An examination of public participation in decision-making within the IDP processes with reference to Mhlontlo Local Municipality
- Authors: Pule, Banguxolo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Public administration -- Decision making -- Citizen participation , Local governmen -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Political participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9154 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019746
- Description: Public Participation is widely accepted as a way to strengthen the pillars of democratic and accountable governance. In South Africa, public participation is receiving prominence and increasing attention especially at local government level as this level is regarded as the sphere of government closest to the people. The new democratic government in South Africa regards public participation as a cornerstone of democracy. Ackerman (2004:448) asserts that the opening up of the core activities of the state to societal participation is one of the most effective ways to improve accountability and governance. Such accountability and involvement can be better achieved when communities are part of decision making processes in their communities. In South Africa, public participation was heralded by various pieces of legislations which obligated the public to participate and have a say in the decisions taken by their communities. Section 152 of the constitution: Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No 108 of 1996) requires local authority to “encourage the involvement of local communities and community organizations in matters of local government” Informed by the broad principles of the Constitution, the White Paper on Local Government 1998 introduced the notion of developmental local government. According to this Paper, “developmental local government is defined as local government that is committed to working with citizens and groups within the community to find sustainable ways to meet their social, economic and material needs and improve the quality of their lives”. It is through the process of public participation that citizens are given the opportunity to provide input and partake in decision making on service delivery and governance matters of their municipalities. It is widely acknowledged that active public participation is evidence of deepened democracy and can assist municipalities in i) enhancing service delivery ii) making government and officials more effective and accountable and most importantly involve the communities in decisions affecting their lives and communities. By and large, community involvement through public participatory systems ensures that municipalities incorporate the developmental needs of the people. Theseneeds are expressed and consolidated in municipal integrated development plans. To realise the above, the White Paper on Local Government 1998 suggests that “municipalities should develop mechanisms to ensure citizen participation in policy initiation and formulation, and the 3 monitoring and evaluation of decision-making and implementation”. As outlined above various laws gave a new meaning and a legitimised mandate to the role of local communities in the development of their communities. Informed by the above, this study examines the extent to which public participation influences decision making within the IDP processes and by association its impact on service delivery. This study is premised on the widely accepted view that public participation is a process involving the community or the public to gather opinions, investigate the needs, desires and wishes of the local community and to ensure that they as the community are involved in the decision making processes of their municipality. The study is of the view that the IDP processes represent a structured vehicle to enable citizens and groups to influence decision making through institutionalised municipal participatory structures. By so doing, the public and the government form a pact/partnership to ensure that the needs and aspirations of the community receive priority in the IDP processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Pule, Banguxolo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Public administration -- Decision making -- Citizen participation , Local governmen -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Political participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9154 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019746
- Description: Public Participation is widely accepted as a way to strengthen the pillars of democratic and accountable governance. In South Africa, public participation is receiving prominence and increasing attention especially at local government level as this level is regarded as the sphere of government closest to the people. The new democratic government in South Africa regards public participation as a cornerstone of democracy. Ackerman (2004:448) asserts that the opening up of the core activities of the state to societal participation is one of the most effective ways to improve accountability and governance. Such accountability and involvement can be better achieved when communities are part of decision making processes in their communities. In South Africa, public participation was heralded by various pieces of legislations which obligated the public to participate and have a say in the decisions taken by their communities. Section 152 of the constitution: Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No 108 of 1996) requires local authority to “encourage the involvement of local communities and community organizations in matters of local government” Informed by the broad principles of the Constitution, the White Paper on Local Government 1998 introduced the notion of developmental local government. According to this Paper, “developmental local government is defined as local government that is committed to working with citizens and groups within the community to find sustainable ways to meet their social, economic and material needs and improve the quality of their lives”. It is through the process of public participation that citizens are given the opportunity to provide input and partake in decision making on service delivery and governance matters of their municipalities. It is widely acknowledged that active public participation is evidence of deepened democracy and can assist municipalities in i) enhancing service delivery ii) making government and officials more effective and accountable and most importantly involve the communities in decisions affecting their lives and communities. By and large, community involvement through public participatory systems ensures that municipalities incorporate the developmental needs of the people. Theseneeds are expressed and consolidated in municipal integrated development plans. To realise the above, the White Paper on Local Government 1998 suggests that “municipalities should develop mechanisms to ensure citizen participation in policy initiation and formulation, and the 3 monitoring and evaluation of decision-making and implementation”. As outlined above various laws gave a new meaning and a legitimised mandate to the role of local communities in the development of their communities. Informed by the above, this study examines the extent to which public participation influences decision making within the IDP processes and by association its impact on service delivery. This study is premised on the widely accepted view that public participation is a process involving the community or the public to gather opinions, investigate the needs, desires and wishes of the local community and to ensure that they as the community are involved in the decision making processes of their municipality. The study is of the view that the IDP processes represent a structured vehicle to enable citizens and groups to influence decision making through institutionalised municipal participatory structures. By so doing, the public and the government form a pact/partnership to ensure that the needs and aspirations of the community receive priority in the IDP processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An exploration of conflict in farming family businesses in the southern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Kleynhans, Maria Magdalena
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Conflict (Psychology) , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Family farms -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8246 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011275 , Conflict (Psychology) , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Family farms -- South Africa
- Description: Family businesses are considered to be among the most important contributors to wealth and employment in virtually the world. This qualitative study looked at farming family businesses. Farming family businesses present certain unique features that discern them from other family businesses and are worthy of investigation. Two domains are identified in the literature and research about conflict in family business: The business and the family. The researcher postulated that the domain of the family is too broadly drawn and that farming family systems in the Sibling Partnership Stage, with their unique way of life and functioning, consist of several sub-systems which impact on the business. Conflict develops in and between the sub-systems. This study looked at conflict within farming family businesses from a systemic viewpoint, particularly focusing on the process aspects, the interactional dynamics in and between the sub-systems. Four active types of subsystems were identified in the case studies: Couples subsystems, parent child subsystems, sibling subsystems, in-law subsystems or subsystems of which at least one member is an in-law. The research aim was to explore the circular patterns in the two cases as systems and to uncover the function of the conflict in these systems. In both cases, circular conflict patterns came to the fore with the subsystems part of the feedback loops. The conflict escalation happened between the subsystems as elements and the conflict paths were circular, not linear. Sub-themes around family scripts, communication and perceptions about fairness were also uncovered in the research. Both cases were family businesses in the two-generational development stage. The function of the conflict in both systems could only be hypothesised due to the exploratory nature of the research. The researcher hypothesized that the function of the conflict in the systems centred around conflict as an attempt in the system to shake loose from entrenched restricting family scripts. The important themes that presented themselves in the research not envisaged in the planning stage. These themes are part of the systemic patterning in both the cases: Perceptions of fairness or rather unfairness feed into the conflict loop. Rewards and compensation are sensitive matters in all families. The more there are perceptions of unfairness in a subsystem, the more entrenched that belief becomes, the more the conflict in the system escalates and the bigger the emotional distance gets from the assumed beneficiaries of benefits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kleynhans, Maria Magdalena
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Conflict (Psychology) , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Family farms -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8246 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011275 , Conflict (Psychology) , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Family farms -- South Africa
- Description: Family businesses are considered to be among the most important contributors to wealth and employment in virtually the world. This qualitative study looked at farming family businesses. Farming family businesses present certain unique features that discern them from other family businesses and are worthy of investigation. Two domains are identified in the literature and research about conflict in family business: The business and the family. The researcher postulated that the domain of the family is too broadly drawn and that farming family systems in the Sibling Partnership Stage, with their unique way of life and functioning, consist of several sub-systems which impact on the business. Conflict develops in and between the sub-systems. This study looked at conflict within farming family businesses from a systemic viewpoint, particularly focusing on the process aspects, the interactional dynamics in and between the sub-systems. Four active types of subsystems were identified in the case studies: Couples subsystems, parent child subsystems, sibling subsystems, in-law subsystems or subsystems of which at least one member is an in-law. The research aim was to explore the circular patterns in the two cases as systems and to uncover the function of the conflict in these systems. In both cases, circular conflict patterns came to the fore with the subsystems part of the feedback loops. The conflict escalation happened between the subsystems as elements and the conflict paths were circular, not linear. Sub-themes around family scripts, communication and perceptions about fairness were also uncovered in the research. Both cases were family businesses in the two-generational development stage. The function of the conflict in both systems could only be hypothesised due to the exploratory nature of the research. The researcher hypothesized that the function of the conflict in the systems centred around conflict as an attempt in the system to shake loose from entrenched restricting family scripts. The important themes that presented themselves in the research not envisaged in the planning stage. These themes are part of the systemic patterning in both the cases: Perceptions of fairness or rather unfairness feed into the conflict loop. Rewards and compensation are sensitive matters in all families. The more there are perceptions of unfairness in a subsystem, the more entrenched that belief becomes, the more the conflict in the system escalates and the bigger the emotional distance gets from the assumed beneficiaries of benefits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An exploration of economic discontent towards foreign nationals in the xenophobic attacks in Port Elizabeth, Walmer township
- Authors: Nomarwayi, Thandolwethu
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Foreign workers -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Xenophobia -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- Violence against -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9136 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018683
- Description: Post-apartheid South Africa has been marked by a wave of social unrest; from service delivery protests to xenophobic violence targeted towards foreign nationals. Immigrants from across the African soil are victims of this barbaric behavior (xenophobia). A derogatory name such as “makwerekwere” is given to foreign nationals to make them feel inferior and less human. In 2008 these attacks worsened almost in every black township throughout the country. The victims are mostly Somalis and Zimbabweans shop or spaza owners. There are quite a number of explanations that prompted these attacks and they include the following; competition for scarce resources, lack of economic and business opportunities. Foreigners are easily employable because they accept cheap labour, thus making it hard for South Africans to find jobs. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to explore economic discontent against foreign nationals into xenophobic attacks. This study highlights the relationship that co-exists between economic discontent and xenophobic attacks in Port Elizabeth, Walmer Township and the research methods that were used and how these methods were used in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Nomarwayi, Thandolwethu
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Foreign workers -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Xenophobia -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- Violence against -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9136 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018683
- Description: Post-apartheid South Africa has been marked by a wave of social unrest; from service delivery protests to xenophobic violence targeted towards foreign nationals. Immigrants from across the African soil are victims of this barbaric behavior (xenophobia). A derogatory name such as “makwerekwere” is given to foreign nationals to make them feel inferior and less human. In 2008 these attacks worsened almost in every black township throughout the country. The victims are mostly Somalis and Zimbabweans shop or spaza owners. There are quite a number of explanations that prompted these attacks and they include the following; competition for scarce resources, lack of economic and business opportunities. Foreigners are easily employable because they accept cheap labour, thus making it hard for South Africans to find jobs. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to explore economic discontent against foreign nationals into xenophobic attacks. This study highlights the relationship that co-exists between economic discontent and xenophobic attacks in Port Elizabeth, Walmer Township and the research methods that were used and how these methods were used in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An exploration of managed land settlement as a mechanism for the provision of sustainable settlements : a case study of Icwili Location in Great Kei Local Municipality
- Authors: Kabane, Noxolo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Human settlements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land settlement -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9155 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019794
- Description: The Constitution of South Africa guarantees the right of citizens to access to adequate housing and land. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 also recognises the right to adequate housing as an important component of the right to an adequate standard of living. However, vast numbers of citizens have been unable to access adequate housing due to regulatory frameworks operating in the cities and towns that they live in. Using the case study research methodology, the study shows how an alternative approach to housing delivery can be implemented. The study looks at a community in iCwili Location which is in the Great Kei Local municipality which piloted the managed land settlement (MLS) approach to housing delivery. MLS seeks to promote an incremental approach to site, service and housing delivery. It emphasizes the need for the provision of planned, secure land with access to basic services as a first step towards housing delivery and settlement upgrading. The study documented the process involved in the implementation of the pilot project and how the community was involved with project. The findings revealed that the community appreciated being involved with each phase of the project and being part of the decision-making process. The respondents cited the delight they shared with having occupation rights to the land and they could finally be in position to be able to build their homes with no fear of eviction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kabane, Noxolo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Human settlements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land settlement -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9155 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019794
- Description: The Constitution of South Africa guarantees the right of citizens to access to adequate housing and land. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 also recognises the right to adequate housing as an important component of the right to an adequate standard of living. However, vast numbers of citizens have been unable to access adequate housing due to regulatory frameworks operating in the cities and towns that they live in. Using the case study research methodology, the study shows how an alternative approach to housing delivery can be implemented. The study looks at a community in iCwili Location which is in the Great Kei Local municipality which piloted the managed land settlement (MLS) approach to housing delivery. MLS seeks to promote an incremental approach to site, service and housing delivery. It emphasizes the need for the provision of planned, secure land with access to basic services as a first step towards housing delivery and settlement upgrading. The study documented the process involved in the implementation of the pilot project and how the community was involved with project. The findings revealed that the community appreciated being involved with each phase of the project and being part of the decision-making process. The respondents cited the delight they shared with having occupation rights to the land and they could finally be in position to be able to build their homes with no fear of eviction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An exploration of the LED programme on the Blue Crane Route Municipality with specific reference to Cookhouse
- Authors: Sonkwala, Mxolisi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Local Economic Development (Programme) , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Cookhouse , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9221 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020926
- Description: There is a growing consensus globally about the significance of developing local and regional economies in order to create sustainable livelihood for local communities. The policy discourse in South Africa and elsewhere as well as the immense body of literature on local economic development bears testimony to this reality (Nel 1994,Tomlinson 1994, Rogerson 2003, World Bank 2002). The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) and the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act (Act 36 of 2000) enshrine the role of municipalities in enhancing the economic growth and development, and harnessing the social wellbeing of the communities ‘through creation of employment opportunities and redistribution of resources’. Importantly, this legislative framework must be accompanied by, on the one hand proper structures and political will, and on the other hand provision of resources and institutional capacity for realization of the long term objectives of Local Economic Development (LED). In order to be successfully mainstreamed and implemented the LED must be embodied within the legally prescribed Integrated Development Plans. In addition, the LED strategy must be incorporated within the Provincial Growth and Development Strategies (PGDS). In this research an exploration of the Local Economic Development Programme on the Blue Crane Route Municipality with specific reference to Cookhouse was investigated. The primary aim of this study was to establish the views of the residents regarding their perceptions of the LED and its effects in terms of addressing current poverty related problems and their view on the proposed wind farm project, to investigate the proposed implementation process of LED project, specifically at Cookhouse. The second objective of this research was to present empirical data from both a questionnaire completed by 18 respondents and two interviews, that helps amplify and verify the impact of LED at BCRM. The question answered was whether the proposed wind farm will make an impact on the lives of the ordinary people at Cookhouse. The final objective of this research to identify the shortcomings in the LED development process in the BCRM and to make recommendations on feasible actions that could be employed to alleviate poverty. The findings of the research suggest that the proposed project should be evaluated taking the themes of social, environmental and economic aspects of sustainable development into account. Also the findings of the research have noted that community members are not aware of what opportunities this project will bring to the community of Cookhouse. It should be noted that when this project was identified, the community was never consulted and now it’s very difficult at this stage to reject the project since there employment opportunities. Therefore local authorities are constitutionally obliged create space for community participation, which warrants accessibility and availability of information to local communities to enable to participate effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Sonkwala, Mxolisi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Local Economic Development (Programme) , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Cookhouse , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9221 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020926
- Description: There is a growing consensus globally about the significance of developing local and regional economies in order to create sustainable livelihood for local communities. The policy discourse in South Africa and elsewhere as well as the immense body of literature on local economic development bears testimony to this reality (Nel 1994,Tomlinson 1994, Rogerson 2003, World Bank 2002). The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) and the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act (Act 36 of 2000) enshrine the role of municipalities in enhancing the economic growth and development, and harnessing the social wellbeing of the communities ‘through creation of employment opportunities and redistribution of resources’. Importantly, this legislative framework must be accompanied by, on the one hand proper structures and political will, and on the other hand provision of resources and institutional capacity for realization of the long term objectives of Local Economic Development (LED). In order to be successfully mainstreamed and implemented the LED must be embodied within the legally prescribed Integrated Development Plans. In addition, the LED strategy must be incorporated within the Provincial Growth and Development Strategies (PGDS). In this research an exploration of the Local Economic Development Programme on the Blue Crane Route Municipality with specific reference to Cookhouse was investigated. The primary aim of this study was to establish the views of the residents regarding their perceptions of the LED and its effects in terms of addressing current poverty related problems and their view on the proposed wind farm project, to investigate the proposed implementation process of LED project, specifically at Cookhouse. The second objective of this research was to present empirical data from both a questionnaire completed by 18 respondents and two interviews, that helps amplify and verify the impact of LED at BCRM. The question answered was whether the proposed wind farm will make an impact on the lives of the ordinary people at Cookhouse. The final objective of this research to identify the shortcomings in the LED development process in the BCRM and to make recommendations on feasible actions that could be employed to alleviate poverty. The findings of the research suggest that the proposed project should be evaluated taking the themes of social, environmental and economic aspects of sustainable development into account. Also the findings of the research have noted that community members are not aware of what opportunities this project will bring to the community of Cookhouse. It should be noted that when this project was identified, the community was never consulted and now it’s very difficult at this stage to reject the project since there employment opportunities. Therefore local authorities are constitutionally obliged create space for community participation, which warrants accessibility and availability of information to local communities to enable to participate effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An exploratory study of music education in the FET bands (Grades 10-12) in selected secondary schools
- Authors: Leqela, Moeletse Armstrong
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Music -- Instruction and study -- South Africa , Education, Secondary -- Curricula -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8521 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1017226
- Description: South African education has been heavily influenced by British rule since 1806 and “the legacy of apartheid continues to be felt in the education system of South Africa” (Herbst, 2005:4). This legacy stems largely from the introduction of English as a language of transmission to the legislation and regulations, such as the Bantu Education Act (1953), the Correspondence College Act (1965) and the Technical College Act (1981, amended in 1989 regulating technical colleges) (DoE, 2003:1-2; Herbst, 2005:4). The African National Congress (ANC), which became the new government in 1994, felt that the syllabus prior to 1994 was overly prescriptive and fragmented. The system had already been declared, in a review in 1980, as inferior, biased towards Western European ideals, and that the content and the examinations “did not provide an appropriate school leaving certificate for the majority of learners” (Department of Education (c), 2003:1-2). The current government felt the need for the system to be phased out and for the phasing in of a system of outcomes-based education which was to be put into operation from 1997 and finalized in 2008 (Department of Education (c), 2003:1; Hauptfleisch, 1993:1; Herbst, 2005:4). The National Curriculum Statement Grades 10-12 was aimed at replacing Report 550, A Résumé of Instructional Programmes in Schools (hereafter referred to as Report 550), as the document that stipulated policy on curriculum and qualifications in Grades 10-12 (Department of Education (c), 2003:viii). The 1997 National Curriculum statement was revised in 2002 and was thereafter referred to as the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS) (Herbst, 2005:4). By the early 2000‟s the need for a revision of the South African education system had gained momentum. The criticism was fuelled by children‟s inability to read, write and count, their lack of general knowledge, and the shift away from explicit teaching and learning to facilitation and group work. Furthermore, teachers did not know what to teach (Dada et al., 2009:13). In July 2009 the then Minister of Basic Education appointed a panel of experts to investigate the nature of the challenges and problems experienced in the implementation of the National Curriculum Statement and to develop a set of recommendations designed to improve the implementation thereof (Dada et al., 2009:5). The panel of 2009, amongst other things, designed a document called Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). CAPS aims to improve, inter alia, the implementation of Music as a subject in the National Curriculum Statement. CAPS is the single comprehensive Curriculum and Assessment Policy document developed to replace the old Subject Statements, Learning Programme Guidelines and Subject Assessment Guidelines in Grades R – 12, the amended National Curriculum Statement Grades R - 12: Curriculum and Assessment Policy (January 2011), the National Curriculum Statement Grades R - 9 (2002) and the National Curriculum Statement Grades 10 - 12 (2004). Within the changing context of South African education the purpose of the current research is to explore the perceptions of NMMU second year fulltime students on music education at selected senior secondary schools in South Africa. It is proposed that respondents of this study are university music students who were admitted in 2011 for all qualifications in the music department of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Leqela, Moeletse Armstrong
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Music -- Instruction and study -- South Africa , Education, Secondary -- Curricula -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8521 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1017226
- Description: South African education has been heavily influenced by British rule since 1806 and “the legacy of apartheid continues to be felt in the education system of South Africa” (Herbst, 2005:4). This legacy stems largely from the introduction of English as a language of transmission to the legislation and regulations, such as the Bantu Education Act (1953), the Correspondence College Act (1965) and the Technical College Act (1981, amended in 1989 regulating technical colleges) (DoE, 2003:1-2; Herbst, 2005:4). The African National Congress (ANC), which became the new government in 1994, felt that the syllabus prior to 1994 was overly prescriptive and fragmented. The system had already been declared, in a review in 1980, as inferior, biased towards Western European ideals, and that the content and the examinations “did not provide an appropriate school leaving certificate for the majority of learners” (Department of Education (c), 2003:1-2). The current government felt the need for the system to be phased out and for the phasing in of a system of outcomes-based education which was to be put into operation from 1997 and finalized in 2008 (Department of Education (c), 2003:1; Hauptfleisch, 1993:1; Herbst, 2005:4). The National Curriculum Statement Grades 10-12 was aimed at replacing Report 550, A Résumé of Instructional Programmes in Schools (hereafter referred to as Report 550), as the document that stipulated policy on curriculum and qualifications in Grades 10-12 (Department of Education (c), 2003:viii). The 1997 National Curriculum statement was revised in 2002 and was thereafter referred to as the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS) (Herbst, 2005:4). By the early 2000‟s the need for a revision of the South African education system had gained momentum. The criticism was fuelled by children‟s inability to read, write and count, their lack of general knowledge, and the shift away from explicit teaching and learning to facilitation and group work. Furthermore, teachers did not know what to teach (Dada et al., 2009:13). In July 2009 the then Minister of Basic Education appointed a panel of experts to investigate the nature of the challenges and problems experienced in the implementation of the National Curriculum Statement and to develop a set of recommendations designed to improve the implementation thereof (Dada et al., 2009:5). The panel of 2009, amongst other things, designed a document called Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). CAPS aims to improve, inter alia, the implementation of Music as a subject in the National Curriculum Statement. CAPS is the single comprehensive Curriculum and Assessment Policy document developed to replace the old Subject Statements, Learning Programme Guidelines and Subject Assessment Guidelines in Grades R – 12, the amended National Curriculum Statement Grades R - 12: Curriculum and Assessment Policy (January 2011), the National Curriculum Statement Grades R - 9 (2002) and the National Curriculum Statement Grades 10 - 12 (2004). Within the changing context of South African education the purpose of the current research is to explore the perceptions of NMMU second year fulltime students on music education at selected senior secondary schools in South Africa. It is proposed that respondents of this study are university music students who were admitted in 2011 for all qualifications in the music department of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An exploratory study of South African choral identity with specific reference to three regional children's choirs
- Authors: Swart, Jan-Erik
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Children's choirs , Cultural pluralism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:8519 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013205
- Description: This qualitative mini-treatise explores how South African choral identity is perceived by three regional children’s choirs, facing challenges of representing cultural diversity against the background of an ongoing process of social transformation. The study proposes that choirs from South Africa project a distinctly South African “choral” identity which they themselves have constructed by fabricating a mental representation of themselves, and which they project outwardly by means of a range of musical and extra-musical elements observable in the cultural product and artifacts generated over time. The researcher has analyzed a selection of cultural products and artifacts of the Eastern Cape Children’s Choir, the Cantare Children’s Choir and the Tygerberg Children’s Choir, in order to identify common practices among three subject choirs which sustain their continuity, in terms of Richard’s definition of identity (in Torres 2008: 3): “to name a set of practices which subjects may adopt in sustaining both the individual and, to varying degrees, collective continuity”. Research findings indicate that subject choirs are perceived, and project their choral identities, according to their musical ability to communicate and interact with other world-class choirs. Recurring practices undertaken by each subject choir, in order to maintain their international perspective, are identified as key to sustaining their continuity. Choral identity is furthermore strongly influenced by the choral tradition of the choir and the role of the conductor in developing their choral tone. This study is significant to regional children’s choirs seeking to overcome challenges of renegotiating cultural identity, as well as sustaining and expanding choral singing as an art form in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Swart, Jan-Erik
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Children's choirs , Cultural pluralism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:8519 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013205
- Description: This qualitative mini-treatise explores how South African choral identity is perceived by three regional children’s choirs, facing challenges of representing cultural diversity against the background of an ongoing process of social transformation. The study proposes that choirs from South Africa project a distinctly South African “choral” identity which they themselves have constructed by fabricating a mental representation of themselves, and which they project outwardly by means of a range of musical and extra-musical elements observable in the cultural product and artifacts generated over time. The researcher has analyzed a selection of cultural products and artifacts of the Eastern Cape Children’s Choir, the Cantare Children’s Choir and the Tygerberg Children’s Choir, in order to identify common practices among three subject choirs which sustain their continuity, in terms of Richard’s definition of identity (in Torres 2008: 3): “to name a set of practices which subjects may adopt in sustaining both the individual and, to varying degrees, collective continuity”. Research findings indicate that subject choirs are perceived, and project their choral identities, according to their musical ability to communicate and interact with other world-class choirs. Recurring practices undertaken by each subject choir, in order to maintain their international perspective, are identified as key to sustaining their continuity. Choral identity is furthermore strongly influenced by the choral tradition of the choir and the role of the conductor in developing their choral tone. This study is significant to regional children’s choirs seeking to overcome challenges of renegotiating cultural identity, as well as sustaining and expanding choral singing as an art form in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An exploratory study of the ability of small, micro, medium enterprises development to create jobs and serve as centres of skills development in the construction industry : a case study in King WIlliams Town
- Authors: Nkonya, Nolubabalo Grace
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Construction industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9150 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018927
- Description: The significance of SMME development as a route to creating jobs and enhancing skills development has been and is still on top of South Africa‟s developmental agenda. The escalating unemployment rate and skills shortage to meet with demands of globalization compels the government to develop strategies to respond to the crisis. It is eighteen years since South Africa became a democratic country but the job creation and skills development sectors remain in a crisis. Stagnant economic growth is as a result of high unemployment which is a factor of skills shortage in the black South African labour force. The government creates an enabling environment by developing flexible regulations for equal participation of historically disadvantaged individuals to participate the in mainstream economic activities. Public investment through infrastructure development is one of the labour intensive programmes to promote SMME development, job creation and skills development. It is against this background that this research aims to explore the effect of SMME development in creating jobs and its ability to serve as centres of skills development. Also, it is against this background that this study aims to assess the extent of government support in creating an enabling environment for SMME development to achieve its ultimate goals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Nkonya, Nolubabalo Grace
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Construction industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9150 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018927
- Description: The significance of SMME development as a route to creating jobs and enhancing skills development has been and is still on top of South Africa‟s developmental agenda. The escalating unemployment rate and skills shortage to meet with demands of globalization compels the government to develop strategies to respond to the crisis. It is eighteen years since South Africa became a democratic country but the job creation and skills development sectors remain in a crisis. Stagnant economic growth is as a result of high unemployment which is a factor of skills shortage in the black South African labour force. The government creates an enabling environment by developing flexible regulations for equal participation of historically disadvantaged individuals to participate the in mainstream economic activities. Public investment through infrastructure development is one of the labour intensive programmes to promote SMME development, job creation and skills development. It is against this background that this research aims to explore the effect of SMME development in creating jobs and its ability to serve as centres of skills development. Also, it is against this background that this study aims to assess the extent of government support in creating an enabling environment for SMME development to achieve its ultimate goals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An integrated management system for quality and information security in healthcare
- Authors: Tyali, Sinovuyo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Health services administration -- Quality control.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9745 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1006670 , Health services administration -- Quality control.
- Description: Health service organizations are increasingly required to deliver quality healthcare services without increasing costs. The adoption of health information technologies can assist these organizations to deliver a quality service; however, this again exposes the health information to threats. The protection of personal health information is critical to ensure the privacy of patients in the care of health service organizations. Therefore both quality and information security are of importance in healthcare. Organisations commonly use management system standards to assist them to improve a particular function (e.g. quality or security) through structured organizational processes to establish, maintain and optimise a management system for the particular function. In the healthcare sector, the ISO 9001, ISO 9004 and IWA 1 standards may be used for the purpose of improving quality management through the establishment of a quality management system. Similarly, the ISO 27001 and ISO 27799 standards may be used to improve information security management through the establishment of an information security management system. However, the concurrent implementation of multiple standards brings confusion and complexity within organisations. A possible solution to the confusion is to introduce an integrated management system that addresses the requirements of multiple management systems. In this research, various standards relevant to the establishment of management systems for quality and security are studied. Additionally, literature on integrated management systems is reviewed to determine a possible approach to establishing an IMS for quality and information security in healthcare. It will be shown that the quality management and information security management standards contain commonalities that an integration approach can be based on. A detailed investigation of these commonalities is done in order to present the final proposal of the IMSQS, the Integrated Management System for Quality and Information Security in healthcare.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Tyali, Sinovuyo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Health services administration -- Quality control.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9745 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1006670 , Health services administration -- Quality control.
- Description: Health service organizations are increasingly required to deliver quality healthcare services without increasing costs. The adoption of health information technologies can assist these organizations to deliver a quality service; however, this again exposes the health information to threats. The protection of personal health information is critical to ensure the privacy of patients in the care of health service organizations. Therefore both quality and information security are of importance in healthcare. Organisations commonly use management system standards to assist them to improve a particular function (e.g. quality or security) through structured organizational processes to establish, maintain and optimise a management system for the particular function. In the healthcare sector, the ISO 9001, ISO 9004 and IWA 1 standards may be used for the purpose of improving quality management through the establishment of a quality management system. Similarly, the ISO 27001 and ISO 27799 standards may be used to improve information security management through the establishment of an information security management system. However, the concurrent implementation of multiple standards brings confusion and complexity within organisations. A possible solution to the confusion is to introduce an integrated management system that addresses the requirements of multiple management systems. In this research, various standards relevant to the establishment of management systems for quality and security are studied. Additionally, literature on integrated management systems is reviewed to determine a possible approach to establishing an IMS for quality and information security in healthcare. It will be shown that the quality management and information security management standards contain commonalities that an integration approach can be based on. A detailed investigation of these commonalities is done in order to present the final proposal of the IMSQS, the Integrated Management System for Quality and Information Security in healthcare.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An integrated management system for quality and information security in healthcare
- Authors: Tyali, Sinovuyo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Health services administration -- Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9800 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012134 , Health services administration -- Quality control
- Description: Health service organizations are increasingly required to deliver quality healthcare services without increasing costs. The adoption of health information technologies can assist these organizations to deliver a quality service; however, this again exposes the health information to threats. The protection of personal health information is critical to ensure the privacy of patients in the care of health service organizations. Therefore both quality and information security are of importance in healthcare. Organisations commonly use management system standards to assist them to improve a particular function (e.g. quality or security) through structured organizational processes to establish, maintain and optimise a management system for the particular function. In the healthcare sector, the ISO 9001, ISO 9004 and IWA 1 standards may be used for the purpose of improving quality management through the establishment of a quality management system. Similarly, the ISO 27001 and ISO 27799 standards may be used to improve information security management through the establishment of an information security management system. However, the concurrent implementation of multiple standards brings confusion and complexity within organisations. A possible solution to the confusion is to introduce an integrated management system that addresses the requirements of multiple management systems. In this research, various standards relevant to the establishment of management systems for quality and security are studied. Additionally, literature on integrated management systems is reviewed to determine a possible approach to establishing an IMS for quality and information security in healthcare. It will be shown that the quality management and information security management standards contain commonalities that an integration approach can be based on. A detailed investigation of these commonalities is done in order to present the final proposal of the IMSQS, the Integrated Management System for Quality and Information Security in healthcare.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Tyali, Sinovuyo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Health services administration -- Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9800 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012134 , Health services administration -- Quality control
- Description: Health service organizations are increasingly required to deliver quality healthcare services without increasing costs. The adoption of health information technologies can assist these organizations to deliver a quality service; however, this again exposes the health information to threats. The protection of personal health information is critical to ensure the privacy of patients in the care of health service organizations. Therefore both quality and information security are of importance in healthcare. Organisations commonly use management system standards to assist them to improve a particular function (e.g. quality or security) through structured organizational processes to establish, maintain and optimise a management system for the particular function. In the healthcare sector, the ISO 9001, ISO 9004 and IWA 1 standards may be used for the purpose of improving quality management through the establishment of a quality management system. Similarly, the ISO 27001 and ISO 27799 standards may be used to improve information security management through the establishment of an information security management system. However, the concurrent implementation of multiple standards brings confusion and complexity within organisations. A possible solution to the confusion is to introduce an integrated management system that addresses the requirements of multiple management systems. In this research, various standards relevant to the establishment of management systems for quality and security are studied. Additionally, literature on integrated management systems is reviewed to determine a possible approach to establishing an IMS for quality and information security in healthcare. It will be shown that the quality management and information security management standards contain commonalities that an integration approach can be based on. A detailed investigation of these commonalities is done in order to present the final proposal of the IMSQS, the Integrated Management System for Quality and Information Security in healthcare.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation into factors impacting on exports from South Africa to the Southern African Development Community (SADC)
- Authors: Fish, Colin
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Exports -- South Africa , Exports -- Africa, Southern , Manufactures -- South Africa , Manufactures -- Africa, Southern , Economic assistance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8800 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016494
- Description: Globalisation has changed the world economy. Manufacturers face vigorous competition in both local and export markets and need to have a genuine competitive advantage in order to prosper and grow. South Africa is still predominantly a resource based exporter with high aspirations of developing trade in value-added products. The government has recognised the importance of developing national manufacturing capacity as a means of increasing employment and reducing poverty. To this end the government provides substantial support to both the manufacturing and exporting sectors. The government also negotiated the Southern African Development Community (SADC) agreement which leverages some powerful competitive advantages for South African manufacturers exporting into the region. However, since ratification of the SADC agreement in 2008 there has been no perceptible increase in export activity to the region when compared to other markets. This research study was conducted to determine why this is the case and what factors are influencing the process. A literature review was undertaken encapsulating three principal themes; namely, export barriers, the role of the South African government in the export process, and the SADC agreement. Based on the findings of the literature review a research questionnaire was constructed and subsequently completed by a cross section of manufacturers in the Eastern Cape. It was found that export barriers do not pose a major obstacle to trade into the SADC region. The role the government plays was less conclusive with some successes noted, but on the whole the impact is not meaningfully positive. On the other hand the SADC agreement and the dynamics prevailing in the free trade area do have a positive impact on exports to the region. The level of awareness with regard to the government support initiatives was disappointingly low. The government offers a number of helpful support initiatives which are unknown to more than half the response group. The awareness level of the dynamics prevailing in the SADC region are an improvement but are still surprisingly low. South African manufacturers enjoy significant competitive advantages within the region that are going largely unnoticed. It is recommended, inter alia, that the government consolidates some of its support initiatives, as well as provides a dedicated SADC support desk. Management should adopt an export culture and re-evaluate the opportunity to trade with the SADC region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Fish, Colin
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Exports -- South Africa , Exports -- Africa, Southern , Manufactures -- South Africa , Manufactures -- Africa, Southern , Economic assistance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8800 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016494
- Description: Globalisation has changed the world economy. Manufacturers face vigorous competition in both local and export markets and need to have a genuine competitive advantage in order to prosper and grow. South Africa is still predominantly a resource based exporter with high aspirations of developing trade in value-added products. The government has recognised the importance of developing national manufacturing capacity as a means of increasing employment and reducing poverty. To this end the government provides substantial support to both the manufacturing and exporting sectors. The government also negotiated the Southern African Development Community (SADC) agreement which leverages some powerful competitive advantages for South African manufacturers exporting into the region. However, since ratification of the SADC agreement in 2008 there has been no perceptible increase in export activity to the region when compared to other markets. This research study was conducted to determine why this is the case and what factors are influencing the process. A literature review was undertaken encapsulating three principal themes; namely, export barriers, the role of the South African government in the export process, and the SADC agreement. Based on the findings of the literature review a research questionnaire was constructed and subsequently completed by a cross section of manufacturers in the Eastern Cape. It was found that export barriers do not pose a major obstacle to trade into the SADC region. The role the government plays was less conclusive with some successes noted, but on the whole the impact is not meaningfully positive. On the other hand the SADC agreement and the dynamics prevailing in the free trade area do have a positive impact on exports to the region. The level of awareness with regard to the government support initiatives was disappointingly low. The government offers a number of helpful support initiatives which are unknown to more than half the response group. The awareness level of the dynamics prevailing in the SADC region are an improvement but are still surprisingly low. South African manufacturers enjoy significant competitive advantages within the region that are going largely unnoticed. It is recommended, inter alia, that the government consolidates some of its support initiatives, as well as provides a dedicated SADC support desk. Management should adopt an export culture and re-evaluate the opportunity to trade with the SADC region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation into integrating social sites as a teaching and learning practice to create dialogue spaces in the language classroom
- Authors: Olamijulo, Christianah
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Online social networks , Blended learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8429 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020149
- Description: This study intends to explore how social media or social networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook can facilitate communication channels or create dialogue spaces in a language class. Social media is a form of participatory media, which broadly refers to the “collection of communication channels or mediums (primarily online and mobile) through which social networks originate and are sustained” (Flew 2008:109). Although the term social media is often used as a collective term for SNSs or as the core trademark of Web 2.0, Flew (2008:17) also distinguishes social media by calling it a “communications infrastructure” that allows for “participation, interactivity, collaborative learning and social networking”. Flew (2008) identifies various online sites including the online encyclopaedia Wikipedia and the online user-generated video site YouTube as well as various personalised web space sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Friendster and Bebo as participatory media. The study’s data collection was situated at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) and investigated how social media can be used to facilitate dialogue between a tutor and BKI1120 Communication in English B students in a Higher Education (HE) context using qualitative methodology. This study compared the use of existing and more traditional or conventional classroom communication practices with those of SNSs as a communication channel, while focusing on social media application as a communication tool to create dialogue spaces that support teaching and learning practices. The research also attempted to identify alternative applications of social media for teaching and learning practices to inform researchers in the fields of HE and media. In the first data-collection phase, BKI1120 Communication in English B Public Management students were selected as the sample for the study. Seventeen students participated in the BKI1120 Facebook page created for the purpose of this study. In the second data-collection phase, a taped focus-group interview was conducted with eight BKI1120 Communication in English B students. The interview transcript was then analysed qualitatively for themes. The research findings showed that social media or SNSs such as Facebook can facilitate communication channels or create dialogue spaces in a language class, if it is managed effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Olamijulo, Christianah
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Online social networks , Blended learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8429 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020149
- Description: This study intends to explore how social media or social networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook can facilitate communication channels or create dialogue spaces in a language class. Social media is a form of participatory media, which broadly refers to the “collection of communication channels or mediums (primarily online and mobile) through which social networks originate and are sustained” (Flew 2008:109). Although the term social media is often used as a collective term for SNSs or as the core trademark of Web 2.0, Flew (2008:17) also distinguishes social media by calling it a “communications infrastructure” that allows for “participation, interactivity, collaborative learning and social networking”. Flew (2008) identifies various online sites including the online encyclopaedia Wikipedia and the online user-generated video site YouTube as well as various personalised web space sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Friendster and Bebo as participatory media. The study’s data collection was situated at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) and investigated how social media can be used to facilitate dialogue between a tutor and BKI1120 Communication in English B students in a Higher Education (HE) context using qualitative methodology. This study compared the use of existing and more traditional or conventional classroom communication practices with those of SNSs as a communication channel, while focusing on social media application as a communication tool to create dialogue spaces that support teaching and learning practices. The research also attempted to identify alternative applications of social media for teaching and learning practices to inform researchers in the fields of HE and media. In the first data-collection phase, BKI1120 Communication in English B Public Management students were selected as the sample for the study. Seventeen students participated in the BKI1120 Facebook page created for the purpose of this study. In the second data-collection phase, a taped focus-group interview was conducted with eight BKI1120 Communication in English B students. The interview transcript was then analysed qualitatively for themes. The research findings showed that social media or SNSs such as Facebook can facilitate communication channels or create dialogue spaces in a language class, if it is managed effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation into refuge trauma experiences in an ethnic Somali community in Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- Barnwell, Garret Christopher
- Authors: Barnwell, Garret Christopher
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Refugees -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Somali diaspora , Forced migration -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Refugees -- Abuse of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8275 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016061
- Description: The study aimed to explore and describe the forced migration experiences of Somali refugees living in Port Elizabeth, South Africa and the impact of refugee-specific trauma on this population. A mixed method triangulation research design with a quantitative weighting was employed and purposive snowball, non-probability sampling was used to construct a sample of 30 adult Somali refugees from Port Elizabeth’s Korsten community. Participants were included in the study if they fulfilled the pre-defined inclusion criteria of having successfully applied for refugee status, having resided in South Africa for at least six months and being 18 years or older. A semi-structured interview questionnaire was developed by the researcher to operationalise the constructs being measured. The questionnaire comprised a biographical and antecedent event(s) questionnaires as well as sections of the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire Revised Version. Data was then analysed via exploratory descriptive statistics and correlation coefficients. The research found that the majority of Somali refugees cited conflict, insecurity and instability as the mainn reasons for leaving their country of origin, suggesting the basic need for safety and security was unmet. One third of the sample reported that the main reason for leaving was the same as their most traumatic life event. The average participant had experienced 16 traumatic events and experienced 23 trauma symptoms on average, demonstrating high levels of trauma among the study population. The study recommends that the link between the main reason for forced migration and refugee trauma be explored.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Barnwell, Garret Christopher
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Refugees -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Somali diaspora , Forced migration -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Refugees -- Abuse of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8275 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016061
- Description: The study aimed to explore and describe the forced migration experiences of Somali refugees living in Port Elizabeth, South Africa and the impact of refugee-specific trauma on this population. A mixed method triangulation research design with a quantitative weighting was employed and purposive snowball, non-probability sampling was used to construct a sample of 30 adult Somali refugees from Port Elizabeth’s Korsten community. Participants were included in the study if they fulfilled the pre-defined inclusion criteria of having successfully applied for refugee status, having resided in South Africa for at least six months and being 18 years or older. A semi-structured interview questionnaire was developed by the researcher to operationalise the constructs being measured. The questionnaire comprised a biographical and antecedent event(s) questionnaires as well as sections of the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire Revised Version. Data was then analysed via exploratory descriptive statistics and correlation coefficients. The research found that the majority of Somali refugees cited conflict, insecurity and instability as the mainn reasons for leaving their country of origin, suggesting the basic need for safety and security was unmet. One third of the sample reported that the main reason for leaving was the same as their most traumatic life event. The average participant had experienced 16 traumatic events and experienced 23 trauma symptoms on average, demonstrating high levels of trauma among the study population. The study recommends that the link between the main reason for forced migration and refugee trauma be explored.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation into the factors influencing the levels of job satisfaction and organisational commitment of non-family employees working in family businesses
- Letele-Matabooe, Makatleho Julia
- Authors: Letele-Matabooe, Makatleho Julia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises , Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9277 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1594 , Family-owned business enterprises , Job satisfaction
- Description: Given the increasingly important role that non-family employees working in family businesses play in the success of these businesses, as well as the challenges they are faced with, it is surprising that little is known about their experiences in the family business. This study therefore was aimed at contributing to the more effective functioning of this important stakeholder group in South Africa by identifying the factors that impact on their levels of job satisfaction and organisational commitment in family businesses. As such the primary objective of this study was to identify the factors that impact on non-family employees’ levels of Job satisfaction and Organisational commitment to the family business in which they are employed. This study sought to incorporate prior findings and theories on job satisfaction and organisational commitment into a comprehensive theoretical model. In addition, support for these theories was sought in the literature. The literature review revealed three main categories of constructs, namely, relational-based, organisational-based and reward-based factors, as influencing the levels of Job satisfaction and Organisational commitment of non-family employees working in family businesses. Within these three categories, 15 independent variables were identified and hypothesised to influence the levels of the dependent variables Job satisfaction and Organisational commitment. Of the 15 independent variables, 6 were categorised as relational-based, another 6 as organisational-based and 3 as reward-based factors. All of the constructs in this study were clearly defined and operationalised. Operationalisation was done by using reliable and valid items sourced from measuring instruments used by prior studies. In addition, several items were selfgenerated items based on secondary sources. The convenience snowball sampling technique was used to identify respondents, and a structured questionnaire was made available to them. The data collected 280 usable questionnaires and was subjected to various statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was assessed by means of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and Cronbach-alpha coefficients were confirmed for this purpose. v The 6 relational-based factors could not all be confirmed as initially intended. Of these factors, 5 were confirmed. Similarly, the organisational-based factors could not all be confirmed by the exploratory factor analysis. Four factors were confirmed in this regard. With regard to reward-based factors, these factors did not load as originally intended. Instead, a new factor (Job security and compensation) emerged. In this study, a number of statistical procedures were utilised to assess the relationships between the independent and dependent variables. These included descriptive statistics which was used to summarise the sample data. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation was also undertaken to establish the relationship between the various factors under investigation. However, the main statistical procedure that was used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the independent and dependent variables was the Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA). From the analysis, 7 submodels were identified and subjected to further testing. The following independent variables were identified as influencing the dependent variables in this study: Fairness; Personal needs alignment; Interpersonal relationships; Family harmony; Nature of the work; Working conditions; Job involvement; Governance; Job security and compensation. In addition, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed to establish the influence that the various demographic variables could have on the dependent variables. The test included the use of Benferroni post-hoc test that was used to vi assess the statistical difference, while Cohen’s d-values were calculated to assess the practical significance between mean scores. Ownership of shares by non-family employees of the family business in which they are employed, the positions that these employees hold, as well as ethnicity of the respondents have been found to have an influence on the independent and dependent variables in this study. This study has empirically investigated the challenges non-family employees working in family businesses are faced with, and has thus added to the limited amount of family business literature on this valuable stakeholder group. The theoretical model developed in this study has made a significant contribution towards understanding the factors that influence the levels of job satisfaction and organisational commitment of these employees. This study therefore presents recommendations and suggestions to assist family business leaders/owners in attracting and retaining non-family businesses in such a way as to give them a sense of belonging and to enhance the performance of their businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Letele-Matabooe, Makatleho Julia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises , Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9277 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1594 , Family-owned business enterprises , Job satisfaction
- Description: Given the increasingly important role that non-family employees working in family businesses play in the success of these businesses, as well as the challenges they are faced with, it is surprising that little is known about their experiences in the family business. This study therefore was aimed at contributing to the more effective functioning of this important stakeholder group in South Africa by identifying the factors that impact on their levels of job satisfaction and organisational commitment in family businesses. As such the primary objective of this study was to identify the factors that impact on non-family employees’ levels of Job satisfaction and Organisational commitment to the family business in which they are employed. This study sought to incorporate prior findings and theories on job satisfaction and organisational commitment into a comprehensive theoretical model. In addition, support for these theories was sought in the literature. The literature review revealed three main categories of constructs, namely, relational-based, organisational-based and reward-based factors, as influencing the levels of Job satisfaction and Organisational commitment of non-family employees working in family businesses. Within these three categories, 15 independent variables were identified and hypothesised to influence the levels of the dependent variables Job satisfaction and Organisational commitment. Of the 15 independent variables, 6 were categorised as relational-based, another 6 as organisational-based and 3 as reward-based factors. All of the constructs in this study were clearly defined and operationalised. Operationalisation was done by using reliable and valid items sourced from measuring instruments used by prior studies. In addition, several items were selfgenerated items based on secondary sources. The convenience snowball sampling technique was used to identify respondents, and a structured questionnaire was made available to them. The data collected 280 usable questionnaires and was subjected to various statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was assessed by means of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and Cronbach-alpha coefficients were confirmed for this purpose. v The 6 relational-based factors could not all be confirmed as initially intended. Of these factors, 5 were confirmed. Similarly, the organisational-based factors could not all be confirmed by the exploratory factor analysis. Four factors were confirmed in this regard. With regard to reward-based factors, these factors did not load as originally intended. Instead, a new factor (Job security and compensation) emerged. In this study, a number of statistical procedures were utilised to assess the relationships between the independent and dependent variables. These included descriptive statistics which was used to summarise the sample data. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation was also undertaken to establish the relationship between the various factors under investigation. However, the main statistical procedure that was used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the independent and dependent variables was the Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA). From the analysis, 7 submodels were identified and subjected to further testing. The following independent variables were identified as influencing the dependent variables in this study: Fairness; Personal needs alignment; Interpersonal relationships; Family harmony; Nature of the work; Working conditions; Job involvement; Governance; Job security and compensation. In addition, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed to establish the influence that the various demographic variables could have on the dependent variables. The test included the use of Benferroni post-hoc test that was used to vi assess the statistical difference, while Cohen’s d-values were calculated to assess the practical significance between mean scores. Ownership of shares by non-family employees of the family business in which they are employed, the positions that these employees hold, as well as ethnicity of the respondents have been found to have an influence on the independent and dependent variables in this study. This study has empirically investigated the challenges non-family employees working in family businesses are faced with, and has thus added to the limited amount of family business literature on this valuable stakeholder group. The theoretical model developed in this study has made a significant contribution towards understanding the factors that influence the levels of job satisfaction and organisational commitment of these employees. This study therefore presents recommendations and suggestions to assist family business leaders/owners in attracting and retaining non-family businesses in such a way as to give them a sense of belonging and to enhance the performance of their businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation into the impact of quality management systems on General Motors suppliers
- Authors: Twala, Luphumlo Rodney
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Production management -- Quality control , Quality control , Total quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8897 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020927
- Description: Acceptable product quality is one of the central pillars of customer satisfaction, which is key to customer retention and business success. The quest to improve and maintain good product quality is as old as mankind himself. In the beginning of time, quality involved selecting edible plants, to craftsmanship then later to mass production. As time went on, various individuals and institutions made valuable contributions to quality control methods, tools and techniques as we know them today. The International Organisation for Standardisation initiated quality management standards, provide requirements, specifications and guidelines that can be used to ensure materials and products meet a certain quality level. These quality management systems were adopted by the global automotive organisations, adapted and tailored to suit their requirements. The result was the development of ISO/TS 16949, which is a requirement for all direct manufacturing suppliers to the automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), like BMW, TOYOTA and GM. Some OEMs specify additional requirements their supplier base, in case of General Motors, Quality Systems Basics (QSB) is a mandatory quality management systems requirement. QSB is designed by GM to help suppliers reduce product defects, improve internal efficiencies and improve supply chain processes. A quantitative approach was chosen, which utilised an explorative and descriptive survey questionnaire in order to complete the research study. The study will show that the majority of the respondents believed that the implementation of QSB has resulted in positive implications in their manufacturing process and supply value chain.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Twala, Luphumlo Rodney
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Production management -- Quality control , Quality control , Total quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8897 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020927
- Description: Acceptable product quality is one of the central pillars of customer satisfaction, which is key to customer retention and business success. The quest to improve and maintain good product quality is as old as mankind himself. In the beginning of time, quality involved selecting edible plants, to craftsmanship then later to mass production. As time went on, various individuals and institutions made valuable contributions to quality control methods, tools and techniques as we know them today. The International Organisation for Standardisation initiated quality management standards, provide requirements, specifications and guidelines that can be used to ensure materials and products meet a certain quality level. These quality management systems were adopted by the global automotive organisations, adapted and tailored to suit their requirements. The result was the development of ISO/TS 16949, which is a requirement for all direct manufacturing suppliers to the automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), like BMW, TOYOTA and GM. Some OEMs specify additional requirements their supplier base, in case of General Motors, Quality Systems Basics (QSB) is a mandatory quality management systems requirement. QSB is designed by GM to help suppliers reduce product defects, improve internal efficiencies and improve supply chain processes. A quantitative approach was chosen, which utilised an explorative and descriptive survey questionnaire in order to complete the research study. The study will show that the majority of the respondents believed that the implementation of QSB has resulted in positive implications in their manufacturing process and supply value chain.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation into the Local Economic Development (LED) as a cross-cutting issue in the municipality's integrated development plan: a case of Inkwanca Local Municipality
- Authors: Douglas, Sibongile Claude
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal finance , Municipal government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9002 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011664 , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal finance , Municipal government -- South Africa
- Description: Though it can be argued that the new democratic government has made tremendous strides in its first decades of democracy, continuing poverty and inequality tends to undermine the gains. Faced by this development dilemma, the government has adopted various development endeavours in an attempt to address issues of social and economic development. The topic of Local Economic Development has received considerable attention from both government and scholars in recent years. At the heart of the concept of LED are enshrined the goals of creating employment and promoting the economic growth and development of a locality or local area. It is in this context that the main objective of the study was to investigate the implementation of Local Economic Development as a cross-cutting dimension in the Integrated Development Plan of the Inkwanca Municipality of in the Eastern Cape Province. The construction of a bridge in the town of Sterkstroom was used as a case study to assess the ability of the municipality to plan and implement a LED project in a coordinated and integrated manner. The study used the combination of both methods of data collection, namely the qualitative and quantitative methods. The tool used to collect data was an interview schedule which consisted of open and closed ended questions. Findings by this study revealed that LED planning and implementation within the municipality does not receive the priority it so deserves and therefore it can not be regarded as the panacea for the development challenges confronted by the community in the municipality. Since LED has failed to create sustainable jobs and grow the local economy, questions can be raised about the efficiency of the municipality in its implementation of LED as a cross–cutting dimension. There appears to have been little cooperation with the LED Unit on the implementation of the Sokoyi Bridge construction project. Neither was there a concerted effort on the part of the municipality to use the project to build skills among the workers that they could use in future initiatives. The study revealed that the line function departments within the municipality could not plan their activities and programmes in a coordinated and integrated manner. Planning is characterised by ‘silo-functioning’. Furthermore, intergovernmental coordination amongst the various spheres of government has been and remains a challenge. Intergovernmental coordination and collaboration needed to be strengthened. The Integrated Development Plan of the municipality which is supposed to be a strategic coordination and integration tool has failed to achieve its objective and as such planning happens in an ad hoc and fragmented fashion. A plan-led system is needed to bring focus and allow long term public interest to guide the development of places. The National Development Plan state that “it will take time to create this capability, drawing on fuller understanding of the limitations of current arrangements and incorporating the lessons of good international practise.” (NDP, 2011: 263). Having a policy in place does not guarantee that there will be developmental or pro-poor outcomes. This study indicated that there are real capacity constraints in local government to plan in an integrated and coordinated manner. The Inkwanca Municipality did not use the developmental opportunities presented by the bridge construction project to its fullest extent. A lack of coordination limited the ability of the municipality to move beyond short-term job creation through a more integrated programme that could have had a broader positive impact on the residents of the Inkwanca municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Douglas, Sibongile Claude
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal finance , Municipal government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9002 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011664 , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal finance , Municipal government -- South Africa
- Description: Though it can be argued that the new democratic government has made tremendous strides in its first decades of democracy, continuing poverty and inequality tends to undermine the gains. Faced by this development dilemma, the government has adopted various development endeavours in an attempt to address issues of social and economic development. The topic of Local Economic Development has received considerable attention from both government and scholars in recent years. At the heart of the concept of LED are enshrined the goals of creating employment and promoting the economic growth and development of a locality or local area. It is in this context that the main objective of the study was to investigate the implementation of Local Economic Development as a cross-cutting dimension in the Integrated Development Plan of the Inkwanca Municipality of in the Eastern Cape Province. The construction of a bridge in the town of Sterkstroom was used as a case study to assess the ability of the municipality to plan and implement a LED project in a coordinated and integrated manner. The study used the combination of both methods of data collection, namely the qualitative and quantitative methods. The tool used to collect data was an interview schedule which consisted of open and closed ended questions. Findings by this study revealed that LED planning and implementation within the municipality does not receive the priority it so deserves and therefore it can not be regarded as the panacea for the development challenges confronted by the community in the municipality. Since LED has failed to create sustainable jobs and grow the local economy, questions can be raised about the efficiency of the municipality in its implementation of LED as a cross–cutting dimension. There appears to have been little cooperation with the LED Unit on the implementation of the Sokoyi Bridge construction project. Neither was there a concerted effort on the part of the municipality to use the project to build skills among the workers that they could use in future initiatives. The study revealed that the line function departments within the municipality could not plan their activities and programmes in a coordinated and integrated manner. Planning is characterised by ‘silo-functioning’. Furthermore, intergovernmental coordination amongst the various spheres of government has been and remains a challenge. Intergovernmental coordination and collaboration needed to be strengthened. The Integrated Development Plan of the municipality which is supposed to be a strategic coordination and integration tool has failed to achieve its objective and as such planning happens in an ad hoc and fragmented fashion. A plan-led system is needed to bring focus and allow long term public interest to guide the development of places. The National Development Plan state that “it will take time to create this capability, drawing on fuller understanding of the limitations of current arrangements and incorporating the lessons of good international practise.” (NDP, 2011: 263). Having a policy in place does not guarantee that there will be developmental or pro-poor outcomes. This study indicated that there are real capacity constraints in local government to plan in an integrated and coordinated manner. The Inkwanca Municipality did not use the developmental opportunities presented by the bridge construction project to its fullest extent. A lack of coordination limited the ability of the municipality to move beyond short-term job creation through a more integrated programme that could have had a broader positive impact on the residents of the Inkwanca municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation into the low pass rate in science and mathematics in selected schools in the northern areas, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Keble, Jo-Anne
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Secondary education - South Africa - Eastern Cape , School failure , Secondary education , Educational accountability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8156 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1658 , Secondary education - South Africa - Eastern Cape
- Description: Mathematics and science are key areas of knowledge and competence for the development of an individual, and the social and economic development of South Africa in a globalising world. Since 1994, the new democratic government in South Africa has emphasised the centrality of mathematics and science as part of the human development strategy for South Africa. Performance in this area is one of the indicators of the health of the South African educational system. It makes an important contribution to the economy and has been a contributor to inequalities of access and income. The twenty-first century is characterised by exponential growth and rapid change, which will be mainly based on information technology. The major asset in any successful country as its inventiveness in science and technology, rather than its abundance of labour or its natural resources. Therefore, it is important that school education should prepare the youth in scientific and technological fields to cope with, and contribute to, the well-being of their country.athematics and science are key areas of knowledge and competence for the development of an individual, and the social and economic development of South Africa in a globalising world. Since 1994, the new democratic government in South Africa has emphasised the centrality of mathematics and science as part of the human development strategy for South Africa. Performance in this area is one of the indicators of the health of the South African educational system. It makes an important contribution to the economy and has been a contributor to inequalities of access and income. The twenty-first century is characterised by exponential growth and rapid change, which will be mainly based on information technology. The major asset in any successful country as its inventiveness in science and technology, rather than its abundance of labour or its natural resources. Therefore, it is important that school education should prepare the youth in scientific and technological fields to cope with, and contribute to, the well-being of their country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Keble, Jo-Anne
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Secondary education - South Africa - Eastern Cape , School failure , Secondary education , Educational accountability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8156 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1658 , Secondary education - South Africa - Eastern Cape
- Description: Mathematics and science are key areas of knowledge and competence for the development of an individual, and the social and economic development of South Africa in a globalising world. Since 1994, the new democratic government in South Africa has emphasised the centrality of mathematics and science as part of the human development strategy for South Africa. Performance in this area is one of the indicators of the health of the South African educational system. It makes an important contribution to the economy and has been a contributor to inequalities of access and income. The twenty-first century is characterised by exponential growth and rapid change, which will be mainly based on information technology. The major asset in any successful country as its inventiveness in science and technology, rather than its abundance of labour or its natural resources. Therefore, it is important that school education should prepare the youth in scientific and technological fields to cope with, and contribute to, the well-being of their country.athematics and science are key areas of knowledge and competence for the development of an individual, and the social and economic development of South Africa in a globalising world. Since 1994, the new democratic government in South Africa has emphasised the centrality of mathematics and science as part of the human development strategy for South Africa. Performance in this area is one of the indicators of the health of the South African educational system. It makes an important contribution to the economy and has been a contributor to inequalities of access and income. The twenty-first century is characterised by exponential growth and rapid change, which will be mainly based on information technology. The major asset in any successful country as its inventiveness in science and technology, rather than its abundance of labour or its natural resources. Therefore, it is important that school education should prepare the youth in scientific and technological fields to cope with, and contribute to, the well-being of their country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation into the relationship between leadership and cognitive styles of supervisory employees in the automotive industry
- Authors: Attwell, Terry-Anne
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Supervisors, Industrial , Cognitive styles , Leadership , Automobile industry and trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9403 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009320 , Supervisors, Industrial , Cognitive styles , Leadership , Automobile industry and trade
- Description: Human attributes that constitute a good leader in terms of leadership qualities and thinking styles are somewhat limited. The latter situation makes it difficult to employ the right person with the right leadership qualities in the continuously changing world of work (Lussier & Achua, 2000). The researcher investigated the relationship between cognitive styles and leadership styles of individuals who are employed in the automotive industry and in a supervisory position. A quantitative research methodology was employed for the study of (n= 115) using the Cognitive-Style Indicator (COSI) developed by Cools and van den Broeck (2007) and the Leadership-style questionnaire developed by Clark (2007). Leadership styles have been researched throughout the world, but a dearth of research specifically pertaining to cognitive styles was rather limiting in the context of the research that was undertaken. On the one hand, leadership focuses on three main dimensions, namely: Authoritarian, Participative and Delegative Leadership Styles. According to Clark (2007), the above three dimensions are the core styles that are used within the workplace. On the other hand, a three-dimensional cognitive style model, as proposed by Cools and Van den Broeck (2007) incorporates three dimensions with specific characteristics pertaining to each style. These three dimensions were labelled as: Knowing (K), Planning (P), and Creating (C) styles, which were utilised to find a significant relationship between the various leadership styles. Significant relationships were found between the Cognitive-Planning style and the Participative Leadership style, the Delegative Leadership style and the Knowing-Cognitive style, the Creative-Cognitive style and the Delegative Leadership style, and the Knowing-and-Planning Cognitive style. Similarities were also found between the Coloured and African groups, as the Delegative style is relevant to both the Coloured and African groups, while the participative style is more prominent in the White racial group. No significant correlations were produced for the Asian group, however. Organisations are rapidly changing and adapting to various types of change; and it is essential for all employees – and not only those within a leadership position – but it is imperative that leaders should not only understand and know their cognitive and leadership style, but also of those individuals who are reporting to them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Attwell, Terry-Anne
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Supervisors, Industrial , Cognitive styles , Leadership , Automobile industry and trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9403 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009320 , Supervisors, Industrial , Cognitive styles , Leadership , Automobile industry and trade
- Description: Human attributes that constitute a good leader in terms of leadership qualities and thinking styles are somewhat limited. The latter situation makes it difficult to employ the right person with the right leadership qualities in the continuously changing world of work (Lussier & Achua, 2000). The researcher investigated the relationship between cognitive styles and leadership styles of individuals who are employed in the automotive industry and in a supervisory position. A quantitative research methodology was employed for the study of (n= 115) using the Cognitive-Style Indicator (COSI) developed by Cools and van den Broeck (2007) and the Leadership-style questionnaire developed by Clark (2007). Leadership styles have been researched throughout the world, but a dearth of research specifically pertaining to cognitive styles was rather limiting in the context of the research that was undertaken. On the one hand, leadership focuses on three main dimensions, namely: Authoritarian, Participative and Delegative Leadership Styles. According to Clark (2007), the above three dimensions are the core styles that are used within the workplace. On the other hand, a three-dimensional cognitive style model, as proposed by Cools and Van den Broeck (2007) incorporates three dimensions with specific characteristics pertaining to each style. These three dimensions were labelled as: Knowing (K), Planning (P), and Creating (C) styles, which were utilised to find a significant relationship between the various leadership styles. Significant relationships were found between the Cognitive-Planning style and the Participative Leadership style, the Delegative Leadership style and the Knowing-Cognitive style, the Creative-Cognitive style and the Delegative Leadership style, and the Knowing-and-Planning Cognitive style. Similarities were also found between the Coloured and African groups, as the Delegative style is relevant to both the Coloured and African groups, while the participative style is more prominent in the White racial group. No significant correlations were produced for the Asian group, however. Organisations are rapidly changing and adapting to various types of change; and it is essential for all employees – and not only those within a leadership position – but it is imperative that leaders should not only understand and know their cognitive and leadership style, but also of those individuals who are reporting to them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation into the role of social media in the political protests in Egypt (2011)
- Authors: Ramphobole, Thabo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Social media , Social movements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8416 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012119 , Social media , Social movements
- Description: Social media's role in formenting protest action in Egypt has often been lauded by proponents of these web 2.0 technologies, to the extent that the collective protest actions that swept the Middle East and North Africa from December 2010 to the present have been referred to as "Twitter Revolutions" in recognition of the pivotal played by Twitter in mobilising citizents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Ramphobole, Thabo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Social media , Social movements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8416 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012119 , Social media , Social movements
- Description: Social media's role in formenting protest action in Egypt has often been lauded by proponents of these web 2.0 technologies, to the extent that the collective protest actions that swept the Middle East and North Africa from December 2010 to the present have been referred to as "Twitter Revolutions" in recognition of the pivotal played by Twitter in mobilising citizents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation into the roles and functions of community health committees
- Authors: Wood, Sally Dawn
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Community health services , Public health
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9071 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008403 , Community health services , Public health
- Description: Community participation has been a popular method of people centred, grassroots development in many developing countries. With an emphasis on primary health care (PHC) through the signing of the Declaration of Alma Atta in 1978, there was a renewed commitment to community participation within the health care system. In South Africa, the end of the apartheid era announced a new dedication towards the principles of a comprehensive, promotive and preventative health care in line with the principles of PHC. These changes were outlined in The White Paper on Transformation of the Health System (1997) and advocated the importance of community involvement in the health care system. These roles were formalised in the National Act Health (61 of 2003) with the provision for the establishment of the clinic and community health centre committees as statutory bodies. The initial implementation of the committees had no guidelines or policy to direct their functioning and therefore led to them being differentiated and poorly functioning. In 2009, the Eastern Cape Department of Health issued a Policy on the Establishment and Effective functioning of Clinic and Community Health Centre Committees. In 2010, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s Community Development Unit, in collaboration with the Health Department, provided a program to formally establish and train all the community health committees in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in accordance with the new policy. This research aimed to investigate the community health committees (CHCs) in the Nelson Mandela Bay District, specifically the way in which they were functioning, three years on from this establishment process, with regards to the roles and functions outlined in the Policy document. This report highlights the extent to which the roles are being met, the challenges impeding the fulfilment of these roles and other factors which inhibit the effective functioning of the CHCs. A qualitative research method was used including focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with key informants to illicit the necessary data. These results were transcribed and analysed to identify recurring themes in order to draw conclusions. The CHCs were found to have varying levels of functionality but had similar challenges in fulfilling the roles. Generally there was a poor level of awareness of the policy and the roles defined within and in addition to this there was confusion over the terminology used within the Policy. The role of Advocacy was undertaken enthusiastically by the CHCs with many forms of education and health programs being promoted. However, a lack of knowledge of the PHC model was evident, which inhibited the CHCs from advocating the importance of this. Oversight was seen by the CHC members as being the most important role for them to fulfil, as the level of medical care received in the clinic was perceived to be poor. The CHC members readily monitor levels of medication, staff presence and service provision but do not feel that they have much power to improve the situation. The role of Social Mobilisation was poorly fulfilled due to a lack of outreach into the community and therefore social upliftment only takes place when community members come to the clinic to use the services. Finally, fundraising was the most unsuccessfully achieved role of the CHCs. A combination of a lack of formal recognition and misguided ideas, have resulted in little means of funding for the CHCs. Generally the major inhibiting factors that the CHCs face are; an incomplete fulfilment of the outlined membership of the committees, lack of comprehensive community representation, a lack of commitment from the Health Department and a feeling of isolation. All of these factors are reducing the motivation of the dedicated CHC members. Recommendations were made at the end of the study to help increase the impact these committees are having on their communities. It is hoped that the Provincial Health Department can work together with the CHCs and other stakeholders to implement these recommendations to help sustain the CHCs further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Wood, Sally Dawn
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Community health services , Public health
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9071 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008403 , Community health services , Public health
- Description: Community participation has been a popular method of people centred, grassroots development in many developing countries. With an emphasis on primary health care (PHC) through the signing of the Declaration of Alma Atta in 1978, there was a renewed commitment to community participation within the health care system. In South Africa, the end of the apartheid era announced a new dedication towards the principles of a comprehensive, promotive and preventative health care in line with the principles of PHC. These changes were outlined in The White Paper on Transformation of the Health System (1997) and advocated the importance of community involvement in the health care system. These roles were formalised in the National Act Health (61 of 2003) with the provision for the establishment of the clinic and community health centre committees as statutory bodies. The initial implementation of the committees had no guidelines or policy to direct their functioning and therefore led to them being differentiated and poorly functioning. In 2009, the Eastern Cape Department of Health issued a Policy on the Establishment and Effective functioning of Clinic and Community Health Centre Committees. In 2010, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s Community Development Unit, in collaboration with the Health Department, provided a program to formally establish and train all the community health committees in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in accordance with the new policy. This research aimed to investigate the community health committees (CHCs) in the Nelson Mandela Bay District, specifically the way in which they were functioning, three years on from this establishment process, with regards to the roles and functions outlined in the Policy document. This report highlights the extent to which the roles are being met, the challenges impeding the fulfilment of these roles and other factors which inhibit the effective functioning of the CHCs. A qualitative research method was used including focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with key informants to illicit the necessary data. These results were transcribed and analysed to identify recurring themes in order to draw conclusions. The CHCs were found to have varying levels of functionality but had similar challenges in fulfilling the roles. Generally there was a poor level of awareness of the policy and the roles defined within and in addition to this there was confusion over the terminology used within the Policy. The role of Advocacy was undertaken enthusiastically by the CHCs with many forms of education and health programs being promoted. However, a lack of knowledge of the PHC model was evident, which inhibited the CHCs from advocating the importance of this. Oversight was seen by the CHC members as being the most important role for them to fulfil, as the level of medical care received in the clinic was perceived to be poor. The CHC members readily monitor levels of medication, staff presence and service provision but do not feel that they have much power to improve the situation. The role of Social Mobilisation was poorly fulfilled due to a lack of outreach into the community and therefore social upliftment only takes place when community members come to the clinic to use the services. Finally, fundraising was the most unsuccessfully achieved role of the CHCs. A combination of a lack of formal recognition and misguided ideas, have resulted in little means of funding for the CHCs. Generally the major inhibiting factors that the CHCs face are; an incomplete fulfilment of the outlined membership of the committees, lack of comprehensive community representation, a lack of commitment from the Health Department and a feeling of isolation. All of these factors are reducing the motivation of the dedicated CHC members. Recommendations were made at the end of the study to help increase the impact these committees are having on their communities. It is hoped that the Provincial Health Department can work together with the CHCs and other stakeholders to implement these recommendations to help sustain the CHCs further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012