An analysis of the credit scoring tool implemented by South African banks for vehicle asset financing
- Authors: Ntsingila, Themba
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Credit scoring systems , Consumer credit , Credit -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69972 , vital:78254
- Description: South Africa has been experiencing an increase in the number of people buying motor vehicles for primary reason of travelling from home to work and vice versa over the past years. However, there has been also an increase in the number of bad debts written off (bank repossessions) for vehicle asset financed through by the financial institutions. The risk that borrowers are not fulfilling their obligations present a huge risk to the bank as borrowing has become the leading function of the bank. This is proven by the volumes of different loans granted by banks to individuals (Kihuro and Iraya, 2018). Hartungi (2007:397) alludes that low-income earners tend to buy expensive motor vehicle which they cannot afford. It has been noted that the increased level of consumer’s indebtedness is due to unstable economy, frequent increase of petrol prices and interest rates increases. Vehicle financing face a higher probability of customers defaulting. The trend in the increase of the household credit granting became a concern for the South African government which led to the execution of the National credit act (NCA) on 1 June 2007 in a move to regulate the act particularly to protect the household in acquiring unnecessary credit. Companies are required to explore different ways of assisting their customers by reducing the high number of debts written off for motor vehicles. This study used the quantitative approach using the survey method to collect data from respondents who are credit managers in a bank based in Gauteng province. Data collection took place in a bank using a questionpro survey distributed by email to junior credit managers, credit managers and senior credit managers to administer an open-ended questionnaire. Responses received were codified and quantitative data was analysed using Statistical tools and packages including Statistica. This research aims to assist the financial institution(s) by performing better assessment in granting of credit for asset finance and by reducing several bad debts. It is the main aim of this academic exercise to bring to the fore the scholastic analysis to further enlighten the reader about the burden of reckless lending not only to individuals who are granted credit but also the approved financial institutions themselves. The study found variable respondents’ opinion of the analysis of the credit scoring tool used. In conclusion, is perceived that the use of correct credit scoring tool will reduce the number of bad debts written off. It can be recommended that a National Credit Act intervention could be applied to mitigate the risk of defaulting in credit assessment for loans granted to consumers. Therefore, the study seeks to first look at the credit scoring tool as a viable and relevant tool used for Vehicle Asset Financing (VAF) in the banking sector, and secondly attempt to provide novel ways to improve and enhance the current system with the sole aim to align with National Credit Regulator (NCR). , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Ntsingila, Themba
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Credit scoring systems , Consumer credit , Credit -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69972 , vital:78254
- Description: South Africa has been experiencing an increase in the number of people buying motor vehicles for primary reason of travelling from home to work and vice versa over the past years. However, there has been also an increase in the number of bad debts written off (bank repossessions) for vehicle asset financed through by the financial institutions. The risk that borrowers are not fulfilling their obligations present a huge risk to the bank as borrowing has become the leading function of the bank. This is proven by the volumes of different loans granted by banks to individuals (Kihuro and Iraya, 2018). Hartungi (2007:397) alludes that low-income earners tend to buy expensive motor vehicle which they cannot afford. It has been noted that the increased level of consumer’s indebtedness is due to unstable economy, frequent increase of petrol prices and interest rates increases. Vehicle financing face a higher probability of customers defaulting. The trend in the increase of the household credit granting became a concern for the South African government which led to the execution of the National credit act (NCA) on 1 June 2007 in a move to regulate the act particularly to protect the household in acquiring unnecessary credit. Companies are required to explore different ways of assisting their customers by reducing the high number of debts written off for motor vehicles. This study used the quantitative approach using the survey method to collect data from respondents who are credit managers in a bank based in Gauteng province. Data collection took place in a bank using a questionpro survey distributed by email to junior credit managers, credit managers and senior credit managers to administer an open-ended questionnaire. Responses received were codified and quantitative data was analysed using Statistical tools and packages including Statistica. This research aims to assist the financial institution(s) by performing better assessment in granting of credit for asset finance and by reducing several bad debts. It is the main aim of this academic exercise to bring to the fore the scholastic analysis to further enlighten the reader about the burden of reckless lending not only to individuals who are granted credit but also the approved financial institutions themselves. The study found variable respondents’ opinion of the analysis of the credit scoring tool used. In conclusion, is perceived that the use of correct credit scoring tool will reduce the number of bad debts written off. It can be recommended that a National Credit Act intervention could be applied to mitigate the risk of defaulting in credit assessment for loans granted to consumers. Therefore, the study seeks to first look at the credit scoring tool as a viable and relevant tool used for Vehicle Asset Financing (VAF) in the banking sector, and secondly attempt to provide novel ways to improve and enhance the current system with the sole aim to align with National Credit Regulator (NCR). , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
An annotated catalogue and pedagogical approach to clarinet music by Southern African composers: 1995–2022
- Authors: Snyman, Grant
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Clarinet music , Clarinet and piano music , Composition (Music)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70405 , vital:78347
- Description: Documenting and cataloguing Southern African clarinet music for performing, teaching, and learning is one of the best ways to preserve the region’s heritage and rich musical identity. Globally, several publications contain annotated bibliographies for the clarinet repertoire, but only a limited number include works by Southern African composers. Continued research and cataloguing of clarinet-related literature is crucial for future developments of the clarinet within a Southern African context and ensuring that the music is not “lost” or that the composers remain unknown. In the past, clarinettists (students, performers, and educators) have experienced several issues when seeking reliable sources pertaining to works by Southern African composers. This newly formed database, archive, and catalogue will assist clarinettists in sourcing “unfamiliar” works and serve as a helpful multi-purpose tool. Recent research has shown an increased interest in creating catalogues for specific musical instruments. This catalogue will not only create an awareness of Southern African composers and their compositions but is presented in a user-friendly and easily accessible format. Although several Southern African compositions exist, they are not often performed or programmed. Besides not being included in concert performances, there is (1) a lack of interest and exposure to “new” repertoire for the clarinet in Southern Africa, (2) a general lack of commercially available recordings, (3) a lack of an extensive or inclusive resource, (4) a lack of information about these composers and access to their music, and (5) an unfamiliarity with contemporary works for the clarinet written by Southern African composers. Thus, an annotated catalogue of A and B♭ clarinet music composed by Southern African composers between 1995 and 2022 has been compiled and includes extended methods for the instrument and suggested teaching methods (facilitating preparation, interpretation, and informed approaches to the performance of Southern African compositions). Composers’ biographical details, an overview of the history of the clarinet and clarinet performance practices in each one of the selected countries, and a glossary of ‘new’ and extended techniques found in these ‘Southern African’ compositions have been included. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Snyman, Grant
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Clarinet music , Clarinet and piano music , Composition (Music)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70405 , vital:78347
- Description: Documenting and cataloguing Southern African clarinet music for performing, teaching, and learning is one of the best ways to preserve the region’s heritage and rich musical identity. Globally, several publications contain annotated bibliographies for the clarinet repertoire, but only a limited number include works by Southern African composers. Continued research and cataloguing of clarinet-related literature is crucial for future developments of the clarinet within a Southern African context and ensuring that the music is not “lost” or that the composers remain unknown. In the past, clarinettists (students, performers, and educators) have experienced several issues when seeking reliable sources pertaining to works by Southern African composers. This newly formed database, archive, and catalogue will assist clarinettists in sourcing “unfamiliar” works and serve as a helpful multi-purpose tool. Recent research has shown an increased interest in creating catalogues for specific musical instruments. This catalogue will not only create an awareness of Southern African composers and their compositions but is presented in a user-friendly and easily accessible format. Although several Southern African compositions exist, they are not often performed or programmed. Besides not being included in concert performances, there is (1) a lack of interest and exposure to “new” repertoire for the clarinet in Southern Africa, (2) a general lack of commercially available recordings, (3) a lack of an extensive or inclusive resource, (4) a lack of information about these composers and access to their music, and (5) an unfamiliarity with contemporary works for the clarinet written by Southern African composers. Thus, an annotated catalogue of A and B♭ clarinet music composed by Southern African composers between 1995 and 2022 has been compiled and includes extended methods for the instrument and suggested teaching methods (facilitating preparation, interpretation, and informed approaches to the performance of Southern African compositions). Composers’ biographical details, an overview of the history of the clarinet and clarinet performance practices in each one of the selected countries, and a glossary of ‘new’ and extended techniques found in these ‘Southern African’ compositions have been included. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
An anthropological inquiry into intergenerational fashion influences on daughters/sons: selected cases in South Africa
- Maqhubu, Mantšeoane Elizabeth
- Authors: Maqhubu, Mantšeoane Elizabeth
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Clothing and dress -- Social aspects , Fashion -- Social aspects , Anthropology -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70330 , vital:78340
- Description: Clothes are a nonverbal expressive tool that provides data for perceptions. They indicate information about a person’s age, sex, personality, socioeconomic status, values, and political ideologies. What someone wears may communicate complex information about who they are to others around them, even when they may not be trying to communicate. At the same time, clothes are an extension or accessory for self-representation. This research delves into an anthropological exploration of intergenerational fashion influences on daughters and sons, focusing on selected cases in South Africa. The aim was to address existing gaps in understanding how contemporary individuals choose to dress and the significance they attribute to their clothing. The study explored diverse factors influencing personal style choices. The study applied narrative analysis theory to scrutinise the gathered information using semi-structured interviews with 15 participants and employing participant observation as an additional data collection method. The outcomes highlight a discernible generational shift in clothing trends, revealing both changes and continuities. Interestingly, the study challenges traditional gendered distinctions in fashion, indicating that men and women often exhibit more similarities than differences. The findings advocate for a more inclusive societal acceptance of diverse fashion expressions, breaking down stereotypes and suggesting that fashion transcends the conventional boundaries separating men's and women's attire. The study's implications include societal recognition and acceptance of the diversity inherent in personal style choices, transcending generational boundaries. This not only contributes to the academic understanding of social and cultural anthropology but also holds practical implications for fostering inclusivity and dismantling rigid notions surrounding attire. In simple terms, this study sparks conversations about how cultural traditions are changing. It encourages people to be more open-minded and accepting of the diverse ways individuals express their identity through fashion. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Maqhubu, Mantšeoane Elizabeth
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Clothing and dress -- Social aspects , Fashion -- Social aspects , Anthropology -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70330 , vital:78340
- Description: Clothes are a nonverbal expressive tool that provides data for perceptions. They indicate information about a person’s age, sex, personality, socioeconomic status, values, and political ideologies. What someone wears may communicate complex information about who they are to others around them, even when they may not be trying to communicate. At the same time, clothes are an extension or accessory for self-representation. This research delves into an anthropological exploration of intergenerational fashion influences on daughters and sons, focusing on selected cases in South Africa. The aim was to address existing gaps in understanding how contemporary individuals choose to dress and the significance they attribute to their clothing. The study explored diverse factors influencing personal style choices. The study applied narrative analysis theory to scrutinise the gathered information using semi-structured interviews with 15 participants and employing participant observation as an additional data collection method. The outcomes highlight a discernible generational shift in clothing trends, revealing both changes and continuities. Interestingly, the study challenges traditional gendered distinctions in fashion, indicating that men and women often exhibit more similarities than differences. The findings advocate for a more inclusive societal acceptance of diverse fashion expressions, breaking down stereotypes and suggesting that fashion transcends the conventional boundaries separating men's and women's attire. The study's implications include societal recognition and acceptance of the diversity inherent in personal style choices, transcending generational boundaries. This not only contributes to the academic understanding of social and cultural anthropology but also holds practical implications for fostering inclusivity and dismantling rigid notions surrounding attire. In simple terms, this study sparks conversations about how cultural traditions are changing. It encourages people to be more open-minded and accepting of the diverse ways individuals express their identity through fashion. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
An assessment of community- based citrus projects for sustainable livelihoods in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality
- Authors: Ncapayi, Phelisa
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Citrus fruit industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70034 , vital:78279
- Description: This research study assessed community-based citrus projects for sustainable livelihoods in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. These projects aim to empower people in Raymond Mhlaba by transforming empty land plots into revenue and job-generating activities, alleviating poverty in the area. The study employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. A sample of 22 participants was purposefully selected, comprising 16 beneficiaries engaged in a community citrus project, two project Leaders, two municipal officials, and two ward councillors. Purposive sampling is a non-probability sampling strategy. The participants were from Tyhume River Valley and Kat River Citrus. The study utilised semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to gain a comprehensive understanding of participants’ opinions concerning the community citrus project. Citrus farming in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality contributes to livelihoods by facilitating access to land, social networks, healthcare, education, employment, income, and decision-making abilities. The findings indicate that community citrus projects can sustain livelihoods; increased productivity leads to employment growth. Municipal officials should encourage local communities to focus on citrus production to alleviate poverty and create job opportunities, accelerating local economic growth. Municipal officials should also urge the government to fund local economic development projects. Further studies should evaluate how community development initiatives support rural communities’ sustainability. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Ncapayi, Phelisa
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Citrus fruit industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70034 , vital:78279
- Description: This research study assessed community-based citrus projects for sustainable livelihoods in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. These projects aim to empower people in Raymond Mhlaba by transforming empty land plots into revenue and job-generating activities, alleviating poverty in the area. The study employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. A sample of 22 participants was purposefully selected, comprising 16 beneficiaries engaged in a community citrus project, two project Leaders, two municipal officials, and two ward councillors. Purposive sampling is a non-probability sampling strategy. The participants were from Tyhume River Valley and Kat River Citrus. The study utilised semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to gain a comprehensive understanding of participants’ opinions concerning the community citrus project. Citrus farming in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality contributes to livelihoods by facilitating access to land, social networks, healthcare, education, employment, income, and decision-making abilities. The findings indicate that community citrus projects can sustain livelihoods; increased productivity leads to employment growth. Municipal officials should encourage local communities to focus on citrus production to alleviate poverty and create job opportunities, accelerating local economic growth. Municipal officials should also urge the government to fund local economic development projects. Further studies should evaluate how community development initiatives support rural communities’ sustainability. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
An assessment of the disbursement of government funding for small, medium, and micro enterprises in the manufacturing sector in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Phinda, Sinazo Bukeka
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Small business , Local finance -- Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Finance, Public -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70383 , vital:78345
- Description: This study has assessed the government's financial support for Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the Manufacturing Sector in Nelson Mandela Bay. The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality is a region with a high potential for economic growth and development. Even though the region is reliant on the government for the majority of its income and earnings, there is major potential for the region to create more jobs and work opportunities, especially among the youth of the region. The problem that drove this study was the financial challenges faced by Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the manufacturing sector in Nelson Mandela Bay. To address these challenges government has created agencies to provide financial access to SMMEs. Theses government agencies include the Industrial Development Corporation, the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA), the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), the National Empowerment Fund Act No 105 of 1998 (NEF), and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), etc. This research adopted the use of a qualitative approach, for this study it is a suitable approach due to time and resource efficiency, as it used desktop analysis and secondary data which entails internet sources. Based on the literature reviewed in this study, financial challenges to SMMEs are not only an NMB challenge but a national challenge that needs to be addressed urgently. The literature in this study noted that these financial challenges are because of government policies, education and training, access to information, and funding requirements. The effective employment of recommendations in this study can improve the processes and procedures for SMMEs to be able to access both financial and non-financial support from the government. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Phinda, Sinazo Bukeka
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Small business , Local finance -- Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Finance, Public -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70383 , vital:78345
- Description: This study has assessed the government's financial support for Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the Manufacturing Sector in Nelson Mandela Bay. The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality is a region with a high potential for economic growth and development. Even though the region is reliant on the government for the majority of its income and earnings, there is major potential for the region to create more jobs and work opportunities, especially among the youth of the region. The problem that drove this study was the financial challenges faced by Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the manufacturing sector in Nelson Mandela Bay. To address these challenges government has created agencies to provide financial access to SMMEs. Theses government agencies include the Industrial Development Corporation, the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA), the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), the National Empowerment Fund Act No 105 of 1998 (NEF), and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), etc. This research adopted the use of a qualitative approach, for this study it is a suitable approach due to time and resource efficiency, as it used desktop analysis and secondary data which entails internet sources. Based on the literature reviewed in this study, financial challenges to SMMEs are not only an NMB challenge but a national challenge that needs to be addressed urgently. The literature in this study noted that these financial challenges are because of government policies, education and training, access to information, and funding requirements. The effective employment of recommendations in this study can improve the processes and procedures for SMMEs to be able to access both financial and non-financial support from the government. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
An assessment of the expanded public works programme: a case of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Goba, Mziwamadoda Khanya Siphozuko
- Authors: Goba, Mziwamadoda Khanya Siphozuko
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Public works -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Monitoring , Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70242 , vital:78332
- Description: This study examines the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) approach of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) as implemented by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), addressing challenges in reporting accuracy and compliance within this structure. Motivated by insights from the South African Cities Network (SACN), which identified data and reporting limitations in NMBM’s EPWP, this research explores the municipality’s capacity to support comprehensive programme analysis. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the study analysed publicly available documents related to EPWP operations to evaluate the effectiveness of current M&E practices. Findings indicate that while the EPWP framework promotes accountability, there is a significant need for institutional capacity development, including measures to address staff turnover, fill vacant roles, and provide targeted training for officials responsible for EPWP reporting. Additionally, recommendations highlight the importance of enhancing compliance with reporting standards to produce accurate and thorough programme data. Improved financial transparency is also recommended, advocating for more detailed fund utilization reporting to strengthen accountability. To address underreporting, the study suggests establishing a feedback mechanism for timely inclusion of EPWP reports in municipal agendas, fostering stakeholder engagement and a participatory approach. Finally, recommendations for further research propose a follow-up study involving in-depth interviews with provincial and municipal public works officials to gain deeper insights into the challenges faced in EPWP M&E. These recommendations aim to improve NMBM’s adherence to M&E standards, ultimately enhancing the EPWP’s impact on employment and community development. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Goba, Mziwamadoda Khanya Siphozuko
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Public works -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Monitoring , Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70242 , vital:78332
- Description: This study examines the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) approach of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) as implemented by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), addressing challenges in reporting accuracy and compliance within this structure. Motivated by insights from the South African Cities Network (SACN), which identified data and reporting limitations in NMBM’s EPWP, this research explores the municipality’s capacity to support comprehensive programme analysis. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the study analysed publicly available documents related to EPWP operations to evaluate the effectiveness of current M&E practices. Findings indicate that while the EPWP framework promotes accountability, there is a significant need for institutional capacity development, including measures to address staff turnover, fill vacant roles, and provide targeted training for officials responsible for EPWP reporting. Additionally, recommendations highlight the importance of enhancing compliance with reporting standards to produce accurate and thorough programme data. Improved financial transparency is also recommended, advocating for more detailed fund utilization reporting to strengthen accountability. To address underreporting, the study suggests establishing a feedback mechanism for timely inclusion of EPWP reports in municipal agendas, fostering stakeholder engagement and a participatory approach. Finally, recommendations for further research propose a follow-up study involving in-depth interviews with provincial and municipal public works officials to gain deeper insights into the challenges faced in EPWP M&E. These recommendations aim to improve NMBM’s adherence to M&E standards, ultimately enhancing the EPWP’s impact on employment and community development. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
An assessment of the management of e-learning programmes in selected public high schools in Limpopo
- Authors: Lebea, Talamo Daphney
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Blended learning , Telecommunication in education , Education and state -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70319 , vital:78339
- Description: The utilisation of e-learning in public schools has become a significant subject of discussion in educational communities across the globe. In public schools in Limpopo Province in South Africa, e-learning initiatives have been gradually introduced. This transition towards incorporating technology in the classroom is viewed as a means of elevating the quality of education and expanding access to learning materials for students residing in remote regions. Nonetheless, the advancement of e-learning implementation in public schools in Limpopo Province has encountered some obstacles. To effectively introduce e-learning in public schools throughout Limpopo Province, it is crucial to identify the unique challenges these schools face and the benefits they can gain from successful implementation. Additionally, evaluating the management of e-learning implementation in these schools is of utmost importance. As such, this study assessed the implementation of e-learning programmes in public schools within the Limpopo Province. A qualitative research methodology was employed in the research study and desktop research of related literature assisted in achieving the aim of this study. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the gathered data. The study utilised the Social Constructivism theory as the underpinning theoretical framework. The findings indicated that public schools encounter significant obstacles when implementing e-learning programmes, including inadequate policies, insufficient resources such as lack of internet access and modern devices, poor infrastructure, inadequate teacher training and skills, insufficient financial support for educators, a lack of a comprehensive model, low interest among teachers, and high internet costs. In conclusion, it can be suggested that if these challenges are addressed, implementing e-learning in public schools in Limpopo will be a success. Therefore, the government should prioritise appointing educators with the necessary competencies and invest in educator training, creating conducive learning environments, and developing e-learning programmes that are unique to the challenges rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Lebea, Talamo Daphney
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Blended learning , Telecommunication in education , Education and state -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70319 , vital:78339
- Description: The utilisation of e-learning in public schools has become a significant subject of discussion in educational communities across the globe. In public schools in Limpopo Province in South Africa, e-learning initiatives have been gradually introduced. This transition towards incorporating technology in the classroom is viewed as a means of elevating the quality of education and expanding access to learning materials for students residing in remote regions. Nonetheless, the advancement of e-learning implementation in public schools in Limpopo Province has encountered some obstacles. To effectively introduce e-learning in public schools throughout Limpopo Province, it is crucial to identify the unique challenges these schools face and the benefits they can gain from successful implementation. Additionally, evaluating the management of e-learning implementation in these schools is of utmost importance. As such, this study assessed the implementation of e-learning programmes in public schools within the Limpopo Province. A qualitative research methodology was employed in the research study and desktop research of related literature assisted in achieving the aim of this study. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the gathered data. The study utilised the Social Constructivism theory as the underpinning theoretical framework. The findings indicated that public schools encounter significant obstacles when implementing e-learning programmes, including inadequate policies, insufficient resources such as lack of internet access and modern devices, poor infrastructure, inadequate teacher training and skills, insufficient financial support for educators, a lack of a comprehensive model, low interest among teachers, and high internet costs. In conclusion, it can be suggested that if these challenges are addressed, implementing e-learning in public schools in Limpopo will be a success. Therefore, the government should prioritise appointing educators with the necessary competencies and invest in educator training, creating conducive learning environments, and developing e-learning programmes that are unique to the challenges rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
An evaluation of the importance of effective leadership at Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Ngcwembe, Sandiswa
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Service delivery -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70023 , vital:78274
- Description: Leadership can be viewed as a social influence in which someone in a managerial position seeks voluntary participation of employees, communities, and businesses, to achieve stated objectives. Leadership styles applied by any organisation, also play a significant role in improving the services and business growth in local municipalities. The purpose of this research was to investigate the importance of effective leadership towards business success at Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and to recommend strategies that the Municipality can implement to enhance effective leadership. A quantitative methodology in form of a survey was adopted and a sample of 60 respondents was used. The results concluded that a significant relationship exists between leadership effectiveness and the Municipality’s growth and success. Most of the respondents were satisfied with how full-time ward councillors ensure that crucial service challenges are addressed, and that the Municipality supports small to medium businesses through mentoring and training programmes. However, some were not satisfied with service delivery and the maintenance of roads. Finally, “the results indicated a strong relationship between service delivery and transformational leadership. Service delivery had a positive correlation with transformational leadership, but a negative correlation with transactional leadership. The research results are significant for political leadership within local municipalities for the enhancement of business growth. This study ends with the limitations, a brief conclusion and recommendations.” , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Ngcwembe, Sandiswa
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Service delivery -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70023 , vital:78274
- Description: Leadership can be viewed as a social influence in which someone in a managerial position seeks voluntary participation of employees, communities, and businesses, to achieve stated objectives. Leadership styles applied by any organisation, also play a significant role in improving the services and business growth in local municipalities. The purpose of this research was to investigate the importance of effective leadership towards business success at Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and to recommend strategies that the Municipality can implement to enhance effective leadership. A quantitative methodology in form of a survey was adopted and a sample of 60 respondents was used. The results concluded that a significant relationship exists between leadership effectiveness and the Municipality’s growth and success. Most of the respondents were satisfied with how full-time ward councillors ensure that crucial service challenges are addressed, and that the Municipality supports small to medium businesses through mentoring and training programmes. However, some were not satisfied with service delivery and the maintenance of roads. Finally, “the results indicated a strong relationship between service delivery and transformational leadership. Service delivery had a positive correlation with transformational leadership, but a negative correlation with transactional leadership. The research results are significant for political leadership within local municipalities for the enhancement of business growth. This study ends with the limitations, a brief conclusion and recommendations.” , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
Analysing barriers of lean service implementation In South African Post Office operations
- Authors: Mpompa, Luyanda Clive
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Six sigma (Quality control standard) , Postal service -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70056 , vital:78288
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate and analyse the barriers to the implementation of Lean services in the service industry, with a particular focus on the South African Post Office operations. The researcher intended to identify and describe the barriers that precluded the implementation of Lean principles in service industry and where necessary shared the study's findings with South African Post Office management for decision making. The findings of the study in the South African Post Office were consistent with those of the other authors who conducted studies with the aim of identifying the barriers to Lean implementation in service industry. However most studies focussed on the barriers caused by operational factors while this study focussed on the barriers causing failures in implementing Lean initiatives which are connected with the South African Post Office management and staff perceptions on the importance of Lean principles in the organisation’s value stream. The findings, as presented in Chapter 5 of the study, identified various elements that contributed to managerial failures and those were the barriers the study intended to identify. The study indicated that top management of the South African Post Office was not familiar with the implementation of Lean concept. Management and staff in charge of operations were aware of the Lean concept, but none of them displayed considerable expertise of how to implement it. That was one of the reasons the organisation was unable to properly integrate Lean in its operations. The implementation of Lean required professionals and experts who could implement, drive, and monitor the process. The study’s interpretive framework was interpretivism-constructivism, and the study was a case study. The primary data collection method was face-to-face interviews with reference to archived information and secondary data. Semi-structured questions were asked during interviews. A total of twelve participants completed and signed the consent form, indicating their agreement to participate in the interviews. Out of the twelve participants, interviews were conducted with eleven individuals. Since its inception, Lean Manufacturing system had been viewed as a method that primarily applied to manufacturing-oriented businesses. Lean practices had also been adopted by the service industry, and a number of those businesses had integrated Lean methods in their operations. The postal services around the globe had also gradually implemented Lean successfully in their operations although there had been quite a number of barriers that hindered the implementation of Lean in some postal services around the globe. The South African Post Office exerted efforts to implement Lean but has up to this point not fully implemented Lean practices in its operation and this was what had triggered the researcher to learn more and analyse such barriers. The study aimed at identifying those barriers. The study's goal was to investigate and analyse the Lean implementation barriers in order to provide credible outcomes to both the South African Post Office management and the Nelson Mandela University, as well as other organisations in the service industry in comparable situations as the South African Post Office. The findings of this study related to management’s perception of Lean importance in ensuring optimum operational performance and customer satisfaction. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Mpompa, Luyanda Clive
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Six sigma (Quality control standard) , Postal service -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70056 , vital:78288
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate and analyse the barriers to the implementation of Lean services in the service industry, with a particular focus on the South African Post Office operations. The researcher intended to identify and describe the barriers that precluded the implementation of Lean principles in service industry and where necessary shared the study's findings with South African Post Office management for decision making. The findings of the study in the South African Post Office were consistent with those of the other authors who conducted studies with the aim of identifying the barriers to Lean implementation in service industry. However most studies focussed on the barriers caused by operational factors while this study focussed on the barriers causing failures in implementing Lean initiatives which are connected with the South African Post Office management and staff perceptions on the importance of Lean principles in the organisation’s value stream. The findings, as presented in Chapter 5 of the study, identified various elements that contributed to managerial failures and those were the barriers the study intended to identify. The study indicated that top management of the South African Post Office was not familiar with the implementation of Lean concept. Management and staff in charge of operations were aware of the Lean concept, but none of them displayed considerable expertise of how to implement it. That was one of the reasons the organisation was unable to properly integrate Lean in its operations. The implementation of Lean required professionals and experts who could implement, drive, and monitor the process. The study’s interpretive framework was interpretivism-constructivism, and the study was a case study. The primary data collection method was face-to-face interviews with reference to archived information and secondary data. Semi-structured questions were asked during interviews. A total of twelve participants completed and signed the consent form, indicating their agreement to participate in the interviews. Out of the twelve participants, interviews were conducted with eleven individuals. Since its inception, Lean Manufacturing system had been viewed as a method that primarily applied to manufacturing-oriented businesses. Lean practices had also been adopted by the service industry, and a number of those businesses had integrated Lean methods in their operations. The postal services around the globe had also gradually implemented Lean successfully in their operations although there had been quite a number of barriers that hindered the implementation of Lean in some postal services around the globe. The South African Post Office exerted efforts to implement Lean but has up to this point not fully implemented Lean practices in its operation and this was what had triggered the researcher to learn more and analyse such barriers. The study aimed at identifying those barriers. The study's goal was to investigate and analyse the Lean implementation barriers in order to provide credible outcomes to both the South African Post Office management and the Nelson Mandela University, as well as other organisations in the service industry in comparable situations as the South African Post Office. The findings of this study related to management’s perception of Lean importance in ensuring optimum operational performance and customer satisfaction. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
Assessing perceptions regarding sustainable growth of taverns in the Gqeberha liquor industry
- Authors: Coutsourides, Peter Dimitri
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Taverns (Inns) -- Port Elizabeth- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Liquor industry -- Port Elizabeth -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- Port Elizabeth -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69542 , vital:77710
- Description: This study investigates the sustainable growth of taverns within the informal liquor industry in Gqeberha, South Africa. The informal sector is critical for economic development, employing 60% of the world's population and nearly 30% of South Africa's workforce. This study focuses on taverns, a prevalent form of small, medium, and micro-enterprises in South African townships. Despite their economic significance, these taverns face numerous challenges, including limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, regulatory hurdles, and competition from larger formal enterprises. The research explores the historical context of the liquor industry in South Africa, highlighting the legacy of racial inequality and the evolution of regulatory frameworks aimed at balancing industry growth and social equity. In addition, the literature covered topics relating to SMMEs and sustainable growth. The study employs a case study strategy and a qualitative methodology where 12 tavern owners in Gqeberha were interviewed using an interview schedule. The thematic data analysis revealed five main challenges that hinder taverns' sustainable growth, namely finance, government interventions and facilities, competition, the COVID-19 Pandemic and crime. In addition, three measures or themes of sustainable growth were identified for these enterprises, such as economic, social and environmental measures for sustainable growth. Finally, based on the findings, a major contribution of this study is the framework of sustainable growth enablers that were presented to SMMEs, including taverns. This study contributes to the understanding of SMMEs in the informal sector and offers practical recommendations for enhancing the sustainable growth of taverns. By addressing the identified challenges and leveraging the proposed enablers, policymakers and stakeholders can create a more supportive environment for these enterprises, ultimately contributing to broader economic development and poverty reduction in South Africa. The insights gained from this study are intended to inform future policies and support mechanisms that can help these enterprises thrive despite their myriad challenges. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Coutsourides, Peter Dimitri
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Taverns (Inns) -- Port Elizabeth- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Liquor industry -- Port Elizabeth -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- Port Elizabeth -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69542 , vital:77710
- Description: This study investigates the sustainable growth of taverns within the informal liquor industry in Gqeberha, South Africa. The informal sector is critical for economic development, employing 60% of the world's population and nearly 30% of South Africa's workforce. This study focuses on taverns, a prevalent form of small, medium, and micro-enterprises in South African townships. Despite their economic significance, these taverns face numerous challenges, including limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, regulatory hurdles, and competition from larger formal enterprises. The research explores the historical context of the liquor industry in South Africa, highlighting the legacy of racial inequality and the evolution of regulatory frameworks aimed at balancing industry growth and social equity. In addition, the literature covered topics relating to SMMEs and sustainable growth. The study employs a case study strategy and a qualitative methodology where 12 tavern owners in Gqeberha were interviewed using an interview schedule. The thematic data analysis revealed five main challenges that hinder taverns' sustainable growth, namely finance, government interventions and facilities, competition, the COVID-19 Pandemic and crime. In addition, three measures or themes of sustainable growth were identified for these enterprises, such as economic, social and environmental measures for sustainable growth. Finally, based on the findings, a major contribution of this study is the framework of sustainable growth enablers that were presented to SMMEs, including taverns. This study contributes to the understanding of SMMEs in the informal sector and offers practical recommendations for enhancing the sustainable growth of taverns. By addressing the identified challenges and leveraging the proposed enablers, policymakers and stakeholders can create a more supportive environment for these enterprises, ultimately contributing to broader economic development and poverty reduction in South Africa. The insights gained from this study are intended to inform future policies and support mechanisms that can help these enterprises thrive despite their myriad challenges. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
Associations between patterns of wild ungulate patch use, soil carbon and albedo in montane grasslands
- Authors: Mc Gregor, Steven
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Grassland ecology , Global environmental change , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69382 , vital:77250
- Description: Grassy ecosystems are essential for human survival, providing key services including food production, water provisioning and moderating climate. Yet, grassy ecosystems remain undervalued due to misconceptions that they are remnants of degraded states of forest – a view that continues to influence climate change policies. This thesis explores the links between wild, free-roaming ungulate grazers and climate drivers, including carbon storage and surface albedo (i.e., reflectance of solar radiation), through their impacts on vegetation and soils. Using black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou) as a model wild species, I compared their grazing patterns in an Afromontane grassland in the eastern Karoo, South Africa, to those of short-duration cattle grazing systems in similar nearby grasslands (Chapter 2). While short-duration grazing aims to mimic spatiotemporal wild ungulate grazing patterns to supposedly enhance ecosystem functioning and soil carbon stocks, I found that wildebeest had ~50% shorter grazing durations and much shorter rest intervals (1-5 days versus 60-365 days), revealing key differences in grazing patterns that may affect vegetation and climate feedbacks. Next, I examined spatial variations in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks between grass growth forms that differ in grazing tolerance (Chapter 3). Red grass (Themeda triandra) tussock patches, sensitive to frequent grazing, had higher SOC to a soil depth of 20 cm (61.45 ± 1.59 Mg C·ha-1)than intensively grazed, prostrate-growing Cynodon dactylon grazing lawns (55.43 ± 3.40Mg C·ha-1), likely due to greater shading and soil moisture beneath tussocks which drives microbial decomposition. Seasonal albedo variations were then assessed across distinct grassland patch types among seasons to determine whether albedo varies seasonally at fine patch-scales between grass patches, between shrub and grass patches, and with grazing (Chapter 4). Albedo was lower during the growing season compared to dormancy, and was consistently lower in dwarf shrub (Pentzia incana) encroached patches compared to grass patches. No albedo differences between grazed and less-grazed tussock grass patches of the same species were found, although intensively grazed grazing lawns had consistently higher albedo than most patch types. Finally, I evaluated trade-offs between plant carbon, albedo, and their impacts on radiative forcing (i.e., atmospheric warming/cooling) resulting from patch type changes commonly found in grassy ecosystems (Chapter 5). The loss of perennial grass cover resulted in the highest net positive (warming) effect, mostly due to reduced root biomass. Additionally, shrub encroachment into all patches lowered albedo, but led to negative (cooling) effects from shrub encroachment into bare ground patches due to biomass gains. This thesis challenges current views of grassy landscapes and short-duration grazing systems, emphasizing the need to rethink climate change mitigation strategies to prioritize maintaining heterogeneity, while enhancing carbon sequestration and albedo in grassy ecosystems. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Mc Gregor, Steven
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Grassland ecology , Global environmental change , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69382 , vital:77250
- Description: Grassy ecosystems are essential for human survival, providing key services including food production, water provisioning and moderating climate. Yet, grassy ecosystems remain undervalued due to misconceptions that they are remnants of degraded states of forest – a view that continues to influence climate change policies. This thesis explores the links between wild, free-roaming ungulate grazers and climate drivers, including carbon storage and surface albedo (i.e., reflectance of solar radiation), through their impacts on vegetation and soils. Using black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou) as a model wild species, I compared their grazing patterns in an Afromontane grassland in the eastern Karoo, South Africa, to those of short-duration cattle grazing systems in similar nearby grasslands (Chapter 2). While short-duration grazing aims to mimic spatiotemporal wild ungulate grazing patterns to supposedly enhance ecosystem functioning and soil carbon stocks, I found that wildebeest had ~50% shorter grazing durations and much shorter rest intervals (1-5 days versus 60-365 days), revealing key differences in grazing patterns that may affect vegetation and climate feedbacks. Next, I examined spatial variations in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks between grass growth forms that differ in grazing tolerance (Chapter 3). Red grass (Themeda triandra) tussock patches, sensitive to frequent grazing, had higher SOC to a soil depth of 20 cm (61.45 ± 1.59 Mg C·ha-1)than intensively grazed, prostrate-growing Cynodon dactylon grazing lawns (55.43 ± 3.40Mg C·ha-1), likely due to greater shading and soil moisture beneath tussocks which drives microbial decomposition. Seasonal albedo variations were then assessed across distinct grassland patch types among seasons to determine whether albedo varies seasonally at fine patch-scales between grass patches, between shrub and grass patches, and with grazing (Chapter 4). Albedo was lower during the growing season compared to dormancy, and was consistently lower in dwarf shrub (Pentzia incana) encroached patches compared to grass patches. No albedo differences between grazed and less-grazed tussock grass patches of the same species were found, although intensively grazed grazing lawns had consistently higher albedo than most patch types. Finally, I evaluated trade-offs between plant carbon, albedo, and their impacts on radiative forcing (i.e., atmospheric warming/cooling) resulting from patch type changes commonly found in grassy ecosystems (Chapter 5). The loss of perennial grass cover resulted in the highest net positive (warming) effect, mostly due to reduced root biomass. Additionally, shrub encroachment into all patches lowered albedo, but led to negative (cooling) effects from shrub encroachment into bare ground patches due to biomass gains. This thesis challenges current views of grassy landscapes and short-duration grazing systems, emphasizing the need to rethink climate change mitigation strategies to prioritize maintaining heterogeneity, while enhancing carbon sequestration and albedo in grassy ecosystems. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
Causative factors for poor contractor performance in schools infrastructure projects
- Authors: Baba, Vuyiseka
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Project management , Project management -- Evaluation , School facilities -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68703 , vital:77083
- Description: The public sector infrastructure departments in South Africa rely on construction companies as the major stakeholders in the implementation and maintenance of infrastructure facilities including schools. The Limpopo Province is faced with a serious challenge of underperforming contractors. This in turn affects the Provincial Government’s effective delivery of the much-needed quality infrastructure and facilities. A significant number of schools in the province are faced with infrastructure challenges including sanitation facilities, deteriorating school buildings, storm damage, inadequate infrastructure for special schools, water provision, and general maintenance. This study sought to understand the challenges faced by contractors and further explored whether the effective application of project management methodologies can have a positive impact on improving the current underperformance. Due to the nature of the study, a qualitative research method was employed to collect data. An interpretivist paradigm was adopted as the research philosophy, as it allowed for a flexible and in-depth investigation approach. The study utilized an exploratory research design. The targeted population for the study was carefully selected to obtain relevant and reliable data, and a purposive sampling technique was chosen. Semi-structured interviews were conducted as the primary data collection method, enabling the collection of first-hand information. To ensure accuracy and prevent loss of information, the research process involved recording and transcribing the interviews, using an inductive analysis approach. Eighteen out of the twenty targeted participants were successfully interviewed, resulting in a response rate of 90%. The findings of the study revealed that poor planning, inadequate financial management, inexperienced staff, interference from stakeholders, and a misunderstanding of project scope were among the many factors contributing to poor contractor performance. Furthermore, contractors, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), faced serious challenges during project implementation, including a lack of proper training, budget constraints, and delayed payments from clients. Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that contractors invest in planning and cost management software, including project management methodologies such as Agile, Waterfall, and MS Project. Further, contractors are encouraged to employ adequately skilled and qualified site personnel. Clients should also consider supporting underperforming contractors by pairing them with proven-performing ones to encourage mentorship and other forms of capacity building. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Building and Human Settlements Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Baba, Vuyiseka
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Project management , Project management -- Evaluation , School facilities -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68703 , vital:77083
- Description: The public sector infrastructure departments in South Africa rely on construction companies as the major stakeholders in the implementation and maintenance of infrastructure facilities including schools. The Limpopo Province is faced with a serious challenge of underperforming contractors. This in turn affects the Provincial Government’s effective delivery of the much-needed quality infrastructure and facilities. A significant number of schools in the province are faced with infrastructure challenges including sanitation facilities, deteriorating school buildings, storm damage, inadequate infrastructure for special schools, water provision, and general maintenance. This study sought to understand the challenges faced by contractors and further explored whether the effective application of project management methodologies can have a positive impact on improving the current underperformance. Due to the nature of the study, a qualitative research method was employed to collect data. An interpretivist paradigm was adopted as the research philosophy, as it allowed for a flexible and in-depth investigation approach. The study utilized an exploratory research design. The targeted population for the study was carefully selected to obtain relevant and reliable data, and a purposive sampling technique was chosen. Semi-structured interviews were conducted as the primary data collection method, enabling the collection of first-hand information. To ensure accuracy and prevent loss of information, the research process involved recording and transcribing the interviews, using an inductive analysis approach. Eighteen out of the twenty targeted participants were successfully interviewed, resulting in a response rate of 90%. The findings of the study revealed that poor planning, inadequate financial management, inexperienced staff, interference from stakeholders, and a misunderstanding of project scope were among the many factors contributing to poor contractor performance. Furthermore, contractors, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), faced serious challenges during project implementation, including a lack of proper training, budget constraints, and delayed payments from clients. Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that contractors invest in planning and cost management software, including project management methodologies such as Agile, Waterfall, and MS Project. Further, contractors are encouraged to employ adequately skilled and qualified site personnel. Clients should also consider supporting underperforming contractors by pairing them with proven-performing ones to encourage mentorship and other forms of capacity building. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Building and Human Settlements Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
Challenges and prospects of the billing system in a selected municipality – a dialectic examination
- Authors: Mda, Lindokuhle Primrose
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Municipal finance -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Accounting -- Data processing , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Local government -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70089 , vital:78293
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges and prospects of the billing system in a municipality in South Africa. Municipalities play an important role in providing services to business owners and residents. Of late the media has been awash by the incorrect billing that is caused by the faulty billing system in most South African Municipalities. Although there is a lot of literature re on the billing systems, there is a dearth of studies when it comes to south African context particularly at Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM). Therefore, it is important to explore the challenges and prospect that comes with the billing system in the chosen municipality to fill in the literature gap. A qualitative approach was employed whereby 12 participants, who were sampled using the non-probability, purposive technique were interviewed. The study analysed data using the thematic analysis technique. Semi-structured questions were asked during interviews as a data collection method. The participants provided a comprehensive coverage (CC) of the new billing prospects. The sub-themes namely incorrect and inaccurate billing, estimated bills, lack of incentives to pursue collection, negligence, corruption, enhanced revenue collection, enhancing record management, gathering relevant information from residents and the use of mobile payment solutions was partially covered (PC). The rest of the sub-themes were comprehensively covered. The results reveal that, on average all the themes were covered in the interview implying that the participants understood the challenges faced by the billing system in BCMM, the prospects that are associated by the introduction of new billing systems, the root causes of challenges within the billing system, strategies needed to be implemented and the use of new technology and innovation. All participants acknowledge the fact that the billing system used by the municipality has a lot of challenges and there is a requirement to either upgrade it or discard it in total and replace it with technological advanced smart meters to enable accurate and correct billing. The effects of the incorrect billing were felt by both the municipal management and residents The study recommends that municipalities in South Africa, particularly BCMM should integrate their billing system with new technology to optimise their service delivery system and enhance their revenue collection. Suggested billing software to be used in municipalities include SAP, SKYBILL Utility Billing and full ERP billing, among others. This software offer a range of benefits such as easy to monitor records, revenue collection enhancements and efficiency. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Mda, Lindokuhle Primrose
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Municipal finance -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Accounting -- Data processing , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Local government -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70089 , vital:78293
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges and prospects of the billing system in a municipality in South Africa. Municipalities play an important role in providing services to business owners and residents. Of late the media has been awash by the incorrect billing that is caused by the faulty billing system in most South African Municipalities. Although there is a lot of literature re on the billing systems, there is a dearth of studies when it comes to south African context particularly at Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM). Therefore, it is important to explore the challenges and prospect that comes with the billing system in the chosen municipality to fill in the literature gap. A qualitative approach was employed whereby 12 participants, who were sampled using the non-probability, purposive technique were interviewed. The study analysed data using the thematic analysis technique. Semi-structured questions were asked during interviews as a data collection method. The participants provided a comprehensive coverage (CC) of the new billing prospects. The sub-themes namely incorrect and inaccurate billing, estimated bills, lack of incentives to pursue collection, negligence, corruption, enhanced revenue collection, enhancing record management, gathering relevant information from residents and the use of mobile payment solutions was partially covered (PC). The rest of the sub-themes were comprehensively covered. The results reveal that, on average all the themes were covered in the interview implying that the participants understood the challenges faced by the billing system in BCMM, the prospects that are associated by the introduction of new billing systems, the root causes of challenges within the billing system, strategies needed to be implemented and the use of new technology and innovation. All participants acknowledge the fact that the billing system used by the municipality has a lot of challenges and there is a requirement to either upgrade it or discard it in total and replace it with technological advanced smart meters to enable accurate and correct billing. The effects of the incorrect billing were felt by both the municipal management and residents The study recommends that municipalities in South Africa, particularly BCMM should integrate their billing system with new technology to optimise their service delivery system and enhance their revenue collection. Suggested billing software to be used in municipalities include SAP, SKYBILL Utility Billing and full ERP billing, among others. This software offer a range of benefits such as easy to monitor records, revenue collection enhancements and efficiency. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
Characterization of the molecular mechanism(s) of cannabinoid-induced paraptosis in breast cancer cells
- Authors: de la Harpe, Amy
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Cannabinoids , Cannabinoids -- Therapeutic use , Cancer cells
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68818 , vital:77120
- Description: Natural products have been extensively studied for their anticancer potential, and several widely used anticancer drugs have natural origins. Many studies have demonstrated that natural compounds can induce paraptosis in various tumour cell lines. Paraptosis is a caspase-independent cell death mechanism characterised by cytoplasmic vacuolation arising from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the mitochondria. The molecular mechanism of paraptosis is unclear; however, the literature indicates that dysregulation of calcium signalling plays an important role in paraptosis induction, particularly calcium-mediated signalling between the ER and mitochondria. This study aimed to identify and characterise the mechanism of cell death induced by a phytocannabinoid ratio which induced significant cytoplasmic vacuolation in the MCF7 breast cancer cell line. Several techniques were employed to address the aim of the study. The crystal violet assay was used to detect changes in viability. Several pathway inhibitors, as well as fluorescent staining and analysis using high-content screening (HCS), were used to measure the induction of various cell death mechanisms. Morphological changes were investigated using light and transmission electron microscopy. The phytocannabinoid ratio induced significant cell death and cytoplasmic vacuolation in MCF7 cells; however, the same trend was not observed in the MCF10A non-tumourigenic breast cell line. No cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, or ferroptosis induction was detected in MCF7 cells, suggesting that an alternative mechanism of cell death was induced. Vacuolation and cell death induced by the phytocannabinoid ratio were inhibited by cycloheximide, suggesting a dependence on protein synthesis, which is characteristic of paraptosis induction. The mechanism of paraptosis induction by the phytocannabinoid ratio was investigated, and it was found that treatment 1) induced ER dilation and mitochondrial swelling; 2) induced significant ER stress, mitochondrial calcium overload, and mitochondrial dysfunction which appeared to be mediated by the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC); and 3) significantly impaired all mitochondrial metabolic pathways. Overall, the data demonstrated that paraptosis induced by the cannabinoid ratio is mediated by calcium flux from the ER to the mitochondria. This highlighted a novel mechanism of phytocannabinoid-induced cell death and emphasised the anti-cancer potential of the use of phytocannabinoid ratios as opposed to individual phytocannabinoids, expanding their potential for use as anticancer agents. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: de la Harpe, Amy
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Cannabinoids , Cannabinoids -- Therapeutic use , Cancer cells
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68818 , vital:77120
- Description: Natural products have been extensively studied for their anticancer potential, and several widely used anticancer drugs have natural origins. Many studies have demonstrated that natural compounds can induce paraptosis in various tumour cell lines. Paraptosis is a caspase-independent cell death mechanism characterised by cytoplasmic vacuolation arising from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the mitochondria. The molecular mechanism of paraptosis is unclear; however, the literature indicates that dysregulation of calcium signalling plays an important role in paraptosis induction, particularly calcium-mediated signalling between the ER and mitochondria. This study aimed to identify and characterise the mechanism of cell death induced by a phytocannabinoid ratio which induced significant cytoplasmic vacuolation in the MCF7 breast cancer cell line. Several techniques were employed to address the aim of the study. The crystal violet assay was used to detect changes in viability. Several pathway inhibitors, as well as fluorescent staining and analysis using high-content screening (HCS), were used to measure the induction of various cell death mechanisms. Morphological changes were investigated using light and transmission electron microscopy. The phytocannabinoid ratio induced significant cell death and cytoplasmic vacuolation in MCF7 cells; however, the same trend was not observed in the MCF10A non-tumourigenic breast cell line. No cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, or ferroptosis induction was detected in MCF7 cells, suggesting that an alternative mechanism of cell death was induced. Vacuolation and cell death induced by the phytocannabinoid ratio were inhibited by cycloheximide, suggesting a dependence on protein synthesis, which is characteristic of paraptosis induction. The mechanism of paraptosis induction by the phytocannabinoid ratio was investigated, and it was found that treatment 1) induced ER dilation and mitochondrial swelling; 2) induced significant ER stress, mitochondrial calcium overload, and mitochondrial dysfunction which appeared to be mediated by the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC); and 3) significantly impaired all mitochondrial metabolic pathways. Overall, the data demonstrated that paraptosis induced by the cannabinoid ratio is mediated by calcium flux from the ER to the mitochondria. This highlighted a novel mechanism of phytocannabinoid-induced cell death and emphasised the anti-cancer potential of the use of phytocannabinoid ratios as opposed to individual phytocannabinoids, expanding their potential for use as anticancer agents. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
Chicory production for sustainable economic development of Alexandria in Ndlambe Local Municipality
- Authors: Mampana, Qawekazi
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chicory -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70133 , vital:78303
- Description: The apartheid regime that governed South Africa prior to the democratic transition pursued and implemented ethnically motivated policies and legislation that promoted racial segregation. As a result, the democratic government inherited a country plagued by unemployment, poverty, and inequality challenges. In response, the democratic government identified cooperatives as one mechanism to address these structural challenges and undo the legacy of apartheid, leading to an increase in the number of registered cooperatives in the country. Studies have shown that cooperatives could help propel community development in South Africa, especially in rural communities. It is argued that cooperatives have the potential to increase public participation and thus forge unity and togetherness among communities. Scholars indicate that public participation can improve community development and access to service delivery and enhance political influence and other resources that, in turn, will sustain human capital. Furthermore, studies have also shown that assisting and mobilising poor communities to work together is crucial for community development. However, despite cooperatives’ imperative role in community development, most struggle to sustain themselves and eventually become inactive, especially in rural communities. The study was conducted in Alexandria, a small rural town within the Ndlambe Local Municipality (NLM) in the Eastern Cape Province. The study’s main aim was to interrogate the current state of chicory production in Alexandria from the perspectives of community cooperatives operating in the chicory sector. The study also sought to interrogate the phenomenon under study from the perspectives of Chicory South Africa (CSA) and government officials from the Eastern Cape Provincial Government. CSA provides administrative and technical support in the sector, and the provincial government provides financial and other support instruments to the community cooperatives operating in the sector. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and used purposive sampling to identify and select participants. The study included 14 participants that were purposively identified and selected by the researcher based on their capabilities to illuminate the phenomena under study. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews with the participants and corroborated with a literature review in the context of cooperatives in South Africa. Considering the qualitative nature of the study, the researcher deemed it prudent to utilise the constructivism research paradigm. The constructivism paradigm is premised on the notion that reality is socially constructed; thus, there are multiple realities that are shaped by people’s unique experiences of the social world in which they live and work. The study used thematic analysis to analyse the data. The findings reveal that the significant issues cooperatives face include inter alia lack of access to capital, insufficient government intervention, climate change, and lack of capacity among members. The findings further reveal that local government must assist cooperatives by providing them with capital and technical support. The study recommends that all spheres of government must engage in work and support initiatives that aim to create a sustainable and conducive environment for community development. In this regard, it is recommended that the government take a leading role in supporting cooperatives and ensure their activities and objectives align with government efforts towards sustainable community development, which will create synergy between the government and cooperatives. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Mampana, Qawekazi
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chicory -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70133 , vital:78303
- Description: The apartheid regime that governed South Africa prior to the democratic transition pursued and implemented ethnically motivated policies and legislation that promoted racial segregation. As a result, the democratic government inherited a country plagued by unemployment, poverty, and inequality challenges. In response, the democratic government identified cooperatives as one mechanism to address these structural challenges and undo the legacy of apartheid, leading to an increase in the number of registered cooperatives in the country. Studies have shown that cooperatives could help propel community development in South Africa, especially in rural communities. It is argued that cooperatives have the potential to increase public participation and thus forge unity and togetherness among communities. Scholars indicate that public participation can improve community development and access to service delivery and enhance political influence and other resources that, in turn, will sustain human capital. Furthermore, studies have also shown that assisting and mobilising poor communities to work together is crucial for community development. However, despite cooperatives’ imperative role in community development, most struggle to sustain themselves and eventually become inactive, especially in rural communities. The study was conducted in Alexandria, a small rural town within the Ndlambe Local Municipality (NLM) in the Eastern Cape Province. The study’s main aim was to interrogate the current state of chicory production in Alexandria from the perspectives of community cooperatives operating in the chicory sector. The study also sought to interrogate the phenomenon under study from the perspectives of Chicory South Africa (CSA) and government officials from the Eastern Cape Provincial Government. CSA provides administrative and technical support in the sector, and the provincial government provides financial and other support instruments to the community cooperatives operating in the sector. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and used purposive sampling to identify and select participants. The study included 14 participants that were purposively identified and selected by the researcher based on their capabilities to illuminate the phenomena under study. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews with the participants and corroborated with a literature review in the context of cooperatives in South Africa. Considering the qualitative nature of the study, the researcher deemed it prudent to utilise the constructivism research paradigm. The constructivism paradigm is premised on the notion that reality is socially constructed; thus, there are multiple realities that are shaped by people’s unique experiences of the social world in which they live and work. The study used thematic analysis to analyse the data. The findings reveal that the significant issues cooperatives face include inter alia lack of access to capital, insufficient government intervention, climate change, and lack of capacity among members. The findings further reveal that local government must assist cooperatives by providing them with capital and technical support. The study recommends that all spheres of government must engage in work and support initiatives that aim to create a sustainable and conducive environment for community development. In this regard, it is recommended that the government take a leading role in supporting cooperatives and ensure their activities and objectives align with government efforts towards sustainable community development, which will create synergy between the government and cooperatives. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
Co-generated learnings from hopes-an NRF grant funded university engagement project
- Authors: Quvile, Xola Bulumko
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: National Research Foundation (South Africa) , Research grants -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68366 , vital:76990
- Description: The study had sought to understand the systemic and individual factors that facilitated or inhibited the NRF grant-funded HOPES Project. HOPES collaborated with the Centre for the Community School in the Faculty of Education, and various communities of practice (COPs) in existing school communities in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The project applied a critical participatory action research work to develop a framework for school improvement and in the process contribute to making schools beacons of hope. This research provides insights into how an NRF community engagement grant project team (HOPES) navigated external and internal factors such as COVID-19, rules regulating the grant, and multiple realities of the stakeholders at play. The study was qualitative and used the critical participatory action research design. The study purposively and conveniently sampled seven HOPES Project team members to collect data via focus groups and individual interviews and collected secondary data from NRF HOPES annual project reports. The study findings improved the participants' understanding of their journey, and the co-generated knowledge shed light on how NFR and community engagement grant funders could promote enabling conditions towards achieving individual scholars and collective project outcomes. The study findings provide learnings for the Faculty of Education and the Nelson Mandela University on how extrinsic and intrinsic enablers and barriers can be addressed to optimise a project of this nature. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Postgraduate Education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Quvile, Xola Bulumko
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: National Research Foundation (South Africa) , Research grants -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68366 , vital:76990
- Description: The study had sought to understand the systemic and individual factors that facilitated or inhibited the NRF grant-funded HOPES Project. HOPES collaborated with the Centre for the Community School in the Faculty of Education, and various communities of practice (COPs) in existing school communities in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The project applied a critical participatory action research work to develop a framework for school improvement and in the process contribute to making schools beacons of hope. This research provides insights into how an NRF community engagement grant project team (HOPES) navigated external and internal factors such as COVID-19, rules regulating the grant, and multiple realities of the stakeholders at play. The study was qualitative and used the critical participatory action research design. The study purposively and conveniently sampled seven HOPES Project team members to collect data via focus groups and individual interviews and collected secondary data from NRF HOPES annual project reports. The study findings improved the participants' understanding of their journey, and the co-generated knowledge shed light on how NFR and community engagement grant funders could promote enabling conditions towards achieving individual scholars and collective project outcomes. The study findings provide learnings for the Faculty of Education and the Nelson Mandela University on how extrinsic and intrinsic enablers and barriers can be addressed to optimise a project of this nature. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Postgraduate Education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
Collaborative conservation governance in multifunctional landscapes: a contextual analysis of two South African biosphere reserves in the Boland
- Authors: Klaver, Michael
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Unesco -- Programme on Man and the Biosphere , Nature conservation -- South Africa , Biosphere
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68924 , vital:77164
- Description: The Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) has been earmarked as one of the most promising ways of tackling the grand challenges of our time and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, it may have the potential to make positive contributions to one of the most troubling conservation challenges of our time – winning spaces for large carnivores in human-dominated landscapes. This study aims to assess the interpretation and implementation of MAB in two South African Biosphere Reserves (BRs) and explore how BRs as landscape level collaborative initiatives can support Cape leopard conservation in the Boland region of the Western Cape, South Africa. This study is informed by two objectives. First, to understand how the chosen governance strategy and structure of two South African BRs have helped to achieve a context appropriate interpretation and actioning of MAB in the landscape. Second, to understand how landscape-level collaborative conservation initiatives support leopard conservation across a multifunctional landscape. This study takes on a mixed methods approach in which qualitative data takes priority and quantitative data is used for support in an embedded multiple-case study design. The sampling techniques used include purposive sampling of strategically targeted participants, i.e. those governing BRs and those leading the collaborative initiative and snowballing thereon. Data collection included a combination of semi-structure interviews (n=20) (the principal collection method), a review of archival, policy and other documents (n=15), and supported by a mixed methods survey questionnaire (n=5). Data were analysed through thematic and content analysis. Findings suggest that organisations working at a landscape-level utilise forms of adaptive co-management and/or governance as a means to being both adaptive and collaborative. Important themes which emerge include cross-sectoral approaches, networks, leadership and trust for building partnerships, shared visions and ‘filling gaps’ left by, or collaborating with the state to fulfil mutually beneficial objectives. This research provides empirical studies on MAB, important for sharing knowledge across the World Network of BRs, meeting the need for further research on collaborative initiatives in social-ecological systems and conservation programmes for large free-roaming carnivores in multifunctional landscapes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science & Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Klaver, Michael
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Unesco -- Programme on Man and the Biosphere , Nature conservation -- South Africa , Biosphere
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68924 , vital:77164
- Description: The Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) has been earmarked as one of the most promising ways of tackling the grand challenges of our time and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, it may have the potential to make positive contributions to one of the most troubling conservation challenges of our time – winning spaces for large carnivores in human-dominated landscapes. This study aims to assess the interpretation and implementation of MAB in two South African Biosphere Reserves (BRs) and explore how BRs as landscape level collaborative initiatives can support Cape leopard conservation in the Boland region of the Western Cape, South Africa. This study is informed by two objectives. First, to understand how the chosen governance strategy and structure of two South African BRs have helped to achieve a context appropriate interpretation and actioning of MAB in the landscape. Second, to understand how landscape-level collaborative conservation initiatives support leopard conservation across a multifunctional landscape. This study takes on a mixed methods approach in which qualitative data takes priority and quantitative data is used for support in an embedded multiple-case study design. The sampling techniques used include purposive sampling of strategically targeted participants, i.e. those governing BRs and those leading the collaborative initiative and snowballing thereon. Data collection included a combination of semi-structure interviews (n=20) (the principal collection method), a review of archival, policy and other documents (n=15), and supported by a mixed methods survey questionnaire (n=5). Data were analysed through thematic and content analysis. Findings suggest that organisations working at a landscape-level utilise forms of adaptive co-management and/or governance as a means to being both adaptive and collaborative. Important themes which emerge include cross-sectoral approaches, networks, leadership and trust for building partnerships, shared visions and ‘filling gaps’ left by, or collaborating with the state to fulfil mutually beneficial objectives. This research provides empirical studies on MAB, important for sharing knowledge across the World Network of BRs, meeting the need for further research on collaborative initiatives in social-ecological systems and conservation programmes for large free-roaming carnivores in multifunctional landscapes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science & Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
Collaborative conservation governance in multifunctional landscapes: a contextual analysis of two South African Biosphere Reserves in the Boland
- Authors: Klaver, Michael
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Unesco. -- Programme on Man and the Biosphere , Nature conservation -- South Africa , Social ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68918 , vital:77165
- Description: The Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) has been earmarked as one of the most promising ways of tackling the grand challenges of our time and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, it may have the potential to make positive contributions to one of the most troubling conservation challenges of our time – winning spaces for large carnivores in human-dominated landscapes. This study aims to assess the interpretation and implementation of MAB in two South African Biosphere Reserves (BRs) and explore how BRs as landscape level collaborative initiatives can support Cape leopard conservation in the Boland region of the Western Cape, South Africa. This study is informed by two objectives. First, to understand how the chosen governance strategy and structure of two South African BRs have helped to achieve a context appropriate interpretation and actioning of MAB in the landscape. Second, to understand how landscape-level collaborative conservation initiatives support leopard conservation across a multifunctional landscape. This study takes on a mixed methods approach in which qualitative data takes priority and quantitative data is used for support in an embedded multiple-case study design. The sampling techniques used include purposive sampling of strategically targeted participants, i.e. those governing BRs and those leading the collaborative initiative and snowballing thereon. Data collection included a combination of semi-structure interviews (n=20) (the principal collection method), a review of archival, policy and other documents (n=15), and supported by a mixed methods survey questionnaire (n=5). Data were analysed through thematic and content analysis. Findings suggest that organisations working at a landscape-level utilise forms of adaptive co-management and/or governance as a means to being both adaptive and collaborative. Important themes which emerge include cross-sectoral approaches, networks, leadership and trust for building partnerships, shared visions and ‘filling gaps’ left by, or collaborating with the state to fulfil mutually beneficial objectives. This research provides empirical studies on MAB, important for sharing knowledge across the World Network of BRs, meeting the need for further research on collaborative initiatives in social-ecological systems and conservation programmes for large free-roaming carnivores in multifunctional landscapes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Klaver, Michael
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Unesco. -- Programme on Man and the Biosphere , Nature conservation -- South Africa , Social ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68918 , vital:77165
- Description: The Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) has been earmarked as one of the most promising ways of tackling the grand challenges of our time and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, it may have the potential to make positive contributions to one of the most troubling conservation challenges of our time – winning spaces for large carnivores in human-dominated landscapes. This study aims to assess the interpretation and implementation of MAB in two South African Biosphere Reserves (BRs) and explore how BRs as landscape level collaborative initiatives can support Cape leopard conservation in the Boland region of the Western Cape, South Africa. This study is informed by two objectives. First, to understand how the chosen governance strategy and structure of two South African BRs have helped to achieve a context appropriate interpretation and actioning of MAB in the landscape. Second, to understand how landscape-level collaborative conservation initiatives support leopard conservation across a multifunctional landscape. This study takes on a mixed methods approach in which qualitative data takes priority and quantitative data is used for support in an embedded multiple-case study design. The sampling techniques used include purposive sampling of strategically targeted participants, i.e. those governing BRs and those leading the collaborative initiative and snowballing thereon. Data collection included a combination of semi-structure interviews (n=20) (the principal collection method), a review of archival, policy and other documents (n=15), and supported by a mixed methods survey questionnaire (n=5). Data were analysed through thematic and content analysis. Findings suggest that organisations working at a landscape-level utilise forms of adaptive co-management and/or governance as a means to being both adaptive and collaborative. Important themes which emerge include cross-sectoral approaches, networks, leadership and trust for building partnerships, shared visions and ‘filling gaps’ left by, or collaborating with the state to fulfil mutually beneficial objectives. This research provides empirical studies on MAB, important for sharing knowledge across the World Network of BRs, meeting the need for further research on collaborative initiatives in social-ecological systems and conservation programmes for large free-roaming carnivores in multifunctional landscapes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
Communicating positive representations of wheelchair users’ disability identities through illustration and participatory design
- Authors: du Plessis, Amberleigh
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: People with disabilities , Group identity , Visual communication
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70297 , vital:78337
- Description: The study highlights the misrepresentation of people with disabilities in the media, and how it can lead to social exclusion of people with disabilities and misunderstanding of the disability identity. The research question involves disability representation, wheelchair-disabled identity, illustration and participatory design. The study focuses specifically on wheelchair disability and uses a participatory design approach, which allows for wheelchair users collectively to be part of the research. The three different models of disability, namely the medical model, the social model and the cultural model. The South African definition of disability is explored, and images and photographic examples of past representations of disability are examined to identify stereotypes, such as the freak, the medicalised disabled body and the pitiful victim. Positive illustrations, paintings and posters of people living with disabilities are analysed, focusing on physical disability and representation, which reveals that illustration can instil good staring habits from non-disabled viewers, to create a more inclusive society. A qualitative research approach is employed to gain a better understanding of a specific phenomenon. The specific phenomenon was the representation of wheelchair disability identities, and to untangle this, three research approaches were used, namely autoethnography, case studies and participatory design. A total of 10 wheelchair-disabled persons, from Cheshire Home Summerstrand in Gqeberha participated in the study. It was found that by involving participants in the practical development process, more positive illustrations of disability representation can be produced, allowing for clearer communication of the disability identity. The responses to the interview questions confirmed that people with disabilities believe that non-disabled people have misconceptions about the disability identity. The research thus aims to challenge these misconceptions and motivate more positive interpretations and understanding of the disability identity through visual communication. , Thesis (MVA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: du Plessis, Amberleigh
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: People with disabilities , Group identity , Visual communication
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70297 , vital:78337
- Description: The study highlights the misrepresentation of people with disabilities in the media, and how it can lead to social exclusion of people with disabilities and misunderstanding of the disability identity. The research question involves disability representation, wheelchair-disabled identity, illustration and participatory design. The study focuses specifically on wheelchair disability and uses a participatory design approach, which allows for wheelchair users collectively to be part of the research. The three different models of disability, namely the medical model, the social model and the cultural model. The South African definition of disability is explored, and images and photographic examples of past representations of disability are examined to identify stereotypes, such as the freak, the medicalised disabled body and the pitiful victim. Positive illustrations, paintings and posters of people living with disabilities are analysed, focusing on physical disability and representation, which reveals that illustration can instil good staring habits from non-disabled viewers, to create a more inclusive society. A qualitative research approach is employed to gain a better understanding of a specific phenomenon. The specific phenomenon was the representation of wheelchair disability identities, and to untangle this, three research approaches were used, namely autoethnography, case studies and participatory design. A total of 10 wheelchair-disabled persons, from Cheshire Home Summerstrand in Gqeberha participated in the study. It was found that by involving participants in the practical development process, more positive illustrations of disability representation can be produced, allowing for clearer communication of the disability identity. The responses to the interview questions confirmed that people with disabilities believe that non-disabled people have misconceptions about the disability identity. The research thus aims to challenge these misconceptions and motivate more positive interpretations and understanding of the disability identity through visual communication. , Thesis (MVA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
Comparative study of the effect of iloprost on neuroinflammatory changes in c8-b4 microglial cells and murine model of trypanosomiasis
- Authors: Jacobs, Ashleigh
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Neuroimmunology , DNA -- Methylation , Nervous system -- Degeneration
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68895 , vital:77160
- Description: Neurodegenerative conditions significantly impact well-being and quality of life in individuals with major symptoms including mood disorders, cognitive decline, and psychiatric disturbances, often resulting from neuroinflammation triggered by immune responses to bacterial or parasitic infections such as gram-negative bacteria or Human African Trypanosomiasis. Microglia play a crucial role in both neurotoxicity and cellular processes involved in restoring the neural health. Exploring the therapeutic potential of prostacyclin and its analogues in regulating microglia responses to inflammatory insult and treating Trypanosoma brucei (T.b) infection remains an unexplored area. The aim of this study was to assess the potential neuroprotective effects of Iloprost through comparative analysis of neuroinflammatory responses in both microglial cells exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and mouse brains infected with T.b brucei. In phase I of this study both resting and LPS treated C8-B4 microglial cells were exposed to varying concentrations of Iloprost. The effects of Iloprost on LPS-induced inflammation were analysed using immunofluorescence to detect microglial activation and differentiate between pro and anti-inflammatory phenotypes. Furthermore, pro and anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion was determined using an ELISA, in addition gene expression analysis was carried out using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Also, DNA methylation status of C8-B4 cells exposed to LPS challenge alone or in combination with various concentrations of Iloprost were determined using bisulfite sequencing technique followed by qPCR. In phase II of the study, a total of twenty-four Albino Swiss male mice (8-10 weeks old) were divided into four treatment groups with 6 mice in each group. All treatment groups except the non-infected control were inoculated with the T.b brucei parasite. One group received a single intraperitoneal injection of Diminazene aceturate (4 mg kg-1)while the remaining group received repeated intraperitoneal injections of Iloprost (200 μg kg-1). On day ten of the study, mouse brains were removed on ice using forceps. The hippocampal tissues were dissected out and processed for quantification of gene expression changes in pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Overall, the findings of this study indicate that LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α and IL-1β, secretion and gene expression is down-regulated in C8-B4 microglial cells treated with Iloprost. Furthermore, there was a significant up-regulation in the expression of anti-inflammatory genes, particularly ARG-1, CD206, BDNF and CREB in response to Iloprost treatment following LPS-induced inflammation. This study is also the first to confirm M2 microglial polarization with Iloprost treatment in both resting and LPS treated cells. However, hypermethylation at CREB and BDNF promoter regions was observed 24 hours after Iloprost treatment. Additionally, Iloprost reversed hypomethylation at the BDNF promoter region that had been induced by LPS treatment. The rodent model also indicated a downregulation in the pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-1β, expression and upregulation of BDNF transcription in T.b brucei infected mice treated with repeated doses of Iloprost. In conclusion, determining the immunomodulatory roles of Iloprost in both in vitro and in vivo models of neuroinflammation could assist in the development of alternative therapy for neurodegenerative disease. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Jacobs, Ashleigh
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Neuroimmunology , DNA -- Methylation , Nervous system -- Degeneration
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68895 , vital:77160
- Description: Neurodegenerative conditions significantly impact well-being and quality of life in individuals with major symptoms including mood disorders, cognitive decline, and psychiatric disturbances, often resulting from neuroinflammation triggered by immune responses to bacterial or parasitic infections such as gram-negative bacteria or Human African Trypanosomiasis. Microglia play a crucial role in both neurotoxicity and cellular processes involved in restoring the neural health. Exploring the therapeutic potential of prostacyclin and its analogues in regulating microglia responses to inflammatory insult and treating Trypanosoma brucei (T.b) infection remains an unexplored area. The aim of this study was to assess the potential neuroprotective effects of Iloprost through comparative analysis of neuroinflammatory responses in both microglial cells exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and mouse brains infected with T.b brucei. In phase I of this study both resting and LPS treated C8-B4 microglial cells were exposed to varying concentrations of Iloprost. The effects of Iloprost on LPS-induced inflammation were analysed using immunofluorescence to detect microglial activation and differentiate between pro and anti-inflammatory phenotypes. Furthermore, pro and anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion was determined using an ELISA, in addition gene expression analysis was carried out using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Also, DNA methylation status of C8-B4 cells exposed to LPS challenge alone or in combination with various concentrations of Iloprost were determined using bisulfite sequencing technique followed by qPCR. In phase II of the study, a total of twenty-four Albino Swiss male mice (8-10 weeks old) were divided into four treatment groups with 6 mice in each group. All treatment groups except the non-infected control were inoculated with the T.b brucei parasite. One group received a single intraperitoneal injection of Diminazene aceturate (4 mg kg-1)while the remaining group received repeated intraperitoneal injections of Iloprost (200 μg kg-1). On day ten of the study, mouse brains were removed on ice using forceps. The hippocampal tissues were dissected out and processed for quantification of gene expression changes in pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Overall, the findings of this study indicate that LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α and IL-1β, secretion and gene expression is down-regulated in C8-B4 microglial cells treated with Iloprost. Furthermore, there was a significant up-regulation in the expression of anti-inflammatory genes, particularly ARG-1, CD206, BDNF and CREB in response to Iloprost treatment following LPS-induced inflammation. This study is also the first to confirm M2 microglial polarization with Iloprost treatment in both resting and LPS treated cells. However, hypermethylation at CREB and BDNF promoter regions was observed 24 hours after Iloprost treatment. Additionally, Iloprost reversed hypomethylation at the BDNF promoter region that had been induced by LPS treatment. The rodent model also indicated a downregulation in the pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-1β, expression and upregulation of BDNF transcription in T.b brucei infected mice treated with repeated doses of Iloprost. In conclusion, determining the immunomodulatory roles of Iloprost in both in vitro and in vivo models of neuroinflammation could assist in the development of alternative therapy for neurodegenerative disease. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12