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Community-driven solid waste management initiatives in Missionvale

  • Authors: Kwava, Eunice
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Factory and trade waste
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MDS
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48709 , vital:41064
  • Description: Solid waste management is particularly challenging in poor communities where socio-economic issues take precedence over keeping a clean environment. This study explores the effectiveness of community-driven waste management strategies that are implemented in Missionvale, a poverty-stricken township that forms part of the Nelson Mandela Metropole, located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the sustainability of the community-driven waste management practices in the township. This was premised on the understanding that having the community at the centre of waste management is important and community initiatives coupled with support from key stakeholders, yields the desired outcome: sustainable waste management. The objectives of the study were: (i) to understand what happens to the solid waste generated in Missionvale; (ii) to assess the effects of the waste and its disposal (or lack thereof) in Missionvale; (iii) to identify the challenges faced by the public in implementing waste management initiatives for sustainable development; and (iv) to establish the waste management practices in Missionvale and their effectiveness. The study found that whilst waste management is a secondary, less important issue to community respondents who are struggling with more pressing socio-economic hurdles, there are nevertheless efforts from informal waste pickers, local businesses, non-governmental entities and some individual community members to keep their environment clean. This occurs against the backdrop of the municipality’s failure in its task to provide consistent waste collection and disposal.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

E-books preference compared to print books based on student perceptions: a case of University of Fort Hare students

  • Authors: Makwanya, Comfort
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Electronic books College students
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Business Management)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13653 , vital:39688
  • Description: Technology has been shifting students’ perceptions and preferences on how they learn. The way in which students perceive print books and e-books greatly affects which format they prefer to use for academic purposes. In recent years, e-book accessibility on a variety of mobile gadgets has become a substitute to print based resources which are costly in terms of production, sharing and heavy in terms of their physical nature. Institutions of higher learning have decided that e-books and related resources are the most preferred options among students. This, however, is in contrary to the research findings which propound that students do not actually favour e-books. The intention of this study was to determine students’ perceptions with regards to using e-books and print books in meeting information needs. In addition, the study aimed to determine students’ awareness, usage, preference and students’ plan to adopt e-books as their only source of information in the future. Contrasting views exist on which format (print or e-book) students prefer for academic purposes to enhance their learning experience with most studies being done in developed countries. Hence, the investigation that uncovers students’ perceptions and preferences towards the two formats in South Africa can provide a better comprehension and conclusion on an African student. This will consequently lead to improved student engagement and improved learning outcomes. A cross-sectional research design was used and a questionnaire administered to a sample of 307 students at the University of Fort Hare’s East London Campus through convenience sampling. Findings from this study showed that students at the University of Fort Hare’s Faculty of Management and Commerce preferred using both (e-books and print books) for their information needs. They also perceived e-books as good as print books, easier and friendly to use and capable of providing adequate information to meet study needs. The findings will assist practitioners to understand readers’ needs, improve awareness, and develop e-book collections and designs that improve the learning process.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

Gender differences and online shopping decisions of consumers in South Africa

  • Authors: Mqulo, Thandokazi
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Electronic commerce Consumer behavior
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Business Management)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16952 , vital:40788
  • Description: Online shopping has emerged as one of the most convenient ways of shopping in both emerging and advanced economies. In South Africa, it has received much attention due to its unique way of satisfying both the rural and urban populations. Online shopping is growing and carries great potential of contributing to a country and/or local areas’ economy and development. The primary aim of the study was to analyse the differences of online shopping between males and females in South Africa. The main objective of this study is to determine if there are significant differences between male and female online shoppers in South Africa. The study is motivated by the literature gap that exists on the online shopping discourse, in that there are few published studies on the online shopping differences between males and females in South Africa. Therefore, there is a lack of information on the importance of online shopping activities on promoting convenience for shoppers in these busy times that people live in. A quantitative approach was used to analyse the data that were collected using a questionnaire. Data was collected from a sample of 377 people who are online shoppers in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Simple random sampling was utilised for this study. The results showed that there is a significant difference between males and females online shopping patterns as determined by specific variables mentioned in this study. Their study had findings on research hypothesis of attitude towards online shopping, the difference in the usefulness of media on online websites, perceived ease of use of online websites, intrinsic enjoyment, perceived risk and trust towards online shopping. The implications of this study unpack and provides discussion on empirical evidence drawn from the study’s statistical results. The implications are presented in a way which explains how the results of this study affect theoretical dimensions of the studied phenomenon, online shoppers and the retail industry. There is a need for more research in this environment and this research study will stimulate further studies in the online shopping environment. Future research may focus on the development of a customer satisfaction scale that uses service quality items in the retail industry, to gather data about what satisfies customers in the retail context.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

Students’ perceptions of their employability as revealed by their understandings of the South African Labour Market

  • Authors: Gabobegwe, Maoshadi Keletso
  • Date: 2019
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71482 , vital:29857
  • Description: The state of the South African labour market is characterized −among other things− by inequalities and the chronic issue of unemployment, with a rate that has come up to 27.7% in the third quarter of 2017. Considering this, unemployment in South Africa is explained by numerous authors as a structural issue. In a sense that unemployed people do not have the skills required by the labour market. But, since education attainment improves an individuals’ employment prospects and outcome. It would be expected that people with higher education would have high prospects of getting employment. Yet, people with higher education qualifications also face challenges of obtaining employment. Even though research finds that graduate unemployment is not as bad when compared to general and overall unemployment of the country. It still remains that skills shortages and/or mismatch are deemed to be the main contributor of the South African graduate unemployment. Existing research finds that just as the labour market is characterized with differences on the grounds of gender and race. This also reflects on how graduates enter the labour market. With the white race having more employment outcomes than blacks and males than females. It is against this background that this dissertation set out to explore what Rhodes University final-year students’ −who are nearing the transition from varsity to the labour market− perceive to be their employment prospects and outcomes. Taking into consideration the issue of unemployment and inequalities in the labour market. In essence, one of the key issues that the dissertation focuses on, is what students think of their employability based on their understanding of the labour market. More than that, the dissertation investigates how aspects such as the student’s field of study, race and gender factor into how students understand the labour market and ultimately how they perceive their employment prospects and outcomes. As a consequence, evidence suggests that students’ perceptions of the labour market influences how they perceive their employability. Over and above, the research finds that the students field of study especially, features significantly in how students perceive the labour market and their employability. While race and gender also factored in students’ responses, it was not as significant as compared to their field of study respectively. The general finding is that students are well aware of the issues of the labour market and are concerned about the implications of these issues on their employability. This awareness and concern varied based on students’ field of study, race and gender.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An investigation study on the effectiveness of Community Policing Forums in Sephokong Local Council Leribe in Lesotho

  • Authors: Tlhakana, Motlalepula W
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Community policing Police
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Criminology)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16430 , vital:40719
  • Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the role of Community Policing Forums (CPFs) in Sephokong village in the Leribe District of Lesotho. The objectives of this study were; to describe the participation of the community members in the Community Policing Forums; to identify the participation of CPFs in the community; to identify challenges faced by Community Policing Forums in Sephokong Local Council Leribe District in Lesotho; to identify the purpose of the Community Policing Forums in Sephokong in Lesotho; to establish the strengths of the CPFs in doing their work; and to determine the needs of the CPFs to enable them to do their work. The research methodology used in the study is the qualitative type. The major findings of the study revealed that CPFs, which were trained by the Lesotho Mounted Police Services (LMPS), was beneficial to the communities because they were equipped with skills and knowledge that they used to protect the villagers and their property. The social status of the villagers was also enhanced by the presence of the CPFs, in that they were capable of discussing their differences amicably and brought them to the chief or the police station for further deliberations if some members were not satisfied. Also study findings indicated that a lot of criminal activities could have taken place without the work of CPFs in the village since they were the only trained people to do the patrolling at night, which deterred the criminals. The chiefs, in particular, benefited from the CPFs’ work when they reported cases, arrested criminals and assisted in mobilizing the villagers for a meeting at the chief’s court. All in all, the CPFs unified the people, protected the pastures, going between the chief and the LMPS and they followed after the stolen (stock) animals and rescued them from the hands of thieves even though they were not paid by members of the community or LMPS. v | Page Lastly the Police officers pointed out that they provide trainings to CPFs members in different villages as to serve the community members in their different vicinities. While CPFs help them to arrest the suspects for them and provide them with enough information for investigations. Hence their presence in the villages plays solve the matters easily, and during operations they work together with CPFs as police officer and that enables them to give evidence in the courts of laws.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Assessing teaching strategies of grade four English second language teachers in Amathole District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

  • Authors: Adegoriolu, Emmanuel Tobi
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Education--South Africa English language--Study and teaching--Foreign speakers Second language acquisition
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Applied Linguistics
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15474 , vital:40411
  • Description: The intention of this study was to assess the teaching strategies of Grade 4 English second language teachers in the Amathole district of the Eastern Cape. The objectives of the study were firstly, to identify the teaching strategies currently employed by Grade 4 teachers in the teaching of English as a second language in selected schools in Amathole district of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. Secondly, the study sought to establish how the existing teaching strategies impacted on the performance of the learners of English as a second language in the selected schools in Amathloe district of the Eastern Cape, and to establish the teachers‟ perceptions on the most effective teaching strategies in the selected schools. The study used translanguaging and communicative language teaching as the theoretical lens and guide in data collection and analysis. The study employed the use of mixed methods of both quantitative and qualitative research design. Data was collected through the use of eight comprehensive classroom observations and eight teacher questionnaires in four different primary schools. The conclusion of the study as established in the outcome of data showed that there was no recommended teaching strategy by the Department of Education for English second language teachers teaching Grade 4. The study observed that the language teachers made use of various teaching strategies in the instruction of Grade 4 learners. In addition, it was concluded that the placement of the English language subject on the timetable affected the performance of young learners during the summer period. Moreover, the absence of teacher-learner cordial relationship compromised learning outcomes and performance of Grade 4 learners in the skills of English second language. The study recommends that teachers of English as a second language be trained on communicative language teaching in order to achieve positive outcomes in the classroom.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The effectiveness of public participation in the environmental politics of hydraulic fracturing : the case of the Great Karoo

  • Authors: Kalipa-Mini, Nomampondomise Cynthia
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Hydraulic fracturing Hydraulic fracturing -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Environmental Studies
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10779 , vital:35760
  • Description: Shale gas has become a part of the world’s energy mix. South Africa (SA) is facing huge energy problems and job creation challenges whilst the Karoo region has large amounts of shale gas reserves. It is against this background that the South African government is considering fracking, showing interest by lifting fracking ban and repeatedly calling it a game changer. This generated debates among environmentalists, farmer groups, capitalists, politicians, researchers and community groups, as they voiced their views regarding fracking. The debates influenced the study to focus on public participation regarding the Karoo fracking initiative, with particular emphasis on the marginalised persons. The aim was to examine the effectiveness of public participation in the environmental politics of fracking in the Great Karoo region in Eastern Cape Province. The study adopted a qualitative case study approach through document analysis, questionnaires given to the interested and affected parties, relevant government department, local municipality and non-governmental organisations as well as focus group discussions with 35 participants from marginalised groupings. It was grounded on the Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) paradigm using the outcomes-based framework in the thematic analysis of the collected data. The results showed little evidence of social learning among the marginalised persons when the collected data was benchmarked against the chosen pillars of the IEM paradigm within the outcomes-based approach. These results convey that effective and developmental public participation should be empowering, informing and educating rather than merely serving documentary purposes.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The reliability of firearm identification in South Africa : a comparative perspective

  • Authors: Mutsavi, Tanyarara
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Forensic sciences Firearms -- Identification
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Law
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10850 , vital:35860
  • Description: Crime has become a well-known and worrying fact of life in South Africa. It constrains the ability of citizens to participate actively and meaningfully in all spheres of social and economic life. In many cases where a crime is committed, a firearm is involved. In order to fight gun crime there is a need for the perpetrators to be prosecuted. For prosecution to take place, there must be evidence to link the suspects to the committed crime. This is when firearm identification as a form of expert scientific evidence comes into play. This type of evidence links the bullets and cartridges recovered from the crime scene to the suspect.s firearms through the process of matching which is done by using a comparison microscope. Expert scientific evidence like firearm identification evidence, needs to be scientifically reliable because unreliable evidence may lead to the conviction of the innocent and exoneration of the guilty. Case law, authoritative reports and other literature have shown that firearm identification is not scientific and therefore it is not reliable. This is a disturbing position, considering the fact that this type of evidence is still being used in courts and no alternative has been found thus far to replace it. This study therefore proposes some reforms and recommendations which have been registered in authoritative reports which assist South Africa in dealing with firearm identification evidence. To achieve reliability, some writers have suggested that South Africa should adopt the US approach with regard to admissibility where judges play a .gate keeping. role by making sure that expert evidence is reliable before it enters the court. However, this study argues that scientific reliability, in South Africa, should not be a criterion for admissibility, but should rather be a central factor in deciding what weight should be attached to the expert evidence given in a particular case. The reason for this is that, in South Africa, the jury system is not used and therefore the judge does not have to exercise a .gate keeping. role, as he or she will be the final arbiter as to whether the evidence is reliable. In this context, reliability is considered during cross-examination. Cross-examination by the defence is crucial and this study proposes some possible cross-examination questions that can be helpful in testing the reliability of firearm identification evidence.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

An evaluation of the problems of equivalence and non-equivalence in the Intermediate Phase (IP) IsiXhosa home language workbooks of the Department of Basic Education

  • Authors: Styoshwana, Ntombenani
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Xhosa language -- Study and teaching Xhosa language -- Readers , Xhosa language -- Education (Primary) -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14356 , vital:27574
  • Description: Language plays an important part in our lives and the effects of language are remarkable and include much of what people believe. This study is about language and seeks to evaluate the extent of the problems of equivalence and non-equivalence in the texts translated from English into IsiXhosa by identifying those problems in the translated text. Translators strive to carry the meaning across from one language to another, as much as they can. Sometimes a translation shows non-equivalence and therefore the meaning gets lost. There are a number of reasons why this occurs. This study will examine some of them and propose solutions to address them.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

William Blake’s animal symbols: tensions and intersections between science and allegory In Eighteenth-Century attitudes towards animals

  • Authors: Singh, Jyoti
  • Date: 2017
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4590 , vital:20696
  • Description: This thesis explores the tensions and intersections between science, allegory, and related eighteenth-century attitudes towards animals in William Blake’s poetry through detailed analysis of individual animal symbols and tropes. It will focus specifically on the period between 1794 and 1820, to coincide with the dates of Blake’s major works. Chapter One outlines Blake’s key philosophies, concentrating on his particular approach to symbolism. By rejecting certain Enlightenment ideals and beliefs surrounding allegory, Blake created his own form of the literary tradition, and the subjects and symbols of his poetry clearly demonstrate shifting allegorical frames. The chapter also explains why he argued for the recognition, and even valorisation, of the imaginative faculty, or “Poetic Genius”, in an era which accepted reason and rational thinking as one of the main means of apprehending the world. Chapter Two considers the significance of Blake’s use of predatory animals in the SONGS Of INNOCENCE and Of EXPERIENCE. In focussing on symbolic animals, the chapter assesses whether the ‘real’ animals (with all their scientific associations) are alluded to, and the extent to which they influence their symbolic counterparts. In choosing these symbols to represent key themes throughout his oeuvre, Blake drew on some familiar associations and contemporary attitudes towards animals, but offered no critique of society’s attitudes to animals. Chapter Three identifies and analyses the “fragments of Eternity” represented in the contraries of “Good” and “Evil”, and “Energy” and “Reason” embodied by the animals in THE MARRIAGE of HEAVEN and HELL. The symbols’ division between “Reason” and “Energy” develops an understanding of the complex attitudes towards animals, both in Blake’s mind, and in that of the eighteenth-century British public. Chapter Four is concerned with Blake’s depictions of the Worm and Serpent in his poetry, and how his conception of “Beulah” provides more insight into these symbols and their functions. It also grapples with Rod Preece’s argument that the poet recognised the sanctity and divinity in all forms of life, and sought to endorse these beliefs through his animal symbols. As the thesis illustrates, though, Blake is not arguing for the sanctity of all life to be upheld, nor does he see any divinity in the beings and objects found in nature. Sanctity and divinity are constructs of the imagination, and it is through exercising the imaginative faculty - the “Poetic Genius’’ - along with our senses and instincts, that we are able to make sense of the world. The study thus concludes by considering the extent to which ‘real’ animals intrude upon Blake’s oeuvre, and attempts to determine the value of reading the symbols through an “animal studies” paradigm. It also argues that ‘real’ animals are inseparable from their cultural and symbolic representations, because these are the only means of interpretation we have.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An exploratory study on lifestyle and its contribution to personal victimization among students at University of Fort Hare in Alice Campus

  • Authors: Vaphi, Yanga Yandisa
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Bullying Criminal behaviour
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sci
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2436 , vital:27840
  • Description: This study is based on student lifestyle and its contribution to personal victimization at University of Fort Hare in Alice campus. Social Science researchers such as Fisher, Sloan, Cullen, and Lu (1998) claim that there are many incidents of criminal victimization occurring on and off university campuses. The main purpose of this study is to find out whether there is any correlation between student lifestyle and personal victimization. There are many theories, concepts and available information regarding the issue of personal victimization among students, however, this notion is thriving, especially in higher institutions. The study examined the research objectives through lenses of theories such as lifestyle exposure theory, routine activities theory, rational choice theory which serve to elaborate more about the research topic. In this study data was collected using interviews and self-administered questionnaires for triangulation purposes. Some of the findings in this study were that there is vast majority of students who suffer from personal victimization on and off-campus due to students’ different lifestyles and lack of legal responsibility by the institution. First year females were found to be the majority of students who suffer from personal victimization due to their vulnerability in their residences. Based on these findings, recommendations such as tightening security measures around campus, educating students regarding victimization, and collaboration of the university with police officials were made.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Gold nanoparticle–based colorimetric probes for dopamine detection

  • Authors: Ngomane, Nokuthula
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:4565 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021261
  • Description: Colorimetric probes have become important tools in analysis and biomedical technology. This thesis reports on the development of such probes for the detection of dopamine (DA). Liquid and different solid state probes were developed utilizing un–functionalized gold nanoparticles (UF–AuNPs). The liquid state probe is based on the growth and aggregation of the UF–AuNPs in the presence of DA. Upon addition of the UF–AuNPs to various concentrations of DA, the shape, size and colour change results in spectral shifts from lower to higher wavelengths. The analyte can be easily monitored by the naked eye from 5.0 nM DA with a calculated limit of detection of 2.5 nM (3σ) under optimal pH. Ascorbic acid (AA) has a potential to interfere with DA detection in solution since it is often present in biological fluids, but in this case the interference was limited to solutions where its concentration was beyond 200 times greater than that of DA. Since most of the previously reported colorimetric probes, especially those for DA are solution based, the main focus of the thesis was in the development of a solid state based colorimetric probe in the form of nanofibre mats. To overcome the interference challenges experienced in the solution studies (the interference by high concentrations of AA), the suitability of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the selective detection of DA was investigated. The results showed that the MIPs produced did not play a significant role in enhancing the selectivity towards DA. A probe composed of just the UF–AuNPs and Nylon–6 (UF–AuNPs + N6) was also developed. The UF–AuNPs were synthesized following an in situ reduction method. The probe was only selective to DA and insensitive to other catecholamines at physiological pH. Thus, the probe did not require any addition functionalities to achieve selectivity and sensitive to DA. The liquid state probe and the composite UF–AuNPs + N6 nanofibre probe were successfully applied to a whole blood sample and showed good selectivity towards DA. The simple, sensitive and selective probe could be an excellent alternative for on–site and immediate detection of DA without the use of instrumentation. For quantification of DA using the solid state probe, open–source software imageJ was used to assist in the analysis of the nanofibre colours. It was observed that the intensity of the colour increased with the increase in concentration of DA in a linear fashion. The use of imageJ can also be a great alternative where the colour changes are not so clear or for visually impaired people. The solid state probe developed can detect DA qualitatively and quantitatively. The work also forms a good foundation for development of such probes for other analyte.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Bacterial degradation of fossil fuel waste in aqueous and solid media

  • Authors: Edeki, Oghenekume Gerald
  • Date: 2015
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54565 , vital:26588
  • Description: The generation of environmental pollutants worldwide is mainly due to over reliance on fossil fuels as a source of energy. As a result of the negative impacts of these pollutants on the health of humans, animals, plants and microorganisms, global attention has been directed towards ways of containing this problem. Biodegradation of fossil fuel is one of the most effective methods used to remediate contaminated systems. However with regard to coal waste, much of what is known is based on the ability of fungal species to biosolubilize this material under enrichment conditions in a laboratory setting. For effective biodegradation as a remediation technique, there is an immediate need to source, isolate, enrich and incorporate other microorganisms such as bacteria into bioremediation technologies. The goal of this dissertation was to isolate bacteria from fossil fuel contaminated environments and to demonstrate competence for petroleum hydrocarbon degradation which was achieved using a combination of analytical methods such as spectrophotometry, FT-IR, SEM and GC-MS. Screening for biodegradation of coal and petroleum hydrocarbon waste resulted in the isolation of 75 bacterial strains of which 15 showed good potential for use in developing remedial biotechnologies. Spectrophotometric analysis of bacteria both in coal and petroleum hydrocarbons (all in aqueous media) revealed a high proliferation of bacteria in these media suggesting that these microbes can effectively utilize the various substrates as a source of carbon. The isolated bacteria effectively degraded and converted waste coal to humic and fulvic acids; products required to enrich coal mine dumps to support re-vegetation. Scanning electron microscopy showed the attachment of bacteria to waste coal surfaces and the disintegration of coal structures while FT-IR analysis of extracted humic-like substances from biodegraded waste coal revealed these to have the same functional groups as commercial humic acid. Specific consortia which were established using the isolated bacterial strains, showed greater potential to biodegrade coal than did individual isolates. This was evident in experiments carried out on coal and hydrocarbons where the efficient colonization and utilization of these substrates by each bacterial consortium was observed due to the effect of added nutrients such as algae. The biodegradation of liquid petroleum hydrocarbons (diesel and BTEX) was also achieved using the 15 bacterial isolates. GC-MS analysis of extracted residual PHC from aqueous and solid media revealed rapid breakdown of these contaminants by bacteria. Different bacterial consortia established from the individual isolates were shown to be more efficient than single isolates indicating that formulated consortia are the biocatalysts of choice for fossil fuel biodegradation. This study represents one of the most detailed screenings for bacteria from fossil fuel contaminated sites and the isolation of strains with potential to biodegrade coal and petroleum hydrocarbon wastes. Several consortia have been developed and these show potential for further development as biocatalysts for use in bioremediation technology development. An evaluation of efficiency of each established bacterial consortium for biodegradation in a commercial and/or industrial setting at pilot scale is now needed.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

The impact of government support on growth, survival and performance of cooperatives in selected areas of Eastern Cape province; South Africa

  • Authors: Mqaba, Mzuyanda Victor
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Producer cooperatives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1612 , vital:27488
  • Description: This study investigated the impact of government support on growth, survival and performance of agricultural cooperatives in selected areas of Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The objectives of this empirical study were to examine (1) the impact of government support on growth of cooperatives, (2) assess the impact of government support on the performance of cooperatives, (3) reviewing the impact of government support on survival of cooperatives. A total sample of 157 agricultural cooperatives which consisted of poultry, maize, goat, nursery, sheep and vegetable coops was used. Stratified random sampling technique was used and a self-administered questionnaire used to gather primary data. The primary data of the study was gathered from the cooperatives managers only as they were the targeted respondents. Gathered data went through factor analysis, anova test and correlation analysis for the statistical analysis purposefully to arrive in study findings and conclusion. The findings of the study drawn from the 66% response rate concluded that government support has a statistical significant impact on growth of cooperatives. The study also indicated that government support has a significant impact on the survival of cooperatives. It is also reported that the performance of cooperatives is significantly impacted positively by government support. The findings of the study also indicated that agricultural cooperatives are not satisfied with the present government support.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

The role of agricultural co-operatives in food security in the Eastern Cape, Province of South Africa: the case of the Nkonkobe Local Municipality

  • Authors: Dyalvane, Ncumisa
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2867 , vital:28110
  • Description: This study highlights the contribution of agricultural co-operatives in promoting food security in the Nkonkobe Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.Although the dawn of democracy saw the government making efforts to address food insecurity and provide solutions to the challenges related to it a lot remains to be done. As a result, food insecurity remains a fundamental concern in South Africa in particular among villagers in the Nkonkobe Local Municipality. Consequently, the study focuses on the state of Agricultural Co-operatives in the Nkonkobe Municipality and their role in food security. Therefore, this dissertation therefore discusses problems plaguing Agricultural Co-operatives in Nkonkobe. This study highlights the contribution of agricultural co-operatives in promoting food security in the Nkonkobe Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.Although the dawn of democracy saw the government making efforts to address food insecurity and provide solutions to the challenges related to it a lot remains to be done. As a result, food insecurity remains a fundamental concern in South Africa in particular among villagers in the Nkonkobe Local Municipality. Consequently, the study focuses on the state of Agricultural Co-operatives in the Nkonkobe Municipality and their role in food security. Therefore, this dissertation therefore discusses problems plaguing Agricultural Co-operatives in Nkonkobe. The qualitative methodology was used because it seeks to dig out in-depth information so as to understand the causes of food insecurity despite agricultural co-operatives and government assistance being in place. The food security situation was analysed using the sustainable livelihoods and basic needs approaches. The findings of the study reveal that agricultural co-operatives face a number of challenges. These include inadequate funds, poor market places, transport problems, shortage of farming equipment and insufficient water supply. In addition, the ability of agricultural co-operatives to make a worthy contribution to food security is being adversely hindered by poor implementation capacity and financial management. This in turn makes them unable to strengthen and expand their business operations. The study suggests that the government or the municipality should build sustainable water sources like dams as well as provide taps in the community to boost productivity all year round in the agricultural cooperatives hence guaranteeing food security in Nkonkobe Local Municipality,the Eastern Cape and South Africa at large.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

An investigation of the role of mitochondrial STAT3 and modulation of Reactive Oxygen Species in adipocyte differentiation

  • Authors: Kramer, Adam Hildyard
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54632 , vital:26595
  • Description: Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into a myriad of different cell types. The understanding of the differentiation process is of paramount importance if we are to use these cells in the lab as well as in therapeutics. Here, the levels and localization of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), with particular attention focused on the mitochondrial serine 727 phosphorylated form of STAT3 (pSTAT3S727) during differentiation, was investigated. Using the murine preadipocyte progenitor cell line 3T3-L1, as well as adipose derived human mesenchymal stem cells (HMSC-ad) as differentiation models, the relative levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and the levels and localization of STAT3 were investigated during the differentiation process. ROS is known to play an important signalling role during differentiation and is well reported during the events of adipogenesis. ROS are generated as a by-product in the Electron Transport Chain (ETC), and it has recently been reported that pSTAT3S727 plays an important role at complex I of the ETC. Various techniques including fluorescence confocal microscopy, flow cytometry and Western blots were utilized to investigate the non-canonical role STAT3 plays during adipogenesis. Mitochondrial isolations were performed to investigate the levels of STAT3 in the mitochondria during differentiation. Further to this, an impedance based real time differentiation assay was developed using the xCELLigence Real Time Cell Analyser to monitor differentiation and the affects various compounds, including a STAT3 inhibitor, have on differentiation. Results indicate that upon induction of differentiation, levels of mitochondrial pSTAT3S727 dramatically decrease and leave the mitochondria. This corresponds to increasing levels of ROS. The canonical active form of STAT3 following phosphorylation on tyrosine 705 (pSTAT3Y705) was found to decrease and lose its nuclear localization. These initial results indicate that STAT3 plays an important non-canonical role in the mitochondria during differentiation.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2014

Invasion of Lantana into India: analyzing introduction, spread, human adaptations and management

  • Authors: Hari Krishnan, Ramesh Kannan
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Lantana -- India Weeds -- Control -- India Plant introduction -- India Natural resources -- India Botany, Economic -- India Botany -- Social aspects -- India
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:4728 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001756
  • Description: Objectives and Research Questions 1. To reconstruct the history of invasion of Lantana in India from where, by who, and when was Lantana species introduced into India?, given its long history in the country, is it still spreading or has it become more or less stable? 2. To study the human adaptation to Lantana invasion: socioeconomic causes and consequences of the use of Lantana as an alternative source of livelihood for forest dependent communities in southern India; how have local communities adapted to the invasion?; what are the key determinants that may have driven communities to use Lantana?; what are the economic consequences of the use of Lantana by local communities? 3. To critically review local practices and forest policy for the management of Lantana in southern India.; how has the use of Lantana by local communities impacted its local regeneration?; does the use of Lantana in local context have implications for its management?; what has been the role of the Forest Department and its policies in managing Lantana?
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2013

Exploring staff involvement in an organization development intervention in a school in the Kavango region, Namibia: a case study

  • Authors: Rengura, Demetrius Kativa
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Education -- Namibia -- Kavango Educational change -- Namibia -- Kavango Organizational change -- Namibia -- Kavango School management and organization -- Namibia -- Kavango School improvement programs -- Namibia -- Kavango Management -- Employee participation -- Namibia -- Kavango Action research in education -- Namibia -- Kavango
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1542 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003424
  • Description: Since independence, the Namibian education system has experienced a process of transformation from authoritarianism to democratisation. The philosophy underpinning this process is spelt out in the policy, Toward Education for All, with its four major goals being: Access, Equity, Quality and Democracy. Democratisation of education would mean that people would be equally involved in decision‐making processes both at the system and organizational level, so as to contribute collectively to shaping the destiny of education in Namibia. This would mean at the school level of an organization, that teachers are the facilitators of democracy and agents of change in the learning organization environment. To strengthen democracy and empower people’s participation in the decision‐making process, Namibia further adopted a decentralization policy which involved the devolution of power and administrative functions from central government to regional authorities. In the context of this policy framework, schools should take responsibility to introduce and manage change in their organizations. However, evidence suggests that schools have been slow to take up the challenge and that change is largely still initiated by regional officials. This study looks at how organisation development (OD) may play a role in encouraging a mindset where change may be initiated by the organisation itself. OD is a planned change strategy based on normative re‐educative and empirical rational strategies implemented systematically. OD is participant driven, involving a series of activities that move the organization to a preferred future. It focuses on human behaviour and organizational change through staff participation practising a bottom‐up rather than top‐down approach. This study reports on an OD intervention in a rural school east of Rundu, in the Kavango Educational region of Namibia. The study aimed at exploring staff involvement in an OD intervention and probed participants’ perceptions and experiences of the process. The study is an action research case study located within the interpretive and critical paradigms. Observation and semi‐structured interviews were the main data‐collection tools used in the study. In its preliminary investigation the study found that a lack of staff involvement in decisionmaking processes and participation in meetings were the major factors that were perceived to retard the effectiveness of the organization. The study further found that the authoritative style of leadership in the school contributed to the lack of cooperation and participation of staff members. In contrast, the staff responded positively to the OD intervention. Participants embraced OD as a democratic approach to change as it made a meaningful impact on their understanding and conception of organization change. The intervention further empowered participants with new skills and knowledge of initiating change and problem‐solving. Apart from that, the intervention provided a possible short‐term outcome that encouraged participants to adopt and apply OD in the future, without underestimating the difficulties associated with the process.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2012

Research into entrepreneurship and small business in South Africa: current status and future challenges

  • Authors: Tai-Hing, Paul
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:8794 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015981
  • Description: This research seeks to advance knowledge of the current state of entrepreneurship and small businesses in South Africa, and reports on a review of 32 articles and 244 research abstracts in the field. The studies as a whole indicate that entrepreneurs in South Africa require more knowledge in the fields of: Networking in business, Internationalisation of business, Entrepreneurship training. Since the 1990s, research in entrepreneurship has grown in terms of the number of articles published and conference papers presented. In many countries entrepreneurship has also become part of the political agenda as it is perceived as a possible solution to high unemployment rates. In addition, interest in entrepreneurship has heightened during the 2000s, especially in business schools. Much of this interest is driven by student demand for courses in entrepreneurship, either because of genuine interest in the subject, or because students see entrepreneurship education as a useful hedge given uncertain corporate careers. Most of the entrepreneurship research abstracts reviewed for this study focused on race, gender and ethical issues in South Africa. These three research topics focused on: Attitudes and experiences of black women: differ from other racial groups in business with the results indicating that black women were competent and highly-motivated, but lacked communication skills and Western business orientation. Many black women also desired equality although their male counterparts opposed this. Black women also lacked role models and career guidance. Different population groups participate in the economy: reflect regional, income, expenditure, skill, occupational and labour differences, including labour supply and demand. Ethics concerns: include whether it should be taught in the human resources management curricula taught in universities. From the findings it appeared that entrepreneurship research in South Africa is fairly similar to international research contexts. As entrepreneurship and small businesses are diverse and multi-disciplinary, the studies reviewed indicated a wide range of different models, theories, frameworks, and combinations of these. However, the theoretical richness of the studies reviewed was, in many cases, relatively low, and only a few of the studies could be regarded as highly-theoretical. In addition, the presentation of the various theories and models applied was very often inadequately reported. It is also important to note that altogether between 7 and 11 percent of the studies were without any well-argued theoretical framework. Thus, researchers in the field should discuss the theoretical frameworks applied in their empirical analyses, to ensure this will improve the theoretical understanding of the phenomenon. Although this study made use of the mixed-method approach to conduct the research, it is also important to note that, in 12 percent of cases, methodological issues were poorly described. Most of the studies often did not describe the data collection response rate provide sample demographic and firm size details as well as identify the target industry. These details were often missing or loosely defined. The reasons for the selection of a certain research approach were also poorly explained, making many of the research studies deficient or limited methodologically. These omissions present a challenge, not only to authors in the field, but also to reviewers and editors in academic journals, as this impacts on the scientific rigor of published papers. On the basis of published papers reviewed, it seems that, personally-administered data collection works best in South Africa. From the research studies undertaken in South Africa, it is evident that much has been researched in the areas of gender (specifically the role of women in business), entrepreneurship training and ethics in business. It is evident that during the 1980s, no research was conducted in South Africa in the areas of family businesses and entrepreneurship training, while international research focuses on these topics. During the 1990s, no research focused on networking in small businesses, and. during the 2000s, there was a lack of research on internationalisation of businesses as only six articles were published from 2000 until 2011 on these topics. This highlights a need for internationalisation research especially as it is well-documented that the South African economy cannot survive if it does not take cognisance of its international competitors. On the basis of the articles and abstracts reviewed, the current state of knowledge concerning entrepreneurship and small businesses in South Africa was assessed, especially the need for the internationalisation of South African small businesses. Moreover, research studies could also focus on the obstacles encountered in the internationalisation process of South African small businesses.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2012

The valuation of amounts for the purpose of inclusion in gross income

  • Authors: Spearman, Tarryn Leigh
  • Date: 2012
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:887 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001641
  • Description: The present research investigates the valuation of amounts for the purpose of inclusion in gross income. Because the gross income definition in section 1 of the Income Tax Act includes "amounts in cash or otherwise", valuations are often required in order to establish a value in money terms for amounts received or accrued in a form otherwise than in cash. The basis on which these valuations are made can vary and the courts have frequently been called upon to decide on the correct method of valuation. There has been an ongoing debate in the courts as to whether a strict objective approach or a more flexible subjective approach should be adopted when valuing an amount in a form other than cash, which was finally settled in the decision by the Supreme Court of Appeal in CIR v Brummeria Renaissance (Pty) Ltd, which held that an objective approach must be followed. The present research will demonstrate how the strict rule of interpretation tends to result in purely objective valuations as it requires that the ordinary grammatical meaning of words be applied and does not allow the court to consider the purpose of the legislation or introduce any subjectivity based on the circumstances of each individual taxpayer and the facts of each particular case, which a purposive interpretation approach does. The purposive approach to interpretation is therefore more closely aligned with the subjective approach to valuation. Both the objective and subjective approaches to valuation have advantages and disadvantages, which are addressed in the research. The need for certainty in taxation was articulated as early as 1776 by Adam Smith in his Wealth of Nations. The objective approach appears to create a level of consistency as all income received by a taxpayer is effectively taxed as if received by a third party in an arm’s length transaction. The approach has led to unfair decisions at odds with economic reality and generally accepted accounting principles, which could be challenged on the basis of a lack of equity and fairness as required by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The research demonstrates that an objective method of valuation is neither fully objective nor appropriate in certain circumstances, while a subjective approach may be more appropriate as it ensures that each taxpayer’s individual rights are protected. Although the subjective approach successfully addresses the issue of fairness, it threatens to introduce an unacceptable level of inconsistency and is, in reality, not always administratively feasible. The present research concludes that a trade-off between fairness and consistency is often necessary.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2012
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