New geochemical constraints on the genesis of the Gamsberg zinc deposit, Namaqualand Metamorphic Province, South Africa
- Authors: Foulkes, Susan Elizabeth
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Zinc ores -- South Africa -- Gamsberg , Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa -- Gamsberg , Mineralogy -- South Africa -- Gamsberg , Molecular evolution , Geology -- South Africa -- Namaqualand
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5054 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012084 , Zinc ores -- South Africa -- Gamsberg , Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa -- Gamsberg , Mineralogy -- South Africa -- Gamsberg , Molecular evolution , Geology -- South Africa -- Namaqualand
- Description: The base metal massive sulfide deposits of the Aggeneys-Gamsberg (A-G) District are hosted within the Mesoproterozoic Bushmanland Group of the Namaqua-Natal Metamorphic Complex in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The district displays an apparent eastward trend in the economic concentration of base metals (+ barite) from relatively Cu-Pb-rich, Ba-poor mineralisation at Black Mountain to Zn- and Ba-rich ores at Gamsberg. Base metal sulfides at Gamsberg are restricted to the so called Gams (Iron) Formation which comprises a sulfidic mineralized unit (“B”) enveloped within a sequence of meta-sedimentary units (“A” and “C”). The aim of the study was to shed further light on the genesis and chemical evolution of the sulfide mineralisation at Gamsberg in the context of the entire A-G District, by interrogating further the apparent district-wide trend in base metal distribution. The Gams Iron Formation was sampled and studied from one key drill core intersection (“G1”) which intersects the largest part of it as described elsewhere; a small number of additional samples from a second drill core (“G2”) complemented the main sample suite. Minerals that make up the silicate assemblages across the studied section include quartz, garnet, pyroxene, pyroxenoid, phyllosilicates, carbonates, amphiboles, oxides (chiefly magnetite) and graphite. In a stratigraphic context, the mineralogical variations conform directly to those documented in the relevant literature from the Gamsberg locality. These are coupled, where possible, with mineral-chemical profiles of selected silicate species which replicate those of bulk-rock compositions, particularly with respect to Mn, Fe and Ca in the upper C Unit of the studied section. These signals collectively track the characteristic transition from a terrigenous, siliciclastic sediment-dominated footwall to an exhalative sediment-dominated hanging wall to the sulfide mineralisation as also seen in similar deposits elsewhere, particularly with respect to the characteristic Mn-rich signature increasingly observed in the hanging wall C Unit. The foregoing suggests that the examined section faithfully records the interpreted primary stratigraphy of the deposits, despite the complex structural and metamorphic overprint that characterises the region. This facilitates a stratigraphic analytical approach on the sulfidic Unit B, through a combination of mineral-chemical and stable isotope analyses. Dominant sulfides in Unit B are sphalerite and pyrite, with lesser pyrrhotite and minor galena. Sphalerite shows high and generally invariant contents of Fe (mean 12.18wt%, as FeS) whereas Zn anti-correlates with Mn (mean 5.58wt%, as MnS). Isotopic analyses for S, Fe and Zn in hand-picked sphalerite and pyrite separates were used with a view to providing new evidence for chemical and isotopic variation within the sulfide ore-body in a vertical (i.e. stratigraphic) sense, discuss the implications thereof, and ultimately interpret the new data in light of similar existing data from the A-G District and elsewhere. The δ³⁴S data for pyrite (plus a single pyrrhotite grain) and sphalerite from both cores G1 and G2 show comparable compositional ranges between 22.9 and 30.4‰ and between 27 and 30.1‰ respectively. The δ⁵⁶Fe data for pyrite show a range between -1.85 and 0.19‰, whereas seven sphalerite separates have a very narrow range of δ⁶⁶Zn from 0.06 to 0.20‰. The atypically high sulfur isotope data reported in this study are interpreted to reflect sedimentary deposition of primary sulfide ore at Gamsberg from an isotopically highly evolved seawater sulfate source through large-scale Rayleigh fractionation processes. Thermogenic sulfate reduction is proposed to have been the main reductive mechanism from seawater sulfate to sulfide, given the absence of very low δ³⁴S data for sulfides anywhere in the A-G District. By contrast, the δ⁶⁶Zn values for sphalerite are for all intents and purposes invariant and very close to 0‰, and therefore suggest little Zn isotope fractionation from an original exhalative fluid source. On this evidence alone, Zn isotopes therefore appear to hold little promise as a proxy of the chemical and isotopic evolution of SEDEX deposits in space and time, although this can only be verified through further application in the broader A-G District and similar deposits elsewhere. The apparent decoupling of Zn and S isotopes in the Gamsberg sulfide deposit, however, points towards diverse sources of these two components, i.e. ascending metalliferous brines versus seawater respectively. Finally, pyrite δ⁵⁶Fe data do show a stratigraphic trend of generally declining values up-section, which are interpreted to reflect the influence of broadly coeval precipitation of isotopically heavy Fe-oxides on a broader-scale – now preserved as abundant magnetite through metamorphism. Further work on the iron isotope composition of silicate-and oxide-hosted Fe on a local-to-district scale will assist in testing this interpretation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Foulkes, Susan Elizabeth
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Zinc ores -- South Africa -- Gamsberg , Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa -- Gamsberg , Mineralogy -- South Africa -- Gamsberg , Molecular evolution , Geology -- South Africa -- Namaqualand
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5054 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012084 , Zinc ores -- South Africa -- Gamsberg , Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa -- Gamsberg , Mineralogy -- South Africa -- Gamsberg , Molecular evolution , Geology -- South Africa -- Namaqualand
- Description: The base metal massive sulfide deposits of the Aggeneys-Gamsberg (A-G) District are hosted within the Mesoproterozoic Bushmanland Group of the Namaqua-Natal Metamorphic Complex in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The district displays an apparent eastward trend in the economic concentration of base metals (+ barite) from relatively Cu-Pb-rich, Ba-poor mineralisation at Black Mountain to Zn- and Ba-rich ores at Gamsberg. Base metal sulfides at Gamsberg are restricted to the so called Gams (Iron) Formation which comprises a sulfidic mineralized unit (“B”) enveloped within a sequence of meta-sedimentary units (“A” and “C”). The aim of the study was to shed further light on the genesis and chemical evolution of the sulfide mineralisation at Gamsberg in the context of the entire A-G District, by interrogating further the apparent district-wide trend in base metal distribution. The Gams Iron Formation was sampled and studied from one key drill core intersection (“G1”) which intersects the largest part of it as described elsewhere; a small number of additional samples from a second drill core (“G2”) complemented the main sample suite. Minerals that make up the silicate assemblages across the studied section include quartz, garnet, pyroxene, pyroxenoid, phyllosilicates, carbonates, amphiboles, oxides (chiefly magnetite) and graphite. In a stratigraphic context, the mineralogical variations conform directly to those documented in the relevant literature from the Gamsberg locality. These are coupled, where possible, with mineral-chemical profiles of selected silicate species which replicate those of bulk-rock compositions, particularly with respect to Mn, Fe and Ca in the upper C Unit of the studied section. These signals collectively track the characteristic transition from a terrigenous, siliciclastic sediment-dominated footwall to an exhalative sediment-dominated hanging wall to the sulfide mineralisation as also seen in similar deposits elsewhere, particularly with respect to the characteristic Mn-rich signature increasingly observed in the hanging wall C Unit. The foregoing suggests that the examined section faithfully records the interpreted primary stratigraphy of the deposits, despite the complex structural and metamorphic overprint that characterises the region. This facilitates a stratigraphic analytical approach on the sulfidic Unit B, through a combination of mineral-chemical and stable isotope analyses. Dominant sulfides in Unit B are sphalerite and pyrite, with lesser pyrrhotite and minor galena. Sphalerite shows high and generally invariant contents of Fe (mean 12.18wt%, as FeS) whereas Zn anti-correlates with Mn (mean 5.58wt%, as MnS). Isotopic analyses for S, Fe and Zn in hand-picked sphalerite and pyrite separates were used with a view to providing new evidence for chemical and isotopic variation within the sulfide ore-body in a vertical (i.e. stratigraphic) sense, discuss the implications thereof, and ultimately interpret the new data in light of similar existing data from the A-G District and elsewhere. The δ³⁴S data for pyrite (plus a single pyrrhotite grain) and sphalerite from both cores G1 and G2 show comparable compositional ranges between 22.9 and 30.4‰ and between 27 and 30.1‰ respectively. The δ⁵⁶Fe data for pyrite show a range between -1.85 and 0.19‰, whereas seven sphalerite separates have a very narrow range of δ⁶⁶Zn from 0.06 to 0.20‰. The atypically high sulfur isotope data reported in this study are interpreted to reflect sedimentary deposition of primary sulfide ore at Gamsberg from an isotopically highly evolved seawater sulfate source through large-scale Rayleigh fractionation processes. Thermogenic sulfate reduction is proposed to have been the main reductive mechanism from seawater sulfate to sulfide, given the absence of very low δ³⁴S data for sulfides anywhere in the A-G District. By contrast, the δ⁶⁶Zn values for sphalerite are for all intents and purposes invariant and very close to 0‰, and therefore suggest little Zn isotope fractionation from an original exhalative fluid source. On this evidence alone, Zn isotopes therefore appear to hold little promise as a proxy of the chemical and isotopic evolution of SEDEX deposits in space and time, although this can only be verified through further application in the broader A-G District and similar deposits elsewhere. The apparent decoupling of Zn and S isotopes in the Gamsberg sulfide deposit, however, points towards diverse sources of these two components, i.e. ascending metalliferous brines versus seawater respectively. Finally, pyrite δ⁵⁶Fe data do show a stratigraphic trend of generally declining values up-section, which are interpreted to reflect the influence of broadly coeval precipitation of isotopically heavy Fe-oxides on a broader-scale – now preserved as abundant magnetite through metamorphism. Further work on the iron isotope composition of silicate-and oxide-hosted Fe on a local-to-district scale will assist in testing this interpretation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Barriers to employment in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Frank, Virginia
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Unemployment -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Labor market -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Poverty -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9258 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021230
- Description: Unemployment is a huge challenge for the South African government and it has been identified as an important variable in the fight against poverty and inequality in the country. The unemployment rate in the Eastern Cape Province is higher than the national unemployment rates in the country and the unemployment rate in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is higher than the provincial average. The purpose of this study is to uncover the barriers to employment in Nelson Mandela Bay. Chapter one presents the rationale and background to the study including the research aims, objectives and the scope of the research. Chapter two provides an extensive literature review about the major factors that influence unemployment rates, the government inititiatives that were deployed to reduce unemployment rates in the country and the impact of labour market inflexibility on employment outcomes. Chapter three provides the research methodology followed in this study and chapter four includes an analysis and discussions of the questionnaire data. Chapter five concludes the research report with recommendations for policymakers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Frank, Virginia
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Unemployment -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Labor market -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Poverty -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9258 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021230
- Description: Unemployment is a huge challenge for the South African government and it has been identified as an important variable in the fight against poverty and inequality in the country. The unemployment rate in the Eastern Cape Province is higher than the national unemployment rates in the country and the unemployment rate in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is higher than the provincial average. The purpose of this study is to uncover the barriers to employment in Nelson Mandela Bay. Chapter one presents the rationale and background to the study including the research aims, objectives and the scope of the research. Chapter two provides an extensive literature review about the major factors that influence unemployment rates, the government inititiatives that were deployed to reduce unemployment rates in the country and the impact of labour market inflexibility on employment outcomes. Chapter three provides the research methodology followed in this study and chapter four includes an analysis and discussions of the questionnaire data. Chapter five concludes the research report with recommendations for policymakers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A study of South African computer users' password usage habits and attitude towards password security
- Authors: Friendman, Brandon
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Computers -- Access control -- Passwords , Computer users -- Attitudes , Internet -- Access control , Internet -- Security measures , Internet -- Management , Data protection
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4700
- Description: The challenge of having to create and remember a secure password for each user account has become a problem for many computer users and can lead to bad password management practices. Simpler and less secure passwords are often selected and are regularly reused across multiple user accounts. Computer users within corporations and institutions are subject to password policies, policies which require users to create passwords of a specified length and composition and change passwords regularly. These policies often prevent users from reusing previous selected passwords. Security vendors and professionals have sought to improve or even replace password authentication. Technologies such as multi-factor authentication and single sign-on have been developed to complement or even replace password authentication. The objective of the study was to investigate the password habits of South African computer and internet users. The aim was to assess their attitudes toward password security, to determine whether password policies a↵ect the manner in which they manage their passwords and to investigate their exposure to alternate authentication technologies. The results from the online survey demonstrated that password practices of the participants across their professional and personal contexts were generally insecure. Participants often used shorter, simpler and ultimately less secure passwords. Participants would try to memorise all of their passwords or reuse the same password on most of their accounts. Many participants had not received any security awareness training, and additional security technologies (such as multi-factor authentication or password managers) were seldom used or provided to them. The password policies encountered by the participants in their organisations did little towards encouraging the users to apply more secure password practices. Users lack the knowledge and understanding about password security as they had received little or no training pertaining to it.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Friendman, Brandon
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Computers -- Access control -- Passwords , Computer users -- Attitudes , Internet -- Access control , Internet -- Security measures , Internet -- Management , Data protection
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4700
- Description: The challenge of having to create and remember a secure password for each user account has become a problem for many computer users and can lead to bad password management practices. Simpler and less secure passwords are often selected and are regularly reused across multiple user accounts. Computer users within corporations and institutions are subject to password policies, policies which require users to create passwords of a specified length and composition and change passwords regularly. These policies often prevent users from reusing previous selected passwords. Security vendors and professionals have sought to improve or even replace password authentication. Technologies such as multi-factor authentication and single sign-on have been developed to complement or even replace password authentication. The objective of the study was to investigate the password habits of South African computer and internet users. The aim was to assess their attitudes toward password security, to determine whether password policies a↵ect the manner in which they manage their passwords and to investigate their exposure to alternate authentication technologies. The results from the online survey demonstrated that password practices of the participants across their professional and personal contexts were generally insecure. Participants often used shorter, simpler and ultimately less secure passwords. Participants would try to memorise all of their passwords or reuse the same password on most of their accounts. Many participants had not received any security awareness training, and additional security technologies (such as multi-factor authentication or password managers) were seldom used or provided to them. The password policies encountered by the participants in their organisations did little towards encouraging the users to apply more secure password practices. Users lack the knowledge and understanding about password security as they had received little or no training pertaining to it.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The influence of the therapist's activities on clients' subject positioning in relation to gender in narrative couples therapy
- Authors: Friis, Kirsten Leigh
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Narrative therapy , Couples therapy , Therapist and patient , Control (Psychology) , Critical discourse analysis , Psychotherapy -- Methods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3227 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013050
- Description: Narrative Therapy draws on an understanding of how discourse acts to construct, reproduce and deconstruct power relationships. Therapy is focussed on collaborating with clients in a process of re-authoring their self-stories by critically evaluating the positions made available to them in relation to dominant discourses. Whilst there is a large body of theoretical knowledge on post-structuralism and psychotherapy, very few discourse analyses of psychotherapy sessions have been published. Thus, though post-structuralist therapeutic approaches are theoretically well supported, there is an identified gap in the literature on the therapeutic processes that occur within practice. This research aims to further explore these therapeutic processes, focussing specifically on subject positioning with relation to gender in Narrative Couple Therapy, and the influence of the therapist thereupon. It is based on the analysis of a video of a Michael White Narrative Couple Therapy session, "The Best of Friends." Using discourse analysis as a methodological approach, the analysis seeks first to identify talk that signifies discourses of gender difference, and then to explore how the subjects (therapist and clients) are positioned in relation to these discourses. The analysis focuses on the therapist's activities to investigate the influence of his interactions with the partners on how they are positioned or position themselves within stories of gender difference. The analysis shows that, by working reflexively, transparently and collaboratively with the partners, the therapist assists to render power, restrictive discourses, and alternate positions visible to the clients. The therapist resists being drawn into dominant therapy discourses of expert and patient, and instead continuously recognises the knowledges and expertise that the clients bring to the therapy context. He then works closely with the clients to thicken alternative representations of self.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Friis, Kirsten Leigh
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Narrative therapy , Couples therapy , Therapist and patient , Control (Psychology) , Critical discourse analysis , Psychotherapy -- Methods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3227 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013050
- Description: Narrative Therapy draws on an understanding of how discourse acts to construct, reproduce and deconstruct power relationships. Therapy is focussed on collaborating with clients in a process of re-authoring their self-stories by critically evaluating the positions made available to them in relation to dominant discourses. Whilst there is a large body of theoretical knowledge on post-structuralism and psychotherapy, very few discourse analyses of psychotherapy sessions have been published. Thus, though post-structuralist therapeutic approaches are theoretically well supported, there is an identified gap in the literature on the therapeutic processes that occur within practice. This research aims to further explore these therapeutic processes, focussing specifically on subject positioning with relation to gender in Narrative Couple Therapy, and the influence of the therapist thereupon. It is based on the analysis of a video of a Michael White Narrative Couple Therapy session, "The Best of Friends." Using discourse analysis as a methodological approach, the analysis seeks first to identify talk that signifies discourses of gender difference, and then to explore how the subjects (therapist and clients) are positioned in relation to these discourses. The analysis focuses on the therapist's activities to investigate the influence of his interactions with the partners on how they are positioned or position themselves within stories of gender difference. The analysis shows that, by working reflexively, transparently and collaboratively with the partners, the therapist assists to render power, restrictive discourses, and alternate positions visible to the clients. The therapist resists being drawn into dominant therapy discourses of expert and patient, and instead continuously recognises the knowledges and expertise that the clients bring to the therapy context. He then works closely with the clients to thicken alternative representations of self.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Domestic tax law v double tax treaties in the context of controlled foreign companies
- Authors: Froom, Natalie Marie
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Fiscal policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3559 , vital:20442
- Description: The South African fiscal legislators have found it necessary to introduce anti-avoidance legislation which governs controlled foreign companies in order to counteract schemes devised by taxpayers where companies are established outside South Africa for the purpose of diverting income from the South African fiscal net. Whilst the enforcement of such legislation does have merit in that the intention behind the introduction of such domestic legislation is to prevent the erosion of the South African tax base, it is submitted that this does pose a problem from an international perspective. The objective of this treatise is to conduct a critical analysis of how compatible the South African fiscal legislation which governs controlled foreign companies is with the provisions of the double taxation agreement as prescribed in terms of the OECD Model Tax Convention (which was published in July 2010). In addition, the aim of this study is to deduce whether the purpose of the double taxation agreement is not only the avoidance of juridical double taxation but also that it addresses the avoidance of economic double taxation. This will assist in determining whether domestic controlled foreign company legislation (as embodied in section 9D of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962) conflicts with the purpose of the double taxation agreement. By conducting an extensive research study and by depicting a certain scenario which addresses the issue at hand, the following is concluded: The tax treatment of the business profits generated by a controlled foreign company resident in a State outside South Africa and which have been generated from active business operating activities, is held to be in agreement with the provisions of the double taxation agreement. By contrast, the tax treatment of the controlled foreign company’s passive income in the form of interest income, is found not to correlate with the aforesaid agreement. As will be demonstrated in the chapters that follow, the controlled foreign company’s interest income is subjected to economic double taxation in terms of the scenario depicted in this treatise. This means that such income is taxed twice in the hands of two different taxpayers in two different States. As a result of this it is submitted that the following problem arises: Because section 9D of the Income Tax Act causes economic double taxation to occur (as illustrated in the previous paragraphs) and owing to the fact that the purpose of the double taxation agreement is the avoidance of economic double taxation, it can be shown that the section 9D domestic legislation conflicts with the terms of the double taxation agreement. This conflict is considered to be an area of concern because a contravention of the purpose of the double taxation agreement is regarded as a breach of the Contracting States’ international obligations in terms of the aforesaid agreement. It is further submitted that paragraph 23 of the OECD Commentary on article 1 and paragraph 14 of the OECD Commentary on article 7 are incorrect when they express the sentiment that domestic controlled foreign company legislation does not conflict with the provisions of the double taxation agreement. It is proposed that this be corrected to state the contrary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Froom, Natalie Marie
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Fiscal policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3559 , vital:20442
- Description: The South African fiscal legislators have found it necessary to introduce anti-avoidance legislation which governs controlled foreign companies in order to counteract schemes devised by taxpayers where companies are established outside South Africa for the purpose of diverting income from the South African fiscal net. Whilst the enforcement of such legislation does have merit in that the intention behind the introduction of such domestic legislation is to prevent the erosion of the South African tax base, it is submitted that this does pose a problem from an international perspective. The objective of this treatise is to conduct a critical analysis of how compatible the South African fiscal legislation which governs controlled foreign companies is with the provisions of the double taxation agreement as prescribed in terms of the OECD Model Tax Convention (which was published in July 2010). In addition, the aim of this study is to deduce whether the purpose of the double taxation agreement is not only the avoidance of juridical double taxation but also that it addresses the avoidance of economic double taxation. This will assist in determining whether domestic controlled foreign company legislation (as embodied in section 9D of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962) conflicts with the purpose of the double taxation agreement. By conducting an extensive research study and by depicting a certain scenario which addresses the issue at hand, the following is concluded: The tax treatment of the business profits generated by a controlled foreign company resident in a State outside South Africa and which have been generated from active business operating activities, is held to be in agreement with the provisions of the double taxation agreement. By contrast, the tax treatment of the controlled foreign company’s passive income in the form of interest income, is found not to correlate with the aforesaid agreement. As will be demonstrated in the chapters that follow, the controlled foreign company’s interest income is subjected to economic double taxation in terms of the scenario depicted in this treatise. This means that such income is taxed twice in the hands of two different taxpayers in two different States. As a result of this it is submitted that the following problem arises: Because section 9D of the Income Tax Act causes economic double taxation to occur (as illustrated in the previous paragraphs) and owing to the fact that the purpose of the double taxation agreement is the avoidance of economic double taxation, it can be shown that the section 9D domestic legislation conflicts with the terms of the double taxation agreement. This conflict is considered to be an area of concern because a contravention of the purpose of the double taxation agreement is regarded as a breach of the Contracting States’ international obligations in terms of the aforesaid agreement. It is further submitted that paragraph 23 of the OECD Commentary on article 1 and paragraph 14 of the OECD Commentary on article 7 are incorrect when they express the sentiment that domestic controlled foreign company legislation does not conflict with the provisions of the double taxation agreement. It is proposed that this be corrected to state the contrary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Altering urbanscapes: South African writers re-imagining Johannesburg, with specific reference to Lauren Beukes, K. Sello Duiker, Nadine Gordimer and Phaswane Mpe
- Authors: Fryer, Jocelyn Teri
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Novelists, South African , Johannesburg (South Africa) -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8481 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020877
- Description: The following dissertation considers the ways in which we have come to perceive of our post-apartheid South African urban spaces. It focusses on the representation of our contemporary urban spaces as I posit that they are re-imagined in the works of Phaswane Mpe, K.Sello Duiker, Nadine Gordimer and Lauren Beukes. In particular, it is concerned with the representation of Johannesburg, and specifically Hillbrow, in relation to the space of the rural, the suburban enclave and the city of Cape Town. I argue that while so-called urban ‘slums’ such as Hillbrow have been denigrated in the local imaginary, the texts that I have selected draw attention to the potentialities of such spaces. Rather than aspiring to ‘First World’ aesthetics of modernity then, we might come to see such spaces as Hillbrow anew, and even to learn from them as models, so as to better create more fully integrated and dynamic African cities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Fryer, Jocelyn Teri
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Novelists, South African , Johannesburg (South Africa) -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8481 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020877
- Description: The following dissertation considers the ways in which we have come to perceive of our post-apartheid South African urban spaces. It focusses on the representation of our contemporary urban spaces as I posit that they are re-imagined in the works of Phaswane Mpe, K.Sello Duiker, Nadine Gordimer and Lauren Beukes. In particular, it is concerned with the representation of Johannesburg, and specifically Hillbrow, in relation to the space of the rural, the suburban enclave and the city of Cape Town. I argue that while so-called urban ‘slums’ such as Hillbrow have been denigrated in the local imaginary, the texts that I have selected draw attention to the potentialities of such spaces. Rather than aspiring to ‘First World’ aesthetics of modernity then, we might come to see such spaces as Hillbrow anew, and even to learn from them as models, so as to better create more fully integrated and dynamic African cities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Why has South Africa been relatively unsuccessful at attracting inward foreign direct investment since 1994?
- Authors: Fulton, Mark Hugh John
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Investments, Foreign -- Africa, Southern , Investments, Foreign -- Chile , Investments, Foreign -- Botswana , Economic development -- South Africa , Economic development -- Developing countries , Political corruption -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic policy -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1097 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013056
- Description: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows into South Africa have been very low for several decades, and this research examines the reason(s) why this has been the case since 1994. There is a common belief amongst economists that there is a positive relationship between the amount of FDI received and economic growth, thus the desire to attract greater FDI inflows. A literature review was conducted to establish the determinants of FDI globally and then data were collected and assessed to test which causes are most important. The performance of developing nations in attracting FDI was first compared with that of the developed nations. Thereafter, a regional breakdown of FDI flows was presented, with a particular focus on the Southern African region. FDI inflows to South Africa since 1994 were compared against the identified determinants of FDI, as well as with FDI inflows into two other major mining economies, Chile and Botswana. The friendliness of the government towards business was identified as a significant determinant of FDI inflows and the importance of this factor in explaining FDI inflows into environment in South Africa was looked at in more depth. It was found that many investors perceive the South African government as hostile towards business and as corrupt and/or inefficient. The empirical results show that this negative perception helps explain the FDI inflows attracted by South Africa since 1994. Therefore, increased friendliness to business by the government should increase future inward FDI flows into South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Fulton, Mark Hugh John
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Investments, Foreign -- Africa, Southern , Investments, Foreign -- Chile , Investments, Foreign -- Botswana , Economic development -- South Africa , Economic development -- Developing countries , Political corruption -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic policy -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1097 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013056
- Description: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows into South Africa have been very low for several decades, and this research examines the reason(s) why this has been the case since 1994. There is a common belief amongst economists that there is a positive relationship between the amount of FDI received and economic growth, thus the desire to attract greater FDI inflows. A literature review was conducted to establish the determinants of FDI globally and then data were collected and assessed to test which causes are most important. The performance of developing nations in attracting FDI was first compared with that of the developed nations. Thereafter, a regional breakdown of FDI flows was presented, with a particular focus on the Southern African region. FDI inflows to South Africa since 1994 were compared against the identified determinants of FDI, as well as with FDI inflows into two other major mining economies, Chile and Botswana. The friendliness of the government towards business was identified as a significant determinant of FDI inflows and the importance of this factor in explaining FDI inflows into environment in South Africa was looked at in more depth. It was found that many investors perceive the South African government as hostile towards business and as corrupt and/or inefficient. The empirical results show that this negative perception helps explain the FDI inflows attracted by South Africa since 1994. Therefore, increased friendliness to business by the government should increase future inward FDI flows into South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Organisational culture and leadership competencies in ABSA Business Bank: Enterprise Business, Gauteng
- Authors: Funani, Simphiwe Vincent
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: ABSA Bank Corporate culture Organizational behavior Leadership Leadership -- Ability testing Business enterprises -- Personnel management Executives -- Training of Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:824 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011286
- Description: From Integrative summary: This document consists of three sections namely, an evaluation report (section 1), literature review (section 2), and research methodology (section 3). The evaluation report sets out the terms of reference for the research as well as identifying the objectives of the research. It also contains a summary of the literature review section, as well as a research methodology section summary. The literature review section contains a detailed review of the literature used in this study. This section sets out by reviewing existing literature on the topic of leadership, discussing the key elements of organisational culture and includes a short discussion on the typologies of culture. The Competing Values Framework as an organisational culture typology is discussed in greater detail, since it forms the foundation upon which the measurement and data collection tools for this research are founded. The research methodology section explains the research methodology and design employed in this study. This section also addresses some of the ethical considerations for this research, as well as how the researcher addressed them. There is also a brief discussion on the limitations of the research and the application of the results. This research focused on a business unit within Absa Business Bank, named Enterprise Business Gauteng Region, with the aim of investigating the “current organisational culture” in the business unit and the leadership competencies profile of its 11 Sales Managers. This was to provide the basis and departure point for the strategic organisational culture change that the new business unit head would have wanted to effect as the business has a history of non-performance, which the new business unit head aims to change. In order to diagnose the “current organisational culture” type, an organisational culture measurement tool based on the Competing Values Framework was used. The Competing Values Framework is a four-category organisational culture typology developed by Cameron and Quinn. The framework is based on two dimensions, how stable or flexible the organisation is, and how externally or internally focused it is. This framework was also employed to establish the leadership competencies profile of Sales Managers, as observed and experienced by the frontline staff, as well as the “desired organisational culture”, as intended by the new business unit head. Through hypotheses testing, the research revealed a statistically significant difference in perceptions of culture between males and females in the business unit. The perceptions of the female frontline staff about the “current” business unit culture indicated that they find it not to be empowering and less allowing for individuality and risk taking when compared to the male staff. The research also concluded that there is no statistically significant difference between leadership competencies associated with the four categories of the Competing Values Framework in the business unit. Comparisons between the “current” and the “desired” organisational culture revealed a misalignment. The main recommendations to the new business unit head were to get the leadership competencies of the Sales Managers aligned with the “desired organisational culture” state, and drive a purposive organisational culture change effort. To support this culture change, the espoused values of the business unit would need to be aligned to the desired culture state. To address the differences in perceptions of culture between males and females the business unit head would need to be mindful of the greater need to empower women either in their current roles, or by way of promotions to senior roles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Funani, Simphiwe Vincent
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: ABSA Bank Corporate culture Organizational behavior Leadership Leadership -- Ability testing Business enterprises -- Personnel management Executives -- Training of Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:824 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011286
- Description: From Integrative summary: This document consists of three sections namely, an evaluation report (section 1), literature review (section 2), and research methodology (section 3). The evaluation report sets out the terms of reference for the research as well as identifying the objectives of the research. It also contains a summary of the literature review section, as well as a research methodology section summary. The literature review section contains a detailed review of the literature used in this study. This section sets out by reviewing existing literature on the topic of leadership, discussing the key elements of organisational culture and includes a short discussion on the typologies of culture. The Competing Values Framework as an organisational culture typology is discussed in greater detail, since it forms the foundation upon which the measurement and data collection tools for this research are founded. The research methodology section explains the research methodology and design employed in this study. This section also addresses some of the ethical considerations for this research, as well as how the researcher addressed them. There is also a brief discussion on the limitations of the research and the application of the results. This research focused on a business unit within Absa Business Bank, named Enterprise Business Gauteng Region, with the aim of investigating the “current organisational culture” in the business unit and the leadership competencies profile of its 11 Sales Managers. This was to provide the basis and departure point for the strategic organisational culture change that the new business unit head would have wanted to effect as the business has a history of non-performance, which the new business unit head aims to change. In order to diagnose the “current organisational culture” type, an organisational culture measurement tool based on the Competing Values Framework was used. The Competing Values Framework is a four-category organisational culture typology developed by Cameron and Quinn. The framework is based on two dimensions, how stable or flexible the organisation is, and how externally or internally focused it is. This framework was also employed to establish the leadership competencies profile of Sales Managers, as observed and experienced by the frontline staff, as well as the “desired organisational culture”, as intended by the new business unit head. Through hypotheses testing, the research revealed a statistically significant difference in perceptions of culture between males and females in the business unit. The perceptions of the female frontline staff about the “current” business unit culture indicated that they find it not to be empowering and less allowing for individuality and risk taking when compared to the male staff. The research also concluded that there is no statistically significant difference between leadership competencies associated with the four categories of the Competing Values Framework in the business unit. Comparisons between the “current” and the “desired” organisational culture revealed a misalignment. The main recommendations to the new business unit head were to get the leadership competencies of the Sales Managers aligned with the “desired organisational culture” state, and drive a purposive organisational culture change effort. To support this culture change, the espoused values of the business unit would need to be aligned to the desired culture state. To address the differences in perceptions of culture between males and females the business unit head would need to be mindful of the greater need to empower women either in their current roles, or by way of promotions to senior roles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Core self-evaluations, stress and work aspirations of Department of Education officers in selected districts in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Gabelana, Nomzamo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/944 , vital:26511
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of core self-evaluations and stress on the aspiration levels of the Department of Education (DoE) officers. An additional interest was on checking if general relationships amongst the three variables exist and the magnitude of such relationships. A literature study was conducted on three aspects, which are core self-evaluations, stress and work aspirations. This was followed by a survey involving 250 education specialists from four selected districts in the Eastern Cape, which are, Dutywa, Butterworth, Fort Beaufort and Mthatha. Results of the current research indicated that there is a positive relationship between core self-evaluation and DoE stress levels (r=0.32409; p=0.0014). These findings indicate that some individuals have low core self-evaluations due to their exposure to stressful situations hence they negatively appraise themselves and are less confident of themselves. DoE Senior Management Team (SMT) has to strategise and adopt measures that reduce stress levels and encourage positive CSE so as to deal effectively with under-performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Gabelana, Nomzamo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/944 , vital:26511
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of core self-evaluations and stress on the aspiration levels of the Department of Education (DoE) officers. An additional interest was on checking if general relationships amongst the three variables exist and the magnitude of such relationships. A literature study was conducted on three aspects, which are core self-evaluations, stress and work aspirations. This was followed by a survey involving 250 education specialists from four selected districts in the Eastern Cape, which are, Dutywa, Butterworth, Fort Beaufort and Mthatha. Results of the current research indicated that there is a positive relationship between core self-evaluation and DoE stress levels (r=0.32409; p=0.0014). These findings indicate that some individuals have low core self-evaluations due to their exposure to stressful situations hence they negatively appraise themselves and are less confident of themselves. DoE Senior Management Team (SMT) has to strategise and adopt measures that reduce stress levels and encourage positive CSE so as to deal effectively with under-performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An evaluation of selected skills development programmes in the Amathole District Municipality
- Authors: Gadu, Thandiswa Constance
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Career development -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8336 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020587
- Description: Employees joining any institution for the first time are not always performing duties/tasks to the level and standard set by the management of particular organisation. Some candidates perform to their fullest potential after they are inducted. The purpose of skills development act is to assists employers to participate in leadership and development programmes as to enhance the potential of individuals and organizations. Also to encourage employees to use the workplace as an active learning site and provide opportunities to acquire new skills. Human Resource Practitioners play a critical role in the ensuring that employees are capacitated. This study undertook to evaluate selected skills development programmes in the Amathole District Municipality. ADM is challenged in coordinating various skills development programmes due to various reasons such as budget. From the literature study and information gathered from the respondents in this research it became evident that training of employees is key to the improvement of performance. In this regard it is critical that ADM creates means that will mitigate the identified findings in order to improve the performance of personnel. Emailed questionnaires were used as a method of collecting data from the respondents. In this study a qualitative method was used to analyse the data collected from the respondents. Based on the information gathered from the respondents the researcher made findings and formulated recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Gadu, Thandiswa Constance
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Career development -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8336 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020587
- Description: Employees joining any institution for the first time are not always performing duties/tasks to the level and standard set by the management of particular organisation. Some candidates perform to their fullest potential after they are inducted. The purpose of skills development act is to assists employers to participate in leadership and development programmes as to enhance the potential of individuals and organizations. Also to encourage employees to use the workplace as an active learning site and provide opportunities to acquire new skills. Human Resource Practitioners play a critical role in the ensuring that employees are capacitated. This study undertook to evaluate selected skills development programmes in the Amathole District Municipality. ADM is challenged in coordinating various skills development programmes due to various reasons such as budget. From the literature study and information gathered from the respondents in this research it became evident that training of employees is key to the improvement of performance. In this regard it is critical that ADM creates means that will mitigate the identified findings in order to improve the performance of personnel. Emailed questionnaires were used as a method of collecting data from the respondents. In this study a qualitative method was used to analyse the data collected from the respondents. Based on the information gathered from the respondents the researcher made findings and formulated recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of financial accountability on social grants at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), 2011-2012
- Authors: Gcaza, Xolile
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1206 , vital:26535
- Description: This research assesses the nature and extent of financial accountability on social grants at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). With respect to public funds, strategies and mechanisms, including the effectiveness of these strategies, were analysed to ensure whether SASSA was accountable to both the people and the government. Rabrenovic (2009:22) describes financial accountability as an obligation of the government to assure the citizens that money is spent in the best possible and most effective way. The government has to provide answers and justification for its action and regularly inform the public on how it spends the public funds. The extent to which the public-private partnership model adopted by SASSA for social grant management has enhanced financial accountability and yielded the desired outcome has also been tested. Some of the findings were that the problems facing SASSA were the financial constraints that entailed reduction in new programmes, halting infrastructures and the acquisition and filling only of funded posts from the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) and the high costs of administering social grants. This study used the qualitative research approach. The researcher used official document reviews because of the sensitivity of the research problem and opted for a desktop research. The documentary sources include SASSA’s annual reports for the period 2011/12. The recommendations were that people should be trained in financial and performance skills and in terms of accountability the accounting officers should account for lack of transgressions and poor performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Gcaza, Xolile
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1206 , vital:26535
- Description: This research assesses the nature and extent of financial accountability on social grants at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). With respect to public funds, strategies and mechanisms, including the effectiveness of these strategies, were analysed to ensure whether SASSA was accountable to both the people and the government. Rabrenovic (2009:22) describes financial accountability as an obligation of the government to assure the citizens that money is spent in the best possible and most effective way. The government has to provide answers and justification for its action and regularly inform the public on how it spends the public funds. The extent to which the public-private partnership model adopted by SASSA for social grant management has enhanced financial accountability and yielded the desired outcome has also been tested. Some of the findings were that the problems facing SASSA were the financial constraints that entailed reduction in new programmes, halting infrastructures and the acquisition and filling only of funded posts from the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) and the high costs of administering social grants. This study used the qualitative research approach. The researcher used official document reviews because of the sensitivity of the research problem and opted for a desktop research. The documentary sources include SASSA’s annual reports for the period 2011/12. The recommendations were that people should be trained in financial and performance skills and in terms of accountability the accounting officers should account for lack of transgressions and poor performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Quality indices of the final effluents of two sub-urban-based wastewater treatment plants in Amathole District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Gcilitshana, Onele
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Whole effluent toxicity testing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sewage disposal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water -- Purification -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Effluent quality -- Testing , Viruses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water reuse -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019816 , Whole effluent toxicity testing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sewage disposal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water -- Purification -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Effluent quality -- Testing , Viruses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water reuse -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Worldwide, water reuse is promoted as an alternative for water scarcity, however, wastewater effluents have been reported as possible contaminants to surface water. The failure of some wastewater treatment processes to completely remove organic matter and some pathogenic microorganisms allows them to initiate infections. This manifests more in communities where surface water is used directly for drinking. To assess water quality, bacteria alone cannot be used as it may be absent in virus-contaminated water. This study was carried out to assess the quality of two wastewater treatment plant effluents from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Physicochemical parameters and microbiological parameters like faecal coliforms, adenovirus, rotavirus, hepatitis A virus, norovirus and enterovirus were evaluated over a projected period of one year. Physicochemical parameters were measured on site using multiparameters, faecal coliforms enumerated using culture-based methods and viruses are detected using both conventional and real-time PCR. Physicochemical parameters like electrical conductivity, turbidity, free chlorine and phosphates were incompliant with the standards set by the Department of Water affairs for effluents to be discharged. Faecal coliform counts were nil for one plant (WWTP-R) where they correlated inversely (P < 0.01) with the high free chlorine. For WWTP-K, faecal coliforms were detected in 27% of samples in the range of 9.9 × 101 to 6.4× 104 CFU/100ml. From the five viruses assessed, three viruses were detected with Rotavirus being the most abundant (0-2034176 genome copies/L) followed by Adenovirus (0–275 genome copies/L) then Hepatitis A virus (0–71 genome copies/L) in the WWTP-K while none of the viruses was detected in WWTP-R. Species B, species C and Adv41 serotypes were detected from the May 2013 and June 2013 samples where almost all parameters were incompliant in the plant. The detection of these viruses in supposedly treated effluents is suggestive of these being the sources of contamination to surface water and therefore renders surface waters unsafe for direct use and to aquatic life. Although real-time PCR is more sensitive and reliable in detection of viruses, use of cell-culture techniques in this study would have been more efficient in confirming the infectivity of the viruses detected, hence the recommendation of these techniques in future projects of this nature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Gcilitshana, Onele
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Whole effluent toxicity testing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sewage disposal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water -- Purification -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Effluent quality -- Testing , Viruses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water reuse -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019816 , Whole effluent toxicity testing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sewage disposal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water -- Purification -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Effluent quality -- Testing , Viruses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water reuse -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Worldwide, water reuse is promoted as an alternative for water scarcity, however, wastewater effluents have been reported as possible contaminants to surface water. The failure of some wastewater treatment processes to completely remove organic matter and some pathogenic microorganisms allows them to initiate infections. This manifests more in communities where surface water is used directly for drinking. To assess water quality, bacteria alone cannot be used as it may be absent in virus-contaminated water. This study was carried out to assess the quality of two wastewater treatment plant effluents from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Physicochemical parameters and microbiological parameters like faecal coliforms, adenovirus, rotavirus, hepatitis A virus, norovirus and enterovirus were evaluated over a projected period of one year. Physicochemical parameters were measured on site using multiparameters, faecal coliforms enumerated using culture-based methods and viruses are detected using both conventional and real-time PCR. Physicochemical parameters like electrical conductivity, turbidity, free chlorine and phosphates were incompliant with the standards set by the Department of Water affairs for effluents to be discharged. Faecal coliform counts were nil for one plant (WWTP-R) where they correlated inversely (P < 0.01) with the high free chlorine. For WWTP-K, faecal coliforms were detected in 27% of samples in the range of 9.9 × 101 to 6.4× 104 CFU/100ml. From the five viruses assessed, three viruses were detected with Rotavirus being the most abundant (0-2034176 genome copies/L) followed by Adenovirus (0–275 genome copies/L) then Hepatitis A virus (0–71 genome copies/L) in the WWTP-K while none of the viruses was detected in WWTP-R. Species B, species C and Adv41 serotypes were detected from the May 2013 and June 2013 samples where almost all parameters were incompliant in the plant. The detection of these viruses in supposedly treated effluents is suggestive of these being the sources of contamination to surface water and therefore renders surface waters unsafe for direct use and to aquatic life. Although real-time PCR is more sensitive and reliable in detection of viruses, use of cell-culture techniques in this study would have been more efficient in confirming the infectivity of the viruses detected, hence the recommendation of these techniques in future projects of this nature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Resting site ecology and microhabitat use of the Mozambique thicket rat (Grammomys cometes) in a riverine Combretum forest
- Authors: Gebe, Zimkhitha
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Zoology)
- Identifier: vital:11794 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019768
- Description: Very little is known about the resting and spatial ecology of the Mozambique thicket rat, Grammomys cometes, a rodent species distributed in two disjoint populations in South Africa and Mozambique. The present study focused on determining the characteristics and usage patterns of resting sites, as well as the microhabitat use and selection of this species during its activity period. Broadly, I predicted that resting ecology and space use would be affected by environmental, climatic, social and sexual factors. I also hypothesized that predatory risk could affect thicket rat behaviour. Field work took place in the Great Fish River Reserve complex (Eastern Cape Province, South Africa), in a stretch of riverine Combretum forest (length × breadth: ca. 500 × 100 m) located in the western section of the conservation area. Overall, 38 different rats (22 males and 16 females) were trapped and radio-tracked for varying periods between July 2011 and November 2012. Individual rats used a mean of 2.54 1.89 different resting sites (range: 1–9) during each tracking session and resting-site fidelity averaged 85 17%. Overall, 27% of the 131 resting sites identified were artificial wooden nestboxes, 45% were inside branches, 21% were inside trunks, 3% were located on the ground, 2% in bushes, 1% inside dead logs, with one uncertain location (1%). Cape bushwillows Combretum caffrum were the predominant trees (60.32%) used for the resting sites, probably due to their abundance in the forest, and their propension to rot from the inside and provide natural cavities. The mean height of resting sites used by thicket rats was 217 119 cm, and the mean circumference of branches and trunks was 79 35 cm, with no seasonal and sexual variation. In contrast, males exhibited an overall lower percentage usage of individual resting sites than females, probably due to their increased movements during the long mating season. Percentage usage was significantly higher during the cold season, likely for thermoregulatory seasons. Nearly 50% of the resting sites were shared with an average ( SD) of 3.20 1.25 individuals (range: 2–6). However, simultaneous use of resting sites only took place in about 8% of locations. Sharing involved 2–3 males in 90% of the cases. It is suggested that females are solitary but not territorial, while at least some males are more social or tolerant towards each other, and have overlapping ‘home ranges’. These observations could be indicative of a promiscuous mating system. v Microhabitat use and selection were determined by conducting a 5-day trapping session during each season between June 2011 and May 2012. A grid of 96 stations (16 rows 6 lines) was set at the study site, with pairs of traps per station placed at 10-m intervals, at different heights and on different types of vegetative stands. Several variables describing microhabitat structure were recorded seasonally at each station. Thicket rats (38 individuals captured 91 times) were captured mostly at night, with an overall trapping success of 2.16 0.27% over the year. The average height at which rats were trapped (140 65 cm) was significantly higher than the height of traps set in the field (99 ± 75 cm). A large proportion of traps (31.3%) where rats were caught were placed on Combretum caffrum trees, and majoritarily on trunks (46%), tree canopy (19%) and woody lace (19%). Bonferroni Z tests indicated that thicket rats actively avoided trap stations with less than 50% canopy cover as well as areas that had arboreal connections in less than 50% of the directions. Rats also significantly avoided traps that were set in bushes and on the ground, irrespective of whether these were situated in open terrain or surrounded by some vegetation. Generalized Linear Models confirmed that two main predictors (Cover >150 cm and height) had a significant positive effect on the use of traps and on the numbers of visits to, and different animals caught at, trapping stations. All other variables, including connectivity with the surrounding vegetation, tree species, vegetation type and position in which the traps were placed, and tree trunk/branch circumference at trap height, did not have any significant effects. This study confirms that thicket rats are essentially nocturnal, arboreal and prefer dense canopy cover, possibly because this decreases predation risk at the microhabitat level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Gebe, Zimkhitha
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Zoology)
- Identifier: vital:11794 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019768
- Description: Very little is known about the resting and spatial ecology of the Mozambique thicket rat, Grammomys cometes, a rodent species distributed in two disjoint populations in South Africa and Mozambique. The present study focused on determining the characteristics and usage patterns of resting sites, as well as the microhabitat use and selection of this species during its activity period. Broadly, I predicted that resting ecology and space use would be affected by environmental, climatic, social and sexual factors. I also hypothesized that predatory risk could affect thicket rat behaviour. Field work took place in the Great Fish River Reserve complex (Eastern Cape Province, South Africa), in a stretch of riverine Combretum forest (length × breadth: ca. 500 × 100 m) located in the western section of the conservation area. Overall, 38 different rats (22 males and 16 females) were trapped and radio-tracked for varying periods between July 2011 and November 2012. Individual rats used a mean of 2.54 1.89 different resting sites (range: 1–9) during each tracking session and resting-site fidelity averaged 85 17%. Overall, 27% of the 131 resting sites identified were artificial wooden nestboxes, 45% were inside branches, 21% were inside trunks, 3% were located on the ground, 2% in bushes, 1% inside dead logs, with one uncertain location (1%). Cape bushwillows Combretum caffrum were the predominant trees (60.32%) used for the resting sites, probably due to their abundance in the forest, and their propension to rot from the inside and provide natural cavities. The mean height of resting sites used by thicket rats was 217 119 cm, and the mean circumference of branches and trunks was 79 35 cm, with no seasonal and sexual variation. In contrast, males exhibited an overall lower percentage usage of individual resting sites than females, probably due to their increased movements during the long mating season. Percentage usage was significantly higher during the cold season, likely for thermoregulatory seasons. Nearly 50% of the resting sites were shared with an average ( SD) of 3.20 1.25 individuals (range: 2–6). However, simultaneous use of resting sites only took place in about 8% of locations. Sharing involved 2–3 males in 90% of the cases. It is suggested that females are solitary but not territorial, while at least some males are more social or tolerant towards each other, and have overlapping ‘home ranges’. These observations could be indicative of a promiscuous mating system. v Microhabitat use and selection were determined by conducting a 5-day trapping session during each season between June 2011 and May 2012. A grid of 96 stations (16 rows 6 lines) was set at the study site, with pairs of traps per station placed at 10-m intervals, at different heights and on different types of vegetative stands. Several variables describing microhabitat structure were recorded seasonally at each station. Thicket rats (38 individuals captured 91 times) were captured mostly at night, with an overall trapping success of 2.16 0.27% over the year. The average height at which rats were trapped (140 65 cm) was significantly higher than the height of traps set in the field (99 ± 75 cm). A large proportion of traps (31.3%) where rats were caught were placed on Combretum caffrum trees, and majoritarily on trunks (46%), tree canopy (19%) and woody lace (19%). Bonferroni Z tests indicated that thicket rats actively avoided trap stations with less than 50% canopy cover as well as areas that had arboreal connections in less than 50% of the directions. Rats also significantly avoided traps that were set in bushes and on the ground, irrespective of whether these were situated in open terrain or surrounded by some vegetation. Generalized Linear Models confirmed that two main predictors (Cover >150 cm and height) had a significant positive effect on the use of traps and on the numbers of visits to, and different animals caught at, trapping stations. All other variables, including connectivity with the surrounding vegetation, tree species, vegetation type and position in which the traps were placed, and tree trunk/branch circumference at trap height, did not have any significant effects. This study confirms that thicket rats are essentially nocturnal, arboreal and prefer dense canopy cover, possibly because this decreases predation risk at the microhabitat level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Education is an essential service
- Authors: Geyer, Simone
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Collective bargaining -- Education -- South Africa , Right to education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10254 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020875
- Description: This treatise investigates the extent to which education could be declared an essential service. This is informed by an ongoing public perception that education is in a crisis as a result of the ease within which teachers embark on wildcat strikes, the level of absenteeism in schools, the manner in which communities prevent learners from attending school to place pressure on the state to meet service delivery demands, the lack of professionalism among teachers and the performance of our learners in achieving international benchmarks of results. The treatise critically explores the debate, in the South African context, on the need to declare education as an essential service in South Africa. This is done by examining the international benchmarks set by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in relation to essential services and what motivating reasons exist, if any, to proceed with declaring education as an essential service. There is a dire need to find a balance between the teachers’ right to strike and the learners’ right to basic education. At the moment there is a threat to this balance with the rights of teachers appearing to override those of learners and this has a negative impact on the learning outcomes and stability in education. The question that arises is what measures must the South African government put in place to ensure that the fundamental rights to education are not compromised. If the current situation continues to prevail it has the danger of retarding the development of a society in transition. There is a need for urgent intervention that takes on a consensus-based approach of identifying education as an essential priority in the interests of all. Can this be achieved by developing a minimum service level agreement for education that outlines which levels of teachers may go on strike? Can policy be regulated that outlines the duties of principals and deputy principals as those who are in the authority of the state and as such may not go on a strike? Can this be achieved without compromising the rights of any citizen as guaranteed in the Constitution of South Africa? The solution that this treatise provides to these vexing questions attempts to balance the rights of teachers with those of learners with a view to normalizing and stabilizing education in South Africa. It recommends that policy be set in place for principals and deputy principal that identifies them as part of those public servants who are in the authority of the state and therefore may not embark on a strike. This will enable the state to gain control of striking situations in education to ensure that there is still authority at the schools to maintain some level of minimum service, especially where there are very young learners. At the same time this will not be so severe as to render a strike in education ineffective for the teachers’ not to be able to exert force on the state to achieve improved conditions of service for themselves.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Geyer, Simone
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Collective bargaining -- Education -- South Africa , Right to education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10254 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020875
- Description: This treatise investigates the extent to which education could be declared an essential service. This is informed by an ongoing public perception that education is in a crisis as a result of the ease within which teachers embark on wildcat strikes, the level of absenteeism in schools, the manner in which communities prevent learners from attending school to place pressure on the state to meet service delivery demands, the lack of professionalism among teachers and the performance of our learners in achieving international benchmarks of results. The treatise critically explores the debate, in the South African context, on the need to declare education as an essential service in South Africa. This is done by examining the international benchmarks set by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in relation to essential services and what motivating reasons exist, if any, to proceed with declaring education as an essential service. There is a dire need to find a balance between the teachers’ right to strike and the learners’ right to basic education. At the moment there is a threat to this balance with the rights of teachers appearing to override those of learners and this has a negative impact on the learning outcomes and stability in education. The question that arises is what measures must the South African government put in place to ensure that the fundamental rights to education are not compromised. If the current situation continues to prevail it has the danger of retarding the development of a society in transition. There is a need for urgent intervention that takes on a consensus-based approach of identifying education as an essential priority in the interests of all. Can this be achieved by developing a minimum service level agreement for education that outlines which levels of teachers may go on strike? Can policy be regulated that outlines the duties of principals and deputy principals as those who are in the authority of the state and as such may not go on a strike? Can this be achieved without compromising the rights of any citizen as guaranteed in the Constitution of South Africa? The solution that this treatise provides to these vexing questions attempts to balance the rights of teachers with those of learners with a view to normalizing and stabilizing education in South Africa. It recommends that policy be set in place for principals and deputy principal that identifies them as part of those public servants who are in the authority of the state and therefore may not embark on a strike. This will enable the state to gain control of striking situations in education to ensure that there is still authority at the schools to maintain some level of minimum service, especially where there are very young learners. At the same time this will not be so severe as to render a strike in education ineffective for the teachers’ not to be able to exert force on the state to achieve improved conditions of service for themselves.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Optimizing MIDAS III over South Africa
- Authors: Giday, Nigussie Mezgebe
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Multi-Instrument Data Analysis System (MIDAS) , Global Positioning System , Ionosphere -- South Africa , Ionospheric electron density -- South Africa , Ionosondes -- South Africa , Tomography -- Scientific applications -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5517 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011277 , Multi-Instrument Data Analysis System (MIDAS) , Global Positioning System , Ionosphere -- South Africa , Ionospheric electron density -- South Africa , Ionosondes -- South Africa , Tomography -- Scientific applications -- South Africa
- Description: In this thesis an ionospheric tomographic algorithm called Multi-Instrument Data Anal- ysis System (MIDAS) is used to reconstruct electron density profiles using the Global Positioning System (GPS) data recorded from 53 GPS receivers over the South African region. MIDAS, developed by the Invert group at the University of Bath in the UK, is an inversion algorithm that produces a time dependent 3D image of the electron density of the ionosphere. GPS receivers record the time delay and phase advance of the trans- ionospheric GPS signals that traverse through the ionosphere from which the ionospheric parameter called Total Electron Content (TEC) can be computed. TEC, the line integral of the electron density along the satellite-receiver signal path, is ingested by ionospheric tomographic algorithms such as MIDAS to produce a time dependent 3D electron density profile. In order to validate electron density profiles from MIDAS, MIDAS derived NmF2 values were compared with ionosonde derived NmF2 values extracted from their respective 1D electron density profiles at 15 minute intervals for all four South African ionosonde stations (Grahamstown, Hermanus, Louisvale, and Madimbo). MIDAS 2D images of the electron density showed good diurnal and seasonal patterns; where a comparison of the 2D images at 12h00 UT for all the validation days exhibited maximum electron concentration during the autumn and summer and a minimum during the winter. A root mean square error (rmse) value as small as 0.88x 10¹¹[el=m³] was calculated for the Louisvale ionosonde station during the winter season and a maximum rmse value of 1.92x 10¹¹[el=m³] was ob- tained during the autumn season. The r² values were the least during the autumn and relatively large during summer and winter; similarly the rmse values were found to be a maximum during the autumn and a minimum during the winter indicating that MIDAS performs better during the winter than during the autumn and spring seasons. It is also observed that MIDAS performs better at Louisvale and Madimbo than at Grahamstown and Hermanus. In conclusion, the MIDAS reconstruction has showed good agreement with the ionosonde measurements; therefore, MIDAS can be considered a useful tool to study the ionosphere over the South African region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Giday, Nigussie Mezgebe
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Multi-Instrument Data Analysis System (MIDAS) , Global Positioning System , Ionosphere -- South Africa , Ionospheric electron density -- South Africa , Ionosondes -- South Africa , Tomography -- Scientific applications -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5517 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011277 , Multi-Instrument Data Analysis System (MIDAS) , Global Positioning System , Ionosphere -- South Africa , Ionospheric electron density -- South Africa , Ionosondes -- South Africa , Tomography -- Scientific applications -- South Africa
- Description: In this thesis an ionospheric tomographic algorithm called Multi-Instrument Data Anal- ysis System (MIDAS) is used to reconstruct electron density profiles using the Global Positioning System (GPS) data recorded from 53 GPS receivers over the South African region. MIDAS, developed by the Invert group at the University of Bath in the UK, is an inversion algorithm that produces a time dependent 3D image of the electron density of the ionosphere. GPS receivers record the time delay and phase advance of the trans- ionospheric GPS signals that traverse through the ionosphere from which the ionospheric parameter called Total Electron Content (TEC) can be computed. TEC, the line integral of the electron density along the satellite-receiver signal path, is ingested by ionospheric tomographic algorithms such as MIDAS to produce a time dependent 3D electron density profile. In order to validate electron density profiles from MIDAS, MIDAS derived NmF2 values were compared with ionosonde derived NmF2 values extracted from their respective 1D electron density profiles at 15 minute intervals for all four South African ionosonde stations (Grahamstown, Hermanus, Louisvale, and Madimbo). MIDAS 2D images of the electron density showed good diurnal and seasonal patterns; where a comparison of the 2D images at 12h00 UT for all the validation days exhibited maximum electron concentration during the autumn and summer and a minimum during the winter. A root mean square error (rmse) value as small as 0.88x 10¹¹[el=m³] was calculated for the Louisvale ionosonde station during the winter season and a maximum rmse value of 1.92x 10¹¹[el=m³] was ob- tained during the autumn season. The r² values were the least during the autumn and relatively large during summer and winter; similarly the rmse values were found to be a maximum during the autumn and a minimum during the winter indicating that MIDAS performs better during the winter than during the autumn and spring seasons. It is also observed that MIDAS performs better at Louisvale and Madimbo than at Grahamstown and Hermanus. In conclusion, the MIDAS reconstruction has showed good agreement with the ionosonde measurements; therefore, MIDAS can be considered a useful tool to study the ionosphere over the South African region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A comparison of extrinsic and intrinsic motivators between Germany and South Africa
- Authors: Giesser, Anne
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Motivation (Psychology) , Employee motivation , Cultural relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9417 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021063
- Description: This thesis explored different perceptions of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation in an intercultural context. The main objective of this study was to investigate similarities and differences concerning extrinsic and intrinsic motivation in the workplace between the German and the South African culture by examining individuals with working experience and tertiary education. It provides background information about motivation and a historical overview of previous and current motivational theories as well as cultural influences and differences. In addition, regarding the two cultures the researcher aimed to investigate similarities and differences between other demographics such as gender, age and income. The literature review provides information about extrinsic and intrinsic motivation retrieved from previous research and puts it into an intercultural context. The researcher conducted a quantitative, exploratory study. The data was gathered using an existing research instrument, which was distributed online. The sample comprised 374 respondents. This sample was conducted by a combination of quota and snowball sampling. The obtained data is evaluated and presented in text and table form. The results revealed preferences for intrinsic motivators for the whole sample and higher motivation for the South African part of the sample. Demographic characteristics played a minor role.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Giesser, Anne
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Motivation (Psychology) , Employee motivation , Cultural relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9417 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021063
- Description: This thesis explored different perceptions of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation in an intercultural context. The main objective of this study was to investigate similarities and differences concerning extrinsic and intrinsic motivation in the workplace between the German and the South African culture by examining individuals with working experience and tertiary education. It provides background information about motivation and a historical overview of previous and current motivational theories as well as cultural influences and differences. In addition, regarding the two cultures the researcher aimed to investigate similarities and differences between other demographics such as gender, age and income. The literature review provides information about extrinsic and intrinsic motivation retrieved from previous research and puts it into an intercultural context. The researcher conducted a quantitative, exploratory study. The data was gathered using an existing research instrument, which was distributed online. The sample comprised 374 respondents. This sample was conducted by a combination of quota and snowball sampling. The obtained data is evaluated and presented in text and table form. The results revealed preferences for intrinsic motivators for the whole sample and higher motivation for the South African part of the sample. Demographic characteristics played a minor role.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Possible scenarios for Africa's economic futures towards 2055
- Authors: Giyose, Dorrington
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Economic forecasting -- South Africa , Future, The
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8931 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021188
- Description: This academic discourse is a research treatise that is submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). Purpose – The purpose of this treatise is to develop four possible scenarios for Africa’s economic futures over the next 40 years, i.e. towards 2055. This study will expose the possible, probable, plausible, and preferable (desirable) scenarios for Africa towards 2055. Design/Methodology/Approach – This study employs a Futures Studies methodology that is known as scenario planning. The key variables of the scenarios are clustered as follows: Good governance and good economic growth; Good governance and bad economic growth; Bad governance and bad economic growth; as well as bad governance and good economic growth. Each of these scenarios begin with the current state of affairs in Africa. As such, the four scenarios in this study are informed by the current affairs in African countries as is internationally observed by scientists, researchers, as well as global views and opinions. Practical implications – This academic discourse provides useful insight into the causality relationship between the political, economic, sociological, technological, ecological, as well as legal factors (PESTEL factors) on the continent and the possible scenarios for Africa’s economic futures towards 2055. The aforementioned causality relationship between the abovementioned variables allows for insight into the drivers for change for Africa as well as in what way to anticipate these changes in accordance with scenario planning. Originality/Value: This treatise looks at the economic futures of Africa over the next 40 years from the point of view of African planners and African decision-makers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Giyose, Dorrington
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Economic forecasting -- South Africa , Future, The
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8931 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021188
- Description: This academic discourse is a research treatise that is submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). Purpose – The purpose of this treatise is to develop four possible scenarios for Africa’s economic futures over the next 40 years, i.e. towards 2055. This study will expose the possible, probable, plausible, and preferable (desirable) scenarios for Africa towards 2055. Design/Methodology/Approach – This study employs a Futures Studies methodology that is known as scenario planning. The key variables of the scenarios are clustered as follows: Good governance and good economic growth; Good governance and bad economic growth; Bad governance and bad economic growth; as well as bad governance and good economic growth. Each of these scenarios begin with the current state of affairs in Africa. As such, the four scenarios in this study are informed by the current affairs in African countries as is internationally observed by scientists, researchers, as well as global views and opinions. Practical implications – This academic discourse provides useful insight into the causality relationship between the political, economic, sociological, technological, ecological, as well as legal factors (PESTEL factors) on the continent and the possible scenarios for Africa’s economic futures towards 2055. The aforementioned causality relationship between the abovementioned variables allows for insight into the drivers for change for Africa as well as in what way to anticipate these changes in accordance with scenario planning. Originality/Value: This treatise looks at the economic futures of Africa over the next 40 years from the point of view of African planners and African decision-makers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A critical assessment of the public service commission in fighting corruption in South Africa
- Authors: Gola, Ndumiso Helton
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1078 , vital:26524
- Description: Using a qualitative research design, this study examined the role of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in curbing corruption in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The Public Service Commission is an independent and impartial body create. Using a qualitative research design, this study examined the role of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in curbing corruption in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The Public Service Commission is an independent and impartial body created by the Constitution, in 1996, to enhance excellence in governance within the Public Service by promoting a professional and ethical environment and adding value to a public administration that is accountable, equitable, efficient, effective, corruption-free and responsive to the needs of the people of South Africa. The study used a desktop approach whereby data was collected from books, journals, articles, media reports and surveys done by other scholars. The findings of the study highlighted that corruption is rampant in South Africa in different sectors and departments. Corruption in South Africa has reached epidemic levels and threatens the lives of all South African citizens. The role of the PSC has been found to be weaker and not meeting its role of fighting corruption as there are more failures than successes since its inception. This has been attributed to challenges such as human resources and financial constraints. The study however suggests recommendations which include extension and possible employment of dedicated permanent staff with relevant experience to address their capacity needs.d by the Constitution, in 1996, to enhance excellence in governance within the Public Service by promoting a professional and ethical environment and adding value to a public administration that is accountable, equitable, efficient, effective, corruption-free and responsive to the needs of the people of South Africa. The study used a desktop approach whereby data was collected from books, journals, articles, media reports and surveys done by other scholars. The findings of the study highlighted that corruption is rampant in South Africa in different sectors and departments. Corruption in South Africa has reached epidemic levels and threatens the lives of all South African citizens. The role of the PSC has been found to be weaker and not meeting its role of fighting corruption as there are more failures than successes since its inception. This has been attributed to challenges such as human resources and financial constraints. The study however suggests recommendations which include extension and possible employment of dedicated permanent staff with relevant experience to address their capacity needs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Gola, Ndumiso Helton
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1078 , vital:26524
- Description: Using a qualitative research design, this study examined the role of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in curbing corruption in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The Public Service Commission is an independent and impartial body create. Using a qualitative research design, this study examined the role of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in curbing corruption in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The Public Service Commission is an independent and impartial body created by the Constitution, in 1996, to enhance excellence in governance within the Public Service by promoting a professional and ethical environment and adding value to a public administration that is accountable, equitable, efficient, effective, corruption-free and responsive to the needs of the people of South Africa. The study used a desktop approach whereby data was collected from books, journals, articles, media reports and surveys done by other scholars. The findings of the study highlighted that corruption is rampant in South Africa in different sectors and departments. Corruption in South Africa has reached epidemic levels and threatens the lives of all South African citizens. The role of the PSC has been found to be weaker and not meeting its role of fighting corruption as there are more failures than successes since its inception. This has been attributed to challenges such as human resources and financial constraints. The study however suggests recommendations which include extension and possible employment of dedicated permanent staff with relevant experience to address their capacity needs.d by the Constitution, in 1996, to enhance excellence in governance within the Public Service by promoting a professional and ethical environment and adding value to a public administration that is accountable, equitable, efficient, effective, corruption-free and responsive to the needs of the people of South Africa. The study used a desktop approach whereby data was collected from books, journals, articles, media reports and surveys done by other scholars. The findings of the study highlighted that corruption is rampant in South Africa in different sectors and departments. Corruption in South Africa has reached epidemic levels and threatens the lives of all South African citizens. The role of the PSC has been found to be weaker and not meeting its role of fighting corruption as there are more failures than successes since its inception. This has been attributed to challenges such as human resources and financial constraints. The study however suggests recommendations which include extension and possible employment of dedicated permanent staff with relevant experience to address their capacity needs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A critical analysis of Public Administration policies and strategies towards assisting child headed household, at Amathole District
- Authors: Gola, Nomathemba Leticia
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11744 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018523
- Description: The purpose of this study was to critically analyze the impact of Public Policies towards assisting of child headed households with a special focus on those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS at Amathole District. The research was aimed at analyzing the impact, gaps and weaknesses of public Policies towards assisting these children and the challenges they experienced on surviving without an adult figure in their lives. The fieldwork exercise was extracted from desktop, documents, newspapers, publications, journals, public speeches departmental reports. The data was gathered using in-depth interviews. In-depth interviews were the most appropriate research method in this research since it is a means of eliciting relevant and valuable details to be raised in order to understand the coping/survival strategies of child headed households (CHHs). Findings indicate that the governments departments should work together to ascertain government objectives. Older siblings become caregivers to the younger sibling, and shoulder the burden of adopting survival strategies which include doing part time jobs, begging only to mention a few. The social grants and the foster grant also act as a safety net to child headed households.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Gola, Nomathemba Leticia
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11744 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018523
- Description: The purpose of this study was to critically analyze the impact of Public Policies towards assisting of child headed households with a special focus on those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS at Amathole District. The research was aimed at analyzing the impact, gaps and weaknesses of public Policies towards assisting these children and the challenges they experienced on surviving without an adult figure in their lives. The fieldwork exercise was extracted from desktop, documents, newspapers, publications, journals, public speeches departmental reports. The data was gathered using in-depth interviews. In-depth interviews were the most appropriate research method in this research since it is a means of eliciting relevant and valuable details to be raised in order to understand the coping/survival strategies of child headed households (CHHs). Findings indicate that the governments departments should work together to ascertain government objectives. Older siblings become caregivers to the younger sibling, and shoulder the burden of adopting survival strategies which include doing part time jobs, begging only to mention a few. The social grants and the foster grant also act as a safety net to child headed households.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Establishing perceptions of an entrepreneur using word associations
- Authors: Goliath, Jasmine Estonia
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Businesspeople -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9321 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020785
- Description: Entrepreneurship as a source of economic growth and competitiveness as well as job creation and the advancement of social interests is well documented. Despite these important contributions to the economies of countries, a shortage of entrepreneurial activity exists across borders and specifically in developing countries such as South Africa. The purpose of this study was to determine the perception and image of an entrepreneur in the eyes of various stakeholders. The reasoning behind this was that if the image of an entrepreneur could be determined, one could establish whether the image positively or negatively influences entrepreneurial intentions as well as potential future entrepreneurial activity. More specifically, the primary objective was to identify the perception and image that potential entrepreneurs (students) and existing entrepreneurs (small business owners) have of an entrepreneur. In the body of knowledge or general literature on entrepreneurship, the most commonly discussed topics are the nature and importance of entrepreneurship, the attributes (personality traits, characteristics and skills) associated with an entrepreneur, various push and pull factors, various rewards and drawbacks of such a career and the challenges entrepreneurs face. It is these aspects of entrepreneurship that stakeholders will most likely have been exposed to, and that most possibly have influenced their perception and image of an entrepreneur. The aforementioned aspects provided an overview of the theoretical body of knowledge on which the perception and image of an entrepreneur is based. The present study adopted a qualitative research paradigm with a phenomenological approach to achieve the research objectives of the study. Within this context, the study made use of a qualitative method for data collection and a quantitative method for data analysis. As such, a mixed methods approach was adopted. More specifically, a qualitative dominant mixed research method was implemented. A continuous word association test, which is a projective technique, was adopted as the qualitative means of data collection. This test involved asking participants to recall the words that come to mind when presented with the word “entrepreneur”. This method was selected because of its ability to reveal both affective and cognitive associations with the concept “entrepreneur”. A quantitative summative (manifest) content analysis was used as the quantitative research method for analysing the data. The continuous word association test was conducted among three sample groups, namely students prior to commencing, and students after completing a module in entrepreneurship, and small business owners. Student and small business owner participants were asked to write down as many words or phrases as possible that came to mind when they thought of the word “entrepreneur”, which was the stimulus word, within a ten-minute period. These responses were then collated and coded by developing a coding framework based on brand image and entrepreneurship literature. In studies on brand image, the components of image are considered to be tristructured in nature, consisting of cognitive (what the individual knows), affective (how the individual feels) and holistic (overall symbolism, combination of affective and cognitive) evaluations. The words generated by the participants in this study were broadly coded according to these categories and further subcategorised by searching for themes within the broad categories, which was facilitated and guided by an in-depth investigation of the entrepreneurship literature. The findings of this study show that the words generated by all three groups of participants were mostly of a cognitive nature, followed by words of a general or affective nature. As such, the vast majority of words generated by all three groups related to what the participants knew about an entrepreneur (cognitive) versus how they felt about one (affective), and were grounded in the management or entrepreneurship literature. When comparing the top ten words most frequently associated with the term “entrepreneur” by the three groups of participants, the attribute risk-taker was the most frequently recalled word among all three groups. Students prior to undertaking the entrepreneurship module associated an entrepreneur with being creative and a risk-taker, having a business enterprise and being involved in the selling of goods and services. Students after completing the module in entrepreneurship associated an entrepreneur with being profit-orientated, a risk-taker, innovative and original, and being opportunistic. Small business owners, on the other hand, associated an entrepreneur with being a risk-taker, innovative and original, goal- and achievement-orientated and profit-orientated. The findings show that all groups of participants associated an entrepreneur principally with certain attributes rather than with learned skills and competencies, and that all groups had a more positive than negative image of an entrepreneur. It was also found that exposure to entrepreneurship literature has an influence on the perception and image that students have of an entrepreneur. Because the words recalled by students after completing the entrepreneurship module were more in line with those recalled by small business owners, than with those recalled by students before starting the module, it can be suggested that entrepreneurship literature contributes to a more realistic image of an entrepreneur among students. This study has contributed to the field of entrepreneurship research by adopting a qualitative dominant research paradigm in conjunction with quantitative research methods to explore the complexity of the term “entrepreneur”. Furthermore, this study has been able to establish how individuals feel about entrepreneurship, in terms of being either positive or negative, by adding an affective aspect to the cognitive aspect of entrepreneurial decision-making. By conducting a continuous word association test among students prior to beginning and after completing a module in entrepreneurship, the entrepreneurial knowledge of students before being exposed to entrepreneurship literature was established, and subsequently the effectiveness of the entrepreneurship module determined. It is hoped that the findings of this study have added value to the entrepreneurship body of knowledge and can be used in future studies as a tool to address the problem of low entrepreneurial intention and activity among South Africans. Furthermore, it is hoped that by creating a positive image of an entrepreneur, entrepreneurship as a desirable career choice can be promoted and an entrepreneurial culture developed within communities and broader society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Goliath, Jasmine Estonia
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Businesspeople -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9321 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020785
- Description: Entrepreneurship as a source of economic growth and competitiveness as well as job creation and the advancement of social interests is well documented. Despite these important contributions to the economies of countries, a shortage of entrepreneurial activity exists across borders and specifically in developing countries such as South Africa. The purpose of this study was to determine the perception and image of an entrepreneur in the eyes of various stakeholders. The reasoning behind this was that if the image of an entrepreneur could be determined, one could establish whether the image positively or negatively influences entrepreneurial intentions as well as potential future entrepreneurial activity. More specifically, the primary objective was to identify the perception and image that potential entrepreneurs (students) and existing entrepreneurs (small business owners) have of an entrepreneur. In the body of knowledge or general literature on entrepreneurship, the most commonly discussed topics are the nature and importance of entrepreneurship, the attributes (personality traits, characteristics and skills) associated with an entrepreneur, various push and pull factors, various rewards and drawbacks of such a career and the challenges entrepreneurs face. It is these aspects of entrepreneurship that stakeholders will most likely have been exposed to, and that most possibly have influenced their perception and image of an entrepreneur. The aforementioned aspects provided an overview of the theoretical body of knowledge on which the perception and image of an entrepreneur is based. The present study adopted a qualitative research paradigm with a phenomenological approach to achieve the research objectives of the study. Within this context, the study made use of a qualitative method for data collection and a quantitative method for data analysis. As such, a mixed methods approach was adopted. More specifically, a qualitative dominant mixed research method was implemented. A continuous word association test, which is a projective technique, was adopted as the qualitative means of data collection. This test involved asking participants to recall the words that come to mind when presented with the word “entrepreneur”. This method was selected because of its ability to reveal both affective and cognitive associations with the concept “entrepreneur”. A quantitative summative (manifest) content analysis was used as the quantitative research method for analysing the data. The continuous word association test was conducted among three sample groups, namely students prior to commencing, and students after completing a module in entrepreneurship, and small business owners. Student and small business owner participants were asked to write down as many words or phrases as possible that came to mind when they thought of the word “entrepreneur”, which was the stimulus word, within a ten-minute period. These responses were then collated and coded by developing a coding framework based on brand image and entrepreneurship literature. In studies on brand image, the components of image are considered to be tristructured in nature, consisting of cognitive (what the individual knows), affective (how the individual feels) and holistic (overall symbolism, combination of affective and cognitive) evaluations. The words generated by the participants in this study were broadly coded according to these categories and further subcategorised by searching for themes within the broad categories, which was facilitated and guided by an in-depth investigation of the entrepreneurship literature. The findings of this study show that the words generated by all three groups of participants were mostly of a cognitive nature, followed by words of a general or affective nature. As such, the vast majority of words generated by all three groups related to what the participants knew about an entrepreneur (cognitive) versus how they felt about one (affective), and were grounded in the management or entrepreneurship literature. When comparing the top ten words most frequently associated with the term “entrepreneur” by the three groups of participants, the attribute risk-taker was the most frequently recalled word among all three groups. Students prior to undertaking the entrepreneurship module associated an entrepreneur with being creative and a risk-taker, having a business enterprise and being involved in the selling of goods and services. Students after completing the module in entrepreneurship associated an entrepreneur with being profit-orientated, a risk-taker, innovative and original, and being opportunistic. Small business owners, on the other hand, associated an entrepreneur with being a risk-taker, innovative and original, goal- and achievement-orientated and profit-orientated. The findings show that all groups of participants associated an entrepreneur principally with certain attributes rather than with learned skills and competencies, and that all groups had a more positive than negative image of an entrepreneur. It was also found that exposure to entrepreneurship literature has an influence on the perception and image that students have of an entrepreneur. Because the words recalled by students after completing the entrepreneurship module were more in line with those recalled by small business owners, than with those recalled by students before starting the module, it can be suggested that entrepreneurship literature contributes to a more realistic image of an entrepreneur among students. This study has contributed to the field of entrepreneurship research by adopting a qualitative dominant research paradigm in conjunction with quantitative research methods to explore the complexity of the term “entrepreneur”. Furthermore, this study has been able to establish how individuals feel about entrepreneurship, in terms of being either positive or negative, by adding an affective aspect to the cognitive aspect of entrepreneurial decision-making. By conducting a continuous word association test among students prior to beginning and after completing a module in entrepreneurship, the entrepreneurial knowledge of students before being exposed to entrepreneurship literature was established, and subsequently the effectiveness of the entrepreneurship module determined. It is hoped that the findings of this study have added value to the entrepreneurship body of knowledge and can be used in future studies as a tool to address the problem of low entrepreneurial intention and activity among South Africans. Furthermore, it is hoped that by creating a positive image of an entrepreneur, entrepreneurship as a desirable career choice can be promoted and an entrepreneurial culture developed within communities and broader society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014