The perceived impact of subject choice on no-fee high schools and learners in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Roach, Pamela Ann
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: High school students -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) , High school teaching -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) , Education -- South Africa -- Evaluation , Prediction of scholastic success Academic achievement
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65523 , vital:74184
- Description: The type of high school students attend, the subjects they complete in Grade 12, and the level of intellectual, emotional, and physical resources they can access in their home environments can impact a learner’s post-school education and training (PSET) success. Subject choice has been identified as one of the factors influencing the extent of learners’ opportunities at the further education and training (FET) level and later also at the PSET level. This study explored the perceived impact of learners’ subject-choice decisions at no-fee high schools in Nelson Mandela Bay. Systems theory, including systems thinking and supply chain management, and choice theory were used in exploring subject choice in the education service supply chain system. The degree to which subject choice was a limiter or expander of a learner’s options when moving from a high school to a post-school environment was explored. A qualitative exploratory, descriptive approach was used to assess subject choice processes in the education supply chain system. Convenience and purposive sampling were used to recruit nine participants from three no-fee high schools in Nelson Mandela Bay. Data was collected through open-ended individual interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Four main themes emerged from the data analysis: Challenges, Power, Resources, and Fear of Failure. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Roach, Pamela Ann
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: High school students -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) , High school teaching -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) , Education -- South Africa -- Evaluation , Prediction of scholastic success Academic achievement
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65523 , vital:74184
- Description: The type of high school students attend, the subjects they complete in Grade 12, and the level of intellectual, emotional, and physical resources they can access in their home environments can impact a learner’s post-school education and training (PSET) success. Subject choice has been identified as one of the factors influencing the extent of learners’ opportunities at the further education and training (FET) level and later also at the PSET level. This study explored the perceived impact of learners’ subject-choice decisions at no-fee high schools in Nelson Mandela Bay. Systems theory, including systems thinking and supply chain management, and choice theory were used in exploring subject choice in the education service supply chain system. The degree to which subject choice was a limiter or expander of a learner’s options when moving from a high school to a post-school environment was explored. A qualitative exploratory, descriptive approach was used to assess subject choice processes in the education supply chain system. Convenience and purposive sampling were used to recruit nine participants from three no-fee high schools in Nelson Mandela Bay. Data was collected through open-ended individual interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Four main themes emerged from the data analysis: Challenges, Power, Resources, and Fear of Failure. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2024-04
The perception of pharmacists’ assistants (post-basic) in Gauteng on the appropriateness of the training received to their roles in pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Authors: Mamabolo, Makgano Tshepiso
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- Employees -- Training of -- South Africa , Pharmacy -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Pharmaceutical industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63878 , vital:73622
- Description: The concept of pharmacists as key providers of pharmaceutical services with supporting personnel is quite uniform across the world with differences in the requirements for the registration, scope of practice, and training approach. Pharmacy support personnel have been part of the workforce for many decades in South Africa, practicing in all pharmacy categories. Pharmacy support personnel are required to undergo training in the category in which they are employed and registered. There is limited literature on the scope of practice and training of pharmacy support personnel in pharmaceutical manufacturing. This research project was undertaken to determine the perceptions of pharmacists’ assistants (post-basic) in Gauteng on the appropriateness of the training received to their roles in pharmaceutical manufacturing. A descriptive qualitative design was employed for the study which involved pharmacists’ assistants (post-basic) who were trained and employed in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted with the participants to gain their understanding regarding their experiences and perceptions of the training they received. The perception of participants on whether the training prepared them to their role was interpreted through thematic analysis. Pharmacists’ assistants (post-basic) perceptions regarding the training they have received to support their roles was generally positive, with an emphasis on the comprehensiveness and appropriateness of training. Participants supported their perceptions by providing scenarios in their workplace on how the training has improved their knowledge in performing their job functions and confidence in carrying out their duties. Differences in perceptions regarding preparedness of PAPBs to carry out their roles and responsibilities in pharmaceutical manufacturing were noted and appeared to be dependent on the nature of the role and the activities involved where further on-the-job training might be required. Participants also demonstrated an interest in the expansion of the curriculum to cover more specialised other aspects of the pharmaceutical manufacturing such as quality and regulatory. Participants perceived the education and training to prepare them for the roles and responsibilities in pharmaceutical manufacturing and recommendations for future research studies on training programmes and job functions for PSP were identified. , Thesis (MPharm) -- Faculty of Health Science, School of Clinical Care and Medicinal Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Mamabolo, Makgano Tshepiso
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- Employees -- Training of -- South Africa , Pharmacy -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Pharmaceutical industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63878 , vital:73622
- Description: The concept of pharmacists as key providers of pharmaceutical services with supporting personnel is quite uniform across the world with differences in the requirements for the registration, scope of practice, and training approach. Pharmacy support personnel have been part of the workforce for many decades in South Africa, practicing in all pharmacy categories. Pharmacy support personnel are required to undergo training in the category in which they are employed and registered. There is limited literature on the scope of practice and training of pharmacy support personnel in pharmaceutical manufacturing. This research project was undertaken to determine the perceptions of pharmacists’ assistants (post-basic) in Gauteng on the appropriateness of the training received to their roles in pharmaceutical manufacturing. A descriptive qualitative design was employed for the study which involved pharmacists’ assistants (post-basic) who were trained and employed in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted with the participants to gain their understanding regarding their experiences and perceptions of the training they received. The perception of participants on whether the training prepared them to their role was interpreted through thematic analysis. Pharmacists’ assistants (post-basic) perceptions regarding the training they have received to support their roles was generally positive, with an emphasis on the comprehensiveness and appropriateness of training. Participants supported their perceptions by providing scenarios in their workplace on how the training has improved their knowledge in performing their job functions and confidence in carrying out their duties. Differences in perceptions regarding preparedness of PAPBs to carry out their roles and responsibilities in pharmaceutical manufacturing were noted and appeared to be dependent on the nature of the role and the activities involved where further on-the-job training might be required. Participants also demonstrated an interest in the expansion of the curriculum to cover more specialised other aspects of the pharmaceutical manufacturing such as quality and regulatory. Participants perceived the education and training to prepare them for the roles and responsibilities in pharmaceutical manufacturing and recommendations for future research studies on training programmes and job functions for PSP were identified. , Thesis (MPharm) -- Faculty of Health Science, School of Clinical Care and Medicinal Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
The performance of small construction firms in South Africa under the cost leadership strategy
- Authors: Karambakuwa, Ngonidzashe
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Construction industry , Construction industry -- Management , Small business -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64577 , vital:73768
- Description: Small construction firms in South Africa have been experiencing poor performance over the years. They have not been cost-efficient, resulting in profitability and viability challenges. These challenges have emanated from the firms’ lack of strategic focus. They have not consciously implemented appropriate strategies to enhance their performance. The cost leadership strategy is therefore a viable option for firms to address their viability challenges because winning contracts depends on submitting the lowest tender bids. This research sought to establish how small construction firms in South Africa could best implement the cost leadership strategy to improve their performance through developing a partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) to implement identified significant financial, human capital, innovation and technology strategies. The research followed a quantitative research approach. Data was collected through questionnaires, which were distributed to a sample of owners and managers of small construction firms in the provinces of South Africa. The population of the study consisted of small construction firms in grades 2 to 4 on the Construction Industry Development Board’s (CIDB) contractors register. The respondents, who were selected through stratified random sampling, were requested to rate the importance of finance, human capital, innovation and technology strategies in supporting the performance of their firms. A total of 155 usable questionnaires were returned. The data was analysed using the software SPSS Statistics - Version 28. Chi-square tests were used to identify the statistically significant financial, human capital, innovation and technology strategies for the performance of the firms. Furthermore, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to determine the statistically significant differences in the respondents’ perceptions of the importance of the strategies due to demographics. Thereafter, a structural model was developed through SEM modelling to determine the relationship between the significant strategies and performance. The results established that increasing the available finance, creating higher incomes compared to costs, increasing contracts per annum and supporting the budget for innovation, significantly contributed to the performance of the construction firms. In addition, prioritising skills development, offering basic salaries with incentives, fostering a strong work ethic, and effective coordination of work were significant strategies. Recognising innovations in technology and human resources cost reductions and carefully promoting innovative ideas through the right support infrastructure were the most significant innovation strategies for performance. It was further established that the acquisition and effective use of computer software and hardware, with the relevant technical knowledge and technical tools, were significant technology strategies for firm performance. The study also established the existence of statistically significant differences in the perception of the importance of innovation and technology strategies due to types of work, and differences in the perception of financial strategies due to age (generation). A PSL-SEM implementation model consisting of statistically significant strategies and demographics was developed and presented graphically. It is recommended that small construction firms should adopt the model to strengthen value chain activities for better performance. The government, the CIDB and other stakeholders should fully support the implementation of the model. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Karambakuwa, Ngonidzashe
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Construction industry , Construction industry -- Management , Small business -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64577 , vital:73768
- Description: Small construction firms in South Africa have been experiencing poor performance over the years. They have not been cost-efficient, resulting in profitability and viability challenges. These challenges have emanated from the firms’ lack of strategic focus. They have not consciously implemented appropriate strategies to enhance their performance. The cost leadership strategy is therefore a viable option for firms to address their viability challenges because winning contracts depends on submitting the lowest tender bids. This research sought to establish how small construction firms in South Africa could best implement the cost leadership strategy to improve their performance through developing a partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) to implement identified significant financial, human capital, innovation and technology strategies. The research followed a quantitative research approach. Data was collected through questionnaires, which were distributed to a sample of owners and managers of small construction firms in the provinces of South Africa. The population of the study consisted of small construction firms in grades 2 to 4 on the Construction Industry Development Board’s (CIDB) contractors register. The respondents, who were selected through stratified random sampling, were requested to rate the importance of finance, human capital, innovation and technology strategies in supporting the performance of their firms. A total of 155 usable questionnaires were returned. The data was analysed using the software SPSS Statistics - Version 28. Chi-square tests were used to identify the statistically significant financial, human capital, innovation and technology strategies for the performance of the firms. Furthermore, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to determine the statistically significant differences in the respondents’ perceptions of the importance of the strategies due to demographics. Thereafter, a structural model was developed through SEM modelling to determine the relationship between the significant strategies and performance. The results established that increasing the available finance, creating higher incomes compared to costs, increasing contracts per annum and supporting the budget for innovation, significantly contributed to the performance of the construction firms. In addition, prioritising skills development, offering basic salaries with incentives, fostering a strong work ethic, and effective coordination of work were significant strategies. Recognising innovations in technology and human resources cost reductions and carefully promoting innovative ideas through the right support infrastructure were the most significant innovation strategies for performance. It was further established that the acquisition and effective use of computer software and hardware, with the relevant technical knowledge and technical tools, were significant technology strategies for firm performance. The study also established the existence of statistically significant differences in the perception of the importance of innovation and technology strategies due to types of work, and differences in the perception of financial strategies due to age (generation). A PSL-SEM implementation model consisting of statistically significant strategies and demographics was developed and presented graphically. It is recommended that small construction firms should adopt the model to strengthen value chain activities for better performance. The government, the CIDB and other stakeholders should fully support the implementation of the model. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
The promotion of the right to access adequate housing for street children in Kenya
- Authors: Wanjala, Esther Nasimiyu
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Children's rights , Children's act , Street children
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64358 , vital:73679
- Description: This thesis explores the fundamental right to housing and shelter, recognised at national, regional, and international levels, focusing on its application to street children in Kenya. Despite constitutional provisions, street children in Kenya face exclusion from socio-economic interventions, particularly in the realm of housing and shelter. This exclusion stems from the absence of specific legislation addressing their unique needs. Existing laws, such as the Children Act, 2022 and the Housing Act, 2007 fall short of safeguarding the rights of street children, perpetuating discrimination based on economic status. The research examines international, regional, and national legal frameworks to uncover obstacles hindering street children from enjoying their legally protected human rights, including housing and shelter. Legal instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of a Child and policies like the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, the African Union Agenda 2063, and Agenda 2040 were considered. The research employed qualitative research methodology that included theoretical and non-empirical methods. It used a combination of descriptive, correlative, and limited comparative analysis of the status of street children in the East African Community State Parties of Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, as well as South Africa. Theoretical perspectives, including human rights-based, vulnerability, othering, and capability theories, informed the discussions on improving the status of street children in Kenya. The study employed critical social justice and vulnerability theories to analyse how discrimination and prejudices in society can violate fundamental rights, particularly street children's rights. The findings of the study revealed the inadequate legal and institutional frameworks in promoting street children's rights in Kenya. The study referred to the best practices in the select East African Community State Parties and South Africa that Kenya can emulate to benefit street children and realise the right to shelter and adequate housing. The study recommends legal and policy reviews to protect street children's rights to adequate housing and shelter guided by constitutional and international standards. , Thesis (LLD) -- Faculty of Law, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Wanjala, Esther Nasimiyu
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Children's rights , Children's act , Street children
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64358 , vital:73679
- Description: This thesis explores the fundamental right to housing and shelter, recognised at national, regional, and international levels, focusing on its application to street children in Kenya. Despite constitutional provisions, street children in Kenya face exclusion from socio-economic interventions, particularly in the realm of housing and shelter. This exclusion stems from the absence of specific legislation addressing their unique needs. Existing laws, such as the Children Act, 2022 and the Housing Act, 2007 fall short of safeguarding the rights of street children, perpetuating discrimination based on economic status. The research examines international, regional, and national legal frameworks to uncover obstacles hindering street children from enjoying their legally protected human rights, including housing and shelter. Legal instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of a Child and policies like the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, the African Union Agenda 2063, and Agenda 2040 were considered. The research employed qualitative research methodology that included theoretical and non-empirical methods. It used a combination of descriptive, correlative, and limited comparative analysis of the status of street children in the East African Community State Parties of Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, as well as South Africa. Theoretical perspectives, including human rights-based, vulnerability, othering, and capability theories, informed the discussions on improving the status of street children in Kenya. The study employed critical social justice and vulnerability theories to analyse how discrimination and prejudices in society can violate fundamental rights, particularly street children's rights. The findings of the study revealed the inadequate legal and institutional frameworks in promoting street children's rights in Kenya. The study referred to the best practices in the select East African Community State Parties and South Africa that Kenya can emulate to benefit street children and realise the right to shelter and adequate housing. The study recommends legal and policy reviews to protect street children's rights to adequate housing and shelter guided by constitutional and international standards. , Thesis (LLD) -- Faculty of Law, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
The right of non-unionised employees and minority unions to be consulted prior to dismissals based on operational requirements
- Karuaihe, Janee, Raahua, Sigfried
- Authors: Karuaihe, Janee, Raahua, Sigfried
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Unfair labor practice , Employees--Dismissal , Labor unions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64481 , vital:73738
- Description: The position of workers and trade unions has changed drastically since the introduction of a Constitutional dispensation in South Africa. The Constitution affords both workers and trade unions protectable rights and greater influence at the workplace. To vindicate and assert these rights trade unions and workers approach the courts to vindicate these rights. Section 23 of the Constitution deals with labour rights and section 18 gives effect to the right to freedom of association. To give content to these rights the Constitution provides that courts must have regard to international law. In the context of these rights, one of the principles recognised by the International Labour Organisation through its Conventions is the principle of majoritarianism. In short, the principle endeavours to give effect to the will of trade unions representing the majority of employees in a workplace in relation to trade unions that represent the minority. This is achieved through collective bargaining, which typically results in the conclusion of collective agreements, whereby trade unions are given exclusive and or preferential rights. In AMCU v Royal Bafokeng the Constitutional Court held that, the principle of majoritarianism applies to and finds expression in section 189 of the Labour Relations Act. The effect of this judgment is that members of a minority trade union may be represented by a rival majority trade union during the consultation process when an employer has contemplated dismissals based on operational requirements. The minority judgement adopted a different approach, reasoning that, the principle of majoritarianism ought not to find application in the context of dismissals based on operational requirements. It found that section 189 is intended to give effect to the Constitutional right to fair labour practices and must therefore allow a fair procedure that permits an employee to choose who may represent him/her in a consultation process prior to dismissal. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Department of Mercantile law, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Karuaihe, Janee, Raahua, Sigfried
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Unfair labor practice , Employees--Dismissal , Labor unions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64481 , vital:73738
- Description: The position of workers and trade unions has changed drastically since the introduction of a Constitutional dispensation in South Africa. The Constitution affords both workers and trade unions protectable rights and greater influence at the workplace. To vindicate and assert these rights trade unions and workers approach the courts to vindicate these rights. Section 23 of the Constitution deals with labour rights and section 18 gives effect to the right to freedom of association. To give content to these rights the Constitution provides that courts must have regard to international law. In the context of these rights, one of the principles recognised by the International Labour Organisation through its Conventions is the principle of majoritarianism. In short, the principle endeavours to give effect to the will of trade unions representing the majority of employees in a workplace in relation to trade unions that represent the minority. This is achieved through collective bargaining, which typically results in the conclusion of collective agreements, whereby trade unions are given exclusive and or preferential rights. In AMCU v Royal Bafokeng the Constitutional Court held that, the principle of majoritarianism applies to and finds expression in section 189 of the Labour Relations Act. The effect of this judgment is that members of a minority trade union may be represented by a rival majority trade union during the consultation process when an employer has contemplated dismissals based on operational requirements. The minority judgement adopted a different approach, reasoning that, the principle of majoritarianism ought not to find application in the context of dismissals based on operational requirements. It found that section 189 is intended to give effect to the Constitutional right to fair labour practices and must therefore allow a fair procedure that permits an employee to choose who may represent him/her in a consultation process prior to dismissal. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Department of Mercantile law, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
The right to parental leave for employees in same sex Marriages
- Nonyukela, Thembelihle Yolanda
- Authors: Nonyukela, Thembelihle Yolanda
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Family leave--Law and legislation , Same-sex marriage , Same-sex parents
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66264 , vital:74467
- Description: The Constitutional Court declared in the much-celebrated decision of Minister of Home Affairs v Fourie that it was discriminatory “for the state to deny same-sex couples the right to marry.” The Civil Union Act became effective in 2006, and notwithstanding the statute's title, it permits same-sex marriages. The latter made South Africa one of the few nations globally to approve same-sex marriage and the first one on the continent. In fact, the legislation permits same-sex, together with heterosexual individuals, to enter into legally binding unions, and both parties can elect whether to call the relationship a marriage or just a civil relationship. Regardless of the moniker chosen, the ramifications in law remain identical to those enumerated in the Marriage Act, permitting only relationships between individuals of opposite genders. A few years before the legalization of same-sex marriages, rulings from the courts and legislation recognized permanent partnerships between people of the same gender for certain reasons, yet there was no system in place that provided a platform for partnership registration. A number of court judgments have established that a parent's sexual orientation should not be a factor in custody determinations. In 2002, a court ruled in Du Toit v Minister of Welfare and Population Development that same-sex couples had the same rights to adopt children as married couples. This meant that same-sex couples were entitled to adopt children together and that any partner could adopt the children of the other. The Children's Act, which has since replaced the adoption legislation, makes it possible for spouses and "partners in a permanent domestic life partnership" of any sexual orientation to adopt. In the case MIA v Information Technology Agency (Pty) Ltd, the paucity of comprehensive provisions for parental leave in South African law emerged to the forefront. In this particular case, the worker and his spouse entered into a civil union pursuant to the Civil Union Act. They agreed to start their own family and engaged in an arrangement for surrogate motherhood. The worker agreed to carry out the birth-mother's usual responsibilities. In contemplation of their child's delivery, the worker approached his employer requesting four months of maternity leave. The employer denied the request for leave on the pretext that the worker was not the mother of the child by blood. The worker petitioned the Labour Court for a decree directing the employer to provide her with maternity leave, arguing that the employer's denial constituted discrimination based on gender, sex, family responsibilities, and sexual orientation. The court concurred and ruled that permission to go on leave be granted. The court declared that there should be no exceptions to maternity leave for women who performed the employee's obligations, and that the duration of such leave should be the same as that for a biological mother. The court also determined that the best interests of the child being born must be considered when determining a mother's eligibility for maternity leave. The Labour Court noted that South African laws lagged behind in other areas of social development and related legislation. By failing to include parental leave for all potential 'parents' in its 'family law', it failed to attain the Constitution's goals regarding the rights of children and parents. Amendments to the Civil Union Act and the Children's Act made it possible for individuals in same-sex relationships to adopt children or enter surrogacy agreements and become parents. Legislation still does not grant these parents the right to parental leave. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Department of Mercantile law (Labour Law), 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Nonyukela, Thembelihle Yolanda
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Family leave--Law and legislation , Same-sex marriage , Same-sex parents
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66264 , vital:74467
- Description: The Constitutional Court declared in the much-celebrated decision of Minister of Home Affairs v Fourie that it was discriminatory “for the state to deny same-sex couples the right to marry.” The Civil Union Act became effective in 2006, and notwithstanding the statute's title, it permits same-sex marriages. The latter made South Africa one of the few nations globally to approve same-sex marriage and the first one on the continent. In fact, the legislation permits same-sex, together with heterosexual individuals, to enter into legally binding unions, and both parties can elect whether to call the relationship a marriage or just a civil relationship. Regardless of the moniker chosen, the ramifications in law remain identical to those enumerated in the Marriage Act, permitting only relationships between individuals of opposite genders. A few years before the legalization of same-sex marriages, rulings from the courts and legislation recognized permanent partnerships between people of the same gender for certain reasons, yet there was no system in place that provided a platform for partnership registration. A number of court judgments have established that a parent's sexual orientation should not be a factor in custody determinations. In 2002, a court ruled in Du Toit v Minister of Welfare and Population Development that same-sex couples had the same rights to adopt children as married couples. This meant that same-sex couples were entitled to adopt children together and that any partner could adopt the children of the other. The Children's Act, which has since replaced the adoption legislation, makes it possible for spouses and "partners in a permanent domestic life partnership" of any sexual orientation to adopt. In the case MIA v Information Technology Agency (Pty) Ltd, the paucity of comprehensive provisions for parental leave in South African law emerged to the forefront. In this particular case, the worker and his spouse entered into a civil union pursuant to the Civil Union Act. They agreed to start their own family and engaged in an arrangement for surrogate motherhood. The worker agreed to carry out the birth-mother's usual responsibilities. In contemplation of their child's delivery, the worker approached his employer requesting four months of maternity leave. The employer denied the request for leave on the pretext that the worker was not the mother of the child by blood. The worker petitioned the Labour Court for a decree directing the employer to provide her with maternity leave, arguing that the employer's denial constituted discrimination based on gender, sex, family responsibilities, and sexual orientation. The court concurred and ruled that permission to go on leave be granted. The court declared that there should be no exceptions to maternity leave for women who performed the employee's obligations, and that the duration of such leave should be the same as that for a biological mother. The court also determined that the best interests of the child being born must be considered when determining a mother's eligibility for maternity leave. The Labour Court noted that South African laws lagged behind in other areas of social development and related legislation. By failing to include parental leave for all potential 'parents' in its 'family law', it failed to attain the Constitution's goals regarding the rights of children and parents. Amendments to the Civil Union Act and the Children's Act made it possible for individuals in same-sex relationships to adopt children or enter surrogacy agreements and become parents. Legislation still does not grant these parents the right to parental leave. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Department of Mercantile law (Labour Law), 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
The role of community-based organisations in addressing youth unemployment: a case of Duncan Village and Gompo Township in the Buffalo City Metro
- Authors: Nkosi, Sibongile Charity
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Community-based organisations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- East London , Youth -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- East London , Unemployed youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65314 , vital:74091
- Description: Youth unemployment continues to be a challenge and a complex problem driven by myriad issues despite significant investments into policies and programmes on both the demand and supply side of the labour market. There is a recognition among scholars that partnerships by all actors (such as government, private sector, and communities) through community-based organisations (CBOs) have the potential to significantly contribute to tackling youth unemployment. Yet there is scant research on the role of CBOs in tackling this challenge. Much research focus has been on the state and the private sector roles, and less attention on CBOs despite their proximity to communities directly affected by youth unemployment. However, it has become apparent that understanding the role of CBOs is essential in designing impactful and sustainable youth employment interventions. This research endeavoured to fill a void in the existing literature by examining how CBOs address youth unemployment in the Duncan Village and Gompo Township in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The underpinning theoretical framework that guided the study was community development and participation and empowerment approaches. A case study design was utilised to undertake the research. A total of 20 participants (CBOs, youth, government officials, and business sector representatives) were interviewed. Thematic analysis was applied to analyse collected data, which entailed coding and the development of categories or themes. The ATLAS.ti computer software aided this process. The findings indicated that numerous CBOs offer youths work readiness programmes, agricultural education, and training on important skills such as effective communication, time management, teamwork, and business skills, among others. These programmes equip young people with work experience and provide financial support in the form of stipends. Additionally, they keep them occupied and productive to deter engagement in criminal activity and substance abuse. The study's findings bring forth information to the policymakers and social actors on how interventions implemented by CBOs contribute to addressing youths’ needs due to their proximity to communities. Also, recommendations highlight ways for CBOs to improve their support and the contribution of the government and private sector, as well as emphasise the significance of partnerships in effectively addressing youth unemployment through community-led initiatives. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Nkosi, Sibongile Charity
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Community-based organisations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- East London , Youth -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- East London , Unemployed youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65314 , vital:74091
- Description: Youth unemployment continues to be a challenge and a complex problem driven by myriad issues despite significant investments into policies and programmes on both the demand and supply side of the labour market. There is a recognition among scholars that partnerships by all actors (such as government, private sector, and communities) through community-based organisations (CBOs) have the potential to significantly contribute to tackling youth unemployment. Yet there is scant research on the role of CBOs in tackling this challenge. Much research focus has been on the state and the private sector roles, and less attention on CBOs despite their proximity to communities directly affected by youth unemployment. However, it has become apparent that understanding the role of CBOs is essential in designing impactful and sustainable youth employment interventions. This research endeavoured to fill a void in the existing literature by examining how CBOs address youth unemployment in the Duncan Village and Gompo Township in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The underpinning theoretical framework that guided the study was community development and participation and empowerment approaches. A case study design was utilised to undertake the research. A total of 20 participants (CBOs, youth, government officials, and business sector representatives) were interviewed. Thematic analysis was applied to analyse collected data, which entailed coding and the development of categories or themes. The ATLAS.ti computer software aided this process. The findings indicated that numerous CBOs offer youths work readiness programmes, agricultural education, and training on important skills such as effective communication, time management, teamwork, and business skills, among others. These programmes equip young people with work experience and provide financial support in the form of stipends. Additionally, they keep them occupied and productive to deter engagement in criminal activity and substance abuse. The study's findings bring forth information to the policymakers and social actors on how interventions implemented by CBOs contribute to addressing youths’ needs due to their proximity to communities. Also, recommendations highlight ways for CBOs to improve their support and the contribution of the government and private sector, as well as emphasise the significance of partnerships in effectively addressing youth unemployment through community-led initiatives. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
The role of environmental factors, vegetation type, and community knowledge, attitude, and practices on schistosomiasis intermediate host snails’ distribution in the Nelson Mandela Bay water bodies
- Authors: Campbell, Prince Samkelo
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Schistosoma -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) , Schistosomiasis -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) , Schistosomiasis -- Prevention -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) , Tropical medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63813 , vital:73615
- Description: Schistosomiasis, often known as bilharzia, is a parasitic water-borne disease caused by trematode flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. In 76 endemic countries, including 46 in Africa, over 800 million individuals are at risk of contracting the disease. This study examined the influence of water physicochemical properties, vegetation type and community knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on the distribution and habitat preference of schistosomiasis intermediate host snails in the communities of Kariega and Kwa Nobuhle, in Nelson Mandela Bay. Methods. A quantitative cross-sectional research design approach was employed in this study. Data for the water physicochemical properties was collected over different seasons over a 9-month period. Eight sampling sites were selected based on their proximity to residential areas. A simple dip method was used for surface water samples and measurements done using a Bante 900P multiparameter meter, Macherey Nagel PF-12 plus, and hardness meter. A 300 μm mesh scoop net on a metal frame was used to capture snails. At each sample site, the predominant plant species were gathered and transported to experts in the Botany Department at Nelson Mandela University for identification. The composition and percentage cover of vegetation were visually estimated and documented. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses from 380 participants for the pre- and post-intervention KAP study, using the interview format. Data was analysed using R software (version 4.3.1) and Microsoft Office 365 Excel (2019 version). Results. Freshwater snails were found in all eight water bodies studied; however, schistosomiasis intermediate host snails were only found in three of them while the prevailing species in the study sites were Physa snails. There was no correlation between the number of snails and turbidity (r=-0.070). However, a negative and weak correlation existed between snails and DO (r=-0.185), hardness (r=-0.210), pH (r=-0.235), TDS (r=-0.236), EC (r=-0.240), salinity (r=-0.242), and temperature (r=-0.273). There was also a negative correlation between snails and vegetation coverage (r=-0.127). Of the 380 study participants, only 8.7% were aware of the disease pre-intervention. The paired samples t-test results demonstrate a difference (7.2 ± 2.5) in knowledge scores, and the improvement in knowledge levels post-intervention is statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion. The study discovered an abundance of Physa snails; considering their biological characteristics and ability to endure, these snails could potentially serve as a biological control agent in locations where the , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Campbell, Prince Samkelo
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Schistosoma -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) , Schistosomiasis -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) , Schistosomiasis -- Prevention -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) , Tropical medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63813 , vital:73615
- Description: Schistosomiasis, often known as bilharzia, is a parasitic water-borne disease caused by trematode flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. In 76 endemic countries, including 46 in Africa, over 800 million individuals are at risk of contracting the disease. This study examined the influence of water physicochemical properties, vegetation type and community knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on the distribution and habitat preference of schistosomiasis intermediate host snails in the communities of Kariega and Kwa Nobuhle, in Nelson Mandela Bay. Methods. A quantitative cross-sectional research design approach was employed in this study. Data for the water physicochemical properties was collected over different seasons over a 9-month period. Eight sampling sites were selected based on their proximity to residential areas. A simple dip method was used for surface water samples and measurements done using a Bante 900P multiparameter meter, Macherey Nagel PF-12 plus, and hardness meter. A 300 μm mesh scoop net on a metal frame was used to capture snails. At each sample site, the predominant plant species were gathered and transported to experts in the Botany Department at Nelson Mandela University for identification. The composition and percentage cover of vegetation were visually estimated and documented. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses from 380 participants for the pre- and post-intervention KAP study, using the interview format. Data was analysed using R software (version 4.3.1) and Microsoft Office 365 Excel (2019 version). Results. Freshwater snails were found in all eight water bodies studied; however, schistosomiasis intermediate host snails were only found in three of them while the prevailing species in the study sites were Physa snails. There was no correlation between the number of snails and turbidity (r=-0.070). However, a negative and weak correlation existed between snails and DO (r=-0.185), hardness (r=-0.210), pH (r=-0.235), TDS (r=-0.236), EC (r=-0.240), salinity (r=-0.242), and temperature (r=-0.273). There was also a negative correlation between snails and vegetation coverage (r=-0.127). Of the 380 study participants, only 8.7% were aware of the disease pre-intervention. The paired samples t-test results demonstrate a difference (7.2 ± 2.5) in knowledge scores, and the improvement in knowledge levels post-intervention is statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion. The study discovered an abundance of Physa snails; considering their biological characteristics and ability to endure, these snails could potentially serve as a biological control agent in locations where the , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
The role of hashtag activism in advocating against gender-based violence and promoting perpetrator accountability : subtitle if needed. If no subtitle follow instructions in manual
- Authors: Nontyi, Antonnet
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Gender based violence , Victims of violent crimes , Women -- Crimes against -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63421 , vital:73356
- Description: This study is aimed at determining the role that hashtag activism has played in advocating against gender-based violence (GBV) and promoting perpetrator accountability. The study used major GBV hashtags such as #MeToo, #WhyIStayed and #AmINext to investigate how effective these hashtag movements have been in breaking the silence around GBV and fighting against GBV. The study made use of both qualitative and quantitative research methodology, which was useful to gain a deeper understanding of GBV and all the social and cultural practices that perpetuate it. Qualitative data were collected by means of interviews and tweets under the selected hashtags. An online survey questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. The data provided an understanding of the complexities surrounding GBV and people’s views on hashtag activism and GBV. Through the data analysis, the study found that hashtag activism has been effective in changing dominant discourses, advocating against GBV, creating awareness and solidarity around GBV issues, and promoting perpetrator accountability. The study calls for a global collective effort to develop, record and archive feminist initiatives so that all the structural conditions which enable and perpetuate sexual violence are exposed and cannot be forgotten or ignored. Future research should look into how harmful societal norms can be challenged and how the effectiveness of hashtag movements can be enhanced , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Nontyi, Antonnet
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Gender based violence , Victims of violent crimes , Women -- Crimes against -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63421 , vital:73356
- Description: This study is aimed at determining the role that hashtag activism has played in advocating against gender-based violence (GBV) and promoting perpetrator accountability. The study used major GBV hashtags such as #MeToo, #WhyIStayed and #AmINext to investigate how effective these hashtag movements have been in breaking the silence around GBV and fighting against GBV. The study made use of both qualitative and quantitative research methodology, which was useful to gain a deeper understanding of GBV and all the social and cultural practices that perpetuate it. Qualitative data were collected by means of interviews and tweets under the selected hashtags. An online survey questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. The data provided an understanding of the complexities surrounding GBV and people’s views on hashtag activism and GBV. Through the data analysis, the study found that hashtag activism has been effective in changing dominant discourses, advocating against GBV, creating awareness and solidarity around GBV issues, and promoting perpetrator accountability. The study calls for a global collective effort to develop, record and archive feminist initiatives so that all the structural conditions which enable and perpetuate sexual violence are exposed and cannot be forgotten or ignored. Future research should look into how harmful societal norms can be challenged and how the effectiveness of hashtag movements can be enhanced , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
The role of microfinance in women empowerment in Gqeberha, South Africa
- Munyoro, Ruvimbonashe Doreen
- Authors: Munyoro, Ruvimbonashe Doreen
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Microfinance -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Empowerment -- Women , Women executives , Businesswomen
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65274 , vital:74085
- Description: This research studied the role of microfinance in women empowerment in Gqeberha, in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Various development strategies and approaches have been devised across the world, aimed at empowering women and eradicating poverty, particularly in developing countries. One of these development strategies is microfinance. Microfinance has provided financial assistance through loans to people, unable to access formal financial banks. Empowering women to participate fully in their economies is not only essential to building economies but to achieving the internationally agreed goals for development, human rights and sustainability. The inclusion of women empowerment and poverty alleviation in the Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals demonstrates the importance of poverty alleviation (SDG1) and women empowerment (SDG5) in the development of economies across the world. This qualitative research study collected data, using semi-structured questionnaires and interviews with 30 beneficiaries of MFIs and three MFI managers in Gqeberha. The sampling method used were non-probability purposive sampling, and the data were analysed through content analysis and descriptive statistics. The results suggest that microfinance through micro-loans and micro-business loans has had a positive role in the empowerment of women through the ease of access to finance through small loans. However, a gap exists in the market for long-term loans which could aid with starting small businesses and give the beneficiary more financial independence, improving their livelihood. It is recommended that MFIs across Gqeberha offer loans in the form of start-up capital and financial advice or education. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Munyoro, Ruvimbonashe Doreen
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Microfinance -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Empowerment -- Women , Women executives , Businesswomen
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65274 , vital:74085
- Description: This research studied the role of microfinance in women empowerment in Gqeberha, in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Various development strategies and approaches have been devised across the world, aimed at empowering women and eradicating poverty, particularly in developing countries. One of these development strategies is microfinance. Microfinance has provided financial assistance through loans to people, unable to access formal financial banks. Empowering women to participate fully in their economies is not only essential to building economies but to achieving the internationally agreed goals for development, human rights and sustainability. The inclusion of women empowerment and poverty alleviation in the Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals demonstrates the importance of poverty alleviation (SDG1) and women empowerment (SDG5) in the development of economies across the world. This qualitative research study collected data, using semi-structured questionnaires and interviews with 30 beneficiaries of MFIs and three MFI managers in Gqeberha. The sampling method used were non-probability purposive sampling, and the data were analysed through content analysis and descriptive statistics. The results suggest that microfinance through micro-loans and micro-business loans has had a positive role in the empowerment of women through the ease of access to finance through small loans. However, a gap exists in the market for long-term loans which could aid with starting small businesses and give the beneficiary more financial independence, improving their livelihood. It is recommended that MFIs across Gqeberha offer loans in the form of start-up capital and financial advice or education. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
The role of popular and traditional music during the umgidi initiation ceremonies among the Amampondo: subtitle if needed. If no subtitle follow instructions in manual
- Authors: Gushu, Lindokuhle
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Xhosa (African people) -- Music , Folk music -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Xhosa (African people) -- Rites and ceremonies , Popular music -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62805 , vital:72962
- Description: This study investigates the intricate dynamics of music within the umgidi initiation ceremonies among the amaMpondo, focusing on the interplay between traditional and modern popular music. The study explores the cultural foundation of the umgidi ceremony, emphasising its transformative significance and the evolving influence of modern popular music, particularly among the youth. A comprehensive literature review follows, contextualising the amaMpondo, their cultural practices, and the complex relationship between traditional and popular music in the broader South African music scene. The study adopted a qualitative ethnographic approach, including participant observation and individual interviews, to explore the impact of modern popular music on traditional elements during umgidi initiation ceremonies. Thematic analysis was employed for data interpretation, ensuring a systematic exploration of patterns and meanings. Ethical considerations were meticulously addressed, emphasising protecting participants' rights and cultural sensitivity. The study's findings highlighted the multifaceted roles of music during umgidi initiation ceremonies. Music is a powerful medium for cultural expression, communication, and communal celebration. The call-and-response format, rhythm variations, and the influence of modern genres such as Gqom and Amapiano were explored. Community attitudes toward integrating modern popular music reveal diverse opinions, ranging from full embrace to resistance. In summary, this study contributes to understanding the evolving dynamics of music in umgidi initiation ceremonies among the amaMpondo. The study provides a nuanced exploration and a roadmap for future research, community engagement, and policy considerations by combining cultural insights, literature review, methodological rigour, and community perspectives. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Gushu, Lindokuhle
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Xhosa (African people) -- Music , Folk music -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Xhosa (African people) -- Rites and ceremonies , Popular music -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62805 , vital:72962
- Description: This study investigates the intricate dynamics of music within the umgidi initiation ceremonies among the amaMpondo, focusing on the interplay between traditional and modern popular music. The study explores the cultural foundation of the umgidi ceremony, emphasising its transformative significance and the evolving influence of modern popular music, particularly among the youth. A comprehensive literature review follows, contextualising the amaMpondo, their cultural practices, and the complex relationship between traditional and popular music in the broader South African music scene. The study adopted a qualitative ethnographic approach, including participant observation and individual interviews, to explore the impact of modern popular music on traditional elements during umgidi initiation ceremonies. Thematic analysis was employed for data interpretation, ensuring a systematic exploration of patterns and meanings. Ethical considerations were meticulously addressed, emphasising protecting participants' rights and cultural sensitivity. The study's findings highlighted the multifaceted roles of music during umgidi initiation ceremonies. Music is a powerful medium for cultural expression, communication, and communal celebration. The call-and-response format, rhythm variations, and the influence of modern genres such as Gqom and Amapiano were explored. Community attitudes toward integrating modern popular music reveal diverse opinions, ranging from full embrace to resistance. In summary, this study contributes to understanding the evolving dynamics of music in umgidi initiation ceremonies among the amaMpondo. The study provides a nuanced exploration and a roadmap for future research, community engagement, and policy considerations by combining cultural insights, literature review, methodological rigour, and community perspectives. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
The role of solid waste management in economic development: a case of Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole, South Africa
- Mngomezulu, Sibongangani Khonelihle
- Authors: Mngomezulu, Sibongangani Khonelihle
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Integrated solid waste management -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) , Refuse and refuse disposal -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) , Economic development -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64684 , vital:73861
- Description: The issue of poor Solid Waste Management (SWM) continues to be a challenge in the world, as waste is always generated through daily human activities, and it needs to be properly managed. This study aimed to examine the role of solid waste management in enhancing the urban settlements’ economic development. Guided by the findings and the Circular Economy Model (CEM), the study proposed a waste management framework that can be used to achieve Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) while permitting economic development for the urban poor. The study utilized the mixed methods approach, which involves the collection and the integration of both quantitative and qualitative data to scrutinize the study from multiple points of view to improve accuracy. A mixed methodology with a structured questionnaire was employed. Data was obtained from 256 respondents out of a total of 303 households and one landfill was targeted. The research findings are therefore based on an 84% response rate of the targeted sample size. The study assessed the role that solid waste management can play in economic development using Walmer E, Summerstrand, Gqeberha Central and Arlington Landfill in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) as the case study areas. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to generate the descriptive summary statistics for the survey results, and it was also used to analyse the frequency, the correlation, and the factor analysis. The factor analysis was tested using Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and the Initial Eigenvalues, while the data correlation was examined using the Chi-Square Tests and the Symmetric Measures. The narrative thematic method was used for qualitative data, where raw data becomes the actual data presented. This study proves that the current waste management practices in the NMBM area are not sustainable as there is an increasing demand for landfills and the land filled waste has environmental challenges. Therefore, a new waste management framework for tackling these difficulties is proposed with the aid of study findings and CEM. Various theories of economic development and waste management were used and CEM was found more applicable, since it promotes the relationship between waste management systems and economic development. The proposed framework involves four significant factors that were found to positively influence waste to wealth. Those are; social behaviour, education, economic feasibility and governance of Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM). The Waste To Wealth (WTW) framework might help to improve solid waste management and shore up the present urban economy. The proposed framework would be applicable not only in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) but also in South Africa and in other countries. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Mngomezulu, Sibongangani Khonelihle
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Integrated solid waste management -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) , Refuse and refuse disposal -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) , Economic development -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64684 , vital:73861
- Description: The issue of poor Solid Waste Management (SWM) continues to be a challenge in the world, as waste is always generated through daily human activities, and it needs to be properly managed. This study aimed to examine the role of solid waste management in enhancing the urban settlements’ economic development. Guided by the findings and the Circular Economy Model (CEM), the study proposed a waste management framework that can be used to achieve Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) while permitting economic development for the urban poor. The study utilized the mixed methods approach, which involves the collection and the integration of both quantitative and qualitative data to scrutinize the study from multiple points of view to improve accuracy. A mixed methodology with a structured questionnaire was employed. Data was obtained from 256 respondents out of a total of 303 households and one landfill was targeted. The research findings are therefore based on an 84% response rate of the targeted sample size. The study assessed the role that solid waste management can play in economic development using Walmer E, Summerstrand, Gqeberha Central and Arlington Landfill in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) as the case study areas. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to generate the descriptive summary statistics for the survey results, and it was also used to analyse the frequency, the correlation, and the factor analysis. The factor analysis was tested using Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and the Initial Eigenvalues, while the data correlation was examined using the Chi-Square Tests and the Symmetric Measures. The narrative thematic method was used for qualitative data, where raw data becomes the actual data presented. This study proves that the current waste management practices in the NMBM area are not sustainable as there is an increasing demand for landfills and the land filled waste has environmental challenges. Therefore, a new waste management framework for tackling these difficulties is proposed with the aid of study findings and CEM. Various theories of economic development and waste management were used and CEM was found more applicable, since it promotes the relationship between waste management systems and economic development. The proposed framework involves four significant factors that were found to positively influence waste to wealth. Those are; social behaviour, education, economic feasibility and governance of Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM). The Waste To Wealth (WTW) framework might help to improve solid waste management and shore up the present urban economy. The proposed framework would be applicable not only in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) but also in South Africa and in other countries. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
The role of street trading in sustaining livelihoods in Kouga Local Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Seteni, Vuyo Michael
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Street vendors -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65401 , vital:74132
- Description: South Africa is experiencing an exponential growth of the street trading business. Subsequently, in every corner of the central business a street trader is found and Kouga Local Municipality is no exception to this phenomenon. For this reason, the study investigated the contribution of street trading in sustaining livelihoods in Kouga Local Municipality. This was achieved by investigating the factors that contribute to street traders’ sales income, thereafter, determining the impact of income derived from street trading on the household. Furthermore, the study investigated the socio-economic status of street traders in Kouga Local Municipality to understand the role played by the Municipality in sustaining the livelihoods of street traders. In achieving the objectives the study employed a mixed methods research design, incorporating qualitative data collection and a combination of content and statistical data analysis. In collecting the data, the study included participants who were engaged in street trading in Kouga Local Municipality. Participants eligible to partake in the study were over 18 years of age. The study targeted a sample size of 30 participants. With regards to the data collection tool, a closed ended questionnaire was used to solicit the information. Physical interviews were deemed necessary because of the limited educational background of many street traders. The findings revealed that the street traders derived an income greater than R945.00 per month. This proved that street trading had the capability to mitigate poverty in Kouga Local Municipality, as the most of the street traders earned a sufficient income to live above the food poverty line, which equates to R663 and also the lower bound poverty line, which equates to R945.00. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Seteni, Vuyo Michael
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Street vendors -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65401 , vital:74132
- Description: South Africa is experiencing an exponential growth of the street trading business. Subsequently, in every corner of the central business a street trader is found and Kouga Local Municipality is no exception to this phenomenon. For this reason, the study investigated the contribution of street trading in sustaining livelihoods in Kouga Local Municipality. This was achieved by investigating the factors that contribute to street traders’ sales income, thereafter, determining the impact of income derived from street trading on the household. Furthermore, the study investigated the socio-economic status of street traders in Kouga Local Municipality to understand the role played by the Municipality in sustaining the livelihoods of street traders. In achieving the objectives the study employed a mixed methods research design, incorporating qualitative data collection and a combination of content and statistical data analysis. In collecting the data, the study included participants who were engaged in street trading in Kouga Local Municipality. Participants eligible to partake in the study were over 18 years of age. The study targeted a sample size of 30 participants. With regards to the data collection tool, a closed ended questionnaire was used to solicit the information. Physical interviews were deemed necessary because of the limited educational background of many street traders. The findings revealed that the street traders derived an income greater than R945.00 per month. This proved that street trading had the capability to mitigate poverty in Kouga Local Municipality, as the most of the street traders earned a sufficient income to live above the food poverty line, which equates to R663 and also the lower bound poverty line, which equates to R945.00. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
The role of sustainability perceptions of employees in corporate sustainability
- Authors: Cronjé, René
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Corporations -- Environmental aspects , Corporate governance -- Environmental aspects , Sustainability , Climatic changes Environmental economics -- South Africa Sustainability -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64918 , vital:73959
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between employees' perception of environmental sustainability and pro-environmental behaviour within the corporate business environment of South Africa and its influence on a company’s corporate sustainability efforts. The study will follow a case study approach involving the employees of a corporate state-owned company in the logistics industry of the Nelson Mandela Bay area. In doing so the study attempts to better understand why enterprises, in their attempts to promote corporate sustainability, face challenges in aligning their variety of sustainability strategies, policies, and initiatives with employees' willingness to implement these measures or engage in pro-environmental behaviour in the workplace. To delve deeper into this issue the study also explores potential reasons for differences in perceptions by examining potential correlations between perceptions of environmental sustainability and pro-environmental behaviour, considering demographic factors such as gender, age, education, and work experience. The collective findings of the study underscore a positive relationship between employees’ environmental perception and their engagement in pro-environmental behaviour. This suggests that individuals who express a higher degree of concern for environmental issues are more likely to adopt and engage in environmentally-friendly behaviours. However, a notable disconnect was identified between awareness and action, highlighting variability in the extent to which perception translates into active pro-environmental behaviour. While environmental perception serves as a strong motivator, there is evident room for improvement in translating these concerns into concrete actions within the corporate setting. These insights emphasise the importance of addressing both attitudes and behaviours in the context of environmental sustainability. Thus, to enhance corporate sustainability efforts, it is imperative for companies to bridge the gap between environmental perception and action among their employees. The demographic variables (gender, age, education, and work experience) showed no significant influence on environmental perception or pro-environmental behaviour in this study, however these empirical findings challenge common findings in the existent literature, thus emphasising the need for a more nuanced understanding of the subject, within specific contexts. Recommendations for future studies include: larger sample sizes for robust findings; exploration of the influence of academic disciplines; consideration of household income and cultural differences; and broadening the study to multiple departments in order to gather more , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Cronjé, René
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Corporations -- Environmental aspects , Corporate governance -- Environmental aspects , Sustainability , Climatic changes Environmental economics -- South Africa Sustainability -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64918 , vital:73959
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between employees' perception of environmental sustainability and pro-environmental behaviour within the corporate business environment of South Africa and its influence on a company’s corporate sustainability efforts. The study will follow a case study approach involving the employees of a corporate state-owned company in the logistics industry of the Nelson Mandela Bay area. In doing so the study attempts to better understand why enterprises, in their attempts to promote corporate sustainability, face challenges in aligning their variety of sustainability strategies, policies, and initiatives with employees' willingness to implement these measures or engage in pro-environmental behaviour in the workplace. To delve deeper into this issue the study also explores potential reasons for differences in perceptions by examining potential correlations between perceptions of environmental sustainability and pro-environmental behaviour, considering demographic factors such as gender, age, education, and work experience. The collective findings of the study underscore a positive relationship between employees’ environmental perception and their engagement in pro-environmental behaviour. This suggests that individuals who express a higher degree of concern for environmental issues are more likely to adopt and engage in environmentally-friendly behaviours. However, a notable disconnect was identified between awareness and action, highlighting variability in the extent to which perception translates into active pro-environmental behaviour. While environmental perception serves as a strong motivator, there is evident room for improvement in translating these concerns into concrete actions within the corporate setting. These insights emphasise the importance of addressing both attitudes and behaviours in the context of environmental sustainability. Thus, to enhance corporate sustainability efforts, it is imperative for companies to bridge the gap between environmental perception and action among their employees. The demographic variables (gender, age, education, and work experience) showed no significant influence on environmental perception or pro-environmental behaviour in this study, however these empirical findings challenge common findings in the existent literature, thus emphasising the need for a more nuanced understanding of the subject, within specific contexts. Recommendations for future studies include: larger sample sizes for robust findings; exploration of the influence of academic disciplines; consideration of household income and cultural differences; and broadening the study to multiple departments in order to gather more , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
The role of visual storytelling in enhancing online learning experience design at Nelson Mandela University
- Authors: Waring, Elmien
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Digital storytelling -- South Africa , Information visualization , Visual communication
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63584 , vital:73505
- Description: As the landscape of higher education undergoes a shift toward a combination of online instructional methods and traditional in-person engagement, a creative approach becomes essential in ensuring student success. The research aims to explore how visual storytelling can enhance the online learning experience at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), thereby improving the effectiveness of teaching and knowledge acquisition. This study delves into the Learning Experience Design (LXD), a blend of instructional design, design thinking, and user experience design, within the teaching community of Nelson Mandela University and the broader South African context. Employing a mixed-method approach, qualitative data from interviews identified themes such as the improvement of LXD, challenges in the design process, and the utilization of visual storytelling. Quantitative analysis revealed that students primarily used the university learning management system (Moodle) for accessing resources, grades, and reviewing tests, with limited engagement in online learning activities. Lecturers expressed concern about Moodle’s functionality, a need for enhanced design support, and the necessity for training in the transition to digital learning. While lecturers recognized the potential of visual storytelling in enhancing engagement and knowledge retention, they emphasized the importance of support for the seamless integration into teaching. Students acknowledged the positive role of visual storytelling in improving their learning experience but highlighted areas of improvement, such as regular updates, increased visual interaction options, and the inclusion of information graphics to explain concepts. A design thinking process informed the development of instructional design interventions, leading to the creation of a prototype Moodle course shell and resources. This initiative aims to empower lecturers to enhance the learning experiences independently with the support of professional LXD services. The research findings suggest that visual storytelling indeed improves LXD, emphasizing the need for established support systems and resources at the university to equip lecturers for successful integration. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Waring, Elmien
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Digital storytelling -- South Africa , Information visualization , Visual communication
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63584 , vital:73505
- Description: As the landscape of higher education undergoes a shift toward a combination of online instructional methods and traditional in-person engagement, a creative approach becomes essential in ensuring student success. The research aims to explore how visual storytelling can enhance the online learning experience at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), thereby improving the effectiveness of teaching and knowledge acquisition. This study delves into the Learning Experience Design (LXD), a blend of instructional design, design thinking, and user experience design, within the teaching community of Nelson Mandela University and the broader South African context. Employing a mixed-method approach, qualitative data from interviews identified themes such as the improvement of LXD, challenges in the design process, and the utilization of visual storytelling. Quantitative analysis revealed that students primarily used the university learning management system (Moodle) for accessing resources, grades, and reviewing tests, with limited engagement in online learning activities. Lecturers expressed concern about Moodle’s functionality, a need for enhanced design support, and the necessity for training in the transition to digital learning. While lecturers recognized the potential of visual storytelling in enhancing engagement and knowledge retention, they emphasized the importance of support for the seamless integration into teaching. Students acknowledged the positive role of visual storytelling in improving their learning experience but highlighted areas of improvement, such as regular updates, increased visual interaction options, and the inclusion of information graphics to explain concepts. A design thinking process informed the development of instructional design interventions, leading to the creation of a prototype Moodle course shell and resources. This initiative aims to empower lecturers to enhance the learning experiences independently with the support of professional LXD services. The research findings suggest that visual storytelling indeed improves LXD, emphasizing the need for established support systems and resources at the university to equip lecturers for successful integration. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
The value-added tax implications in respect of the supply of services by foreign companies in South Africa
- Authors: Walker, Dean Thomas
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Value-added tax , Taxation , Foreign company registration
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64305 , vital:73673
- Description: A foreign company providing services in South Africa may, depending on the nature of the services rendered, do so directly or through its branch. Where the foreign company or its branch in providing such services falls within the ambit of the compulsory registration requirements set out in section 23, the foreign company or its branch is obliged to register as a vendor and the provisions of the VAT Act thereafter apply to such foreign company or its branch. The nature of the services rendered determine whether it is the foreign company or its branch which is obliged to register as a vendor. Where the services rendered constitute 'electronic services' falling within the scope of paragraph (vi) of the enterprise definition, it is the foreign company which must register as a vendor and not its branch. In all other cases (apart from the supply of 'imported services'), where services are rendered in South Africa, it is the branch which must register as a vendor, unless it is a 'dependent agent' of the foreign company as envisaged in the Wenco case 1, in the sense that it has no clients of its own in South Africa and supplies only services on behalf of the foreign company. In such a case the branch does not conduct an 'enterprise' and its foreign company must register as a vendor. Where a dependent branch supplies services to the foreign company's main business abroad, the supply is not zero-rated in terms of section 11 (2)(o) as, on the authority of the Wenco case, the provisions of section 8(9) have no application in such a case. Generally, where a foreign company or its branch supplies services in South Africa and is obliged to register as a vendor, output tax is levied in terms of section 7(1 )(a) and an input tax deduction may, in certain circumstances, be claimed provided that the foreign company or its branch is actually registered for VAT. In the case of 'imported services' it is the recipient which is liable for VAT thereon in certain circumstances. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Walker, Dean Thomas
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Value-added tax , Taxation , Foreign company registration
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64305 , vital:73673
- Description: A foreign company providing services in South Africa may, depending on the nature of the services rendered, do so directly or through its branch. Where the foreign company or its branch in providing such services falls within the ambit of the compulsory registration requirements set out in section 23, the foreign company or its branch is obliged to register as a vendor and the provisions of the VAT Act thereafter apply to such foreign company or its branch. The nature of the services rendered determine whether it is the foreign company or its branch which is obliged to register as a vendor. Where the services rendered constitute 'electronic services' falling within the scope of paragraph (vi) of the enterprise definition, it is the foreign company which must register as a vendor and not its branch. In all other cases (apart from the supply of 'imported services'), where services are rendered in South Africa, it is the branch which must register as a vendor, unless it is a 'dependent agent' of the foreign company as envisaged in the Wenco case 1, in the sense that it has no clients of its own in South Africa and supplies only services on behalf of the foreign company. In such a case the branch does not conduct an 'enterprise' and its foreign company must register as a vendor. Where a dependent branch supplies services to the foreign company's main business abroad, the supply is not zero-rated in terms of section 11 (2)(o) as, on the authority of the Wenco case, the provisions of section 8(9) have no application in such a case. Generally, where a foreign company or its branch supplies services in South Africa and is obliged to register as a vendor, output tax is levied in terms of section 7(1 )(a) and an input tax deduction may, in certain circumstances, be claimed provided that the foreign company or its branch is actually registered for VAT. In the case of 'imported services' it is the recipient which is liable for VAT thereon in certain circumstances. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
Tienerafrikaans: ’n studie van tienertaal, met spesiale verwysing na sleng, in twee Inxuba Yethemba (RSA-)skole
- Authors: Holland, Anil Juan
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Afrikaans language -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Afrikaanse taal -- Grammatika , Code switching (Linguistics)
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62816 , vital:72980
- Description: It is understood that, for us humans to communicate with one another, we need language. Communication thus has a close relationship with society. But language changes and it has many varieties. On the one hand we have the standard variety of a language which is mostly used in formal situations, and on the other hand we have other varieties, which are mostly used in informal situations. Slang serves as an example of the latter and is chiefly used by adolescents – individuals between the ages of 13 and 19. As Saal and Lawrence (2019: 24) put it: young people are the agents of linguistic change. The researcher finds the language of teenagers quite interesting seeing that he is a teacher who frequently comes across words or phrases he has not heard or does not know the meaning of. The goal of this study is thus to investigate teenage language as phenomenon, with special reference to slang. This study examines slang words and expressions as they occur among teenagers in two Nxuba (formerly Cradock) schools, as well as find out why, when, and when the research group will not make use of slang. Nxuba forms part of the Inxuba Yethemba Municipality in the Eastern Cape. During the study general linguistic phenomena that occur among the teenagers in the given town are also investigated. These phenomena are analysed using the phonetic, phonological, morphological, syntactic, semantic, and lexical levels of variation. This study follows a qualitative approach with the help of questionnaires, direct observation, and focus group interviews as data collection methods. It was found that teenagers are highly creative and create novel words or give new meanings to words that already exist in the standard variety. The reasons why teenagers make use of slang is, among other things, to ease communication, for the fun of it, secrecy, and to enrich the standard variety. Slang is mostly used in informal situations and tends to be avoided in the presence of older persons, at church, and when doing schoolwork. There are also various linguistic phenomena that appear in teenagers’ general language usage: borrowing, reduction, homonyms, polysemes, and various phonological phenomena, among other. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities , School of Language, Media and Communication , 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Holland, Anil Juan
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Afrikaans language -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Afrikaanse taal -- Grammatika , Code switching (Linguistics)
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62816 , vital:72980
- Description: It is understood that, for us humans to communicate with one another, we need language. Communication thus has a close relationship with society. But language changes and it has many varieties. On the one hand we have the standard variety of a language which is mostly used in formal situations, and on the other hand we have other varieties, which are mostly used in informal situations. Slang serves as an example of the latter and is chiefly used by adolescents – individuals between the ages of 13 and 19. As Saal and Lawrence (2019: 24) put it: young people are the agents of linguistic change. The researcher finds the language of teenagers quite interesting seeing that he is a teacher who frequently comes across words or phrases he has not heard or does not know the meaning of. The goal of this study is thus to investigate teenage language as phenomenon, with special reference to slang. This study examines slang words and expressions as they occur among teenagers in two Nxuba (formerly Cradock) schools, as well as find out why, when, and when the research group will not make use of slang. Nxuba forms part of the Inxuba Yethemba Municipality in the Eastern Cape. During the study general linguistic phenomena that occur among the teenagers in the given town are also investigated. These phenomena are analysed using the phonetic, phonological, morphological, syntactic, semantic, and lexical levels of variation. This study follows a qualitative approach with the help of questionnaires, direct observation, and focus group interviews as data collection methods. It was found that teenagers are highly creative and create novel words or give new meanings to words that already exist in the standard variety. The reasons why teenagers make use of slang is, among other things, to ease communication, for the fun of it, secrecy, and to enrich the standard variety. Slang is mostly used in informal situations and tends to be avoided in the presence of older persons, at church, and when doing schoolwork. There are also various linguistic phenomena that appear in teenagers’ general language usage: borrowing, reduction, homonyms, polysemes, and various phonological phenomena, among other. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities , School of Language, Media and Communication , 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
Total quality management as a tool towards improving Eastern Cape’s department of public works construction
- Authors: Mancotywa, Luyolo
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: South Africa. Department of Public Work , Public buildings -- South Africa -- Maintenance and repair , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Project management Total quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64623 , vital:73773
- Description: There have been numerous claims regarding how quality management systems facilitate the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) among Government Implementing Agents, particularly within the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. However, the success rate of TQM implementation in ECDPW projects varies. This study aims to investigate the implementation of TQM within these construction projects. Additionally, five secondary objectives were established to further this investigation. Utilizing a quantitative research approach, data obtained from a semi-structured questionnaire survey was analyzed. The analysis was based on responses from 44 out of 50 questionnaires distributed. Implications: The practical implication of this study lies in identifying the implementation of TQM among Governmental Implementing Agents, particularly within the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works, and understanding the challenges they encounter. The theoretical implications encompass contributing to existing studies that validate quality comprehensively within ECDPW construction projects and suggesting ways they can effectively implement TQM across their processes. The research findings confirmed the challenges and difficulties experienced during the various phases—pre-construction, construction, and post-construction—of projects managed by the Eastern Cape’s Department of Public Works. It was evident that Total Quality Management lacks robust implementation within ECDPW construction projects, directly impacting project quality and the effective execution of quality management systems. A key limitation of this study is the absence of data collection on the professional backgrounds and years of experience of the study participants. During pilot testing, it was found more suitable to identify job roles rather than professional backgrounds. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Mancotywa, Luyolo
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: South Africa. Department of Public Work , Public buildings -- South Africa -- Maintenance and repair , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Project management Total quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64623 , vital:73773
- Description: There have been numerous claims regarding how quality management systems facilitate the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) among Government Implementing Agents, particularly within the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. However, the success rate of TQM implementation in ECDPW projects varies. This study aims to investigate the implementation of TQM within these construction projects. Additionally, five secondary objectives were established to further this investigation. Utilizing a quantitative research approach, data obtained from a semi-structured questionnaire survey was analyzed. The analysis was based on responses from 44 out of 50 questionnaires distributed. Implications: The practical implication of this study lies in identifying the implementation of TQM among Governmental Implementing Agents, particularly within the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works, and understanding the challenges they encounter. The theoretical implications encompass contributing to existing studies that validate quality comprehensively within ECDPW construction projects and suggesting ways they can effectively implement TQM across their processes. The research findings confirmed the challenges and difficulties experienced during the various phases—pre-construction, construction, and post-construction—of projects managed by the Eastern Cape’s Department of Public Works. It was evident that Total Quality Management lacks robust implementation within ECDPW construction projects, directly impacting project quality and the effective execution of quality management systems. A key limitation of this study is the absence of data collection on the professional backgrounds and years of experience of the study participants. During pilot testing, it was found more suitable to identify job roles rather than professional backgrounds. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
Translanguaging as pedagogical practice in high-school examination question papers: a South African case study
- Authors: Matikinca, Uviwe
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Sociolinguistics -- Research , Structural linguistics -- Research , Applied linguistics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63248 , vital:73241
- Description: This study explores sociolinguistic practices such as translanguaging, in which “diglossia is presumably allowed without isolation and bilinguals’ linguistic resources are viewed as an integrated system.” While bilinguals select and deploy particular features from their linguistic repertoires for meaning-making, translanguaging is widely used by teachers and students in multilingual classroom settings, as guided by the Personnel Administrative Measures (PAM). Translanguaging also provides a path for students to bring in and use their linguistic repertoires to produce the required learning outcomes, perform their identities and facilitate language development. Thus, this study is based on the view, subscribed to in contemporary sociolinguistics, that monoglossic language ideology is embedded in modes of oppression steeped in neoliberal, colonial and linguistic purist forms”. The purpose of the study was to make a case for the implementation of translanguaging in the written assessment of isiXhosa/English bilingual high-school learners in the Eastern Cape. The study employed a qualitative approach in the form of document analysis, whereby the researcher used selected Grade 12 question papers to find out how often translanguaging occurred. This was done by illustrating how examiners are moving past forms of linguistic purism when setting papers. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Matikinca, Uviwe
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Sociolinguistics -- Research , Structural linguistics -- Research , Applied linguistics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63248 , vital:73241
- Description: This study explores sociolinguistic practices such as translanguaging, in which “diglossia is presumably allowed without isolation and bilinguals’ linguistic resources are viewed as an integrated system.” While bilinguals select and deploy particular features from their linguistic repertoires for meaning-making, translanguaging is widely used by teachers and students in multilingual classroom settings, as guided by the Personnel Administrative Measures (PAM). Translanguaging also provides a path for students to bring in and use their linguistic repertoires to produce the required learning outcomes, perform their identities and facilitate language development. Thus, this study is based on the view, subscribed to in contemporary sociolinguistics, that monoglossic language ideology is embedded in modes of oppression steeped in neoliberal, colonial and linguistic purist forms”. The purpose of the study was to make a case for the implementation of translanguaging in the written assessment of isiXhosa/English bilingual high-school learners in the Eastern Cape. The study employed a qualitative approach in the form of document analysis, whereby the researcher used selected Grade 12 question papers to find out how often translanguaging occurred. This was done by illustrating how examiners are moving past forms of linguistic purism when setting papers. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
Trophic ecology and breeding success of Brown Skuas (Catharacta antarctica)
- Authors: Walker, Tegan
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Birds -- Conservation , Birds -- Ecology , Birds -- Behavior -- Evolution
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64437 , vital:73710
- Description: Invasive species can impact island ecosystem processes by altering species interactions through direct competition for the same resources or by predation on insular species. Seabirds on sub-Antarctic islands are naïve to any new predators and are most at risk of local extirpation. Successful eradications of invasive mammals have yielded positive ecological responses from several seabird species. On sub-Antarctic Marion Island, populations of burrowing petrels, largely targeted by Feral Cats Felis catus, have indicated slow recovery despite the successful eradication of cats in the early 1990s. House Mice Mus musculus, have since proliferated on Marion Island, aided by a warmer climate, and are severely impacting several defenceless populations of burrowing petrels. In this thesis, I investigated the contemporary breeding productivity and diet of Brown Skuas Catharacta antarctica. At Marion Island, Brown Skua breeding productivity was associated to diet, which varied between years. Skuas feeding mostly on burrowing petrels exhibited higher breeding success than pairs mostly feeding on penguins. Higher contributions of burrowing petrels were seen in the contemporary diet of skuas compared to previous diet work. The importance of penguin prey compared to their 1980 and 2010/11 diet, was largely reduced during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 breeding seasons (53 and 51%, respectively) despite a historically high dependence on this prey (78% in 1980 and 67% in 2010/11). Penguin populations have been decreasing at the island and this may be reflected in the current skua diet. Breeding productivity was not influenced by the other factors tested, i.e. weather data (daily minimum, average and maximum air temperature; daily minimum, average, maximum wind speed; daily precipitation), distance to closest penguin colony, species of penguin or number of conspecifics in a 100 m radius around the nest. Brown Skuas breeding on Marion, Gough and Mayes islands were also used as biosamplers of burrowing petrels. These birds form a large part of the skua diet and are reflected in regurgitated skua pellets. Temporal comparisons for Marion Island indicated significant changes in burrowing petrel composition since the 1980s. Blue Petrels Halobaena caerulea and Salvin’s Prions Pachyptila salvini remained the highest contributors of skua pellets, but their proportions differed with three-fold increase in Blue Petrel and 25% decrease in Salvin’s Prion remains compared to previous studies. Further, my study indicated that smaller species of burrowing petrels such as the storm-petrels and diving petrels may be returning to Marion Island, 30 years after the eradication of cats. Pellet analyses at Marion, Gough and Mayes islands also indicated that skua diet may underrepresent larger species of petrels and soft-bodied prey. Despite these limitations, skua diet can indicate the presence of burrowing petrels during summer months, more so at Marion and Mayes islands than Gough Island, where pellet collection is difficult due to dense vegetation. Prey remains, such as wings in middens, may be a more appropriate method to investigate skua diet at Gough Island. Dominant burrowing petrels indicated by pellets at each island generally reflected the most abundant breeding species; Blue Petrels and Salvin’s Prions at Marion Island, Great Shearwaters Puffinus gravis and prion Pachyptila spp. at Gough Island, and Blue Petrels and Slender-billed Prions Pachyptila belcheri at Mayes Island. Pellets provide a non-invasive method for studying species of burrowing petrels that are challenging to monitor. This method is appropriate for studies conducted during summer months, while other studies (e.g., observations, camera traps, acoustic recordings and genetics) may be more reflective of the presence of burrowing species that breed in winter or could be used in combination with skua pellets during summer months. Population monitoring is an important part of conservation as it provides insights into population change. This thesis adds to the baseline data in terms of breeding productivity and updated trophic ecology of Brown Skuas, which will be used to inform the recovery of burrowing petrels once mice have been eradicated from Marion Island. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Walker, Tegan
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Birds -- Conservation , Birds -- Ecology , Birds -- Behavior -- Evolution
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64437 , vital:73710
- Description: Invasive species can impact island ecosystem processes by altering species interactions through direct competition for the same resources or by predation on insular species. Seabirds on sub-Antarctic islands are naïve to any new predators and are most at risk of local extirpation. Successful eradications of invasive mammals have yielded positive ecological responses from several seabird species. On sub-Antarctic Marion Island, populations of burrowing petrels, largely targeted by Feral Cats Felis catus, have indicated slow recovery despite the successful eradication of cats in the early 1990s. House Mice Mus musculus, have since proliferated on Marion Island, aided by a warmer climate, and are severely impacting several defenceless populations of burrowing petrels. In this thesis, I investigated the contemporary breeding productivity and diet of Brown Skuas Catharacta antarctica. At Marion Island, Brown Skua breeding productivity was associated to diet, which varied between years. Skuas feeding mostly on burrowing petrels exhibited higher breeding success than pairs mostly feeding on penguins. Higher contributions of burrowing petrels were seen in the contemporary diet of skuas compared to previous diet work. The importance of penguin prey compared to their 1980 and 2010/11 diet, was largely reduced during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 breeding seasons (53 and 51%, respectively) despite a historically high dependence on this prey (78% in 1980 and 67% in 2010/11). Penguin populations have been decreasing at the island and this may be reflected in the current skua diet. Breeding productivity was not influenced by the other factors tested, i.e. weather data (daily minimum, average and maximum air temperature; daily minimum, average, maximum wind speed; daily precipitation), distance to closest penguin colony, species of penguin or number of conspecifics in a 100 m radius around the nest. Brown Skuas breeding on Marion, Gough and Mayes islands were also used as biosamplers of burrowing petrels. These birds form a large part of the skua diet and are reflected in regurgitated skua pellets. Temporal comparisons for Marion Island indicated significant changes in burrowing petrel composition since the 1980s. Blue Petrels Halobaena caerulea and Salvin’s Prions Pachyptila salvini remained the highest contributors of skua pellets, but their proportions differed with three-fold increase in Blue Petrel and 25% decrease in Salvin’s Prion remains compared to previous studies. Further, my study indicated that smaller species of burrowing petrels such as the storm-petrels and diving petrels may be returning to Marion Island, 30 years after the eradication of cats. Pellet analyses at Marion, Gough and Mayes islands also indicated that skua diet may underrepresent larger species of petrels and soft-bodied prey. Despite these limitations, skua diet can indicate the presence of burrowing petrels during summer months, more so at Marion and Mayes islands than Gough Island, where pellet collection is difficult due to dense vegetation. Prey remains, such as wings in middens, may be a more appropriate method to investigate skua diet at Gough Island. Dominant burrowing petrels indicated by pellets at each island generally reflected the most abundant breeding species; Blue Petrels and Salvin’s Prions at Marion Island, Great Shearwaters Puffinus gravis and prion Pachyptila spp. at Gough Island, and Blue Petrels and Slender-billed Prions Pachyptila belcheri at Mayes Island. Pellets provide a non-invasive method for studying species of burrowing petrels that are challenging to monitor. This method is appropriate for studies conducted during summer months, while other studies (e.g., observations, camera traps, acoustic recordings and genetics) may be more reflective of the presence of burrowing species that breed in winter or could be used in combination with skua pellets during summer months. Population monitoring is an important part of conservation as it provides insights into population change. This thesis adds to the baseline data in terms of breeding productivity and updated trophic ecology of Brown Skuas, which will be used to inform the recovery of burrowing petrels once mice have been eradicated from Marion Island. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04