Accountability of councillors through the batho pele principles in Lukhanji Local Municipality
- Authors: Tshambu, Avela
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Municipal officials and employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local officials and employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21384 , vital:29510
- Description: The main objective of the study is to explore the accountability of the ward councillors through the application of the Batho Pele principles in Lukhanji Municipality. Accountability is regarded as the key aspect for any government in which it should be monitored and maintained. The main problem to be addressed by this study is the ways in which the ward councillors can improve accountability applying the Batho Pele principles. To address the research problem and to achieve the aims of this study, an empirical research was done by distributing self-administered questionnaires to the participants in Lukhanji Municipality. The research findings revealed that in Lukhanji Municipality poor accountability of the ward councillors in which it needs improvement. Another finding is that poor accountability is caused by the lack of understanding of the Batho Pele principles, lack of understanding of the accountability mechanisms and poor relations between the community and ward councillors. The research findings of the study pointed to the necessity to make a set of recommendations on improving accountability through the application of Batho Pele principles in Lukhanji Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Tshambu, Avela
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Municipal officials and employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local officials and employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21384 , vital:29510
- Description: The main objective of the study is to explore the accountability of the ward councillors through the application of the Batho Pele principles in Lukhanji Municipality. Accountability is regarded as the key aspect for any government in which it should be monitored and maintained. The main problem to be addressed by this study is the ways in which the ward councillors can improve accountability applying the Batho Pele principles. To address the research problem and to achieve the aims of this study, an empirical research was done by distributing self-administered questionnaires to the participants in Lukhanji Municipality. The research findings revealed that in Lukhanji Municipality poor accountability of the ward councillors in which it needs improvement. Another finding is that poor accountability is caused by the lack of understanding of the Batho Pele principles, lack of understanding of the accountability mechanisms and poor relations between the community and ward councillors. The research findings of the study pointed to the necessity to make a set of recommendations on improving accountability through the application of Batho Pele principles in Lukhanji Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Activities, functions and structure of public sector pharmaceutical and therapeutics committees in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Henge-Daweti, Vatiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Medical ethics committees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Pharmaceutical policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Pharmaceutical services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Pharmaceutical ethics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15945 , vital:28293
- Description: The Council of Australian Therapeutic Advisory Groups (CATAG) (2013) define a Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee (PTC) as a ‘multi-disciplinary team committee with a commitment to the overall governance of the medicines management system in health service organizations to ensure the judicious, appropriate, safe, effective and cost-effective use of medicines’. The multi-disciplinary team includes the health care providers, who are actively participating in the health care systems, such as doctors, pharmacists, nurses, administrators, finance officers, quality improvement managers and other staff members who participate in the medicine use processes according to their knowledge and skills. The major role of this committee is to evaluate and promote rational drug use by health care providers and consumers. In addition, this committee is responsible for developing systems and strategies to prevent adverse medicine reactions and medication errors, enhance rational prescribing and dispensing, provide educational activities and ensure the use of quality and cost-effective medicines. This is a cross-sectional study that was aimed at exploring the structure, activities and functions of public sector institutional Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committees (PTC) in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province in South Africa (SA). The primary objectives of the study were to (i) investigate and describe the structure, functions and the activities of the institutional PTCs, and (ii) explore and describe the perception of PTC secretariats on the functionality of the institutional PTCs. A purpose-designed questionnaire including both quantitative and qualitative aspects adapted from other international studies was piloted prior to being used for data collection. The secretariats of the institutional PTCs were requested to complete the questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics for the quantitative aspects and thematic analysis for the qualitative component of the questionnaire. Data collection commenced after approval by the relevant ethics committees had been granted. The findings of the study reflected that the majority of the PTCs in the EC province, SA are district/sub-district PTCs which are a cluster of a number of health care institutions in close proximity. The PTC members were appointed by the executive authority as recommended by the literature and other guiding documents. As expected the nurses were dominant as the members of the PTCs in these district/sub-district PTCs. The secretariats were the pharmacists where pharmacists were available and chairperson were doctors. These findings correspond to the recommendations by the National Department of Health PTC policy (2015) and the studies conducted in other countries. A number of PTCs had sub-committees formed e.g. ABC analysis review committee, medicine utilization evaluation (MUE) committee and pharmacovigilance committee to optimise their functionality. Out of 15 PTCs only five PTCs with sub-committees reported functions and interventions, establishment of policies and SOPs. The rest had no outcomes or interventions reported. Poor production of policies and SOPs was observed which differs from other countries’ PTCs. The focus of sub-committees in other countries is the development of formulary and policies related to medicine use. These findings pose a question regarding the functionality and effectiveness of the existing institutional PTCs in the province. In addition, the basic documents that are required to run the PTC were unavailable in a number of PTCs. Barriers to the functionality of PTCs were reported i) Lack of pharmacists and training in PTCs. ii) The rural nature of the EC province and iii) Unavailability of resources including lack of re-imbursement of personal costs. These findings reveal that budget allocation for institutional PTCs is crucial for their functionality. It can be concluded that in the EC province the institutional PTCs which are active and effective are low in number and do not cover all geographical areas. Secondly there is a need for training and educating the PTC members on the role of the PTC members, role of sub-committees, development of policies, SOPs and the basic documents for the functionality of the committee. It is also important that during training the monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of the committee is emphasised. Therefore, the choice of the PTC objectives should be measurable as they can assist as indicators of effectiveness. Support by the executive authority has been observed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Henge-Daweti, Vatiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Medical ethics committees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Pharmaceutical policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Pharmaceutical services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Pharmaceutical ethics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15945 , vital:28293
- Description: The Council of Australian Therapeutic Advisory Groups (CATAG) (2013) define a Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee (PTC) as a ‘multi-disciplinary team committee with a commitment to the overall governance of the medicines management system in health service organizations to ensure the judicious, appropriate, safe, effective and cost-effective use of medicines’. The multi-disciplinary team includes the health care providers, who are actively participating in the health care systems, such as doctors, pharmacists, nurses, administrators, finance officers, quality improvement managers and other staff members who participate in the medicine use processes according to their knowledge and skills. The major role of this committee is to evaluate and promote rational drug use by health care providers and consumers. In addition, this committee is responsible for developing systems and strategies to prevent adverse medicine reactions and medication errors, enhance rational prescribing and dispensing, provide educational activities and ensure the use of quality and cost-effective medicines. This is a cross-sectional study that was aimed at exploring the structure, activities and functions of public sector institutional Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committees (PTC) in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province in South Africa (SA). The primary objectives of the study were to (i) investigate and describe the structure, functions and the activities of the institutional PTCs, and (ii) explore and describe the perception of PTC secretariats on the functionality of the institutional PTCs. A purpose-designed questionnaire including both quantitative and qualitative aspects adapted from other international studies was piloted prior to being used for data collection. The secretariats of the institutional PTCs were requested to complete the questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics for the quantitative aspects and thematic analysis for the qualitative component of the questionnaire. Data collection commenced after approval by the relevant ethics committees had been granted. The findings of the study reflected that the majority of the PTCs in the EC province, SA are district/sub-district PTCs which are a cluster of a number of health care institutions in close proximity. The PTC members were appointed by the executive authority as recommended by the literature and other guiding documents. As expected the nurses were dominant as the members of the PTCs in these district/sub-district PTCs. The secretariats were the pharmacists where pharmacists were available and chairperson were doctors. These findings correspond to the recommendations by the National Department of Health PTC policy (2015) and the studies conducted in other countries. A number of PTCs had sub-committees formed e.g. ABC analysis review committee, medicine utilization evaluation (MUE) committee and pharmacovigilance committee to optimise their functionality. Out of 15 PTCs only five PTCs with sub-committees reported functions and interventions, establishment of policies and SOPs. The rest had no outcomes or interventions reported. Poor production of policies and SOPs was observed which differs from other countries’ PTCs. The focus of sub-committees in other countries is the development of formulary and policies related to medicine use. These findings pose a question regarding the functionality and effectiveness of the existing institutional PTCs in the province. In addition, the basic documents that are required to run the PTC were unavailable in a number of PTCs. Barriers to the functionality of PTCs were reported i) Lack of pharmacists and training in PTCs. ii) The rural nature of the EC province and iii) Unavailability of resources including lack of re-imbursement of personal costs. These findings reveal that budget allocation for institutional PTCs is crucial for their functionality. It can be concluded that in the EC province the institutional PTCs which are active and effective are low in number and do not cover all geographical areas. Secondly there is a need for training and educating the PTC members on the role of the PTC members, role of sub-committees, development of policies, SOPs and the basic documents for the functionality of the committee. It is also important that during training the monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of the committee is emphasised. Therefore, the choice of the PTC objectives should be measurable as they can assist as indicators of effectiveness. Support by the executive authority has been observed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Adjusting lion diet estimates to assess lion impacts on small prey in Addo Elephant National Park
- Authors: Gerber, Amarein Judith
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Wildlife conservation -- South Africa -- Addo Elephant National Park , Lion -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Addo Elephant National Park Lion -- Conservation -- South Africa -- Addo Elephant National Park
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14311 , vital:27542
- Description: Populations of small prey species (< 92 kg) can be regulated by competition, habitat-mediated responses, climate change, disease and predation. Populations of small prey species have declined in the Addo Elephant National Park Main Camp Section since the reintroduction of apex predators (lion and spotted hyaena). One possible explanation is predation by lion and spotted hyaena. However, small prey species are not generally considered preferred prey items of these predators, hence their contribution to predator diets needs to be explored. Global Positioning System (GPS) cluster analysis has emerged as a viable approach to locate lion kills for lion diet estimation in AENP, however this technique is known to bias diet estimates to large prey species. Understanding the impact of lion predation on populations of small prey in Main Camp therefore requires better estimates of lion diets. This study investigated the potential underestimation of small prey species in lion diet estimates by combining the data from scat analysis and carcasses located at GPS clusters. The adjusted lion diets were then used to investigate if the impact of lion predation could explain declines in small prey, by relating lion prey preferences to prey population trends in Nyathi. Using the results from Nyathi, it could then be inferred whether lions could have been responsible for the declines observed in Main Camp. Six GPS-collared lions provided location data used to construct individual movement paths, along which spatio-temporal clusters of GPS locations (n = 4896) were identified for ground investigation. Carcasses (n = 643) were recorded at the GPS clusters and scats (n = 256) were collected at GPS clusters with or without carcasses. Data from the located carcasses and scat collections were then used to create a history of feeding events for each collared lion in Main Camp-Colchester and Nyathi from a) carcasses alone or b) a combination of scats and carcasses, based on an estimated short and long lion throughout period. Relative prey availability was estimated based on camera trapping in Nyathi in high lion, low lion and no lion use areas, as lions may encounter some prey species more than other prey species. Jacobs’ index prey preference was used to investigate the importance of prey species to lion diets at three landscape scales: 1) Nyathi, 2) lion UD and 3) core lion UD. Lastly, prey population trends were investigated in Nyathi to provide an indication of possible changes in prey populations. Large prey species dominated the adjusted diets of lions in Main Camp-Colchester and Nyathi. However, when comparing the GPS carcass-derived lion diet estimate to the combined lion diet estimate, small prey were underestimated more often than large prey in the GPS carcass-derived lion diet estimate. Missed feeding events were therefore a function of prey body size. In addition, missed feeding events were also representative of the lion diets based on carcasses, with the tendency for species more often consumed to be missed more often in the diet record. However, even though small prey species were underestimated, they represented the minority of species consumed by lions and were predominantly avoided by lions in Nyathi. Lion prey preferences thus did not correlate to the declines in small prey species in Naythi, suggesting other potential drivers are important for small population trends in Nyathi. Lion predation cannot be ruled out as a driver of the decline in small prey species in Main Camp, due to different ecological conditions (e.g. vegetation density) in Main Camp compared to Nyathi, during the observed small prey population declines. Lion prey preferences in Nyathi revealed fine-scale variations in species specific preferences by lions, as well as site-specific differences in prey preferences when compared to published lion prey preference meta-analyses. These findings suggest that metaanalysis studies should be used as a guideline from which hypotheses about local predatorprey interactions can be developed rather than as an absolute measure of prey preference.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gerber, Amarein Judith
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Wildlife conservation -- South Africa -- Addo Elephant National Park , Lion -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Addo Elephant National Park Lion -- Conservation -- South Africa -- Addo Elephant National Park
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14311 , vital:27542
- Description: Populations of small prey species (< 92 kg) can be regulated by competition, habitat-mediated responses, climate change, disease and predation. Populations of small prey species have declined in the Addo Elephant National Park Main Camp Section since the reintroduction of apex predators (lion and spotted hyaena). One possible explanation is predation by lion and spotted hyaena. However, small prey species are not generally considered preferred prey items of these predators, hence their contribution to predator diets needs to be explored. Global Positioning System (GPS) cluster analysis has emerged as a viable approach to locate lion kills for lion diet estimation in AENP, however this technique is known to bias diet estimates to large prey species. Understanding the impact of lion predation on populations of small prey in Main Camp therefore requires better estimates of lion diets. This study investigated the potential underestimation of small prey species in lion diet estimates by combining the data from scat analysis and carcasses located at GPS clusters. The adjusted lion diets were then used to investigate if the impact of lion predation could explain declines in small prey, by relating lion prey preferences to prey population trends in Nyathi. Using the results from Nyathi, it could then be inferred whether lions could have been responsible for the declines observed in Main Camp. Six GPS-collared lions provided location data used to construct individual movement paths, along which spatio-temporal clusters of GPS locations (n = 4896) were identified for ground investigation. Carcasses (n = 643) were recorded at the GPS clusters and scats (n = 256) were collected at GPS clusters with or without carcasses. Data from the located carcasses and scat collections were then used to create a history of feeding events for each collared lion in Main Camp-Colchester and Nyathi from a) carcasses alone or b) a combination of scats and carcasses, based on an estimated short and long lion throughout period. Relative prey availability was estimated based on camera trapping in Nyathi in high lion, low lion and no lion use areas, as lions may encounter some prey species more than other prey species. Jacobs’ index prey preference was used to investigate the importance of prey species to lion diets at three landscape scales: 1) Nyathi, 2) lion UD and 3) core lion UD. Lastly, prey population trends were investigated in Nyathi to provide an indication of possible changes in prey populations. Large prey species dominated the adjusted diets of lions in Main Camp-Colchester and Nyathi. However, when comparing the GPS carcass-derived lion diet estimate to the combined lion diet estimate, small prey were underestimated more often than large prey in the GPS carcass-derived lion diet estimate. Missed feeding events were therefore a function of prey body size. In addition, missed feeding events were also representative of the lion diets based on carcasses, with the tendency for species more often consumed to be missed more often in the diet record. However, even though small prey species were underestimated, they represented the minority of species consumed by lions and were predominantly avoided by lions in Nyathi. Lion prey preferences thus did not correlate to the declines in small prey species in Naythi, suggesting other potential drivers are important for small population trends in Nyathi. Lion predation cannot be ruled out as a driver of the decline in small prey species in Main Camp, due to different ecological conditions (e.g. vegetation density) in Main Camp compared to Nyathi, during the observed small prey population declines. Lion prey preferences in Nyathi revealed fine-scale variations in species specific preferences by lions, as well as site-specific differences in prey preferences when compared to published lion prey preference meta-analyses. These findings suggest that metaanalysis studies should be used as a guideline from which hypotheses about local predatorprey interactions can be developed rather than as an absolute measure of prey preference.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Affirmative action as a strategy for social justice in South Africa
- Authors: Sinuka, Zamile Hector
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Affirmative action programs -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Social justice -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa -- Employment Equity Act -- 1998
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20362 , vital:29268
- Description: The purpose of this treatise is to develop a spirit of understanding affirmative action as a strategy that gives South Africa a human face of equality. The strategic development of affirmative action as part of Employment Equity Act is based on equality at workplace. This work takes note of the need to integrate human resource development for employment, productivity and education system that is based on formal education, prior knowledge education (RPL) and previous experience. The imbalances were designed to be of racial reflection therefore the redress process is racial in character but non-racial in content as the envisaged society is a non-racial society. The historical background of inequality and racial discrimination is noted in the environment of employment and on how other laws were enforcing the inequality. The arguments against affirmative action are debated and valid points of such arguments are noted as points of concern that must be considered in the process to attain equality. This work views affirmative action as a process that goes beyond employment relations and work as an instrument to change society by addressing social needs and services that have a reflection of inequality. Education is viewed as the out most important process to change the lives of people as affirmative action has a requirement of suitably qualified candidates to be affirmed. In South Africa problems of inequality were political designed but were enforced by various laws that were having material and psychological impact on the previously disadvantaged. The designated groups were divided into Africans, Indians and Coloureds, in Naidoo v Minister of Safety and Security this principle of defining designated racial groups was promoted in correction to the direction that was taken in Motala v University of Natal.Affirmative action is a legal process that addresses political designed problems. It is also a process that is exposed to abuse. Corrupt officials and managers appoint employees that do not qualify for posts on the bases of political affiliation or any other ground of discrimination. This is discussed with reference to the allegations of SADTU selling posts for principals, senior managers appointed in state co-operatives. The above mentioned tendencies are noted as part of negative indicators on the process that is meant to bring equality and non-racial society where all the citizens are given equal opportunities. This work views affirmative action as a strategy that is based on achieving a society that has a human face where race shall not be a point of reference.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Sinuka, Zamile Hector
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Affirmative action programs -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Social justice -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa -- Employment Equity Act -- 1998
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20362 , vital:29268
- Description: The purpose of this treatise is to develop a spirit of understanding affirmative action as a strategy that gives South Africa a human face of equality. The strategic development of affirmative action as part of Employment Equity Act is based on equality at workplace. This work takes note of the need to integrate human resource development for employment, productivity and education system that is based on formal education, prior knowledge education (RPL) and previous experience. The imbalances were designed to be of racial reflection therefore the redress process is racial in character but non-racial in content as the envisaged society is a non-racial society. The historical background of inequality and racial discrimination is noted in the environment of employment and on how other laws were enforcing the inequality. The arguments against affirmative action are debated and valid points of such arguments are noted as points of concern that must be considered in the process to attain equality. This work views affirmative action as a process that goes beyond employment relations and work as an instrument to change society by addressing social needs and services that have a reflection of inequality. Education is viewed as the out most important process to change the lives of people as affirmative action has a requirement of suitably qualified candidates to be affirmed. In South Africa problems of inequality were political designed but were enforced by various laws that were having material and psychological impact on the previously disadvantaged. The designated groups were divided into Africans, Indians and Coloureds, in Naidoo v Minister of Safety and Security this principle of defining designated racial groups was promoted in correction to the direction that was taken in Motala v University of Natal.Affirmative action is a legal process that addresses political designed problems. It is also a process that is exposed to abuse. Corrupt officials and managers appoint employees that do not qualify for posts on the bases of political affiliation or any other ground of discrimination. This is discussed with reference to the allegations of SADTU selling posts for principals, senior managers appointed in state co-operatives. The above mentioned tendencies are noted as part of negative indicators on the process that is meant to bring equality and non-racial society where all the citizens are given equal opportunities. This work views affirmative action as a strategy that is based on achieving a society that has a human face where race shall not be a point of reference.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Alumni perception of the NMMU computing sciences department
- Authors: Glaum, Arthur Philip Martin
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Consumers -- Research -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Customer services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Consumer satisfaction -- Education (Higher) Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Alumni and alumnae Universities and colleges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15644 , vital:28279
- Description: The success of a course offered by a university and the effectiveness of the instructors have commonly been measured by means of student evaluations. The feedback generated is typically used to identify instructors who need additional training, courses that need to be restructured or the need for financial rewards for those who excel. The principal objective of educating students is, knowledge, training and skills they can use and apply after graduating, regardless of the field of study. The perception of the Alumni about the extent of learning and the usefulness of the knowledge is a key measure for universities to assess their success. A service guarantee is defined as a formal promise made to customers about the service they will receive or it is a written promise made by the company through advertising or company literature that it will provide compensation if promises are broken. In order to ensure customer satisfaction in a service offering, the quality of service performance needs to be guaranteed. Many service industries promise a level of service performance, with or without conditions attached. Customer value is a complex concept as it is often interpreted with various meanings depending on the point of view adopted. A definition of customer value is the perceived value that the customer gains when purchasing a product or receiving a service. However, customer value can be used in a variety of contexts. The purpose of this research study is to measure the perception and satisfaction of Alumni of the Department of Computing Sciences and identify areas for improvement by performing a systematic analysis of the determinants of satisfaction. This research is an exploratory, quantitative study consisting of literature- and case-study components used to test proposed hypotheses. The literature study was performed on secondary sources to establish the key concepts related to the topics of Service Guarantee and Marketing, Stakeholder Theory, Customer-perceived Value and Alumni Perceptions. The empirical study consisted of surveys (questionnaires) completed by Alumni of the Department of Computing Sciences. The questionnaire used in this research consisted of questions regarding demographic data and questions regarding perceived perception of the Department of Computing Sciences and influencing factors. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data into a more compact form which could simplify the identification of patterns in the data. Inferential statistics were used to verify if conclusions made from the sample data could be inferred onto a larger population. Recommended university and teaching practices based on the statistical analysis of the survey results were identified. A model identified the following factors as having an influence on Alumni Satisfaction with the NMMU Department of Computing Sciences: Customer Satisfaction, Course Contents, Modern Technologies, Academic Staff, Admin. Staff, Departments, University Atmosphere and Perceived Value. The importance of each factor was identified to understand how to improve the Alumni perception. According to the inferential ranking of Alumni Satisfaction that ranks the factors on the average mean values, a factor that should be improved upon is the Alumni Network. Recommended improvements were suggested for the Department of Computing Sciences based on the statistical analysis of the survey results. Two sub-groups were defined by different levels of education and they were found to have different perceptions of the factors that were measured. It was shown that there are small and medium significant differences in only two of the factors of the proposed Alumni satisfaction model, distinguising through different levels of education. The Alumni Satisfaction model developed in this study specified the factors that influence Alumni Satisfaction with the Deptarment of Computing Sciences and the effect that each of these factors has on that satisfaction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Glaum, Arthur Philip Martin
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Consumers -- Research -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Customer services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Consumer satisfaction -- Education (Higher) Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Alumni and alumnae Universities and colleges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15644 , vital:28279
- Description: The success of a course offered by a university and the effectiveness of the instructors have commonly been measured by means of student evaluations. The feedback generated is typically used to identify instructors who need additional training, courses that need to be restructured or the need for financial rewards for those who excel. The principal objective of educating students is, knowledge, training and skills they can use and apply after graduating, regardless of the field of study. The perception of the Alumni about the extent of learning and the usefulness of the knowledge is a key measure for universities to assess their success. A service guarantee is defined as a formal promise made to customers about the service they will receive or it is a written promise made by the company through advertising or company literature that it will provide compensation if promises are broken. In order to ensure customer satisfaction in a service offering, the quality of service performance needs to be guaranteed. Many service industries promise a level of service performance, with or without conditions attached. Customer value is a complex concept as it is often interpreted with various meanings depending on the point of view adopted. A definition of customer value is the perceived value that the customer gains when purchasing a product or receiving a service. However, customer value can be used in a variety of contexts. The purpose of this research study is to measure the perception and satisfaction of Alumni of the Department of Computing Sciences and identify areas for improvement by performing a systematic analysis of the determinants of satisfaction. This research is an exploratory, quantitative study consisting of literature- and case-study components used to test proposed hypotheses. The literature study was performed on secondary sources to establish the key concepts related to the topics of Service Guarantee and Marketing, Stakeholder Theory, Customer-perceived Value and Alumni Perceptions. The empirical study consisted of surveys (questionnaires) completed by Alumni of the Department of Computing Sciences. The questionnaire used in this research consisted of questions regarding demographic data and questions regarding perceived perception of the Department of Computing Sciences and influencing factors. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data into a more compact form which could simplify the identification of patterns in the data. Inferential statistics were used to verify if conclusions made from the sample data could be inferred onto a larger population. Recommended university and teaching practices based on the statistical analysis of the survey results were identified. A model identified the following factors as having an influence on Alumni Satisfaction with the NMMU Department of Computing Sciences: Customer Satisfaction, Course Contents, Modern Technologies, Academic Staff, Admin. Staff, Departments, University Atmosphere and Perceived Value. The importance of each factor was identified to understand how to improve the Alumni perception. According to the inferential ranking of Alumni Satisfaction that ranks the factors on the average mean values, a factor that should be improved upon is the Alumni Network. Recommended improvements were suggested for the Department of Computing Sciences based on the statistical analysis of the survey results. Two sub-groups were defined by different levels of education and they were found to have different perceptions of the factors that were measured. It was shown that there are small and medium significant differences in only two of the factors of the proposed Alumni satisfaction model, distinguising through different levels of education. The Alumni Satisfaction model developed in this study specified the factors that influence Alumni Satisfaction with the Deptarment of Computing Sciences and the effect that each of these factors has on that satisfaction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An analysis of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the mining industry: selected JSE/SRI listed mining companies in South Africa
- Authors: Liphapang, Lebohang Irene
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa Corporate image -- South Africa , Business ethics -- South Africa Mineral industries -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18277 , vital:28612
- Description: The South African mining industry has been, and continues to be, the main contributor of the country’s GDP. The listed mining companies have a great contribution to the market capitalisation of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE, 2014). Pre-1994, the mining companies had been under scrutiny for a wide range of negative environmental and social impacts in their operational areas. The mining companies were accused of a lack of sustainability plans, carbon emissions, land rehabilitation plans, pollution and lack of community engagement (Buccasa, 2013). Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a platform for the mining industry to correct the errors of the past and to contribute towards socio-economic development and environmental concerns. Through the implementation of CSR initiatives, the mining companies have brought about a significant change in the lives of people affected by mining industry. In return, the mining companies have built a good reputation which had been tarnished in the past. The objective of the study was to explore the role of CSR in the mining industry and determine how CSR initiatives had impacted the lives of the beneficiaries in the mining sector. The research identified three sustainability dimensions, which are: environment, social aspects and economic aspects. The aim of the study was to establish whether CSR initiatives have contributed towards sustainable development. The study established how the JSE/SRI listed mining companies reported CSR and determined the types of initiatives implemented. The study identified the similarities and differences in the CSR initiatives being implemented by 10 selected mining companies listed in the JSE/SRI index. The study also identified sustainable development issues faced by the South African mining industry. The study reviewed how these mining companies reported their CSR and identified regulating bodies and codes that promoted CSR. The study also determined the role that the JSE/SRI index plays towards the development of CSR and sustainable development in the mining sector in South Africa. Integrated reports and sustainability reports of the mining companies were used for data collection to establish how these companies reported CSR and disclosed their CSR strategies on the internet. The mining companies which were analysed were mining companies listed in the JSE/SRI index from 2010 – 2014. The JSE/SRI index is aligned with global sustainability guidelines and locally relevant corporate responsibility standards. The study determined the significance of JSE/SRI listing towards the development of CSR; in relation to environmental, social and economic development in the mining industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Liphapang, Lebohang Irene
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa Corporate image -- South Africa , Business ethics -- South Africa Mineral industries -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18277 , vital:28612
- Description: The South African mining industry has been, and continues to be, the main contributor of the country’s GDP. The listed mining companies have a great contribution to the market capitalisation of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE, 2014). Pre-1994, the mining companies had been under scrutiny for a wide range of negative environmental and social impacts in their operational areas. The mining companies were accused of a lack of sustainability plans, carbon emissions, land rehabilitation plans, pollution and lack of community engagement (Buccasa, 2013). Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a platform for the mining industry to correct the errors of the past and to contribute towards socio-economic development and environmental concerns. Through the implementation of CSR initiatives, the mining companies have brought about a significant change in the lives of people affected by mining industry. In return, the mining companies have built a good reputation which had been tarnished in the past. The objective of the study was to explore the role of CSR in the mining industry and determine how CSR initiatives had impacted the lives of the beneficiaries in the mining sector. The research identified three sustainability dimensions, which are: environment, social aspects and economic aspects. The aim of the study was to establish whether CSR initiatives have contributed towards sustainable development. The study established how the JSE/SRI listed mining companies reported CSR and determined the types of initiatives implemented. The study identified the similarities and differences in the CSR initiatives being implemented by 10 selected mining companies listed in the JSE/SRI index. The study also identified sustainable development issues faced by the South African mining industry. The study reviewed how these mining companies reported their CSR and identified regulating bodies and codes that promoted CSR. The study also determined the role that the JSE/SRI index plays towards the development of CSR and sustainable development in the mining sector in South Africa. Integrated reports and sustainability reports of the mining companies were used for data collection to establish how these companies reported CSR and disclosed their CSR strategies on the internet. The mining companies which were analysed were mining companies listed in the JSE/SRI index from 2010 – 2014. The JSE/SRI index is aligned with global sustainability guidelines and locally relevant corporate responsibility standards. The study determined the significance of JSE/SRI listing towards the development of CSR; in relation to environmental, social and economic development in the mining industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An analysis of government’s facilitation in attracting original equipment manufacturer foreign direct investments in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Shogole, Nomkhitha Samantha
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Economic development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20319 , vital:29260
- Description: The South African automotive industry has experienced significant growth since its first inception in 1995. South Africa’s trade relations with other countries has facilitated the growth of this sector. Government introduced programmes that encouraged growth in the sector, namely the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP) and the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP). South Africa as the catalyst for development in Africa needs to continuously strive to integrate with other developed countries to and promote Foreign Direct Investments into the continent. The development of the industry requires organic growth to ensure that it remains sustainable. The research problem addressed in this study is to establish the role government plays in ensuring a sustained growth of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the automotive sector. The establishment of this statement is imperative to the growth of automotive investments by multinationals in South Africa. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) are positioned in three of the country’s eleven provinces. The Eastern Cape region has been known to be the automotive-hub of South Africa with a GDP that is driven by the secondary automotive sector consisting of multinational OEM giants such as Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA), General Motors South Africa (GMSA), Ford Motor Company, FAW and Daimler. South African OEMs are required to lobby at the principal companies before a new model can be built in the country. Lobbying involves offering competitive logistics costs to build models in South Africa. Stakeholders led by government are required to actively participate in these negotiations to sustain the industry in the country. One of the ways this can be achieved is through formulation, integration and alignment of strategies between all stakeholders. Stakeholders involve private sector and public sector working together. South Africa has achieved an open-country perception to foreign investors through the APDP. The problem statement was accurately explained and expressed clearly and sub-problems were identified from areas in the main problem that required further analysis. Literature has revealed that South African ports are considered to be the most expensive in the world and that there is a lack of port and rail integrated infrastructure. Providing a complete supply chain for logistics will result in increased FDI for South Africa. The governmental entities’ support will allow the OEMs an opportunity to increase investment in South Africa thus creating employment and adding value to the GDP of South Africa. The South African component manufacturer’s sector has grown intensively creating sustainable jobs for South Africans. The industry is structured in such a way that there is a multiplier-effect reaction to macro-economic conditions. A comprehensive literature review was executed to understand the nature and extent of the global automotive industry, the South African automotive industry, the regions that host OEMs, the Motor Industry Development Programme and the Automotive Production and Development Programme. A primary research instrument was constructed, in the form of a questionnaire, to test themes which were highlighted in the literature review which can influence the sector’s competitive advantage. A questionnaire was distributed with the assistance of industry representatives in the Transport and Logistics sector. There was consensus on many issues regarding the current structure of the South African automotive industry. Specifically, the importance of rail, efficiencies, prices and value-added services needed in the industry to attract FDIs as well as the readiness of the Port of Port Elizabeth with regards to being positioned as an automotive-hub for Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Shogole, Nomkhitha Samantha
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Economic development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20319 , vital:29260
- Description: The South African automotive industry has experienced significant growth since its first inception in 1995. South Africa’s trade relations with other countries has facilitated the growth of this sector. Government introduced programmes that encouraged growth in the sector, namely the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP) and the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP). South Africa as the catalyst for development in Africa needs to continuously strive to integrate with other developed countries to and promote Foreign Direct Investments into the continent. The development of the industry requires organic growth to ensure that it remains sustainable. The research problem addressed in this study is to establish the role government plays in ensuring a sustained growth of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the automotive sector. The establishment of this statement is imperative to the growth of automotive investments by multinationals in South Africa. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) are positioned in three of the country’s eleven provinces. The Eastern Cape region has been known to be the automotive-hub of South Africa with a GDP that is driven by the secondary automotive sector consisting of multinational OEM giants such as Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA), General Motors South Africa (GMSA), Ford Motor Company, FAW and Daimler. South African OEMs are required to lobby at the principal companies before a new model can be built in the country. Lobbying involves offering competitive logistics costs to build models in South Africa. Stakeholders led by government are required to actively participate in these negotiations to sustain the industry in the country. One of the ways this can be achieved is through formulation, integration and alignment of strategies between all stakeholders. Stakeholders involve private sector and public sector working together. South Africa has achieved an open-country perception to foreign investors through the APDP. The problem statement was accurately explained and expressed clearly and sub-problems were identified from areas in the main problem that required further analysis. Literature has revealed that South African ports are considered to be the most expensive in the world and that there is a lack of port and rail integrated infrastructure. Providing a complete supply chain for logistics will result in increased FDI for South Africa. The governmental entities’ support will allow the OEMs an opportunity to increase investment in South Africa thus creating employment and adding value to the GDP of South Africa. The South African component manufacturer’s sector has grown intensively creating sustainable jobs for South Africans. The industry is structured in such a way that there is a multiplier-effect reaction to macro-economic conditions. A comprehensive literature review was executed to understand the nature and extent of the global automotive industry, the South African automotive industry, the regions that host OEMs, the Motor Industry Development Programme and the Automotive Production and Development Programme. A primary research instrument was constructed, in the form of a questionnaire, to test themes which were highlighted in the literature review which can influence the sector’s competitive advantage. A questionnaire was distributed with the assistance of industry representatives in the Transport and Logistics sector. There was consensus on many issues regarding the current structure of the South African automotive industry. Specifically, the importance of rail, efficiencies, prices and value-added services needed in the industry to attract FDIs as well as the readiness of the Port of Port Elizabeth with regards to being positioned as an automotive-hub for Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An analysis of military power sharing in Mozambique: a conflict management perspective
- Molefhe, Ishmael Rapula Moagi
- Authors: Molefhe, Ishmael Rapula Moagi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Conflict management -- Armed Forces -- Mozambique Armed Forces , Civil service -- Mozambique Mozambique -- Armed Forces -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19212 , vital:28788
- Description: This study is a conceptual analysis of power-sharing. It applies power-sharing in the context of Mozambique. The study is informed on the premise that components of power sharing contribute to the duration of peace. However, findings from empirical investigations show that certain types of power sharing are associated with more durable peace than others, primarily through their positive effects on governance and public service delivery. The specific objectives of the study were to contextualize the concept of military power sharing arrangement; to explore the challenges faced in implementing the military power sharing arrangement in Mozambique; to explore the strategies used to manage the Mozambique peace process; to ascertain the challenges faced by the BDF during the reintegration standardized training of FRELIMO and RENAMO forces; and to propose recommendations for future interventions. In order to achieve these objectives, the study used a purposive sampling technique to assemble participants that provided useful data for the study. The target population was made up of members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) who participated in the United Nations Peace Mission in Mozambique dubbed UNOMOZ; and those who conducted the reintegration standardized training of FRELIMO and RENAMO military personnel Thematic analysis of the participants’ responses from the interviews was used to address the objectives of the study. The findings of the study reveal that poorly trained military personnel were a challenge to the implementation of power sharing deal in Mozambique. Also, there was a lack of trust and confidence between constituent parties, and a lack of transitional authority in holding forth power until the power sharing deal was fully implemented. In addition, the study found out that there was the problem of language barrier, and that very little counselling was offered to those who were traumatized by the conflict. Also, there was a kind of unwillingness by civilians to accept former combatants in their midst and a lack of logistics for both the peace keepers and the combatants. Among others, the study recommended that NGOs, civil society organizations, and churches should be more pro-active in engaging the government and not only ensuring that every party involved in the power-sharing deal fulfills its role, but also organizing and carrying out counselling sessions for ex-combatants as part of reintegration process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Molefhe, Ishmael Rapula Moagi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Conflict management -- Armed Forces -- Mozambique Armed Forces , Civil service -- Mozambique Mozambique -- Armed Forces -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19212 , vital:28788
- Description: This study is a conceptual analysis of power-sharing. It applies power-sharing in the context of Mozambique. The study is informed on the premise that components of power sharing contribute to the duration of peace. However, findings from empirical investigations show that certain types of power sharing are associated with more durable peace than others, primarily through their positive effects on governance and public service delivery. The specific objectives of the study were to contextualize the concept of military power sharing arrangement; to explore the challenges faced in implementing the military power sharing arrangement in Mozambique; to explore the strategies used to manage the Mozambique peace process; to ascertain the challenges faced by the BDF during the reintegration standardized training of FRELIMO and RENAMO forces; and to propose recommendations for future interventions. In order to achieve these objectives, the study used a purposive sampling technique to assemble participants that provided useful data for the study. The target population was made up of members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) who participated in the United Nations Peace Mission in Mozambique dubbed UNOMOZ; and those who conducted the reintegration standardized training of FRELIMO and RENAMO military personnel Thematic analysis of the participants’ responses from the interviews was used to address the objectives of the study. The findings of the study reveal that poorly trained military personnel were a challenge to the implementation of power sharing deal in Mozambique. Also, there was a lack of trust and confidence between constituent parties, and a lack of transitional authority in holding forth power until the power sharing deal was fully implemented. In addition, the study found out that there was the problem of language barrier, and that very little counselling was offered to those who were traumatized by the conflict. Also, there was a kind of unwillingness by civilians to accept former combatants in their midst and a lack of logistics for both the peace keepers and the combatants. Among others, the study recommended that NGOs, civil society organizations, and churches should be more pro-active in engaging the government and not only ensuring that every party involved in the power-sharing deal fulfills its role, but also organizing and carrying out counselling sessions for ex-combatants as part of reintegration process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An analysis of quota conflicts in the fishing industry of the Western Cape: the plight of the small scale fisher sector from 1994 to the present day
- Authors: Green, Michael Anthony
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Small-scale fisheries -- South Africa Fishery policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18838 , vital:28736
- Description: This treatise tracks the sequence of events that took place within the South African Fishing Industry post 1994, and focuses specifically on the plight of the small scale artisanal fisher sector, which operates in the in-shore and near-shore coastal waters of the Western and Southern Cape. In exploring this area of conflict, it focuses on the attempts of this sector to gain official recognition, sanction and inclusion in the country’s statutory framework. It is an intensive investigation into the activities of the various role players, being this fisher sector, various fishing bodies, the government and business, and through personal interactions with these stakeholders, a diverse set of perceptions and perspectives is detailed. Through the use of Participlan methodology, utilised in one-on-one interactions as well as focus group workshops, issues relating to the past, present and future are surfaced, leading to what the different entities believe to be a collective way forward. The dissertation concludes that there is a need for the three entities as defined, to communicate on a formalised basis in order to progress issues relating to the management, protection and sustainability of the in-shore and near-shore fish resources. It shows further that there is a desire and willingness across all these sectors to share ideas and thoughts in a structured environment to establish a common ground and to create a solution to resolve this conflict scenario. Specifically, the study illustrates that the small-scale artisanal fisher sector is a justifiable participant in the fishing industry, warranting recognition and inclusion as a distinct entity in the country’s Marine Living Resources Act.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Green, Michael Anthony
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Small-scale fisheries -- South Africa Fishery policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18838 , vital:28736
- Description: This treatise tracks the sequence of events that took place within the South African Fishing Industry post 1994, and focuses specifically on the plight of the small scale artisanal fisher sector, which operates in the in-shore and near-shore coastal waters of the Western and Southern Cape. In exploring this area of conflict, it focuses on the attempts of this sector to gain official recognition, sanction and inclusion in the country’s statutory framework. It is an intensive investigation into the activities of the various role players, being this fisher sector, various fishing bodies, the government and business, and through personal interactions with these stakeholders, a diverse set of perceptions and perspectives is detailed. Through the use of Participlan methodology, utilised in one-on-one interactions as well as focus group workshops, issues relating to the past, present and future are surfaced, leading to what the different entities believe to be a collective way forward. The dissertation concludes that there is a need for the three entities as defined, to communicate on a formalised basis in order to progress issues relating to the management, protection and sustainability of the in-shore and near-shore fish resources. It shows further that there is a desire and willingness across all these sectors to share ideas and thoughts in a structured environment to establish a common ground and to create a solution to resolve this conflict scenario. Specifically, the study illustrates that the small-scale artisanal fisher sector is a justifiable participant in the fishing industry, warranting recognition and inclusion as a distinct entity in the country’s Marine Living Resources Act.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An analysis of the characterisation and transformation of the evil queen as depicted through traditional folklore narrative in comparison to contemporary television storytelling
- Authors: Le Clue,Natalie
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Storytelling in literature Folk literature-- History and criticism Digital Storytelling
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44493 , vital:37851
- Description: In 1812 The Brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm published a recorded folklore narrative of a young princess named Snow White and her evil stepmother, the queen.Through the decades and centuries that followed this first introduction the character of the Evil Queen has been portrayed and presented in a plethora of narrative structures and media. This paper has sought to analyse the characterization and transformation of Snow White’s Evil Queen as she has been depicted from traditional folklore narrative through to contemporary television storytelling. Following an in-depth literature review that sought to establish the origin of folklore, the first presentations of the Evil Queen character, a motif of the character, and the fan’s perception of the character in contemporary form, the findings of the paper were established through a detailed content analysis of character. It is evident that the modes of storytelling have evolved and changed significantly through time since Propp introduced character theory. However, the contemporary fairy tale character and narrative has not yet completely redefined his theory. Instead it has restructured and modernized the theory and made it more relevant to the 21st century method of television storytelling.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Le Clue,Natalie
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Storytelling in literature Folk literature-- History and criticism Digital Storytelling
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44493 , vital:37851
- Description: In 1812 The Brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm published a recorded folklore narrative of a young princess named Snow White and her evil stepmother, the queen.Through the decades and centuries that followed this first introduction the character of the Evil Queen has been portrayed and presented in a plethora of narrative structures and media. This paper has sought to analyse the characterization and transformation of Snow White’s Evil Queen as she has been depicted from traditional folklore narrative through to contemporary television storytelling. Following an in-depth literature review that sought to establish the origin of folklore, the first presentations of the Evil Queen character, a motif of the character, and the fan’s perception of the character in contemporary form, the findings of the paper were established through a detailed content analysis of character. It is evident that the modes of storytelling have evolved and changed significantly through time since Propp introduced character theory. However, the contemporary fairy tale character and narrative has not yet completely redefined his theory. Instead it has restructured and modernized the theory and made it more relevant to the 21st century method of television storytelling.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An analysis of the implementation of the integrated approach in a Luganda language classroom in Uganda
- Authors: Ssembatya, Henry Hollan
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Ganda language -- Study and teaching -- Uganda African languages -- Study and teaching , Language acquisition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14422 , vital:27590
- Description: This qualitative study set out to examine how the integrated approach to language teaching led to an enhancement in Luganda language practices in selected ordinary level secondary schools in the Kampala district of Uganda. The study was positioned within an interpretive paradigm, and employed a phenomenological approach in its intention to uncover the lived experiences and common hidden meanings that participants attached to the phenomena. Purposeful sampling was used to identify 30 teachers from 15 schools and 3 inspectors of school curricula who participated in the study. Data generation strategies included personal interviews and observations which were analyzed according to transcendental phenomenological data analysis methods such as bracketing, horizontalization, clustering into themes, textual description, structural description and textual-structural essence of the study. This study is located in the field of language education and informed by the theoretical framework of the cognitive constructivist theory of learning. In terms of the integrated approach in a Luganda language classroom, the findings show firstly, that teachers held positive perceptions towards the integrated approach in a Luganda language classroom and, as such, they perceived it as a basis for teaching language content and literacy practices collectively through various interactive strategies. Secondly, teachers implemented the integrated approach in a Luganda language classroom as a practical-based activity where learners are engaged in tasks which promote meaningful and real communication in the form of content, task-based instruction, literary texts or readers and contextual or experiential learning. Thirdly, findings on the enhancement of language practices in an integrated Luganda language classroom show that if teachers adopted and implemented the principles of the integrated approach, learners would be motivated to acquire not only the four language practices, but also other related practices such as cognitive, social and interpersonal practices which collectively simplify the language use. Lastly, while teachers are aware of what learners could achieve in an integrated Luganda language classroom, findings indicate that they are demotivated by the many challenges in the implementation process which stem from the teachers, the education system, the learners, and the integrated approach itself. The major implications and recommendations of this study’s findings include: firstly, teachers’ perceptions on the use of the integrated approach in a Luganda language classroom imply that since language learning is a function of social and meaningful classroom interactions learning activities should recognize a teacher as a reflective practitioner, consultant or facilitator of learning rather than an instructor. Secondly, the implementation of the integrated approach in a language classroom would require teachers to be grounded in both practical and theoretical instructional strategies which form a basis for monitoring and engaging learners’ oral and interactive practices. Thirdly, the enhancement of language practices is an outcome of classroom motivation and active interactions which involve creative and critical thinking. Thus, creating and sustaining situations for the enhancement of language practices in a language classroom would require effective branding of learners’ interactive activities with ample opportunities for practice as well as instructional support. Fourthly, considering the perceived challenges in the implementation of the integrated approach, the overall recommendation would be that those challenges need to be resolved if the integrated approach is to be successfully implemented in the context of the Luganda language. An awareness of such challenges provides teachers, educators and policy-makers with insightful ideas in terms of how to manage or change instructional strategies in the classroom.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ssembatya, Henry Hollan
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Ganda language -- Study and teaching -- Uganda African languages -- Study and teaching , Language acquisition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14422 , vital:27590
- Description: This qualitative study set out to examine how the integrated approach to language teaching led to an enhancement in Luganda language practices in selected ordinary level secondary schools in the Kampala district of Uganda. The study was positioned within an interpretive paradigm, and employed a phenomenological approach in its intention to uncover the lived experiences and common hidden meanings that participants attached to the phenomena. Purposeful sampling was used to identify 30 teachers from 15 schools and 3 inspectors of school curricula who participated in the study. Data generation strategies included personal interviews and observations which were analyzed according to transcendental phenomenological data analysis methods such as bracketing, horizontalization, clustering into themes, textual description, structural description and textual-structural essence of the study. This study is located in the field of language education and informed by the theoretical framework of the cognitive constructivist theory of learning. In terms of the integrated approach in a Luganda language classroom, the findings show firstly, that teachers held positive perceptions towards the integrated approach in a Luganda language classroom and, as such, they perceived it as a basis for teaching language content and literacy practices collectively through various interactive strategies. Secondly, teachers implemented the integrated approach in a Luganda language classroom as a practical-based activity where learners are engaged in tasks which promote meaningful and real communication in the form of content, task-based instruction, literary texts or readers and contextual or experiential learning. Thirdly, findings on the enhancement of language practices in an integrated Luganda language classroom show that if teachers adopted and implemented the principles of the integrated approach, learners would be motivated to acquire not only the four language practices, but also other related practices such as cognitive, social and interpersonal practices which collectively simplify the language use. Lastly, while teachers are aware of what learners could achieve in an integrated Luganda language classroom, findings indicate that they are demotivated by the many challenges in the implementation process which stem from the teachers, the education system, the learners, and the integrated approach itself. The major implications and recommendations of this study’s findings include: firstly, teachers’ perceptions on the use of the integrated approach in a Luganda language classroom imply that since language learning is a function of social and meaningful classroom interactions learning activities should recognize a teacher as a reflective practitioner, consultant or facilitator of learning rather than an instructor. Secondly, the implementation of the integrated approach in a language classroom would require teachers to be grounded in both practical and theoretical instructional strategies which form a basis for monitoring and engaging learners’ oral and interactive practices. Thirdly, the enhancement of language practices is an outcome of classroom motivation and active interactions which involve creative and critical thinking. Thus, creating and sustaining situations for the enhancement of language practices in a language classroom would require effective branding of learners’ interactive activities with ample opportunities for practice as well as instructional support. Fourthly, considering the perceived challenges in the implementation of the integrated approach, the overall recommendation would be that those challenges need to be resolved if the integrated approach is to be successfully implemented in the context of the Luganda language. An awareness of such challenges provides teachers, educators and policy-makers with insightful ideas in terms of how to manage or change instructional strategies in the classroom.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An assessment of community consultation and participation: a case study of the Umhlontlo Local Municipality
- Authors: Sondaba, Nomakhaya Princess
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14389 , vital:27580
- Description: South African municipalities have often been labelled as failing in the provision of services to local communities. These allegations include poor governance, mal administration, corruption and poor delivery of services to where they are needed most. Certain municipalities, however, are unable to deliver sufficient services to the communities of their geographic areas due to mal administration, political interference and corruption. This study is about the analysis of Community Participation and Consultation in Local Government, using the Umhlontlo Local Municipality as a case study. The focus of the study was on the participation of communities in the decision making processes of their local municipalities. The issue of community participation in decision making has been receiving attention in South Africa, from both government and civil society sectors. Only 50% of the areas are receiving running water, enjoying electricity and living in RDP houses. Government in many parts of the world has begun to take a fresh look at the need for public participation in the decision making process. The main problem that will be addressed in this study, is the extent to which communities can be involved in the decision making process in the Umhlontlo Local Municipality. To address this research problem and to achieve the aim of this study, an in-depth review of the literature on decision making was conducted. The empirical research was done by distributing self-administered questionnaires to the participants in Umhlontlo Local Municipality. The research findings will reveal that there is poor community consultation. This report presents the findings of a study conducted to identify the strategies and consultation structures used in the participation of communities in the decision making processes. Measures of effectiveness of these strategies are also indicated in the report. A key indicator of the need for this study was triggered by the non-attendance of the communities in the IDP (Define IDP – Integrated Development Plan) road shows and also by the complaints of a serious lack in service delivery. It was also noted that there was little understanding of the IDP concept & documentation. The results of this study also show that the communities do not fully participate in the development planning processes. The researcher hopes that this study will sensitize the communities to participate in the affairs of their development so as to accelerate progress in communities, which will further improve the quality of their lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Sondaba, Nomakhaya Princess
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14389 , vital:27580
- Description: South African municipalities have often been labelled as failing in the provision of services to local communities. These allegations include poor governance, mal administration, corruption and poor delivery of services to where they are needed most. Certain municipalities, however, are unable to deliver sufficient services to the communities of their geographic areas due to mal administration, political interference and corruption. This study is about the analysis of Community Participation and Consultation in Local Government, using the Umhlontlo Local Municipality as a case study. The focus of the study was on the participation of communities in the decision making processes of their local municipalities. The issue of community participation in decision making has been receiving attention in South Africa, from both government and civil society sectors. Only 50% of the areas are receiving running water, enjoying electricity and living in RDP houses. Government in many parts of the world has begun to take a fresh look at the need for public participation in the decision making process. The main problem that will be addressed in this study, is the extent to which communities can be involved in the decision making process in the Umhlontlo Local Municipality. To address this research problem and to achieve the aim of this study, an in-depth review of the literature on decision making was conducted. The empirical research was done by distributing self-administered questionnaires to the participants in Umhlontlo Local Municipality. The research findings will reveal that there is poor community consultation. This report presents the findings of a study conducted to identify the strategies and consultation structures used in the participation of communities in the decision making processes. Measures of effectiveness of these strategies are also indicated in the report. A key indicator of the need for this study was triggered by the non-attendance of the communities in the IDP (Define IDP – Integrated Development Plan) road shows and also by the complaints of a serious lack in service delivery. It was also noted that there was little understanding of the IDP concept & documentation. The results of this study also show that the communities do not fully participate in the development planning processes. The researcher hopes that this study will sensitize the communities to participate in the affairs of their development so as to accelerate progress in communities, which will further improve the quality of their lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An assessment of industrial development zones in growing SMMEs: the East London industrial development zone case
- Authors: Tinta, Akhona Nelisa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- East London -- Growth Economic development -- South Africa -- East London , Industrial development projects -- South Africa -- East London Business enterprises
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21427 , vital:29516
- Description: The small, medium and micro enterprises sector in South Africa is critical in addressing poverty, job creation and social instability inherited by the democratic government. The transformation of the economy has seen various pieces of legislation being enacted in order to promote a favourable environment for the growth of the SMME sector. As such, instruments such as the Industrial Development Zones were put in place to facilitate investment, create jobs and promote exports with one of the main objectives to grow the SMME sector. In this study, the case of the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) in supporting the growth of the SMME sector in economic growth and addressing socio-economic challenges was analysed. The exploratory qualitative research methodology was used in the study. Structured questionnaires and a semi-structured interview guide were used to collect data from the 49 identified participants and an Executive Management representative from the ELIDZ in order to present the data obtained precisely. The study recommends that an integrated model of SMME growth by the private and public sector be developed in ensuring that there are clear expectations on the determinants of growth for the sector. In addition, the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality must have in place a consolidated database of SMMEs in order for the private and public institutions to elect the SMMEs which can be participants in their SMME development programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Tinta, Akhona Nelisa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- East London -- Growth Economic development -- South Africa -- East London , Industrial development projects -- South Africa -- East London Business enterprises
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21427 , vital:29516
- Description: The small, medium and micro enterprises sector in South Africa is critical in addressing poverty, job creation and social instability inherited by the democratic government. The transformation of the economy has seen various pieces of legislation being enacted in order to promote a favourable environment for the growth of the SMME sector. As such, instruments such as the Industrial Development Zones were put in place to facilitate investment, create jobs and promote exports with one of the main objectives to grow the SMME sector. In this study, the case of the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) in supporting the growth of the SMME sector in economic growth and addressing socio-economic challenges was analysed. The exploratory qualitative research methodology was used in the study. Structured questionnaires and a semi-structured interview guide were used to collect data from the 49 identified participants and an Executive Management representative from the ELIDZ in order to present the data obtained precisely. The study recommends that an integrated model of SMME growth by the private and public sector be developed in ensuring that there are clear expectations on the determinants of growth for the sector. In addition, the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality must have in place a consolidated database of SMMEs in order for the private and public institutions to elect the SMMEs which can be participants in their SMME development programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An assessment of public participation strategies: the case of Nyandeni Local Municipality
- Authors: Bambeni, Mbulelo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17470 , vital:28343
- Description: This study assessed the public participation strategies from the perspective of local government governance in encouraging community participation with specific reference to the Nyandeni Local Municipality (NLM). The research was based on the assumption that one of the biggest challenges facing most municipalities in South Africa is the lack of effective public participation strategies which results in service delivery protest actions. As a local municipality, the NLM has been entrusted with the responsibility to promote and encourage community participation.. . The purpose of the research study was to investigate and observe the public participation strategies with specific reference to the Nyandeni Local Municipality. The assessment of the public participation strategies of the NLM will therefore be fundamentally descriptive, but highly exploratory in nature. This research employed the quantitative method. An empirical survey was employed for purposes of the study and the research findings are described, interpreted, and analysed. Data was collected by way of a suitably constructed questionnaire which was administered to the ward committee members. The research has established that there is a good public participation approach in place but its functioning is inadequate, the ward committee members have little understanding of their roles and responsibilities in terms of the implementation of the public participation strategy, and they have failed to facilitate communication between the Municipality and the community. There was also an indication that the service delivery protest actions were fuelled by political motives and certain challenges and not solely by a lack of an effective public participation. In addition, the language used by the Municipality is mostly not understandable to the community as a whole. This research also identifies the strengths and the weaknesses of the public participation strategies as these are regarded as critical in promoting successful local democracy. It is envisaged that this research will assist the Nyandeni Municipality, and other municipalities country-wide to identify challenges with which they are faced and to deal with these accordingly in terms of the objectives identified in the public participation strategies. Furthermore, this research study envisages promoting effective public participation strategies within the Nyandeni Local Municipality as well as improving the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery that will ensure communities of their well-being and dignity. Various recommendations are presented, based on the findings, primarily from the literature review and empirical survey, on how the existing status quo of the NLM can be changed to enhance public participation. If these recommendations are adopted, the Nyandeni LM will be able to develop and implement effective public participation strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Bambeni, Mbulelo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17470 , vital:28343
- Description: This study assessed the public participation strategies from the perspective of local government governance in encouraging community participation with specific reference to the Nyandeni Local Municipality (NLM). The research was based on the assumption that one of the biggest challenges facing most municipalities in South Africa is the lack of effective public participation strategies which results in service delivery protest actions. As a local municipality, the NLM has been entrusted with the responsibility to promote and encourage community participation.. . The purpose of the research study was to investigate and observe the public participation strategies with specific reference to the Nyandeni Local Municipality. The assessment of the public participation strategies of the NLM will therefore be fundamentally descriptive, but highly exploratory in nature. This research employed the quantitative method. An empirical survey was employed for purposes of the study and the research findings are described, interpreted, and analysed. Data was collected by way of a suitably constructed questionnaire which was administered to the ward committee members. The research has established that there is a good public participation approach in place but its functioning is inadequate, the ward committee members have little understanding of their roles and responsibilities in terms of the implementation of the public participation strategy, and they have failed to facilitate communication between the Municipality and the community. There was also an indication that the service delivery protest actions were fuelled by political motives and certain challenges and not solely by a lack of an effective public participation. In addition, the language used by the Municipality is mostly not understandable to the community as a whole. This research also identifies the strengths and the weaknesses of the public participation strategies as these are regarded as critical in promoting successful local democracy. It is envisaged that this research will assist the Nyandeni Municipality, and other municipalities country-wide to identify challenges with which they are faced and to deal with these accordingly in terms of the objectives identified in the public participation strategies. Furthermore, this research study envisages promoting effective public participation strategies within the Nyandeni Local Municipality as well as improving the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery that will ensure communities of their well-being and dignity. Various recommendations are presented, based on the findings, primarily from the literature review and empirical survey, on how the existing status quo of the NLM can be changed to enhance public participation. If these recommendations are adopted, the Nyandeni LM will be able to develop and implement effective public participation strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An assessment of the implementation of performance management and development system: Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa
- Authors: Zinganto, Nobulali
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Performance -- Management Local officials and employees -- South Africa , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa Public administration --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45826 , vital:39220
- Description: Performance management and development in the South African Public Service is a critical aspect that engenders officials and management to be committed to the provision of efficient and effective service delivery. The Public Service Regulations (2001) as amended requires all spheres of government to develop and implement policy parameters that address measurable service delivery aligned to their strategic functions. The imperatives of these policy parameters allow employees’ performance with notch increments. The National Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) developed a performance management system that links Employee Performance Management and Development System (EPMDS) at salary levels 5 – 12 to notch increments and Human Resource Development programmes. This system aims to achieve consideration of the desired outputs; meaning the delivery of work required, which is emphasised in the setting of objectives and looking at the necessary inputs; meaning the knowledge, skills, training and resources needed, which are considered in the appraisal and reviewing of the progress that was made. The performance of Sport and Recreation South Africa has not been commensurate with the aims and objectives of the EPMDS system, as the results are not yielding the best outcome on this system. This study sought to investigate whether the EPMDS contributes to improve performance of the employees and that of the entire organisation in SRSA. It would examine whether the employees do get feedback on their performance after the performance assessment period. The study would establish whether those employees who under-performed do get remedial interventions like training, coaching, mentoring and development on the competencies they lack; so that their performance is improved. The study also sought to determined the perception of the employees regarding the effectiveness of the Performance Management and Development System in SRSA Knowledge of employees' perceptions of the performance management system will assist management to implement such a system more effectively. The findings of this study indicate that managers use performance management as a tool to control and discipline subordinates, whilst subordinates use performance management as a means of getting extra money through performance bonuses. This could be the reason that performance assessment period is viewed as a period of high tension between supervisors and subordinates. The main recommendation on the basis of this finding is that there should be a regular and thorough training of officials at all levels within SRSA about the EPMDS and how it influences productivity. Other additional recommendations include, inter alia, that the identification of gaps on unsatisfactory performance should be made immediately after each performance period. Remedial interventions to address those gaps like training, retraining, coaching and counselling should be formulated, agreed upon and implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Zinganto, Nobulali
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Performance -- Management Local officials and employees -- South Africa , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa Public administration --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45826 , vital:39220
- Description: Performance management and development in the South African Public Service is a critical aspect that engenders officials and management to be committed to the provision of efficient and effective service delivery. The Public Service Regulations (2001) as amended requires all spheres of government to develop and implement policy parameters that address measurable service delivery aligned to their strategic functions. The imperatives of these policy parameters allow employees’ performance with notch increments. The National Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) developed a performance management system that links Employee Performance Management and Development System (EPMDS) at salary levels 5 – 12 to notch increments and Human Resource Development programmes. This system aims to achieve consideration of the desired outputs; meaning the delivery of work required, which is emphasised in the setting of objectives and looking at the necessary inputs; meaning the knowledge, skills, training and resources needed, which are considered in the appraisal and reviewing of the progress that was made. The performance of Sport and Recreation South Africa has not been commensurate with the aims and objectives of the EPMDS system, as the results are not yielding the best outcome on this system. This study sought to investigate whether the EPMDS contributes to improve performance of the employees and that of the entire organisation in SRSA. It would examine whether the employees do get feedback on their performance after the performance assessment period. The study would establish whether those employees who under-performed do get remedial interventions like training, coaching, mentoring and development on the competencies they lack; so that their performance is improved. The study also sought to determined the perception of the employees regarding the effectiveness of the Performance Management and Development System in SRSA Knowledge of employees' perceptions of the performance management system will assist management to implement such a system more effectively. The findings of this study indicate that managers use performance management as a tool to control and discipline subordinates, whilst subordinates use performance management as a means of getting extra money through performance bonuses. This could be the reason that performance assessment period is viewed as a period of high tension between supervisors and subordinates. The main recommendation on the basis of this finding is that there should be a regular and thorough training of officials at all levels within SRSA about the EPMDS and how it influences productivity. Other additional recommendations include, inter alia, that the identification of gaps on unsatisfactory performance should be made immediately after each performance period. Remedial interventions to address those gaps like training, retraining, coaching and counselling should be formulated, agreed upon and implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An assessment of the perception of the role of the Christian religious leader in the political process: the case of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Terblanche, Thomas Frank
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South Africa -- Politics and government Church and state -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Christianity and politics -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Holland Reformed Church -- Political aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20746 , vital:29385
- Description: The Church and clergy, during Apartheid played a significant role in the South African political process. It was possible to divide the church into three distinct groups, pro-government, anti-government and neutral churches and clergy. The Dutch Reformed Church because of its close association to the National Party was often dubbed the “National Party of Prayer.” They played an important role in providing moral legitimacy for the regime. On the other hand, church leaders including Allan Boesak and Desmond Tutu were synonymous in their fight against apartheid. The Church still plays a significant role in a democratic South Africa. By virtue of Stats SA 2011 which states that just under eighty percent of South Africans have Christian affliations. However, democratic South Africa has secular constitution which clearly indicates the separation between church and government. Clergy find themselves in an ambiguous situation in a ‘secular state.’ What exactly is the broader role of the Church and in particular clergy in democratic ‘secular’ South Africa? The ambiguity is also fuelled by politicians who often request clergy’s participation in the political process and on other occasions state that clergy should keep to “church business” Part of this enquiry is be answered by asking clergy what they believe their role is. In 2014 a selection of Christian leaders in the Nelson Mandela Bay area decried the governance in the NMBM and South Africa in general. It is to be seen as awakening of clergy in the political process. The objectives of the study are as follows: to look at how Christian religious leaders construct their role in a post-apartheid context with a specific focus on the NMBM, to capture the views of government and political parties1 on what role the Church should play in post-apartheid South Africa, A comparative thematic analysis to determine if there are any similarities or differences in how the Church perceives their political role vis-à-vis the perception of government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Terblanche, Thomas Frank
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South Africa -- Politics and government Church and state -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Christianity and politics -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Holland Reformed Church -- Political aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20746 , vital:29385
- Description: The Church and clergy, during Apartheid played a significant role in the South African political process. It was possible to divide the church into three distinct groups, pro-government, anti-government and neutral churches and clergy. The Dutch Reformed Church because of its close association to the National Party was often dubbed the “National Party of Prayer.” They played an important role in providing moral legitimacy for the regime. On the other hand, church leaders including Allan Boesak and Desmond Tutu were synonymous in their fight against apartheid. The Church still plays a significant role in a democratic South Africa. By virtue of Stats SA 2011 which states that just under eighty percent of South Africans have Christian affliations. However, democratic South Africa has secular constitution which clearly indicates the separation between church and government. Clergy find themselves in an ambiguous situation in a ‘secular state.’ What exactly is the broader role of the Church and in particular clergy in democratic ‘secular’ South Africa? The ambiguity is also fuelled by politicians who often request clergy’s participation in the political process and on other occasions state that clergy should keep to “church business” Part of this enquiry is be answered by asking clergy what they believe their role is. In 2014 a selection of Christian leaders in the Nelson Mandela Bay area decried the governance in the NMBM and South Africa in general. It is to be seen as awakening of clergy in the political process. The objectives of the study are as follows: to look at how Christian religious leaders construct their role in a post-apartheid context with a specific focus on the NMBM, to capture the views of government and political parties1 on what role the Church should play in post-apartheid South Africa, A comparative thematic analysis to determine if there are any similarities or differences in how the Church perceives their political role vis-à-vis the perception of government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An evaluation into the organisational culture at a selected South African state owned enterprise
- Authors: Ngubane, Nombulelo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa Government business enterprises -- South Africa , Government corporations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48035 , vital:40465
- Description: The purpose of this research was to evaluate and to develop a theoretical model for a sustainable organisational culture within the South African Post Office (SAPO) RSA. The goal of this study research was to evaluate the organisational culture within the SA Post Office, to develop a theoretical model of the sustainable organisational culture through literature review and analysis of the respondents‟ survey questionnaires. In addition, the study sought to investigate the perceived success of organisational transformation for sustainable organisational culture by examining the key factors that are believed impact sustainable organisational culture. Based on the above, to determine how SAPO measures up to the requirements for a sustainable organisational culture. This study research provides useful insight into the factors that contribute to a sustainable organisational culture for the South African Post Office. This research looks into the current organisational culture at SAPO.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ngubane, Nombulelo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa Government business enterprises -- South Africa , Government corporations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48035 , vital:40465
- Description: The purpose of this research was to evaluate and to develop a theoretical model for a sustainable organisational culture within the South African Post Office (SAPO) RSA. The goal of this study research was to evaluate the organisational culture within the SA Post Office, to develop a theoretical model of the sustainable organisational culture through literature review and analysis of the respondents‟ survey questionnaires. In addition, the study sought to investigate the perceived success of organisational transformation for sustainable organisational culture by examining the key factors that are believed impact sustainable organisational culture. Based on the above, to determine how SAPO measures up to the requirements for a sustainable organisational culture. This study research provides useful insight into the factors that contribute to a sustainable organisational culture for the South African Post Office. This research looks into the current organisational culture at SAPO.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An evaluation of affirmative action in public sector
- Authors: Myoli, Vuyiseka Marly
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Affirmative action programs -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa , Affirmative action programs -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14190 , vital:27443
- Description: The South African public service has been undergoing fundamental transformation since 1994. The new government has had to build a democratic, inclusive and responsive public sector to the extent that the last two decades have witnessed the most dramatic shifts in public reform. After 1994, the public sector had to be transformed so that it could be representative of the nation’s racial composition, caters for the needs of all citizens irrespective of their racial, ethnic, gender, sexual persuasion and orientation. The government agenda of reconstructing and developing a democratic state depends on the willingness, capabilities and patriotism of the public service. As part of its transformation agenda, the government had to introduce policies that were focusing on promoting affirmative action and employment equity. Through this policy and other related employment equity measures, the South African public sector had to be transformed in terms of racial and gender representivity. This study assesses and evaluates whether the policies and legislation that were geared towards the transformation and democratization of public sector have yielded positive or negative results. By way of a literature review and comparative analysis, this study examines the objectives of affirmative action and analyses the approaches that have been taken since the adoption of this policy in the workplace. It looks at public sector and argues that there are still flaws relating to the implementation of affirmative action in public sector. The extent to which affirmative action programs attempt to implement affirmative action differs if South Africa and the United States of America can be taken as examples. The study considers some of the challenges faced by the new South African government in transforming public sector and interrogates the courts’ application and interpretation of affirmative action legislation. It concludes with recommendations that could be put in place in order to position affirmative action policies in line with the objectives of the South African Constitution, labour laws and American approach where the policy was adopted from.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Myoli, Vuyiseka Marly
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Affirmative action programs -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa , Affirmative action programs -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14190 , vital:27443
- Description: The South African public service has been undergoing fundamental transformation since 1994. The new government has had to build a democratic, inclusive and responsive public sector to the extent that the last two decades have witnessed the most dramatic shifts in public reform. After 1994, the public sector had to be transformed so that it could be representative of the nation’s racial composition, caters for the needs of all citizens irrespective of their racial, ethnic, gender, sexual persuasion and orientation. The government agenda of reconstructing and developing a democratic state depends on the willingness, capabilities and patriotism of the public service. As part of its transformation agenda, the government had to introduce policies that were focusing on promoting affirmative action and employment equity. Through this policy and other related employment equity measures, the South African public sector had to be transformed in terms of racial and gender representivity. This study assesses and evaluates whether the policies and legislation that were geared towards the transformation and democratization of public sector have yielded positive or negative results. By way of a literature review and comparative analysis, this study examines the objectives of affirmative action and analyses the approaches that have been taken since the adoption of this policy in the workplace. It looks at public sector and argues that there are still flaws relating to the implementation of affirmative action in public sector. The extent to which affirmative action programs attempt to implement affirmative action differs if South Africa and the United States of America can be taken as examples. The study considers some of the challenges faced by the new South African government in transforming public sector and interrogates the courts’ application and interpretation of affirmative action legislation. It concludes with recommendations that could be put in place in order to position affirmative action policies in line with the objectives of the South African Constitution, labour laws and American approach where the policy was adopted from.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An evaluation of the impact of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 on the relationship between franchisors and franchisees
- Authors: Biggs, Lynn
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South Africa -- Consumer Protection Act, 2008 Consumer protection -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Franchises (Retail trade) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14642 , vital:27810
- Description: The franchising business model is an attractive option for both franchisors and franchisees. Franchisors grant the rights to use their intellectual property and business system to franchisees for a fee. Franchisees buy into the tried-and-tested business system, receive ongoing training and support and operate under an established trade mark or trade name. Fundamental characteristics of the franchise relationship include: the contractual nature thereof, the use of the franchisor‘s intellectual property by the franchisee, operating the franchise outlet according to the franchisor‘s business system, providing training and support to the franchisee, and paying for the use of the franchisor‘s intellectual property and business system. These characteristics have resulted in inherent tensions between franchisors and franchisees, which arise by virtue of, inter alia, the control exercised by the franchisor over the use of its intellectual property, franchisor opportunism, poor franchisee selection, franchisee free-riding, inadequate training and support, or the sunk investments made by the franchisee. The franchisor and franchisee generally use a franchise agreement to regulate their relationship. However, the franchise agreement itself can also lead to conflict between the parties, such as that arising from poor drafted clauses relating to territorial rights, renewal, payment, termination, restraint of trade, or confidentiality. The franchise agreement is typically drafted in the standard-form, resulting in franchisees faced with unequal bargaining power. The common law of contract is based on principles of freedom of contract and sanctity of contract and is, therefore, limited in its ability to resolve the tensions between the parties. Various models for regulating the franchising industry can be adopted, for example, self-regulation, statutory regulation, or co-regulation. Australia and Canada have adopted the statutory model by enacting franchise-specific legislation and New Zealand has followed the self-regulation model with no legislation regulating its franchising industry. South Africa did not formally regulate the franchise relationship through legislation until the enactment of its consumer protection legislation, the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA), which includes a franchisee within the definition of consumer. This entails that all franchisees enjoy the protection of the CPA and all franchise agreements must comply with the provisions of the CPA. The South African economy is unique in that it is burdened by the social ills of its discriminatory past, such as high levels of unemployment, illiteracy and inequality. The country is faced with a slow growing economy with little development and promotion of entrepreneurship among small businesses. Despite the burdensome economy within which the franchising industry is required to operate, the industry‘s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country has remained stable. The South African government has identified the franchising industry as an opportunity for job creation, economic empowerment and promotion of entrepreneurship. The aim of the study is to ascertain whether the CPA is the correct legislative vehicle to regulate the franchise relationship, while enhancing the growth and development of the franchising industry. This thesis concludes that the introduction of fundamental consumer rights and rights of redress for franchisees through the provisions of the CPA has contributed to, or assisted in, the removal of the tensions inherent in the franchise relationship. In particular, the CPA has adequately addressed the lack of formal regulation of the franchise relationship through its disclosure requirements and its regulations. The thesis also proposes amendments to some of the CPA regulations, which will further enhance the disclosure requirements, and aid in curtailing the conflict caused by the terms of the franchise agreement. The thesis further proposes that the application of the CPA to franchise agreements should be limited to small, inexperienced or unsophisticated franchisees that are in need of the protection. An essential premise is that the CPA aims to protect ordinary consumers, including juristic persons, in day-to-day transactions (up to the threshold amount), to avoid suppliers taking advantage of them. Larger, more sophisticated or experienced franchisees, with stronger bargaining power and access to legal advice, do not necessarily require the protection of the CPA. The criteria relating to the size of class of micro-, very small and small enterprises, but not medium enterprises, within the different sectors or sub-sectors in terms of the National Small Enterprises Act, 102 of 1996, should be considered and used as a guide to determine whether the CPA applies to a franchise agreement. The development, growth and success of the franchising industry depends on the education of prospective franchisees wanting to adopt the franchising business model and invest in the industry. The CPA does not recognise or promote the roles of the various stakeholders (franchisors, franchisees and the government) with regard to the provision of education, training, ongoing support and assistance to prospective franchisees. This thesis proposes that mechanisms to enhance the education of prospective franchisees should be promoted, such as tandem franchising, obtaining advice undertakings from prospective franchisees before concluding franchise agreements, and increasing the role of the Consumer Commission in providing franchising education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Biggs, Lynn
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South Africa -- Consumer Protection Act, 2008 Consumer protection -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Franchises (Retail trade) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14642 , vital:27810
- Description: The franchising business model is an attractive option for both franchisors and franchisees. Franchisors grant the rights to use their intellectual property and business system to franchisees for a fee. Franchisees buy into the tried-and-tested business system, receive ongoing training and support and operate under an established trade mark or trade name. Fundamental characteristics of the franchise relationship include: the contractual nature thereof, the use of the franchisor‘s intellectual property by the franchisee, operating the franchise outlet according to the franchisor‘s business system, providing training and support to the franchisee, and paying for the use of the franchisor‘s intellectual property and business system. These characteristics have resulted in inherent tensions between franchisors and franchisees, which arise by virtue of, inter alia, the control exercised by the franchisor over the use of its intellectual property, franchisor opportunism, poor franchisee selection, franchisee free-riding, inadequate training and support, or the sunk investments made by the franchisee. The franchisor and franchisee generally use a franchise agreement to regulate their relationship. However, the franchise agreement itself can also lead to conflict between the parties, such as that arising from poor drafted clauses relating to territorial rights, renewal, payment, termination, restraint of trade, or confidentiality. The franchise agreement is typically drafted in the standard-form, resulting in franchisees faced with unequal bargaining power. The common law of contract is based on principles of freedom of contract and sanctity of contract and is, therefore, limited in its ability to resolve the tensions between the parties. Various models for regulating the franchising industry can be adopted, for example, self-regulation, statutory regulation, or co-regulation. Australia and Canada have adopted the statutory model by enacting franchise-specific legislation and New Zealand has followed the self-regulation model with no legislation regulating its franchising industry. South Africa did not formally regulate the franchise relationship through legislation until the enactment of its consumer protection legislation, the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA), which includes a franchisee within the definition of consumer. This entails that all franchisees enjoy the protection of the CPA and all franchise agreements must comply with the provisions of the CPA. The South African economy is unique in that it is burdened by the social ills of its discriminatory past, such as high levels of unemployment, illiteracy and inequality. The country is faced with a slow growing economy with little development and promotion of entrepreneurship among small businesses. Despite the burdensome economy within which the franchising industry is required to operate, the industry‘s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country has remained stable. The South African government has identified the franchising industry as an opportunity for job creation, economic empowerment and promotion of entrepreneurship. The aim of the study is to ascertain whether the CPA is the correct legislative vehicle to regulate the franchise relationship, while enhancing the growth and development of the franchising industry. This thesis concludes that the introduction of fundamental consumer rights and rights of redress for franchisees through the provisions of the CPA has contributed to, or assisted in, the removal of the tensions inherent in the franchise relationship. In particular, the CPA has adequately addressed the lack of formal regulation of the franchise relationship through its disclosure requirements and its regulations. The thesis also proposes amendments to some of the CPA regulations, which will further enhance the disclosure requirements, and aid in curtailing the conflict caused by the terms of the franchise agreement. The thesis further proposes that the application of the CPA to franchise agreements should be limited to small, inexperienced or unsophisticated franchisees that are in need of the protection. An essential premise is that the CPA aims to protect ordinary consumers, including juristic persons, in day-to-day transactions (up to the threshold amount), to avoid suppliers taking advantage of them. Larger, more sophisticated or experienced franchisees, with stronger bargaining power and access to legal advice, do not necessarily require the protection of the CPA. The criteria relating to the size of class of micro-, very small and small enterprises, but not medium enterprises, within the different sectors or sub-sectors in terms of the National Small Enterprises Act, 102 of 1996, should be considered and used as a guide to determine whether the CPA applies to a franchise agreement. The development, growth and success of the franchising industry depends on the education of prospective franchisees wanting to adopt the franchising business model and invest in the industry. The CPA does not recognise or promote the roles of the various stakeholders (franchisors, franchisees and the government) with regard to the provision of education, training, ongoing support and assistance to prospective franchisees. This thesis proposes that mechanisms to enhance the education of prospective franchisees should be promoted, such as tandem franchising, obtaining advice undertakings from prospective franchisees before concluding franchise agreements, and increasing the role of the Consumer Commission in providing franchising education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- 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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017