Factors contributing to a positive work experience for domestic workers
- Authors: Taylor, Michelle Tracey
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Household employees -- South Africa , Employment relations Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43877 , vital:37069
- Description: Despite entrenched legislation directed at protecting the rights of domestic workers, many still endure menial working conditions, receive low wages and are even subject to exploitation and abuse. At the same time, domestic workers are charged with the major responsibility of caring for their employers’ homes and families. All of this may lead to a work experience that is regarded as less than positive. The aim of this study was to identify the factors that contribute to a more humanising and positive working experience for domestic workers. A qualitative approach was adopted, and data was obtained by conducting semi-structured interviews with seven domestic workers, and a separate group of seven employers of domestic workers, all of whom were located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Data was collected through interviews held with individuals in the two groups of participants and was processed by transcribing notes from audio tape recordings captured during the interviews. Data analysis took the form of a thematic analysis to identify recurring themes. The findings of the study revealed that domestic workers concerns regarding their work environment relate to job security, wages, working conditions and the relationship with their employer. The employers felt that legislation, being part of the family, retirement planning and respect were important themes that impact on a domestic worker’s work experience. This study endeavors to contribute to a better understanding of what is needed to provide a more humanising work experience for female domestic workers in South Africa who may have experienced a sense of marginalisation within, and exclusion from, the dynamics of the open labour market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Taylor, Michelle Tracey
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Household employees -- South Africa , Employment relations Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43877 , vital:37069
- Description: Despite entrenched legislation directed at protecting the rights of domestic workers, many still endure menial working conditions, receive low wages and are even subject to exploitation and abuse. At the same time, domestic workers are charged with the major responsibility of caring for their employers’ homes and families. All of this may lead to a work experience that is regarded as less than positive. The aim of this study was to identify the factors that contribute to a more humanising and positive working experience for domestic workers. A qualitative approach was adopted, and data was obtained by conducting semi-structured interviews with seven domestic workers, and a separate group of seven employers of domestic workers, all of whom were located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Data was collected through interviews held with individuals in the two groups of participants and was processed by transcribing notes from audio tape recordings captured during the interviews. Data analysis took the form of a thematic analysis to identify recurring themes. The findings of the study revealed that domestic workers concerns regarding their work environment relate to job security, wages, working conditions and the relationship with their employer. The employers felt that legislation, being part of the family, retirement planning and respect were important themes that impact on a domestic worker’s work experience. This study endeavors to contribute to a better understanding of what is needed to provide a more humanising work experience for female domestic workers in South Africa who may have experienced a sense of marginalisation within, and exclusion from, the dynamics of the open labour market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Financial viability and sustainability of the Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma catchment management agency upon establishment
- Authors: Madube-dube, Melikhaya
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Water-supply -- South Africa -- Management , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Management Watersheds -- South Africa -- Finance Water resources development -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30832 , vital:31170
- Description: The National Water Act, 36 of 1998 through chapter seven mandates the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to establish (CMAs) throughout the Republic of South Africa. These CMAs are institutions geographically based with their boundaries coinciding, as far as is possible, with the river catchment boundaries. The purpose of establishing the CMAs is to delegate the raw water resources management function to the regional or catchment level or in water management areas. There were previously two water management areas (WMAs) in the Eastern Cape as proposed by the 2004 National Water Resources Strategy (NWRS), namely WMA twelve (WMA 12) and WMA fifteen (WMA 15). WMA twelve ran from the Mzimvubu to Kieskamahoek Rivers with WMA fifteen running from the Great Fish to the Tsitsikamma Rivers. The 2012 edition of the NWRS proposed the amalgamation of the two WMAs into one, running from the Mzimvubu to the Tsitsikamma Rivers, coinciding with the provincial boundary. The amalgamation of the two WMAs is due to the management and financial viability of the institution. When established, the institution will be called the Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma Catchment Management Agency (CMA). The CMA determines its budget allocation by identifying and costing the functions that will be performed and dividing those by the registered volumes of allocated water which equals the tariff/charge. The tariff is recovered from the raw water users or customers (DWS, 2015b). Water users are categorised with their water use as follows: Agricultural sector, Municipal sector, Industry and mining, Hydropower, High assurance use Water has been declared a scarce resource in South Africa due to, amongst others, pollution, infrastructure development, and changes in climatic conditions such as droughts (Water Research Commission, n.d.,; Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, 2016). Poor attendance and participation by water stakeholder representatives in raw water tariff consultation sessions have been established. In addition to the above are fair and good participation by both stakeholders coupled with negative feedback from the questionnaires. These challenges have great potential to render the agency as financially unviable and unsustainable when established. However, the above issues do not preclude other challenges as identified in the research area. Proposed recommendations to turn the fortunes of the Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma CMA around when established should be explored in detail.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Madube-dube, Melikhaya
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Water-supply -- South Africa -- Management , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Management Watersheds -- South Africa -- Finance Water resources development -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30832 , vital:31170
- Description: The National Water Act, 36 of 1998 through chapter seven mandates the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to establish (CMAs) throughout the Republic of South Africa. These CMAs are institutions geographically based with their boundaries coinciding, as far as is possible, with the river catchment boundaries. The purpose of establishing the CMAs is to delegate the raw water resources management function to the regional or catchment level or in water management areas. There were previously two water management areas (WMAs) in the Eastern Cape as proposed by the 2004 National Water Resources Strategy (NWRS), namely WMA twelve (WMA 12) and WMA fifteen (WMA 15). WMA twelve ran from the Mzimvubu to Kieskamahoek Rivers with WMA fifteen running from the Great Fish to the Tsitsikamma Rivers. The 2012 edition of the NWRS proposed the amalgamation of the two WMAs into one, running from the Mzimvubu to the Tsitsikamma Rivers, coinciding with the provincial boundary. The amalgamation of the two WMAs is due to the management and financial viability of the institution. When established, the institution will be called the Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma Catchment Management Agency (CMA). The CMA determines its budget allocation by identifying and costing the functions that will be performed and dividing those by the registered volumes of allocated water which equals the tariff/charge. The tariff is recovered from the raw water users or customers (DWS, 2015b). Water users are categorised with their water use as follows: Agricultural sector, Municipal sector, Industry and mining, Hydropower, High assurance use Water has been declared a scarce resource in South Africa due to, amongst others, pollution, infrastructure development, and changes in climatic conditions such as droughts (Water Research Commission, n.d.,; Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, 2016). Poor attendance and participation by water stakeholder representatives in raw water tariff consultation sessions have been established. In addition to the above are fair and good participation by both stakeholders coupled with negative feedback from the questionnaires. These challenges have great potential to render the agency as financially unviable and unsustainable when established. However, the above issues do not preclude other challenges as identified in the research area. Proposed recommendations to turn the fortunes of the Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma CMA around when established should be explored in detail.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Assessing the risk factors of Coronary heart disease among rural adults in the Joe Gqabi District: Eastern Cape
- Authors: Tetana, Thando
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Cardiovascular disease Coronary heart disease -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Coronary heart disease--Risk factors
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters/Doctoral , M Sc Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1440 , vital:35587
- Description: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as coronary heart disease (CHD) is a contributing factor to a large percentage of mortalities and morbidities worldwide including in affluent South African setting. In the Eastern Cape of Province, South Africa, there is no extensive data reported on Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) determinants and risk factors. The present study sought to assess the risk factors and determinants of CHD. This case (n=50) control (n=50) study matched for sex and age, was conducted among Xhosa adults from rural and semi urban/ township areas of Joe Gqabi District, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Non modifiable, environmental, lifestyle, and psychological factors were investigated using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Depression, alcohol excessive intake, family history of CHD were the CHD univariate risk factors. The independent risk factors of CHD were uncontrolled systolic hypertension (Odds Ratio (OR)=95; 95% Confidence Interval 16.9-128; In front of a multifactorial disease driven by interactions of socio determinants and traditional risk factors, urgent programmes of education, clinical management and health promotion for adequate diet, physical activity, adherence and compliance to medication and are needed to curb epidemic proportions of CVD risk factors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Tetana, Thando
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Cardiovascular disease Coronary heart disease -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Coronary heart disease--Risk factors
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters/Doctoral , M Sc Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1440 , vital:35587
- Description: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as coronary heart disease (CHD) is a contributing factor to a large percentage of mortalities and morbidities worldwide including in affluent South African setting. In the Eastern Cape of Province, South Africa, there is no extensive data reported on Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) determinants and risk factors. The present study sought to assess the risk factors and determinants of CHD. This case (n=50) control (n=50) study matched for sex and age, was conducted among Xhosa adults from rural and semi urban/ township areas of Joe Gqabi District, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Non modifiable, environmental, lifestyle, and psychological factors were investigated using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Depression, alcohol excessive intake, family history of CHD were the CHD univariate risk factors. The independent risk factors of CHD were uncontrolled systolic hypertension (Odds Ratio (OR)=95; 95% Confidence Interval 16.9-128; In front of a multifactorial disease driven by interactions of socio determinants and traditional risk factors, urgent programmes of education, clinical management and health promotion for adequate diet, physical activity, adherence and compliance to medication and are needed to curb epidemic proportions of CVD risk factors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Assessing the health and safety management of SMME's in the South African construction industry
- Authors: Quantoi, Phoebus Llewellyn
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Safety measures , Industrial safety -- South Africa -- Management , Small business -- Health aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3842 , vital:20468
- Description: The prosperity of small micro and medium enterprises (SMME’s) in the construction industry is vital for the improvement of the South African economy. Unfortunately, the poor safety record of this industry negatively affects the sustainability of SMME’s and augments the loss of human lives. Owners and managers of SMME’s in the construction industry are usually financially fragile and unaware of the direct and an indirect cost associated with injuries that may result in potential profit loss and ultimately, bankruptcy. The construction industry continues to lead with high levels of fatalities and injuries compared to other industrial sectors. High levels of non-compliance with health and safety legislation in the construction industry necessitate creative interventions to improve health and safety standards. The objective of the research was to establish to what extent SMME’s comply with health and safety in the construction industry. Research was done by means of a survey questionnaire and the findings concluded that government laws are appropriate however the enforcing of such law needs attention. Furthermore, most owners are aware of the required legislation but the competitive nature allude that “that shortcuts are taken”.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Quantoi, Phoebus Llewellyn
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Safety measures , Industrial safety -- South Africa -- Management , Small business -- Health aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3842 , vital:20468
- Description: The prosperity of small micro and medium enterprises (SMME’s) in the construction industry is vital for the improvement of the South African economy. Unfortunately, the poor safety record of this industry negatively affects the sustainability of SMME’s and augments the loss of human lives. Owners and managers of SMME’s in the construction industry are usually financially fragile and unaware of the direct and an indirect cost associated with injuries that may result in potential profit loss and ultimately, bankruptcy. The construction industry continues to lead with high levels of fatalities and injuries compared to other industrial sectors. High levels of non-compliance with health and safety legislation in the construction industry necessitate creative interventions to improve health and safety standards. The objective of the research was to establish to what extent SMME’s comply with health and safety in the construction industry. Research was done by means of a survey questionnaire and the findings concluded that government laws are appropriate however the enforcing of such law needs attention. Furthermore, most owners are aware of the required legislation but the competitive nature allude that “that shortcuts are taken”.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Perceptions of private sector midwives and obstetricians regarding collaborative maternity
- Authors: Wibbelink, Margreet
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Maternal health services , Maternal health care teams
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10067 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020979
- Description: The World Health Organization (WHO) states that no region in the world is justified in having a caesarean section rate greater than 10-15 percent, calculated as the number of caesarean deliveries over the total number of live births. There is however, an international increase in the rate of caesarean section deliveries and this is a concern to midwives. The increase is evident in South Africa as well. Currently the rate of caesarean section deliveries in the private sector can be as high as 70 percent per total number of live births per year. As a result, the public often perceives giving birth surgically in South Africa as ‘normal’ and ‘safer’ than vaginal delivery, even for low-risk pregnancies. The lack of involvement of midwives in the care of pregnant women in the private sector is indicated as one of the reasons related to the high caesarean section delivery rates. This motivated the researcher to undertake a study to explore and describe the perceptions of private sector midwives and obstetricians regarding the feasibility of collaboration in maternity care. A literature review to support the study identified research done previously regarding collaborative maternity care. The study followed a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, contextual design. The research population included midwives and obstetricians in the private sector in the Eastern Cape. Non-probability, purposive sampling was used. The researcher conducted semi-structured one-to-one interviews to collect information rich data. The researcher ensured that the study was conducted in an ethical manner by adhering to ethical principles such as autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence and justice. The interviews were transcribed and Creswell’s’ data analysis spiral was used as a guide for the data analysis. Themes and sub-themes were identified and grouped together to form new categories. An independent coder assisted with the coding process. Data analysis results revealed the following results Participants perceived a collaborative working relationship as being beneficial to maternity care. Participants identified that there might be critical impediments that need to be faced in order to realize collaborative maternity care. The researcher ensured the validity of the study by conforming to Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness, which consists of the following four criteria namely credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability. The information obtained from this study assisted in developing guidelines to facilitate the implementation of collaborative maternity care between midwives and obstetricians in private practice in South Africa. The objective of the study was thus met.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Wibbelink, Margreet
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Maternal health services , Maternal health care teams
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10067 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020979
- Description: The World Health Organization (WHO) states that no region in the world is justified in having a caesarean section rate greater than 10-15 percent, calculated as the number of caesarean deliveries over the total number of live births. There is however, an international increase in the rate of caesarean section deliveries and this is a concern to midwives. The increase is evident in South Africa as well. Currently the rate of caesarean section deliveries in the private sector can be as high as 70 percent per total number of live births per year. As a result, the public often perceives giving birth surgically in South Africa as ‘normal’ and ‘safer’ than vaginal delivery, even for low-risk pregnancies. The lack of involvement of midwives in the care of pregnant women in the private sector is indicated as one of the reasons related to the high caesarean section delivery rates. This motivated the researcher to undertake a study to explore and describe the perceptions of private sector midwives and obstetricians regarding the feasibility of collaboration in maternity care. A literature review to support the study identified research done previously regarding collaborative maternity care. The study followed a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, contextual design. The research population included midwives and obstetricians in the private sector in the Eastern Cape. Non-probability, purposive sampling was used. The researcher conducted semi-structured one-to-one interviews to collect information rich data. The researcher ensured that the study was conducted in an ethical manner by adhering to ethical principles such as autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence and justice. The interviews were transcribed and Creswell’s’ data analysis spiral was used as a guide for the data analysis. Themes and sub-themes were identified and grouped together to form new categories. An independent coder assisted with the coding process. Data analysis results revealed the following results Participants perceived a collaborative working relationship as being beneficial to maternity care. Participants identified that there might be critical impediments that need to be faced in order to realize collaborative maternity care. The researcher ensured the validity of the study by conforming to Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness, which consists of the following four criteria namely credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability. The information obtained from this study assisted in developing guidelines to facilitate the implementation of collaborative maternity care between midwives and obstetricians in private practice in South Africa. The objective of the study was thus met.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The survival of Cuanhama San communities in Angola
- Hamuse, Tiberia Ndanyakukwa Iilonga
- Authors: Hamuse, Tiberia Ndanyakukwa Iilonga
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Indigenous peoples -- Angola -- Economic conditions Indigenous peoples -- Angola -- Social conditions Indigenous peoples -- Education -- Angola , San (African people) -- Angola
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11202 , vital:26895
- Description: This study investigated the survival strategies adopted by the San in Cunene Province in Southern Angola. The study intended first to gain understanding of the economic activities that the San in Cuanhama municipality districts of Kafima Centre and Etale La Mulovi employ to sustain their livelihoods. Secondly, the study explored how accessible the basic social services of education and health were to the San in these communities. Utilising qualitative research methods, face-to-face interviews and focus group research were conducted. From the data collected on education the study findings show that none of the children from both communities were enrolled at any school. To this end, at Kafima Centre the main hindering factors that contributed inter alia included hunger at school, stigmatization by the neighbouring community and poverty among San communities. At Etale La Mulavi San community there was lack of educational facilities near the San habitations, constituting a key hindering factor to accessing education. On health, the closer the public health centre was to the San community the more the San utilised the health services for treatment and management of common diseases like Malaria and cough as well as other diseases. On survival strategies both San communities “okunhanga” ‘go.. and look for..’ (fending for food) was the primary survival strategy the San were involved in for the sustenance of their livelihoods. The findings informed the recommendations in chapter five of this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Hamuse, Tiberia Ndanyakukwa Iilonga
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Indigenous peoples -- Angola -- Economic conditions Indigenous peoples -- Angola -- Social conditions Indigenous peoples -- Education -- Angola , San (African people) -- Angola
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11202 , vital:26895
- Description: This study investigated the survival strategies adopted by the San in Cunene Province in Southern Angola. The study intended first to gain understanding of the economic activities that the San in Cuanhama municipality districts of Kafima Centre and Etale La Mulovi employ to sustain their livelihoods. Secondly, the study explored how accessible the basic social services of education and health were to the San in these communities. Utilising qualitative research methods, face-to-face interviews and focus group research were conducted. From the data collected on education the study findings show that none of the children from both communities were enrolled at any school. To this end, at Kafima Centre the main hindering factors that contributed inter alia included hunger at school, stigmatization by the neighbouring community and poverty among San communities. At Etale La Mulavi San community there was lack of educational facilities near the San habitations, constituting a key hindering factor to accessing education. On health, the closer the public health centre was to the San community the more the San utilised the health services for treatment and management of common diseases like Malaria and cough as well as other diseases. On survival strategies both San communities “okunhanga” ‘go.. and look for..’ (fending for food) was the primary survival strategy the San were involved in for the sustenance of their livelihoods. The findings informed the recommendations in chapter five of this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
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