Local economic development as a catalyst for job creation in Amathole District
- Authors: Sikuza, Pumeza
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employment (Economic theory) , Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65423 , vital:74139
- Description: This study assessed local economic development (LED) as a catalyst for job creation in Amathole District. LED is a mechanism that could be used to reduce the socio-economic difficulties faced by the district. These socio-economic challenges include high levels of poverty, unemployment and inequality. The research study is crucial because its area of focus is situated in the province with the highest official unemployment rate in South Africa. With the rising levels of unemployment, which is rising unabated, there is a likelihood of fundamental challenges being experienced by municipalities inhibiting their ability to fulfil their critical service role effectively. The study seeks to investigate whether the LED strategies implemented by the municipalities in the Amathole District are achieving the objectives of poverty alleviation and job creation. The sample and focus were six local municipalities in the Amathole District and the district municipality. The local municipalities in the district are the Amahlathi Local Municipality, Great Kei Local Municipality, Mbhashe Local Municipality, Mnquma Local Municipality, Ngqushwa Local Municipality and the Amathole District Municipality. Primary data was obtained and assessed through semi-structured questionnaires, and the respondents were asked probing questions. The interviews were typed verbatim, and themes were identified during the analysis and interpretation of the data collected. The relevant secondary data was also assessed and analysed from the annual reports and integrated development plans of the municipalities and were captured into Microsoft Excel for analysis. The study findings conclude that the unemployment rates in the Amathole District municipalities have increased during the period reviewed. It was noted that the upper-bound poverty rates in Amathole District remained unchanged during the reviewed period, but the lower-bound poverty rates increased. It was also noted through the calculation of the coefficient correlation that there is a stronger correlation between unemployment and the lower-bound poverty rate than unemployment and the upper-bound poverty rate. In order to eradicate the challenges of poverty and unemployment increasing despite the LED being implemented, it is recommended that adequate funding be made available, that co-ordination of sector plans be improved, LED be prioritised by municipalities, baseline information be utilised and improved, sustainable employment opportunities be created, and there be robust skills development initiatives in municipalities. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04
The coping experiences of healthcare workers during covid-19 pandemic in the Nelson Mandela Bay health district
- Authors: Matsolo, Vuyiswa
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Medical personnel -- Nelson Mandela Bay , COVID-19 pandemic
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62871 , vital:73061
- Description: COVID-19 increased in prevalence in 2019 and was declared a pandemic in 2020 by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The pandemic arrived in South Africa in March 2020, and drastically impacted the country. One such impact was to healthcare workers, who had contact with COVID-19 patients on an ongoing basis. Increasing pressure was placed on healthcare workers, and they needed to cope with the demands placed on them during the pandemic. The study aimed to explore and describe the coping experiences of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. To meet this aim, a qualitative explorative descriptive research design was used. Data was collected using individual, semi-structured interviews, with a sample of 10 healthcare workers in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. The data was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) Reflexive Thematic Analysis and the trustworthiness of the study was ensured through Guba’s (1985) model of data verification. Social Constructionism was used as a theoretical framework to conceptualise the findings that emerged from the participants within their socio-historical context. Participants shared their coping experiences which were different from the other but shared particular themes. Participants made use a combination of problem, emotion and meaning focused coping strategies during the peaks while utilising predominantly problem focused coping strategies during the lulls. It became apparent that there were differences in coping in terms of the lulls and the peaks with peaks producing fear and anxiety, while lulls bringing a sense of relief. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Health Science, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-12
Applying human factors and ergonomics system analysis methods to the V5-NRS Cessna 441 Conquest II aviation accident
- Authors: Fischer, Jordan Daena
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Ergonomics , Human engineering , Accident investigation , Aircraft accidents Investigation , AcciMap Approach , System theory , Study of complex systems
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424245 , vital:72136
- Description: Intro: Accidents are complex in nature with multiple contributing factors. The way in which accidents are investigated is important and using system-based analysis tools assists in understanding and mapping these contributing factors to learn from them. There has been an increase in the number of accidents that have occurred within the general aviation industry in South Africa and while accident investigations have been undertaken, these have not included the application of system-based analysis tools. This led to a collaboration between Rhodes University and the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority where it was agreed that two systems-based analysis tools will be applied to a previously investigated accident that occurred in 2015. Aims: The first aim of this thesis was to identify if, through the implementation of these systems-based tools, the systemic contributory factors could be determined using the existing report by the AIID. The second aim of this thesis was to identify if, using the two systems-based tools, the actors and levels involved in the accident could be identified and the third aim was to identify if the implementation of these tools generates the same or different recommendations to that of the AIID. Methods: The two systems-based analysis tools applied were AcciMap and Causal Analysis using Systems Theory (CAST). These tools were applied to the V5-NRS Cessna 441 Conquest II accident report which captured the details of how the aircraft flew into the Tygerberg mountain on its descent into the Cape Town International Airport in August 2015. Results: Through the application of these two systems-based analysis tools the major contributing factors elucidated throughout this analysis were: visual and lighting conditions, pilot experience, training, lack of terrain warning equipment, fatigue, inadequate oversight, and inadequate risk management. In line with these findings, the analysis revealed various actors across various levels (the crew; South African Air Traffic Control, the SACAA, WestAir (the operator) and the Namibian Civil Aviation Authority Through the elucidation of these factors at various levels, 14 to 15 different recommendations were generated which was more than the one recommendation that was generated by the AIID. Discussion: Even when applied to an existing report, both the CAST and Accimap tools were able to bring to light the systemic contributing factors to this accident and importantly, highlight the role that various actors and levels within the system had in this unfortunate event. Consistent with previous literature, most of the contributing factors were found at the lowest level (the crew in this case) and fewer, but key factors were identified at higher levels (management and regulator level). Importantly, the application of the systems tools facilitated a systematic and systemic analysis of this accident, which allowed for the generation of recommendations at all levels, not just at the operator level. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the benefits and importance behind implementing a systems-based analysis method to an accident as these tools generate more useful recommendations which allows for important lessons to be learned following accidents, with the intention of re-designing systems to prevent them from happening again. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Marine plastic pollution impacts on ecosystem services and livelihoods in South Africa: a review and stakeholder perceptions
- Authors: Yose, Papama
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424743 , vital:72180
- Description: Marine plastic pollution is one of the major environmental problems globally, with adverse impacts on marine ecosystem services, functions and benefits and people. Yet, compared to plastic pollution impacts on terrestrial ecosystems, the impacts of plastic waste on marine ecosystems are little studied and poorly understood in South Africa. In response, research interest on the ecological and economic impacts of marine plastic pollution has grown rapidly but socio-cultural impacts remain poorly conceptualized and little understudied. This trend is arguably driven by the dominance of a quantitative paradigm which is arguably inadequate to respond to dynamic socio-cultural issues and contexts. Further, in South Africa, marine ecosystems are used by diverse groups of people ranging from subsistence users, tourism operators, commercial fishers and recreational users, meaning that addressing marine plastic pollution requires a multi-stakeholder approach. However, few studies explore the perceptions of diverse stakeholders regarding marine plastic pollution, its impacts and potential interventions. Against this background, the objective of the thesis are twofold: (a) to argue for a more nuanced understanding of marine plastic pollution impacts on human well-being in order to strengthen conceptualization of impacts that goes beyond direct and quantitatively measured impacts (ecological, health and economic) but considers the socio-cultural dimensions of impacts (lifestyle disruptions, mental health costs and cultural and heritage impacts), and (b) examine stakeholders’ perceptions of marine plastic pollution, its impacts and potential interventions in South Africa. Drawing on case studies, this study provides a working definition of the socio-cultural impacts of marine plastic pollution and a conceptual framework for categorizing the impacts. It highlights three dimensions of the socio-cultural impacts of marine plastic pollution (lifestyle, mental health, and cultural and heritage impacts). It also illustrates connections between marine ecosystems and marine-based livelihood activities with the social and cultural dimensions of human wellbeing to show the links between marine environments and socio-cultural contexts. Concerning stakeholder perceptions, the study showed a tendency to associate marine plastic pollution with immediate, noticeable and easily quantifiable ecological impacts such as entanglement and ingestion of marine organisms, economic impacts and social impacts (e.g., loss of aesthetic appeal). However, secondary impacts such as loss of marine biodiversity and social impacts such as human health, were largely unknown. Moreover, there was heterogeneity in perceptions of marine plastic pollution impacts among the stakeholder groups. Prospective studies researching marine plastic pollution impacts should consider divergent and diverse perceptions of different stakeholders to capture the real costs of marine plastic pollution. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Visual representations of linear algebraic expressions: a case study in a Grade 9 after-school mathematics club
- Authors: Herbert, Sindisiwe
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Visual learning , Algebra Study and teaching (Secondary) South Africa , Algebras, Linear , After-school programs , Kinaesthetic learning
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424019 , vital:72116
- Description: Visualisation is commonly used as a tool in introducing algebra through visual or kinaesthetic sequences designed to prompt learners' development of a general rule for moving from a term's position to its output value. Fluency in both the concepts and the conventions of elementary algebra are essential to learners, as algebra forms the language in which many advanced mathematical ideas are encoded. Moreover, algebraic fluency is often associated with an ability to think abstractly about arithmetic processes. In many classrooms, however, research has shown that learners often focus on fluency in algebraic conventions rather than concepts, learning how to manipulate expressions without understanding the algorithms they are taught to follow. This trend can be linked to several causes, including teacher-centred mathematics classrooms in which learners are – whether implicitly or explicitly – encouraged to copy formulae and methods in order to ‘get it right in a test’ without necessarily grasping the underlying logical relationships. This case study, therefore, aimed to determine whether there was value in using visual, kinaesthetic models to broaden and deepen learners' use of algebra. To that end, in the context of an extra-curricular mathematics club that aimed to decentre the teachers and demand innovative ideas of the participants, six pairs of Grade 9 learners were tasked with creating visual representations of a linear algebraic expression using coloured building cubes. The responses to this task over the course of five assignments were many and varied and almost universally displayed a sustained internal logic that the learners were able to explain and develop. Most pairs began with a visual list of terms arranged in sets of towers, pyramids or, in one case, a spiral. At the end of the study, all but one of the pairs had settled on a Visual Expression, in which various colours were used to represent elements of the algebra such as the values of the coefficient, the variable and the constant term. The participants' representations grew in complexity over the course of the study and the conformity of the final responses showed that the club was a collaborative space in which learners shared ideas. However, the structure of the Visual Expressions and their own confessions of nerves about ‘getting it wrong’ in the interviews suggest that the participants were stuck in a mindset that led them to seek out and idealise the representation closest to the original algebra, even though that representation revealed little about the structural relationship underlying the expression. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Exploration of remote work and wellbeing of academics in a South African tertiary institution
- Authors: Chikutu, Michelle
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405963 , vital:70223
- Description: Thesis embargoed. To be released in 2024. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Exploring the diverse racialised responses to the ‘Ashwin Willemse incident’ through theories of race and coloniality of being
- Authors: Accom, Abner
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Willemse, Ashwin, 1981- , Ethnic attitudes South Africa , Race awareness South Africa , Postcolonialism South Africa , South Africa Race relations , Decolonization South Africa , Racism in sports South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405908 , vital:70218
- Description: On 19 May 2018 Ashwin Willemse, a coloured Springbok rugby player walked off the SuperSport set, a DSTV sports program, during a live broadcast. He accused his white co-hosts Nick Mallet and Naas Botha (two white apartheid-era Springboks) of patronising him (SABC News, 2018; Eyewitness News, 2018). Responses to the Willemse incident reflected racial divisions in the country. It appeared that many white South Africans criticised Willemse’s behaviour, while many black South Africans stated that they could identify with his response to the subtle racisms experienced in everyday life, and which he claimed to have experienced on the SuperSport program (SABC News, 2018; Eyewitness News, 2018). The racialised media outcry led Professor Jonathan Jansen, to ask: “why do two groups of people, staring at the same event ‘see’ two different realities” (Maleka, 2018: 4)? This thesis probes possible answers to Jonathan Jansen’s question regarding the Ashwin Willemse walkout. The thesis explores and analyses the diverse racialised responses to the ‘Willemse walkout’ through race theories and ‘coloniality of being’. Qualitative research methods were used in the form of a reception analysis involving two racially homogenous (black and white) focus group interviews, two in-depth individual interviews with black research participants, three in-depth individual interviews with white research participants, and a sample of tweets from black and white commentators who had opinions about the ‘Willemse walkout’. The thesis concludes that most black research participants supported Willemse’s actions and most of the white people in the group disagreed with Willemse’s behaviour. Their various opinions were largely due to their different lived experiences which were a consequence of South Africa’s colonial history, apartheid, and racial discrimination. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Journalism and Media Studies, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
An investigating of the causes of conflict in the department of employment and labour in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Dlwati, Siphesihle
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55346 , vital:51914
- Description: The public sector in South Africa accounts for a huge amount of the public service jobs and it has been learnt that there is also a considerable amount of dysfunctional conflict that affects the public sector. The main aim of this study is to investigate the causes of conflict in the public sector, with specific reference to the department of Employment and Labour, in Port Elizabeth. The research objectives were as follows; firstly, to investigate the causes of conflict or potential conflict at the department of Employment and Labour in Port Elizabeth. Secondly, the research sought to ascertain government employees’ approach to conflict and how it affects their performance (management and subordinates) with specific reference to the department of Employment and Labour, in Port Elizabeth. Thirdly, the research also sought to come up with the recommendations with the view to address conflict or what might be causing conflict at the department of Employment and Labour in Port Elizabeth. Workplace conflict was used in this study as a conceptual framework to understand conflict in the department of Employment and Labour, in Port Elizabeth. The research has followed a qualitative approach to gather data. Using a purposive selection sampling technique, 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted with employees of the department of Employment and Labour, in Port Elizabeth. Ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the course of the study. The findings of this study have revealed that lack of consultation or lack of an inclusive or participative approach in dealing with matters is regarded as the main cause of conflict within the studied organisation. The organisations lack conflict management skills. This study can be of benefit to the organisation, in that its recommendations can assist the organisation place more attention on improving its conflict management skills, which may help reduce the negative impacts of unmanaged conflicts. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Synthesis and antiparasitic activity of hybrid compounds based on quinoline and thiosemicarbazone pharmacophoric units
- Authors: Makalima, Gwiba Hlonela
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192508 , vital:45232
- Description: Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
The design of a resource centre for Pellsrus, Jeffreys Bay
- Authors: Bosch, Rickus
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Community centers --South Africa --Jeffrey's Bay -- Designs and plans , Jeffrey's Bay (South Africa) --History
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57454 , vital:57872
- Description: The South African city faces an ongoing struggle with adequate social and spatial justice. Citizens have become separated and cultures have been divided owing to the historical formation of the city and the post legislative laws. Because of the growth of cities, certain resources are difficult to access and people need to trav el vast distances and cross dangerous barriers in order to access these resources. This thesis involves the research of social and spatial justice within the South Afri can city, which has resulted in a poor quality of life and a lack of resources. More specifically this thesis aimed at creating an environment that will aid in a better quality of life through spatial and social equity by creating an active and positive space to access certain resources. The particular focus area is the rural community of Pellsrus in Jeffreys Bay. The context has been analysed to enable a sound understanding of the formation of the town, the behaviour of the town and its people, the urban conditions and the spatial structures. Research lead to a site being selected that would form an transition space connecting separated communities and resources. The design is aimed at creating a space for people to gather, gain access to the needed resourc es and act as a linkage or transition zone between certain areas of the town. The objective was to enrich the current movement systems and enhance the existing resources, ultimately resulting in the design of a trade-resource centre in Pellsrus. The architectural design is formulated as a mean of locality and community. A qualitative methodology has been implemented which incorporates various research methods such as surveys, literature reviews, primary and secondary data collection, site sketches, topographic mapping and drone footage. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The factors that contribute to students’ positive perceptions towards service quality in selected off-campus residences in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Adeleke, Thobile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: SERVQUAL (Service quality framework) , Student housing -- Resident satisfaction -- South Africa , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50922 , vital:43172
- Description: Post 1994 in South Africa there has been a notable increase in the number of students enrolled at different universities which offer student accommodation. Unfortunately, only 20% of the students can be accommodated in on-campus university accommodation, which results in most students seeking accommodation in off-campus student residences many of whom do not meet the quality requirements stipulated by the Department of Higher Education. This is what prompted this research study, whose aim was to investigate the perceptions of NMU students residing in off-campus residence, towards service quality. A literature review was conducted and focused on the service quality construct, delved into the definitions of services and quality and their benefits in all industries as well as within the student housing context. The different theoretical models used in the evaluation of service quality i.e., SERVQUAL, SERVPERF, the Gaps Model and Gronroos Model were discussed. A questionnaire based on the modified SERVQUAL tool was utilized in the evaluation of service quality levels in accredited NMU off-campus residences in Nelson Mandela Bay. Statistical evaluations were conducted on the five dimensions of SERVQUAL, namely, reliability; responsiveness; assurance; empathy and tangibles/physical attributes. The primary objective of this research was achieved, as the perceptions of students towards service quality in off-campus student accommodation were successfully measured using the SERVQUAL tool. Three service quality dimensions, namely, assurance, empathy and tangibles received positive assessments. On the other hand, the empirical research results clearly demonstrated two factors that scored low i.e., reliability and responsiveness, which reflects the respondents’ negative perceptions towards these two factors. Practical steps must be taken by off-campus residence management to ensure that the expectations versus perception service gap highlighted by the empirical findings of this study are addressed in order to keep their customers satisfied and remain competitive. Cronbach alpha coefficients above 0.80 were obtained for all the five variables, proving the SERVQUAL instrument’s internal consistency and reliability to be very good. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, Business Administration, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
A study on staff provisioning using the Peter Morkel Model with reference to a selected school in the Amathole East District
- Authors: Qaba, Loyiso Siyabulela
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55161 , vital:49171
- Description: The Post-Provisioning Model (PPM) is a Resource Allocation Model (RAM) used by the Department of Education to optimize the distribution of available educator resources to public schools. The Department of Education adopted the PPM to distribute the total available posts to all public schools in an “equitable, transparent and resource-efficient manner. The PPM is a formula-driven model that primarily allocates educators, as human capital, to public schools based on learner enrolment numbers. In addition to allocating teaching staff, the PPM allocates the School Management Team (SMT) to each school. The outcome of the PPM formula is called the Post-Provisioning Norm (PPN). The implementation of the PPM has presented various challenges in the management of public schools. The primary aims of this study were to investigate any possible weaknesses of the PPM and to critically evaluate and explore school managers’ views of the PPM in the management of public schools. For the purposes of this study a probability sampling procedure was used. The participants were chosen from the principals within the Department of Education in Amathole East District. The literature review undertaken and the field research findings in the fourth chapter revealed that there is a gap between the ideals of the PPM and its implementation. It was found that there was a poor understanding of the technical aspects of the PPM formula among senior managers of public schools. There is evidence of equitable quantitative distribution of posts through the PPM. However, it was discovered that the PPM does not take into account the distribution of qualified educators. Hence, some of the allocated posts in public schools were often filled by under-qualified or non-qualified staff. The appointment of qualified educators was skewed. Further findings of this study revealed, amongst others, the inability of the PPM to provide for and promote the needs of a diverse curriculum in rural areas, and the inability to factor in and balance the variable that some public schools raise more money in school fees, which enables the advantaged schools to employ additional educators. The primary recommendations of this study are that principals be trained, on an annual basis, on the workings of the PPM and that the South African Schools Act No.84 of 1996 should be amended to grant authority to the Head of Department of the province to appoint and deploy qualified educators to public schools. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
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- Date Issued: 2020-04