The impact of the farmer field school approach on small-scale vegetable farmers' knowledge, agency and production in Alice, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Apleni, Asanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Agricultural extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8187 , vital:31873
- Description: This study investigates the impact of the Farmer Field School approach on the knowledge, agency and production of small-scale farmers. Farmer Field Schools were devised in the 1980s by the Food and Agriculture Organization as a form of adult education in agriculture. It is a group-based approach in which a facilitator meets with farmers on a regular basis and sets in motion a process by which farmers ‘learn how to learn’, both from themselves and from one another. However, it remains an open question whether the Farmer Field School approach could be a solution to South Africa’s abiding problem of weak agricultural extension. Early in 2015, the University of Fort Hare and the Nkonkobe Farmers’ Association initiated a number of study groups in the Alice area, based largely on Farmer Field School principles. The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of the Farmer Field School approach on small-scale farmers’ knowledge, agency and production, focusing on home gardeners. The study was conducted in the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in Alice of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The research consisted of a survey of all the study group participants involved with home gardens, including some who joined the groups in 2015 but left in 2016. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs were used. Findings from this study have shown how participation in the study groups modelled on the FFS approach can improve the knowledge and skills of home gardeners, while also enabling them to produce significantly larger quantities of vegetables, and even a marketable surplus, albeit from a small base. In order to make more people to join, more incentives should be made available. Such incentives should be made available only to “kick start” the FFS study groups and take heed in prevention of dependence.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The influence of extraction techniques on the chemical composition of essential oils from Pelargonium cv.rose in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ngcangatha-Maqhude, Bulelwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Essences and essential oils Pelargoniums Rose geranium oil
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8111 , vital:31524
- Description: Rose geranium is a world known essential oil plant priced for its high grade essential oil mostly utilized in the perfumery industry. However, South Africa has just joined the geranium oil production industry and still battling with the variations in oil yield and composition. Volatile components from Rose geranium were respectively extracted by three methods including hydro-distillation, steam distillation and solvent free microwave. The composition was characterized by GC-FID and GC-MS .No significant differences were found in the oil constituents, colour of the oil was the same in hydro-distillation and steam distillation (light green) but in solvent free microwave extraction the oil was clear because in the receiving flask there was hexane and the quantity of the oil was not the same. The difference was the time taken to extract the oil: Hydro-distillation took 3 hours, steam distillation took 1 hour, 30 minutes and solvent free microwave took only 30 minutes. The main constituents of the essential oil of rose geranium (steam distillation) are Dohne: Citronellol (20.61percent), geraniol (14.79percent), linalool (1.98percent), citronellyl formate (14.25percent), geranyl formate (10.25percent) and guaiadiene 6, 9 (7.22percent). Kieskammahoek: Citronellol (20.36percent), geraniol (9.81percent), linalool (1.54percent), citronellyl formate (16.09percent), geranyl formate F (8.96percent) and guaiadiene 6, 9 (8. 22percent).University of FortHare: Citronellol (21.55percent), geraniol (9.41percent), linalool (1.40percent), citronellyl formate (16.37percent), geranyl formate (8.10percent) and guaiadiene 6, 9 7.92percent). For hydro-distillation, Dohne: Citronellol (24.68percent), geraniol (11.68percent), linalool (11.74percent), citronellyl formate (14.97percent), geranyl formate (5.95percent) and guaiadiene 6, 9 (4.63percent). Kieskammahoek: Citronellol (25.25percent), geraniol (13.44percent), linalool (3.35percent), citronellyl formate (15.62percent), geranyl formate (5.40percent) and guaiadiene 6, 9(4.96percent).University of FortHare: Citronellol (24.73percent), geraniol (8.35percent), linalool (9.76percent), citronellyl formate (16.54percent), geranyl formate (4.42percent) and guaiadiene 6, 9(9.76percent). The solvent free microwave extraction , Dohne: Citronellol (20.87), geraniol (17.85percent), linalool (1.21percent), citronellyl formate (13.44percent), geranyl formate (10.26percent) and guaiadiene 6, 9 (4.59percent).Kieskammahoek: Citronellol (20.13percent), geraniol (5.40percent), linalool (0.28percent), citronellyl formate (14.22percent), geranyl formate (6.04percent) and guaiadiene 6, 9(8.63percent).University of FortHare: Citronellol (21.15percent), geraniol (22.36percent), linalool (1.37percent), citronellyl formate (12.13percent), geranyl formate (8.91percent) and guaiadiene 6, 9 (5.82percent).The percentage of oil composition in hydro-distillation and Solvent Free Microwave Extraction was higher than steam distillation.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The influence of social media on the intention to vote for student political organisations in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Chininga, Tapiwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Social media -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Students -- Political activity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Student movements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11506 , vital:39078
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of social media on the intention to vote for students political organizations in the Eastern Cape. The main objectives included measuring the influence of predictor variables such as medium credibility, message credibility, tie strength with peers, identification with the peers, peer communication, user trust, information credibilit on the intention to vote. To measure these hypothesised relationships a conceptual model was developed for the study. Data collection was conducted in the Eastern Cape in which 381 participants were surveyed. To analyse the data the two stage structural equation modeling approach was adopted in which confimatory factor analysis and hypothesis testing was adopted. This was conducted ulitising Structural equation modelling. The main findings of the study were that all the proposed hypotheses were supported with the exception of that of peer commnication and tie strength with peers on the intention to vote. It was also important to note that identification with peers had the strongest impact on the intention to vote while the message credibility had the weakest. The implication was that users feel that the ability to identify with each other influenced their voting intentions however the message itself was irrelevant.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The influence of social media service quality on client loyalty in the South African banking industry
- Authors: Gavaza, Bramwell Kundishora
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa Social media -- South Africa Customer loyalty -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12903 , vital:39389
- Description: The advent of the Internet during the past two decades has changed the way in which businesses operate. Social media networks such as Facebook have become an essential communication element for businesses to interact with clients. The impact and growth rates of Facebook and other forms of social media have made it imperative for all businesses to ensure they have social media strategies in place. Following social media business trends, banks across the world have included social media to market their services. Banks are now emphasising the offering of high client service quality in order to retain clients in this highly competitive environment. Thus, South African banks, as is the case with global banks, need to continuously assess the quality of the services offered to their clients in order to sustainably maintain or grow their market share or to fully utilise its commercial opportunities. This study determined the influence of social media service quality on client loyalty in the South African banking industry. The primary objective was to examine the extent to which social media service quality influence client loyalty in the South African banking industry. The study also determined if social media system availability, efficiency, fulfilment, and privacy has influence on the overall service quality of social media in the South African banking industry. In addition, the study examined the relationship between overall service quality and client loyalty intention in the South African banking industry. The study used a quantitative research approach to collect and analyse the data, and a descriptive research design was utilised for the purpose of this study. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources of data. An online survey was conducted through Survey Monkey, via a Facebook page titled: Social media service quality in the South African banking industry. An online questionnaire was administered via the Facebook page. The study used a sample of 377 respondents who are Facebook users of the five major banks in South Africa. Analysis and interpretation of findings was done using both the descriptive and inferential statistical measures, with the help of Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) 24 and Lisrel (version 9). The electronic social media service quality (E-S-SERVQUAL) scale which consist of five constructs, namely; social media system availability, efficiency, fulfilment, privacy and overall service quality; and client loyalty intentions were the scales that were adopted for this study. All the scales used in this study were found to be reliable and valid. Findings of the research study proved that social media system availability, fulfilment, and privacy has a significant influence on the overall service quality of social media in the South African banking industry. In addition, findings of the research revealed that social media efficiency does not significantly influence overall service quality of social media in the South African banking industry. Furthermore, findings of the research also proved that the overall service quality of social media positively influences client loyalty intention in the South African banking industry. The study recommended that managers and marketers should constantly evaluate, monitor, and improve the overall service quality of social media offered to their clients, as it leads to a corresponding increase in overall client satisfaction, which in turn leads to client loyalty in the South African banking industry. However, further research studies may be conducted in other developing countries to gain a wider understanding on the influence of social media service quality on client loyalty in the banking industry.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The investigation of the role and the efficacy of learning technologies towards community skill development
- Authors: Masikisiki, Baphumelele
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Web-based instruction Computer-assisted instruction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5972 , vital:29460
- Description: Research has revealed that during systems design and development of e-learning technologies there is a tendency of neglecting the needs of end users and focus on the design process and the technology factors, and this has traditionally been the reason for poor usability of otherwise well conceptualized systems, as a result a number of IT-based learning tools ended up not being usable and not being utilized effectively. This study aims to investigate the impact of e-learning technologies, how people perceive the usage of e-learning technologies towards community skill development. An evaluation of four different e-learning technologies was conducted to investigate the role and efficacy of e-learning technologies within the surrounding communities. Data was analyzed as nominal data using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software 24. Descriptive analysis, frequency, reliability and correctional analysis and also measures of central tendency were computed. Reliability was evaluated for assessing the internal consistency of the items using Cronbach’s alpha. To analyze the relationship between variables matrices of Pearson’s correlation was used. Pearson’s correlation can only be accepted when the significant effect (P>.05), this indicates that there is a positive or a negative relationship between two variables, if these conditions are not met then the proposed correlation or hypothesis can be rejected. Results indicate a poor perception and poor acceptance of e-learning technologies due to a number of factors, these factors include lack of computer-self efficacy which leads to computer anxiety, affordability of internet connectivity which leads to inaccessible of e-learning technologies. The findings also indicated that LAMS was found to be less useable and less useful by a number of students. However, students who enjoy working in groups found LAMS to be useable because it was supporting their preferred learning style, whereas individualistic students preferred Moodle and Dokeos because it was supporting their personal preferences and assessment styles. Having understood all the characteristics of learning tools, relevant learning technologies that are suitable for students can then be recommended.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The level of awareness and use of risk management techniques by SMEs in the construction industry : a case of King Williams Town and Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Chiliya, William
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Risk management Construction industry -- Cost control Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8932 , vital:33998
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of awareness and use of risk management techniques by SMEs in the construction industry conducting business activities in King William’s Town and Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data from 82 SME owners or managers in the construction industry. The statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse data. The Chi-square, cross tabulation and descriptive statistical tests were employed to analyse the data. The results of the study revealed that there is a low level of awareness and use of risk management techniques by SMEs in the construction industry. In addition, the results revealed that SMEs in the construction industry have a positive attitude toward risk management techniques. The results of the study recommend that the government, tertiary institutions, construction industry development board and SME owners or managers in the construction industry should work together to improve the level of awareness and use of risk management techniques.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The perceived meaning and benefits of people analytics in selected organisations in South Africa
- Authors: Marazanye, Joram
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Personnel management Business -- Data processing Employees -- Recruiting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4480 , vital:28341
- Description: Regardless of the widespread application of analytics to a variety of business measurements, it is noteworthy that the use of people analytics is still no place close where it could be. The main aim of this study is to examine the perceived meaning and benefits of people analytics in selected South African organisations. People analytics is a burning-fresh topic in HR field aiming at using data to make organisational decisions and little has been done in this area especially in the South African context. The study employed qualitative-exploratory design which comprised of 10 senior HR officers from selected organisations in South Africa. From the findings, it shows that the employment of people analytics in South African context is in its early stage and its conception and repercussions are little understood. In addition, there is an accord on its usefulness, however the workforce analytic skills have found to be the major difficulty to foster its successful implementation and adoption by organisations. Because of its qualitative nature, this study had a limitation that it lack representativeness hence the findings cannot be generalised. Research opportunities for future can be quantitative and longitudinal research to objectively ascertain the extent future employability of people analytics.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The potential of Elephantorrhiza elephantina as an anthelmintic of goats in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Mazhangara, Irene Rumbidza
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Bioactive compounds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15068 , vital:40160
- Description: The main objective of the study was to investigate the potential of Elephantorrhiza elephantina in the control of gastro-intestinal worms in goats in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The ethanolic, methanolic and aqueous phytochemical composition of E. elephantina root bark extracts were determined. The phytochemical analysis revealed a high concentration of alkaloids, condensed tannins, flavonoids, phenols and saponins in E. elephantina root extracts. Quantitative phytochemical analysis of alkaloids in water extract was 932.44 ± 1.23 mg. Condensed tannins, phenols and saponins in ethanol extract were 450.52 ± 4.56 mg CE/g, 476.11 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g and 832.85 ± 1.45 mg respectively. Flavonoids was 803.93 ± 0.02 mg QE/g in methanol extract as the highest recordings. In vitro screening of ethanol, methanol and water extracts of E. elephantina for potential anthelminthic activity against adult Paramphistomum cervi worm motility showed time and dose-dependent significant effects after 12 hours of treatment. Ethanolic extracts showed a highly significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of motility (86.67 and 96.67 percent) at concentrations 7.5 and 15 mg/ml, respectively. Methanolic and aqueous extracts exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) motility inhibition (96.67 and 66.67 percent, respectively) at concentration of 15 mg/ml 16 hours post-exposure. In vitro assessment of structural changes to adult gastro-intestinal worms following exposure to E. elephantina extracts was done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM observations revealed structural changes in the worms after contact with E. elephantina extracts in comparison with the control worms kept in Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The major alterations were around the cuticle, posterior and anterior areas. These changes included longitudinal and transversal folds and thicker cuticula ridges, material aggregates around the posterior and anterior areas. The study showed that ethanol, methanol and water extracts of E. elephantina root contained significant amounts of alkaloids, condensed tannins, flavanoids, phenols and saponins. Validation studies showed that extracts of E. elephantina possess anthelminthic activities. The structural changes found in the worms exposed to extracts of E. elephantina root extracts affected their motility and nutrition, resulting in mortality.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The prospects of commercialising small-scale chicken production in Buffalo City metropolitan municipality, Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Seti, Thembalethu Macdonald
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poultry -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Chicken industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15244 , vital:40257
- Description: The aim of this study is to explore the prospects of commercialising small-scale chicken production in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape. In the attempt of exploring these prospects, the researcher sought to understand socio-economic characteristics of small-scale chicken farmers, describe the small-scale chicken enterprise, and determine farmer’s level of commercialisation and factors influencing the farmer’s commercialisation level. Stratified random sampling was used to select 99 participants in the study area. The sampled participants constituted small-scale chicken farmers that were supported by government projects and farmers that were not part of any government support. Descriptive statistics, Household Commercialization Index (HCI) and Multinomial Regression model were used to analyse data and bring meaning to it. The results of the study signify that most of the farmers (66percent) are subsistence oriented, meaning most of their produce is consumed within the household and about 40percent are semi-commercial and only 7percent are at full commercialization meaning they only produce for the market. The result also showed that access to extension services (p<0.03), gender (p<0.03) household size (permanent family members) (p<0.01), transport cost (p<0.04), farming experience (p<0.02, grades and standards (p<0.01), production machines (p<0.05), and distance to the market (p<0.05) were the major determinants influencing output commercialization in the study area. The major constraints to production identified and prioritized by farmers were lack of feed, disease outbreaks, high mortality rate and theft. Based on the study results, to bring about the prospects of commercialising small-scale chicken, government should consistently supply extension officers, government investment in poultry machines and transport is also recommended. In terms of further research, the study suggests that research on profitability of small-scale chicken production would yield immense insights for policy development.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The relationship between selected body composition components and self-efficacy among 12-14 year old rural adolescents in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Nkopo, Mandisi, S
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Child development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Children -- Growth Body composition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4536 , vital:28403
- Description: Body composition changes drastically in both males and females during the adolescent years. The changes may have a negative effect on their physical health as well as psychological well-being, with respect to attributes such as self-efficacy. Being either overweight or obese during adolescence has social, economic and psychological consequences, which include low self-efficacy. However, very few international studies and not a single South African study could be found which measured the relationship of anthropometric body composition components, general self-efficacy levels and actual measured body size among adolescents, particularly among rural adolescents. Consequently, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between anthropometric body composition components and self efficacy, by conducting a comparison of self-efficacy levels among normal, overweight and obese 12 to 14-year-old rural adolescents in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The sample consisted of boys (n=49) and girls (n=43) between the ages of 12 and 14 years. The body composition components were body weight, stature, body mass index, sum of 3 skinfolds, percentage body fat and hip-to-waist ratio. The sample was also classified into normal, overweight and obese groups, according to body mass index. A self-administered Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C) which was developed by Muris (2001) was used to measure general self-efficacy. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, the Pearson correlation matrix and Cohen's effect size for significance (Cohen, 1992) and a Mann-Whitney U Test was used to determine statistical differences. Significance was set at p<0.05. Only 17 percent of the participants in the research sample were found to be overweight or obese. Only emotional self-efficacy showed significant (p=0.02) differences between the participants who were classified as having normal weights and the group which comprised the overweight and the obese groups. Overweight and obese boys and girls still had very high levels of self-efficacy, although their body mass index scores were high. Boys scored higher in social self-efficacy and girls in academic self-efficacy. Only girls presented significantly high correlations between body mass index and emotional self-efficacy (r=0.33, p=0.02), total self-efficacy and hip-to-waist ratio (r=0.44, p=0.00), social self-efficacy and hip-towaist ratio (r=0.39, p=0.01) and emotional self-efficacy and hip-to-waist ratio (r=0.33, p=0.02), while boys presented them only with respect to body weight (r=0.31, p=0.02) and stature (r=0.39, p=0.00). The results suggest that a positive relationship exists between body composition, in terms of hip-to-waist ratio, weight and stature, and self-efficacy among South African rural adolescents. However, girls presented significantly strong and positive correlations between hip-to-waist ratio and self-efficacy, whereas boys presented significant, strong and positive correlations between body weight, stature and self-efficacy. Only emotional self-efficacy showed significant differences between normal weight and overweight or obese South African rural adolescents. It seems likely that cultural beliefs may exert an influence on the psychosocial perceptions of adolescents in relation to body size, consequently affecting self efficacy levels.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test : normative data for the Xhosa-speaking population and analysis of the influence of the quality of education
- Authors: Nyangwa, Unathi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Educational tests and measurements Neuropsychological tests Verbal learning -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6270 , vital:29534
- Description: Objective. The aim of this study was to develop and establish norms for the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) for Xhosa speaking adults with a grade 11 or 12 qualification obtained from a previously disadvantaged educational background in the Eastern Cape. Method. The sampleconsisted of a non-clinical group of South African Eastern Cape Xhosa speaking adults (N = 40), aged 19-40, with Grade 11 or 12 level of education received in former Department of Education and Training (DET) schools. Independent t-test analyses were used to compare test performance ofmale and female research subjects; to compare young adults versus older adult age categories and to compare performance between rural and urban research subjects. In addition, differences between the SA RAVLT norms imitative from this study compared to the Australian standardisation on the young adult category was measured. Results. The findings revealed no statistical significant influence of age; sex or rural and urban schooling among the disadvantaged population of the Eastern Cape on RAVLT performance. Additionally, differences on test performance between research-subjects from South Africa compared to Australian research subjects was evident with Australian research subjects performing better on all the sub-components of the RAVLT measure. Conclusions. It is concluded that clinicians will be able to use the RAVLT with more confidence with this educationally disadvantaged Xhosa speaking population. These RAVLT normative data should not be generalised to other languages; other race groups, or other age categories of individuals other than the ones represented in this study.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The role of child support grants in enhancing the quality of life of beneficiaries in Dimbaza, Buffalo City Municipality
- Authors: Nyandeni, Siphe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Child support -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/7775 , vital:30761
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of the Child Support Grant (CSG) in enhancing the quality of life of beneficiaries in the Dimbaza Community, Buffalo city Municipality. The study utilised the quantitative research method through questionnaires to collect data from 150 beneficiaries of Child Support Grant (CSG), using the non-probability sampling method. The findings of the study highlight the fact that indeed, the beneficiaries of the child support grant are truly dependent on the Child Support Grant (CSG) income, and their livelihood depends on the grant and how they use it. Another important finding of the study is that most beneficiaries (CSG) are not fully satisfied with how the Child Support Grant fulfils the gap in terms of their needs e.g. in healthcare and schooling, amongst others. The study recommends that the government should focus more on the issue of healthcare of beneficiaries through access to private doctors whenever there is an emergency - in order to address the issue the of inaccessible doctors in public hospitals.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The role of principals as instructional leaders in two underperforming senior secondary schools in the King William's Town education district
- Authors: Sijako, Bantu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: School principals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Effective teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Instructional systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/619 , vital:26474
- Description: School principals are expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing quality teaching and learning in their schools. As leaders of organisations called schools, where teaching and learning take place, they need to possess particular skills to enable them to effectively deliver on their responsibilities of supporting teaching and learning. This means that a school principal is at the centre of any change that must occur at school level. He/she is expected to create a positive learning space by providing a healthy climate for teaching and learning in the school. However, some secondary schools in the King William’s Town Education District are performing far below the national average when it comes to the Grade 12 results. For this reason, this study sought to explore the views of the school management team members in two such schools on the role of principals as instructional leaders. The case study was premised within the qualitative research approach and the interpretivist paradigm was used as an epistemological base to investigate the views of the school management teams on the role of principals as instructional leaders. Eight school management team members were selected from both schools and the data was collected by means of face-to-face semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis. The data showed that participants had divergent views on how principals play the instructional leadership role. It appeared that principals employed different strategies in supporting teaching and learning in their schools and the focus was on control rather than support. It also emerged from the data that there was a lack of professional support at all levels in the selected schools, and parents were not involved in their children’s academic work. The researcher concludes that there seemed to be no systemic and coherent support strategy focusing on teaching and learning, as there were divergent views on how principals perform their instructional leadership roles. The study therefore recommends that principals be trained on instructional leadership to give them a deeper insight into supporting curriculum implementation in their schools.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The role of school-community partnerships in promoting learner discipline :|ba case of two primary schools in the Capricorn Education District
- Authors: Malatji, Makwalete Johanna
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Community and schoo School discipline
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8283 , vital:32170
- Description: The study investigated the role of school-community partnerships in promoting learners‟ discipline in the Capricorn District. The purpose of this study was to examine how schoolcommunity partnerships pan out to promote learner discipline in schools. This study used a qualitative research approach and was premised within the parameters of the interpretive paradigm. Through a case study design, data was collected from three primary schools in the Capricorn Education District. Participants were purposively selected from SMTs, SGBs and parents. Four SMTs, four SGBs and four parents participated in this study. The study found that there was no shared responsibility between the school and its stakeholders. Furthermore, it was found that there was no regular communication between the school and parents about disciplining of learners. Moreover, the study revealed that SMT members experienced challenges such as dealing with poor parental involvement, poor communication, poor infrastructure, lack of resources and drug abuse, and these had negative impact on learners‟ performance. The study provided insights into what role the school and community should play in promoting learner discipline. The study also found that the community‟s level of education in school activities also affected learner discipline. Community members were not aware of what was expected of them in a school since they understood a school as a building of educated people. Therefore, it became important for the school to make sure that community members receive information about how they could help with school activities and learner discipline. The study recommends that workshops should be conducted to educate communities about school-community partnerships to promote learner discipline. The study further recommends that the school should develop policies that could help both the school and the community on learner discipline. A policy could direct both the school and the community on the agreements they made to discipline learners.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The role of transport infrastructure in attracting foreign direct investment in South Africa
- Authors: Mjacu, Lwando
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Transportation Investments, Foreign -- South Africa Infrastructure (Economics) -- Government policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8609 , vital:33181
- Description: This study examined the role of transport infrastructure in attracting foreign direct investment in South Africa. The study used quarterly time series data for the period of 1994 to 2014. The Johansen cointegration and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) were used to determine the impact of transport infrastructure on foreign direct investment in South Africa. The explanatory variables in this study were market size, transport infrastructure, labour cost, exchange rate and corporate tax. Results from this study showed that market size, transport infrastructure and corporate tax have a positive and significant impact on foreign direct investment, while exchange rate is positive but insignificant, and labour cost has a negative and insignificant impact on foreign direct investment in South Africa. The policy recommendation that comes from this study is that efforts should be made to improve the standard of transport infrastructure in order to enhance and attract more of foreign direct investment. The government should follow policies that will attract foreign direct investment.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The study of blockchain towards its application to South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
- Authors: Mthethwa, Sthembile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South African Social Security Agency Electronic funds transfers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12610 , vital:39292
- Description: In recent years, there has been a rapid improvement in the way currencies are perceived, which has led to a rise in digital currencies commonly known as cryptocurrencies (because they are secured by the use of cryptography). Bitcoin was the _rst successful cryptocurrency which allowed users to transact directly with each other without the involvement of the third party (the bank). Bitcoin introduced a new technology known as the blockchain which is considered to be the ext-generation technology". Blockchain is a chronological database used to store all the transactions that have occurred since the inception of Bitcoin. A study of the Blockchain involving its application to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is presented. This study assesses how the Blockchain functions. The Blockchain has been viewed as the next-generation technology. This study also assesses the application of the Blockchain to other systems other than cryptocurrencies or digital currencies. Recent studies in the literature have proposed applications of the Blockchain to other system (e.g. electronic voting, smart contracts, and intellectual property rights). Although these proposals have been put forward, none has been made speci_cally for SASSA. This study also presents the problems that the Blockchain has (e.g. scalability, security).Recent literature has tried to solve the problem of scalability, by introducing new protocols like mini-blockchain. In addition, this study presents the challenges that SASSA is currently having and it provides details about the attacks that could succeed in the system. The study presents the analysis of the blockchain for its application to SASSA; the analysis includes scalability, performance and security. Based on the analysis, it is shown that the blockchain is not compatible to be applied to SASSA. However, this study proposes a solution to some of the challenges SASSA is currently facing.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The teaching of english first additional language reading comprehension in selected rural secondary schools in the Ngcobo Education District
- Authors: Mshumi, Lizwi Chysostom
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Reading (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape English language
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9286 , vital:34318
- Description: Literacy in South Africa is in a state of crisis according to the studies conducted by Progress in International Literacy Study (PIRLS) of 2006 and SACMEC III, 2011. Yearly there is a public outcry over the low matric pass rate and furthermore the Eastern Cape is below the national benchmark of 60 percent. In the district in which this research was based, the matric pass rate was, in 2016, amongst the lowest five districts nationally. This study used the interactive theory of reading as the theoretical framework and is located in the interpretive paradigm. Qualitative approach was employed in the study with the intentions of finding out as much as possible on teachers‟ experiences with the teaching of reading comprehension in rural secondary schools. The study also applied a case study design. For this study two schools were purposively selected from the Ngcobo District. The data in this study were derived from transcribed interviews, lesson observations and field notes. The main findings of this study reflected the following challenges faced by rural secondary schools based on teaching reading comprehension: the absence of a culture of reading, lack of resources and poor socio-economic background of learners, lack of exposure to reading material, limited availability of time both at school and home, and large classes. It is recommended that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) intensifies teachers with ongoing teacher development in order that they acquire additional skills on how to teach reading. The building of classrooms is required as well as addressing the issue of provision of various resources such as infrastructure library facilities.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The use of behaviour, saliva cortisol and faecal glucocorticoid levels as stress indicators in beef cows
- Authors: Dzviti, Melody
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Veterinary physiology Beef cattle -- Behavior Glucocorticoids
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8165 , vital:31634
- Description: The study evaluated the use of saliva as a minimally invasive technique for cortisol level determination. This was done by assessing the relationship between serum and saliva cortisol based on short sampling intervals. In addition, the study also determined the effect of successive handling on faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM), rectal temperature (RT), avoidance distance (AD), chute and crush scores as well as urination, defaecation and vocalization in multiparous cows. For trial one six non-pregnant, clinically healthy Nguni cows were used. They were administered with standardised doses of adrenocorticotropic hormone on treatment days and saline was used as a placebo on alternative days. Simultaneously, blood and saliva samples were collected to quantify cortisol levels. No relationship (r = 0.0131, P>0.05) was observed between serum and saliva cortisol. However, results showed that there was adrenal stimulation in saliva coupled by significant (P<0.05) effects of sampling intervals. For the second study 21 non-pregnant and clinically healthy Nguni cows of one herd were used for the trial. They were divided into parity groups and their weights were used as a covariate in data analysis. For five consecutive weeks, fresh faecal samples were extracted and rectal temperatures measured. In addition, fear of approaching humans was assessed by AD scores and behaviour scores in the crush chute, as well as vocalisation, urination and defaecation were observed. The effect of successive handling significantly (P<0.05) affected the physiological parameters, namely FGM and RT. Contrariwise, Chi-square tests revealed that parities had a significant (χ2 < 0.05) influence on AD and crush scores as well as on the occurrence of excretory behaviour. It was concluded that saliva cortisol can be used as a stress indicator in beef cows. However, plasma cortisol can be significantly volatile thereby becoming less sensitive to changes across time. This can cause a lack of relationship between plasma and saliva cortisol. On the other hand, repetitive handling of beef cows has an influence on faecal stress levels. In addition, beef cows of differing parities behave differently to handling stress.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The WTO agreement on technical barriers to trade : a critical appraisal of its implementation within the Southern African Development Community
- Authors: Chimeri, Vongai
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Tariff -- Law and legislation Non-tariff trade barriers -- Law and legislation Foreign trade regulation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2855 , vital:28108
- Description: The World Trade Organisation Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement) was crafted with the aim of ensuring that technical regulations, standards and conformity assessment procedure do not constitute unnecessary obstacles to international trade. Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries have since ratified this Agreement and took a step further to incorporate its principles into the Technical Barriers to Trade Annex to the SADC Protocol on Trade. Despite this effort, SADC countries are still grappling with implementing the TBT Agreement in their domestic frameworks. Consequently, technical barriers to trade have become impediments to both regional and international trade. It is in this context that this study aims to examine the implementation of the TBT Agreement within the SADC. The study answers the question what are the challenges facing SADC Member states to fully implement the TBT Agreement? The study demonstrates that SADC Member face challenges which include of lack adequate resources, technical expertise and enforcement mechanisms to effectively implement the TBT Agreement. In the finality, the study recommends SADC Member states to deepen regional integration in order to collaborate on matters relating to technical barriers to trade within the region. Member states should also share information and learn from the experiences of other countries on how to effectively implement the TBT Agreement. Further, government officials should be educated on trade-friendly regulations that do not compromise on the principles of the TBT Agreement. To this end, regulatory impact assessments should be established in order to assess the trade effects of both new and old regulations. Effective enforcement mechanisms should also be introduced in order to coerce Member states to comply with their regional obligations. By effecting these recommendations, SADC states have the opportunity to eradicate technical barriers to trade thereby increasing both regional and international trade.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Thermodynamic and electrical performance monitoring of a domestic split-type air conditioner and development of a simulation based R22 permanent replacement
- Authors: Bantan, Mafor Glory
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Air conditioning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4857 , vital:28537
- Description: The difficulty that exists in accurately monitoring the performance of air conditioners has made performance prediction an arduous task. Nevertheless, the performance still needs to be monitored and predicted as it helps solve a lot of problems resulting from this technology like effect of the technology on the grid, energy consumption, water utilisation and GHGs emission. With the introduction of regression modelling as a means of system monitoring and prediction some years ago, the accuracy was still a call for concern. It is worth realising that increasing the number of predictors will enhance this method’s accuracy. As such, this document intends to increase the accuracy of this method’s monitoring and predicting ability by increasing the number of predictors to cut across system thermal, environmental and human behavioural variation. These predictors experimentally gotten are used to build an environ-behavioural model that monitors the coefficient of performance and energy consumption of a domestic split-type air conditioner with higher accuracy. Refrigerants have undergone evolution in the past decades in a bid to come up with a refrigerant that has zero ODP, lower – than – R22 GWP and much better than R22 thermodynamic performance. No pure refrigerant has been found to possess these qualities as such mixtures or blends are the best shot at the moment. R410A could stand the test of time to be the long term R22 replacement but for the fact that besides R410A’s higher GWP than that of R22, the former’s system performance is lower than that of the latter’s due to the lower thermodynamic performance of the former. This means the search continues. In this document, a combination of carefully chosen refrigerant components are carefully blended to come up with a simulation based R22 long term replacement, which will be referred to in this document as BTEP.
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- Date Issued: 2017