South African plantation forest nursery pesticide -use: current status, pesticide identification for management, and screening of fungicides for pathogen control
- Authors: Opperman, Ilke
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Forest insects –Control – South Africa , Pesticides -- Environmental aspects , Pest management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61370 , vital:70618
- Description: Forest nurseries are exposed to many challenges during the production of plant material, with pests and pathogens two of the most important. Management of pests and diseases require the use of multiple methods, including cultural, biological, and chemical control strategies in an integrated nursery pest management plan (IPM). In most nurseries, where hygiene practices and biological controls do not prevent the presence of pests and pathogens, they are managed through the use of pesticides. Forestry companies are regulated by both Government and Forestry Certification bodies. These include South African legislation pertaining to pesticides regulated by the Registrar Act 36 of 1947, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). A limited number of pesticides, with an even more limited range of active ingredients, and not targeting all known plantation forestry pests/pathogens, are currently registered for use against pests and pathogens in plantation forestry in South Africa. Many of these have been in use for more than a decade, posing a serious risk in terms of resistance build-up. There is a major need for the identification and testing of additional/alternative products (biological natural or synthetic) for use against the range of pests and pathogens that occur on the various plantation tree species and hybrid combinations that are raised in nurseries. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science & Management, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Opperman, Ilke
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Forest insects –Control – South Africa , Pesticides -- Environmental aspects , Pest management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61370 , vital:70618
- Description: Forest nurseries are exposed to many challenges during the production of plant material, with pests and pathogens two of the most important. Management of pests and diseases require the use of multiple methods, including cultural, biological, and chemical control strategies in an integrated nursery pest management plan (IPM). In most nurseries, where hygiene practices and biological controls do not prevent the presence of pests and pathogens, they are managed through the use of pesticides. Forestry companies are regulated by both Government and Forestry Certification bodies. These include South African legislation pertaining to pesticides regulated by the Registrar Act 36 of 1947, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). A limited number of pesticides, with an even more limited range of active ingredients, and not targeting all known plantation forestry pests/pathogens, are currently registered for use against pests and pathogens in plantation forestry in South Africa. Many of these have been in use for more than a decade, posing a serious risk in terms of resistance build-up. There is a major need for the identification and testing of additional/alternative products (biological natural or synthetic) for use against the range of pests and pathogens that occur on the various plantation tree species and hybrid combinations that are raised in nurseries. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science & Management, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
A Protection of Personal Information Act Compliance Framework for the City of Tshwane’s Fresh Produce Market.
- Authors: Malepeng, Pheah Harold
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Personal data protection , Agricultural marketing –- South Africa, City of Tshwane
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61213 , vital:69804
- Description: The Protection of Personal Information Act of 2013 (POPIA) is a law drafted to regulate the processing of personal information in South Africa. Its provisions include but are not limited to the usage of personal information for marketing purposes. While it was announced that enforcement of the law would commence in July 2021, many organisations are still in the process of reorganising themselves to comply with this important piece of legislation. Although the Information Regulator’s guideline document is available for utilization, organisations are struggling to develop POPIA compliance frameworks tailored to their operational requirements. As stated in section 6.2.1 of the Information Regulator’s guideline document, the act calls for the appointment of the an Information Officer by organisations who is required to develop, implement, monitor and maintain a POPIA compliance, framework. With that stated, this study aims to reports about developing a POPIA compliance framework for the City of Tshwane’s Fresh Produce Market. The study’s primary objective was to develop a POPIA compliance framework for the City of Tshwane’s Fresh Produce Market (TFPM) as a collector and processor of personal information. The study had three sub-objectives which were achieved using three research methods, namely literature review, content analysis and semi-structured interviews. Through a literature review, conditions that should be adhered to in relation to collecting and processing personal information were identified. Shifting the focus to the second sub-objective, a vigorous content analysis was performed to investigate the TFPM’s current method of collecting and processing personal information. The process involved evaluating the TFPM’s SOPs, Service Level Agreement, License Agreement, and the city of Tshwane’s Information Communication Technology Framework using the Nexia POPIA checklist. The evaluation results revealed a huge non-compliance gap with regard iii to POPIA and personal information conditions. Post development of the POPIA framework the study embarked on an expert review process with the top management of the TFPM to assess their view on the developed POPIA compliance framework. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Malepeng, Pheah Harold
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Personal data protection , Agricultural marketing –- South Africa, City of Tshwane
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61213 , vital:69804
- Description: The Protection of Personal Information Act of 2013 (POPIA) is a law drafted to regulate the processing of personal information in South Africa. Its provisions include but are not limited to the usage of personal information for marketing purposes. While it was announced that enforcement of the law would commence in July 2021, many organisations are still in the process of reorganising themselves to comply with this important piece of legislation. Although the Information Regulator’s guideline document is available for utilization, organisations are struggling to develop POPIA compliance frameworks tailored to their operational requirements. As stated in section 6.2.1 of the Information Regulator’s guideline document, the act calls for the appointment of the an Information Officer by organisations who is required to develop, implement, monitor and maintain a POPIA compliance, framework. With that stated, this study aims to reports about developing a POPIA compliance framework for the City of Tshwane’s Fresh Produce Market. The study’s primary objective was to develop a POPIA compliance framework for the City of Tshwane’s Fresh Produce Market (TFPM) as a collector and processor of personal information. The study had three sub-objectives which were achieved using three research methods, namely literature review, content analysis and semi-structured interviews. Through a literature review, conditions that should be adhered to in relation to collecting and processing personal information were identified. Shifting the focus to the second sub-objective, a vigorous content analysis was performed to investigate the TFPM’s current method of collecting and processing personal information. The process involved evaluating the TFPM’s SOPs, Service Level Agreement, License Agreement, and the city of Tshwane’s Information Communication Technology Framework using the Nexia POPIA checklist. The evaluation results revealed a huge non-compliance gap with regard iii to POPIA and personal information conditions. Post development of the POPIA framework the study embarked on an expert review process with the top management of the TFPM to assess their view on the developed POPIA compliance framework. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Implementation of technological innovations within the South African construction industry
- Authors: Koopman, Kelly Leigh
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Technological innovations , Design-build process (Construction industry) – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60623 , vital:66245
- Description: In South Africa the construction industry has grown by more than 15% per annum over the past five-years and the construction industry is facing several pressures to decrease costs, improve productivity and to develop a competitive edge in terms of quality of service and customer satisfaction. Faced with a growing demand for service delivery the industry must seek new and improved ways to stay competitive in this market space. By effectively analysing the construction market all role players within the AEC industry can adopt new trends and techniques being implemented by either their foreign counterparts or direct competitors. One of these trends within the industry is technological innovations; each designed to play a beneficial role in construction industry advancements. It is clear that our industry is moving forward at an alarming rate, yet our foreign counterparts seem to be one step ahead. Based on the 2010 Soccer World Cup it was clear that the South African AEC Industry had the ability to conform and deliver on world class infrastructure, yet we still seem to have a slow adoption rate surrounding technological innovations. Investigating the depth of knowledge based around the most popular technological innovations currently being implemented can provide a clear view as to what S.A industry role players see as potentially profitable within our marketplace and the steps that could be taken to provide further research pertaining to those technological innovations which are being overlooked. Establishing the most prominent barriers preventing technological adoption within the South African AEC Industry can effectively be compared with those faced by foreign counterparts to mirror their solutions to similar problems. Finally, by establishing whether resistance to a changing environment plays a vital role in the hindrance to technological adoption one can access the extent to which the AEC Industry may effectively change based on a projected industry time frame. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Koopman, Kelly Leigh
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Technological innovations , Design-build process (Construction industry) – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60623 , vital:66245
- Description: In South Africa the construction industry has grown by more than 15% per annum over the past five-years and the construction industry is facing several pressures to decrease costs, improve productivity and to develop a competitive edge in terms of quality of service and customer satisfaction. Faced with a growing demand for service delivery the industry must seek new and improved ways to stay competitive in this market space. By effectively analysing the construction market all role players within the AEC industry can adopt new trends and techniques being implemented by either their foreign counterparts or direct competitors. One of these trends within the industry is technological innovations; each designed to play a beneficial role in construction industry advancements. It is clear that our industry is moving forward at an alarming rate, yet our foreign counterparts seem to be one step ahead. Based on the 2010 Soccer World Cup it was clear that the South African AEC Industry had the ability to conform and deliver on world class infrastructure, yet we still seem to have a slow adoption rate surrounding technological innovations. Investigating the depth of knowledge based around the most popular technological innovations currently being implemented can provide a clear view as to what S.A industry role players see as potentially profitable within our marketplace and the steps that could be taken to provide further research pertaining to those technological innovations which are being overlooked. Establishing the most prominent barriers preventing technological adoption within the South African AEC Industry can effectively be compared with those faced by foreign counterparts to mirror their solutions to similar problems. Finally, by establishing whether resistance to a changing environment plays a vital role in the hindrance to technological adoption one can access the extent to which the AEC Industry may effectively change based on a projected industry time frame. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Technology acceptance model perceptions of operational staff on the implementation of advanced radiography equipment
- Authors: James, Bryan Gerard Anthony
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Medical technology , Radiography--Equipment and supplies
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61393 , vital:70634
- Description: Throughout the recent history of South Africa, the increasing requirements from state and private sector healthcare institutions have relied heavily upon medical imaging technologies for the purposes of improved patient healthcare and service quality standards. Developments in this field of healthcare have seen many interesting and challenging operational changes: from the first implementation and use of X-ray equipment demonstrated in Krugersdorp in 1899; to the current advanced digital systems found in the medical imaging services sector of healthcare. This research study measured the medical imaging operational staff perceptions about new advanced medical imaging equipment and technologies. The theory crossed the academic disciplines through a quantitative survey about technology, operations management and healthcare. Together with staff perceptions about future medical imaging technologies’ usefulness and ease of use, the findings may impact their daily operations within a conducive technology acceptance management paradigm. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: James, Bryan Gerard Anthony
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Medical technology , Radiography--Equipment and supplies
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61393 , vital:70634
- Description: Throughout the recent history of South Africa, the increasing requirements from state and private sector healthcare institutions have relied heavily upon medical imaging technologies for the purposes of improved patient healthcare and service quality standards. Developments in this field of healthcare have seen many interesting and challenging operational changes: from the first implementation and use of X-ray equipment demonstrated in Krugersdorp in 1899; to the current advanced digital systems found in the medical imaging services sector of healthcare. This research study measured the medical imaging operational staff perceptions about new advanced medical imaging equipment and technologies. The theory crossed the academic disciplines through a quantitative survey about technology, operations management and healthcare. Together with staff perceptions about future medical imaging technologies’ usefulness and ease of use, the findings may impact their daily operations within a conducive technology acceptance management paradigm. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Investigating the role of UAVs and convolutional neural networks in the identification of invasive plant species in the Albany Thicket
- Authors: Wesson, Frank Cameron
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Drone aircraft -- Control systems , Drone -- South Africa , Albany Thicket -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61097 , vital:69755
- Description: The study aimed to determine whether plant species could be classified by using high resolution aerial imagery and a convolutional neural network (CNN). The full capabilities of a CNN were examined including testing whether the platform could be used for land cover and the evaluation of land change over time. A drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was used to collect the aerial data of the study area, and 45 subplots were used for the image analysis. The CNN was coded and operated in RStudio, and digitised data from the input imagery were used as training and validation data by the programme to learn features. Four classifications were performed using various quantities of input data to access the performance of the neural network. In addition, tests were performed to understand whether the CNN could be used as a land cover and land change detection tool. Accuracy assessments were done on the results to test reliability and accuracy. The best-performing classification achieved an average user and producer accuracy of above 90%, while the overall accuracy was 93%, and the kappa coefficient score was 0.86. The CNN was also able to predict the land coverage area of Opuntia to be within 4% of the ground truthing data area. A change in land cover over time was detected by the programme after the manual clearing of the invasive plant had been undertaken. This research has determined that the use of a CNN in remote sensing is a very powerful tool for supervised image classifications and that it can be used for monitoring land cover by accurately estimating the spatial distribution of plant species and by monitoring the species' growth or decline over time. A CNN could also be used as a tool for landowners to prove that they are making efforts to clear invasive species from their land. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Wesson, Frank Cameron
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Drone aircraft -- Control systems , Drone -- South Africa , Albany Thicket -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61097 , vital:69755
- Description: The study aimed to determine whether plant species could be classified by using high resolution aerial imagery and a convolutional neural network (CNN). The full capabilities of a CNN were examined including testing whether the platform could be used for land cover and the evaluation of land change over time. A drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was used to collect the aerial data of the study area, and 45 subplots were used for the image analysis. The CNN was coded and operated in RStudio, and digitised data from the input imagery were used as training and validation data by the programme to learn features. Four classifications were performed using various quantities of input data to access the performance of the neural network. In addition, tests were performed to understand whether the CNN could be used as a land cover and land change detection tool. Accuracy assessments were done on the results to test reliability and accuracy. The best-performing classification achieved an average user and producer accuracy of above 90%, while the overall accuracy was 93%, and the kappa coefficient score was 0.86. The CNN was also able to predict the land coverage area of Opuntia to be within 4% of the ground truthing data area. A change in land cover over time was detected by the programme after the manual clearing of the invasive plant had been undertaken. This research has determined that the use of a CNN in remote sensing is a very powerful tool for supervised image classifications and that it can be used for monitoring land cover by accurately estimating the spatial distribution of plant species and by monitoring the species' growth or decline over time. A CNN could also be used as a tool for landowners to prove that they are making efforts to clear invasive species from their land. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Changing anthropocentric ideology through a children’s storybook, tales of the Turtle
- Authors: Kenny, Lara-Jayne
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Humanistic ethics , Children's picture books
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61589 , vital:71382
- Description: This research study aims to produce ‘ecological art’ in the form of a children’s wordless picture book, that can be distributed to many schools in South Africa, bringing awareness to ocean conservation and the effects of the environmental crisis. To do this, a theoretical study has been conducted, synthesising numerous theoretical frameworks, to gather information to create an appropriate children’s picture book. The study first considers environmental philosophy, such as that presented by Spinoza and Naess for instance. At this point, focus also falls on how prevailing societal practices, spurred on by neoliberal capitalism, prevents caring approaches to nature. Then, there is also a scientific side to the study. Research on the Benguela and Agulhas currents of South Africa are offered, as an entry point to seeing how and what is being affected by climate change, also looking at the aquatic animals and their fates. Additionally, an analysis is made regarding representation of different types of megafaunas through forms of media throughout the ages, which helps with selecting which charismatic animals to feature in Tales of the Turtle. Thereafter, research is laid out regarding the relationship between westernised and indigenous teaching approaches. Here specific focus falls on Kenneth Mlungisi Ngcoza’s ‘third space’ and Helio Manuel García-Campos’s ‘interdisciplinary space.’ Finally, the design and illustrative techniques, such as the rule of thirds, line strength, and colour contrasts, are observed to produce an appropriate wordless picture book. South Africans’ relationships with books, access to books, and the relationships that South Africans have with westernised teaching, were also taken into consideration. The overall study is capped by the actual children’s storybook, Tales of the Turtle. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Music, Art and Design, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Kenny, Lara-Jayne
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Humanistic ethics , Children's picture books
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61589 , vital:71382
- Description: This research study aims to produce ‘ecological art’ in the form of a children’s wordless picture book, that can be distributed to many schools in South Africa, bringing awareness to ocean conservation and the effects of the environmental crisis. To do this, a theoretical study has been conducted, synthesising numerous theoretical frameworks, to gather information to create an appropriate children’s picture book. The study first considers environmental philosophy, such as that presented by Spinoza and Naess for instance. At this point, focus also falls on how prevailing societal practices, spurred on by neoliberal capitalism, prevents caring approaches to nature. Then, there is also a scientific side to the study. Research on the Benguela and Agulhas currents of South Africa are offered, as an entry point to seeing how and what is being affected by climate change, also looking at the aquatic animals and their fates. Additionally, an analysis is made regarding representation of different types of megafaunas through forms of media throughout the ages, which helps with selecting which charismatic animals to feature in Tales of the Turtle. Thereafter, research is laid out regarding the relationship between westernised and indigenous teaching approaches. Here specific focus falls on Kenneth Mlungisi Ngcoza’s ‘third space’ and Helio Manuel García-Campos’s ‘interdisciplinary space.’ Finally, the design and illustrative techniques, such as the rule of thirds, line strength, and colour contrasts, are observed to produce an appropriate wordless picture book. South Africans’ relationships with books, access to books, and the relationships that South Africans have with westernised teaching, were also taken into consideration. The overall study is capped by the actual children’s storybook, Tales of the Turtle. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Music, Art and Design, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Legal aspects of fairtrade objectives and socio-economic development in South Africa
- Authors: Young, Lindsay
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Law--Psychological aspects , Balance of trade , Socio-economic status -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60901 , vital:69016
- Description: This dissertation aims to draw connections between Fairtrade and the socio-economic development objectives for South Africa in order to identify whether Fairtrade can contribute to socio-economic development in South Africa. In order to draw these connections, Fairtrade is examined in the context of the international trade system, Fairtrade is analysed in terms of socio-economic development in Africa, and the specific socio-economic development objectives for South Africa are outlined. Thereafter, in chapter 5, connections are drawn between Fairtrade and the socioeconomic development objectives for South Africa. Finally, the research is concluded by summarising the main finding of whether Fairtrade can contribute to socioeconomic development in South Africa, and setting out the key findings that were reached in answer to the sub-questions posed. This research is conducted by way of a literature review that draws from various research fields due to the nature of the socio-economic issues involved. The findings indicate that Fairtrade is sufficiently aligned to the socio-economic development objectives for South Africa to be used as a tool to contribute towards socio-economic development in South Africa. The research also suggests ways in which the connections between Fairtrade and South Africa’s socio-economic development objectives can be strengthened. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Public Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Young, Lindsay
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Law--Psychological aspects , Balance of trade , Socio-economic status -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60901 , vital:69016
- Description: This dissertation aims to draw connections between Fairtrade and the socio-economic development objectives for South Africa in order to identify whether Fairtrade can contribute to socio-economic development in South Africa. In order to draw these connections, Fairtrade is examined in the context of the international trade system, Fairtrade is analysed in terms of socio-economic development in Africa, and the specific socio-economic development objectives for South Africa are outlined. Thereafter, in chapter 5, connections are drawn between Fairtrade and the socioeconomic development objectives for South Africa. Finally, the research is concluded by summarising the main finding of whether Fairtrade can contribute to socioeconomic development in South Africa, and setting out the key findings that were reached in answer to the sub-questions posed. This research is conducted by way of a literature review that draws from various research fields due to the nature of the socio-economic issues involved. The findings indicate that Fairtrade is sufficiently aligned to the socio-economic development objectives for South Africa to be used as a tool to contribute towards socio-economic development in South Africa. The research also suggests ways in which the connections between Fairtrade and South Africa’s socio-economic development objectives can be strengthened. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Public Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Assessing diatom community composition and structure in palaeosediments of a southern Cape coastal wetland
- Authors: Sepato, Tshiamo Tsholofelo
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Diatoms --South Africa – Southern Cape , Paleoecology , Marine algae --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61258 , vital:69847
- Description: Palaeoenvironmental studies are important as they aid in reconstructing histories of past landscapes and provide key long-term information for the conservation and management of ecosystems. The southern Cape coast is a focus area for palaeoenvironmental research due to its high botanical and climatic importance. A three-metre sediment core was retrieved from Whale Rock wetland (Plettenberg Bay, southern Cape Coast) and spanned ~8000 years – a large proportion of the Holocene epoch. Diatom data preserved in palaeosediments of the Whale Rock wetland are presented within this study. A total of 48 diatom species was identified. Based on the multivariate statistical analysis, the diatom assemblages were divided into three zones: Zone WR-1-A (~7200 – 6450 cal yr BP); Zone WR-1- B (~6450 – 6250 cal yr BP) and Zone WR-1-C (~250 cal yr BP – to present). Two diatom preservation hiatus periods were observed at ~8000 – 7200 cal yr BP and ~6400 – 230 cal yr BP. The results indicated that benthic diatom species were significantly dominant throughout the Whale Rock record. The diatom evidence revealed that the Whale Rock wetland system freshened over time as diatom species identified in Zone WR-1-A and Zone WR-1- B indicated marine influences whereas Zone WR-1-C displayed a dominance of species that thrive in freshwater conditions. A transitional phase occurred at ~6400 cal yr BP where abrupt changes began prior to the significant ~6400 – 230 cal yr BP diatom preservation hiatus period. Principal Component Analysis showed that salinity was the main environmental driver of change impacting the species abundance and diversity of diatom communities within the wetland system throughout the Holocene. When compared with regional palaeoenvironmental and palaeolimnological data, it is evident that several other wetland systems moved from a marine/brackish favoured system to a freshwater system with the transitional phase occurring at different periods within the Holocene. This study indicated that diatoms are powerful biological proxies of environmental change. It is recommended that the site be revisited to investigate further the hiatus phases to further explore the lack of diatom preservation for these periods and to also contribute more palaeoenvironmental proxy evidence as well as modern hydrological information. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Sepato, Tshiamo Tsholofelo
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Diatoms --South Africa – Southern Cape , Paleoecology , Marine algae --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61258 , vital:69847
- Description: Palaeoenvironmental studies are important as they aid in reconstructing histories of past landscapes and provide key long-term information for the conservation and management of ecosystems. The southern Cape coast is a focus area for palaeoenvironmental research due to its high botanical and climatic importance. A three-metre sediment core was retrieved from Whale Rock wetland (Plettenberg Bay, southern Cape Coast) and spanned ~8000 years – a large proportion of the Holocene epoch. Diatom data preserved in palaeosediments of the Whale Rock wetland are presented within this study. A total of 48 diatom species was identified. Based on the multivariate statistical analysis, the diatom assemblages were divided into three zones: Zone WR-1-A (~7200 – 6450 cal yr BP); Zone WR-1- B (~6450 – 6250 cal yr BP) and Zone WR-1-C (~250 cal yr BP – to present). Two diatom preservation hiatus periods were observed at ~8000 – 7200 cal yr BP and ~6400 – 230 cal yr BP. The results indicated that benthic diatom species were significantly dominant throughout the Whale Rock record. The diatom evidence revealed that the Whale Rock wetland system freshened over time as diatom species identified in Zone WR-1-A and Zone WR-1- B indicated marine influences whereas Zone WR-1-C displayed a dominance of species that thrive in freshwater conditions. A transitional phase occurred at ~6400 cal yr BP where abrupt changes began prior to the significant ~6400 – 230 cal yr BP diatom preservation hiatus period. Principal Component Analysis showed that salinity was the main environmental driver of change impacting the species abundance and diversity of diatom communities within the wetland system throughout the Holocene. When compared with regional palaeoenvironmental and palaeolimnological data, it is evident that several other wetland systems moved from a marine/brackish favoured system to a freshwater system with the transitional phase occurring at different periods within the Holocene. This study indicated that diatoms are powerful biological proxies of environmental change. It is recommended that the site be revisited to investigate further the hiatus phases to further explore the lack of diatom preservation for these periods and to also contribute more palaeoenvironmental proxy evidence as well as modern hydrological information. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Perceptions about the role of social entrepreneurship in the provision of employment in South Africa: A case study of buffalo city Metropolitan municipality
- Authors: Damane, Qaqamba
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Job creation , socioeconomic status , Social integration
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61075 , vital:69722
- Description: The high rates of unemployment and poverty in South Africa are significant barriers to economic advancement in the country. According to Statistics South Africa (2022), the country’s unemployment rate is 34.5 percent, while it has been reported that the proportion of the population living in poverty was 55.5 percent in 2020. Social entrepreneurship has been recognised as a means of tackling these socioeconomic challenges, by providing innovative social solutions. However, the lack of a universal definition for social entrepreneurship has caused misperceptions regarding its potential for job creation, poverty alleviation and economic development. In order to understand the relationship between social entrepreneurship and job creation, this study focused on existent perceptions of social entrepreneurship as pertaining to job creation in South Africa; the study used the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality as a case study. An in-depth literature review was conducted on the relevant literature related to the concept of social entrepreneurship, and its role in job creation. This study employed a qualitative research approach, in this respect, it relied on inductive reasoning. The research design followed the hermeneutic phenomenological method, for which non-probability purposive sampling was used in order to select participants. The study sample comprised of twelve social entrepreneurs registered on the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality's Local Economic Development database for social entrepreneurs. For the purpose of data collection, the study employed semi-structured interviews which relied on open-ended questions; in this regard, the study achieved a 100 percent response rate. The primary research findings indicated that the youth of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality participate in, and promote, social entrepreneurship as a solution to the metropole’s high youth unemployment rate. The results of the study support current government policy by encouraging the implementation of local government policy initiatives that support social entrepreneurship, which could eventually result in the creation of jobs, and a decline in the country's unemployment rate. In addition, the study identified the need for government support, specifically in terms of the provision of funding and resources as a perceived government function; this would assist in the creation of social entrepreneurshipbased jobs. The study contributes to the existent body of work on the phenomenon of social entrepreneurship, and to further understanding the role this phenomenon plays in job creation in South Africa. Local government should acknowledge and support social entrepreneurship through the improvement of its current systems and the reallocation of government resources, so as to encourage openness and participation, in order to foster an environment that is vi favorable to social innovation. Furthermore, by capitalizing on the commercial aspects of social enterprises, and abandoning reliance on traditional Local Economic Development policies, local government can develop policy frameworks that promote socio-economic development in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Damane, Qaqamba
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Job creation , socioeconomic status , Social integration
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61075 , vital:69722
- Description: The high rates of unemployment and poverty in South Africa are significant barriers to economic advancement in the country. According to Statistics South Africa (2022), the country’s unemployment rate is 34.5 percent, while it has been reported that the proportion of the population living in poverty was 55.5 percent in 2020. Social entrepreneurship has been recognised as a means of tackling these socioeconomic challenges, by providing innovative social solutions. However, the lack of a universal definition for social entrepreneurship has caused misperceptions regarding its potential for job creation, poverty alleviation and economic development. In order to understand the relationship between social entrepreneurship and job creation, this study focused on existent perceptions of social entrepreneurship as pertaining to job creation in South Africa; the study used the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality as a case study. An in-depth literature review was conducted on the relevant literature related to the concept of social entrepreneurship, and its role in job creation. This study employed a qualitative research approach, in this respect, it relied on inductive reasoning. The research design followed the hermeneutic phenomenological method, for which non-probability purposive sampling was used in order to select participants. The study sample comprised of twelve social entrepreneurs registered on the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality's Local Economic Development database for social entrepreneurs. For the purpose of data collection, the study employed semi-structured interviews which relied on open-ended questions; in this regard, the study achieved a 100 percent response rate. The primary research findings indicated that the youth of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality participate in, and promote, social entrepreneurship as a solution to the metropole’s high youth unemployment rate. The results of the study support current government policy by encouraging the implementation of local government policy initiatives that support social entrepreneurship, which could eventually result in the creation of jobs, and a decline in the country's unemployment rate. In addition, the study identified the need for government support, specifically in terms of the provision of funding and resources as a perceived government function; this would assist in the creation of social entrepreneurshipbased jobs. The study contributes to the existent body of work on the phenomenon of social entrepreneurship, and to further understanding the role this phenomenon plays in job creation in South Africa. Local government should acknowledge and support social entrepreneurship through the improvement of its current systems and the reallocation of government resources, so as to encourage openness and participation, in order to foster an environment that is vi favorable to social innovation. Furthermore, by capitalizing on the commercial aspects of social enterprises, and abandoning reliance on traditional Local Economic Development policies, local government can develop policy frameworks that promote socio-economic development in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Academic resilience of engineering students: a case study
- Authors: Mapaling, Curwyn
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Resilience (Personality trait) , Engineering students
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60775 , vital:67337
- Description: Extensive research has been done and much knowledge exists about academic resilience among youth in school contexts, but there is a lack of data and literature on academic resilience at university level. This knowledge gap is especially critical in disciplines such as engineering, where student dropout rates have historically been high. In 2017, a redesigned engineering degree qualification, the Bachelor of Engineering Technology, was introduced at South African universities. This case study explored the academic resilience of the first cohort of final-year Bachelor of Engineering Technology students at Nelson Mandela University. Mixed methods and multiple theories were employed, which allowed for the generation of rich data for this exploratory case study. In the quantitative phase, 66 students from Industrial, Civil, Electrical, Marine and Mechanical Engineering courses participated by completing a series of standardised psychometric measurement tools. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was conducted on the quantitative data collected from the measurement items. In the qualitative phase, 13 engineering students, 6 engineering lecturers and 6 support staff members were interviewed individually, to explore their perceptions and experiences of academic resilience. Qualitative data generated through the semi-structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings suggested that staff and students perceive academic resilience differently. It also seems that staff wellbeing impacts the academic resilience of students, and the relationship between staff wellness and student academic resilience is suggested as a next step for research on the topic of academic resilience at university level, especially among courses with high drop-out rates like engineering. Although not generalisable, it appears that a variety of extracurricular support structures and initiatives and strong relationships between the higher education sector and engineering industries can contribute significantly to students' academic resilience. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, School of Post Graduate Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mapaling, Curwyn
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Resilience (Personality trait) , Engineering students
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60775 , vital:67337
- Description: Extensive research has been done and much knowledge exists about academic resilience among youth in school contexts, but there is a lack of data and literature on academic resilience at university level. This knowledge gap is especially critical in disciplines such as engineering, where student dropout rates have historically been high. In 2017, a redesigned engineering degree qualification, the Bachelor of Engineering Technology, was introduced at South African universities. This case study explored the academic resilience of the first cohort of final-year Bachelor of Engineering Technology students at Nelson Mandela University. Mixed methods and multiple theories were employed, which allowed for the generation of rich data for this exploratory case study. In the quantitative phase, 66 students from Industrial, Civil, Electrical, Marine and Mechanical Engineering courses participated by completing a series of standardised psychometric measurement tools. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was conducted on the quantitative data collected from the measurement items. In the qualitative phase, 13 engineering students, 6 engineering lecturers and 6 support staff members were interviewed individually, to explore their perceptions and experiences of academic resilience. Qualitative data generated through the semi-structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings suggested that staff and students perceive academic resilience differently. It also seems that staff wellbeing impacts the academic resilience of students, and the relationship between staff wellness and student academic resilience is suggested as a next step for research on the topic of academic resilience at university level, especially among courses with high drop-out rates like engineering. Although not generalisable, it appears that a variety of extracurricular support structures and initiatives and strong relationships between the higher education sector and engineering industries can contribute significantly to students' academic resilience. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, School of Post Graduate Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Top-down control by grapsoid crabs in South African estuarine salt marshes
- Authors: Smith, Leigh-Ann
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Salt marsh ecology – South Africa , Crabs --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61223 , vital:69807
- Description: Salt marshes are one of the most productive ecosystems globally. These ‘blue carbon’ habitats are in many respects resilient to climate change effects, able to track sea level rise and act as carbon sinks. Since salt marshes are economically and ecologically essential habitats (for example providing foraging grounds for invertebrates, fish, birds and humans), understanding the processes that control their structure is crucial to best maintain ecosystem services provided by these habitats. For decades the importance of top-down forces, such as grazing, has not been recognised as being important in controlling salt marsh plant productivity. Rather, bottom-up forces, such as the availability of oxygen, was thought to be the main constraint to primary production. Therefore, a better understanding of salt marsh ecosystem dynamics and whether grazer control exists is needed. Although grazer top-down control has been demonstrated in salt marshes in locations such as the United States, this has not been investigated in South Africa. This is a crucial knowledge gap locally considering the importance of salt marsh ecosystems. The aim of this study was therefore to determine what role consumers play in structuring South Africa’s estuarine salt marsh vegetation, thereby also contextualising this process internationally. In order to achieve this, the abundance of grapsoid crabs was estimated and related to key salt marsh features, such as Spartina maritima stem height and stem density, which was quantified from observational surveys. Sampling took place at the beginning and end of the early-spring and late-summer growth period (September 2021 and April 2022) in the Knysna, Kromme and Swartkops estuaries. If a correlation was observed between crab density and salt marsh features, it was important to determine whether they consume the salt marsh vegetation or if the effect was due to their burrowing activities. Hence, the diet of grapsoid crabs was investigated using stable isotope and gut content analysis. To examine the importance of crab grazing in controlling the growth of salt marsh vegetation, crab abundance was manipulated in situ by means of exclusion cages. This experiment ran for five months in the Kromme Estuary, from November 2021 to March 2022 over the salt marsh growing season. An ex situ feeding experiment was also conducted on 30 crab specimens collected from the Kromme Estuary, during May 2022. These crabs were starved for 48 hours and thereafter fed different components of Spartina (growing and dead blades, and roots and rhizomes). The food consumed was quantified as the change in plant length and dry weight after 48 hours, which gave a maximum grazing rate for the different food sources. It was found that crabs are having a minimal impact on the salt marsh vegetation structure. Spartina maritima does form an important component of the diet of grapsoid crabs, however, this is not their only source of food, and possibly not their preferred source of food. They are however contributing to sediment properties through their burrowing activities. The iii ex situ feeding experiment showed that grapsoid crabs can consume all vegetative components of Spartina, with a significantly greater amount of roots and rhizomes consumed. There was no consistent effect in terms of the exclusion of grazers, indicating that other mitigating factors could be reducing the impacts of grapsoid exclusion in situ. Together, these findings contribute knowledge that can be used to inform conservation by quantifying what the salt marsh risks losing in the absence or overabundance of crabs, as has occurred elsewhere globally. These results influence how salt marshes are managed, and highlight how not recognising the importance of consumers, such as crabs, could misalign management objectives. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Smith, Leigh-Ann
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Salt marsh ecology – South Africa , Crabs --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61223 , vital:69807
- Description: Salt marshes are one of the most productive ecosystems globally. These ‘blue carbon’ habitats are in many respects resilient to climate change effects, able to track sea level rise and act as carbon sinks. Since salt marshes are economically and ecologically essential habitats (for example providing foraging grounds for invertebrates, fish, birds and humans), understanding the processes that control their structure is crucial to best maintain ecosystem services provided by these habitats. For decades the importance of top-down forces, such as grazing, has not been recognised as being important in controlling salt marsh plant productivity. Rather, bottom-up forces, such as the availability of oxygen, was thought to be the main constraint to primary production. Therefore, a better understanding of salt marsh ecosystem dynamics and whether grazer control exists is needed. Although grazer top-down control has been demonstrated in salt marshes in locations such as the United States, this has not been investigated in South Africa. This is a crucial knowledge gap locally considering the importance of salt marsh ecosystems. The aim of this study was therefore to determine what role consumers play in structuring South Africa’s estuarine salt marsh vegetation, thereby also contextualising this process internationally. In order to achieve this, the abundance of grapsoid crabs was estimated and related to key salt marsh features, such as Spartina maritima stem height and stem density, which was quantified from observational surveys. Sampling took place at the beginning and end of the early-spring and late-summer growth period (September 2021 and April 2022) in the Knysna, Kromme and Swartkops estuaries. If a correlation was observed between crab density and salt marsh features, it was important to determine whether they consume the salt marsh vegetation or if the effect was due to their burrowing activities. Hence, the diet of grapsoid crabs was investigated using stable isotope and gut content analysis. To examine the importance of crab grazing in controlling the growth of salt marsh vegetation, crab abundance was manipulated in situ by means of exclusion cages. This experiment ran for five months in the Kromme Estuary, from November 2021 to March 2022 over the salt marsh growing season. An ex situ feeding experiment was also conducted on 30 crab specimens collected from the Kromme Estuary, during May 2022. These crabs were starved for 48 hours and thereafter fed different components of Spartina (growing and dead blades, and roots and rhizomes). The food consumed was quantified as the change in plant length and dry weight after 48 hours, which gave a maximum grazing rate for the different food sources. It was found that crabs are having a minimal impact on the salt marsh vegetation structure. Spartina maritima does form an important component of the diet of grapsoid crabs, however, this is not their only source of food, and possibly not their preferred source of food. They are however contributing to sediment properties through their burrowing activities. The iii ex situ feeding experiment showed that grapsoid crabs can consume all vegetative components of Spartina, with a significantly greater amount of roots and rhizomes consumed. There was no consistent effect in terms of the exclusion of grazers, indicating that other mitigating factors could be reducing the impacts of grapsoid exclusion in situ. Together, these findings contribute knowledge that can be used to inform conservation by quantifying what the salt marsh risks losing in the absence or overabundance of crabs, as has occurred elsewhere globally. These results influence how salt marshes are managed, and highlight how not recognising the importance of consumers, such as crabs, could misalign management objectives. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Affirmative action and people with disabilities in the work place
- Authors: Mpambani, Ntombizodwa Rose
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Affirmative action programs -- Law and legislation , People with disabilities , Work environment
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60685 , vital:66321
- Description: Worldwide and in South Africa, affirmative action has been extensively used both as a policy instrument and a means of social reparation and reform. This study focuses on compliance and monitoring for affirmative action for persons with disabilities in the South African workplace. Affirmative action is a transitory method of advancing equality. Constitutionally, it is acknowledged in South Africa that affirmative action in the form of substantive equality. This study explores whether or not employers utilize affirmative action in accordance with the Employment Equity Act. It also aims to evaluate how the Department of Employment and Labour and the courts implement affirmative action. The study considers the relevant literature available, statutes, and employment equality policies, as well as an evaluation of case law. In South Africa, individuals who have disabilities are one of the groups that the Employment Equity Act attempts to protect. People with disabilities are disadvantaged in the work arena, which has substantial psychological, social, and economic consequences. The government established the numerical target that employers must strive to achieve in the workplace. Consequently, it is essential to investigate further the obstacles that impede the employment of persons with disabilities including the physical accessibility of the environment and information, transportation, the attitudes of others (such as employers and co-employees), and the extra expenditures associated with managing a disability. The delivery, nature, and structure of an individual's education is one of the first determinants of socialization into society. There is a delicate relationship between poverty, disability, and social assistance programs that may have a substantial effect on the employment and job search of persons with disabilities. Interestingly, South Africa combines significant unemployment rates with effective social assistance programs. There are compelling economic, social, psychological, and political arguments for boosting the employment of those with disabilities. The policy of affirmative action is effective, but the study notes that the objectives have not yet been realized. The situation in South Africa is compounded by a variety of confusing circumstances, including substantial unemployment, strong social assistance, and disabled individuals with poor skill levels. The survey concluded that the majority of firms do not execute affirmative action appropriately and that enforcement is minimal. It is recommended that disabled workers and labour unions confront employers that do not comply with the Employment Equity Act. To guarantee that persons with disabilities are completely integrated into the workforce, proactive and constructive strategies must be used. It is the morally just and virtuous thing to do, not just for disabled people but for all people. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of School: Mercantile Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mpambani, Ntombizodwa Rose
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Affirmative action programs -- Law and legislation , People with disabilities , Work environment
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60685 , vital:66321
- Description: Worldwide and in South Africa, affirmative action has been extensively used both as a policy instrument and a means of social reparation and reform. This study focuses on compliance and monitoring for affirmative action for persons with disabilities in the South African workplace. Affirmative action is a transitory method of advancing equality. Constitutionally, it is acknowledged in South Africa that affirmative action in the form of substantive equality. This study explores whether or not employers utilize affirmative action in accordance with the Employment Equity Act. It also aims to evaluate how the Department of Employment and Labour and the courts implement affirmative action. The study considers the relevant literature available, statutes, and employment equality policies, as well as an evaluation of case law. In South Africa, individuals who have disabilities are one of the groups that the Employment Equity Act attempts to protect. People with disabilities are disadvantaged in the work arena, which has substantial psychological, social, and economic consequences. The government established the numerical target that employers must strive to achieve in the workplace. Consequently, it is essential to investigate further the obstacles that impede the employment of persons with disabilities including the physical accessibility of the environment and information, transportation, the attitudes of others (such as employers and co-employees), and the extra expenditures associated with managing a disability. The delivery, nature, and structure of an individual's education is one of the first determinants of socialization into society. There is a delicate relationship between poverty, disability, and social assistance programs that may have a substantial effect on the employment and job search of persons with disabilities. Interestingly, South Africa combines significant unemployment rates with effective social assistance programs. There are compelling economic, social, psychological, and political arguments for boosting the employment of those with disabilities. The policy of affirmative action is effective, but the study notes that the objectives have not yet been realized. The situation in South Africa is compounded by a variety of confusing circumstances, including substantial unemployment, strong social assistance, and disabled individuals with poor skill levels. The survey concluded that the majority of firms do not execute affirmative action appropriately and that enforcement is minimal. It is recommended that disabled workers and labour unions confront employers that do not comply with the Employment Equity Act. To guarantee that persons with disabilities are completely integrated into the workforce, proactive and constructive strategies must be used. It is the morally just and virtuous thing to do, not just for disabled people but for all people. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of School: Mercantile Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Interactive visualisation of electricity usage in smart environments
- Ngwenya, Moreblessing Tafadzwa
- Authors: Ngwenya, Moreblessing Tafadzwa
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Smart environment -- south Africa , Application software -- Development , Intelligent buildings
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61477 , vital:70687
- Description: Saving electricity is a trending topic due to the electricity challenges that are being faced globally. Smart environments are environments that are equipped with physical objects, which include computers, sensors, actuators, smartphones, and wearable devices interconnected together through the Internet of Things. The Internet of Things provides a network to achieve communication, and computation abilities to provide individuals with smart services anytime, and anywhere. Rapid developments in information technology have increased the number of smart appliances being used, leading to increased electricity usage. Devices and appliances in Smart Environments continue to consume electricity even when not in use, because of the standby function. The problems arise as the electricity consumption of the standby function accumulates to large amounts. Effective communication through visualisation of the electricity consumption in a Smart Environment provides a viable solution to reducing the consumption of electricity. This research aimed to design and developed a visualisation system that successfully communicates electricity consumption to the user using a variety of visualisation techniques. The Design Science Research Methodology was used to address the research questions and was used to iteratively design and develop an energy usage visualisation system. The visualisation system was created for the Smart Lab at the Nelson Mandela University's Department of Computing Sciences. A usability study was conducted to assess the usability and efficacy of the system. The system was found to be usable and effective in communicating power usage to potential customers, since the participants were able to complete the tasks in a short amount of time. The positive results show that visualisation can aid in communicating electricity usage to customers, resulting in a possible reduction in electricity consumption and improved decision-making. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Ngwenya, Moreblessing Tafadzwa
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Smart environment -- south Africa , Application software -- Development , Intelligent buildings
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61477 , vital:70687
- Description: Saving electricity is a trending topic due to the electricity challenges that are being faced globally. Smart environments are environments that are equipped with physical objects, which include computers, sensors, actuators, smartphones, and wearable devices interconnected together through the Internet of Things. The Internet of Things provides a network to achieve communication, and computation abilities to provide individuals with smart services anytime, and anywhere. Rapid developments in information technology have increased the number of smart appliances being used, leading to increased electricity usage. Devices and appliances in Smart Environments continue to consume electricity even when not in use, because of the standby function. The problems arise as the electricity consumption of the standby function accumulates to large amounts. Effective communication through visualisation of the electricity consumption in a Smart Environment provides a viable solution to reducing the consumption of electricity. This research aimed to design and developed a visualisation system that successfully communicates electricity consumption to the user using a variety of visualisation techniques. The Design Science Research Methodology was used to address the research questions and was used to iteratively design and develop an energy usage visualisation system. The visualisation system was created for the Smart Lab at the Nelson Mandela University's Department of Computing Sciences. A usability study was conducted to assess the usability and efficacy of the system. The system was found to be usable and effective in communicating power usage to potential customers, since the participants were able to complete the tasks in a short amount of time. The positive results show that visualisation can aid in communicating electricity usage to customers, resulting in a possible reduction in electricity consumption and improved decision-making. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
An efficient approach for the synthesis of dolutegravir and its analogue exploiting flow chemistry
- Authors: Nqeketo, Sinazo
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: HIV (Viruses) – Enzymes –Inhibitors , Antiviral agents -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:70635
- Description: Africa has the highest Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevalence in the world and has invested heavily in running its HIV programmes and conducting research of medical significance. Despite efforts in combating this disease the production, distribution, cost, and availability of antiretroviral (ARV) generics remains a major problem as they are imported from China and India. Exploring the recently emerged “enabling technique”, namely flow chemistry in the production of APIs has gained a lot of attention. This study was devoted on exploring the application of flow chemistry on the synthesis of a newly approved anti-HIV drug dolutegravir (DTG); an integrase inhibitor with a high genetic barrier to resistance with a daily dosing scheduled compared to other ARVs and its third-generation inhibitor analogue, cabotegravir. Chapter one covers a comprehensive background and literature review of the HIV epidemic, an introduction of antiretroviral therapy as well as detailed dolutegravir and cabotegravir synthesis. A brief introduction of continuous flow technology with its advantages and disadvantages is discussed in this chapter. The efficient seven-step continuous flow procedure afforded dolutegravir and cabotegravir in improved reaction times and yields compared to the traditional batch procedure was demonstrated. The significant advantage of this flow process includes the reduction of the overall reaction time from step one to step seven, from prolonged 68 hours in batch to 34 minutes. The overall yield of each reaction step improved dramatically upon flow optimization. The yields of the second step (selective ester hydrolysis), fourth step (cyclization) and fifth step (amidation) increased from 64 %, 40 % and 33 % in batch to 98 %, 71 % and 100 % yield by HPLC respectively. Other than improved yields and residence times which was aided advantages of microreactor technology including intensive mixing, the flow process is also much better because it is cost effective. Most importantly, a novel process on the formation of pyridinone intermediate using ion-exchange resin catalysts towards the synthesis of dolutegravir and cabotegravir was described in this study , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Nqeketo, Sinazo
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: HIV (Viruses) – Enzymes –Inhibitors , Antiviral agents -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:70635
- Description: Africa has the highest Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevalence in the world and has invested heavily in running its HIV programmes and conducting research of medical significance. Despite efforts in combating this disease the production, distribution, cost, and availability of antiretroviral (ARV) generics remains a major problem as they are imported from China and India. Exploring the recently emerged “enabling technique”, namely flow chemistry in the production of APIs has gained a lot of attention. This study was devoted on exploring the application of flow chemistry on the synthesis of a newly approved anti-HIV drug dolutegravir (DTG); an integrase inhibitor with a high genetic barrier to resistance with a daily dosing scheduled compared to other ARVs and its third-generation inhibitor analogue, cabotegravir. Chapter one covers a comprehensive background and literature review of the HIV epidemic, an introduction of antiretroviral therapy as well as detailed dolutegravir and cabotegravir synthesis. A brief introduction of continuous flow technology with its advantages and disadvantages is discussed in this chapter. The efficient seven-step continuous flow procedure afforded dolutegravir and cabotegravir in improved reaction times and yields compared to the traditional batch procedure was demonstrated. The significant advantage of this flow process includes the reduction of the overall reaction time from step one to step seven, from prolonged 68 hours in batch to 34 minutes. The overall yield of each reaction step improved dramatically upon flow optimization. The yields of the second step (selective ester hydrolysis), fourth step (cyclization) and fifth step (amidation) increased from 64 %, 40 % and 33 % in batch to 98 %, 71 % and 100 % yield by HPLC respectively. Other than improved yields and residence times which was aided advantages of microreactor technology including intensive mixing, the flow process is also much better because it is cost effective. Most importantly, a novel process on the formation of pyridinone intermediate using ion-exchange resin catalysts towards the synthesis of dolutegravir and cabotegravir was described in this study , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The protection of the primary residence of a debtor in debt enforcement and insolvency
- Ngobese, Surname, Nokhwezi Xatyiswa
- Authors: Ngobese, Surname, Nokhwezi Xatyiswa
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Protection , Debtor and creditor -- Law and legislation , Bankruptcy -- Law and legislature
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61328 , vital:70288
- Description: Many people, particularly in South Africa, turn to borrowing money to pay for their everyday expenses. It is also generally acknowledged that mortgage financing is crucial to our economy and that it should remain readily available to people with a variety of incomes. Banks, and other secured lenders need confirmations that their security is reasonably safe to ensure that this remains the case. A debtor with immovable property is preferred because should the debtor fail to comply with his contractual obligations and there is no movable property to attach, the creditor will proceed to attach the immovable property of that debtor. In South Africa the law relating to debt enforcement proceedings and the provisions of the Insolvent Act allow for the attachment of the primary residence of a debtor/insolvent. There is a judicial process that is followed for the attachment of the house through debt enforcement. During insolvency the debtor is divested of his property immediately after granting of the sequestration order. These proceedings go as far as stripping a poor person of even a RDP house that they obtained through the Housing Act, a programme designed to provide housing to the poor. This study examines the relationship between the right to access housing and the right to human dignity, considering South Africa's past, the idea of transformative constitutionalism, and the argument that the 1996 South African Constitution's transformative vision is one that is committed to addressing socio-economic inequality. The legal position in South Africa is compared to that of the United Kingdom and the recommendation made by the study is that a stay in proceedings during insolvency for a defined period before the home of the insolvent is sold in execution would help advance the goals of the government and protect rights of those people whose estates are declared insolvent. Further, a complete exclusion of RDP houses from debt enforcement proceeding and insolvency, is suggested. The rights to equality and the right to property are considered in favour of the creditor. All rights are considered against the limitation clause, and it is submitted that a stay in sale of the primary household for a specific period during insolvency proceedings and the complete exclusion of RDP homes from sales in execution and sales during sequestration would not amount to an unjustifiable limitation of the creditor’s rights. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of School of Private Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Ngobese, Surname, Nokhwezi Xatyiswa
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Protection , Debtor and creditor -- Law and legislation , Bankruptcy -- Law and legislature
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61328 , vital:70288
- Description: Many people, particularly in South Africa, turn to borrowing money to pay for their everyday expenses. It is also generally acknowledged that mortgage financing is crucial to our economy and that it should remain readily available to people with a variety of incomes. Banks, and other secured lenders need confirmations that their security is reasonably safe to ensure that this remains the case. A debtor with immovable property is preferred because should the debtor fail to comply with his contractual obligations and there is no movable property to attach, the creditor will proceed to attach the immovable property of that debtor. In South Africa the law relating to debt enforcement proceedings and the provisions of the Insolvent Act allow for the attachment of the primary residence of a debtor/insolvent. There is a judicial process that is followed for the attachment of the house through debt enforcement. During insolvency the debtor is divested of his property immediately after granting of the sequestration order. These proceedings go as far as stripping a poor person of even a RDP house that they obtained through the Housing Act, a programme designed to provide housing to the poor. This study examines the relationship between the right to access housing and the right to human dignity, considering South Africa's past, the idea of transformative constitutionalism, and the argument that the 1996 South African Constitution's transformative vision is one that is committed to addressing socio-economic inequality. The legal position in South Africa is compared to that of the United Kingdom and the recommendation made by the study is that a stay in proceedings during insolvency for a defined period before the home of the insolvent is sold in execution would help advance the goals of the government and protect rights of those people whose estates are declared insolvent. Further, a complete exclusion of RDP houses from debt enforcement proceeding and insolvency, is suggested. The rights to equality and the right to property are considered in favour of the creditor. All rights are considered against the limitation clause, and it is submitted that a stay in sale of the primary household for a specific period during insolvency proceedings and the complete exclusion of RDP homes from sales in execution and sales during sequestration would not amount to an unjustifiable limitation of the creditor’s rights. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of School of Private Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Modelling the dynamics of Breast Cancer disease with hormone therapy and surgery controls
- Ngalo, Akhona Sunshine, Mbava,Willard
- Authors: Ngalo, Akhona Sunshine , Mbava,Willard
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Cancer -- Molecular aspects , Breast cancer -- South Africa , Hormone therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61487 , vital:70688
- Description: In this study, we discussed a mathematical model that incorporates important interactions between normal cells, tumor cells, immune cells, and estrogen. The mathematical model was revised to include two control measures; namely surgery and hormone therapy to minimize the number of tumor cells. The model was mathematically analyzed with the premise that the two control measures are positive constants. Locally and globally analyses were performed using a variety of analytical methods to investigate the stability of the breast cancer model. Furthermore, an optimal control problem was formulated and used to determine the best strategy for reducing the number of tumor cells by incorporating hormone therapy and surgery, based on the well-known Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle. The numerical results indicates combining both optimal control measures (surgery and hormone therapy) simultaneously is more efficacious than using single control measure separately in decreasing the number of tumor cells. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Ngalo, Akhona Sunshine , Mbava,Willard
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Cancer -- Molecular aspects , Breast cancer -- South Africa , Hormone therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61487 , vital:70688
- Description: In this study, we discussed a mathematical model that incorporates important interactions between normal cells, tumor cells, immune cells, and estrogen. The mathematical model was revised to include two control measures; namely surgery and hormone therapy to minimize the number of tumor cells. The model was mathematically analyzed with the premise that the two control measures are positive constants. Locally and globally analyses were performed using a variety of analytical methods to investigate the stability of the breast cancer model. Furthermore, an optimal control problem was formulated and used to determine the best strategy for reducing the number of tumor cells by incorporating hormone therapy and surgery, based on the well-known Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle. The numerical results indicates combining both optimal control measures (surgery and hormone therapy) simultaneously is more efficacious than using single control measure separately in decreasing the number of tumor cells. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The design and synthesis of novel fluorescent coumarin-based derivatives as chemosensory for the application of toxic metal ion detection
- Authors: Schoeman,Stiaan
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Fluorescent polymers -- South Africa , Polymerization , Chemosensory
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61270 , vital:69851
- Description: The rise of humankind has caused pollution, increasing damage to the environment. The actions of humans over hundreds of years have led to an increase in the release of heavy metal cations in concentrations that are toxic to plants, animals and humans. These toxic metals can find their way into humans’ diets through water sources or bioaccumulation in plants and animals such as fish. Heavy metals such as lead and mercury are known to cause serious health issues when consumed, affecting the functioning of the circulatory and nervous systems and causing developmental disorders. Other metal cations, such as iron and copper, can be found in the human body. However, detrimental health issues can occur when normal concentrations are disturbed (either too high or too low). Iron, for example, can be toxic if in excess in the human body, causing damage to the liver and heart and can cause neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. Many methods have been employed to detect and measure the concentrations of toxic metal cations. However, these methods are performed in a laboratory and need skilled operators using expensive equipment. This results in long and tedious sample collection, long feedback time and costly analysis. Chemosensors have been researched and proposed as a cost-effective, on-site, real-time alternative for use as metal detectors. Chemosensory can selectively detect specific metal cations and can be sensitive up to the nanomolar range. Various chemosensors have been synthesised and screened for their colourimetric and fluorometric abilities. Colourimetric chemosensors can be used to visually detect cationic and anionic analytes, whereas fluorometric chemosensors are used to detect anions using their emission properties which handheld devices can measure. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Schoeman,Stiaan
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Fluorescent polymers -- South Africa , Polymerization , Chemosensory
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61270 , vital:69851
- Description: The rise of humankind has caused pollution, increasing damage to the environment. The actions of humans over hundreds of years have led to an increase in the release of heavy metal cations in concentrations that are toxic to plants, animals and humans. These toxic metals can find their way into humans’ diets through water sources or bioaccumulation in plants and animals such as fish. Heavy metals such as lead and mercury are known to cause serious health issues when consumed, affecting the functioning of the circulatory and nervous systems and causing developmental disorders. Other metal cations, such as iron and copper, can be found in the human body. However, detrimental health issues can occur when normal concentrations are disturbed (either too high or too low). Iron, for example, can be toxic if in excess in the human body, causing damage to the liver and heart and can cause neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. Many methods have been employed to detect and measure the concentrations of toxic metal cations. However, these methods are performed in a laboratory and need skilled operators using expensive equipment. This results in long and tedious sample collection, long feedback time and costly analysis. Chemosensors have been researched and proposed as a cost-effective, on-site, real-time alternative for use as metal detectors. Chemosensory can selectively detect specific metal cations and can be sensitive up to the nanomolar range. Various chemosensors have been synthesised and screened for their colourimetric and fluorometric abilities. Colourimetric chemosensors can be used to visually detect cationic and anionic analytes, whereas fluorometric chemosensors are used to detect anions using their emission properties which handheld devices can measure. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Wage differentials by sector and gender in Botswana
- Authors: Motswapong, Masedi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Wage differentials -- Botswana , Wage Decomposition
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62128 , vital:71998
- Description: The study examines wage differentials in the public and private sectors and gender wage gaps within these sectors in Botswana. Raw data from three nationally representative surveys collected is used. These surveys include the 2005/06 Labour force, the 2015/16 Multi-Topic Household and the 2019 Quarterly Multi-Topic. To address the set objectives, the study utilises the quantile regression model and decomposition methods proposed by Firpo, Fortin and Lemieux (2009) and further used the reweighted RIF-OLS OaxacaBlinder decomposition method proposed by Rios-Avila (2020). Results from three surveys demonstrate evidence of wage inequalities in Botswana. Findings revealed that the wage differential in the public and private sectors has weakened over the years, though it is still a significant concern. The public-private sector wage gap decreased from 72% in 2005/06 to 56% in 2019. However, a different trend is observed in the gender wage differentials, where the gap gradually increased over time. Gender wage gaps in the public sector were 4% in 2005/06; in 2015/16, the gap increased to 27% and 49% in 2019. On the other hand, in the private sector, the average wages were 7.34 and 6.98 for males and females in 2005/06, respectively, implying a wage gap of 35%. This trend holds for the other two samples. The gender wage gap in 2015/16 fell to 23% and increased to 28% in 2019. Results from the quantile regression estimates show that returns to education differ in both the sectoral and gender sections. Further, for males and females, returns for education tend to rise as the education level increases. Returns for education for the private sector are higher than for the public sector. For gender wage differences, education returns for females are higher than for males at all levels, supporting findings that females are more educated on average than males. For decomposition results, findings show that observed characteristics, such as education levels, negatively affect wages at the lower levels and positively at other parts of the distribution in the sectoral wage section. For the gender wage gap section, results show that workers’ characteristics had mixed contributions to the wage gap; it narrows the gap at the lower levels and widens it at higher levels of the wage distribution. Further, results suggest the presence of labour market discrimination and evidence of the “sticky-floor” viii effect in both sectors. Additionally, findings from the reweighting RIF-Oaxaca estimates show that the public-private sector wage gap takes an inverted U-shaped distribution in different levels of the wage distribution. Similarly, composition effects positively affect the gap at lower levels, whereas wage structure effects affect the wage gap at the highest distribution level. Overall, the study’s findings have some significant policy recommendations. The study has indicated that the country has no policy to reduce or eliminate wage differentials in the labour market. Hence, Botswana policymakers need to formulate policies to eliminate wage inequalities. Furthermore, it is recommended that the government should continue investing in human capital development. Education is vital in bridging the wage gap within the labour market. Additionally, there is a need to promote tolerance within society and promote ways of appreciating women’s work. It is also recommended that males be encouraged to work in jobs where women are overrepresented. The study's findings contribute to the ongoing wage inequality debate, and it is hoped that the study will benefit policymakers in Botswana. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Motswapong, Masedi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Wage differentials -- Botswana , Wage Decomposition
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62128 , vital:71998
- Description: The study examines wage differentials in the public and private sectors and gender wage gaps within these sectors in Botswana. Raw data from three nationally representative surveys collected is used. These surveys include the 2005/06 Labour force, the 2015/16 Multi-Topic Household and the 2019 Quarterly Multi-Topic. To address the set objectives, the study utilises the quantile regression model and decomposition methods proposed by Firpo, Fortin and Lemieux (2009) and further used the reweighted RIF-OLS OaxacaBlinder decomposition method proposed by Rios-Avila (2020). Results from three surveys demonstrate evidence of wage inequalities in Botswana. Findings revealed that the wage differential in the public and private sectors has weakened over the years, though it is still a significant concern. The public-private sector wage gap decreased from 72% in 2005/06 to 56% in 2019. However, a different trend is observed in the gender wage differentials, where the gap gradually increased over time. Gender wage gaps in the public sector were 4% in 2005/06; in 2015/16, the gap increased to 27% and 49% in 2019. On the other hand, in the private sector, the average wages were 7.34 and 6.98 for males and females in 2005/06, respectively, implying a wage gap of 35%. This trend holds for the other two samples. The gender wage gap in 2015/16 fell to 23% and increased to 28% in 2019. Results from the quantile regression estimates show that returns to education differ in both the sectoral and gender sections. Further, for males and females, returns for education tend to rise as the education level increases. Returns for education for the private sector are higher than for the public sector. For gender wage differences, education returns for females are higher than for males at all levels, supporting findings that females are more educated on average than males. For decomposition results, findings show that observed characteristics, such as education levels, negatively affect wages at the lower levels and positively at other parts of the distribution in the sectoral wage section. For the gender wage gap section, results show that workers’ characteristics had mixed contributions to the wage gap; it narrows the gap at the lower levels and widens it at higher levels of the wage distribution. Further, results suggest the presence of labour market discrimination and evidence of the “sticky-floor” viii effect in both sectors. Additionally, findings from the reweighting RIF-Oaxaca estimates show that the public-private sector wage gap takes an inverted U-shaped distribution in different levels of the wage distribution. Similarly, composition effects positively affect the gap at lower levels, whereas wage structure effects affect the wage gap at the highest distribution level. Overall, the study’s findings have some significant policy recommendations. The study has indicated that the country has no policy to reduce or eliminate wage differentials in the labour market. Hence, Botswana policymakers need to formulate policies to eliminate wage inequalities. Furthermore, it is recommended that the government should continue investing in human capital development. Education is vital in bridging the wage gap within the labour market. Additionally, there is a need to promote tolerance within society and promote ways of appreciating women’s work. It is also recommended that males be encouraged to work in jobs where women are overrepresented. The study's findings contribute to the ongoing wage inequality debate, and it is hoped that the study will benefit policymakers in Botswana. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Foreign aid and Human Development Indicators: Evidence from South Africa
- Authors: Mwimba, Inambao
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Human development indicators , Official Development Aid
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62162 , vital:72003
- Description: The purpose of this study is to determine whether foreign aid influences the quality of life in South Africa. To do so, the study analyses the relationship between foreign aid and the human development index (HDI). HDI consists of three other indices: the index of wellbeing, the index of education, and the index of income. To measure the relationship between foreign aid and HDI, five Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) models are used in estimating the effect of foreign aid on HDI as well as life expectancy, education level, unemployment, and GDP per capita from 1993 to 2019. Income, population density, and credit are given to the private sector are part of the empirical models as controlled variables. The results show that no significant relationship exists between foreign aid and HDI, education, and GDP, while aid is linked to a lower life expectancy rate and unemployment. These findings imply that aid can increase the HDI in South Africa by contributing to a decreased unemployment rate, and thus policy makers should establish concrete plans and develop economic strategies that focus on creating incentives that attract more aid, especially in the short run. This can lead to a decrease in the unemployment rate, which is often regarded as South Africa’s biggest economic issue. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mwimba, Inambao
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Human development indicators , Official Development Aid
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62162 , vital:72003
- Description: The purpose of this study is to determine whether foreign aid influences the quality of life in South Africa. To do so, the study analyses the relationship between foreign aid and the human development index (HDI). HDI consists of three other indices: the index of wellbeing, the index of education, and the index of income. To measure the relationship between foreign aid and HDI, five Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) models are used in estimating the effect of foreign aid on HDI as well as life expectancy, education level, unemployment, and GDP per capita from 1993 to 2019. Income, population density, and credit are given to the private sector are part of the empirical models as controlled variables. The results show that no significant relationship exists between foreign aid and HDI, education, and GDP, while aid is linked to a lower life expectancy rate and unemployment. These findings imply that aid can increase the HDI in South Africa by contributing to a decreased unemployment rate, and thus policy makers should establish concrete plans and develop economic strategies that focus on creating incentives that attract more aid, especially in the short run. This can lead to a decrease in the unemployment rate, which is often regarded as South Africa’s biggest economic issue. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The role of trade unions in organisational change in South African organisations
- Authors: Mzondi, Siphelele
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Management , Organisational Development , Labor union emblems
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62181 , vital:72005
- Description: Organisations of the 21st century face a plethora of changes due to globalisation, a world referred to as volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA). Organisations must consider pertinent stakeholders, specifically employees, and by representation, trade unions, during organisational change attempts. The study has explored the role of trade unions during organisational change in South African organisations. A literature review was conducted, which explored, amongst others, factors driving change, organisational change management models, the labour relations landscape in South Africa and the role of trade unions in organisational change. The empirical study included semi-structured interviews and a survey with a questionnaire. An exploratory sequential mixed methods research design was followed, with semi-structured interviews conducted with trade union representatives and human resource/employment relations managers. Thereafter, an online self-administered survey was conducted focusing on employees. A non-probability judgement design was employed in sampling the participants for the qualitative approach, and five (N = 5) HR/employment relations managers and six (N = 6) trade union representatives were interviewed. Random sampling was employed for the quantitative component and 74 questionnaires were completed. The interviews were thematically analysed while for the survey, exploratory factor and correlation analysis were used. The factor analysis extracted three factors: Before Change; During Change; and After Change. Based on the results recommendations for senior management, HR/ER managers; and for trade unions were presented. The recommendations include that organisations use the framework as a guide to involve trade unions. Trade unions and their representatives need to be acknowledged as important stakeholders before change is introduced. Knowledge of labour law is essential and a culture of open communication must be evident before, during and after change. Trade unions should organise conferences (Indabas) to reorientate and reskill themselves about their role during organisational change within South African organisations. The main contribution of the study is that HR/ER managers and trade union representatives should utilise the framework developed in this study to advance best practices in respect of the role of trade unions in organisational change in the South African context. , Thesis (Ma) --Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mzondi, Siphelele
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Management , Organisational Development , Labor union emblems
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62181 , vital:72005
- Description: Organisations of the 21st century face a plethora of changes due to globalisation, a world referred to as volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA). Organisations must consider pertinent stakeholders, specifically employees, and by representation, trade unions, during organisational change attempts. The study has explored the role of trade unions during organisational change in South African organisations. A literature review was conducted, which explored, amongst others, factors driving change, organisational change management models, the labour relations landscape in South Africa and the role of trade unions in organisational change. The empirical study included semi-structured interviews and a survey with a questionnaire. An exploratory sequential mixed methods research design was followed, with semi-structured interviews conducted with trade union representatives and human resource/employment relations managers. Thereafter, an online self-administered survey was conducted focusing on employees. A non-probability judgement design was employed in sampling the participants for the qualitative approach, and five (N = 5) HR/employment relations managers and six (N = 6) trade union representatives were interviewed. Random sampling was employed for the quantitative component and 74 questionnaires were completed. The interviews were thematically analysed while for the survey, exploratory factor and correlation analysis were used. The factor analysis extracted three factors: Before Change; During Change; and After Change. Based on the results recommendations for senior management, HR/ER managers; and for trade unions were presented. The recommendations include that organisations use the framework as a guide to involve trade unions. Trade unions and their representatives need to be acknowledged as important stakeholders before change is introduced. Knowledge of labour law is essential and a culture of open communication must be evident before, during and after change. Trade unions should organise conferences (Indabas) to reorientate and reskill themselves about their role during organisational change within South African organisations. The main contribution of the study is that HR/ER managers and trade union representatives should utilise the framework developed in this study to advance best practices in respect of the role of trade unions in organisational change in the South African context. , Thesis (Ma) --Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04