The impact of the minimum wage in South Africa
- Authors: Brown, Kenrick
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Minimum wage--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51202 , vital:43224
- Description: On the 20th anniversary of freedom and democracy in South Africa, the government announced its intention to introduce a national minimum wage. The announcement made it clear that the intention was not to introduce a residual wage floor, but to rather completely transform the country’s inordinately unequal wage structure. “Change will not come about without some far-reaching interventions. … As government, we will, during this term, investigate the possibility of a national minimum wage as one of the key mechanisms to reduce income inequality.”1 Minimum wages are geared towards establishing wage floors, which are the bare minimum that employees are allowed to pay employees. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) describes minimum wages as remuneration that covers the basic needs of workers and their families, taking into account relevant economic factors.2 National minimum wages of course set these minimum wage floors at a national, economy-wide level. In South Africa, the stated purpose of a national minimum wage has the multi-purpose function of setting a national wage floor in order to reduce poverty and inequality in order to transform the inherently unequal wage structure radically that still exists in South Africa post-apartheid. Before 1st of January 2019 when the national minimum wage became effective, South Africa had minimum wages, but this was prescribed per sector of the economy. Particularly in unorganised sectors a nationally set minimum wage increased the scope and ease of enforcement for minimum wages in comparison to sectoral wage determinations. In short, it covers all employees in all industries, whereas sectoral determinations did not. Furthermore, a national minimum wage would be far more easily set to take into consideration broader governmental policy considerations in comparison to diverse, multisector wage determinations that only target the employees and economic considerations of their sector. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The protection of children during assert forfeiture procedure
- Authors: Khunou, Lesego
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Children's rights
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51207 , vital:43221
- Description: As South Africa was transitioning into a new democracy there was an upsurge of organised crimes in the country. In the pursuit of tackling the rise of organised crimes in South Africa which would destabilise the country's economy, the Prevention of Organised Crimes Act was introduced however the act was not only for organised crime, it was for crimes such as money laundering, racketeering and gang activities amongst other crimes. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Criminal and Procedural Law, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The readiness of embracing the fourth industrial revolution disruptive innovations: a case for an automotive assembler in the Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Authors: Mbolekwa, Luvuyo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52988 , vital:44866
- Description: Organisations and people find themselves in the era of what is known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Unlike the preceding revolutions, this revolution is characterised by technological advancements that lead to disruptive phenomena. These advancements are growing at an exponential rate. They have brought disruptive innovations that have either reshaped many industries, causing them to lose market share or exit altogether. Some organisations are keen to embrace disruptive innovation to ensure that they are sustainable into the future, while others are only inclined to use known technologies to leverage economies of scale. The 4IR has already been around for a while and is moving at a fast pace. The level of readiness for the automotive assembler, Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf), to take advantage of such technological changes brought by the 4IR, has not yet been measured. The primary objective of this study is to investigate IMSAf’s perceptions and readiness to embrace technological changes brought by the 4IR. The perceptions and readiness are assessed based on the technology embracing organisational framework of efficiencies, innovation, skills and re-training. This study is grounded in the philosophy of positivism and the related method used is a quantitative study to test the research questions in an objective manner. A questionnaire was the sole method of collecting first-hand data from the selected sample. The population size consisted of 139 respondents working in various business units within IMSAf. These individuals are occupying various roles and they have in depth, tacit, and multi-disciplinary knowledge of processes and would be the first to experience technological changes brought by the 4IR. A quantitative analysis technique is applied, such as descriptive and inferential statistics, to analyse data. A literature review on the topic was conducted as well as an empirical study. The results from both the literature review and the empirical study found that with the implementation of 4IR emerging technologies within an organisation, there is a significant improvement on efficiencies, innovation and skills and re-training. Furthermore, the level of awareness and understanding about the benefits of embracing 4IR emerging technologies within IMSAf is significant. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The regulation of renewable ocean energy
- Authors: Kekana, Lerato Caroline
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Renewable energy sources -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51211 , vital:43217
- Description: Energy is one of the vital natural resources that contribute towards an improvement in social and economic development. Environmental issues such as climate change have resulted in the exploitation of renewable energy gaining momentum. Renewable ocean energy is one of the renewable sources that have the potential to assist South Africa to achieve its energy policy goals, which include economic development and the management of energy-related environmental and health impacts. The exploitation and exploration of renewable ocean energy in South Africa raise legal concerns. These concerns are the lack of appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks and the possible conflicts among users in the marine environment that may occur as a result of the exploitation and exploration of renewable ocean energy. This dissertation, therefore, addresses these concerns by providing a critical assessment of the regulation of renewable ocean energy in South Africa. Firstly, it provides an introduction and legal background of renewable ocean energy. It proceeds by critically assessing the international requirements with which South Africa needs to comply regarding renewable ocean energy. Following that, the dissertation provides an analysis of the environment and energy legislation and the extent to which they regulate renewable ocean energy. Lastly, taking into account other existing and future activities in the marine environment, there is a discussion of the marine spatial planning (MSP) and other regulatory measures in so far as they relate to the resolution of the conflict in the context of renewable ocean energy. The conclusion is that the existing legislation does not appropriately regulate renewable ocean energy. As a result, the dissertation proposes how the existing legislation may adequately include renewable ocean energy. Furthermore, it makes recommendations. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Public Law, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The relationship between psychological capital and employee wellness in the retail sector in South Africa
- Authors: Mphinyana, Masindi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53018 , vital:44870
- Description: Psychological Capital (PsyCap) and employee wellness. Moreover, the study investigated demographic differences in relation to the variables. The study employed a cross-sectional, correlational design to achieve the objectives. Additionally, a non-probability convenience sampling method was used. Data was collected from retail employees in Gauteng, Pretoria through a composite self-administered paper-and-pencil questionnaire which incorporated a biographical questionnaire, the PCQ-24 and the PWS. To determine whether a relationship exists between the constructs, Pearson’s product-moment correlations were used. To further determine demographical differences, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilised, and post-hoc Tukey HSD tests were used to determine where the differences lie. Results indicated that PsyCap was positively correlated with wellness; and significant differences in the means for both PsyCap and wellness were observed for demographic variables. The study further revealed that PsyCap is predictive of employee wellness. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resources, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The relationship between real exchange rate misalignment and economic growth in Namibia
- Authors: Shaduka, Mathilde Hishikomesho
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Namibia , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53024 , vital:44892
- Description: It has been recognised in academic and policy debates that a poorly managed exchange rate can have a devastating effect on a country’s economic growth rate. The current literature on the effect of real exchange rate misalignment on economic growth shows mixed and inconclusive results. The floating rate regime by South Africa to which Namibia’s exchange rate is fixed, contributes to exchange fluctuations that Namibia experiences. As exchange rate is one of the fundamental factors that affect economic growth, this study aims to evaluate the effect of real exchange rate misalignment on the Namibian economic growth over the period from 1990 to 2018. The study employs Equilibrium Real Exchange Rate (ERER) Model and Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) models as quantitative research methods approach for estimating the equilibrium exchange rate and establishing the relationship between real exchange rate misalignment and Namibia’s economic growth. The ERER model reveals that the Namibian currency was overvalued over the period under review. Furthermore, the ARDL results confirm that a significant relationship exists between real exchange rate misalignment and Namibia’s economic growth. The study further shows that real exchange rate misalignment (overvaluation) negatively affects Namibia’s growth domestic product (GDP). Consequently, consistent with current literature, the study supports the view that keeping the real exchange rate at levels close to its equilibrium level or slightly below its equilibrium level can promote economic growth in developing economies such as Namibia. The study, therefore, strongly recommends that the Namibian government should consider a currency undervaluation policy in order to promote economic activities and enhance Namibia’s GDP. it is thus crucial for policymakers to effectively manage real exchange rate regularly and ensure that it does not widely deviate from its equilibrium value. The study also recommends that Namibia should diversify its products and ease the trade barriers so as to promote exports that would boost economic activities. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics Development and Tourism, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The relationship between the performance management development system and compensation: the case of the City of Cape Town Municipality
- Authors: Ramaru, Murendeni Praise
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54836 , vital:47926
- Description: This research was directed towards the current state of the relationship between the Performance Management Development System and compensation in the City of Cape Town Municipality. The research approach adopted in this study was a qualitative method. Desktop analysis and case study design were used as secondary data collection tools. Since the democratization of South Africa in 1994, the focus has been directed towards the maximising of economic growth and development. The road to development has been challenging since the inception of democracy. Organisations are operating in a dynamic and highly competitive environment which requires adjustments and development of strategies to remain relevant. Compensation is one of the ways different organisations have adopted as a strategy for attracting and retaining suitable employees as well as maintaining performance management. The essence of a well-functioning performance management development system has played a critical role in providing an effective system in the public service. The main objective of compensation is to ensure an organisation has the right resources necessary to motivate employees’ performance needed to achieve the organisational strategy. The study found that a compensation strategy leads to increased employees’ performance. The findings indicated that there is a positive connection between the compensation strategy and the performance of the employees. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The relationship between workplace well-being and authentic leadership
- Authors: Vezile, Sindile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52971 , vital:44900
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between authentic leadership and employee well-being. Data was collected from an online questionnaire survey sent to 141 Special Economic Zone employees who worked as non-managerial employees. Ninety-four employees responded. The collected data was analysed using statistical tools from SPSS 20. Subsequently, descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations and correlations were used to summarise information for demographic variables, authentic leadership and well-being. In addition, ANOVA was used to determine sub-group differences. First, it has been shown that project managers were seen by their subordinates as trustworthy leaders. Second, there was a connection between authentic leadership and well-being in the workplace. Third, it was discovered that all aspects of ethical leadership, apart from Work Intrusion (IoW), had a relationship with organisational well-being. Fourth, it has shown that males and females experience different levels of job satisfaction and feel differently about respect for the organisation. Keywords: Well- , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resources, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The rights of children in youth care centres
- Authors: Ngodwana, Gugulethu
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Juvenile delinquents
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51193 , vital:43230
- Description: Poverty is prevalent in the Eastern Cape Province. As a result of poverty and other related factors, there is an increase on percentage of crime. There is a number of case laws where children have been found guilty of committing very serious criminal offences in the Eastern Cape. They are contributing high percentage in crime. In the past, before the dawn of the new constitutional dispensation, children in conflict with the law were not treated any different to adults who were in conflict with the law. There was no separate legislation that was child specific. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Laws, Criminal and Procedural Law, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The role of strategic leadership in strategy implementation: a case of the Eastern Cape Department of Health
- Authors: Nkosi, Nonhlanhla
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53021 , vital:44882
- Description: The goal of this research was to evaluate the role of strategic leadership in improving strategy implementation in the Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDOH). According to literature, the strategic leadership actions, namely: determining strategic direction; managing the organisation’s resource portfolio; sustaining an effective organisational culture; emphasising ethical practices; and establishing balanced organisational controls, positively contribute to successful implementation of strategy. The research methodology used in this study was a quantitative research approach. The study used an online survey questionnaire to gather information on the respondents’ perceptions on the role of the strategic leadership actions in strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The survey also gathered respondents’ perceptions on the role of environmental complexity factors in moderating the relationship between the strategic leadership actions and strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The study revealed that determining strategic direction and establishing balanced organisational controls were positively related to strategy implementation in the ECDOH. Managing the organisation’s resource portfolio, sustaining an effective organisational culture as well as emphasising ethical practices were not positively related to strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The study also found that four out of the five environmental complexity factors measured, moderate the relationship between strategic leadership actions and strategy implementation in the ECDOH. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the ECDOH management apply all the strategic leadership actions in improving strategy implementation in the ECDOH and provides detailed recommendations per strategic leadership action. The study also recommends that the ECDOH management take note of the environmental complexity factors that moderate the relationship between the role of strategic leadership actions in the implementation of strategy in the ECDOH and develop plans to mitigate against the risk of these environmental complexity factors. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The substantive fairness of dismissal for operational requirements in the context of collective bargaining
- Authors: Mtshemla, Ntokozo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Collective bargaining
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51195 , vital:43222
- Description: An employer may wish to change terms and conditions of employment in order to respond to the operational needs of a business. The definition of operational requirements is not limited to initiatives aimed at ensuring the survival of a business but include measures intended to improve its performance. Changes to terms and conditions of employment ordinarily locate themselves within the realm of interest disputes which are mainly resolved through the process of collective bargaining coupled with power play. This means that an employer may not dismiss employees within the context of collective bargaining as a way of compelling compliance with a demand in relation to matters of mutual interest. Section187(1)(c) of the LRA renders any dismissal automatically unfair if the reason for the dismissal is a refusal by employees to accept a demand in respect of any matter of mutual interest. The question that arises relates to the interpretation of this section and the impact thereof on the right of the employer to retrench as envisaged in section 188(1)(a)(ii) of the LRA. This reveals the intersection between collective bargaining and dismissals for operational requirements. In other words, changes to terms and conditions of employment equally influence the performance of the business thereby also fall within the definition of operational requirements. The question therefore is when do employers’ economic needs justify a dismissal of employees who rejects changes to terms and conditions of employment? Secondly, whether or not the relevant provisions, and the whole scheme of the LRA, require retrenchments to be the measure of last resort? These issues shall be explored in this treatise with reference to the relevant provisions of the LRA and relevant case law. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The value of incubation to SMME in the financial services industry : the case of the infinitum initiative
- Authors: Mboniswa, Unathi Sindisiwe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53027 , vital:44862
- Description: Small, micro and medium businesses are regarded as the engine for achieving economic growth and reducing unemployment through unlocking the potential of young entrepreneurs. However, 80% of such young entrepreneurs operating SMMEs fail in their first years of existence. To respond to this challenge, Business Incubators (BI’s) have been established to nurture SMMEs to succeed. Numerous BI’s, such as Godisa, have been established in South Africa with many supported by the Department of Trade and Industry. However, there are still many potential entrepreneurs in need of such help. In this regard, Old Mutual initiated a programme similar to Godisa, called the Infinitum Incubation Programme (IIP). The IIP seeks to groom young, willing and educated entrepreneurs from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, with business skills to help them establish sustainable businesses. Their focus is on Financial Advisors and the programme has been running for two years offering all the support needed by young businesses. Against this background, this study endeavoured to assess whether the initiative has had the intended impact on the Incubatees. Using a qualitative and Interpretivism research approach and a sample of six incubatees, this study addressed its objectives. Questionnaires were sent out to all incubators and incubatees involved in the IIP and a response rate 60% was achieved. These responses were analysed through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results show that the IIP has been successful in identifying suitable incubatees and stakeholders. It also found that the IIP has been successful in equipping incubatees with theoretical business management skills. However, in terms of skills transfer, the programme was not successful. Both incubatees and stakeholders rated the programme poorly. Further, both stakeholders and incubatees perceive the programme to be a very good idea and see potential for success; however, they feel that would be achieved only after significant improvement. The study recommends that the programme improve on the following: gender balance, management and coordination of the programme, improved skills transfer, balance between practice, theory, and providing post-programme mentorship. The study ends by describing limitations and areas for further research. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Thiazole derivatives as potential hiv-1 protease inhibitors
- Authors: Hlongwe, Zola
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Enzyme kinetics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52116 , vital:43427
- Description: Series of compounds were screened using Schrodinger suite (Maestro). The DFT calculations were used for geometry optimization of the ligands using the B3YLYP functional and 6-31G basis set, and these structures were used for docking studies. Maestro was used to predict the activity of thiazole derivatives against HIV-1 protease. The range of estimated inhibition constants for these thiazole derivatives (65 nM-5 μM) indicate moderate to weak activity against HIV-1 protease, given that the activity of current protease inhibitors is typically found have experimental inhibition constants around 0.1-2.0 nM. Twenty compounds were selected based on the docking results and they were synthesized and characterized by NMR, FT-IR and elemental analysis. The cytotoxicity studies were done at two different concentrations (100 μM and 10 μM), using the brine shrimp bioassay. All compounds were highly toxic at 100 μM, with the percentage mortality between 20 to 75%. Eight compounds were selected for the enzyme bioassay based on the results obtained from lower concentration (10 μM). In the enzyme inhibition studies, the profile of HIV-1 activity was done at different inhibitor concentrations (800 μM – 10 μM) by measuring the cleavage of the synthetic substrate (Abz-Thr-lle-PNO2Phe=Gln-Arg-NH2) at excitation wavelength of 345/490 nm using fluorescence. Ligands 5 (unsubstituted derivative), 7 (4-nitro derivative) and 16 (4-methoxy derivative) gave percentage inhibition of 39, 45 and 42%, and this activity was very low compared to the activity of the positive control ritonavir (85% enzyme inhibition). Ligands 8 (4-methoxy derivative) and 12 (4-methoxy derivative) gave enzyme inhibition of 70% and 75%. These results suggest that the presence of the methoxy substituents ii increases activity of these compounds against HIV-1 protease. Most of the compounds gave good IC50 values between 12.5-42.7 nM. The bromo-substituted ligand 7 gave the lowest IC50 (12.5 nM). Ligand 11 also gave a good IC50 value of 14.86 nM. The bromo-substituted derivatives showed to be very active compared to other types of thiazole derivatives. Enzyme kinetics were carried out to compare the inhibition constants obtained via computational modelling. Ligand 7 (4-methoxy derivatives) binds better in the active site of HIV-1 protease than other compounds in Class B, with Ki = 50 nM, Km = 23.8 Nm and Vmax = 83.3 nM/min. The unsubstituted (L5), 4-bromo (L7) and 4-nitro (L8) substituted compounds gave inhibition constants of 100 to 112 nM. The in vitro testing yielded higher activity than that determined in silico. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Understanding the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on SMEs in South Africa
- Authors: Ogunniyi, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53039 , vital:44883
- Description: The current research dissertation is on the topic- Understanding the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on SMEs in South Africa. It aims to analyse the strategies of SMEs to make positive results from the Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa. The research mainly concentrates on the concepts and techniques of technology implementation, customer relationship and advanced technology in SME Enterprises of South Africa. These techniques are needed to validate the importance of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the enhancement of SMEs in South Africa. In this entire process of research, the researcher evaluates current condition of SMEs in South Africa and the issues that are faced by these enterprises. The changes that are needed by these enterprises and their impact on organisational structure is also discussed. In addition to this, the researcher has also undertaken secondary research on the existing literature in this current topic and related topics. Therefore, the researcher was able to gain a clear insight into the study area. As SMEs are facing problems related to marketing and marking their position in the global market, useful recommendations are given to eliminate these problems. The researcher found out that SMEs need to improve policies to implement technological innovations to secure a market position for SMEs. In order to carry out the research, the researcher applied interpretivism and a deductive approach. Along with this, the qualitative research/methodology was chosen for carrying out the investigation. Qualitative data and non-probability sampling helped in collecting data. Analysis of this data was done by explaining transcripts of the interviews with the sample of entrepreneurs of South African SMEs. The researcher used a total of ten entrepreneurs from different industries in the country. Most of these entrepreneurs interviewed are from previously disadvantaged backgrounds with university degrees. The researcher made an effort to select candidates from different cities across South Africa. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Upwelling over submarine canyons: an in-situ and modelling approach
- Authors: Rautenbach, Gustav
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Oceanography -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52078 , vital:43442
- Description: The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, located along the coastline of northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), hosts South Africa's only tropical coral reef system and is clustered with submarine canyons. These ecosystems support a flourishing diving and pelagic sportfishing industry in the area that contributes tens of millions of rand to the South African Gross Domestic Profit (GDP) annually as well as to provide income and job security for the majority of the local residents. Understanding the oceanographic dynamics, particularly upwelling events, will improve current knowledge of how the ecosystem works and may enhance conservation techniques. The upwelling events within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park results in the influx of cold and nutrient rich waters that supports biological productivity in the area. The complex oceanography, dominated by the Northern Agulhas Current and mesoscale eddies that stem from the Mozambique Channel and South East Madagascar Current (SEMC) is understudied and lacks understanding. This thesis aims to build upon the current knowledge of the upwelling events over the submarine canyons and the concurrent influence on the Mixed Layer Depth (MLD). At the submarine canyons, six anomalous cooling events were identified from surface and subsurface measurements extracted from the Operational Sea Surface Temperature and Ice Analysis (OSTIA) Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and from data collected using Underwater Temperature Recorders (UTRs) over a 12-month period. Depth-integrated lagged correlations showed a 2-to-7-hour lag period from the deep to shallow stations, suggesting that the anomalous cooling events are in fact upwelling events. Wind measurements from the Mbazwana Weather Station and snapshots of sea-level anomalies illustrated that the weaker and shorter upwelling events are driven either by alongshore wind stress or a cyclonic eddy event solely; whereas the stronger event was driven by the combination of both forcing mechanisms. An idealized canyon ocean model is used to interrogate the two forcing mechanisms more fully and showed that the most intense upwelling events are driven by the combined effect of upwelling-favourable alongshore wind stress and a cyclonic eddy which results in strong upward vertical velocity anomalies and the greatest shallowing (6.88 m) of the MLD. With the contribution of the in-situ measurements as a baseline study it is apparent that the idealised model does provide an improved understanding of the upwelling events and forcing mechanism over the submarine canyons within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ocean Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Variation in forage quality in subtropical thicket
- Authors: Nyembe, Khulisile Jacqueline
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Biodiversity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52088 , vital:43440
- Description: Several studies have assumed that the plant communities of the Subtropical Thicket biome are nutritious throughout the year. This is based on the observation that they are evergreen, palatable and grow on fertile soils; however this assumption has not been tested. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess forage quality variation in the Subtropical Thicket. This was done at three levels; first we measured the plant quality of dominant plant species in the diets of Thicket herbivores. Secondly, we measured the realised diet quality of Thicket herbivores through the analysis of faecal samples. Lastly we assessed the body condition of Thicket herbivores. The study was conducted at the Colchester (plant quality and diet quality) and Addo Main Camp (body condition assessment) sections of Addo Elephant National Park. To measure the food quality of Thicket plants we analysed 10 plants that are dominant in the diets of Thicket herbivores. To measure diet quality we collected faecal samples from ten herbivores with body mass ranging from 25 kg to 6000 kg. Plant quality results showed that only 30% of the sampled plants met the high energy goat diet protein requirements and that all the sampled plants did not meet the high energy goat diet fibre requirements. This indicates that Thicket plants are not as highly nutritious as they were thought to be. The principle components analysis together with overlapping confidence intervals showed that there was no significant difference between the summer plant samples and the winter plant samples. The faecal quality results showed that there was significant seasonal difference and that faecal diet quality was a function of body size. The body condition results showed that all the sampled herbivores lost condition in the cold dry months. The evidence from faecal diet quality and body condition assessment is sufficient for us to reject the assumption that Thicket forage is consistently nutritious throughout the year. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Workplace forums and the enhancement of collective bargaining
- Authors: Silo, Zama
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Collective bargaining--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51189 , vital:43229
- Description: Historically, workers in South Africa, black and Africans in particular, fought against an oppressive regime and, in the absence of political rights, strikes were mostly violent. Labour legislation was based on racial categorisation and discrimination. There was parallel labour legislation for blacks, and a different one for whites. The legislation for blacks was called the Black Labour Relations Act 48 of 19531 , for whites it was called the Industrial Conciliation Act, it was later renamed the Labour Relations Act 28 of 19562 . Trade unions were racially divided, and black workers mostly were denied the right of joining trade unions. The unions that admitted blacks as members could not become parties to industrial councils. Before 1979, black workers in South Africa did not have access to the collective bargaining system. After that year, the guidelines proposed by the Wiehahn, Commission brought about certain changes. Attempts were made to establish independent labour organisations for black workers, but both the state and employers applied various strategies to undermine these organisations. One of these strategies was the Native Labour Settlement Disputes Act of 1953, which restricted the representation of black workers on worker committees in the workplace and prohibited them from striking. Black workers therefore never utilised these statutory works committees and by 1971, there were only 18 statutory works committees in the country. The Department of Labour indicated that there was a preference for non-statutory works committees because there were no restrictions in respect of their composition, and they provided a structure by means of which workers could be represented.3 Militant action by black labour in the early 1970s led to the promulgation of the Black Labour Relations Regulation Act of 1973.4 This Act was to extend the existing works committee system. Liaison and coordinating committees were set up to restrain activism among the workers and establish an alternative form for trade unions of labour management communication. Where statutory works committees had only consisted of employees, employers could now half the members of the new liaison committees and their chairman. The growth of these committees led to black workers building up a base for a future independent organisation. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Cultural perspectives on health decision making of HIV positive Xhosa males
- Authors: Tebekana, Aviwe Zuziwe Nomalibongwe
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53769 , vital:45835
- Description: In 1998, following a recommendation made by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESO), the Joint United Nations programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) adopted a cultural approach to HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment for sustainable development. Cultural identity, values and norms are all influential factors in health decision making and may be especially important in the context of HIV infection. The research aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of HIV positive Xhosa males in relation to understanding how cultural identity, cultural values and norms influence the health decision making behaviour of Xhosa males. A qualitative study design was adopted. A descriptive and interpretative approach was applied. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 HIV positive Xhosa males aged 25 to 49 years in four primary healthcare clinics in the Nelson Mandela Bay. Thematic data analysis was utilised to analyse the data through the lens of literature and the bio-ecological model. The data was coded by the researcher and an independent coder. Three themes and six sub themes emerged from the study. Theme one is: significance of culture for HIV positive Xhosa males. Theme two is: perspectives on factors that have an influence on health decision making. Theme three is: perceived beliefs and perceptions about HIV and AIDS in the Xhosa ethnic group. The study indicated that cultural factors such as ancestral beliefs regarding illness, traditional circumcision, initiation school and masculine roles and expectations influenced health decision making of the Xhosa males. In addition, there are other factors that have an influence on health decision making such as psycho-social factors of peer pressure and biological factors which include physical developmental changes. In addition to factors that have an influence to health decision making, it became apparent in the study that there was perceived stigma attached to HIV and AIDS from family members and the Xhosa community. Participants also experienced internalised stigma and expressed a v fear of not having an heir; thus, influencing risk taking health decision in fear of being stigmatised. Perceptions of HIV positive Xhosa males on cultural factors that have an influence on health decision making such as risk behaviour and adherence to treatment are: ancestral belief of protection against illness, traditional circumcision, initiation school and masculine roles and expectations. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural Sciences, 2020
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- Date Issued: 2020-12
Evaluating the influence of electoral violence on democratic consolidaton in Sub-Saharan Africa: the case of the democratic republic of congo from 2006-2018
- Authors: Poggi, Giovanni
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55073 , vital:49035
- Description: The democratic legitimacy of African executives has been called into question substantially over the last decade. Using the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a case study, this evaluative research seeks to analyse how African executives and political elites continue to play a crucial role in inducing civil unrest and electoral violence. For African democracy to develop, there must be enforced resolutions to eradicate issues facing both procedural and substantive democracy on the continent. This research examined electoral violence and unconstitutional acts that aggravate electoral system abuse and diminish the consolidation of democracy in sub-Saharan African states, in particular the DRC. A specific focus on the leadership of Joseph Kabila in the DRC forms the case study component of this research. In 2016, elections were postponed in the DRC and the DRC’s constitutional court interpreted Article 70 and Article 73 of the constitution in a manner that allowed President Kabila to remain in office until a newly elected president was installed. The court’s ruling and interpretation of Article 70 and Article 73 was an attempt to avoid a power vacuum. The study evaluated the components that trigger the escalation of electoral violence in Sub-Saharan African states. The study reports on different contributory factors, including but not limited to, the impact of predatory and rent-seeking leadership towards electoral manipulation; and the effect of patron-client relations on democratic institutions. Even though elections are not the only indicator of democracy stability in a state, this study demonstrated how electoral violence threatens the consolidation of democracy in sub-Saharan African states, in particular the DRC. In examining electoral violence, a desktop analysis method, which was used in the study, involved the collection of data from existing resources in order to provide a more critical lens to understanding electoral violence in the DRC. The theoretical analysis used in the study is the Höglund (2009) framework on electoral institutions which outlined how political violence remains a pervasive feature in Sub-Saharan countries by linking the framework to patron-clientelism. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
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- Date Issued: 2020-12
Investigating effectiveness of the internship programme with reference to the Department of Health, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Mjindi, Mpilo
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54881 , vital:48352
- Description: The study investigated the effectiveness of internship programme in the Department of Health in Port Elizabeth. The study utilized the human capital capita theory and scientific management approach to analyse the role of internship programme in the Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The research draws from interpretive paradigm that made use of qualitative research methods to collect data. Therefore, documents were used for collecting data. These include government documents on an internship, peer-reviewed journal articles and relevant literature that inform internship programmes in a government department in South Africa. The study utilised a qualitative thematic analysis technique to analyse the data collected from documents. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
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- Date Issued: 2020-12