis utilised in this study allowed for answering research questions through direct analysis of the extracts selected for this study. The results of this study indicated that masculinity is a socially constructed phenomenon synonymous with dominance and power. Hegemonic masculinity was constructed as synonymous with manhood, resulting in an individual being entitled to social privileges. Subordinate subjects were constructed as vulnerable to the expression of these qualities by being dominated, controlled, and raped. This construction of masculinity continues to construct robust and powerless subjects, where the powerless subject is subjected to the hegemonic male power, dominance, and control, creating an imbalance of social power and an unjust social hierarchy of. The construction of masculinity is linked with the rape pandemic faced by the country, as it constructs hegemonic forms of masculinity associated with domination and violation of other members of society, through sexual assault. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-01
- Authors: Matshikwe, Noluthando https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0439-0766
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Masculinity , Gender identity , Sex role
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28595 , vital:74454
- Description: In South Africa, rape is a pandemic that is persistent and pervasive in unprecedented amounts. The construction of masculinity is understood to be a contributing factor to the rape pandemic in the country, as its construction focuses on power, dominance, and control of the less masculine individual. This study explored the social construction of masculine identity related to rape in the Buffalo City Municipality. The study sample consisted of a mixed-gendered focus group interview of eight participants (four males and four females). In addition, the study utilised six individual virtual interviews (three males and three females) who were all students at a local university. When analysing the data received from the participants, the study adopted Willig’s six stages of Foucauldian discourse analysis outlined in her book “Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology” (2008, p. 118). The Foucauldian discourse analysis utilised in this study allowed for answering research questions through direct analysis of the extracts selected for this study. The results of this study indicated that masculinity is a socially constructed phenomenon synonymous with dominance and power. Hegemonic masculinity was constructed as synonymous with manhood, resulting in an individual being entitled to social privileges. Subordinate subjects were constructed as vulnerable to the expression of these qualities by being dominated, controlled, and raped. This construction of masculinity continues to construct robust and powerless subjects, where the powerless subject is subjected to the hegemonic male power, dominance, and control, creating an imbalance of social power and an unjust social hierarchy of. The construction of masculinity is linked with the rape pandemic faced by the country, as it constructs hegemonic forms of masculinity associated with domination and violation of other members of society, through sexual assault. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-01
Implementation of the national diploma in tourism and hospitality management curriculum in two polytechnic colleges in Zimbabwe
- Ngwenya, Khanyisani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0543-4671
- Authors: Ngwenya, Khanyisani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0543-4671
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Vocational guidance , Tourism -- Vocational guidance
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28287 , vital:74165
- Description: Many countries in the world consider the tourism and hospitality industry as the leading employer with huge impact on economic growth. It has significantly contributed to their national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Several studies conducted world over affirm that tourism contributes above the global average of ten percent. In Zimbabwe, the estimated percentage has also been as high as 10percent. The Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) program aims to equip youth with critical industry-specific skills and mitigate unemployment. Despite this, literature has revealed that certain graduates struggle to secure industry positions due to a discrepancy between acquired skills and employer expectations. Consequently, some graduates accept menial roles outside the tourism sector, while the industry itself resorts to employing unqualified personnel. The reason lies in ineffective curriculum implementation approaches characterized by a lack of appropriate pedagogical methods. Identifying and implementing effective strategies ensures that graduates possess the requisite skills and competencies demanded by the industry, making their employability much easier. This study used a qualitative approach because of its exploratory, descriptive, and contextual nature. The interpretive paradigm provided participants’ views, opinions, and thoughts on the THM curriculum implementation. The multiple case study research design allowed ample freedom to dig deeper into rich empirical data by examining contemporary trends in implementing the ND3 in THM curriculum at two polytechnic colleges. Non-probability convenience sampling was used to select the two polytechnic colleges. Purposive sampling was used to select twelve (12) students, six (6) lecturers, and two (2) ITTD inspectors. Lecturers and inspectors were interviewed. Data from students was obtained through Focus group discussions. Curriculum documents were reviewed to provide true realities of the THM curriculum implementation. Content analysis was used to analyse data. Rogan and Grayson (2003) curriculum implementation theoretical framework guided the study. The study revealed that lecturers were dissatisfied due to inappropriate pedagogical strategies. A new model to bridge the theory/ practice gap in teaching was developed. The study recommended the adoption of a new and modern teaching model and fix the recruitment process by employing qualified lecturers to teach ND3 in THM students. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-01
- Authors: Ngwenya, Khanyisani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0543-4671
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Vocational guidance , Tourism -- Vocational guidance
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28287 , vital:74165
- Description: Many countries in the world consider the tourism and hospitality industry as the leading employer with huge impact on economic growth. It has significantly contributed to their national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Several studies conducted world over affirm that tourism contributes above the global average of ten percent. In Zimbabwe, the estimated percentage has also been as high as 10percent. The Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) program aims to equip youth with critical industry-specific skills and mitigate unemployment. Despite this, literature has revealed that certain graduates struggle to secure industry positions due to a discrepancy between acquired skills and employer expectations. Consequently, some graduates accept menial roles outside the tourism sector, while the industry itself resorts to employing unqualified personnel. The reason lies in ineffective curriculum implementation approaches characterized by a lack of appropriate pedagogical methods. Identifying and implementing effective strategies ensures that graduates possess the requisite skills and competencies demanded by the industry, making their employability much easier. This study used a qualitative approach because of its exploratory, descriptive, and contextual nature. The interpretive paradigm provided participants’ views, opinions, and thoughts on the THM curriculum implementation. The multiple case study research design allowed ample freedom to dig deeper into rich empirical data by examining contemporary trends in implementing the ND3 in THM curriculum at two polytechnic colleges. Non-probability convenience sampling was used to select the two polytechnic colleges. Purposive sampling was used to select twelve (12) students, six (6) lecturers, and two (2) ITTD inspectors. Lecturers and inspectors were interviewed. Data from students was obtained through Focus group discussions. Curriculum documents were reviewed to provide true realities of the THM curriculum implementation. Content analysis was used to analyse data. Rogan and Grayson (2003) curriculum implementation theoretical framework guided the study. The study revealed that lecturers were dissatisfied due to inappropriate pedagogical strategies. A new model to bridge the theory/ practice gap in teaching was developed. The study recommended the adoption of a new and modern teaching model and fix the recruitment process by employing qualified lecturers to teach ND3 in THM students. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-01
Rationalisation of magisterial districts to transform the judiciary and widen access to justice under the RSA constitution of 1996
- Authors: Skosana, Jacob
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Justice, Administration of , Law and socialism , Human rights -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28162 , vital:72777
- Description: The study examines how pre-1994 magisterial districts jurisdictions denied access to justice to many South Africans, and ongoing efforts to reverse this injustice. Delayed rationalisation of the judiciary and reform of the courts territorial jurisdiction during the apartheid era exacerbated the problem. The courts administered justice along spatial racial divide, and given the location of the courts, many black communities had to commute long distances to access justice and at a great cost and inconvenience. The Constitution of South Africa of 1996 provides not only for the right to equality before the law and equal protection and benefit of the law but also the right to access the courts and seek recourse. In a period spanning eight years from December 2014, new magisterial districts were proclaimed in all the nine provinces of South Africa. Despite this milestone and the imperative of the 1996 Constitution, the rationalisation process is still in its infancy: old legislation and judicial structures remain intact; divisions of the High Court continue to exercise jurisdictions determined for the pre-1994 constitutional dispensation. The status quo continues to perpetuate the denial of access to justice to communities especially those living in areas that hitherto formed part of the former homelands and self-governing ‘states’. The study was conducted through a desktop survey of primary and secondary material relevant to the rationalisation process. It drew lessons from the re-demarcation of municipal boundaries which, like magisterial districts, were based on racial laws and policies of the past. It also contrasted rationalisation principles in comparable jurisdictions. The findings provide a useful contribution to the ongoing effort to effect rationalisation of the court system. They also contribute to knowledge and enriches our understanding of the relationship that underpins the administration of justice in a dispensation driven by democratic, human rights and constitutional ethos. , Thesis (PhD (LLD)) -- Faculty of Law, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-01
- Authors: Skosana, Jacob
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Justice, Administration of , Law and socialism , Human rights -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28162 , vital:72777
- Description: The study examines how pre-1994 magisterial districts jurisdictions denied access to justice to many South Africans, and ongoing efforts to reverse this injustice. Delayed rationalisation of the judiciary and reform of the courts territorial jurisdiction during the apartheid era exacerbated the problem. The courts administered justice along spatial racial divide, and given the location of the courts, many black communities had to commute long distances to access justice and at a great cost and inconvenience. The Constitution of South Africa of 1996 provides not only for the right to equality before the law and equal protection and benefit of the law but also the right to access the courts and seek recourse. In a period spanning eight years from December 2014, new magisterial districts were proclaimed in all the nine provinces of South Africa. Despite this milestone and the imperative of the 1996 Constitution, the rationalisation process is still in its infancy: old legislation and judicial structures remain intact; divisions of the High Court continue to exercise jurisdictions determined for the pre-1994 constitutional dispensation. The status quo continues to perpetuate the denial of access to justice to communities especially those living in areas that hitherto formed part of the former homelands and self-governing ‘states’. The study was conducted through a desktop survey of primary and secondary material relevant to the rationalisation process. It drew lessons from the re-demarcation of municipal boundaries which, like magisterial districts, were based on racial laws and policies of the past. It also contrasted rationalisation principles in comparable jurisdictions. The findings provide a useful contribution to the ongoing effort to effect rationalisation of the court system. They also contribute to knowledge and enriches our understanding of the relationship that underpins the administration of justice in a dispensation driven by democratic, human rights and constitutional ethos. , Thesis (PhD (LLD)) -- Faculty of Law, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-01
Strategies used by the female principals to manage learner discipline in selected primary schools in the Buffalo City Education District
- Authors: Manyika, T
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Women school principals , Complex organizations , School management and organization -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28277 , vital:74098
- Description: School safety is regarded as one of the key drivers of quality teaching and learning. There is however evidence that schools worldwide experience violence and learner disruptive behaviours. The South African education system is amongst other areas, focusing on gender equity in leadership and management positions. Hence this paper explored the strategies used by female principals to manage learner discipline in selected primary schools in the Buffalo City Education District. The Complexity Leadership Theory underpinned the study in conjunction with the Intersectionality theory. Complexity Leadership Theory emphasises the identification and exploration of strategies and behaviour that nurture creativity, learning, and adaptability in the organisation. Data were collected from fourteen participants ranging from female principals, HOD and Vice Principals. Interpretive qualitative and descriptive case study design was used. Data were collected through the use of one-on-one semi-structured interviews, and document review was the second research instrument used in this study. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data and all ethical issues were observed. The participation of participants was voluntary, and anonymity was guaranteed. Some of the major findings were the participants’ use of their gender (female) as a resource in administering discipline, and their awareness and consciousness of the vulnerability of the school context. Parental involvement, community involvement and closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera systems aided the participants in maintaining learner discipline. Rewarding learners for good behaviour or good work habits (behaviourism) was discouraged due to its inability to intrinsically motivate learners to behave and accomplish goals. Instead, it was reported to be a form of a bribery system which teaches learners to work hard to receive something. The findings suggested that tertiary institutions introduce mandatory counselling courses to equip prospective teachers with necessary skills to effectively deal with issues of learner discipline in schools. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Manyika, T
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Women school principals , Complex organizations , School management and organization -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28277 , vital:74098
- Description: School safety is regarded as one of the key drivers of quality teaching and learning. There is however evidence that schools worldwide experience violence and learner disruptive behaviours. The South African education system is amongst other areas, focusing on gender equity in leadership and management positions. Hence this paper explored the strategies used by female principals to manage learner discipline in selected primary schools in the Buffalo City Education District. The Complexity Leadership Theory underpinned the study in conjunction with the Intersectionality theory. Complexity Leadership Theory emphasises the identification and exploration of strategies and behaviour that nurture creativity, learning, and adaptability in the organisation. Data were collected from fourteen participants ranging from female principals, HOD and Vice Principals. Interpretive qualitative and descriptive case study design was used. Data were collected through the use of one-on-one semi-structured interviews, and document review was the second research instrument used in this study. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data and all ethical issues were observed. The participation of participants was voluntary, and anonymity was guaranteed. Some of the major findings were the participants’ use of their gender (female) as a resource in administering discipline, and their awareness and consciousness of the vulnerability of the school context. Parental involvement, community involvement and closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera systems aided the participants in maintaining learner discipline. Rewarding learners for good behaviour or good work habits (behaviourism) was discouraged due to its inability to intrinsically motivate learners to behave and accomplish goals. Instead, it was reported to be a form of a bribery system which teaches learners to work hard to receive something. The findings suggested that tertiary institutions introduce mandatory counselling courses to equip prospective teachers with necessary skills to effectively deal with issues of learner discipline in schools. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
The effect of entrepreneurial competencies on the performance of small micro and medium enterprises in or Tambo District, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Senzeni, Phumlani
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28960 , vital:75577
- Description: The Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) remain the key competitor in the development of the economy growth of the country. The SMME sector is the key driver to the national economy of countries, as it creates job opportunities, reduce poverty, supports household income, and improve the people’s standard of living. However, the rate at which SMMEs fail to succeed results in non-performance and business closure, and this is alarming and require attention. The reasons for this failure can emanate from a number of reasons, such as lack of entrepreneurial competencies, managerial skills, lack of intellectual personnel, low entrepreneurial culture and obstacles that hinder access to resources and market. Therefore, in this study the researcher examined the effect of entrepreneurial competencies on the performance of SMMEs in OR Tambo District, Eastern Cape. The researcher adopted quantitative research approach. The research data was collected using Google Forms survey method. The emails containing the link to access the instrument were sent to a sample of 399 SMMEs in the OR Tambo District. The response rate of 74%, which is 294 was attained. Thus, the findings of the study discovered that entrepreneurial competencies have significant effect on the performance of SMMEs. The study further found that entrepreneurial competencies “opportunity recognition, creative-problem solving, resource leveraging, and business networking” had a low degree of association with business performance although they are statistically significant to business performance. The self-efficacy was found with a high degree of association with business performance and statistically significant with the achievement of positive beta and low p-value which indicated a strong association to performance. The study made conclusions that entrepreneurial competencies have positive effect on the performance of SMMEs. Therefore, it was concluded that performing and successful SMMEs in the regions means employment opportunities in the country because they require human resources to do operational services and render services. The government and policymakers are encouraged to work together to form and strengthen development programs to assist SMMEs to grow the production capacity, operations and become productive. The SMMEs owners/managers and practitioners on skills development are encouraged to relook and strengthen entrepreneurial competencies that contribute to productivity and performance. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Senzeni, Phumlani
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28960 , vital:75577
- Description: The Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) remain the key competitor in the development of the economy growth of the country. The SMME sector is the key driver to the national economy of countries, as it creates job opportunities, reduce poverty, supports household income, and improve the people’s standard of living. However, the rate at which SMMEs fail to succeed results in non-performance and business closure, and this is alarming and require attention. The reasons for this failure can emanate from a number of reasons, such as lack of entrepreneurial competencies, managerial skills, lack of intellectual personnel, low entrepreneurial culture and obstacles that hinder access to resources and market. Therefore, in this study the researcher examined the effect of entrepreneurial competencies on the performance of SMMEs in OR Tambo District, Eastern Cape. The researcher adopted quantitative research approach. The research data was collected using Google Forms survey method. The emails containing the link to access the instrument were sent to a sample of 399 SMMEs in the OR Tambo District. The response rate of 74%, which is 294 was attained. Thus, the findings of the study discovered that entrepreneurial competencies have significant effect on the performance of SMMEs. The study further found that entrepreneurial competencies “opportunity recognition, creative-problem solving, resource leveraging, and business networking” had a low degree of association with business performance although they are statistically significant to business performance. The self-efficacy was found with a high degree of association with business performance and statistically significant with the achievement of positive beta and low p-value which indicated a strong association to performance. The study made conclusions that entrepreneurial competencies have positive effect on the performance of SMMEs. Therefore, it was concluded that performing and successful SMMEs in the regions means employment opportunities in the country because they require human resources to do operational services and render services. The government and policymakers are encouraged to work together to form and strengthen development programs to assist SMMEs to grow the production capacity, operations and become productive. The SMMEs owners/managers and practitioners on skills development are encouraged to relook and strengthen entrepreneurial competencies that contribute to productivity and performance. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
The right to self-determination as a tool to entrench democracy as a system of governance in Nigeria
- Authors: Aniekwe, Chizoba C
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Self-determination, National , Human rights -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29944 , vital:79212
- Description: The study undertaken provides a synopsis of the historical evolution of the concepts of right to self-determination other inter-dependent human rights, and modern African states. It reinforced that the right to self-determination is an inherent right that is universal in its application and interdependent, interrelated, and indivisible with other human rights. The study examines how the historical foundation of modern African states which emanated from the Berlin Conference organized by Europeans did not take the common heritage of mankind and other humanistic values which are a priori in human beings before the advent of the concept of human rights into consideration during the formation of African states such as Nigeria, South Africa, and others. That situation culminated in agitation for the right to self-determination within the context of decolonization. This is despite the espousing of the right by both Western and African philosophies. The study examines how the right to self-determination played and continues to play a pivotal role as an instrument of state legitimation and remedial justice even outside the context of decolonization. The outcome of agitations and legitimate resistance in the decolonization context did not cure the effect of the defective historical foundations in Nigeria. This is due to alien domination, exploitation, and oppression through structural violence and unfounded reliance on legal constructs or concepts such as uti-possidetis and territorial integrity. It resulted in the use of a façade of democracy to create sham unanimity among the people. Considering that democracy is indispensable for human rights. The study examines the connection between democracy and the right to self-determination. Also, it discusses the role of the constitution in reinforcing this connection, the impacts of the deprivation of the right to selfdetermination, and proffered solutions. Thus, it concludes by finding that the right to selfdetermination can be used as a tool to cure historical defects and entrench democracy as a system of governance in Nigeria and makes recommendations. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
The right to self-determination as a tool to entrench democracy as a system of governance in Nigeria
- Authors: Aniekwe, Chizoba C
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Self-determination, National , Human rights -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29944 , vital:79212
- Description: The study undertaken provides a synopsis of the historical evolution of the concepts of right to self-determination other inter-dependent human rights, and modern African states. It reinforced that the right to self-determination is an inherent right that is universal in its application and interdependent, interrelated, and indivisible with other human rights. The study examines how the historical foundation of modern African states which emanated from the Berlin Conference organized by Europeans did not take the common heritage of mankind and other humanistic values which are a priori in human beings before the advent of the concept of human rights into consideration during the formation of African states such as Nigeria, South Africa, and others. That situation culminated in agitation for the right to self-determination within the context of decolonization. This is despite the espousing of the right by both Western and African philosophies. The study examines how the right to self-determination played and continues to play a pivotal role as an instrument of state legitimation and remedial justice even outside the context of decolonization. The outcome of agitations and legitimate resistance in the decolonization context did not cure the effect of the defective historical foundations in Nigeria. This is due to alien domination, exploitation, and oppression through structural violence and unfounded reliance on legal constructs or concepts such as uti-possidetis and territorial integrity. It resulted in the use of a façade of democracy to create sham unanimity among the people. Considering that democracy is indispensable for human rights. The study examines the connection between democracy and the right to self-determination. Also, it discusses the role of the constitution in reinforcing this connection, the impacts of the deprivation of the right to selfdetermination, and proffered solutions. Thus, it concludes by finding that the right to selfdetermination can be used as a tool to cure historical defects and entrench democracy as a system of governance in Nigeria and makes recommendations. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
A qualitative systematic review exploring online learning experiences among university students during Covid-19: An African Context
- Thoka, Tebogo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6763-6367
- Authors: Thoka, Tebogo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6763-6367
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: Internet in higher education , Education, Higher -- Computer-assisted instruction , Communicable diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28606 , vital:74472
- Description: The sudden and immediate transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic brought forth unprecedented challenges, particularly within the education sector. In Africa, this shift was necessitated by the need to safeguard lives and preserve the academic year. However, the absence of adequate contextual consideration introduced additional complexities, influencing how students in the African context navigated their learning experiences during this unique time.This study aimed to comprehensively synthesize the online learning experiences of university students in Africa amid the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluate the influence of these experiences on academic performance. Drawing from the systematic review protocol proposed by Hemingway and Brereton, seven (7) qualitative research articles were rigorously selected based on predefined inclusion criteria and meticulously examined.Thematic analysis of the chosen articles revealed two overarching themes. The first, "Emotional Distress," encapsulated students' experiences of anxiety, depressive emotions, and anger. Contributing factors included limited interaction opportunities, a sense of isolation, insufficient online learning resources, inflexible course structures, and non-conducive learning environments. The second overarching theme, "Growth," encompassed improvements in grades and enhanced self-directed learning abilities.These findings hold significant implications for the enhancement of online learning experiences in Africa. To address the challenges associated with emotional distress and foster growth, we propose the following recommendations: increased focus on social interaction and support mechanisms, equitable access to online resources, flexible course structures, and fostering conducive learning environments. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-11
- Authors: Thoka, Tebogo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6763-6367
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: Internet in higher education , Education, Higher -- Computer-assisted instruction , Communicable diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28606 , vital:74472
- Description: The sudden and immediate transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic brought forth unprecedented challenges, particularly within the education sector. In Africa, this shift was necessitated by the need to safeguard lives and preserve the academic year. However, the absence of adequate contextual consideration introduced additional complexities, influencing how students in the African context navigated their learning experiences during this unique time.This study aimed to comprehensively synthesize the online learning experiences of university students in Africa amid the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluate the influence of these experiences on academic performance. Drawing from the systematic review protocol proposed by Hemingway and Brereton, seven (7) qualitative research articles were rigorously selected based on predefined inclusion criteria and meticulously examined.Thematic analysis of the chosen articles revealed two overarching themes. The first, "Emotional Distress," encapsulated students' experiences of anxiety, depressive emotions, and anger. Contributing factors included limited interaction opportunities, a sense of isolation, insufficient online learning resources, inflexible course structures, and non-conducive learning environments. The second overarching theme, "Growth," encompassed improvements in grades and enhanced self-directed learning abilities.These findings hold significant implications for the enhancement of online learning experiences in Africa. To address the challenges associated with emotional distress and foster growth, we propose the following recommendations: increased focus on social interaction and support mechanisms, equitable access to online resources, flexible course structures, and fostering conducive learning environments. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-11
Assessing the impact of access to climate services on smallholder farmers cropping decisions and household food security in Elundini Municipality, Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Nocezo, Yanga-Inkosi
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: Food security -- Climatic factors , Vegetation and climate , Crops and climate
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28882 , vital:75366
- Description: Climate variability has significant implications for crop production and overall food security. Climate services which provide tailored and localised climate information have the potential to enhance farmers understanding of climate patterns and support informed decision making. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of climate services on smallholder farmers cropping decisions and household food security. The study adopted a cross sectional household survey on 217 smallholder crop farming households from Elundini Municipality. Structured questionnaires and face to face interviews were used to collect the required data from the farmers. Descriptive analysis was used to identify the types of climate service accessed by smallholder crop farmers in the study area. The probit model was used to examine factors influencing smallholder crop farmers access to specific climate services. The household dietary diversity score was used to measure household food security among smallholder crop farmers. The propensity score matching model was used to assess the impact of accessing specific climate services on cropping decisions and household food security. The results indicated that most farmers 77 percent in the study area had access to climate services. The results further showed that many farmers had access to short term weather forecast 79 percent with very few accessing seasonal forecast 22 percent. The results also revealed that access to both short term weather and seasonal forecasts is positively influenced by ownership of mobile phones and access to extension services. Similarly access to short term weather forecasts is positively influenced by age monthly income ownership of radio timely climate information and perceiving that climate change has negative effects on crop production. Land size knowledge of climate change and climate services accuracy are positive and significant factors influencing access to seasonal forecasts. Most of the smallholder farming households in the study area had higher dietary diversity scores 66 percent. Moreover access to short term weather and seasonal forecasts has a positive and significant impact on cropping decisions and household dietary diversity scores. The study concludes that climate services improve cropping decisions and household food security among smallholder crop farmers in Elundini Municipality. The study recommends that there should be investments in awareness programmes that will educate farmers about the importance of climate services and how to acquire and interpret both weather and seasonal forecasts. Stakeholders interested in improving smallholder farmers access to climate services should consider whether farmers own smart phones and have access to extension services arable land knowledge of climate change and if the climate services are accurate for smallholder farmers. In addition to improve crop production and household food security in the face of climate change access to climate services by smallholder farmers should be considered. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-11
- Authors: Nocezo, Yanga-Inkosi
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: Food security -- Climatic factors , Vegetation and climate , Crops and climate
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28882 , vital:75366
- Description: Climate variability has significant implications for crop production and overall food security. Climate services which provide tailored and localised climate information have the potential to enhance farmers understanding of climate patterns and support informed decision making. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of climate services on smallholder farmers cropping decisions and household food security. The study adopted a cross sectional household survey on 217 smallholder crop farming households from Elundini Municipality. Structured questionnaires and face to face interviews were used to collect the required data from the farmers. Descriptive analysis was used to identify the types of climate service accessed by smallholder crop farmers in the study area. The probit model was used to examine factors influencing smallholder crop farmers access to specific climate services. The household dietary diversity score was used to measure household food security among smallholder crop farmers. The propensity score matching model was used to assess the impact of accessing specific climate services on cropping decisions and household food security. The results indicated that most farmers 77 percent in the study area had access to climate services. The results further showed that many farmers had access to short term weather forecast 79 percent with very few accessing seasonal forecast 22 percent. The results also revealed that access to both short term weather and seasonal forecasts is positively influenced by ownership of mobile phones and access to extension services. Similarly access to short term weather forecasts is positively influenced by age monthly income ownership of radio timely climate information and perceiving that climate change has negative effects on crop production. Land size knowledge of climate change and climate services accuracy are positive and significant factors influencing access to seasonal forecasts. Most of the smallholder farming households in the study area had higher dietary diversity scores 66 percent. Moreover access to short term weather and seasonal forecasts has a positive and significant impact on cropping decisions and household dietary diversity scores. The study concludes that climate services improve cropping decisions and household food security among smallholder crop farmers in Elundini Municipality. The study recommends that there should be investments in awareness programmes that will educate farmers about the importance of climate services and how to acquire and interpret both weather and seasonal forecasts. Stakeholders interested in improving smallholder farmers access to climate services should consider whether farmers own smart phones and have access to extension services arable land knowledge of climate change and if the climate services are accurate for smallholder farmers. In addition to improve crop production and household food security in the face of climate change access to climate services by smallholder farmers should be considered. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-11
Determinants of individual-organisational adoption-continued use of high-performance computing systems: testing an end-user model in historically disadvantaged institutions
- Matungwana, Norest Tinashe https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0373-6913
- Authors: Matungwana, Norest Tinashe https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0373-6913
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: High performance computing -- Evaluation , High performance computing -- Computer simulation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29472 , vital:77970
- Description: High-Performance Computing Systems (HPCS) are a game-changing technology that significantly improves research and innovations. Its adoption and use in skills development institutions have interested researchers and policymakers. The adoption and use of HPCS allow end users to take advantage of its extraordinary capabilities, such as making accurate simulations, processing enormous sums of data quickly, and having a larger storage capacity than ordinary computers. As South Africa (SA) grapples with increasing inequality and other challenges, it pins hope on Universities to proffer adequate solutions. However, there are different realities between Historically Disadvantage Institutions (HDIs) and Historically Advantaged Institutions (HAIs) regarding enabling resources for skills development. This study focuses on the determinants of adoption and continued use of HPCS in HDIs. The study aimed to investigate the determinants of individual-organisational adoptioncontinued use of HPCS amongst end-users in HDIs. The South African government, through the Council for Science and Industrial Research (CSIR), continues to invest in HPCS to benefit the industry and high-learning institutions; attention is drawn to their adoption and use by intended users (Sithole & Ubbink, 2017). Despite the government's efforts to address the inequalities within the educational sector by equipping HDIs with the latest technological innovations, there is little or no research that has been conducted to determine the individual-organisational levels of adoptioncontinued use of HPCS by users from HDIs and measure return on investment from an end-user perspective, hence this study. A quantitative research approach and descriptive design were adopted for the study. Data was collected from a sample of 384 students and 370 staff members. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was also applied to establish the determinants of HPCS adoption and continued use by end users in HDIs. The findings of the study show that there is no statistically significant relationship between intention to use HPCS, trust, attitudes towards HPCS, perceived effort, and the actual use of HPCS by end-users in HDIs while social influence, perceived career benefit, and perceived career risk were found to have a significant relationship with adoption and continued use of HPCS by end-users in HDIs The study's findings indicate the factors that should be emphasised when promoting the adoption and continued use of HPCS in HDIs. The findings also allow researchers to investigate why other determinants do not significantly influence the adoption and continued use of HPCS. , Thesis (MCom in BM) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-11
- Authors: Matungwana, Norest Tinashe https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0373-6913
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: High performance computing -- Evaluation , High performance computing -- Computer simulation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29472 , vital:77970
- Description: High-Performance Computing Systems (HPCS) are a game-changing technology that significantly improves research and innovations. Its adoption and use in skills development institutions have interested researchers and policymakers. The adoption and use of HPCS allow end users to take advantage of its extraordinary capabilities, such as making accurate simulations, processing enormous sums of data quickly, and having a larger storage capacity than ordinary computers. As South Africa (SA) grapples with increasing inequality and other challenges, it pins hope on Universities to proffer adequate solutions. However, there are different realities between Historically Disadvantage Institutions (HDIs) and Historically Advantaged Institutions (HAIs) regarding enabling resources for skills development. This study focuses on the determinants of adoption and continued use of HPCS in HDIs. The study aimed to investigate the determinants of individual-organisational adoptioncontinued use of HPCS amongst end-users in HDIs. The South African government, through the Council for Science and Industrial Research (CSIR), continues to invest in HPCS to benefit the industry and high-learning institutions; attention is drawn to their adoption and use by intended users (Sithole & Ubbink, 2017). Despite the government's efforts to address the inequalities within the educational sector by equipping HDIs with the latest technological innovations, there is little or no research that has been conducted to determine the individual-organisational levels of adoptioncontinued use of HPCS by users from HDIs and measure return on investment from an end-user perspective, hence this study. A quantitative research approach and descriptive design were adopted for the study. Data was collected from a sample of 384 students and 370 staff members. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was also applied to establish the determinants of HPCS adoption and continued use by end users in HDIs. The findings of the study show that there is no statistically significant relationship between intention to use HPCS, trust, attitudes towards HPCS, perceived effort, and the actual use of HPCS by end-users in HDIs while social influence, perceived career benefit, and perceived career risk were found to have a significant relationship with adoption and continued use of HPCS by end-users in HDIs The study's findings indicate the factors that should be emphasised when promoting the adoption and continued use of HPCS in HDIs. The findings also allow researchers to investigate why other determinants do not significantly influence the adoption and continued use of HPCS. , Thesis (MCom in BM) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-11
Determinants of psychological well-being amongst employed mothers of children with special needs in Buffalo City Municipality
- Mabokela, Thandiswa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4531-3281
- Authors: Mabokela, Thandiswa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4531-3281
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: Mothers of children with disabilities -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa , Well-being -- Psychological aspects , Children of working mothers -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29451 , vital:77968
- Description: Mothers of children with special needs face unique social-emotional difficulties in carrying out their caregiving roles. The pressure related to these roles influences mothers' psychological well-being and the nature of their child-rearing. One cause of mothers’ psychological distress is their inability to accept their child’s illness. It can result in the mother’s struggle with negative feelings, leading them to focus on their children’s problems, with little recognition of unique qualities that characterize the strengths of their children. This study aimed to provide insight into the determinants of psychological well-being amongst employed mothers of children with special needs in Buffalo City Municipality. The research adopted Ryff's (1989) Six-factor model on psychological well-being and Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs theory. A quantitative, descriptive research approach was applied to the study. The positivism paradigm was adopted in this research. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 301 respondents in Buffalo City Municipality East London. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 software package was utilized for analysis—the confirmatory factor analysis is used to interpret demographics and study variables. The study found significant relationships between the independent and dependent variables: Psychological well-being, workplace, household, factor, household and educational factors. The study recommends further studies to expand to fathers/parents with special needs children, as this study mainly looked at the psychological well-being of working mothers only. , Thesis (MIP) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-11
- Authors: Mabokela, Thandiswa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4531-3281
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: Mothers of children with disabilities -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa , Well-being -- Psychological aspects , Children of working mothers -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29451 , vital:77968
- Description: Mothers of children with special needs face unique social-emotional difficulties in carrying out their caregiving roles. The pressure related to these roles influences mothers' psychological well-being and the nature of their child-rearing. One cause of mothers’ psychological distress is their inability to accept their child’s illness. It can result in the mother’s struggle with negative feelings, leading them to focus on their children’s problems, with little recognition of unique qualities that characterize the strengths of their children. This study aimed to provide insight into the determinants of psychological well-being amongst employed mothers of children with special needs in Buffalo City Municipality. The research adopted Ryff's (1989) Six-factor model on psychological well-being and Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs theory. A quantitative, descriptive research approach was applied to the study. The positivism paradigm was adopted in this research. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 301 respondents in Buffalo City Municipality East London. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 software package was utilized for analysis—the confirmatory factor analysis is used to interpret demographics and study variables. The study found significant relationships between the independent and dependent variables: Psychological well-being, workplace, household, factor, household and educational factors. The study recommends further studies to expand to fathers/parents with special needs children, as this study mainly looked at the psychological well-being of working mothers only. , Thesis (MIP) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-11
Exploring traditional and cooperative teaching strategies in Grade 9 mathematics classrooms in the Buffalo City Metro Education District
- Papama Febana https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9508-8900
- Authors: Papama Febana https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9508-8900
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching , Teacher-student relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29610 , vital:78413
- Description: Poor learners’ mathematics achievement has remained a subject of serious concern to all parties involved. Several studies attribute a wide range of factors to the low level of learners’ achievement in mathematics. However, this quasi-experiment study determined to explore traditional and cooperative teaching strategies in grade 9 learners’ mathematics performance. It also investigated the moderating effects of gender and school location in learners’ mathematics achievement. It was carried out in three schools (uptown, township, and rural) that are located in the context of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) educational district. The sample consisted of 177 participants, from schools selected through a judgement sampling. Four instruments – Mathematics Achievement Test 1 (MAT1), Mathematics Achievement Test 2 (MAT2), Traditional Teaching Strategy (TTS), and Cooperative Teaching Strategy (CTS) guides were developed and administered to the respondents. Five null and alternative hypotheses were generated and tested at a 0.05 level of significance. A post-test only research design with a 2x2x3 factorial matrix was adopted. The factorial ANOVA to compare the difference between school locations using MAT1 and then MAT2 was employed. Similarly, the t-test to compare the difference between male and female learners using MAT1 and then using MAT2 were also conducted. The interaction effects between teaching strategy and school location then between teaching strategy and gender were also tested. Scheffé post-hoc analysis was carried out to determine the difference between means of more than two comparison groups. To answer RQ1, HO1 was rejected and H1 was supported given the t-value =12.01, p < 0.05. The independent t-test showed that there was a mean difference [mean (CTS) – mean (TTS) > 0] of 9.94 with a large effect size d = 0.62; To answer RQ2, the test failed to reject HO2. The results revealed that F(2, 291) = 5.31, p < 0.05. The maininteraction effects size differences by school locations (A, B & C) were 0.27, 0.43 and 0.73 respectively. Scheffé post-hoc analysis showed that there was a greatest difference between rural and uptown schools. Followed by rural and township. There was no significant difference between township and uptown schools. Therefore, H1 was not supported. To answer RQ3, the test failed to reject HO3 given the t-value = 0.57, p > 0.05, and a small effect size d = 0.1. The t-value = 0.57 is too low. The TTS MAT1 male and female mean difference = 0.518 is likely due to chance and not a reflection of the population. There was not enough evidence to support H3; To answer RQ4, HO4 was upheld. There was a CTS MAT2 mean difference = 2.57 (female > male) which is likely due to chance and not a reflection of the population. There was a small effect size d = 0.3 and large staying power (1 – β) = 0.81. Thus, H4 was not supported; To answer RQ5, the test failed to reject HO5 with F(1, 293) = 1.55, p > 0.05. The main effect size difference of the means for gender and teaching strategies were 0.14 and 0.62 respectively and a large power (1 – β) = 0.99. Thus, H5 was not supported. Based on these findings, it was therefore recommended that provincial and district leaders should consider the specific factors of school locations and school’s learner achievements when implementing new policies. Data driven meetings based on learner performance must take place so as to find and minimise the root causes of gaps in learners’ performance. Furthermore, regularly scheduled data meetings should be compulsory for rural school principals seeking to increase learner achievement so that rural learners have the same opportunities as their counterpart uptown- and township schools. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-11
- Authors: Papama Febana https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9508-8900
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching , Teacher-student relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29610 , vital:78413
- Description: Poor learners’ mathematics achievement has remained a subject of serious concern to all parties involved. Several studies attribute a wide range of factors to the low level of learners’ achievement in mathematics. However, this quasi-experiment study determined to explore traditional and cooperative teaching strategies in grade 9 learners’ mathematics performance. It also investigated the moderating effects of gender and school location in learners’ mathematics achievement. It was carried out in three schools (uptown, township, and rural) that are located in the context of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) educational district. The sample consisted of 177 participants, from schools selected through a judgement sampling. Four instruments – Mathematics Achievement Test 1 (MAT1), Mathematics Achievement Test 2 (MAT2), Traditional Teaching Strategy (TTS), and Cooperative Teaching Strategy (CTS) guides were developed and administered to the respondents. Five null and alternative hypotheses were generated and tested at a 0.05 level of significance. A post-test only research design with a 2x2x3 factorial matrix was adopted. The factorial ANOVA to compare the difference between school locations using MAT1 and then MAT2 was employed. Similarly, the t-test to compare the difference between male and female learners using MAT1 and then using MAT2 were also conducted. The interaction effects between teaching strategy and school location then between teaching strategy and gender were also tested. Scheffé post-hoc analysis was carried out to determine the difference between means of more than two comparison groups. To answer RQ1, HO1 was rejected and H1 was supported given the t-value =12.01, p < 0.05. The independent t-test showed that there was a mean difference [mean (CTS) – mean (TTS) > 0] of 9.94 with a large effect size d = 0.62; To answer RQ2, the test failed to reject HO2. The results revealed that F(2, 291) = 5.31, p < 0.05. The maininteraction effects size differences by school locations (A, B & C) were 0.27, 0.43 and 0.73 respectively. Scheffé post-hoc analysis showed that there was a greatest difference between rural and uptown schools. Followed by rural and township. There was no significant difference between township and uptown schools. Therefore, H1 was not supported. To answer RQ3, the test failed to reject HO3 given the t-value = 0.57, p > 0.05, and a small effect size d = 0.1. The t-value = 0.57 is too low. The TTS MAT1 male and female mean difference = 0.518 is likely due to chance and not a reflection of the population. There was not enough evidence to support H3; To answer RQ4, HO4 was upheld. There was a CTS MAT2 mean difference = 2.57 (female > male) which is likely due to chance and not a reflection of the population. There was a small effect size d = 0.3 and large staying power (1 – β) = 0.81. Thus, H4 was not supported; To answer RQ5, the test failed to reject HO5 with F(1, 293) = 1.55, p > 0.05. The main effect size difference of the means for gender and teaching strategies were 0.14 and 0.62 respectively and a large power (1 – β) = 0.99. Thus, H5 was not supported. Based on these findings, it was therefore recommended that provincial and district leaders should consider the specific factors of school locations and school’s learner achievements when implementing new policies. Data driven meetings based on learner performance must take place so as to find and minimise the root causes of gaps in learners’ performance. Furthermore, regularly scheduled data meetings should be compulsory for rural school principals seeking to increase learner achievement so that rural learners have the same opportunities as their counterpart uptown- and township schools. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-11
Human capital investment, productivity and economic growth in selected Sub Saharan African countries
- Mutambirwa, Edward https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9010-1950
- Authors: Mutambirwa, Edward https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9010-1950
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: Human capital -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Economic development -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Capital investments -- Africa, Sub-Saharan
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28639 , vital:74481
- Description: Many Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries experience low economic growth rate levels which is worrisome given the demographic window of opportunities in the region. The governments of SSA countries have been putting emphasis on increasing investments in human capital development as it is vital in unlocking potential economic growth through enhancing regional productivity. With this in mind, this study examined the effect of human capital investment on economic growth through productivity in 12 selected SSA countries during the period 2000 to 2017. The selection of these countries and the study period were based on the data availability as well as differences in income growth. The sample represents all the countries in the income growth groups which are low income, lower middle income and upper middle income. In order to examine the overall effect of human capital investment on economic growth the study utilizes two models which are: 1. Human capital investment and productivity in selected SSA countries. 2. Human capital investment and economic growth in selected SSA countries. Model 1 objective of the study was to investigate the effect of human capital investment on productivity in the selected SSA countries. Productivity proxied by labour productivity measured by real output per person employed was the dependent regressed against a host of independent variables which includes human capital investment, foreign direct investment (FDI), total factor productivity (TFP) and labour quantity growth (LQ).The human capital investment components used in the model included: fiscal expenditure on primary education (PEI), secondary education(SEI), tertiary education (TEI) all as a percentage of government expenditure on education; public health(PHI) as a percentage of GDP and domestic private health (DPHI) as a percentage of current health expenditure. Several estimation techniques which include the Pooled Mean Group (PMG), Panel Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square (PFMOLS) and Panel Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (PDOLS) were employed to analyse the relationship between the variables of interest. The empirical findings indicated that all human capital investment components contribute positively to labour productivity except tertiary education investment which had a negative effect. Moreover, the empirical findings also revealed that foreign direct investment and total factor productivity had positive effects on labour productivity while labour quantity growth had a negative effect. Model 2 objective examined the effect of productivity enhanced human capital on economic growth in the sample of countries. It also incorporated the direct channel of the effect of human capital on economic growth in the stated countries. Economic growth (EG) proxied by real GDP growth as the dependent variable and, on the other hand, explanatory variables being productivity enhanced human capital investment (PEHC), human capital (HC), gross fixed capital formation (GFCF), population growth (POP), institutional quality proxied by government effectiveness (GE) and political stability (PS). The same estimation techniques were also employed so as to obtain robust results. The empirical findings revealed that both productivity enhanced human capital investment and human capital contributes positively to economic growth in the selected SSA countries. In addition, the empirical results also proved that gross fixed capital formation, government effectiveness and political stability have positive effects on economic growth whilst population growth has a negative effect. Overall, the results of the study evidenced the existence of a transfer mechanism from human capital investment to economic growth through productivity in the selected SSA countries. The empirical results imply that increasing investment on human capital is of importance in trying to enhance productivity and through this economic growth in the SSA region. The study concludes that there is a potential on enhancing economic growth in the long run in the SSA region if countries invest more on human capital. Therefore, the study recommends that SSA countries must devote more budget to human capital so that free basic education can be offered in both primary and secondary as well as free health care services. With this, the objectives of quality education and health, sustainable and inclusive growth targets of the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 as well as United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be achieved. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-11
Human capital investment, productivity and economic growth in selected Sub Saharan African countries
- Authors: Mutambirwa, Edward https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9010-1950
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: Human capital -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Economic development -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Capital investments -- Africa, Sub-Saharan
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28639 , vital:74481
- Description: Many Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries experience low economic growth rate levels which is worrisome given the demographic window of opportunities in the region. The governments of SSA countries have been putting emphasis on increasing investments in human capital development as it is vital in unlocking potential economic growth through enhancing regional productivity. With this in mind, this study examined the effect of human capital investment on economic growth through productivity in 12 selected SSA countries during the period 2000 to 2017. The selection of these countries and the study period were based on the data availability as well as differences in income growth. The sample represents all the countries in the income growth groups which are low income, lower middle income and upper middle income. In order to examine the overall effect of human capital investment on economic growth the study utilizes two models which are: 1. Human capital investment and productivity in selected SSA countries. 2. Human capital investment and economic growth in selected SSA countries. Model 1 objective of the study was to investigate the effect of human capital investment on productivity in the selected SSA countries. Productivity proxied by labour productivity measured by real output per person employed was the dependent regressed against a host of independent variables which includes human capital investment, foreign direct investment (FDI), total factor productivity (TFP) and labour quantity growth (LQ).The human capital investment components used in the model included: fiscal expenditure on primary education (PEI), secondary education(SEI), tertiary education (TEI) all as a percentage of government expenditure on education; public health(PHI) as a percentage of GDP and domestic private health (DPHI) as a percentage of current health expenditure. Several estimation techniques which include the Pooled Mean Group (PMG), Panel Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square (PFMOLS) and Panel Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (PDOLS) were employed to analyse the relationship between the variables of interest. The empirical findings indicated that all human capital investment components contribute positively to labour productivity except tertiary education investment which had a negative effect. Moreover, the empirical findings also revealed that foreign direct investment and total factor productivity had positive effects on labour productivity while labour quantity growth had a negative effect. Model 2 objective examined the effect of productivity enhanced human capital on economic growth in the sample of countries. It also incorporated the direct channel of the effect of human capital on economic growth in the stated countries. Economic growth (EG) proxied by real GDP growth as the dependent variable and, on the other hand, explanatory variables being productivity enhanced human capital investment (PEHC), human capital (HC), gross fixed capital formation (GFCF), population growth (POP), institutional quality proxied by government effectiveness (GE) and political stability (PS). The same estimation techniques were also employed so as to obtain robust results. The empirical findings revealed that both productivity enhanced human capital investment and human capital contributes positively to economic growth in the selected SSA countries. In addition, the empirical results also proved that gross fixed capital formation, government effectiveness and political stability have positive effects on economic growth whilst population growth has a negative effect. Overall, the results of the study evidenced the existence of a transfer mechanism from human capital investment to economic growth through productivity in the selected SSA countries. The empirical results imply that increasing investment on human capital is of importance in trying to enhance productivity and through this economic growth in the SSA region. The study concludes that there is a potential on enhancing economic growth in the long run in the SSA region if countries invest more on human capital. Therefore, the study recommends that SSA countries must devote more budget to human capital so that free basic education can be offered in both primary and secondary as well as free health care services. With this, the objectives of quality education and health, sustainable and inclusive growth targets of the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 as well as United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be achieved. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-11
Social support and self-esteem as predictors of career decision-making among high school students in Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mpofu, Pamella
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: Career development -- Decision making -- South Africa , High school students -- Social networks -- South Africa , Self-esteem in adolescence
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29495 , vital:77972
- Description: In an ideal scenario, high school students should receive extensive support to aid them in making effective decisions, however, this is not the case with students coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. This study investigated the relationship among social support, self-esteem, and career decision making in a sample of secondary school students from diverse backgrounds in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, to understand the most significant factors influencing career choice among high school students. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This study sought to understand factors that affect career decision making amongst high school students from diverse background in the Eastern Cape. The factors that were considered for their influence in career decision making of the leaners included social support, matric results and self-esteem. To gain this insight, a quantitative research approach was employed where a questionnaire was administered to sample size of 172 respondents from a population size of 700 learners from 10 high schools who attended the career expo. To analyse the data, SPSS version 27.0 was used, where cross-tabulation and standard deviation comparison of the percentage ratings was utilised. MAIN FINDINGS: The primary findings revealed that social support and self-esteem are positively correlated towards students making informed career choices, but validation on the scale and subscale was not established. The study also showed that matric results were not a significant factor in students making their career choice. Parents were found to be less influential in students' career choices with friends being more influential in leaners’ career choices. A majority of students also shown to choose a career out of passion and interest, however, some students ended up settling on a different path due to circumstances such as their matric results being inadequate for the preferred career paths. IMPLICATIONS: The findings suggest that students should receive adequate support and exposure to their career of interest through attendance career guidance sessions well before matriculation for them to make good judgements in career decision making. , Thesis (MCom in IP) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-11
- Authors: Mpofu, Pamella
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: Career development -- Decision making -- South Africa , High school students -- Social networks -- South Africa , Self-esteem in adolescence
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29495 , vital:77972
- Description: In an ideal scenario, high school students should receive extensive support to aid them in making effective decisions, however, this is not the case with students coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. This study investigated the relationship among social support, self-esteem, and career decision making in a sample of secondary school students from diverse backgrounds in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, to understand the most significant factors influencing career choice among high school students. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This study sought to understand factors that affect career decision making amongst high school students from diverse background in the Eastern Cape. The factors that were considered for their influence in career decision making of the leaners included social support, matric results and self-esteem. To gain this insight, a quantitative research approach was employed where a questionnaire was administered to sample size of 172 respondents from a population size of 700 learners from 10 high schools who attended the career expo. To analyse the data, SPSS version 27.0 was used, where cross-tabulation and standard deviation comparison of the percentage ratings was utilised. MAIN FINDINGS: The primary findings revealed that social support and self-esteem are positively correlated towards students making informed career choices, but validation on the scale and subscale was not established. The study also showed that matric results were not a significant factor in students making their career choice. Parents were found to be less influential in students' career choices with friends being more influential in leaners’ career choices. A majority of students also shown to choose a career out of passion and interest, however, some students ended up settling on a different path due to circumstances such as their matric results being inadequate for the preferred career paths. IMPLICATIONS: The findings suggest that students should receive adequate support and exposure to their career of interest through attendance career guidance sessions well before matriculation for them to make good judgements in career decision making. , Thesis (MCom in IP) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-11
The analysis of the impact of financial integration on financial development and economic growth in the Southern African development community
- Ndlovu, Nomusa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7777-2939
- Authors: Ndlovu, Nomusa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7777-2939
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: Economic development -- Finance -- Africa, Southern , Financial services industry -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28650 , vital:74491
- Description: The study investigated the impact of financial integration on financial development and economic growth in the Southern African Development Community using annual data for the period 2000 to 2018. Literature shows that there is no universally accepted measure of financial integration hence the study utilized the Lane and Milesi-Ferretti measure, foreign direct investment as a percentage of GDP and Chinn-Ito (KAOPEN) index in achieving the objectives of the study. One of the main objectives of the study was to examine the impact of financial integration on financial development in the SADC community. The study utilized first difference GMM to achieve this objective and the results showed that Lane and Milesi-Ferretti measure and foreign direct investment as a percentage of GDP significantly affect financial development whilst Chinn-Ito (KAOPEN) index displayed an insignificant effect. The next step was to investigate the impact of financial integration on economic growth in the SADC region. To accomplish this objective, the study investigated both the direct channel as well as the possibility of financial integration indirectly influencing economic growth through financial development, trade openness, and institutional quality. The Three Stage Least Squares (3SLS) technique was utilized on a system of five simultaneous equations in examining the effect of financial integration on economic growth. The results revealed that financial integration affects economic growth both directly and indirectly. Regarding the indirect channels, only the financial development and institutional quality channel proved to be significant. To ensure the robustness of the results the study checked if the impact of financial integration was sensitive to the measure of financial integration and financial development used. The study employed KAOPEN to proxy financial integration while broad money supply (% of GDP) measured financial development. Robustness results confirmed that financial integration affects economic growth both directly and indirectly. This time, the trade openness channel was significant at 10% which shows the benefits through this channel are significant. This shows that the results of the trade openness channel are inconclusive. When the Lane and Milesi-Ferretti measure of financial integration was employed the impact of the trade openness channel was insignificant whilst a significant impact was found based on KAOPEN. The inconclusive findings for the trade openness channel may indicate the impact of financial integration on economic growth depends on the proxy of financial integration utilized. In addition, the study also gathered some interesting results where financial development, institutional quality, trade openness, and government size (government spending) are significant drivers of financial integration. The study makes some fundamental contributions to literature on financial integration, financial development, and economic growth. Initially, the study provides empirical evidence on the nature of the impact of financial integration on financial development in the SADC. In particular, this study contributes to the body of knowledge by showing that the impact of financial integration on financial development is linear. Secondly, this study makes an original contribution to the literature on the channels through which financial integration affect economic growth in the SADC, providing a more subtlety understanding of the mechanisms at play. Finally, the study provides important policy implications for policymakers and financial regulators in the SADC who seek to promote economic growth through financial integration. The findings of the study imply that deeper financial integration is crucial in the SADC region as it can potentially increase the rate of economic growth in the region. Not only economic growth will be boosted but also the institutional quality and the development of the financial sector of the countries in the region. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the governments of the member countries in the region continue to come up with policies that boost regional and international financial integration. The study suggests that to ensure that they continuously reap positive benefits from financial integration, member countries of the SADC should appoint a board that deals with implementation and accountability. This board must be responsible for ensuring that member countries implement the formulated policies and should also hold member countries accountable in case of failure to implement the formulated policies. Since the region is pursuing financial integration, the region must come up with policies that prioritize domestic developments in the form of financial development, improving domestic institutional quality and reducing trade restrictions in advance in order to ensure that preconditions for financial integration are met. Developing these will attract different forms of financial flows or increase financial openness which will ultimately boost economic growth. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-11
- Authors: Ndlovu, Nomusa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7777-2939
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: Economic development -- Finance -- Africa, Southern , Financial services industry -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28650 , vital:74491
- Description: The study investigated the impact of financial integration on financial development and economic growth in the Southern African Development Community using annual data for the period 2000 to 2018. Literature shows that there is no universally accepted measure of financial integration hence the study utilized the Lane and Milesi-Ferretti measure, foreign direct investment as a percentage of GDP and Chinn-Ito (KAOPEN) index in achieving the objectives of the study. One of the main objectives of the study was to examine the impact of financial integration on financial development in the SADC community. The study utilized first difference GMM to achieve this objective and the results showed that Lane and Milesi-Ferretti measure and foreign direct investment as a percentage of GDP significantly affect financial development whilst Chinn-Ito (KAOPEN) index displayed an insignificant effect. The next step was to investigate the impact of financial integration on economic growth in the SADC region. To accomplish this objective, the study investigated both the direct channel as well as the possibility of financial integration indirectly influencing economic growth through financial development, trade openness, and institutional quality. The Three Stage Least Squares (3SLS) technique was utilized on a system of five simultaneous equations in examining the effect of financial integration on economic growth. The results revealed that financial integration affects economic growth both directly and indirectly. Regarding the indirect channels, only the financial development and institutional quality channel proved to be significant. To ensure the robustness of the results the study checked if the impact of financial integration was sensitive to the measure of financial integration and financial development used. The study employed KAOPEN to proxy financial integration while broad money supply (% of GDP) measured financial development. Robustness results confirmed that financial integration affects economic growth both directly and indirectly. This time, the trade openness channel was significant at 10% which shows the benefits through this channel are significant. This shows that the results of the trade openness channel are inconclusive. When the Lane and Milesi-Ferretti measure of financial integration was employed the impact of the trade openness channel was insignificant whilst a significant impact was found based on KAOPEN. The inconclusive findings for the trade openness channel may indicate the impact of financial integration on economic growth depends on the proxy of financial integration utilized. In addition, the study also gathered some interesting results where financial development, institutional quality, trade openness, and government size (government spending) are significant drivers of financial integration. The study makes some fundamental contributions to literature on financial integration, financial development, and economic growth. Initially, the study provides empirical evidence on the nature of the impact of financial integration on financial development in the SADC. In particular, this study contributes to the body of knowledge by showing that the impact of financial integration on financial development is linear. Secondly, this study makes an original contribution to the literature on the channels through which financial integration affect economic growth in the SADC, providing a more subtlety understanding of the mechanisms at play. Finally, the study provides important policy implications for policymakers and financial regulators in the SADC who seek to promote economic growth through financial integration. The findings of the study imply that deeper financial integration is crucial in the SADC region as it can potentially increase the rate of economic growth in the region. Not only economic growth will be boosted but also the institutional quality and the development of the financial sector of the countries in the region. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the governments of the member countries in the region continue to come up with policies that boost regional and international financial integration. The study suggests that to ensure that they continuously reap positive benefits from financial integration, member countries of the SADC should appoint a board that deals with implementation and accountability. This board must be responsible for ensuring that member countries implement the formulated policies and should also hold member countries accountable in case of failure to implement the formulated policies. Since the region is pursuing financial integration, the region must come up with policies that prioritize domestic developments in the form of financial development, improving domestic institutional quality and reducing trade restrictions in advance in order to ensure that preconditions for financial integration are met. Developing these will attract different forms of financial flows or increase financial openness which will ultimately boost economic growth. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-11