Using GIS and remote sensing to map suitable sites for wind farms: a case study of Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape.
- Authors: Gwena, Jay
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Geographic information systems http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh90001880 , Remote sensing http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85112798 , Renewable energy sources http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85112837
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19420 , vital:43082
- Description: Issues relating to energy use, renewable energy introduction and climate change have received a lot of attention from governments throughout the world in the past two decades. Many developing nations like South Africa heavily rely on coal and other non-renewable resources for their production of energy. The processing of the non-renewable resources into secondary energy forms is according to many energy experts a chief contributor to climate change. Climate change is affecting agricultural production in many developing countries that entirely rely on rainfall for their production. The loss in production in South Africa is increasing the level of poverty in low-income earners and unemployed people. Also a lot of households found in rural areas of South Africa have no access to electricity. Electricity in South Africa is generated and distributed by Eskom a state owned company. In April 2008 Eskom failed to meet power demand and started introducing load shedding to maintain and upgrade their power plants. The load shedding stopped for while and was introduced again in 2014 when the power utility faced the challenge of failing to produce power to meet demand again due to problems with their power stations. The ongoing energy provision problems in South Africa can be alleviated by introducing alternative sources like renewable energy. Introduction of renewable energy in poorly developed areas like Nkonkobe Municipality can help households‘ access electricity and reduce load on the national grid. The aim of this study was to locate suitable sites for setting up wind farms in Nkonkobe municipality in South Africa. Wind energy as a resource is abundant in many areas of South Africa and areas to set wind farms for optimum harness of wind power were identified using GIS, remote sensing and multi-criteria decision making techniques. Wind speed, distance from settlements, distance from main roads, distance from national, slope and land use/land cover were chosen as the factors to consider in selecting a suitable site. Data was collected from South Africa Weather Services, University of Fort Hare and online free data sources. Thematic maps for all the factors were developed in ArcGIS and fed into Nkonkobe Municipality database developed for the study. Thematic maps were assigned weights before being overlaid using weighted overlay tool. Weights for the factors were determined using Analytical hierarchy Process‘ pairwise comparison approach. Weighted overlay of the thematic maps produced a map showing suitable areas based on the weight influence of each factor. The output map was compared to results obtained from using Boolean approach and weighted sum method as a way of checking the accuracy of obtained suitable sites. Results showed there are three sites that can be used for setting up wind farms in the study area. , Thesis (MSc) (Applied Remote Sensing and GIS) -- University of Fort Hare, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Gwena, Jay
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Geographic information systems http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh90001880 , Remote sensing http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85112798 , Renewable energy sources http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85112837
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19420 , vital:43082
- Description: Issues relating to energy use, renewable energy introduction and climate change have received a lot of attention from governments throughout the world in the past two decades. Many developing nations like South Africa heavily rely on coal and other non-renewable resources for their production of energy. The processing of the non-renewable resources into secondary energy forms is according to many energy experts a chief contributor to climate change. Climate change is affecting agricultural production in many developing countries that entirely rely on rainfall for their production. The loss in production in South Africa is increasing the level of poverty in low-income earners and unemployed people. Also a lot of households found in rural areas of South Africa have no access to electricity. Electricity in South Africa is generated and distributed by Eskom a state owned company. In April 2008 Eskom failed to meet power demand and started introducing load shedding to maintain and upgrade their power plants. The load shedding stopped for while and was introduced again in 2014 when the power utility faced the challenge of failing to produce power to meet demand again due to problems with their power stations. The ongoing energy provision problems in South Africa can be alleviated by introducing alternative sources like renewable energy. Introduction of renewable energy in poorly developed areas like Nkonkobe Municipality can help households‘ access electricity and reduce load on the national grid. The aim of this study was to locate suitable sites for setting up wind farms in Nkonkobe municipality in South Africa. Wind energy as a resource is abundant in many areas of South Africa and areas to set wind farms for optimum harness of wind power were identified using GIS, remote sensing and multi-criteria decision making techniques. Wind speed, distance from settlements, distance from main roads, distance from national, slope and land use/land cover were chosen as the factors to consider in selecting a suitable site. Data was collected from South Africa Weather Services, University of Fort Hare and online free data sources. Thematic maps for all the factors were developed in ArcGIS and fed into Nkonkobe Municipality database developed for the study. Thematic maps were assigned weights before being overlaid using weighted overlay tool. Weights for the factors were determined using Analytical hierarchy Process‘ pairwise comparison approach. Weighted overlay of the thematic maps produced a map showing suitable areas based on the weight influence of each factor. The output map was compared to results obtained from using Boolean approach and weighted sum method as a way of checking the accuracy of obtained suitable sites. Results showed there are three sites that can be used for setting up wind farms in the study area. , Thesis (MSc) (Applied Remote Sensing and GIS) -- University of Fort Hare, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An evaluation of the impact of communication on service delivery and customer satisfaction in selected municipalities, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Tyembile, Sandiso
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa , Human services , Political participation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26270 , vital:65226
- Description: Local government has a legal obligation and a political responsibility to ensure regular and effective communication with the community. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 1996 and other statutory enactments all impose an obligation on local government communicators and require high levels of transparency, accountability, openness, participatory democracy and direct communication with the communities to improve service delivery and the lives of all. However, this study was to assess the impact of communication on service delivery and customer satisfaction in the selected municipalities in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The research involved the collection of qualitative and quantitative data through simple random and convenience samplings. The data were collected using survey questionnaires, focus groups and in-depth interviews at two municipalities namely; Lukhanji local municipality and Intsika Yethu local municipality. Subsequently, data were analysed using descriptive and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and through thematic analysis. The findings of this study showed that municipal executive, management, supervisors and the citizens or customers value communication in government because it gives support to service delivery and most of the communication programmes are effective. Nevertheless, the findings showed that a lot still needs to be done to improve municipal communication and also ensure more direct engagements and feedback with the communities. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
- Authors: Tyembile, Sandiso
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa , Human services , Political participation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26270 , vital:65226
- Description: Local government has a legal obligation and a political responsibility to ensure regular and effective communication with the community. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 1996 and other statutory enactments all impose an obligation on local government communicators and require high levels of transparency, accountability, openness, participatory democracy and direct communication with the communities to improve service delivery and the lives of all. However, this study was to assess the impact of communication on service delivery and customer satisfaction in the selected municipalities in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The research involved the collection of qualitative and quantitative data through simple random and convenience samplings. The data were collected using survey questionnaires, focus groups and in-depth interviews at two municipalities namely; Lukhanji local municipality and Intsika Yethu local municipality. Subsequently, data were analysed using descriptive and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and through thematic analysis. The findings of this study showed that municipal executive, management, supervisors and the citizens or customers value communication in government because it gives support to service delivery and most of the communication programmes are effective. Nevertheless, the findings showed that a lot still needs to be done to improve municipal communication and also ensure more direct engagements and feedback with the communities. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
Copper dithiocarbamate complexes and copper sulfide nanoparticles : Synthesis, characterization and antifungal studies
- Botha, Nandipha Loveness https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8353-3512
- Authors: Botha, Nandipha Loveness https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8353-3512
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Copper sulfide , Complex compounds , Nanoparticles
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24283 , vital:62598
- Description: Six dithiocarbamate ligands were synthesized from anisidine, aniline, ethyl aniline, butyl amine, morpholine and piperidine and used to synthesize homoleptic copper(II) dithiocarbamate complexes. The ligands and their corresponding complexes were characterized by conductivity measurement, FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The ligands were further characterized using NMR spectroscopy. The electronic spectra of the complexes showed that the coordination geometries around the Cu2+ ion is four coordinate square planar. FTIR spectroscopic studies indicated that the dithiocarbamate ligands are bidentately coordinated to the copper ion through the sulfur atoms with the C-S stretching frequencies changing from two peaks in the ligands to single sharp peaks in the corresponding metal complexes. The complexes were used as single source precursors to synthesize copper sulfide nanoparticles. All the six complexes were thermolysed at 180 oC to prepare copper sulfide nanoparticles and three of them were further thermolysed at 120 oC to study the effects of temperature on size and shape of the nanoparticles. All the nanoparticles were characterized with UV-Vis, PL, XRD, TEM, SEM and EDX. The optical properties of the as-prepared CuS nanoparticles showed that they are quantum confined with absorption band edges that are blue shifted compared to bulk CuS and all the as-prepared CuS nanoparticles showed narrow emission curves. The XRD diffraction patterns were indexed to the hexagonal covellite CuS crystalline phase with estimated particle sizes of 15.8-23.24 nm. These sizes are significantly different from the values, 3.02-98.94 nm obtained from TEM studies. The TEM images also showed nanoparticles with varied shapes with some agglomerations. SEM micrographs showed that the morphologies of the nanoparticles are mostly smooth surfaces and EDX spectra analyses confirmed the formation of the nanoparticles. Thermolysis of three of the complexes at 120 oC confirmed that temperature do affect the optical and structural properties of the CuS nanoparticles. Only three complexes soluble in DMSO were screened for their antimicrobial activity. Three complexes C1, C4 and C5 were screened against four fungi organisms, namely: Candida rugosa, Candida neoformans, Candida albicans and Trychophyton mucoides. All the compounds were promising as shown by the minimum inhibitory concentrations determined. C5 was the most active compound against all the organisms. They were also screened against four bacteria organisms and they were all active but not as they were against fungi organisms. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
- Authors: Botha, Nandipha Loveness https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8353-3512
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Copper sulfide , Complex compounds , Nanoparticles
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24283 , vital:62598
- Description: Six dithiocarbamate ligands were synthesized from anisidine, aniline, ethyl aniline, butyl amine, morpholine and piperidine and used to synthesize homoleptic copper(II) dithiocarbamate complexes. The ligands and their corresponding complexes were characterized by conductivity measurement, FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The ligands were further characterized using NMR spectroscopy. The electronic spectra of the complexes showed that the coordination geometries around the Cu2+ ion is four coordinate square planar. FTIR spectroscopic studies indicated that the dithiocarbamate ligands are bidentately coordinated to the copper ion through the sulfur atoms with the C-S stretching frequencies changing from two peaks in the ligands to single sharp peaks in the corresponding metal complexes. The complexes were used as single source precursors to synthesize copper sulfide nanoparticles. All the six complexes were thermolysed at 180 oC to prepare copper sulfide nanoparticles and three of them were further thermolysed at 120 oC to study the effects of temperature on size and shape of the nanoparticles. All the nanoparticles were characterized with UV-Vis, PL, XRD, TEM, SEM and EDX. The optical properties of the as-prepared CuS nanoparticles showed that they are quantum confined with absorption band edges that are blue shifted compared to bulk CuS and all the as-prepared CuS nanoparticles showed narrow emission curves. The XRD diffraction patterns were indexed to the hexagonal covellite CuS crystalline phase with estimated particle sizes of 15.8-23.24 nm. These sizes are significantly different from the values, 3.02-98.94 nm obtained from TEM studies. The TEM images also showed nanoparticles with varied shapes with some agglomerations. SEM micrographs showed that the morphologies of the nanoparticles are mostly smooth surfaces and EDX spectra analyses confirmed the formation of the nanoparticles. Thermolysis of three of the complexes at 120 oC confirmed that temperature do affect the optical and structural properties of the CuS nanoparticles. Only three complexes soluble in DMSO were screened for their antimicrobial activity. Three complexes C1, C4 and C5 were screened against four fungi organisms, namely: Candida rugosa, Candida neoformans, Candida albicans and Trychophyton mucoides. All the compounds were promising as shown by the minimum inhibitory concentrations determined. C5 was the most active compound against all the organisms. They were also screened against four bacteria organisms and they were all active but not as they were against fungi organisms. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
Implications of the protection of state information bill on government accountability: a critical analysis of governance in post-apartheid South Africa
- Authors: Obi, Maryjane Chukwunyem
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Government accountability , Transparency in government , Post-apartheid era -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25874 , vital:64560
- Description: The study explores the following research questions; the nature of State access to and restriction of information during the apartheid era, the tenets of democratic leadership and good governance in the new dispensation in South Africa and the possible consequences of the Bill in its present form on democratic principles of accountability and transparency in South Africa. In terms of the methodology, the study critically analysed some sections of the Protection of State Information Bill-B6-2010 in relation to the principles of accountability and transparency in a democratic South Africa in accordance to the Bill of Rights enshrined in the Constitution section 32. The study recommends that government could include “public interest clause to the current Bill. This is to ensure that the public are able to play their Constitutional role, in which they are able to hold government accountable for the decisions taken and also help foster a system of government that is accountable, transparent, open, efficient and responsive to the Constitutional needs of the public. In addition, the study also recommends that government should consider the reduction of the period within which information may be declassified. It suggests that it should be reduced from 20 to 10 years in order to ensure that democratic government provides its citizens with information that is timely in making an informed decision in relation to governance. The study further recommends that the appeal process for information before the court of law should be done by an independent judge. This is to ensure that the court of law performs its duties without interference from government representatives and that it carries out its duties in a fair manner as envisaged or enshrined in section 34 of the Constitution in the Bill of Rights. The study further recommends that government should ensure that the current information Bill in the new dispensation should hold the elected delegates appointed by the Head of State accountable. This is to ensure that transparency and accountability is promoted at all level in government. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
- Authors: Obi, Maryjane Chukwunyem
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Government accountability , Transparency in government , Post-apartheid era -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25874 , vital:64560
- Description: The study explores the following research questions; the nature of State access to and restriction of information during the apartheid era, the tenets of democratic leadership and good governance in the new dispensation in South Africa and the possible consequences of the Bill in its present form on democratic principles of accountability and transparency in South Africa. In terms of the methodology, the study critically analysed some sections of the Protection of State Information Bill-B6-2010 in relation to the principles of accountability and transparency in a democratic South Africa in accordance to the Bill of Rights enshrined in the Constitution section 32. The study recommends that government could include “public interest clause to the current Bill. This is to ensure that the public are able to play their Constitutional role, in which they are able to hold government accountable for the decisions taken and also help foster a system of government that is accountable, transparent, open, efficient and responsive to the Constitutional needs of the public. In addition, the study also recommends that government should consider the reduction of the period within which information may be declassified. It suggests that it should be reduced from 20 to 10 years in order to ensure that democratic government provides its citizens with information that is timely in making an informed decision in relation to governance. The study further recommends that the appeal process for information before the court of law should be done by an independent judge. This is to ensure that the court of law performs its duties without interference from government representatives and that it carries out its duties in a fair manner as envisaged or enshrined in section 34 of the Constitution in the Bill of Rights. The study further recommends that government should ensure that the current information Bill in the new dispensation should hold the elected delegates appointed by the Head of State accountable. This is to ensure that transparency and accountability is promoted at all level in government. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
Professional, personal and corporate ethics challenges during infrastructure delivery
- Authors: Dyariwe, Abongile
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53300 , vital:45131
- Description: Purpose of this treatise: This study is aimed at investigating whether there is a lack of professional- and, personal ethics, and a lack of enforcing corporate ethics from the Built environment professionals working for Eskom ECOU. Design/methodology/approach: The research approach used for the study was mainly quantitative. The quantitative methods used were descriptive and non-parametric statistical methods (Kruskal- Wallis Test and Mann-Whitney U Test). The selected sample for the study was categorised as internal stakeholders (i.e. employees that are permanently employed by Eskom) and external stakeholders (i.e. people that are employed by Eskom on a contract basis as quantity surveying, project management and engineering consultants) The scope of the study was to determine whether there are professional-, personal- and corporate ethical challenges in client organisations. A literature review was conducted; and all the relevant literature relating to professional-, personal- and corporate ethics in client organisations was collated, and then used to develop a questionnaire. The questionnaires were distributed to internal and external stakeholders, who were involved during infrastructural delivery in client organisations, in order to acquire different views on ethical perceptions. The data obtained from the questionnaires were analysed, and used to test if the hypotheses were supported or not. Findings: The findings of this study revealed that the demographic profile does not have any significant influence on the ratings of internal and external stakeholders’ perceptions of the lack of professional and personal ethics – or on the enforcement of corporate ethics. Furthermore, this study also revealed that there is no significant difference in the ethical perceptions of internal and external stakeholders, on the enforcement of a professional and corporate ethical culture. Lastly, only in the personal ethics section there is a significant difference in ethical perception. In relation to the statement of the problem, the findings of this study revealed that internal and external stakeholders’ lack of professional- and personal ethics and the enforcement of corporate ethics are largely unknown. Research limitations: This study was limited to only Built environment professionals (including service providers) working for Eskom ECOU. Practical implications: The study revealed that there are ethical challenges in client organisations, even though they might be largely unknown. This clearly shows that construction industry professionals are all susceptible to unethical behaviour. Therefore, Eskom ECOU should refrain from only focusing on unethical behaviour by contractors and consulting firms; and it should also look at the client’s Built environment professionals; because there is evidence that they are also suspect during infrastructural delivery. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology, School of the Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
- Authors: Dyariwe, Abongile
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53300 , vital:45131
- Description: Purpose of this treatise: This study is aimed at investigating whether there is a lack of professional- and, personal ethics, and a lack of enforcing corporate ethics from the Built environment professionals working for Eskom ECOU. Design/methodology/approach: The research approach used for the study was mainly quantitative. The quantitative methods used were descriptive and non-parametric statistical methods (Kruskal- Wallis Test and Mann-Whitney U Test). The selected sample for the study was categorised as internal stakeholders (i.e. employees that are permanently employed by Eskom) and external stakeholders (i.e. people that are employed by Eskom on a contract basis as quantity surveying, project management and engineering consultants) The scope of the study was to determine whether there are professional-, personal- and corporate ethical challenges in client organisations. A literature review was conducted; and all the relevant literature relating to professional-, personal- and corporate ethics in client organisations was collated, and then used to develop a questionnaire. The questionnaires were distributed to internal and external stakeholders, who were involved during infrastructural delivery in client organisations, in order to acquire different views on ethical perceptions. The data obtained from the questionnaires were analysed, and used to test if the hypotheses were supported or not. Findings: The findings of this study revealed that the demographic profile does not have any significant influence on the ratings of internal and external stakeholders’ perceptions of the lack of professional and personal ethics – or on the enforcement of corporate ethics. Furthermore, this study also revealed that there is no significant difference in the ethical perceptions of internal and external stakeholders, on the enforcement of a professional and corporate ethical culture. Lastly, only in the personal ethics section there is a significant difference in ethical perception. In relation to the statement of the problem, the findings of this study revealed that internal and external stakeholders’ lack of professional- and personal ethics and the enforcement of corporate ethics are largely unknown. Research limitations: This study was limited to only Built environment professionals (including service providers) working for Eskom ECOU. Practical implications: The study revealed that there are ethical challenges in client organisations, even though they might be largely unknown. This clearly shows that construction industry professionals are all susceptible to unethical behaviour. Therefore, Eskom ECOU should refrain from only focusing on unethical behaviour by contractors and consulting firms; and it should also look at the client’s Built environment professionals; because there is evidence that they are also suspect during infrastructural delivery. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology, School of the Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
Social protection and secondary education in Zimbabwe: the case of Masvingo District in Masvingo Province
- Authors: Mago, David
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Elementary school dropouts , Zimbabwe -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24554 , vital:63170
- Description: The study sought to examine the role of social protection in reducing school dropouts in secondary education in Masvingo District of Zimbabwe. The study was motivated by the idea that despite the social assistance interventions that are in place, the school dropout phenomenon is still continuing among secondary school learners in the Masvingo District. This was achieved by discussing various programmes delivered by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the government in reducing the number of school dropouts. The thesis also outlined various economic, social and political depressions that affected secondary education since Zimbabwe’s gaining of independence. From 1962 until 1980 the colonial government catered for the European child, this meant that secondary education was difficult to be accessed by blacks. Education maintained a bottleneck structure that favoured whites more than black people. After gaining independence, the Zimbabwe African Union Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) party introduced laws that allowed the black majority an opportunity to proceed with their education. Over the years the number of school dropouts is still increasing. This was curtailed by the introduction of the Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) in 1991 to 1995. The introduction of the SAPs led to the introduction of user fees in education and health. This raised poverty levels which were curtailed by the macroeconomic situation in Zimbabwe. This was beyond the reach of many and led to the increase of school dropouts in Zimbabwe. The major objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of social assistance in the reduction of school dropouts in Zimbabwe. The specific objectives are to analyse the role played by social assistance on the provision of secondary education and reduction of school dropouts and examining the impact of assistance on the education of the girl child. The last objective in the study was to identify a more comprehensive social assistance intervention for the support of secondary education. A more comprehensive social assistance intervention is intervention that provides support to secondary learners that includes among them uniforms, transport food and school fees. The study adopted the qualitative research methodology. The qualitative research methodology was used because it seeks to go deeper in what people experience on day to day activities. In-depth information helps to understand the successes and failures faced by NGOs and government in reducing the number of school dropouts. The study looked at how effective government and NGO assistance has been in reducing the number of school dropouts. Today there are a majority of NGOs, private organisations and government programmes that are working in secondary education assistance in Masvingo District. What matters most is that despite the growing rate of assistance by NGOs, individual help and government assistance the number of school dropouts is still increasing. The study’s theoretical framework is based on the Human rights based approach and the Transformative paradigm. The analysis relates to social assistance programmes focusing on the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) and NGOs and their contribution in reducing the number of school dropouts. From the research findings, the research established the way forward that can be used to reduce the rate of school dropouts in Masvingo District and Zimbabwe at large. Lack of school fees, school uniforms, food and transport are the major causes of school dropouts in Masvingo District. The findings of the study revealed that Zimbabwe’s social assistance programmes are not adequate in reducing the number of school dropouts. The way forward that was proposed in the study in that the assistance to children at secondary education should be holistic approach. NGOs and government should work together to educate parents and children on the importance of secondary education. , Thesis (MSoc Dev.) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
- Authors: Mago, David
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Elementary school dropouts , Zimbabwe -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24554 , vital:63170
- Description: The study sought to examine the role of social protection in reducing school dropouts in secondary education in Masvingo District of Zimbabwe. The study was motivated by the idea that despite the social assistance interventions that are in place, the school dropout phenomenon is still continuing among secondary school learners in the Masvingo District. This was achieved by discussing various programmes delivered by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the government in reducing the number of school dropouts. The thesis also outlined various economic, social and political depressions that affected secondary education since Zimbabwe’s gaining of independence. From 1962 until 1980 the colonial government catered for the European child, this meant that secondary education was difficult to be accessed by blacks. Education maintained a bottleneck structure that favoured whites more than black people. After gaining independence, the Zimbabwe African Union Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) party introduced laws that allowed the black majority an opportunity to proceed with their education. Over the years the number of school dropouts is still increasing. This was curtailed by the introduction of the Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) in 1991 to 1995. The introduction of the SAPs led to the introduction of user fees in education and health. This raised poverty levels which were curtailed by the macroeconomic situation in Zimbabwe. This was beyond the reach of many and led to the increase of school dropouts in Zimbabwe. The major objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of social assistance in the reduction of school dropouts in Zimbabwe. The specific objectives are to analyse the role played by social assistance on the provision of secondary education and reduction of school dropouts and examining the impact of assistance on the education of the girl child. The last objective in the study was to identify a more comprehensive social assistance intervention for the support of secondary education. A more comprehensive social assistance intervention is intervention that provides support to secondary learners that includes among them uniforms, transport food and school fees. The study adopted the qualitative research methodology. The qualitative research methodology was used because it seeks to go deeper in what people experience on day to day activities. In-depth information helps to understand the successes and failures faced by NGOs and government in reducing the number of school dropouts. The study looked at how effective government and NGO assistance has been in reducing the number of school dropouts. Today there are a majority of NGOs, private organisations and government programmes that are working in secondary education assistance in Masvingo District. What matters most is that despite the growing rate of assistance by NGOs, individual help and government assistance the number of school dropouts is still increasing. The study’s theoretical framework is based on the Human rights based approach and the Transformative paradigm. The analysis relates to social assistance programmes focusing on the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) and NGOs and their contribution in reducing the number of school dropouts. From the research findings, the research established the way forward that can be used to reduce the rate of school dropouts in Masvingo District and Zimbabwe at large. Lack of school fees, school uniforms, food and transport are the major causes of school dropouts in Masvingo District. The findings of the study revealed that Zimbabwe’s social assistance programmes are not adequate in reducing the number of school dropouts. The way forward that was proposed in the study in that the assistance to children at secondary education should be holistic approach. NGOs and government should work together to educate parents and children on the importance of secondary education. , Thesis (MSoc Dev.) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
Teachers' experiences of English as the language of teaching and learning: a case study of two primary schools in East London education district
- Authors: Mkohlwa, Tantaswa
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Language and languages , English language -- Study and teaching , Primary school teachers
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26515 , vital:65519
- Description: This study investigates teachers‘ experiences on English as the language of learning and teaching of isiXhosa learners. It critically examines the teachers‘ practices and experiences towards English as the sole language of learning and teaching LOLT at two different primary schools in Ncerha in the East London District in the Eastern Cape. The study is guided by the fact that most learners use their mother tongue isiXhosa in classroom as well as outside classroom contexts. Furthermore, some teachers use the translation method as they code-switch to their home language when teaching content subjects as well as English but learners are expected to answer the test and examination questions in English Maphalala 1988.Theoretically, this study is underpinned by the constructivist view of language learning Gaserfeld 2003 and English as an international language Sivasubramaniam, 2011. On the basis of the ecological and the constructivist approaches to language learning, Sivasubramaniam 2011 p53 views language as a creative instrument of meaning which has the power to create meaning anew and afresh‘ each time that someone uses it. The study makes use of the qualitative research method with a case study design. The data collected was analysed within the framework of discourse analysis.The findings of this study suggest some instrumental motivations for the use of English as LOLT. Some of these motivations are studying abroad, business with foreign investors Abongdia, 2009 and integrative motivations as the learner might be able to communicate with people from different countries Lambert and Gardner, 1972 Baker 2006 and Abongdia 2009. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
- Authors: Mkohlwa, Tantaswa
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Language and languages , English language -- Study and teaching , Primary school teachers
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26515 , vital:65519
- Description: This study investigates teachers‘ experiences on English as the language of learning and teaching of isiXhosa learners. It critically examines the teachers‘ practices and experiences towards English as the sole language of learning and teaching LOLT at two different primary schools in Ncerha in the East London District in the Eastern Cape. The study is guided by the fact that most learners use their mother tongue isiXhosa in classroom as well as outside classroom contexts. Furthermore, some teachers use the translation method as they code-switch to their home language when teaching content subjects as well as English but learners are expected to answer the test and examination questions in English Maphalala 1988.Theoretically, this study is underpinned by the constructivist view of language learning Gaserfeld 2003 and English as an international language Sivasubramaniam, 2011. On the basis of the ecological and the constructivist approaches to language learning, Sivasubramaniam 2011 p53 views language as a creative instrument of meaning which has the power to create meaning anew and afresh‘ each time that someone uses it. The study makes use of the qualitative research method with a case study design. The data collected was analysed within the framework of discourse analysis.The findings of this study suggest some instrumental motivations for the use of English as LOLT. Some of these motivations are studying abroad, business with foreign investors Abongdia, 2009 and integrative motivations as the learner might be able to communicate with people from different countries Lambert and Gardner, 1972 Baker 2006 and Abongdia 2009. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
The four flows model and organising: a case study of the grounding programme at the University of Fort Hare
- Dube, Nomzamo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9873-6566
- Authors: Dube, Nomzamo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9873-6566
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Communication in organizations , Organizational behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24739 , vital:63538
- Description: The research focuses on McPhee and Zaug (2000)’s four flows model prevalent in the Communicative Constitution of Organisation (CCO) school of thought to explicate its applicability in the organisation of the Grounding Programme, a compulsory trans-disciplinary first year programme at Fort Hare University. This thesis diverts emphasis from studying organisation as a noun to Karl Weick (1979)’s view of seeing organisation as a verb, shifting emphasis to the term organising, thus looking at organisation as an on-going process not as an entity. The theoretical basis of the research is Giddens’ structuration theory which attempts to offer a conceptual stability to the friction of employees’ compelling needs for freedom and the organisational rules and policies. The structuration theory is foundational to the CCO perspective which gave birth to the four flows model, therefore perfectly ideal for the purpose of the study. Research methods used in this study are open ended interviews, participant observation and document examination. These complement each other and impeccable for this study. Upon intersecting the four flows model and the Grounding Programme, it came to light that the model was formed out of a series of models and theories, the weaknesses of each model or theory perpetuates to the next hence causing series of problems. Unsolved issues of the structuration theory perpetuates to the CCO which in the long-run extend to the four flows model. Findings also show that the inadequacies of one communicative flow of the four flows model affect the other flows hence it is sometimes difficult to track how the actual problem began. Again, not all flows are relevant for organisational purposes. In spite of McPhee and Zaug’s attempt to narrow the model into four distinct flows, the model still remains incomprehensive and has loopholes when linked to a particular organisation because organisations are different. However, McPhee and Zaug’s model ought to be credited for its successes too, which are outlined in the thesis. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
- Authors: Dube, Nomzamo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9873-6566
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Communication in organizations , Organizational behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24739 , vital:63538
- Description: The research focuses on McPhee and Zaug (2000)’s four flows model prevalent in the Communicative Constitution of Organisation (CCO) school of thought to explicate its applicability in the organisation of the Grounding Programme, a compulsory trans-disciplinary first year programme at Fort Hare University. This thesis diverts emphasis from studying organisation as a noun to Karl Weick (1979)’s view of seeing organisation as a verb, shifting emphasis to the term organising, thus looking at organisation as an on-going process not as an entity. The theoretical basis of the research is Giddens’ structuration theory which attempts to offer a conceptual stability to the friction of employees’ compelling needs for freedom and the organisational rules and policies. The structuration theory is foundational to the CCO perspective which gave birth to the four flows model, therefore perfectly ideal for the purpose of the study. Research methods used in this study are open ended interviews, participant observation and document examination. These complement each other and impeccable for this study. Upon intersecting the four flows model and the Grounding Programme, it came to light that the model was formed out of a series of models and theories, the weaknesses of each model or theory perpetuates to the next hence causing series of problems. Unsolved issues of the structuration theory perpetuates to the CCO which in the long-run extend to the four flows model. Findings also show that the inadequacies of one communicative flow of the four flows model affect the other flows hence it is sometimes difficult to track how the actual problem began. Again, not all flows are relevant for organisational purposes. In spite of McPhee and Zaug’s attempt to narrow the model into four distinct flows, the model still remains incomprehensive and has loopholes when linked to a particular organisation because organisations are different. However, McPhee and Zaug’s model ought to be credited for its successes too, which are outlined in the thesis. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
An assessment of the role played by social protection in addressing poverty and vulnerability in Zimbabwe: the case of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Daitai, Joseph
- Date: 2014-12
- Subjects: Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Zimbabwe -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25983 , vital:64639
- Description: The focus of this study was based on the role played by social protection programs to alleviate poverty. This was achieved through analyzing generally the various social assistance programs delivered by both the government and the non-governmental organizations in trying to alleviate the scourge of wide spread poverty in Zimbabwe. The study also clearly outlined the endless list of various factors that contributed to some economic depressions and recessions that affected the country ever since the dawn of new Zimbabwe at independence in April of 1980. This study places social protection within the wider context of social assistance and relates to both concepts to poverty alleviation and wellbeing of the Zimbabwean citizens. The research made use of one of the major approaches in social science which is the qualitative method. The use of qualitative technique reflects an attempt to ensure an in-depth understanding of the phenomena under study, that is, to understand the successes and challenges faced by the government and non-governmental organizations in alleviating poverty.The study adopted a qualitative research methodology and mainly desktop approach was used meaning that data used was obtained from secondary sources whereby already exciting data within the area of social protection is analyzed and a conclusion is reached. This paper analyses the field of social protection, viewed within the broader concept of social assistance programs. The analysis relates both social protection and social assistance programs focusing on the (WFP) programs of Vulnerable group Feeding (VGF) and the government of Zimbabwe’s Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), their contribution to poverty alleviation. This study widens the focus from conventional narrowly defined elements of social protection to a broader interpretation which emphasizes the interface between social protection and its contribution to poverty alleviation. The linkage to poverty alleviation is also thoroughly discussed; various government and nongovernmental interventions have been also discussed where appropriate. The study also argues that many forms of socio-economic vulnerability need to be addressed from the central level to the grassroots level and also that local institutional structures are very crucial in the successful design, implementation and monitoring of these interventions. The study also suggested a possible government social protection framework that can be implemented by the government in order to achieve remarkable change and achievement in the social protection field. Recommendations were also given as the way forward for the proper and positive existence of social protection in Zimbabwe. In the theoretical framework, the study used two theories as the back bone of the study; the Capability approach and the State Welfare theory. The findings of the study revealed that in Zimbabwe, there are quite a number of social assistance programs underway but the problems discovered are that the coverage of the programs is very much inadequate and unequal hence larger percentages of citizens in the country remain unattended to, the government does not have strong financial muscles to implement successful assistance programs, political interferences also hinder success of the programs implemented by non-state organizations and also a poor grass root involvement in these programs makes them fail to achieve their purpose. , Thesis (MSoc Dev) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-12
- Authors: Daitai, Joseph
- Date: 2014-12
- Subjects: Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Zimbabwe -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25983 , vital:64639
- Description: The focus of this study was based on the role played by social protection programs to alleviate poverty. This was achieved through analyzing generally the various social assistance programs delivered by both the government and the non-governmental organizations in trying to alleviate the scourge of wide spread poverty in Zimbabwe. The study also clearly outlined the endless list of various factors that contributed to some economic depressions and recessions that affected the country ever since the dawn of new Zimbabwe at independence in April of 1980. This study places social protection within the wider context of social assistance and relates to both concepts to poverty alleviation and wellbeing of the Zimbabwean citizens. The research made use of one of the major approaches in social science which is the qualitative method. The use of qualitative technique reflects an attempt to ensure an in-depth understanding of the phenomena under study, that is, to understand the successes and challenges faced by the government and non-governmental organizations in alleviating poverty.The study adopted a qualitative research methodology and mainly desktop approach was used meaning that data used was obtained from secondary sources whereby already exciting data within the area of social protection is analyzed and a conclusion is reached. This paper analyses the field of social protection, viewed within the broader concept of social assistance programs. The analysis relates both social protection and social assistance programs focusing on the (WFP) programs of Vulnerable group Feeding (VGF) and the government of Zimbabwe’s Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), their contribution to poverty alleviation. This study widens the focus from conventional narrowly defined elements of social protection to a broader interpretation which emphasizes the interface between social protection and its contribution to poverty alleviation. The linkage to poverty alleviation is also thoroughly discussed; various government and nongovernmental interventions have been also discussed where appropriate. The study also argues that many forms of socio-economic vulnerability need to be addressed from the central level to the grassroots level and also that local institutional structures are very crucial in the successful design, implementation and monitoring of these interventions. The study also suggested a possible government social protection framework that can be implemented by the government in order to achieve remarkable change and achievement in the social protection field. Recommendations were also given as the way forward for the proper and positive existence of social protection in Zimbabwe. In the theoretical framework, the study used two theories as the back bone of the study; the Capability approach and the State Welfare theory. The findings of the study revealed that in Zimbabwe, there are quite a number of social assistance programs underway but the problems discovered are that the coverage of the programs is very much inadequate and unequal hence larger percentages of citizens in the country remain unattended to, the government does not have strong financial muscles to implement successful assistance programs, political interferences also hinder success of the programs implemented by non-state organizations and also a poor grass root involvement in these programs makes them fail to achieve their purpose. , Thesis (MSoc Dev) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-12
An evaluation of the impact of social media on youth political participation in South Africa's 2014 general election: the case of Fort Hare students
- Authors: Mhlomi, Yolisa
- Date: 2014-12
- Subjects: Political participation -- South Africa , Elections -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa Maps
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26255 , vital:65225
- Description: The aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact that social media had on influencing youths to engage in political and civic participation in the campaigning for and national elections of 2014, South Africa. Different views may impact on the implementation and use of social networking sites for politics. Youths consist of a larger population in the country but young people are also considered to be apathetic in political activities. However, it is essential to understand the perceptions of youth as this strategy was implemented especially to reach out to them, as they are the beneficiaries of the democratic system as well as future leaders of the country. Using the quantitative method, 200 questionnaires were distributed to the respondents in the University of Fort Hare and analysed by the researcher. The results of the study show that, youth are not entirely apathetic to politics and the use of social media for campaigning was seen as having a positive impact on voters because it managed to shift some youth’s perspectives about voting and how important it is for them to participate in the electoral process. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-12
- Authors: Mhlomi, Yolisa
- Date: 2014-12
- Subjects: Political participation -- South Africa , Elections -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa Maps
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26255 , vital:65225
- Description: The aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact that social media had on influencing youths to engage in political and civic participation in the campaigning for and national elections of 2014, South Africa. Different views may impact on the implementation and use of social networking sites for politics. Youths consist of a larger population in the country but young people are also considered to be apathetic in political activities. However, it is essential to understand the perceptions of youth as this strategy was implemented especially to reach out to them, as they are the beneficiaries of the democratic system as well as future leaders of the country. Using the quantitative method, 200 questionnaires were distributed to the respondents in the University of Fort Hare and analysed by the researcher. The results of the study show that, youth are not entirely apathetic to politics and the use of social media for campaigning was seen as having a positive impact on voters because it managed to shift some youth’s perspectives about voting and how important it is for them to participate in the electoral process. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-12
Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and employee engagement in a leading South African car rental company
- Authors: Mtati, Yanela
- Date: 2014-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53330 , vital:45134
- Description: The car rental industry in South Africa is a highly competitive sector. The industry’s players are constantly faced with the challenge of finding ways in which to enhance their competitiveness. One of the most important challenges for organisations operating in this industry is to deliver the best service to their customers, hence ensuring they retain customer loyalty, growth and securing future profitability. While a number of competitors may rely on various competitive strategies such as lower prices, it could become increasingly challenging for others to adopt similar approaches without comprising profitability. To overcome this challenge, together with Barloworld, Avis has implemented various employment engagement strategies with the aim of attracting, empowering, and retaining an engaged workforce. Research has shown that employees provide organisations with sustainable competitive advantage. More specifically, it has shown that engaged employees outperform disengaged employees. The differentiating factor for organisations in the pursuit of competitive advantage would therefore be an engaged workforce. In order to remain competitive, Avis realised that their employees area source of competitive advantage. In the year 2013, Avis packaged and introduced EVP as a human resources strategy towards winning an engaged workforce. Some of the objectives for taking on this strategy were to increase job satisfaction and motivation amongst employees and thus result in higher job performance. The main purpose of this study was to measure the impact that the introduction of EVP had on employee engagement at Avis. Introducing a structured EVP plan within this organisation was aimed to increase employee engagement and thus, this study aimed to measure the impact of this intervention. A literature review was conducted to expand on the various definitions of EVP, employee engagement and the elements that influence and impact these variables. This research revealed that engaged employees make positive contributions to key business outcomes such as financial performance, productivity and customer satisfaction. An empirical study was conducted by means of a survey with a questionnaire as data collecting tool. The purpose of the structured questionnaire was to validate the findings obtained from the theoretical overview and to assess employees’ perceptions of the EVP elements, engagement factors and the impact of engagement on the organisational success. The population comprised of 142employeesand 65% a response rate was obtained. The key findings of the study indicated that in general employees are engaged and committed to the vision of the organisation. It also indicated that the introduction of EVP improved the manner in which employees’ viewed their leaders and created a leadership culture that was conducive to the success of the organisation. Furthermore, the study validated the existence of a strong positive relationship between EVP, employee motivation, leadership culture, employee retention, compensation and employee engagement. This study provided direction and feedback in the organisation’s attempt to improve engagement levels and ultimately in the pursuit of competitive advantage. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMMU Business School, 2014.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-12
- Authors: Mtati, Yanela
- Date: 2014-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53330 , vital:45134
- Description: The car rental industry in South Africa is a highly competitive sector. The industry’s players are constantly faced with the challenge of finding ways in which to enhance their competitiveness. One of the most important challenges for organisations operating in this industry is to deliver the best service to their customers, hence ensuring they retain customer loyalty, growth and securing future profitability. While a number of competitors may rely on various competitive strategies such as lower prices, it could become increasingly challenging for others to adopt similar approaches without comprising profitability. To overcome this challenge, together with Barloworld, Avis has implemented various employment engagement strategies with the aim of attracting, empowering, and retaining an engaged workforce. Research has shown that employees provide organisations with sustainable competitive advantage. More specifically, it has shown that engaged employees outperform disengaged employees. The differentiating factor for organisations in the pursuit of competitive advantage would therefore be an engaged workforce. In order to remain competitive, Avis realised that their employees area source of competitive advantage. In the year 2013, Avis packaged and introduced EVP as a human resources strategy towards winning an engaged workforce. Some of the objectives for taking on this strategy were to increase job satisfaction and motivation amongst employees and thus result in higher job performance. The main purpose of this study was to measure the impact that the introduction of EVP had on employee engagement at Avis. Introducing a structured EVP plan within this organisation was aimed to increase employee engagement and thus, this study aimed to measure the impact of this intervention. A literature review was conducted to expand on the various definitions of EVP, employee engagement and the elements that influence and impact these variables. This research revealed that engaged employees make positive contributions to key business outcomes such as financial performance, productivity and customer satisfaction. An empirical study was conducted by means of a survey with a questionnaire as data collecting tool. The purpose of the structured questionnaire was to validate the findings obtained from the theoretical overview and to assess employees’ perceptions of the EVP elements, engagement factors and the impact of engagement on the organisational success. The population comprised of 142employeesand 65% a response rate was obtained. The key findings of the study indicated that in general employees are engaged and committed to the vision of the organisation. It also indicated that the introduction of EVP improved the manner in which employees’ viewed their leaders and created a leadership culture that was conducive to the success of the organisation. Furthermore, the study validated the existence of a strong positive relationship between EVP, employee motivation, leadership culture, employee retention, compensation and employee engagement. This study provided direction and feedback in the organisation’s attempt to improve engagement levels and ultimately in the pursuit of competitive advantage. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMMU Business School, 2014.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-12
The use of a rapid incineration field test for determining soil organic carbon in the Southern Cape Region
- Authors: Ackhurst, Albert Arthur
- Date: 2014-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53336 , vital:45135
- Description: Knowledge of soil organic carbon levels is important both for agricultural effectiveness and soil carbon sequestration accounting, especially against the backdrop of increased climate change impacts and pressure on food production landscapes. However, current methods for soil carbon determination are expensive, energy intensive, time consuming and potentially hazardous leading to a call for alternative methods, which should be cheap, fast, simple, accurate, safe and usable where resources and soil analysis laboratories are limited. To this end the student invented a novel rapid incineration field test (RIFT) for determining soil organic carbon and tested its validity in this study. This method incorporates principles found in dry combustion as well as loss-on-ignition and quantifying organic carbon through gravimetric analysis. In order to illustrate effectiveness and accuracy it was necessary to correlate RIFT with a reference method, in this instance dry combustion with a Leco device as well as another commonly used indirect method namely the Walkley-Black wet chemical oxidation method. Samples from eleven soil forms were collected from the Southern Cape region and they were subjected to the three testing methods. It was found that RIFT is indeed as effective and in 72% of the soil forms even more effective than Walkley-Black. Furthermore, it was ascertained whether the accuracy of RIFT can be improved by correcting for clay content. The correlation of RIFT with clay % was not very significant and clay % as a variable was therefore not used in this study to obtain further refinement of RIFT predictions. Another finding was also that RIFT illustrated less variability than both the Leco and Walkley-Black methods. Lastly it was ascertained that the RIFT device and methodology is indeed cost effective, energy efficient, fast and safe in terms of the need to use potentially hazardous chemicals. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-12
- Authors: Ackhurst, Albert Arthur
- Date: 2014-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53336 , vital:45135
- Description: Knowledge of soil organic carbon levels is important both for agricultural effectiveness and soil carbon sequestration accounting, especially against the backdrop of increased climate change impacts and pressure on food production landscapes. However, current methods for soil carbon determination are expensive, energy intensive, time consuming and potentially hazardous leading to a call for alternative methods, which should be cheap, fast, simple, accurate, safe and usable where resources and soil analysis laboratories are limited. To this end the student invented a novel rapid incineration field test (RIFT) for determining soil organic carbon and tested its validity in this study. This method incorporates principles found in dry combustion as well as loss-on-ignition and quantifying organic carbon through gravimetric analysis. In order to illustrate effectiveness and accuracy it was necessary to correlate RIFT with a reference method, in this instance dry combustion with a Leco device as well as another commonly used indirect method namely the Walkley-Black wet chemical oxidation method. Samples from eleven soil forms were collected from the Southern Cape region and they were subjected to the three testing methods. It was found that RIFT is indeed as effective and in 72% of the soil forms even more effective than Walkley-Black. Furthermore, it was ascertained whether the accuracy of RIFT can be improved by correcting for clay content. The correlation of RIFT with clay % was not very significant and clay % as a variable was therefore not used in this study to obtain further refinement of RIFT predictions. Another finding was also that RIFT illustrated less variability than both the Leco and Walkley-Black methods. Lastly it was ascertained that the RIFT device and methodology is indeed cost effective, energy efficient, fast and safe in terms of the need to use potentially hazardous chemicals. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-12
WAIS-IV test performance in the South African context: a comparison between existing grade 12 WAIS-III norms with grade 12 WAIS-IV for populations that were educated in former-DET schools
- Klopper, Coenraad Christoffel
- Authors: Klopper, Coenraad Christoffel
- Date: 2014-12
- Subjects: Intelligence tests , Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale , Psychological tests
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25891 , vital:64561
- Description: Accurate IQ assessment in the field of psychology is a constant pursuit and an ethical requirement in the field of psychology. In the South African cross cultural context, the use of within group norms are very important in order to improve the accuracy and interpretive value of psychometric tests. This is due to differences between cultural groups in South Africa in terms of IQ test performance of which the biggest mediating factor is quality of education. Shuttleworth-Edwards et al. (2013), performed cross cultural normative research on the WAIS-III in which participants were stringently stratified for age, level of education, quality of education, race and language. The current study is a partial duplication of the WAIS-III normative study by Shuttleworth-Edwards et al. (2013). The sub-group in that study that indicated the most significant lowering relative to the US/UK standardisation of the WAIS-III was duplicated in this study and tested with the WAIS-IV. This group included participants stratified for race (Black South African), language (Xhosa speaking), level of education (Grade 12) and quality of education (previous Department of Education and Training (former-DET) schools). The WAIS-IV results of the current study were statistically compared with the WAIS-III results from Shuttleworth-Edwards et al. (2013). No statistically significant differences were found between the WAIS-III test performance and WAIS-IV test performance in terms of scaled score comparisons, index score comparisons and full scale index comparisons. Further comparisons were made between male and female and urban and rural participants. Significant differences were found between males and females on the verbal comprehension index. No significant differences were found between the urban and rural participants. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-12
- Authors: Klopper, Coenraad Christoffel
- Date: 2014-12
- Subjects: Intelligence tests , Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale , Psychological tests
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25891 , vital:64561
- Description: Accurate IQ assessment in the field of psychology is a constant pursuit and an ethical requirement in the field of psychology. In the South African cross cultural context, the use of within group norms are very important in order to improve the accuracy and interpretive value of psychometric tests. This is due to differences between cultural groups in South Africa in terms of IQ test performance of which the biggest mediating factor is quality of education. Shuttleworth-Edwards et al. (2013), performed cross cultural normative research on the WAIS-III in which participants were stringently stratified for age, level of education, quality of education, race and language. The current study is a partial duplication of the WAIS-III normative study by Shuttleworth-Edwards et al. (2013). The sub-group in that study that indicated the most significant lowering relative to the US/UK standardisation of the WAIS-III was duplicated in this study and tested with the WAIS-IV. This group included participants stratified for race (Black South African), language (Xhosa speaking), level of education (Grade 12) and quality of education (previous Department of Education and Training (former-DET) schools). The WAIS-IV results of the current study were statistically compared with the WAIS-III results from Shuttleworth-Edwards et al. (2013). No statistically significant differences were found between the WAIS-III test performance and WAIS-IV test performance in terms of scaled score comparisons, index score comparisons and full scale index comparisons. Further comparisons were made between male and female and urban and rural participants. Significant differences were found between males and females on the verbal comprehension index. No significant differences were found between the urban and rural participants. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-12
An assessment of electronic-governance as a support system for service delivery in the public sector
- Maramura, Tafadzwa Clementine https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4419-1887
- Authors: Maramura, Tafadzwa Clementine https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4419-1887
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Civil service -- South Africa , Electronic government information , Internet in public administration
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26053 , vital:64786
- Description: This is an exploratory research that is aimed at assessing the role of e-governance tools and initiatives on how they can be support systems for service delivery in the public service sector. The rationale of this research came as a response to the ever increasing and recurring service delivery protests that are underpinning the Government of South Africa. Hence the inception of electronic-governance (e-governance) comes at the right time with the aim of mordernising and reforming the public sector for efficient and effective service delivery. E-governance is about transforming governance to be more citizens centered and thus technology is the tool in this effort which can enable change in how the government works and how public officials interact with the public at stake. Cloete (2012:128) asserts that e-governance is the future of public governance and public service delivery globally. Thus governments that do not make the transition from paper-based systems of public administration to electronic platforms of public service delivery may swiftly undermine their chances of developing their societies as 21st century information societies. This research however does not imply that e-governance will be a miraculous panacea to poor service provision in South Africa, but it implies that its role in the public service sector can be as a support system for efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery. This is coupled by the research findings which are espoused on through a secondary data approach and thematically analysed to assess the role of e-governance as a support system on service delivery in the public service sector. Thus from the literature it is remarkable to acknowledge that the South African public service sector has successfully established and implemented a significant number of e-governance initiatives from 1994 to present day. Simultaneously to reveal how e-governance can be a support system for the public service, it is not one-dimensional, it is however multidimensional and thereby cutting across the entire field of public administration inter alia the public service sector. The already initiated e-governance tools in South Africa also range from national, provincial and municipal level thereby clearly revealing how e-governance can also be a support system to cooperative governance and intergovernmental relations inter alia. This research does not imply that e-governance can be a panacea to the public service sector ills but however with the fast moving techno-global world the move to an ICT driven public service sector has more merits than demerits to the general public who are at the receiving end of public services. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-11
An assessment of electronic-governance as a support system for service delivery in the public sector
- Authors: Maramura, Tafadzwa Clementine https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4419-1887
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Civil service -- South Africa , Electronic government information , Internet in public administration
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26053 , vital:64786
- Description: This is an exploratory research that is aimed at assessing the role of e-governance tools and initiatives on how they can be support systems for service delivery in the public service sector. The rationale of this research came as a response to the ever increasing and recurring service delivery protests that are underpinning the Government of South Africa. Hence the inception of electronic-governance (e-governance) comes at the right time with the aim of mordernising and reforming the public sector for efficient and effective service delivery. E-governance is about transforming governance to be more citizens centered and thus technology is the tool in this effort which can enable change in how the government works and how public officials interact with the public at stake. Cloete (2012:128) asserts that e-governance is the future of public governance and public service delivery globally. Thus governments that do not make the transition from paper-based systems of public administration to electronic platforms of public service delivery may swiftly undermine their chances of developing their societies as 21st century information societies. This research however does not imply that e-governance will be a miraculous panacea to poor service provision in South Africa, but it implies that its role in the public service sector can be as a support system for efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery. This is coupled by the research findings which are espoused on through a secondary data approach and thematically analysed to assess the role of e-governance as a support system on service delivery in the public service sector. Thus from the literature it is remarkable to acknowledge that the South African public service sector has successfully established and implemented a significant number of e-governance initiatives from 1994 to present day. Simultaneously to reveal how e-governance can be a support system for the public service, it is not one-dimensional, it is however multidimensional and thereby cutting across the entire field of public administration inter alia the public service sector. The already initiated e-governance tools in South Africa also range from national, provincial and municipal level thereby clearly revealing how e-governance can also be a support system to cooperative governance and intergovernmental relations inter alia. This research does not imply that e-governance can be a panacea to the public service sector ills but however with the fast moving techno-global world the move to an ICT driven public service sector has more merits than demerits to the general public who are at the receiving end of public services. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-11
An investigation of poverty as a contributory factor to sexual risk-taking behaviour among female adolescent scholars: a case study of Mbuzini Village Mpumalanga province
- Authors: Mahlalela, Vusi Zakhele
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Risk-taking (Psychology) in adolescence , Sexually transmitted diseases , College students -- Sexual behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26548 , vital:65584
- Description: The study investigated poverty as a contributory factor to risky sexual behaviour among female adolescent scholars. A qualitative approach was employed in this study, which was carried out among 27 participants, 21 of whom were females between the ages of 14 and 27 years. 6 of whom were drawn from the ranks of social workers, community development practitioners, community leaders and parents who formed the school governing body. Non- probability sampling methods and purposive sampling techniques were employed to select the sample. The data was collected by means of one-to-one in-depth interviews and a once-off focus group discussion. The findings of the study revealed that most of the participants were sexually active: only one was sexually inactive and some had children. The study also found that some of the participants received money from their sexual partners. These findings are discussed in the conclusion to the study and appropriate recommendations are made. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-11
- Authors: Mahlalela, Vusi Zakhele
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Risk-taking (Psychology) in adolescence , Sexually transmitted diseases , College students -- Sexual behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26548 , vital:65584
- Description: The study investigated poverty as a contributory factor to risky sexual behaviour among female adolescent scholars. A qualitative approach was employed in this study, which was carried out among 27 participants, 21 of whom were females between the ages of 14 and 27 years. 6 of whom were drawn from the ranks of social workers, community development practitioners, community leaders and parents who formed the school governing body. Non- probability sampling methods and purposive sampling techniques were employed to select the sample. The data was collected by means of one-to-one in-depth interviews and a once-off focus group discussion. The findings of the study revealed that most of the participants were sexually active: only one was sexually inactive and some had children. The study also found that some of the participants received money from their sexual partners. These findings are discussed in the conclusion to the study and appropriate recommendations are made. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-11
Exploring the usefulness of learning management system (LMS) in higher education learning development at a historically disadvantaged Eastern Cape University
- Authors: Holmberg, Lorraine
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Instructional systems--Management , Education, Higher--Management , Universities and colleges--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24216 , vital:62443
- Description: This case study aims to explore how using a Learning Management System (LMS*) to mediate learning, impacts learning development (LD) at a historically disadvantaged university (HDU) in the Eastern Cape (EC). Massification and the technological revolution have together changed the way that teaching and learning takes place, more especially in higher education institutions (HEI). Due to the increased demand for higher education (HE), computers have been used to mediate the learning space, altering the skills teachers and learners are required to have. The LMS under exploration provides a multitude of tools for managing both administrative and academic tasks. This study has drawn extensively from the framework of Activity Theory (AT), and Vygotsky’s theory of learning development to develop understandings and guide data analysis in preparation for discussion and for conclusions to be drawn. The study mostly investigated student interaction patterns with the various tools of the LMS in an effort to determine how these activities impact learning development. A mixed methods approach was used to address data that was automatically generated by the LMS; quantitative analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics was applied to numeric data, while thematic analysis was applied to textual data obtained from the threaded discussion that transpired between members of the learning community. Findings show the impact which context has on learner development and how, unless all the tools of the LMS are formally integrated for learning purposes, learners can become distracted by the functions these tools offer. This in particular pertains to learners struggling to integrate and assimilate new information. Further to this, the discussion tools serve social purposes, and have the potential to benefit constructionist learning principles, on condition that activity on the tools is structured and has clear outcomes. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-11
- Authors: Holmberg, Lorraine
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Instructional systems--Management , Education, Higher--Management , Universities and colleges--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24216 , vital:62443
- Description: This case study aims to explore how using a Learning Management System (LMS*) to mediate learning, impacts learning development (LD) at a historically disadvantaged university (HDU) in the Eastern Cape (EC). Massification and the technological revolution have together changed the way that teaching and learning takes place, more especially in higher education institutions (HEI). Due to the increased demand for higher education (HE), computers have been used to mediate the learning space, altering the skills teachers and learners are required to have. The LMS under exploration provides a multitude of tools for managing both administrative and academic tasks. This study has drawn extensively from the framework of Activity Theory (AT), and Vygotsky’s theory of learning development to develop understandings and guide data analysis in preparation for discussion and for conclusions to be drawn. The study mostly investigated student interaction patterns with the various tools of the LMS in an effort to determine how these activities impact learning development. A mixed methods approach was used to address data that was automatically generated by the LMS; quantitative analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics was applied to numeric data, while thematic analysis was applied to textual data obtained from the threaded discussion that transpired between members of the learning community. Findings show the impact which context has on learner development and how, unless all the tools of the LMS are formally integrated for learning purposes, learners can become distracted by the functions these tools offer. This in particular pertains to learners struggling to integrate and assimilate new information. Further to this, the discussion tools serve social purposes, and have the potential to benefit constructionist learning principles, on condition that activity on the tools is structured and has clear outcomes. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-11
The effectiveness of business incubators in enhancing growth, survival and performance of small, medium and micro enterprises in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Sarakunze, Annie.
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Economic development -- South Africa , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26786 , vital:66005
- Description: In both developed and developing countries, the growth of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise sector is considered an important factor in boosting the economic well-being of a country. The governments of many countries play a basic role in creating policies and programmes which support the growth of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises. One of the initiatives used by the governments to nurture small businesses is business incubation.This study investigated the effectiveness of business incubators in enhancing growth, survival and performance of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in selected areas of the Eastern Cape Province. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of business incubation on the performance of SMMEs, determine the impact of business incubation on the growth of the SMME, to assess the impact of business incubation on the survival of the SMMEs and to investigate whether SMMEs are satisfied with the role of business incubators in their areas.This study employed a stratified simple random sampling technique. The population was first divided into six homogeneous strata and then simple random sampling was then employed. The self-administered questionnaires were then distributed into each and every stratum randomly. Simple random sampling was used because it enabled each and every member in the strata to have an equal chance of being selected. Owners, managers and employees were used as respondents in this study and a total sample of 200 SMMEs answered the questionnaire. The study followed a quantitative research design as it involved variables such as growth, firm performance and survival which have measures that involves the use of figures such as sales, number of employees and total value of assets. The data was analysed by Anova, Pearson Chi-Square and T-test statistical methods in order to arrive at findings and conclusions. Based on the findings from this survey it was found that business incubators are effective in enhancing growth, survival and performance of SMMEs. Although other researchers found that there are no significant variations in growth, survival and performance of incubated and non-incubated businesses, this study however recognizes the importance of business incubation to SMMEs. This study concurs with most findings by many researchers of business incubation and thus recommends vigorous business incubation awareness to the SMMEs and networking. , Thesis (MBm) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-11
- Authors: Sarakunze, Annie.
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Economic development -- South Africa , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26786 , vital:66005
- Description: In both developed and developing countries, the growth of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise sector is considered an important factor in boosting the economic well-being of a country. The governments of many countries play a basic role in creating policies and programmes which support the growth of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises. One of the initiatives used by the governments to nurture small businesses is business incubation.This study investigated the effectiveness of business incubators in enhancing growth, survival and performance of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in selected areas of the Eastern Cape Province. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of business incubation on the performance of SMMEs, determine the impact of business incubation on the growth of the SMME, to assess the impact of business incubation on the survival of the SMMEs and to investigate whether SMMEs are satisfied with the role of business incubators in their areas.This study employed a stratified simple random sampling technique. The population was first divided into six homogeneous strata and then simple random sampling was then employed. The self-administered questionnaires were then distributed into each and every stratum randomly. Simple random sampling was used because it enabled each and every member in the strata to have an equal chance of being selected. Owners, managers and employees were used as respondents in this study and a total sample of 200 SMMEs answered the questionnaire. The study followed a quantitative research design as it involved variables such as growth, firm performance and survival which have measures that involves the use of figures such as sales, number of employees and total value of assets. The data was analysed by Anova, Pearson Chi-Square and T-test statistical methods in order to arrive at findings and conclusions. Based on the findings from this survey it was found that business incubators are effective in enhancing growth, survival and performance of SMMEs. Although other researchers found that there are no significant variations in growth, survival and performance of incubated and non-incubated businesses, this study however recognizes the importance of business incubation to SMMEs. This study concurs with most findings by many researchers of business incubation and thus recommends vigorous business incubation awareness to the SMMEs and networking. , Thesis (MBm) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-11
The effects of social media on relationship patterns among adolescents: A study of students in three selected high schools of Alice in Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Kalasaru, Onai Ronald https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4984-4250
- Authors: Kalasaru, Onai Ronald https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4984-4250
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Online social networks , Mass media and children
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25085 , vital:63966
- Description: Technology with the aid of the internet and social media has brought so much into the world, it has managed to reach and develop almost the entire world and this includes remote areas of Sub-Saharan countries like South Africa. These are the least developed and usually the last regions of the world to receive technology. It should be noted that most of the times, technology is bound to make an impact as people use it and this was the motive behind this study which aimed at assessing the effects of socialised media on adolescents who are the future of South Africa. In the study, the researcher aims at discovering whether the use of social media engines among adolescents affects the ways with which they relate with one another. The study which adopted a quantitative methodology was conducted on matriculating students from three randomly selected schools from within and surrounding town of Alice in Eastern Cape South Africa. Respondents were sampled conveniently and data was collected through self-administered questionnaires. From the results and conclusions, it showed that technology has reached South Africa’s remote areas and young people like adolescents have many uses for it. However, they proved that even though they now have technology in form of the internet and social media, it does not affect the ways with which they form and maintained social relations. This means that technology does not have a significant impact in the relationship patterns of adolescents in remote areas of South Africa. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-11
- Authors: Kalasaru, Onai Ronald https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4984-4250
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Online social networks , Mass media and children
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25085 , vital:63966
- Description: Technology with the aid of the internet and social media has brought so much into the world, it has managed to reach and develop almost the entire world and this includes remote areas of Sub-Saharan countries like South Africa. These are the least developed and usually the last regions of the world to receive technology. It should be noted that most of the times, technology is bound to make an impact as people use it and this was the motive behind this study which aimed at assessing the effects of socialised media on adolescents who are the future of South Africa. In the study, the researcher aims at discovering whether the use of social media engines among adolescents affects the ways with which they relate with one another. The study which adopted a quantitative methodology was conducted on matriculating students from three randomly selected schools from within and surrounding town of Alice in Eastern Cape South Africa. Respondents were sampled conveniently and data was collected through self-administered questionnaires. From the results and conclusions, it showed that technology has reached South Africa’s remote areas and young people like adolescents have many uses for it. However, they proved that even though they now have technology in form of the internet and social media, it does not affect the ways with which they form and maintained social relations. This means that technology does not have a significant impact in the relationship patterns of adolescents in remote areas of South Africa. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-11
The implementation of the Child Justice Act: experiences of social workers working as probation officers
- Authors: Mkokeli, Babalwa
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Children -- Legal status, laws, etc , Probation officers , Juvenile justice, Administration of
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25282 , vital:64138
- Description: The implementation of the Child Justice Act (Act No. 75 of 2008) started on 01 April 2010. The law regulates ways of handling children found to be in conflict with the law. Whilst this law was still a Bill, probation officers who are social workers employed by Social Development & Special Programmes were already bound to work with young offenders, employed under the Probation Services Act no.116 of 2002. Probation officers had clear regulations on their role and responsibility towards children found in conflict with the law, unlike other stakeholders working within the sphere of child justice. Absence of the law encompassing child justice caused a struggle for probation officer because stakeholders like South African Police Service (SAPS), National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Department of Justice services were not considering services of probation officers important. The situation was frustrating because there was lack of cooperation between probation officers and role players like police, prosecutors and magistrates which often led to gross irregularities on cases of young offenders. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of probation officers with the implementation of the Child Justice Act, particularly working relations with the above mentioned stakeholders. The researcher used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), a qualitative research approach which is committed to examining people’s daily experiences. In collecting data the researcher used a semi-structured questionnaire schedule comprising open rather than closed-ended questions. The researcher intended to interview fifteen probation officers working at OR Tambo District Municipality. A purposive sampling was used targeting officers who are aware of the child justice system before and after the implementation of the Act. Study findings revealed improvement on working relations between SAPS, NPA and Justice such as (i) increase in the rate of informing probation officers about arrested children, (ii) sitting of preliminary inquiries (PIs), (iii) drop in the number of detained children, (iv) practice of in camera proceedings for young offenders. However, despite the presence of the Child Justice Act (CJA) findings also revealed challenges which were the following: (i) drop in the number of arrested or diverted children, (ii) non-compliance by SAPS to inform POs about arrested children especially during weekends, which often results in parents not being aware that their children are in custody, (iii) areas where PIs are not held, areas where they are not regular as well as non-uniformity in how PIs are conducted, and (iv) cases of children held in public during court proceedings and cases of young offenders handled as adult cases. The following were made as recommendations arising from the study: (i) enforcement of Child Justice Forums at local levels, (ii) strengthening of responsibility and accountability by all stakeholders, and (iii) building capacity and effective monitoring from down up. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-11
- Authors: Mkokeli, Babalwa
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Children -- Legal status, laws, etc , Probation officers , Juvenile justice, Administration of
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25282 , vital:64138
- Description: The implementation of the Child Justice Act (Act No. 75 of 2008) started on 01 April 2010. The law regulates ways of handling children found to be in conflict with the law. Whilst this law was still a Bill, probation officers who are social workers employed by Social Development & Special Programmes were already bound to work with young offenders, employed under the Probation Services Act no.116 of 2002. Probation officers had clear regulations on their role and responsibility towards children found in conflict with the law, unlike other stakeholders working within the sphere of child justice. Absence of the law encompassing child justice caused a struggle for probation officer because stakeholders like South African Police Service (SAPS), National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Department of Justice services were not considering services of probation officers important. The situation was frustrating because there was lack of cooperation between probation officers and role players like police, prosecutors and magistrates which often led to gross irregularities on cases of young offenders. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of probation officers with the implementation of the Child Justice Act, particularly working relations with the above mentioned stakeholders. The researcher used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), a qualitative research approach which is committed to examining people’s daily experiences. In collecting data the researcher used a semi-structured questionnaire schedule comprising open rather than closed-ended questions. The researcher intended to interview fifteen probation officers working at OR Tambo District Municipality. A purposive sampling was used targeting officers who are aware of the child justice system before and after the implementation of the Act. Study findings revealed improvement on working relations between SAPS, NPA and Justice such as (i) increase in the rate of informing probation officers about arrested children, (ii) sitting of preliminary inquiries (PIs), (iii) drop in the number of detained children, (iv) practice of in camera proceedings for young offenders. However, despite the presence of the Child Justice Act (CJA) findings also revealed challenges which were the following: (i) drop in the number of arrested or diverted children, (ii) non-compliance by SAPS to inform POs about arrested children especially during weekends, which often results in parents not being aware that their children are in custody, (iii) areas where PIs are not held, areas where they are not regular as well as non-uniformity in how PIs are conducted, and (iv) cases of children held in public during court proceedings and cases of young offenders handled as adult cases. The following were made as recommendations arising from the study: (i) enforcement of Child Justice Forums at local levels, (ii) strengthening of responsibility and accountability by all stakeholders, and (iii) building capacity and effective monitoring from down up. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-11
Perceptions of social media as a tool for research: a study of postgraduate students, University of Fort Hare, Alice campus
- Authors: Abolanle, Ogunnubi Adeyemi
- Date: 2014-10
- Subjects: University of Fort Hare , Media literacy , Internet research
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26381 , vital:65299
- Description: The study aimed at examining the perceptions of social media as a tool for research among postgraduate students at the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus. Data were collected using a quantitative research approach by administering structured questionnaires to 310 postgraduate students under the cluster sampling across different faculties and departments, and analysed by SPSS Statistical software and Chi-square test. 264 questionnaires were returned for analysis and these respondents maintained that they utilized social media platforms for their academic research. The findings further revealed that social media has to a large extent improved students‟ research activities as they frequently seek practical knowledge for demonstration and tutorship. Furthermore, the respondents regard social media as a good platform for research topics in audio and video formats, scholarly articles, journals and books. This study concluded that since students explore the social media platforms and search engines for various reasons, academic research inclusive, it therefore becomes imperative to create more links within the social media for students to explore books, scholarly journals and articles necessary for research and academic purposes. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-10
- Authors: Abolanle, Ogunnubi Adeyemi
- Date: 2014-10
- Subjects: University of Fort Hare , Media literacy , Internet research
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26381 , vital:65299
- Description: The study aimed at examining the perceptions of social media as a tool for research among postgraduate students at the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus. Data were collected using a quantitative research approach by administering structured questionnaires to 310 postgraduate students under the cluster sampling across different faculties and departments, and analysed by SPSS Statistical software and Chi-square test. 264 questionnaires were returned for analysis and these respondents maintained that they utilized social media platforms for their academic research. The findings further revealed that social media has to a large extent improved students‟ research activities as they frequently seek practical knowledge for demonstration and tutorship. Furthermore, the respondents regard social media as a good platform for research topics in audio and video formats, scholarly articles, journals and books. This study concluded that since students explore the social media platforms and search engines for various reasons, academic research inclusive, it therefore becomes imperative to create more links within the social media for students to explore books, scholarly journals and articles necessary for research and academic purposes. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-10