The influence of social media on the intention to vote for student political organisations in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Chininga, Tapiwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Social media -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Students -- Political activity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Student movements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11506 , vital:39078
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of social media on the intention to vote for students political organizations in the Eastern Cape. The main objectives included measuring the influence of predictor variables such as medium credibility, message credibility, tie strength with peers, identification with the peers, peer communication, user trust, information credibilit on the intention to vote. To measure these hypothesised relationships a conceptual model was developed for the study. Data collection was conducted in the Eastern Cape in which 381 participants were surveyed. To analyse the data the two stage structural equation modeling approach was adopted in which confimatory factor analysis and hypothesis testing was adopted. This was conducted ulitising Structural equation modelling. The main findings of the study were that all the proposed hypotheses were supported with the exception of that of peer commnication and tie strength with peers on the intention to vote. It was also important to note that identification with peers had the strongest impact on the intention to vote while the message credibility had the weakest. The implication was that users feel that the ability to identify with each other influenced their voting intentions however the message itself was irrelevant.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The influence of social media service quality on client loyalty in the South African banking industry
- Authors: Gavaza, Bramwell Kundishora
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa Social media -- South Africa Customer loyalty -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12903 , vital:39389
- Description: The advent of the Internet during the past two decades has changed the way in which businesses operate. Social media networks such as Facebook have become an essential communication element for businesses to interact with clients. The impact and growth rates of Facebook and other forms of social media have made it imperative for all businesses to ensure they have social media strategies in place. Following social media business trends, banks across the world have included social media to market their services. Banks are now emphasising the offering of high client service quality in order to retain clients in this highly competitive environment. Thus, South African banks, as is the case with global banks, need to continuously assess the quality of the services offered to their clients in order to sustainably maintain or grow their market share or to fully utilise its commercial opportunities. This study determined the influence of social media service quality on client loyalty in the South African banking industry. The primary objective was to examine the extent to which social media service quality influence client loyalty in the South African banking industry. The study also determined if social media system availability, efficiency, fulfilment, and privacy has influence on the overall service quality of social media in the South African banking industry. In addition, the study examined the relationship between overall service quality and client loyalty intention in the South African banking industry. The study used a quantitative research approach to collect and analyse the data, and a descriptive research design was utilised for the purpose of this study. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources of data. An online survey was conducted through Survey Monkey, via a Facebook page titled: Social media service quality in the South African banking industry. An online questionnaire was administered via the Facebook page. The study used a sample of 377 respondents who are Facebook users of the five major banks in South Africa. Analysis and interpretation of findings was done using both the descriptive and inferential statistical measures, with the help of Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) 24 and Lisrel (version 9). The electronic social media service quality (E-S-SERVQUAL) scale which consist of five constructs, namely; social media system availability, efficiency, fulfilment, privacy and overall service quality; and client loyalty intentions were the scales that were adopted for this study. All the scales used in this study were found to be reliable and valid. Findings of the research study proved that social media system availability, fulfilment, and privacy has a significant influence on the overall service quality of social media in the South African banking industry. In addition, findings of the research revealed that social media efficiency does not significantly influence overall service quality of social media in the South African banking industry. Furthermore, findings of the research also proved that the overall service quality of social media positively influences client loyalty intention in the South African banking industry. The study recommended that managers and marketers should constantly evaluate, monitor, and improve the overall service quality of social media offered to their clients, as it leads to a corresponding increase in overall client satisfaction, which in turn leads to client loyalty in the South African banking industry. However, further research studies may be conducted in other developing countries to gain a wider understanding on the influence of social media service quality on client loyalty in the banking industry.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The influence of tourist attractions on students' preferences to study at NMMU
- Authors: Bailey, Jade
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Students, Foreign -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18232 , vital:28606
- Description: Despite decades of public action by civil society, tourism education has been neglected by policy makers. This is mainly due to the fact that tourism practitioners have not yet developed strategies based on the needs of the communities. The apartheid system created an environment that continues to marginalise those living in poverty-stricken areas with no basic infrastructure. These areas are characterised by the absence of adequate tourism education, training and awareness of opportunities. In fact, tourism education is offered only at a limited number of public and private institutions even though government acknowledges that tourism education is a key element in growing the economy of a country. This study argues that there are many factors that influence the demand for international education. These are push and pull factors that motivate students to travel and study abroad. Push factors are factors that „push‟ tourists toward a particular destination and pull factors are those that „pull‟ tourists toward a destination. The former factors are the needs of the tourists and the latter determine whether or not the needs of the tourists will be met. The primary objective of the study was to obtain a better understanding of tourism and its connection to international education in an effort to attract more students and as a result cause a growth in the tourism industry. The study was based on three research objectives: The first objective was to determine what influences international students to come to Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in terms of tourism attractions and activities. The second was to identify the different expectations that international students have about Port Elizabeth. The third objective was to determine the role of NMMU in attracting international students to select it as their primary host university. The main finding of the first objective is that there are push and pull factors which influence international students to come to NMMU. Students participate in individual or group activities such as entertainment, cultural activities, sporting events, sightseeing or shopping and study. Their travel is closely associated with their needs and related to the image of a destination. In terms of the second objective the main finding is that the dynamic, changing environment of Port Elizabeth influences their individual needs and aspirations. Their expectations are based on the motivation factor which stems from a need (a semester abroad and working out where it is best to do this). The decision starts with the collection of information on the various options and ends with the assessment of the traveling experience. The economic, political and technological environments all have an influence on the student needs and the decision made. The main finding in terms of the third objective is that the NMMU Office for International Education has to be creative and innovative in its marketing of the university, the city and the country in order to attract international students. In addition, NMMU must uphold and expand new competencies to continue to be a competitive study abroad destination for international students worldwide. The attractiveness of NMMU can be improved by increasing the marketing material that is being sent out to attract international students and by increasing the destination marketing strategies used by the NMMU Office for International Education.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The intent by black professionals to leave private sector organisations in the Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Moruri, Thabiso Vincent
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Professional employees -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Employee retention -- South Africa --Port Elizabeth Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19201 , vital:28787
- Description: Since the dispensation of the democracy in 1994, the South African labour market has been inclusive to the race that previously was excluded in certain positions in the private sector. Black professionals, managers and senior managers have since increased in the market and they became in demand due to the introduction of the Equity laws by the government of South Africa. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reason why black professionals do not stay or develop loyalty with the private sector organisation that employ them within the Nelson Mandela Bay region. Factors that could affect the reason to stay or not with these private organisations were identified and researched. These factors are, Employment Equity, Career Development, Diversity Management, Trust, Transformation and Management Style. Literature review on the views of scholars about these factors was done. A questionnaire to investigate these factors was distributed to black professionals that still work for the private organisations in the Nelson Mandela Metro and to the ones that opted not to stay. Interviews were also conducted with the professionals that are specialists in the field of human resources. The following are the main findings of the study. Racial prejudice towards black professionals is evident in these organisations. There is lack of equity and affirmative action is not implemented properly, which assists in the decision not to stay with these organisations. Career development is determined by race, meaning those who are developed are chosen by their race. The lack of career development is also perpetuated by the lack of proper strategies and the respondents feel that these strategies need to be reviewed. The lack of career development also contributes to the decision whether to stay or not. Trust between the black professionals and their superiors is not a problem. The black professionals are happy with how their superiors support them and how they reward them. Racial discrimination plays a role in the superior’s ability to manage diversity and this also contributes in the decisions whether to stay or not with private organisations. The lack of the diversity management influenced by racial prejudice, gives enough reasons to the black professionals to leave the organisations. Lack of transformation is evident. It seems that black professionals are only given manager or senior manager positions only to comply with the laws of the country. The respondents seemed to be happy with the management style of their superiors.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The interaction of selected bacteria with tailored electrospun fibres: towards future applications in bioremediation, bacterial inactivation and electricity generation
- Authors: Mfuku, Aphiwe
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/65123 , vital:28693
- Description: Expected release date-May 2019
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- Date Issued: 2017
The investigation of chemical variation in the stems and rhizomes of cissampelos capensis l. f. (menispermaceae) the Eastern Cape medicinal plant
- Authors: Latolla, Nehemiah Solomon
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Plants -- Composition Medicinal plants Endemic plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13970 , vital:27362
- Description: Cissampelos capensis L. f. (Menispermaceae) commonly known as “Mayisake” (Xhosa) and “Dawidjieswortel” (Afrikaans) is the most commonly used medicinal plant of the Menispermaceae family in South Africa. The rhizomes of Cissampelos capensis are the most used part of the plant to treat illnesses. This poses a threat to the ongoing conservation of this valuable endemic species. Thus, we studied the chemical variation and subsequently the bioactivity in the stems and rhizomes of Cissampelos capensis, the Eastern Cape medicinal plant, to suggest the possible use of the stems for medicinal purposes. We studied the variation in the chemical composition in the stems and the rhizomes by employing four different extraction methods; the methanolic-, non-polar-, alkaloidal- and Total Tertiary Alkaloidal (TTA) to extract compounds from Cissampelos capensis. Employing various chromatographic techniques, HPLC, NMR and LC/MS to investigate the chemical variation and the in vitro assays for the crude materials of the stems and rhizomes of Cissampelos capensis. We successfully documented a library of the phytochemicals content in Cissampelos capensis from three different regions in the Eastern Cape. We could profile different extraction methods, with the TTA extraction delivering the best comparative profile. Employing LC/MS and HPLC we identified eleven known alkaloidal compounds in the stems and rhizomes. We also isolated a known alkaloid, pronuciferine, from the TTA extract and a crystal structure of proto-quericitol from the methanolic extract, which was isolated for the first time from Cissampelos capensis. Preliminary in vitro results suggested anti-inflammatory activity in the methanolic extracts of the stems and rhizomes, while the TTA extracts showed some cytotoxicity. Finally, through analytical HPLC analysis this study found as high as 31% similarity between the chemical variation of the stems and rhizomes, but key alkaloids were not always present, indicating more work is needed before the stems can be recommended as a replacement for the rhizomes.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The investigation of the role and the efficacy of learning technologies towards community skill development
- Authors: Masikisiki, Baphumelele
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Web-based instruction Computer-assisted instruction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5972 , vital:29460
- Description: Research has revealed that during systems design and development of e-learning technologies there is a tendency of neglecting the needs of end users and focus on the design process and the technology factors, and this has traditionally been the reason for poor usability of otherwise well conceptualized systems, as a result a number of IT-based learning tools ended up not being usable and not being utilized effectively. This study aims to investigate the impact of e-learning technologies, how people perceive the usage of e-learning technologies towards community skill development. An evaluation of four different e-learning technologies was conducted to investigate the role and efficacy of e-learning technologies within the surrounding communities. Data was analyzed as nominal data using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software 24. Descriptive analysis, frequency, reliability and correctional analysis and also measures of central tendency were computed. Reliability was evaluated for assessing the internal consistency of the items using Cronbach’s alpha. To analyze the relationship between variables matrices of Pearson’s correlation was used. Pearson’s correlation can only be accepted when the significant effect (P>.05), this indicates that there is a positive or a negative relationship between two variables, if these conditions are not met then the proposed correlation or hypothesis can be rejected. Results indicate a poor perception and poor acceptance of e-learning technologies due to a number of factors, these factors include lack of computer-self efficacy which leads to computer anxiety, affordability of internet connectivity which leads to inaccessible of e-learning technologies. The findings also indicated that LAMS was found to be less useable and less useful by a number of students. However, students who enjoy working in groups found LAMS to be useable because it was supporting their preferred learning style, whereas individualistic students preferred Moodle and Dokeos because it was supporting their personal preferences and assessment styles. Having understood all the characteristics of learning tools, relevant learning technologies that are suitable for students can then be recommended.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The legitimacy of violence as a political act: an investigation of vandalism surrounding service delivery protests in South Africa
- Authors: Malalepe, Keagile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Protest movements -- South Africa Municipal services -- South Africa , Vandalism -- South Africa Municipal government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18113 , vital:28577
- Description: This study aimed at investigating the legitimacy of violence as political act, especially the issue of vandalism surrounding service delivery protests in South Africa. The investigation was conducted in a small township around Soweto called Kliptown as a case study. This study was necessitated by the increasing number of violent service delivery protests around all provinces in the country. The statement of the problem provided a foundation within which the aims of the study were explained. The importance of this research cannot be justified enough especially given the mounting daily protests witnessed over service delivery by different communities from different provinces around the country.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The level of awareness and use of risk management techniques by SMEs in the construction industry : a case of King Williams Town and Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Chiliya, William
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Risk management Construction industry -- Cost control Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8932 , vital:33998
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of awareness and use of risk management techniques by SMEs in the construction industry conducting business activities in King William’s Town and Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data from 82 SME owners or managers in the construction industry. The statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse data. The Chi-square, cross tabulation and descriptive statistical tests were employed to analyse the data. The results of the study revealed that there is a low level of awareness and use of risk management techniques by SMEs in the construction industry. In addition, the results revealed that SMEs in the construction industry have a positive attitude toward risk management techniques. The results of the study recommend that the government, tertiary institutions, construction industry development board and SME owners or managers in the construction industry should work together to improve the level of awareness and use of risk management techniques.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The link between effective communication and implementation of corporate strategy in an information and communication technology firm
- Authors: Mashile, Lordwick
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Communication in organizations Communication in management , Business communication Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18573 , vital:28683
- Description: While many executives and senior managers believe that formulating a unique corporate strategy is critical for sustainability and success of an organisation; that alone is not enough. Making sure that the strategic vision is effectively communicated down to lower-level managers and employees is equally as important as formulating corporate strategy. Not only does employees need to understand and believe that senior managers know where they are taking the company to; employees are unlikely to rally behind managerial efforts to get the organisation moving in the intended direction if they do not understand the strategic plans of the organisation. When senior managers articulate a vivid and compelling case for where the company is headed, employees begin to want to be part of the journey, and involve themselves in the implementation of the corporate plans. By effectively communicating the strategic vision of the organisation down to the lower-level managers and employees, senior managers derive support of employees and their commitment to get the company moving in the intended direction. Many organisations or companies in the business world fail, not because they do not have financial resources, not because they do not have a unique and innovative corporate strategy, but because of enforcing or imposing the corporate plans to the employees without selling the company’s plans to its employees, so as to have buy-in from them. This will not only let them be part of the solution, but also feel part of the organisation and take ownership of the organisation’s strategic plans. Strategic plans plays an important role in preparing business organisations to meet their current and future challenges. Research carried out in to both large, medium, small and micro sized-firms constantly emphasise a positive relationship between successful implementation of corporate strategies and its performance. This is because it is often mentioned that well implanted strategies produce outstanding organisational performance. The primary objective of the study was to look at effective communication of corporate strategy in a business organisation and the impact it has on successful implementation of corporate strategy in an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) firm. Various number of studies have been carried out with regard to corporate strategy, but the impact effective communication can have on successful implementation of corporate strategy has never been studied. The study was conducted within an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) firm based in Centurion, Gauteng. It was conducted within an enterprise division of the firm rather than the entire organisation, which employs 400 people. Out of the 400 respondents invited to participate in the study, 98 managed to complete the questionnaires. The study followed a positivistic research paradigm which made use of questionnaires. It made use of an on-line survey where the respondents were invited to participate in the study via e-mails. The study established that certain variables are more critical than other when coming to strategy implementation such as strategic leadership and effective communication.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The medical profession and the universalisation of South African Health Care: analysing the response of Eastern Cape general practitioners to the National Health Insurance proposals
- Authors: Hannah, Bridget
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Health insurance -- South Africa , Health insurance -- Government policy -- South Africa , Medical care, Cost of -- South Africa , National health insurance -- South Africa , Medical policy -- South Africa , Physicians -- South Africa -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6075 , vital:21029
- Description: In 2011, the Green Paper on National Health Insurance (NHI) in South Africa was released, committing the South African government to a 14-year plan to radically transform the currently inequitable health system towards providing comprehensive quality health care free at point of access to all citizens. The pursuit of universal health coverage (UHC) in South Africa forms part of a global aspiration to achieve more equitable healthcare delivery. One of the critical issues emerging from the Green Paper was how the NHI would be staffed. The NHI is unlikely to be adequately staffed without GPs but evidence suggests that private sector doctors have always been resistant to nationalisation or socialisation as a threat to their occupational power and professional status. The core work of this thesis is a study undertaken of 78 doctors in the Eastern Cape, focusing on private sector general practitioners (GPs), as the largest constituency of medical professionals in the country. The interview schedule was designed to gauge doctors' responses to the NHI, encourage discussion on their reactions to the reforms, and its implications in their view for private medical practice. The responses of the doctors are analysed through application of two theoretical themes, namely: (i) actor-centred policy creation, discussed through application of Walt and Gilson's (1994) shared focus on content, context, process and actors in the policy process, and (ii) the debate on medical professionalism, espoused by Freidson (1973, 1994) and argued against by Haug and Sussman (1969), and McKinlay (1972, 1993). Thus, if the process of policy making must take into account key actors in order to deliver a successful policy transition, what are the implications if these actors are actively excluded, or do not willingly cooperate? Does this indicate anything telling about the private sector's role to play in the pursuit of universal healthcare?
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- Date Issued: 2017
The morale and motivation of government employees in a science environment
- Authors: Alberts, Lauren Erna
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employee morale -- South Africa -- Cape Town Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Civil service -- Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46262 , vital:39541
- Description: This study investigated the problem of low morale and motivation of government employees in a scientific environment. There is not a significant amount of research about morale and motivation of government or public sector employees, specifically in the scientific environment. The emphasis of this study was to establish those factors contributing to the causes of low morale in government employees through identifying motivational factors that impact their morale. This quantitative study of a sample of 74 respondents develops a framework to foster morale and motivation in government employees working at the Forensic Science Laboratory in Cape Town, South Africa. Extrinsic motivational factors (working environment, salary and job security) and intrinsic motivational factors (recognition, responsibility and training) were measured against morale. In identifying the key areas relating to those of the motivation factors and morale in government employees, the issue can be addressed and measures implemented to meet the needs of these employees. The findings demonstrated evidence of the presence of a significant relationship between morale and the extrinsic motivational factor, job security, as well as the intrinsic motivation factors of recognition, responsibility and training.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The nature and extent of conflict in the hospitality industry in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Kendrick, Hazel Sheila
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Interpersonal conflict Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17668 , vital:28427
- Description: This study aims to understand frontline managers and how they manage conflict in their working environment. The purpose of the study is to determine which intervening methods are used by frontline managers towards conflict that match up with conflict management strategies. A qualitative research method was used in the study; the data collection was by means of interviews with frontline managers in hotels in Port Elizabeth. The objective of the study was to understand the possible causes of conflict as well as finding alternative solutions by conducting interviews with frontline managers. The study reveals that frontline managers do experience conflict between employees and customers.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The obligation on employers to effect affirmative action measures
- Authors: Papu, Mzimkulu Gladman
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Discrimination in employment -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa -- Employment Equity Act -- 1998 , Affirmative action programs -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19738 , vital:28949
- Description: Since 1994, South Africa has undergone socio-economic, political and demographic transformation. The Employment Equity Act (No 55) of 1998 aims to facilitate workplace transformation through the elimination of unfair discrimination and the implementation of affirmative action measures to enable equitable representation of employees in all occupational categories and levels in the workplace. This legislation was amended on 1 August 2014, and South Africa has watched with keen interest to see what the impact of the amendments to the Employment Equity Act would be on the world of work. For many it was to see whether job seekers and individuals from the designated groups experienced equity in access to the workplace and fair treatment in employment. For others, it was to see to what extent businesses would either benefit from its accountability and fairness to all employees or suffer from increased regulatory compliance to employment equity and affirmative action amendments. At the heart of the amendments was a need to make the South African Constitution real for South Africans in facilitating work inclusive environments in which people are enabled and motivated to contribute to the goals of the organisation. The state must respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights in the Bill of Rights, one of these rights being equality. Affirmative action as a component of employment equity is inherently part of the process of increasing and managing diversity and identifying barriers to fair employment. Transformation does make business sense. No business will survive in the long-run, unless it reinvents itself and constantly adapts to the ever-changing demands of an increasingly competitive global environment in which it operates. An organisation’s ability to create a work culture in which diversity management is effectively managed is more likely to experience the positive effects thereof on its business. Organisations require a diverse workforce with the requisite multidisciplinary talents and knowledge to achieve its goals in an ever-changing environment. The evaluation of the extent of the progress and the narrative is to be drawn from the reported workplace demographics. This is made up of statistical analyses of the representation of individuals from designated groups at different occupational levels, as well as training and progression of designated employees by reporting employers. The ultimate test of transformation however, is in the extent to which employees would vouch for the inclusivity of the workplace environment and the total absence of unfair discrimination based on listed and arbitrary grounds. For the Commission to be able to comment on the experience of diversity management and inclusion as part of employment equity, a different approach needs to be taken. I am excited to share that the Commission’s strategic plan for the period 2016 to 2021 has prioritised the need to go beyond workforce demographic statistics and move towards a better understanding of the experience of fair treatment, diversity and “inclusion” Management. There is a significant shift in the way in which the Commission is approaching its work, in the interest of the country. It is not the aim of the Commission for Employment Equity to focus its attention on the punitive measures for non-compliance only, and accordingly the third Commission hosted the Employment Equity Awards, which recognise the good work done by organisations towards furthering the transformation agenda. The third Commission moreover developed a number of Codes of Good Practice to support the implementation of employment equity. A lot of ground was covered to enable the fourth Commission to focus on their mandate more effectively. We are grateful for their hard work and we wish them well as we look forward to realising our objectives. On a different note, the United Nations offices in New York were a hub of activity and rigorous debate during the March 2016 Summit on the Status of Women. One of the themes extensively interrogated at the summit was “Women Empowerment in the economic space”. Globally, not enough is happening to turn the economic status of women. The United Nations Sustainable Goal 5 is “Gender Equality”. A 50-50 target has been set for female representivity at all occupational levels globally. South Africa needs to work towards this goal as part of their contribution. The Summit echoed the words “Women leaders in the business world is everyone’s business”. It would do us proud in the future to be able to report significant progress in this area. Another topical issue was “Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value”. Three countries, namely Canada, Sweden and Iceland have committed themselves to pay parity across gender by 2022. South Africa on the other hand has already enacted this policy. We need to see significant change in this area. In line with the discussions during the summit, I would also like to encourage designated employers in South Africa to review policies in favour of transparency around remuneration. This will go a long way in creating an enabling environment for elimination of unfair discrimination in the workplace.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The path to adoption: experiences of couples who have transitioned from infertility
- Authors: Brophy, Mandy-Lee
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Adoption -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Infertility -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Family social work -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14763 , vital:27844
- Description: Parenthood is a life goal for the majority of individuals and couples who have reached a certain life stage. For many couples parenthood is, however, not a reality through expected means. Statistics gathered, in an unpublished information document, by the Port Elizabeth Infertility and Wellness Clinic, it is estimated that 10 to 15% of all married couples in the region experience infertility. After failed infertility treatment, adoption is considered an option for many couples wishing to have children. The social worker plays an integral role in the assessment and preparation for adoption. However, there is no legislated preparation for the fertility treatment process as there is for adoption in South Africa, yet both processes are intended to result in parenthood shadowed by stressful circumstances for prospective parents. The study explored the experiences of couples who have transitioned from being diagnosed as infertile and have successfully adopted. The study was conducted from a qualitative research perspective and employed the exploratory-descriptive strategy of inquiry. Purposive sampling was applied and eight married couples participated in the study. The participants were sourced from a support and information network for adoptive families as well as referrals from social workers working within the adoption field. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by an independent interviewer with thematic analysis being used for data analysis. Trustworthiness constructs were taken into account to ensure reliability and rigour. The major findings revealed the distinctive experiences regarding fertility treatment, the experiences regarding adoption and suggestions from couples for couples facing similar situations as well as for professionals in practice. The study is viewed as significant in guiding professional services to couples, who are intending to achieve parenthood via adoption, by adding to the body of existing knowledge in adoption and medical social work.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The perceived meaning and benefits of people analytics in selected organisations in South Africa
- Authors: Marazanye, Joram
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Personnel management Business -- Data processing Employees -- Recruiting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4480 , vital:28341
- Description: Regardless of the widespread application of analytics to a variety of business measurements, it is noteworthy that the use of people analytics is still no place close where it could be. The main aim of this study is to examine the perceived meaning and benefits of people analytics in selected South African organisations. People analytics is a burning-fresh topic in HR field aiming at using data to make organisational decisions and little has been done in this area especially in the South African context. The study employed qualitative-exploratory design which comprised of 10 senior HR officers from selected organisations in South Africa. From the findings, it shows that the employment of people analytics in South African context is in its early stage and its conception and repercussions are little understood. In addition, there is an accord on its usefulness, however the workforce analytic skills have found to be the major difficulty to foster its successful implementation and adoption by organisations. Because of its qualitative nature, this study had a limitation that it lack representativeness hence the findings cannot be generalised. Research opportunities for future can be quantitative and longitudinal research to objectively ascertain the extent future employability of people analytics.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The pest status and integrated management programme of carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zeller, attacking citrus in South Africa
- Authors: Thackeray, Sean Robin
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7758 , vital:21293
- Description: The carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zeller, is a pest of agricultural commodities and stored products around the world. Carob moth is known to infest citrus in the Mediterranean region and in southern Africa. In grapefruit cultivars, carob moth infestations are associated with high levels of mealybug. However, although this relationship has been observed in other citrus types such as Navel oranges, this has never been quantified. A recent survey of infested fruit from various production areas in South Africa indicated that the pest status of carob moth on Navel oranges may have been underestimated. As a result of the incidental pest status of carob moth on citrus in South Africa in the past, a species specific integrated pest management (IPM) programme does not exist. Therefore, the overriding aim of this theses was to evaluate the pest status of carob moth in citrus and establish a species specific IPM programme by determine the autecology of carob moth in citrus. Reliable methods for monitoring carob moth in citrus orchards both for producers and for research purposes were developed. A user-friendly monitoring method for determining weekly carob moth infestation through dropped fruit was suitable for producers. A timed scouting method was also developed; although the accuracy of this method varied with the experience of the scout. The pest status of carob moth was highest in the Loskop Valley, Nelspruit and the Vaalharts production areas and economic injury to growers ranged from R512.35 to R3 719.80 per hectare as a direct result of infestation. No infestation was recorded in the Sundays River Valley and Citrusdal production areas over both the 2014-15 and 201516 growing seasons. A laboratory study showed the survival of carob moth larvae infesting citrus is less than 10% in the absence of mealybug. However, this increases to almost 40% in the presence of mealybug residues and sooty mould. There was a significant relationship between carob infestation at harvest and mealybug infestation in the middle months of the growing season. The relationship between carob moth and mealybug indicates that current production guidelines for the management of mealybug in citrus may need to be amended. Consequently, it is proposed that an orchard with a history of carob moth infestation and a high mealybug infestation in the previous season should be subjected to an early season preventative application of a registered control product. Also, if mealybug infestation in December is higher than a 5% of fruit per tree, then a corrective application of a registered product is recommended. The application of 2,4-D at petal drop reduced the size of the navel-end opening, decreasing the proportion of mealybug found in the navel-end, subsequently reducing carob moth infestation, resulting in a direct benefit for producers. Products registered for the control of false codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta Meyrick, were effective in reducing carob moth infestation. In a spray trial conducted over two seasons, Delegate® and Runner® reduced infestation significantly in the 2014-15 season (over 80%), while only Delegate® was effective in the 2015-16 season (over 80%). If a late season corrective chemical application is targeted at both FCM and carob moth, this application should take place between 6-7 weeks prior to harvest. The mating disruption product, SPLAT® EC, reduced carob moth infestation by 70% compared to the untreated control. A laboratory culture was established and head-capsule size categories were determined for all five carob moth instars. A parasitoid survey indicated that parasitism of carob moth larvae is generally less than 5% in citrus orchards and a new species of Braconidae was described as Phanterotoma carobivora van Achterberg and Thackeray. Carob moth fifth instar were found to be the most cold-tolerant larval stage, and were shown to be more cold susceptible than the most cold-tolerant FCM instars at -0.55ºC for eighteen days. This cold treatment resulted in a mortality of 94.6% fifth instar carob moth compared to a combined fourth and fifth instar mortality of 87.8% for FCM after eighteen days. These results indicate that post-harvest cold treatments targeting FCM will be as, if not more, effective against carob moth, suggesting that current phytosanitary legislation for carob moth should be amended to incorporate this study’s findings.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The Port Elizabeth Land and Community Restoration Association project in Fairview
- Authors: Jekwa, Mandisi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , City planning -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Community development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17712 , vital:28439
- Description: The purpose of the research is to assess how the Port Elizabeth Land and Community Restoration project has been perceived by the beneficiaries with regard to spatial transformation.The study is about land restitution programme in Port Elizabeth; with specific emphasis on those land claims which were lodged through a community based organization called Port Elizabeth Land and Community Restoration Association (PELCRA) for the restitution of Fairview, South End, Salisbury Park and Korsten. Such land claims were subsequently part of the PELCRA project for the restitution of Fairview. The study looks specifically at claimants who were dispossessed of their land rights as a result of the implementation of Group Areas Act in the 1960s. The claimants were forcefully removed from Fairview, Korsten, South End and Salisbury Park to their respective race group areas, such as Bloemendal for coloureds, Malabar for Indians and Kwa-Zakhele for Africans.However, before the general objectives of the study could be discussed, it is important to provide a brief historical context that brought about racial segregation in the South African urban setting, and how the post-apartheid government sought to re-integrate, restructure the towns and cities, as well as healing the boundaries set by racial zoning through land reform. This will then followed by the discussion on how the various communities of Port Elizabeth responded to the introduction of the Land Restitution Act 22 of 1994. The post-apartheid government in South Africa faces serious challenges in undoing the legacy of apartheid. One such product of apartheid system is the ‘apartheid city’. It stands out as an extreme example of social engineering. According to Freund (2001, 537) urban segregation was pervasive across the colonial world, some other cities in colonial and even post-colonial Africa were subject to massive forced removals or urbanisation that were comparable to South Africa under the apartheid regime. Urban segregation is therefore not unique to South Africa. It has to be said though that the South African apartheid city was distinctive in a number of ways.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The potential of Elephantorrhiza elephantina as an anthelmintic of goats in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Mazhangara, Irene Rumbidza
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Bioactive compounds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15068 , vital:40160
- Description: The main objective of the study was to investigate the potential of Elephantorrhiza elephantina in the control of gastro-intestinal worms in goats in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The ethanolic, methanolic and aqueous phytochemical composition of E. elephantina root bark extracts were determined. The phytochemical analysis revealed a high concentration of alkaloids, condensed tannins, flavonoids, phenols and saponins in E. elephantina root extracts. Quantitative phytochemical analysis of alkaloids in water extract was 932.44 ± 1.23 mg. Condensed tannins, phenols and saponins in ethanol extract were 450.52 ± 4.56 mg CE/g, 476.11 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g and 832.85 ± 1.45 mg respectively. Flavonoids was 803.93 ± 0.02 mg QE/g in methanol extract as the highest recordings. In vitro screening of ethanol, methanol and water extracts of E. elephantina for potential anthelminthic activity against adult Paramphistomum cervi worm motility showed time and dose-dependent significant effects after 12 hours of treatment. Ethanolic extracts showed a highly significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of motility (86.67 and 96.67 percent) at concentrations 7.5 and 15 mg/ml, respectively. Methanolic and aqueous extracts exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) motility inhibition (96.67 and 66.67 percent, respectively) at concentration of 15 mg/ml 16 hours post-exposure. In vitro assessment of structural changes to adult gastro-intestinal worms following exposure to E. elephantina extracts was done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM observations revealed structural changes in the worms after contact with E. elephantina extracts in comparison with the control worms kept in Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The major alterations were around the cuticle, posterior and anterior areas. These changes included longitudinal and transversal folds and thicker cuticula ridges, material aggregates around the posterior and anterior areas. The study showed that ethanol, methanol and water extracts of E. elephantina root contained significant amounts of alkaloids, condensed tannins, flavanoids, phenols and saponins. Validation studies showed that extracts of E. elephantina possess anthelminthic activities. The structural changes found in the worms exposed to extracts of E. elephantina root extracts affected their motility and nutrition, resulting in mortality.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The potential of hydrellia egeriae rodrigues (diptera: ephydridae) as a biocontrol agent for egeria densa planch. (hydrocharitaceae) in South Africa
- Authors: Smith, Rosali
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/53733 , vital:26314
- Description: The integrity of South Africa’s valuable freshwater ecosystems has been threatened by aquatic invasive plants since the 1900s. Floating aquatic weeds, such as Eichhornia crassipes (C. Mart) Solms (Pondederiaceae), Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae), Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitchell (Salviniaceae), Azolla filiculoides Lam. (Azollaceae), and the emergent weed, Myriophyllum aquaticum Verdc. (Haloragaceae) benefited from open, nutrient-rich water bodies. Due to the limitations of mechanical and chemical control in aquatic environments, classical biological control has been a huge asset in managing these weeds; consequently bringing them under complete or substantial control. However, submerged aquatic weeds are widely distributed through the aquarium trade in South Africa; facilitating their invasion into new habitats. The removal of surface mats following the successful management of floating weeds has enhanced the growth and competitive ability of submerged aquatic weeds, such as Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle (Hydrocharitaceae), Myriophyllum spicatum L. (Haloragaceae) and Egeria densa Planch. (Hydrocharitaceae) in South Africa. Of these species, E. densa has become the most widely distributed, invading numerous systems across South Africa. Compared to other exotic submerged aquatic plants, E. densa is the only species capable of inhabiting freshwater systems in every province and therefore, it is vital to manage existing populations and prevent its further distribution and invasion. Hydrellia spp. (Diptera: Ephydridae) biological control agents have been used extensively in the management of submerged aquatic weeds elsewhere, particularly those in the Hydrocharitaceae (Balciunas and Burrows 1996; Wheeler and Center 2001. Hydrellia egeriae Rodrigues (Diptera: Ephydridae) has been identified as a promising candidate for E. densa and was imported into quarantine at Rhodes University, Grahamstown in 2014. The aims of this study were to conduct a pre-release assessment of the potential of H. egeriae as a biological control agent for E. densa in South Africa. The first objective of this study was to establish the life history of the agent under controlled conditions on E. densa found in South Africa, as well as its population growth parameters to predict its invasion success in the field. Secondly, laboratory host-specificity testing was conducted to validate the host range of the agent, in view of published native range host-specificity testing, and to establish potential risks to non-target species, should it be released. Finally, a biological control agent should also effectively reduce the fitness of its host plant, and therefore, impact studies were conducted. Laboratory impact studies have been limited in the past, in that they only investigate agent damage for short ecological periods, thus underestimating the damage capacity of the agent under investigation. Therefore, the damage capacity of H. egeriae was investigated over three consecutive generations in multi-generational impact trials. In a controlled environment of 22 ± 2°C, H. egeriae exhibited the ability to rapidly increase in population size within a short period of time, which will enhance agent establishment and build-up in the field. Host-specificity trials indicated that H. egeriae has a host range restricted to the Hydrocharitaceae, with exploratory feeding and development on Lagarosiphon major Ridley, L. muscoides Harvey and Vallisneria spiralis L. However, only L. major supported agent development during paired larval choice tests, and continuation trials showed that the test species was not physiologically capable of supporting viable agent populations. Risk analysis illustrated that the feeding and reproductive risks that H. egeriae pose to non-target species are very low and therefore, H. egeriae should be safe for release in South Africa. Additionally, significant damage to vital plant structures (shoot growth and side shoot length) was only recorded under high (five larvae) agent abundances. Encouragingly, the number of leaves mined at the end of the experiment was similar for both intermediate (three) and high (five) larval abundances, suggesting that cumulative leaf-mining under intermediate larval abundances has the potential to reduce the fitness of E. densa, given sufficient time. Results from pre-release assessments provide a robust understanding of the specialization of the potential biological control agent to its host plant. Nevertheless, the absolute success of a biological control programme depends on the many factors after prerelease assessments that determine agent establishment, persistence and target weed suppression, e.g. mass-rearing, release protocols and a/biotic factors within the recipient community. Considering these factors, the best mass-rearing and release protocols are proposed here and future research priorities are identified. Finally, the long term success for managing E. densa in South Africa will require a holistic approach to address the underlying factors, such as eutrophication and human-mediated distribution that drive submerged aquatic plant invasions.
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- Date Issued: 2017