Exploring the conflict narratives of youth at risk: the Umzi Wethu Programme, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Lamb-du Plessis, Shena
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Youth -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Economic development projects -- South Africa , Aggressiveness in youth -- South Africa , Conflict management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8348 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020813
- Description: Years of political unrest, forced removals, migrant labour and overly rapid urbanisation have had a negative effect on the lives of many South Africans and poverty, unemployment and the HIV/AIDS pandemic have increased the challenges facing young people in South Africa. With 54 per cent of South Africa’s population younger than 24 years and two-thirds of South Africans between the ages of 18 and 35 years unemployed, youth development is an urgent and critical social investment. Current research stresses the importance of an integrated and developmental approach that recognises young people’s optimism and resilience and builds on their strengths. Of the various youth developmental interventions being implemented in African countries, including South Africa, an initiative that is being used increasingly, is the international broad-base programme known as the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP). Using an experiential approach honed by over 35 years’ of working mostly in prisons in more than 35 countries, AVP teaches the attitudes and strategies (such as self-awareness, empathy and community-building) needed to transform conflict nonviolently and addresses the important psychological need for intimate connection with others. This study investigates how the experience of an AVP workshop can influence so-called ‘at-risk’1 young South African adults’ perceptions of personally-experienced conflict situations. The study was conducted in partnership with a local youth development project and used a narrative analysis approach to explore the pre- and post-AVP workshop conflict narratives of a group of Xhosa-speakers from the Eastern Cape. To support the analysis of the conflict narratives, focus groups were conducted three months later and again after six months with a selected sample of volunteers. Participation in the study was wholly voluntary and by informed consent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Lamb-du Plessis, Shena
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Youth -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Economic development projects -- South Africa , Aggressiveness in youth -- South Africa , Conflict management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8348 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020813
- Description: Years of political unrest, forced removals, migrant labour and overly rapid urbanisation have had a negative effect on the lives of many South Africans and poverty, unemployment and the HIV/AIDS pandemic have increased the challenges facing young people in South Africa. With 54 per cent of South Africa’s population younger than 24 years and two-thirds of South Africans between the ages of 18 and 35 years unemployed, youth development is an urgent and critical social investment. Current research stresses the importance of an integrated and developmental approach that recognises young people’s optimism and resilience and builds on their strengths. Of the various youth developmental interventions being implemented in African countries, including South Africa, an initiative that is being used increasingly, is the international broad-base programme known as the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP). Using an experiential approach honed by over 35 years’ of working mostly in prisons in more than 35 countries, AVP teaches the attitudes and strategies (such as self-awareness, empathy and community-building) needed to transform conflict nonviolently and addresses the important psychological need for intimate connection with others. This study investigates how the experience of an AVP workshop can influence so-called ‘at-risk’1 young South African adults’ perceptions of personally-experienced conflict situations. The study was conducted in partnership with a local youth development project and used a narrative analysis approach to explore the pre- and post-AVP workshop conflict narratives of a group of Xhosa-speakers from the Eastern Cape. To support the analysis of the conflict narratives, focus groups were conducted three months later and again after six months with a selected sample of volunteers. Participation in the study was wholly voluntary and by informed consent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Facebook as a tool for social customer relationship marketing
- Authors: Puffett, Lauren
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Facebook (Electronic resource) , Internet marketing , Customer relations , Online social networks , Relationship marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8415 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012083 , Facebook (Electronic resource) , Internet marketing , Customer relations , Online social networks , Relationship marketing
- Description: This study aimed to provide public relations professions with insight into the use of Social Customer Relationship Marketing as a marketing 2.0 tool which delivers the potential to elicit the opportunity for organisations to monitor, engage and manage conversations and relationships through Facebook. Drawing on literature from the fields such as new media, public relations, social customer relationship marketing, and public relations, a qualitative content analysis of case studies of selected organisations was conducted including 10 South African organisations that have incorporated Facebook into their Social Customer Relationship Marketing strategies. The content analysis was conducted to determine the amount of communications taking place on each fan page in order to support the data and provide additional insight into the research question, primary data was collected through two survey questionnaires of, firstly, social media users who subscribe to an organisation‘s Facebook page and, secondly, a survey conducted among the social organisations. Surveys were conducted to firstly determine the social organisations interactions with Facebook as secondly, to determine the social media users‘ interactions with the Facebook. The study found that the majority of the organisations under study in the content analysis successfully elicited user generated conversations about the brand, through content that was advocated by the organisations Facebook administrator. It is also evident as seen in the minority of organisations that these platforms are only likely to elicit consumer- driven dialogue on Facebook if the platform is managed effectively through initiated daily conversations about the brand. The continuous involvement by the administrator in encouraging conversations was necessary, as well as response to all wall posts by the social customer, participation in all conversations by providing accurate information to customers and potential customers about the brand. Conclusions from the survey questionnaires among the social identified the social customers need to be communicated with pro-actively by an organisations who can provide, through collaborative conversations, information pertaining to the brand in real time conversation, while the survey among the social organisation concluded the need for an organisation to not only create a social media footprint, but to allow for a space in which through conversation with the social customer, conversations can turn into relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Puffett, Lauren
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Facebook (Electronic resource) , Internet marketing , Customer relations , Online social networks , Relationship marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8415 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012083 , Facebook (Electronic resource) , Internet marketing , Customer relations , Online social networks , Relationship marketing
- Description: This study aimed to provide public relations professions with insight into the use of Social Customer Relationship Marketing as a marketing 2.0 tool which delivers the potential to elicit the opportunity for organisations to monitor, engage and manage conversations and relationships through Facebook. Drawing on literature from the fields such as new media, public relations, social customer relationship marketing, and public relations, a qualitative content analysis of case studies of selected organisations was conducted including 10 South African organisations that have incorporated Facebook into their Social Customer Relationship Marketing strategies. The content analysis was conducted to determine the amount of communications taking place on each fan page in order to support the data and provide additional insight into the research question, primary data was collected through two survey questionnaires of, firstly, social media users who subscribe to an organisation‘s Facebook page and, secondly, a survey conducted among the social organisations. Surveys were conducted to firstly determine the social organisations interactions with Facebook as secondly, to determine the social media users‘ interactions with the Facebook. The study found that the majority of the organisations under study in the content analysis successfully elicited user generated conversations about the brand, through content that was advocated by the organisations Facebook administrator. It is also evident as seen in the minority of organisations that these platforms are only likely to elicit consumer- driven dialogue on Facebook if the platform is managed effectively through initiated daily conversations about the brand. The continuous involvement by the administrator in encouraging conversations was necessary, as well as response to all wall posts by the social customer, participation in all conversations by providing accurate information to customers and potential customers about the brand. Conclusions from the survey questionnaires among the social identified the social customers need to be communicated with pro-actively by an organisations who can provide, through collaborative conversations, information pertaining to the brand in real time conversation, while the survey among the social organisation concluded the need for an organisation to not only create a social media footprint, but to allow for a space in which through conversation with the social customer, conversations can turn into relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Factors affecting the retention of employees in auditing firms
- Authors: Axon, Kerry
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Auditing -- South Africa , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9408 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015728
- Description: The twenty first century has identified knowledge, as opposed to labour, raw materials or capital, as the key resource required by firms. This has created a shift of ownership in relationships between employees and employers since employees own the tools of production through the knowledge they hold (Kinnear & Sutherland, 2000). The employment relationship is undergoing fundamental changes due to international competition, de-regularisation and globalisation which have major implications for attraction, motivation and retention of talented employees (De Vos & Meganck, 2009). Organisations face great challenges and intense competition with almost all strategies being easily replicable by competitors. This has led organisations to begin realising that people are in fact the only real differentiator that can gain the organisation competitive advantage (Munsamy & Bosch Venter, 2009). Turnover of employees costs South Africa millions of rands per annum through decreased productivity, increased accidents and quality problems. Specifically, loss of knowledge workers are identified through costs of hiring and training new employees, loss of institutional knowledge, lower office morale, loss of talent and customer dissatisfaction. It is therefore essential to understand the reasons why employees leave organisations in order to discover how to retain them (Mendes & Stander, 2011; Gaylard, Sutherland & Viedge, 2005). Employee turnover can have several negative consequences. It can be difficult to replace the departed employees and the cost of replacing employees can be exhaustive. Remaining employees can be left feeling demoralised from the loss of valued co-workers and work patterns can be disrupted until replacements are found (Newstrom and Davis, 1997). Bilal, Zia-ur-Rehman, and Raza, (2010) add to this list of negative consequences of turnover as turnover can increase recruitment and training costs, loss of productivity as projects lose continuity, interruption of key activities, increase in mistakes made, or even hiring the wrong person for the position.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Axon, Kerry
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Auditing -- South Africa , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9408 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015728
- Description: The twenty first century has identified knowledge, as opposed to labour, raw materials or capital, as the key resource required by firms. This has created a shift of ownership in relationships between employees and employers since employees own the tools of production through the knowledge they hold (Kinnear & Sutherland, 2000). The employment relationship is undergoing fundamental changes due to international competition, de-regularisation and globalisation which have major implications for attraction, motivation and retention of talented employees (De Vos & Meganck, 2009). Organisations face great challenges and intense competition with almost all strategies being easily replicable by competitors. This has led organisations to begin realising that people are in fact the only real differentiator that can gain the organisation competitive advantage (Munsamy & Bosch Venter, 2009). Turnover of employees costs South Africa millions of rands per annum through decreased productivity, increased accidents and quality problems. Specifically, loss of knowledge workers are identified through costs of hiring and training new employees, loss of institutional knowledge, lower office morale, loss of talent and customer dissatisfaction. It is therefore essential to understand the reasons why employees leave organisations in order to discover how to retain them (Mendes & Stander, 2011; Gaylard, Sutherland & Viedge, 2005). Employee turnover can have several negative consequences. It can be difficult to replace the departed employees and the cost of replacing employees can be exhaustive. Remaining employees can be left feeling demoralised from the loss of valued co-workers and work patterns can be disrupted until replacements are found (Newstrom and Davis, 1997). Bilal, Zia-ur-Rehman, and Raza, (2010) add to this list of negative consequences of turnover as turnover can increase recruitment and training costs, loss of productivity as projects lose continuity, interruption of key activities, increase in mistakes made, or even hiring the wrong person for the position.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Factors contributing to the dropout rate of learners at selected high schools in Kings William's Town
- Dekeza-Tsomo, Ntombikazi Gloria
- Authors: Dekeza-Tsomo, Ntombikazi Gloria
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: High school dropouts -- South Africa -- Kings William's Town , Problem children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8174 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1593 , High school dropouts -- South Africa -- Kings William's Town , Problem children
- Description: Once learners reach high school, they seem to lose focus and become less interested in fulfilling their educational goals. This leads to learner dropout in schools. Yet, the government expects all children to attend school daily and receive the best education so that they can have a bright future. Education prepares the child for life, if the child drops out, he or she will struggle to succeed in life. There are real social reasons that make it difficult for some learners to succeed and lead to them dropping out of school. For example, many learners in South Africa are extremely poor and they dropout because their parents cannot provide for their families. Dropout learners from poor backgrounds also tend to be involved in crime. Young people are under a lot of pressure and consequently, they end up using drugs, smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol instead of going to school. Teenage stress also contributes to learner dropout. The transition from childhood to adulthood brings challenges, thus making teenagers vulnerable to physical and emotional stress. Many learners do not get the support they need when they are experiencing stress. The high stress levels experienced by learners tend to result in high levels of absenteeism. Pregnancy seems to be another contributing factor to the dropout of learners from school. Thus, learner dropout is a significant problem within the South African context. Not only is learner dropout a problem, but it is linked to many other issues that negatively affect society. This study has examined factors influencing learners to dropout. It employed a qualitative research methodology, using interviews and questionnaires to elicit and investigate the causal factors of learner dropouts. The researcher made use of non-probability sampling because it can be regarded as the only sampling method that makes possible representative sampling design. Purposive sampling was used for the research, because it was convenient for the researcher in terms of time. By using purposive sampling the researcher was able to include participants according to the relevant criteria based on the emerging research questions. The principal, one educator and 18 learners in each of the two high schools were chosen as participants of the study. These participants were coming from two high schools, which are located in King William‟s Town District. Learners who participated in the iv study were chosen from grade 10, 11 and 12. There were six learners chosen per grade. The sampling method used to select learners from grade 10 to 12 and educators was purposive sampling. This type of sampling was used because the researcher wanted rich information from participants and individuals who can express themselves very well about the reasons of learners dropping out at school and also who met the sampling criterion of having had the experience of dropping out of school. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors contributing to the dropout rate of learners at selected high schools in King William‟s Town District. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the participants. The study population was confined to two public high schools in the King William‟s Town District. Using qualitative methodologies, involving a sample of 36 learners, two educators and two principals, the study found multiple motives, associated with individual characteristics of dropouts and social problems emanating from their family background and influence of the community, prompting the learners to dropout. It emerged from the empirical findings of this study that learner dropout is inter alia caused by social factors such as teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, HIV or AIDS infection, gangsterism and learning barriers. These factors are complex issues, which should be handled by skilled people. As learners spend a great deal of their time in the school environment, the educator has become an important role-player to assist learners to alleviate social problems. It is essential that learners with social problems should at an early stage get professional help. The educators who are, due to circumstances, are obliged to help these learners, are not necessarily equipped to give the required assistance. Suggestions and recommendations are espoused to alleviate the situation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Dekeza-Tsomo, Ntombikazi Gloria
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: High school dropouts -- South Africa -- Kings William's Town , Problem children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8174 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1593 , High school dropouts -- South Africa -- Kings William's Town , Problem children
- Description: Once learners reach high school, they seem to lose focus and become less interested in fulfilling their educational goals. This leads to learner dropout in schools. Yet, the government expects all children to attend school daily and receive the best education so that they can have a bright future. Education prepares the child for life, if the child drops out, he or she will struggle to succeed in life. There are real social reasons that make it difficult for some learners to succeed and lead to them dropping out of school. For example, many learners in South Africa are extremely poor and they dropout because their parents cannot provide for their families. Dropout learners from poor backgrounds also tend to be involved in crime. Young people are under a lot of pressure and consequently, they end up using drugs, smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol instead of going to school. Teenage stress also contributes to learner dropout. The transition from childhood to adulthood brings challenges, thus making teenagers vulnerable to physical and emotional stress. Many learners do not get the support they need when they are experiencing stress. The high stress levels experienced by learners tend to result in high levels of absenteeism. Pregnancy seems to be another contributing factor to the dropout of learners from school. Thus, learner dropout is a significant problem within the South African context. Not only is learner dropout a problem, but it is linked to many other issues that negatively affect society. This study has examined factors influencing learners to dropout. It employed a qualitative research methodology, using interviews and questionnaires to elicit and investigate the causal factors of learner dropouts. The researcher made use of non-probability sampling because it can be regarded as the only sampling method that makes possible representative sampling design. Purposive sampling was used for the research, because it was convenient for the researcher in terms of time. By using purposive sampling the researcher was able to include participants according to the relevant criteria based on the emerging research questions. The principal, one educator and 18 learners in each of the two high schools were chosen as participants of the study. These participants were coming from two high schools, which are located in King William‟s Town District. Learners who participated in the iv study were chosen from grade 10, 11 and 12. There were six learners chosen per grade. The sampling method used to select learners from grade 10 to 12 and educators was purposive sampling. This type of sampling was used because the researcher wanted rich information from participants and individuals who can express themselves very well about the reasons of learners dropping out at school and also who met the sampling criterion of having had the experience of dropping out of school. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors contributing to the dropout rate of learners at selected high schools in King William‟s Town District. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the participants. The study population was confined to two public high schools in the King William‟s Town District. Using qualitative methodologies, involving a sample of 36 learners, two educators and two principals, the study found multiple motives, associated with individual characteristics of dropouts and social problems emanating from their family background and influence of the community, prompting the learners to dropout. It emerged from the empirical findings of this study that learner dropout is inter alia caused by social factors such as teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, HIV or AIDS infection, gangsterism and learning barriers. These factors are complex issues, which should be handled by skilled people. As learners spend a great deal of their time in the school environment, the educator has become an important role-player to assist learners to alleviate social problems. It is essential that learners with social problems should at an early stage get professional help. The educators who are, due to circumstances, are obliged to help these learners, are not necessarily equipped to give the required assistance. Suggestions and recommendations are espoused to alleviate the situation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Factors influencing the advancement of women to senior management positions in the Provincial Treasury, Province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Madikiza, Nomvelwano Mavis
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Women government executives -- South Africa , Women executives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8289 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018656
- Description: In 1998 the Department of Labour promulgated the Employment Equity Act, which aimed at ensuring that the designated groups were represented in the workplace at all levels. The designated groups that were to be given preference for appointments were women, disabled and Black people. The Department of Public Service and Administration issued a directive to all government Departments to ensure the achievement of 50/50 gender representation at Senior Management levels by 31 March 2009. However, the Provincial Treasury in the Eastern Cape did not achieve this target and is still lagging behind. There are barriers in the workplace, which pose challenges to the progression of women to management levels. These barriers are commonly referred to as ‘glass ceiling’ by some scholars.This study used a qualitative approach in gathering data. The study employed non- probability, which adopted the purposive sampling approach. Questionnaires were administered to middle management and Senior Managers were interviewed to gather empirical data. Questionnaires were administered to sixty Middle Managers, both males and female, and interviews were conducted with seven senior managers. The reason for targeting Middle Managers was that they are at a level that is next in line in the hierarchy to advance to senior management positions.The purpose of this study was to investigate factors inhibiting the advancement of women to senior management positions in the Provincial Treasury in the Province of the Eastern Cape. The problem identified was that there were numbers of females at middle management who had the required qualifications and experience, but were not considered when appointments were made to fill in vacant senior management posts. The other problem that was identified was that often senior management positions were filled by candidates who were not from within the Department. The performance of female internal candidates is not recognised, which may be indicative of the flaws with the performance management system. It emerged from the empirical survey that preference is given to men compared to their female counterparts. The study revealed that there were factors that contributed to non-advancement of females to senior management such as the existence of stereotypes and perceptions. The stereotypical beliefs view men as hard workers than their female counterparts. It was also revealed that women suffered from low self-esteem that impacted negatively on their confidence levels. This subsequently discouraged women to apply for advertised vacancies as they doubted their own capabilities. It also emerged that the Department did not empower newly appointed persons through the mentoring and coaching programmes. This study also revealed that no training was offered to newly appointed persons.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Madikiza, Nomvelwano Mavis
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Women government executives -- South Africa , Women executives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8289 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018656
- Description: In 1998 the Department of Labour promulgated the Employment Equity Act, which aimed at ensuring that the designated groups were represented in the workplace at all levels. The designated groups that were to be given preference for appointments were women, disabled and Black people. The Department of Public Service and Administration issued a directive to all government Departments to ensure the achievement of 50/50 gender representation at Senior Management levels by 31 March 2009. However, the Provincial Treasury in the Eastern Cape did not achieve this target and is still lagging behind. There are barriers in the workplace, which pose challenges to the progression of women to management levels. These barriers are commonly referred to as ‘glass ceiling’ by some scholars.This study used a qualitative approach in gathering data. The study employed non- probability, which adopted the purposive sampling approach. Questionnaires were administered to middle management and Senior Managers were interviewed to gather empirical data. Questionnaires were administered to sixty Middle Managers, both males and female, and interviews were conducted with seven senior managers. The reason for targeting Middle Managers was that they are at a level that is next in line in the hierarchy to advance to senior management positions.The purpose of this study was to investigate factors inhibiting the advancement of women to senior management positions in the Provincial Treasury in the Province of the Eastern Cape. The problem identified was that there were numbers of females at middle management who had the required qualifications and experience, but were not considered when appointments were made to fill in vacant senior management posts. The other problem that was identified was that often senior management positions were filled by candidates who were not from within the Department. The performance of female internal candidates is not recognised, which may be indicative of the flaws with the performance management system. It emerged from the empirical survey that preference is given to men compared to their female counterparts. The study revealed that there were factors that contributed to non-advancement of females to senior management such as the existence of stereotypes and perceptions. The stereotypical beliefs view men as hard workers than their female counterparts. It was also revealed that women suffered from low self-esteem that impacted negatively on their confidence levels. This subsequently discouraged women to apply for advertised vacancies as they doubted their own capabilities. It also emerged that the Department did not empower newly appointed persons through the mentoring and coaching programmes. This study also revealed that no training was offered to newly appointed persons.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Factors influencing the implementation of mathematical word problems in foundation phase classrooms: theory and practice
- Authors: Van Zyl, Marinda
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Education -- Curriculum planning -- Foundation phase
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9564 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015954
- Description: This treatise investigated mathematical word problems (MWPs) and their implementation in Foundation Phase classrooms. Factors influencing the implementation of MWPs, with specific reference to the teachers and learners involved, emerged. Direct and indirect factors influencing the implementation of MWPs were acknowledged. Student teachers‟ reflections on classroom practices experienced during their teaching practice training period for their initial teaching qualification inspired me as lecturer to embark on my own journey of inquiry and study the phenomenon above. As this study was undertaken in South Africa, the need arose to take into consideration the changes that have occurred since 1994. Observations of how democratic values and desires feature, or do not feature, when engaging with the phenomenon had to be considered. This study also aimed to emphasise inequalities in everyday practice. The discovery of “good practice” (Cooper 2010:170) contributed towards addressing the factors that emerged as influencing the implementation of MWPs. Jansens (2009:170) book Knowledge in the blood presents compelling reasons for disclosing the state of current practice and seeks alternatives to promote the required change in mathematics teaching, with one of the perspectives on mathematics education being the emphasis on implementing MWPs in the Foundation Phase. Teachers often extend their own preferences into practice and emphasise their “knowledge in the blood” as their view of good practice. Learners‟ needs and learner diversity are often overlooked. Learners‟ assessment scores, both nationally and internationally, have revealed more negative facts. These low scores have often been, and often still are, news flashes, contributing to a negative view of teachers and education. In order to address the widespread sentiment that there is “no hope for teachers” (Jansen 2011:19), and to avoid a recycling of negativity, “good practice” (Cooper 2010:170) is key to success. This study aimed to discover hope for teachers and learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Van Zyl, Marinda
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Education -- Curriculum planning -- Foundation phase
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9564 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015954
- Description: This treatise investigated mathematical word problems (MWPs) and their implementation in Foundation Phase classrooms. Factors influencing the implementation of MWPs, with specific reference to the teachers and learners involved, emerged. Direct and indirect factors influencing the implementation of MWPs were acknowledged. Student teachers‟ reflections on classroom practices experienced during their teaching practice training period for their initial teaching qualification inspired me as lecturer to embark on my own journey of inquiry and study the phenomenon above. As this study was undertaken in South Africa, the need arose to take into consideration the changes that have occurred since 1994. Observations of how democratic values and desires feature, or do not feature, when engaging with the phenomenon had to be considered. This study also aimed to emphasise inequalities in everyday practice. The discovery of “good practice” (Cooper 2010:170) contributed towards addressing the factors that emerged as influencing the implementation of MWPs. Jansens (2009:170) book Knowledge in the blood presents compelling reasons for disclosing the state of current practice and seeks alternatives to promote the required change in mathematics teaching, with one of the perspectives on mathematics education being the emphasis on implementing MWPs in the Foundation Phase. Teachers often extend their own preferences into practice and emphasise their “knowledge in the blood” as their view of good practice. Learners‟ needs and learner diversity are often overlooked. Learners‟ assessment scores, both nationally and internationally, have revealed more negative facts. These low scores have often been, and often still are, news flashes, contributing to a negative view of teachers and education. In order to address the widespread sentiment that there is “no hope for teachers” (Jansen 2011:19), and to avoid a recycling of negativity, “good practice” (Cooper 2010:170) is key to success. This study aimed to discover hope for teachers and learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Francis Bacon: a psychobiographical study
- Authors: Kerr, Natalie
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Bacon, Francis, 1909-1992 , Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9871 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1774 , Bacon, Francis, 1909-1992 , Psychology
- Description: The study consists of a psychobiography of the British artist, Francis Bacon (1909-1992). Psychobiography employs a qualitative approach to understanding the life story of an individual through the lens of psychological theory. It is typically dedicated to the lives of well-known or enigmatic people and covers the person’s entire lifespan. For this study the analytical theory of Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) is used to explore and describe Bacon’s life and personality through concepts relating to personality functioning, history, mythology, anthropology, symbology and religion. Francis Bacon has captured the imagination of the art world for many years - especially where it is felt that the figure-subject is still the highest form of art - and his reputation among the foremost of English painters is assured. Coupled with his artistic output is a life full of curiosity, eccentricity and controversy. This alone would qualify him as a suitable subject for a study such as this, but his extraordinary oeuvre of painting hugely adds to his attractiveness to the psychological researcher. To ensure an accurate description of Bacon’s life, extensive data is examined using Alexander’s (1988) model of identifying salient themes. The study considers the nature and methodology of psychobiography, the theories of Jung, the life of Francis Bacon and then sythesises relevant material in a psychological profile. The findings of this study indicate that Bacon’s intense, creative and unorthodox life of genius fully justifies the research and provides an example of how a theory that is flexible can be an appropriate means of understanding complicated personalities. Jung’s description of the evolution of the personality allows for applicability and coherence, while at the same time accomodating even the most maverick of non-conventional lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kerr, Natalie
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Bacon, Francis, 1909-1992 , Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9871 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1774 , Bacon, Francis, 1909-1992 , Psychology
- Description: The study consists of a psychobiography of the British artist, Francis Bacon (1909-1992). Psychobiography employs a qualitative approach to understanding the life story of an individual through the lens of psychological theory. It is typically dedicated to the lives of well-known or enigmatic people and covers the person’s entire lifespan. For this study the analytical theory of Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) is used to explore and describe Bacon’s life and personality through concepts relating to personality functioning, history, mythology, anthropology, symbology and religion. Francis Bacon has captured the imagination of the art world for many years - especially where it is felt that the figure-subject is still the highest form of art - and his reputation among the foremost of English painters is assured. Coupled with his artistic output is a life full of curiosity, eccentricity and controversy. This alone would qualify him as a suitable subject for a study such as this, but his extraordinary oeuvre of painting hugely adds to his attractiveness to the psychological researcher. To ensure an accurate description of Bacon’s life, extensive data is examined using Alexander’s (1988) model of identifying salient themes. The study considers the nature and methodology of psychobiography, the theories of Jung, the life of Francis Bacon and then sythesises relevant material in a psychological profile. The findings of this study indicate that Bacon’s intense, creative and unorthodox life of genius fully justifies the research and provides an example of how a theory that is flexible can be an appropriate means of understanding complicated personalities. Jung’s description of the evolution of the personality allows for applicability and coherence, while at the same time accomodating even the most maverick of non-conventional lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Freedom of the press, or the infringement of the right to privacy?: media coverage of President Kgalema Motlanthe from October 2008 to April 2009 in three newspapers
- Authors: Gamlashe, Thembinkosi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Freedom of the press , Privacy, Right of , Press law , Data protection -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8402 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010118 , Freedom of the press , Privacy, Right of , Press law , Data protection -- Law and legislation
- Description: The researcher attempts to assess in which respect the privacy of former President Kgalema Motlanthe may have been invaded during his presidency, in view of journalistic ethics and press codes currently in effect. The study will explore media practices based on media freedom at the time of publication, and assess whether this freedom is understood to suggest the infringement of the right to privacy in the coverage of the private lives of politicians in the media. This study will therefore examine a sample of articles from the Sunday Times, City Press and Mail and Guardian, covering former President Kgalema Motlanthe’s public behaviour that related to his private life, assess which aspects of his demeanour became the subject of media coverage, and correlate such reporting trends with fluctuations in his political career. The researcher will focus on the period when Kgalema Motlanthe was at the helm as the Head of State – from October 2008 to April 2009, and consider particularly the trends in the sampled press reports regarding his private life. The study furthermore examines some of the legislative and normative changes that affected the media in South Africa after democratisation, to correlate the trends observed in the press coverage with legislation. This further serves to identify possible gray areas that arise from reporting on the freedom of the press and may lead to the invasion of privacy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Gamlashe, Thembinkosi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Freedom of the press , Privacy, Right of , Press law , Data protection -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8402 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010118 , Freedom of the press , Privacy, Right of , Press law , Data protection -- Law and legislation
- Description: The researcher attempts to assess in which respect the privacy of former President Kgalema Motlanthe may have been invaded during his presidency, in view of journalistic ethics and press codes currently in effect. The study will explore media practices based on media freedom at the time of publication, and assess whether this freedom is understood to suggest the infringement of the right to privacy in the coverage of the private lives of politicians in the media. This study will therefore examine a sample of articles from the Sunday Times, City Press and Mail and Guardian, covering former President Kgalema Motlanthe’s public behaviour that related to his private life, assess which aspects of his demeanour became the subject of media coverage, and correlate such reporting trends with fluctuations in his political career. The researcher will focus on the period when Kgalema Motlanthe was at the helm as the Head of State – from October 2008 to April 2009, and consider particularly the trends in the sampled press reports regarding his private life. The study furthermore examines some of the legislative and normative changes that affected the media in South Africa after democratisation, to correlate the trends observed in the press coverage with legislation. This further serves to identify possible gray areas that arise from reporting on the freedom of the press and may lead to the invasion of privacy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Gaze behaviour patterns of under 19 level Rugby union players during one-on-one defensive play
- Authors: Raffan, Ryan Phillip
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Rugby football injuries -- Prevention , Visual perception
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8372 , vital:26350
- Description: The aim of this study was to describe and compare the gaze behaviour patterns of expert and near expert under 19 level rugby union players during one-on-one defensive play. Gaze characteristics such as the areas of interest visited, the number of fixations, the duration of each fixation, the starting and last fixations; and the order of fixations adopted were used to achieve the aim of the study. In addition, biographical data, including sporting and vision history, were collected. Data of the two groups were described and compared with statistically and practically significant differences been highlighted. Inferential statistics were used and the following significant levels set: p<.05 for t-tests and Chi-sq'ared - tests while Cohen's d (absolute value) ≥0.20 and Cramér‟s V ≥0.10 were used to determine the practical significance for statistically significant results, respectively. An exploratory and quasi-experimental design was used, in which 81 participants (16 – 19 years of age) were sampled for differences between experts' and near experts' visual-search strategies and gaze behaviour patterns when anticipating the direction of deceptive running skills in rugby union, however, only 68 participants had eye tracker data analyzed due to the strict calibration criteria. The expert players correctly anticipated significantly (t-stat = -3.16, p = .002, d = 0.71) more than the near expert players on average (75.76% compared to 66.46%), and therefore, were less susceptible to deceptive running skills. The near expert players were, however, more aware of their fixation location than expert players. Both expert and near expert players fixated considerably more on the knees and hips than any other area of interest, however expert players had fewer, but longer fixations than near expert players per run with 4.29 ± 1.89 fixations (χ2 = 3.90, p = .048, V = 0.24) of 0.420 ± 0.140 seconds (χ2 = 3.97, p = .046, V = 0.24) compared to 5.34 ± 2.39 fixations of 0.350 ± 0.150 seconds. Both the expert and near expert groups fixated more on the lower body than the upper body on average, however, the near expert players fixated significantly more off the body for all correct runs than the expert players (t-stat = 2.17, p = .034, d = 0.53). The expert players start fixating more on the knees at the start of each trial, whereas the near expert players start fixating more on the knees and hips, and considerably off-target. The expert players fixate significantly more on the knees (t-stat = -2.56, p = .013, d = 0.63) at the end of each trial than the near expert players on average, whereas the near expert players fixate more on the hips. The orders of fixation did not yield any discernable patterns between expert and near expert players for correctly anticipated runs. Experts exhibit superior visual-search strategies and gaze behaviour control, presumably using the top-down approach, to successfully anticipate an opponent's intended direction. This information could help coaches teach perceptual tackling skills to enhance motor learning and performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Raffan, Ryan Phillip
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Rugby football injuries -- Prevention , Visual perception
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8372 , vital:26350
- Description: The aim of this study was to describe and compare the gaze behaviour patterns of expert and near expert under 19 level rugby union players during one-on-one defensive play. Gaze characteristics such as the areas of interest visited, the number of fixations, the duration of each fixation, the starting and last fixations; and the order of fixations adopted were used to achieve the aim of the study. In addition, biographical data, including sporting and vision history, were collected. Data of the two groups were described and compared with statistically and practically significant differences been highlighted. Inferential statistics were used and the following significant levels set: p<.05 for t-tests and Chi-sq'ared - tests while Cohen's d (absolute value) ≥0.20 and Cramér‟s V ≥0.10 were used to determine the practical significance for statistically significant results, respectively. An exploratory and quasi-experimental design was used, in which 81 participants (16 – 19 years of age) were sampled for differences between experts' and near experts' visual-search strategies and gaze behaviour patterns when anticipating the direction of deceptive running skills in rugby union, however, only 68 participants had eye tracker data analyzed due to the strict calibration criteria. The expert players correctly anticipated significantly (t-stat = -3.16, p = .002, d = 0.71) more than the near expert players on average (75.76% compared to 66.46%), and therefore, were less susceptible to deceptive running skills. The near expert players were, however, more aware of their fixation location than expert players. Both expert and near expert players fixated considerably more on the knees and hips than any other area of interest, however expert players had fewer, but longer fixations than near expert players per run with 4.29 ± 1.89 fixations (χ2 = 3.90, p = .048, V = 0.24) of 0.420 ± 0.140 seconds (χ2 = 3.97, p = .046, V = 0.24) compared to 5.34 ± 2.39 fixations of 0.350 ± 0.150 seconds. Both the expert and near expert groups fixated more on the lower body than the upper body on average, however, the near expert players fixated significantly more off the body for all correct runs than the expert players (t-stat = 2.17, p = .034, d = 0.53). The expert players start fixating more on the knees at the start of each trial, whereas the near expert players start fixating more on the knees and hips, and considerably off-target. The expert players fixate significantly more on the knees (t-stat = -2.56, p = .013, d = 0.63) at the end of each trial than the near expert players on average, whereas the near expert players fixate more on the hips. The orders of fixation did not yield any discernable patterns between expert and near expert players for correctly anticipated runs. Experts exhibit superior visual-search strategies and gaze behaviour control, presumably using the top-down approach, to successfully anticipate an opponent's intended direction. This information could help coaches teach perceptual tackling skills to enhance motor learning and performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Gender equality in decision-making processes: the case of the Zimbabwean cabinet
- Authors: Muzvidziwa, Itai
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Women cabinet officers -- Zimbabwe , Sex role -- Political aspects -- Zimbabwe , Sex discrimination – Zimbabwe , Women's rights –- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9133 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018649
- Description: Although Zimbabwe is a signatory to various regional and international conventions, treatises, declarations and protocols that seek to promote and create an environment conducive the attainment of gender equality, despite all these commitments, the Zimbabwean Government still lags behind in the area of political participation of women. This study was done to investigate gender equality and the level of participation in governmental decision making processes with specific reference to the cabinet of Zimbabwe. The subject for discussion was traced back to 1980 when Zimbabwe gained its independence and the researcher aimed to ascertain whether there was any significant improvement in terms of women’s participation in governmental decision-making processes and structures. The study also unravelled reasons why women have been at the peripherals of decision- making in cabinet. The study also brought out and evaluated the strategies used by the government of Zimbabwe in managing a gender-sensitive working environment and the legislation that has been put in place to guide the process. At the same time an evaluation was done among the respondents to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of the strategies identified. Political parties were also included in the process since women who find their way into parliament do so using the tickets of their respective political parties. The political parties have a role to play since they have their respective constitutions in gender sensitive issues and it remains to be seen if they are implementing this which would result in identifying the numbers of women who are in the cabinet. The study is of significance to the Zimbabwean situation at the moment as the country is in the process of drafting a new constitution. The current Constitution in its Section 23 which provides for “protection from discrimination on the grounds of race, tribe, political opinion or physical disability of the persons concerned it is not clear as to what form of representation or position women should occupy in politics and decision-making positions. Given the above research analysis it is possible to conclude that indeed women have an impact on decision making in cabinet. The findings show the impact of considering the value of women in decision-making bodies as they spearheading development in their respective wards and the nation at large. Women were also viewed as decision makers who would contribute in the development of the nation just as much as men are assumed to do. The empowerment of women legislators and the aspiring candidates is a process that has a long way to go to ensure gender equality in governmental decision making processes but it is a necessary process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Muzvidziwa, Itai
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Women cabinet officers -- Zimbabwe , Sex role -- Political aspects -- Zimbabwe , Sex discrimination – Zimbabwe , Women's rights –- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9133 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018649
- Description: Although Zimbabwe is a signatory to various regional and international conventions, treatises, declarations and protocols that seek to promote and create an environment conducive the attainment of gender equality, despite all these commitments, the Zimbabwean Government still lags behind in the area of political participation of women. This study was done to investigate gender equality and the level of participation in governmental decision making processes with specific reference to the cabinet of Zimbabwe. The subject for discussion was traced back to 1980 when Zimbabwe gained its independence and the researcher aimed to ascertain whether there was any significant improvement in terms of women’s participation in governmental decision-making processes and structures. The study also unravelled reasons why women have been at the peripherals of decision- making in cabinet. The study also brought out and evaluated the strategies used by the government of Zimbabwe in managing a gender-sensitive working environment and the legislation that has been put in place to guide the process. At the same time an evaluation was done among the respondents to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of the strategies identified. Political parties were also included in the process since women who find their way into parliament do so using the tickets of their respective political parties. The political parties have a role to play since they have their respective constitutions in gender sensitive issues and it remains to be seen if they are implementing this which would result in identifying the numbers of women who are in the cabinet. The study is of significance to the Zimbabwean situation at the moment as the country is in the process of drafting a new constitution. The current Constitution in its Section 23 which provides for “protection from discrimination on the grounds of race, tribe, political opinion or physical disability of the persons concerned it is not clear as to what form of representation or position women should occupy in politics and decision-making positions. Given the above research analysis it is possible to conclude that indeed women have an impact on decision making in cabinet. The findings show the impact of considering the value of women in decision-making bodies as they spearheading development in their respective wards and the nation at large. Women were also viewed as decision makers who would contribute in the development of the nation just as much as men are assumed to do. The empowerment of women legislators and the aspiring candidates is a process that has a long way to go to ensure gender equality in governmental decision making processes but it is a necessary process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
How community participation can be enhanced in the creation of sustainable human settlements in Whittlesea : a case study of Whittlesea Mabuyase housing project
- Authors: Penxa, Lungile
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human settlements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9211 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020772
- Description: Development is an idea, an objective and an activity (Kothari and Minogue, 2002). Development emerged as an idea that nations had to adopt in their journey through post-war history. Development is seen as an ambiguous concept (Allen and Thomas, 1992: 23). In other words, it is defined in many ways to suit different purposes. Furthermore, over the long term development implies increased living standards, improved health and well being for all, and the achievement of whatever is regarded as a general good for society at large (Allen and Thomas, 1992: 23). Therefore, from the above development appears as a “one size fits all” concept, because it is an attempt to address the problems in society. Furthermore, development has been defined as a participatory, people-centred process intended to reduce the incidence of poverty and achieve better livelihoods for all (Kingsbury, McKay, and Hunt, 2004: 43). The definition of development as participatory and people-centred is the most applicable for the purposes of this study. Participation has been widely used in the development discourse. Within the development sphere, participation has been associated with the community sector (Gaventa and Valderrama, 1999:2). The definition of participation in development has been located in development projects and programmes (i.e. sustainable human settlements for our study purposes), as a means of strengthening their relevance, quality and sustainability (Gaventa and Valderrama, 1999:2). Strengthening of participation in local governance has to do with the strengthening of directcitizen involvement in decision-making by individuals or groups in public activities, oftenthrough newly established institutional channels, such as monitoring committees, planning processes, etc (Gaventa and Valderrama, 1999:8-9). Hence, participation could be seen as involvement in decision-making in all phases of a project (Gaventa and Valderrama, 1999:2). Citizen participation is about power and its exercise by different social actors in the spacescreated for the interaction between citizens and local authorities. However, the control of thestructure and processes for participation - defining spaces, actors, agendas, procedures - is usuallyin the hands governmental institutions and can become a barrier for effective involvement ofcitizens (Gaventa and Valderrama, 1999:7). The above discussion has been an attempt to show what participatory development or participation in a development process is all about. This has been done through briefly defining and discussing development and participation and also showing the relationship between the two concepts. Now the discussion will focus on enlightening the reader about sustainable human settlements – the main issue of this study. The decision to do research in this area came after the realization that there is still a shortage of houses in the Eastern Cape, and when the government does deliver these houses in a particular area people still have complaints regarding the new houses delivered to them. Then a question that came to mind was whether people are consulted or not before these houses are constructed during the planning stages so that they can give their own views or ideas on houses. Overall the reason for choosing this topic was to look at people’s participation on the development of houses. It is evident in the Provincial Medium Term Sustainable Human Settlement Research Agenda that community participation is lacking in the housing delivery process of the Eastern Cape (Province of the Eastern Cape Human Settlement,2011:9).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Penxa, Lungile
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human settlements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9211 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020772
- Description: Development is an idea, an objective and an activity (Kothari and Minogue, 2002). Development emerged as an idea that nations had to adopt in their journey through post-war history. Development is seen as an ambiguous concept (Allen and Thomas, 1992: 23). In other words, it is defined in many ways to suit different purposes. Furthermore, over the long term development implies increased living standards, improved health and well being for all, and the achievement of whatever is regarded as a general good for society at large (Allen and Thomas, 1992: 23). Therefore, from the above development appears as a “one size fits all” concept, because it is an attempt to address the problems in society. Furthermore, development has been defined as a participatory, people-centred process intended to reduce the incidence of poverty and achieve better livelihoods for all (Kingsbury, McKay, and Hunt, 2004: 43). The definition of development as participatory and people-centred is the most applicable for the purposes of this study. Participation has been widely used in the development discourse. Within the development sphere, participation has been associated with the community sector (Gaventa and Valderrama, 1999:2). The definition of participation in development has been located in development projects and programmes (i.e. sustainable human settlements for our study purposes), as a means of strengthening their relevance, quality and sustainability (Gaventa and Valderrama, 1999:2). Strengthening of participation in local governance has to do with the strengthening of directcitizen involvement in decision-making by individuals or groups in public activities, oftenthrough newly established institutional channels, such as monitoring committees, planning processes, etc (Gaventa and Valderrama, 1999:8-9). Hence, participation could be seen as involvement in decision-making in all phases of a project (Gaventa and Valderrama, 1999:2). Citizen participation is about power and its exercise by different social actors in the spacescreated for the interaction between citizens and local authorities. However, the control of thestructure and processes for participation - defining spaces, actors, agendas, procedures - is usuallyin the hands governmental institutions and can become a barrier for effective involvement ofcitizens (Gaventa and Valderrama, 1999:7). The above discussion has been an attempt to show what participatory development or participation in a development process is all about. This has been done through briefly defining and discussing development and participation and also showing the relationship between the two concepts. Now the discussion will focus on enlightening the reader about sustainable human settlements – the main issue of this study. The decision to do research in this area came after the realization that there is still a shortage of houses in the Eastern Cape, and when the government does deliver these houses in a particular area people still have complaints regarding the new houses delivered to them. Then a question that came to mind was whether people are consulted or not before these houses are constructed during the planning stages so that they can give their own views or ideas on houses. Overall the reason for choosing this topic was to look at people’s participation on the development of houses. It is evident in the Provincial Medium Term Sustainable Human Settlement Research Agenda that community participation is lacking in the housing delivery process of the Eastern Cape (Province of the Eastern Cape Human Settlement,2011:9).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
How female street vendors in Nelson Mandela Bay are organized
- Authors: Tyida, Vuyokazi Andisiwe
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Street vendors -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Businesswomen -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Merchants -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9106 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012674 , Street vendors -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Businesswomen -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Merchants -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Description: As one of the most impoverished provinces in South Africa with a high unemployment rate the Eastern Cape (Stats SA, 2011) was more suited for a study of this nature. In executing the research aims and objectives the study will be limited to focus specifically on one of the provinces cities, the Nelson Mandela Bay. The investigation will be focused on women street vendors mainly trading with fruits and vegetables, as well as other perishables. This industry was chosen because according to the Labour Force Survey (2000), there was an estimated 500,000 street traders operating in South Africa and more than 70 percent of them were found to be dealing in the trade of food items (Motala, 2002). The focus on women was driven by mainly by the fact that they constitute a majority of the street traders that are involed in the sale perishables/food items (Skinner, 2008).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Tyida, Vuyokazi Andisiwe
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Street vendors -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Businesswomen -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Merchants -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9106 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012674 , Street vendors -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Businesswomen -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Merchants -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Description: As one of the most impoverished provinces in South Africa with a high unemployment rate the Eastern Cape (Stats SA, 2011) was more suited for a study of this nature. In executing the research aims and objectives the study will be limited to focus specifically on one of the provinces cities, the Nelson Mandela Bay. The investigation will be focused on women street vendors mainly trading with fruits and vegetables, as well as other perishables. This industry was chosen because according to the Labour Force Survey (2000), there was an estimated 500,000 street traders operating in South Africa and more than 70 percent of them were found to be dealing in the trade of food items (Motala, 2002). The focus on women was driven by mainly by the fact that they constitute a majority of the street traders that are involed in the sale perishables/food items (Skinner, 2008).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Implementation challenges of performance monitoring and evaluation in the O.R. Tambo District municipality
- Sotshongaye, Sibongile Goodman
- Authors: Sotshongaye, Sibongile Goodman
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8307 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020028
- Description: This treatise investigates the implementation challenges of performance monitoring and evaluation in the O R Tambo District Municipality. The treatise comprises five chapters. The study is based on the assumption that O R Tambo District Municipality, like any other municipality in South Africa, particularly in the Eastern Cape, is confronted with the implementation challenges of performance monitoring and evaluation. ORTDM has a performance-management system that is not fully implemented, and needs to put into context its challenges, in order to appropriately make those interventions relevant to the situation. The fact that the performance- management system has not yet been cascaded to the lower level employees creates difficulties in performance monitoring and evaluation. There has been a deep concern that municipalities are underperforming, and yet with no visible steps being taken to improve the situation. If the O R Tambo District Municipality is attempting to achieve the objectives of the local government, as stated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, it is then necessary to properly implement performance monitoring and evaluation, as mechanisms to accelerate service delivery. This has the potential to improve the quality of life of the citizens of O R Tambo District Municipality. This study provides the general background to the implementation challenges of performance monitoring and evaluation in the O R Tambo District Municipality. The challenges of performance monitoring and evaluation, the determinants of performance monitoring and evaluation, as well as the theories used in performance monitoring and evaluation will be addressed. The study presents the findings resulting from the analysis of the data provided by the respondents. Amongst the findings of the study there is a view that the O R Tambo District Municipality does not have monitoring and evaluation specialists who could ensure that performance is being periodically evaluated, in order to close policy gaps that might be in existence. Non-involvement or partial involvement of communities has the potential to cause stagnation, as people generally lack monitoring skills. Some of the ecommendations include: the skills development of all the stakeholders, especially those with the mandate to deliver on behalf of government, that is, political office bearers, together with the technical support wing. Performance monitoring and evaluation under the proposed recommendations could be enhanced and positive changes could be realised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Sotshongaye, Sibongile Goodman
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8307 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020028
- Description: This treatise investigates the implementation challenges of performance monitoring and evaluation in the O R Tambo District Municipality. The treatise comprises five chapters. The study is based on the assumption that O R Tambo District Municipality, like any other municipality in South Africa, particularly in the Eastern Cape, is confronted with the implementation challenges of performance monitoring and evaluation. ORTDM has a performance-management system that is not fully implemented, and needs to put into context its challenges, in order to appropriately make those interventions relevant to the situation. The fact that the performance- management system has not yet been cascaded to the lower level employees creates difficulties in performance monitoring and evaluation. There has been a deep concern that municipalities are underperforming, and yet with no visible steps being taken to improve the situation. If the O R Tambo District Municipality is attempting to achieve the objectives of the local government, as stated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, it is then necessary to properly implement performance monitoring and evaluation, as mechanisms to accelerate service delivery. This has the potential to improve the quality of life of the citizens of O R Tambo District Municipality. This study provides the general background to the implementation challenges of performance monitoring and evaluation in the O R Tambo District Municipality. The challenges of performance monitoring and evaluation, the determinants of performance monitoring and evaluation, as well as the theories used in performance monitoring and evaluation will be addressed. The study presents the findings resulting from the analysis of the data provided by the respondents. Amongst the findings of the study there is a view that the O R Tambo District Municipality does not have monitoring and evaluation specialists who could ensure that performance is being periodically evaluated, in order to close policy gaps that might be in existence. Non-involvement or partial involvement of communities has the potential to cause stagnation, as people generally lack monitoring skills. Some of the ecommendations include: the skills development of all the stakeholders, especially those with the mandate to deliver on behalf of government, that is, political office bearers, together with the technical support wing. Performance monitoring and evaluation under the proposed recommendations could be enhanced and positive changes could be realised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Implementation challenges of the performance management policy at the Joe Gqabi District Municipality public hospitals
- Authors: Mbethe, Zakanzima
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8285 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018498
- Description: Public administration seems to have shifted towards the New Public Management doctrines that emphasize performance management. The healthcare reforms have been a global phenomenon ever since the early 1980s, with the major focus on managerial restructuring, to produce a more responsive and efficient system (Liang and Howard , 2007:393). The South African public sector has gradually introduced a comprehensive performance management system, since the early 80s. In response, the Province of the Eastern Cape began the design and the development of a performance-management policy in early 2000. This policy was later refined and aligned to the National Department of Public Service and Administrations’s performance management policy. The policy was intially implemented in the Province of the Eastern Cape in mid-2003, through a Performance Management and Development System (PMDS). Moderating Committees were established at each level of government, and at the institutional level. The mandate of these Moderating Committees was to ensure the proper implementation of the perfomance-management policy. The purpose of the policy is to provide practical guidelines on the improvement of individual and organisational performance; however, the implementation challenges of this policy have been identified in Joe Gqabi Health District. This study evaluates the implementation challenges of performance-management policy at all the Joe Gqabi District Municipality public hospitals. The main objectives of the research study are, therefore, to : To provide exposition of the provision of the Province of the Eastern Cape performance management policy and regulatory guidelines; To analyse the utilization of performance-management information for determining emunerations, rewarding outstanding performance and for the development of the personnel; To provide a set of recommendations for the policy implementation to improve service delivery in the Joe Gqabi Health District. Both qualitative and quantitave methods were utilised to collect the data for the study. The research questionnaire was distributed to the eleven public hospitals in the Joe Gqabi Health District. The response rate was 52percent and this was considered adequate for scientific analysis and reporting. The research study reached the conclusion that there is generally poor adherence to policy guidelines in the district, in that: Although most hospitals have structured PMDS committees, their meetings are inconsistent, and are generally held only once a year during final assessment. Performance contracts are signed very late, towards the end of the first quarter. Performance-related bonuses are also effected very late, and are considered a demotivating factor by most participants. The support provided by the provincial and district offices for the implementation of the performance-management policy was viewed as being quite inadequate by most of the participants. The majority of the respondents recommended that the policy be replaced by another form of performance management; however, some considered it adequate, but the implementation of the policy requires further attention. The study therefore came to the following recommendations: The Province and the District should provide consistent support to district hospitals for the implementation of the performance-management policy. The provincial offices should authorize performance-related payments timeously, and the district should effect these payments promptly. The co-ordination of the skills-development programme should be decentralized, in order for district hospitals to improve their efficiency and effectiveness in co-ordination. The Accounting Officers of the respective institutions should monitor the implementation of these policy guidelines to ensure compliance. The research findings conclude that provided the above recommendations are implemented, this would improve the implementation of the provincial performance-management policy, and service delivery in public hospitals in the Joe Gqabi District Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mbethe, Zakanzima
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8285 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018498
- Description: Public administration seems to have shifted towards the New Public Management doctrines that emphasize performance management. The healthcare reforms have been a global phenomenon ever since the early 1980s, with the major focus on managerial restructuring, to produce a more responsive and efficient system (Liang and Howard , 2007:393). The South African public sector has gradually introduced a comprehensive performance management system, since the early 80s. In response, the Province of the Eastern Cape began the design and the development of a performance-management policy in early 2000. This policy was later refined and aligned to the National Department of Public Service and Administrations’s performance management policy. The policy was intially implemented in the Province of the Eastern Cape in mid-2003, through a Performance Management and Development System (PMDS). Moderating Committees were established at each level of government, and at the institutional level. The mandate of these Moderating Committees was to ensure the proper implementation of the perfomance-management policy. The purpose of the policy is to provide practical guidelines on the improvement of individual and organisational performance; however, the implementation challenges of this policy have been identified in Joe Gqabi Health District. This study evaluates the implementation challenges of performance-management policy at all the Joe Gqabi District Municipality public hospitals. The main objectives of the research study are, therefore, to : To provide exposition of the provision of the Province of the Eastern Cape performance management policy and regulatory guidelines; To analyse the utilization of performance-management information for determining emunerations, rewarding outstanding performance and for the development of the personnel; To provide a set of recommendations for the policy implementation to improve service delivery in the Joe Gqabi Health District. Both qualitative and quantitave methods were utilised to collect the data for the study. The research questionnaire was distributed to the eleven public hospitals in the Joe Gqabi Health District. The response rate was 52percent and this was considered adequate for scientific analysis and reporting. The research study reached the conclusion that there is generally poor adherence to policy guidelines in the district, in that: Although most hospitals have structured PMDS committees, their meetings are inconsistent, and are generally held only once a year during final assessment. Performance contracts are signed very late, towards the end of the first quarter. Performance-related bonuses are also effected very late, and are considered a demotivating factor by most participants. The support provided by the provincial and district offices for the implementation of the performance-management policy was viewed as being quite inadequate by most of the participants. The majority of the respondents recommended that the policy be replaced by another form of performance management; however, some considered it adequate, but the implementation of the policy requires further attention. The study therefore came to the following recommendations: The Province and the District should provide consistent support to district hospitals for the implementation of the performance-management policy. The provincial offices should authorize performance-related payments timeously, and the district should effect these payments promptly. The co-ordination of the skills-development programme should be decentralized, in order for district hospitals to improve their efficiency and effectiveness in co-ordination. The Accounting Officers of the respective institutions should monitor the implementation of these policy guidelines to ensure compliance. The research findings conclude that provided the above recommendations are implemented, this would improve the implementation of the provincial performance-management policy, and service delivery in public hospitals in the Joe Gqabi District Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Implementation of procurement procedures in the education district of King William's Town
- Authors: Mabece, Victor Nkosabantu
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Education -- Procurement , Government purchasing -- Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8290 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018670
- Description: The study investigated the implementation of procurement procedures in the King William’s Town Education District. In spite of the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996 and Public Finance Management Act No 1 of 1999(PFMA), in respect of the provision of services, procurement in the King William’s Town Education District is flawed. The study explored the legislative framework governing procurement procedures in the District, the extent of compliance and non compliance with procurement procedures, and the causes of flawed procurement procedures. A descriptive case study was used to describe, analyse and interpret a particular phenomenon, in this case the procurement procedures in the King William’s Town Education District. Purposive sampling was chosen for this study to create an understanding of the research problem, and to complement the case study method in eliminating any potential bias in the data. Respondents included mainly the managers in the District, who are instrumental in the implementation of procurement processes in the District. Self administered interviewing schedules were used for respondents to answer without the assistance of the researcher. The study found out that the District was lagging behind in respect of compliance to procurement procedures, monitoring and evaluation, and accountability. Based on the above findings, the study recommended the following: (a) strengthening accountability in all managers and public servants, (b) professional training and education of personnel and managers in order to be able to implement procurement processes, (c) establishment of compliance office, (d) introduction of complaints mechanisms, and (e) effecting monitoring and control mechanisms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mabece, Victor Nkosabantu
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Education -- Procurement , Government purchasing -- Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8290 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018670
- Description: The study investigated the implementation of procurement procedures in the King William’s Town Education District. In spite of the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996 and Public Finance Management Act No 1 of 1999(PFMA), in respect of the provision of services, procurement in the King William’s Town Education District is flawed. The study explored the legislative framework governing procurement procedures in the District, the extent of compliance and non compliance with procurement procedures, and the causes of flawed procurement procedures. A descriptive case study was used to describe, analyse and interpret a particular phenomenon, in this case the procurement procedures in the King William’s Town Education District. Purposive sampling was chosen for this study to create an understanding of the research problem, and to complement the case study method in eliminating any potential bias in the data. Respondents included mainly the managers in the District, who are instrumental in the implementation of procurement processes in the District. Self administered interviewing schedules were used for respondents to answer without the assistance of the researcher. The study found out that the District was lagging behind in respect of compliance to procurement procedures, monitoring and evaluation, and accountability. Based on the above findings, the study recommended the following: (a) strengthening accountability in all managers and public servants, (b) professional training and education of personnel and managers in order to be able to implement procurement processes, (c) establishment of compliance office, (d) introduction of complaints mechanisms, and (e) effecting monitoring and control mechanisms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Implementing the integragrated development plan for effective service delivery : the case of Mnquma Municipality
- Siyaya, Nompendulo Vuyolwethu
- Authors: Siyaya, Nompendulo Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Public Administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8309 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020030
- Description: This study is about implementing the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for effective service delivery: The case of Mnquma municipality. The need for improved standards of living and access to better infrastructure which are seen as crucial issues in addressing poverty have necessitated the introduction of the Integrated Development Planning. The IDP looks at the economic and social development. It aims to coordinate the work of the local government in a coherent plan to improve the quality of life of all the people living in an area. Many municipalities in South Africa are faced with the challenge of service delivery and Mnquma is one of those municipalities. There are still backlogs in service delivery in Mnquma. This study was triggered by the high level of poverty, high unemployment rate and the non service delivery in Mnquma municipality. It sought to understand whether the IDP is serving its purposes in the Mnquma Municipality. Questionnaires were used as a method of collecting data. The respondents were asked to give their opinions on the impact of IDP in Mnquma, the IDP implementation for effective service delivery, and highlight the challenges that they think hinder the IDP from realizing its intended goals. The results of this study show that there is lack of communication between the municipality and the community. The study uncovered that the communities do not understand the purpose and existence of the IDP document. IDP is a tool to fast track service delivery. The study argues that without its proper implementation, service cannot be rendered effectively and efficiently.The research findings also point out the need for sensitizing the community about the need to participate in the affairs of their development so that the IDP can be a true reflection of their needs. The mantra of this research is effective service delivery through the implementation of the IDP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Siyaya, Nompendulo Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Public Administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8309 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020030
- Description: This study is about implementing the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for effective service delivery: The case of Mnquma municipality. The need for improved standards of living and access to better infrastructure which are seen as crucial issues in addressing poverty have necessitated the introduction of the Integrated Development Planning. The IDP looks at the economic and social development. It aims to coordinate the work of the local government in a coherent plan to improve the quality of life of all the people living in an area. Many municipalities in South Africa are faced with the challenge of service delivery and Mnquma is one of those municipalities. There are still backlogs in service delivery in Mnquma. This study was triggered by the high level of poverty, high unemployment rate and the non service delivery in Mnquma municipality. It sought to understand whether the IDP is serving its purposes in the Mnquma Municipality. Questionnaires were used as a method of collecting data. The respondents were asked to give their opinions on the impact of IDP in Mnquma, the IDP implementation for effective service delivery, and highlight the challenges that they think hinder the IDP from realizing its intended goals. The results of this study show that there is lack of communication between the municipality and the community. The study uncovered that the communities do not understand the purpose and existence of the IDP document. IDP is a tool to fast track service delivery. The study argues that without its proper implementation, service cannot be rendered effectively and efficiently.The research findings also point out the need for sensitizing the community about the need to participate in the affairs of their development so that the IDP can be a true reflection of their needs. The mantra of this research is effective service delivery through the implementation of the IDP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Influence of distance from the target on total response time, repeated punch force and anaerobic fatigue of amateur boxers
- Authors: Trella, Christopher
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Boxing -- Training , Sports performance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10106 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020024
- Description: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of distance from the target during dominant and non-dominant jab punches, on total response time, repeated jab punch force and anaerobic fatigue of amateur boxers. Data was gathered of the following variables: Biographical data, anthropometric data, total response time, change in total response time, number of punches, peak punch force and peak punch force fatigue resistance index. An exploratory and descriptive research design was used. Twelve male amateur boxers participated in this study. The participants were all either provincially or nationally ranked, between the ages 16 and 22 and in the competitive phase of their training. The data was compared to find statistical significance and it was found from the Wilcoxon ranked sign test that distance does not affect total response time, change in total response time, number of punches and peak punch force fatigue resistance index. However, it was found that distance affects peak punch force. Additionally,it was found using a Spearman rank correlation test that older boxers proved to have statistically significant faster total response times, the boxers that had slower total reponse times proved to have statistically significant less powerful peak punch force, the boxers that had slower total response times proved to have statistically significant larger fatigue resistance index, boxers with larger change in total response time proved to have statistically significant more powerful peak punch force and the boxers with larger peak punch force proved to have statistically significant smaller fatigue resistance index. The data presented provides an introduction of the exploration of how distance from a target relates to a boxer’s performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Trella, Christopher
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Boxing -- Training , Sports performance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10106 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020024
- Description: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of distance from the target during dominant and non-dominant jab punches, on total response time, repeated jab punch force and anaerobic fatigue of amateur boxers. Data was gathered of the following variables: Biographical data, anthropometric data, total response time, change in total response time, number of punches, peak punch force and peak punch force fatigue resistance index. An exploratory and descriptive research design was used. Twelve male amateur boxers participated in this study. The participants were all either provincially or nationally ranked, between the ages 16 and 22 and in the competitive phase of their training. The data was compared to find statistical significance and it was found from the Wilcoxon ranked sign test that distance does not affect total response time, change in total response time, number of punches and peak punch force fatigue resistance index. However, it was found that distance affects peak punch force. Additionally,it was found using a Spearman rank correlation test that older boxers proved to have statistically significant faster total response times, the boxers that had slower total reponse times proved to have statistically significant less powerful peak punch force, the boxers that had slower total response times proved to have statistically significant larger fatigue resistance index, boxers with larger change in total response time proved to have statistically significant more powerful peak punch force and the boxers with larger peak punch force proved to have statistically significant smaller fatigue resistance index. The data presented provides an introduction of the exploration of how distance from a target relates to a boxer’s performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Influence of distance from the target on total response time, repeated punch force and anaerobic fatigue of amatuer boxers
- Authors: Trella, Christopher Andrew
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Boxers (Sports) , Physical education and training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10111 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020942
- Description: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of distance from the target during dominant and non-dominant jab punches, on total response time, repeated jab punch force and anaerobic fatigue of amateur boxers. Data was gathered of the following variables: Biographical data, anthropometric data, total response time, change in total response time, number of punches, peak punch force and peak punch force fatigue resistance index. An exploratory and descriptive research design was used. Twelve male amateur boxers participated in this study. The participants were all either provincially or nationally ranked, between the ages 16 and 22 and in the competitive phase of their training. The data was compared to find statistical significance and it was found from the Wilcoxon ranked sign test that distance does not affect total response time, change in total response time, number of punches and peak punch force fatigue resistance index. However, it was found that distance affects peak punch force. Additionally,it was found using a Spearman rank correlation test that older boxers proved to have statistically significant faster total response times, the boxers that had slower total reponse times proved to have statistically significant less powerful peak punch force, the boxers that had slower total response times proved to have statistically significant larger fatigue resistance index, boxers with larger change in total response time proved to have statistically significant more powerful peak punch force and the boxers with larger peak punch force proved to have statistically significant smaller fatigue resistance index. The data presented provides an introduction of the exploration of how distance from a target relates to a boxer’s performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Trella, Christopher Andrew
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Boxers (Sports) , Physical education and training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10111 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020942
- Description: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of distance from the target during dominant and non-dominant jab punches, on total response time, repeated jab punch force and anaerobic fatigue of amateur boxers. Data was gathered of the following variables: Biographical data, anthropometric data, total response time, change in total response time, number of punches, peak punch force and peak punch force fatigue resistance index. An exploratory and descriptive research design was used. Twelve male amateur boxers participated in this study. The participants were all either provincially or nationally ranked, between the ages 16 and 22 and in the competitive phase of their training. The data was compared to find statistical significance and it was found from the Wilcoxon ranked sign test that distance does not affect total response time, change in total response time, number of punches and peak punch force fatigue resistance index. However, it was found that distance affects peak punch force. Additionally,it was found using a Spearman rank correlation test that older boxers proved to have statistically significant faster total response times, the boxers that had slower total reponse times proved to have statistically significant less powerful peak punch force, the boxers that had slower total response times proved to have statistically significant larger fatigue resistance index, boxers with larger change in total response time proved to have statistically significant more powerful peak punch force and the boxers with larger peak punch force proved to have statistically significant smaller fatigue resistance index. The data presented provides an introduction of the exploration of how distance from a target relates to a boxer’s performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Investigating informal savings as income generating and proverty alleviating tool in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Netnou, Ntombomhlaba Salome
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Banks and banking, Cooperative -- Developing countries , Rotating credit associations -- South Africa , Cooperative societies -- South Africa , Women -- Finance, Personal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9047 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1616 , Banks and banking, Cooperative -- Developing countries , Rotating credit associations -- South Africa , Cooperative societies -- South Africa , Women -- Finance, Personal
- Description: The study investigated the informal savings approach as an income-generating and poverty alleviation tool for women. The focus of the study is specifically in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The purpose of the study was to explore the reasons behind the involvement of women, in particular, to the use of informal savings as a tool for income generation and poverty alleviation. South Africa is characterised by inequitable growth and development, a high degree of poverty, increasing demands and limited resources. It is because of this backdrop that many women in poor communities, both rural and urban, devised brilliant plans to overcome this setback. Women, particularly African women, have for a long time been side-lined in economic decision making activities, both in their homes and elsewhere. For the purposes of this study, a mixed method research approach was employed, meaning that the study will follow both the qualitative and quantitative approaches. The respondents are a mixture of both literate and illiterate persons, and because of that, the researcher had to use both English and the home language of the respondents to explain the contents of the questionnaires and obtain the relevant information. The study identified the reasons that stokvels, which were believed to be popular in the past, and still are, because Black people in South Africa did not have access to formal financial institutions, remain popular long after the demise of apartheid. It is in the interest of the citizens of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to archive the financial activities of its inhabitants as this valuable information will be needed by future generations. This can be done by creating a website or adding a link to the existing ones where the information is readily available for the users. For future research purposes, stokvels in various parts of the Municipality and South Africa as a whole need to be studied in order to identify and compare to the available literature the general success factors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Netnou, Ntombomhlaba Salome
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Banks and banking, Cooperative -- Developing countries , Rotating credit associations -- South Africa , Cooperative societies -- South Africa , Women -- Finance, Personal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9047 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1616 , Banks and banking, Cooperative -- Developing countries , Rotating credit associations -- South Africa , Cooperative societies -- South Africa , Women -- Finance, Personal
- Description: The study investigated the informal savings approach as an income-generating and poverty alleviation tool for women. The focus of the study is specifically in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The purpose of the study was to explore the reasons behind the involvement of women, in particular, to the use of informal savings as a tool for income generation and poverty alleviation. South Africa is characterised by inequitable growth and development, a high degree of poverty, increasing demands and limited resources. It is because of this backdrop that many women in poor communities, both rural and urban, devised brilliant plans to overcome this setback. Women, particularly African women, have for a long time been side-lined in economic decision making activities, both in their homes and elsewhere. For the purposes of this study, a mixed method research approach was employed, meaning that the study will follow both the qualitative and quantitative approaches. The respondents are a mixture of both literate and illiterate persons, and because of that, the researcher had to use both English and the home language of the respondents to explain the contents of the questionnaires and obtain the relevant information. The study identified the reasons that stokvels, which were believed to be popular in the past, and still are, because Black people in South Africa did not have access to formal financial institutions, remain popular long after the demise of apartheid. It is in the interest of the citizens of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to archive the financial activities of its inhabitants as this valuable information will be needed by future generations. This can be done by creating a website or adding a link to the existing ones where the information is readily available for the users. For future research purposes, stokvels in various parts of the Municipality and South Africa as a whole need to be studied in order to identify and compare to the available literature the general success factors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Investigating sustainability of community gardens as a mechanism to poverty alleviation in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Matshotyana, Ntombizodwa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (Eastern Cape, South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9116 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015668
- Description: Poverty is one of the social problems plaguing South Africa. In South Africa it is required of municipalities as entities in the socio-economic and political transformation process and agents of change, to eradicate poverty and unemployment by facilitating local economic development in their respective areas. Local economic development has to be implemented in a way that takes cognisance of the different challenges that exist within various areas and contexts. Various district and local municipalities have initiated an array of agricultural programs such as community or food gardens as aspect of their Local Economic Development strategies. In this study I investigated the sustainability of community gardens as a mechanism to poverty alleviation in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The study focused exclusively on community gardens in Bloemendal, KwaZakhele, Motherwell and Walmer. A mixed methods research approach was employed to gather data from the community garden members and municipal official who administers the community gardens. Semi-structured interview was conducted with the municipal official administering community gardens in Nelson Mandela Bay. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from the community garden members. Observations were made on types of crops grown in the gardens, in order to supplement and validate data collected and information gathered during interviews. Community garden members identified funding as their main challenge. Community gardens have a potential to be sustainable if the requisite support structures that need to exist to support the micro-farmers are in place.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Matshotyana, Ntombizodwa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (Eastern Cape, South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9116 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015668
- Description: Poverty is one of the social problems plaguing South Africa. In South Africa it is required of municipalities as entities in the socio-economic and political transformation process and agents of change, to eradicate poverty and unemployment by facilitating local economic development in their respective areas. Local economic development has to be implemented in a way that takes cognisance of the different challenges that exist within various areas and contexts. Various district and local municipalities have initiated an array of agricultural programs such as community or food gardens as aspect of their Local Economic Development strategies. In this study I investigated the sustainability of community gardens as a mechanism to poverty alleviation in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The study focused exclusively on community gardens in Bloemendal, KwaZakhele, Motherwell and Walmer. A mixed methods research approach was employed to gather data from the community garden members and municipal official who administers the community gardens. Semi-structured interview was conducted with the municipal official administering community gardens in Nelson Mandela Bay. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from the community garden members. Observations were made on types of crops grown in the gardens, in order to supplement and validate data collected and information gathered during interviews. Community garden members identified funding as their main challenge. Community gardens have a potential to be sustainable if the requisite support structures that need to exist to support the micro-farmers are in place.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012