List of Titles

Community engagement principles for implementation of information technology for development by higher education institutions in South Africa

- Nkombachoto, Jacquiline

Authors: Nkombachoto, Jacquiline
Date: 2017
Subjects: Information technology Telecommunication Community development
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13171 , vital:39471
Description: Community engagement in South Africa is now recognised as an integral part of Higher Education Institutions’ (HEIs) educational system. The South African Council on Higher Education requires HEIs to become equitable institutions of higher learning, whereby the activities of the HEI are mutually beneficial for both learners and their communities. This entails that, community engagement activities undertaken by HEIs should be reciprocal in nature. The HEIs should help solve issues affecting their communities, whilst also gaining knowledge through experiential learning. One such way is through undertaking Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) projects in communities outside the physical boundaries of the HEI. Over the years, HEIs in South Africa have been involved in undertaking ICT4D projects aimed at benefiting their communities. This is because ICTs have the potential to improve and contribute to the development of individuals, businesses, and communities in various ways, be it socially or economically. However, the ICT4D projects have failed or partially succeeded to attain their goals. This study, thus proposes a model for HEI researchers for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects through application of community engagement principles. The proposed model was formulated using the case study approach. Four cases of ICT4D projects were used as sample to help identify factors required for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects by HEIs. Data was collected using semi structured interviews, observations and literature. The data was then analysed using cross case analysis in the form of themes. The findings were that operational community engagement policies, understanding user needs, creation of long term partnerships, synchronisation of timelines and monitoring and evaluation are vital for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects by HEI researchers in the communities.
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Date Issued: 2017

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The effect of marketing capabilities on the competitive advantage of Small Medium and Micro Enterprises in OR Tambo District Municipality, Eastern Cape

- Mpongwana, Konaye https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4105-1536

Authors: Mpongwana, Konaye https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4105-1536
Date: 2020-01
Subjects: Market segmentation , Marketing -- Management
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20197 , vital:45407
Description: It is usually understood that the development of technological marketing capabilities by firms provides them with immense opportunities to transform their business practices and strategies, to strategically position themselves in the market and enhance firm performance. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of marketing capabilities (Intellectual capital, marketing strategy and market orientation) on the competitive advantage of SMMEs. Prior research has that early development of marketing capabilities enables firms to achieve competitive advantage. The issue to be attended to will be to identify the connection between the incorrect marketing capabilities and failure of SMMEs, if there is any. Furthermore, a thorough investigation looking at how the reduction of failure of SMMEs can be realised by investigating the marketing capabilities of SMMEs. Quantitative research approach was used in the study, with a population of 200 SMMEs, the Raosoft calculator is also used to calculate the sample size of 100 SMMEs which were used to collect the primary data of the study. Convenience sampling method was used by the researcher. The findings also revealed that SMMEs adopt new and advanced technologies when marketing their products and services. The study recommends that SMME Owners/ Managers should consider spending a higher proportion of their time and money engaging in activities related to marketing throughout the life of their business. Therefore, it has concluded that effective deployment of marketing capabilities can lead to competitive advantage and greater performance. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
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Date Issued: 2020-01

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The effectiveness of juvenile delinquents rehabilitation programmes in Zimbabwe : a case study of Harare Central Prison

- Nyakatawa, Rumbidzai

Authors: Nyakatawa, Rumbidzai
Date: 2018
Subjects: Juvenile delinquency Juvenile delinquents Rehabilitation
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12436 , vital:39263
Description: The Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services records show that there are around 300 children incarcerated every year. Most of these children commit crimes such as rape, murder, theft, possession of drugs due to issues like poverty, substance abuse, peer pressure and neglect. A number of these children face many forms of abuse in their homes, including physical, emotional, mental abuse as well as rape. The major aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of juvenile delinquents’ rehabilitation programmes at Harare Central Prison. The qualitative methodology was appropriate for this study because it gives in depth information through conducting interviews and focus groups with participants. The sampling procedure involved deliberate choice of an informant due to the qualities the informant possessed. A sample size of thirty-seven participants comprising sixteen juvenile delinquents, four social workers, five prison guards, five probation officers and seven community members, were selected for this study. Their perceptions provided baseline data that helped in gaining a deeper understanding of the juvenile rehabilitation programmes. Despite the findings, gaps remain in the current system, for instance children continue to spend prolonged periods of time in adult prisons while they await repatriation to institutions due to resource constraints, and the rehabilitation programmes have proved to be partially effective, yet at the same time the post rehabilitation programmes are not being provided to juveniles after their release from prison. Key recommendations include expanding the Pre-trial Diversion Programme to all the provinces as it has yielded results that benefit the child as well introduction of alternatives of institutionalisation.
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Date Issued: 2018

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Intergovermental policy integration and poverty eradication in a developmental state: the case of the PGDP and Amathole IDP in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

- Hofisi, Costa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2571-6991

Authors: Hofisi, Costa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2571-6991
Date: 2009
Subjects: Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa , Public administration -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25744 , vital:64475
Description: The post-apartheid South African government inherited an economy characterised by a dichotomy between well developed and affluent whites and the underdeveloped and impoverished African blacks. This dichotomy was manifest in sharp divisions with regard to access to decent housing, health, education and transport just to mention a few, thus reflecting poverty, as a widespread phenomenon. Since 1994, the South African government has made major efforts aimed at addressing poverty, however, that poverty persists, despite the efforts, cannot be contested. One of the major challenges has been the disjuncture between policies at various spheres of government. This study examines the articulation between two spheres of government focusing on the Provincial Growth and Development Programme of the Eastern Cape and the integrated development plan of Amathole District Municipality. Currently not much research has been carried out in this area. This study illuminates various analytical and practical issues and hopefully provides a useful basis for improvement in the government’s declared commitment to poverty eradication. Triangulating qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, the study aimed to investigate the integration of the Provincial Growth and Development Program and the Integrated Development Plan and the contribution of these policy instruments towards poverty eradication in the Eastern Cape. A further aim was to analyse community participation in and knowledge of the PGDP and Amathole IDP and how they have been effective. This was an empirically grounded study, based on the use of a combination of data collection methods, analysis of primary and secondary sources of data including government documents, administering in-depth interviews to a range of informants within government, the community and a questionnaire survey of a sample drawn from members of the community in the Amatole District Municipality and, finally the use of Amatole district as a case study which was the major unit of analysis. The findings from the study revealed that there is a plethora of challenges confronting policy integration, often resulting in institutional paralysis and inertia. Such challenges vary from lack of capacity in local government, lack of political will, policy shifts, a plethora of legislation, competing if not conflicting priorities, nonattendance of Intergovernmental forums, lack of cooperation by sector departments, contradictions between legislation, policy inconsistencies, conceptual imprecision and conceptual blurring. Moreover, the neo-liberal ideology informing development planning not only in the province, but in South Africa as a whole as propagated by western main stream economists leaves benefits indeed merely ‘trickling down’ to the poor and not ‘pouring’, such that the transition in South Africa has been reduced to an ‘elite transition’. The research results confirm, as observed elsewhere, that experiences of several developing countries over the past decades do not appear to support the trickle down hypothesis. On the other hand, community participation is also stifled by lack of participatory spaces, poor participatory methodologies and structures which make participation difficult while the poor remain trapped in the vicious cycle of poverty. Real participation goes beyond ‘passive development objects’ and ‘recipients of development’ to ensuring that people are empowered to become ‘masters of their own development’ within the context of a participatory democratic developmental state. There is need for not only a thorough examination of the political use of the ‘local’, the ‘poor’ but even the very conceptualisation of participation and its methodologies for effective community participation to be realised. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2009
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Date Issued: 2009

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Igalelo loncwadi lwandulo ku-Ithemba liyaphilisa ka-W.K. Tamsanqa no-Ingqumbo yeminyanya ka- A. C. Jordan

- Ganto, Diniwe Joyce

Authors: Ganto, Diniwe Joyce
Date: 2013
Language: Xhosa
Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (African Languages)
Identifier: vital:11150 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013014
Description: Olu phando luqwalasela nzulu igalelo loncwadi lwandulo kolwanamhla uncwadi. Kubalulekile ukuba kwenziwe oku kuba ugxudululu lwabahlalutyi boncwadi lwesiXhosa bakholisa ukukhumathela ekukhangeleni ifuthe loncwadi lwaseNtshona kuncwadi lwesiXhosa, babe bona abahlalutyi abagrombonca igalelo loncwadi lwandulo kolwanamhla (kwisiXhosa) benqongophele. Nemingqandandana ekhoyo yophando oselwenziwe kuncwadi lwesiXhosa ikholisa ukukhangela ifuthe, lona uphando olungegalelo loncwadi lwandulo kolwanamhla lunqongophele. Iincwadi endiphengulula zona kulo msebenzi yile kaJordan (Ingqumbo Yeminyanya), nekaTamsanqa (Ithemba Liyaphilisa). Indlela endiwuhlahlube ngayo lo msebenzi wophengululo ingolu hlobo: Isahluko sokuqala yimbulambethe edandalazisa iindlela-ndlela endiza kuchankcatha ngazo ukugrombonca eli galelo loncwadi lwandulo kolwanamhla. Isahluko sesibini siza kugrombonca imigqaliselo ekwakuchancathwa kuyo endulo xa kuyilwa amabalana omthonyama. Ndibuye ndifunxe ulwazi olunzulu ngala mabali andulo. Isahluko sesithathu siza kukhukhuza sikhangele ezi ncwadi zimbini Ingqumbo Yeminyanya ne Ithemba Liyaphilisa ukuba ezi zithako nala mabali andulo asetyenziswe njani na kuzo. Isahluko sesine siza kutwabulula indlela abazinonga ngayo ezi zithako nala mabali andulo kwezi ncwadi zabo ooJordan noTamsanqa. Kwakhona ndiphinde ndikhangele ukuba ezi zithako zinagalelo lini na kwizigidimi ezingundoqo eziphuhliswa kwezi ncwadi. Isahluko sesihlanu sisishokobezo somsebenzi wezahluko zonke endizenzileyo.
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Date Issued: 2013

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An assessment of the challenges to housing delievery in the Engcobo Municipality - Eastern Cape

- Jiyose, L

Authors: Jiyose, L
Date: 2014
Subjects: Housing policy -- South Africa , Public housing , Low-income housing
Language: English
Type: text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25613 , vital:64342
Description: The intention of this study was to examine the challenges facing housing service delivery and its impact in Ngcobo Municipality. The study was also focusing on the factors that prevent/hinder the delivery of houses in Ngcobo. In this process the role of the different stakeholders has been identified and it became apparent that the spheres of government do not always complement each other or plan together. There was not a single window of co-ordination and this has resulted in a lack of support by National and Provincial government to the local sphere. The role of politicians and government officials and their lack of understanding of government policies has led to poor housing service delivery. In some instances their inability to work as a collective created tension and a lack of trust on the part of the community. This study has adopted both qualitative and quantitative research methods which are regarded as complementary. The findings that emerged from the study was that this housing service delivery project lacked integrated planning by the stakeholders. It is crucial and would make a significant difference if the Ngcobo Municipality were to review the results of the study and consider implementing its recommendations. The recommendations by the researcher relate to the areas of integrated planning, budgeting, execution, monitoring and evaluation. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
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Date Issued: 2014

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Evaluation of the effect of Pelargonium reniforme Curtis extract on alcohol induced liver damage in Nkonkobe Municipality Eastern Cape Province South Africa

- Adewusi, Emmanuel Adekanmi

Authors: Adewusi, Emmanuel Adekanmi
Date: 2009
Subjects: Plants -- Therapeutic use , Alcoholism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hepatolenticular degeneration , Pelargoniums , Plant extracts , Plant bioassay , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Ethnobotany)
Identifier: vital:11883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/263 , Plants -- Therapeutic use , Alcoholism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hepatolenticular degeneration , Pelargoniums , Plant extracts , Plant bioassay , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
Description: Alcohol abuse is a very common practice (just like in many other parts of the world) in Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. This is associated with liver disease. An ethnobotanical survey of plants used for the treatment of alcohol-induced liver damage in Nkonkobe Municipality was conducted. During the survey and also from information gathered in the literature, Pelargonium reniforme Curtis, was prominently mentioned, among other plants, as the species used generally for the treatment of alcohol-induced liver damage. This project was designed to evaluate the effects of the plant on alcohol-induced liver damage, including its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It also involves safety evaluation studies to determine if the plant is safe for consumption. Studies using rats of the Wistar strain were carried out to determine the protective and curative effects of P. reniforme on alcohol-induced liver damage. Results obtained showed that the plant extract can protect the liver cells as well as enhance recovery from tissue damage. The plant also showed good antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and this further validates its use in the treatment of liver diseases. Safety evaluation studies of the extract were carried out by investigating the effects of the oral administration on some haematological and biochemical parameters in male Wistar rats. The results obtained from the study suggest that the plant extract is not toxic at the doses used and is therefore safe for medicinal uses. The results of the various bioassays carried out in this project have justified the traditional uses of P. reniforme for the treatment of alcohol-induced liver damage.
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Date Issued: 2009

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Assessment of sources of livelihoods and opportunities to improve the contribution of farming within available food chains

- Mbusi, Nontembeko

Authors: Mbusi, Nontembeko
Date: 2013
Subjects: Households -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livelihood strategies , Outcomes , Poverty , Farming , Employment
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
Identifier: vital:11204 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007575 , Households -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livelihood strategies , Outcomes , Poverty , Farming , Employment
Description: Official statistics suggest that as many as 40 percent to 60 percent of people in South Africa are living in poverty, and the 15 percent poorest are in a desperate struggle for survival. Since 1994, Government has been making an effort to help smallholder agriculture through numerous programmes, including those that address land ownership and provide credit and grants for farms and households, but very little change has taken place. Understanding the sources of livelihood and opportunities to improve the contribution of farming within available food chains is therefore an important practical need. The study investigated sources of livelihood and mapped the livelihoods profile of the farming households in parts of the Eastern Cape. The study was conducted in the Alice and Peddie communities in the Amathole district municipality. A set of structured questionnaires were used to interview the sample of 80 farming households selected through a random process within two irrigation schemes and communities that were selected purposively in line with the focus of the larger project on which this study is based. The resulting data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. The descriptive results indicated that members of most rural households were old, married, uneducated and unemployed. Farming was primary livelihood strategy employed in these areas. Rural households were also dependent on remittances, social grants and pension funds because the farming strategy could not meet all their household needs. The major crops that were grown for income and food security to sustain their livelihoods included maize, potatoes, onions and butternut. Factors that had significant influences on outcomes were extension services, grants, pension and remittances, land productivity, type of irrigation system, market accessibility, output price difference and value adding. The available opportunities were land productivity, irrigation facilities, government or NGO programmes and working as a group. For improved livelihood of rural communities in Alice and Peddie, government needs to strengthen agricultural activities and equip farmers with market information, improve their access to irrigation schemes, provide training on value adding and also improve access to extension services.
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Date Issued: 2013

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Effects of the brittle national information policy framework on information services in Malawi

- Gausi, Hambani Adamson

Authors: Gausi, Hambani Adamson
Date: 2013
Subjects: Information science -- Malawi , Information policy -- Malawi , Information services -- Law and legislation -- Malawi , Libraries -- Malawi
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , M Bibl
Identifier: vital:11573 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005989 , Information science -- Malawi , Information policy -- Malawi , Information services -- Law and legislation -- Malawi , Libraries -- Malawi
Description: The aim of the study was to explore the effects of the absence of an overarching national information policy on information services in Malawi. The objectives of the study were to: find out the effects of the absence of an overarching national information policy on information access in Malawi; establish factors impeding the development of an overarching national information policy in Malawi; find out the extent to which the absence of an overarching policy has affected capacity building in information services in Malawi; and identify the legal and regulatory framework implications of the absence of such a policy in Malawi. The study adopted an exploratory research design. Data were collected using document analysis, observations and in-depth interviews. Eighty-two face-to-face interviews were conducted with policy makers in government, Members of Parliamentary committees on legal and media issues, information scientists, information service providers, academicians, legal experts and information users. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. An interview guide comprising closed and open ended questions was used to interview respondents. Data were analysed using quantitative and qualitative methods. The findings of this study may be used by Government in developing relevant national information policies that would enhance free access and utilisation of information. Furthermore the study is significant in identifying factors that may impede the development of a national information policy. The study revealed that Malawi has a brittle national information policy framework for the provision of information services. Malawi doesn’t have an overarching policy framework for the sector and as a result, there is no policy guidance to drive the development of sectoral policies and supporting legislation. Policy development in Malawi is more reactive to issues than systematic and very slow. Consequently, access to and utilization of information is low; capacity building is low in terms of competencies and infrastructure and; the legal and regulatory framework for information services is weak. The study also revealed that factors impeding the development of an overarching national information policy include: motivation for the development of sectoral information policies; lack of an institutional framework to guide the development of policy; lack of finances and technical capacity; lack of sustained political will; level of economic development; existence of overarching government development plans; international trends; and the diverse nature of the information sector. The general recommendation emanating from the findings of the study is that Malawi needs an overarching national information policy which would articulate and address issues regarding access to information, capacity building in terms of skills and infrastructure, and the legal and regulatory framework. Information is a cross-cutting issue requiring an all-encompassing policy. However, specific recommendations from the findings of this study are that government should expedite the development of policies and enactment of relevant pieces of legislation which are not yet in place to enhance free access and utilisation of information and ICTs; government should speed up the introduction of information literacy in the school curriculum starting from primary school level to university; government should develop a library policy to promote the development of school libraries in both primary and secondary schools, and public libraries in all towns, district assemblies and rural growth centres which should be well resourced including Internet facilities; and government should constantly review and harmonise policies and legislation in the information sector so that they are in line with current trends.
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Date Issued: 2013

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An evaluation of the implementation of phase 1 of the National Health Insurance Policy in South Africa

- Ntlangula, Margaret Nokuzola

Authors: Ntlangula, Margaret Nokuzola
Date: 2017
Subjects: National health insurance -- South Africa Medical policy -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Development Studies
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8714 , vital:33439
Description: The purpose of this study was to evaluate how Phase 1 of the National Health Insurance Policy in South Africa was implemented. This evaluation focused on evaluation of reengineering of the primary health care system which is listed as one of the areas that was highlighted by the Department as needing attention during the implementation of Phase 1 of NHI. Reengineering of Primary Health Care was pronounced as the heart-beat of NHI. This is the approach that South Africa chose to implement to strengthen the current health care system. Specific measures that were selected to strengthen the current health system would be prioritized in Phase 1. Re-engineering of Primary Health Care is trusted with making a contribution to creation of a unified health care system. These areas would assist to close gaps which are a result of the current fragmented health care system. Inherited from the apartheid government of South Africa the current health care system has two fragments. One fragment is a highly resourced private health sector which provides quality health care for only 16 percent of the population while leaving 84percent of South Africans to access health care from the under-resourced public health sector. Fragmentation has contributed to inefficiencies in provision of health care. Post 1994 the Constitution outlawed discrimination based on economic and socioeconomic status which paved a way for progressive provision of universal coverage. To operationalize provisions of the Constitution of South Africa, the democratic government is implementing NHI which is a United Nations programme. To achieve a sustainable NHI, Phase 1 implementation also focused on strengthening the current health system. Through phased NHI implementation health financing reforms will become a reality. South Africa is implementing National Health Insurance policy to strategically redress health care financing which has resulted into an unequally fragmented health system. The end of a fragmented health system will give way to the birth of an ideal unified health system and universal coverage. The aim of this study was to evaluate how Phase 1 of National Health Insurance was implemented. Document method was used to collect documents, select and analyze data. This evaluation complements other studies which have contributed to the body of knowledge about implementation of programmes which will bring about realization of universal coverage.
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Date Issued: 2017

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An assessment of the role of officials in housings service delivery in the Nelson Mandela bay Municipality

- Tutu, Jimmy Vuyisile

Authors: Tutu, Jimmy Vuyisile
Date: 2014
Subjects: Housing -- Protests -- Officials -- Service Delivery , Beneficiary -- Beneficiary Management -- Corruption
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
Identifier: vital:11722 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017867 , Housing -- Protests -- Officials -- Service Delivery , Beneficiary -- Beneficiary Management -- Corruption
Description: The purpose of this study was to assess the role of the officials on housing service delivery in the Nelson Mandela by Municipality (NMBM). The role of the officials currently occupies the centre stage in the Public Service and they should be proud to be the servants of the people. Furthermore, they relish the challenge of providing improved services to all by applying the principles of Batho Pele. In order to meet the goals of the study, it was necessary to study the literature on the housing sector, in particular the role of Officials in the Nelson Mandela Municipality and the reasons why people marched and accused Officials of perceived Corruption in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. In order to address the research problem and to fulfill the research objectives, an in depth literature study was done. Empirical studies were done by means of face-to-face interviews and Questionnaires with the Sample population from the Community and the Department of Housing officials in NMBM. The findings of the study suggested that there is ineffective client interface, housing waiting lists are not properly managed, there is a lack of transparency in housing allocations, as well as favoritism by Officials, Councilors and Community leaders on the allocation of houses and there is also a problem of the illegal occupation of houses .The study further suggests that the role of Officials and Councilors needs to be improved if it is to serve as a catalyst for effective housing service delivery to the citizens of NMBM. Recommendations were put forward to assist the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in improving effective and efficiency Housing Service Delivery.
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Date Issued: 2014

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Public goods and social resistance: A study of the perceptions of risk and vulnerability in the n2 toll road project in the wild coast of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

- Mambiravana, Tafadzwa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7543-2989

Authors: Mambiravana, Tafadzwa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7543-2989
Date: 2022-08
Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) , Roads -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23910 , vital:61293
Description: The construction of the N2 Toll Road in the Wild Coast has been lauded for its ‘developmental agenda’, as the government envisages, this 550 km road project linking Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal provinces will act as a game changer to the socio-economic status of the region in a manner beneficial to local people and the nation in general. However, the road project has equally been criticised by several local communities and environmental advocacy groups who suspect the road is associated with controversial titanium mining and its anticipated socio-ecological disasters in the region. Drawing from this conundrum, this study explores intersections of the diverse perceptions of stakeholders on infrastructural provisioning for development purposes in a historically deprived area in South Africa. Using a qualitative research approach in the form of face-to-face interviews with the participants, focus group discussions, secondary data review and observations, the study found that the diverse perceptions of risk and vulnerability have divided the stakeholders into those who support and those who oppose the road project. Most importantly, the study has also found that although there is deep-seated resentment towards the road project among certain grassroots groups, the general view shared among the study communities is nuanced. In other words, there is no ‘hardline collective opposition’ against the road project among local communities. Drawing from these findings, the study recommends that land audit need to be conducted prior to the commencement of infrastructure projects in order to highlight possible tenure blockages. In addition, the study recommends that it is critical for developers and policy makers to recognize the significance of cultural spaces and sacred places for community cultural health. These factors are critical to weigh against the proposed infrastructure developments as they sometimes outweigh the benefits. The study was anchored on the cultural theory of risk perception, which helped to explore the complex interactions between different actors on infrastructural development and environmental policy discourse. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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Date Issued: 2022-08

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Adolescent sexual reproductive health and rights in the Alice area, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

- Moko, Zukhanye

Authors: Moko, Zukhanye
Date: 2021-02
Subjects: Reproductive health , Right to health , HIV infections
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20676 , vital:46423
Description: Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) is a significant aspect of adolescent’s growth. Adolescents particularly girls face the risk of exposure to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), child marriages, high rates of unwanted pregnancy and the risk of those pregnancies can lead to unsafe abortion. In South Africa, considerable progress has been made in achieving improved access to Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) among the general population, however, some factors influencing SRHR of adolescents and young people have been slow to achieve. The study aims to investigate factors influencing Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights of adolescents in Alice, which is located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The Social-Ecological Model was considered appropriate for this study as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the multiple and interacting determinants of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights. A qualitative methodology was adopted, involving focus groups with high school learners, in-depth interviews with institutional actors (Department of Health, Basic Education and Social Development), and participant observations. The study reveals that adolescents’ have access to Sexual Reproductive Health services from healthcare centres but only a few utilize or access them due to barriers such as the geographical location, denial and judgement about young people's sexuality limits their access to comprehensive knowledge to protect and promote their Sexual and Reproductive Health. The findings show that the adolescents who were most affected by Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights challenges were those from deep rural areas. They had minimal information/education compared to those residing in areas close to the town of Alice and major roads. Multi-sectoral interventions empowering adolescents and young people to exercise their rights to optimize SRHR service yield better results. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science & Agriculture, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-02

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