Workplace forums in terms of the labour relations act 66 of 1995
- Authors: Pather, Sivalingam
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Works councils -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Works councils -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10229 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/845 , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Works councils -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Works councils -- South Africa
- Description: The promulgation into law of the concept of workplace forums has been beset with immense criticism and opposition from organized labour and some quarters of organized business. Last ditch efforts by the Ministerial Task Team had won the day for the inclusion of this controversial provision in the new Labour Relations Act.1 Commentators on the Act tend to agree that the fallout with organized labour at the negotiations has probably set the scene as to whether the provisions would be widely used or not. History has shown that the establishment of such forums in workplaces has been low. In some situations where workplace forums had been established, their continuous sustainability was put into doubt. This has led to the de-establishment of some of these forums in some workplaces. Various reasons were provided, but the prime factors for its failure could be traced back to the negotiations at NEDLAC. The unions opposed the original proposal by government that minority unions and even non-union employees can trigger the establishment of a workplace forum and insisted that this be restricted to majority unions. The voluntary nature regarding the establishment of a workplace forum and the trigger that only a majority union can invoke the provisions has still seen unions reluctant to utilize the provisions since it did not serve their purpose. The aims of the provisions, namely to increase workplace democracy, was therefore thwarted in favour of more informal procedures. Although the idea is a noble one, it is argued that the introduction of the provisions was ill-timed and inappropriate. The lesson that the legislature can take is that for any provision to be a success, buy-in from all stakeholders is paramount. Research has shown that there was a steady decline in the establishment of workplace forums. Since December 2004 there was not a single application received by the Commission for Conciliation, mediation and Arbitration. There is also doubt as to whether any of the Forums that were previously established are still functional. What is certain is that statutory workplace forums is not at the forefront as a vehicle for change that was envisaged in the Explanatory Memorandum that accompanied the new Labour Relations Act. What is also certain is that employers and employees are utilizing other forums to ensure workplace participation. These forums, however, only provide a voice to unionized workers. The vast majority of non-union workers remain voiceless. The proposed amendments in 2002 that intimated that the trigger be any union and not only majority unions failed to be passed into law. Perhaps it is that type of catalyst that is required to give life to the provisions. The future of workplace forums in South Africa is bleak and will continue to be if there is no intervention by the parties at NEDLAC to revive it. A complete revamp of the legislation would be required for such a revival. Some commentators have made meaningful suggestions on changes that can be made to the legislation to make workplace forums more attractive. Some have suggested it be scrapped altogether and future workplace participatory structures should be left to the parties to embrace voluntarily. Workplace forums are a novel innovation with great potential to encourage workplace democracy. There is nothing wrong with the concept. The application of such forums in the South African context is what is concerning. Perhaps prior experience and experimentation with similar type forums have tarnished workplace participation. The strategies by the previous regime and some employers have caused such participation to equate to co-option. Perhaps not enough spade work was done to ensure that the climate and attitude of the parties was conducive for its introduction. What is paramount no matter the form it takes is that workplace participation is crucial for economic growth and the introduction of new work methods to improve productivity. Without the establishment of such forums, whether voluntary or statutory, the ‘second channel principle’ that promotes non-adversarial workplace joint decision-making would be lost and conflict based participation could spiral leading to economic disaster.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Pather, Sivalingam
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Works councils -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Works councils -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10229 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/845 , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Works councils -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Works councils -- South Africa
- Description: The promulgation into law of the concept of workplace forums has been beset with immense criticism and opposition from organized labour and some quarters of organized business. Last ditch efforts by the Ministerial Task Team had won the day for the inclusion of this controversial provision in the new Labour Relations Act.1 Commentators on the Act tend to agree that the fallout with organized labour at the negotiations has probably set the scene as to whether the provisions would be widely used or not. History has shown that the establishment of such forums in workplaces has been low. In some situations where workplace forums had been established, their continuous sustainability was put into doubt. This has led to the de-establishment of some of these forums in some workplaces. Various reasons were provided, but the prime factors for its failure could be traced back to the negotiations at NEDLAC. The unions opposed the original proposal by government that minority unions and even non-union employees can trigger the establishment of a workplace forum and insisted that this be restricted to majority unions. The voluntary nature regarding the establishment of a workplace forum and the trigger that only a majority union can invoke the provisions has still seen unions reluctant to utilize the provisions since it did not serve their purpose. The aims of the provisions, namely to increase workplace democracy, was therefore thwarted in favour of more informal procedures. Although the idea is a noble one, it is argued that the introduction of the provisions was ill-timed and inappropriate. The lesson that the legislature can take is that for any provision to be a success, buy-in from all stakeholders is paramount. Research has shown that there was a steady decline in the establishment of workplace forums. Since December 2004 there was not a single application received by the Commission for Conciliation, mediation and Arbitration. There is also doubt as to whether any of the Forums that were previously established are still functional. What is certain is that statutory workplace forums is not at the forefront as a vehicle for change that was envisaged in the Explanatory Memorandum that accompanied the new Labour Relations Act. What is also certain is that employers and employees are utilizing other forums to ensure workplace participation. These forums, however, only provide a voice to unionized workers. The vast majority of non-union workers remain voiceless. The proposed amendments in 2002 that intimated that the trigger be any union and not only majority unions failed to be passed into law. Perhaps it is that type of catalyst that is required to give life to the provisions. The future of workplace forums in South Africa is bleak and will continue to be if there is no intervention by the parties at NEDLAC to revive it. A complete revamp of the legislation would be required for such a revival. Some commentators have made meaningful suggestions on changes that can be made to the legislation to make workplace forums more attractive. Some have suggested it be scrapped altogether and future workplace participatory structures should be left to the parties to embrace voluntarily. Workplace forums are a novel innovation with great potential to encourage workplace democracy. There is nothing wrong with the concept. The application of such forums in the South African context is what is concerning. Perhaps prior experience and experimentation with similar type forums have tarnished workplace participation. The strategies by the previous regime and some employers have caused such participation to equate to co-option. Perhaps not enough spade work was done to ensure that the climate and attitude of the parties was conducive for its introduction. What is paramount no matter the form it takes is that workplace participation is crucial for economic growth and the introduction of new work methods to improve productivity. Without the establishment of such forums, whether voluntary or statutory, the ‘second channel principle’ that promotes non-adversarial workplace joint decision-making would be lost and conflict based participation could spiral leading to economic disaster.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Working in the city: the design of a vehicle technology research centre for Volkswagen SA in the Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Authors: Danev, Anton V
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Research institutes -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M.Arcitecture
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52834 , vital:44235
- Description: Volkswagen AG is the second largest vehicle manufacturer worldwide with a factory plant located in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. Major part of their [technological] research has in the last 10 years shifted towards a sustainability outlook along a environmentally friendly end-user products approach. A great market is emerging where environmentally sensitive vehicles and equipment are at the forefront of technological development. Volkswagen currently has a limited number of Vehicle Technology Research facilities worldwide and is looking to establish firm positions locally, in line with its company ethics of sustainability and energy consciousness. Part of this initiative is to locate into the CBD of Port Elizabeth aiming to revitalise derelict [inner-city] urban space and promote environmentally sensitive development. Consequently this thesis seeks to explore the possibility of introducing a ( technology) research facility and office space, as part of a mixed-use development, into Port Elizabeth’s inner city and investigate the architectural challenges thereof.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Danev, Anton V
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Research institutes -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M.Arcitecture
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52834 , vital:44235
- Description: Volkswagen AG is the second largest vehicle manufacturer worldwide with a factory plant located in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. Major part of their [technological] research has in the last 10 years shifted towards a sustainability outlook along a environmentally friendly end-user products approach. A great market is emerging where environmentally sensitive vehicles and equipment are at the forefront of technological development. Volkswagen currently has a limited number of Vehicle Technology Research facilities worldwide and is looking to establish firm positions locally, in line with its company ethics of sustainability and energy consciousness. Part of this initiative is to locate into the CBD of Port Elizabeth aiming to revitalise derelict [inner-city] urban space and promote environmentally sensitive development. Consequently this thesis seeks to explore the possibility of introducing a ( technology) research facility and office space, as part of a mixed-use development, into Port Elizabeth’s inner city and investigate the architectural challenges thereof.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Women's perceptions and experiences of antenatal care rendered by midwives
- Authors: Mxoli, Winnifred Nonkonzo
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Prenatal care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Midwives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10041 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/575 , Prenatal care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Midwives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The general health status of pregnant women depends largely on the quality of the antenatal services available to them. The provision of good antenatal services ensures early detection and prompt management of any complication or disease that may adversely affect pregnancy outcome. In order to ensure high quality care, antenatal services need to be evaluated at regular intervals, both from provider and client perspective, to ensure their effectiveness in improving the health status of pregnant women. The midwife, as the first contact person for most pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in South Africa, has the potential to play a major role in improving the health status of these women. However, for the midwife to be effective in achieving this, antenatal services need to be effectively utilized by women. One of the factors that affect utilization of any service is client satisfaction with the service being rendered. This study, therefore, explores the perceptions that pregnant women have of the care that they receive from midwives at the selected antenatal clinics. The objectives of the study are to: {u100083} Explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of pregnant women attending antenatal clinic regarding the care they receive from midwives. {u100083} Make recommendations to assist registered midwives in optimizing the accompaniment of women during the antenatal period. A qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual design was used for the study. The sample was chosen from the target population by means of purposive sampling and data was collected through unstructured interviews with the participants. Before data collection, permission was obtained from the Eastern Cape Department of Health and the Nursing Service Manager of the Gateway clinic, in the district hospital where the research was conducted. The Nursing Service Manager was acting as a Medical Superintendent at the time of the study. Written, informed consent was obtained from all participants before conducting interviews. Trustworthiness was ensured by means of Guba’s model throughout the study, and the aspects of truth value, applicability, consistency and neutrality were considered. Tesch’s eight steps of data analysis were used to analyze the data collected, and four main themes were identified namely: • Women perceive midwives as considerate and knowledgeable • Women perceive midwives as lazy and rude • Women experience mixed emotions about the care they receive from midwives • Though their experiences, women identified certain needs in the services and care they received at the clinic. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations for midwifery practice made based on the results of the study, with the aim of improving antenatal services rendered to pregnant women.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Mxoli, Winnifred Nonkonzo
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Prenatal care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Midwives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10041 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/575 , Prenatal care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Midwives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The general health status of pregnant women depends largely on the quality of the antenatal services available to them. The provision of good antenatal services ensures early detection and prompt management of any complication or disease that may adversely affect pregnancy outcome. In order to ensure high quality care, antenatal services need to be evaluated at regular intervals, both from provider and client perspective, to ensure their effectiveness in improving the health status of pregnant women. The midwife, as the first contact person for most pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in South Africa, has the potential to play a major role in improving the health status of these women. However, for the midwife to be effective in achieving this, antenatal services need to be effectively utilized by women. One of the factors that affect utilization of any service is client satisfaction with the service being rendered. This study, therefore, explores the perceptions that pregnant women have of the care that they receive from midwives at the selected antenatal clinics. The objectives of the study are to: {u100083} Explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of pregnant women attending antenatal clinic regarding the care they receive from midwives. {u100083} Make recommendations to assist registered midwives in optimizing the accompaniment of women during the antenatal period. A qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual design was used for the study. The sample was chosen from the target population by means of purposive sampling and data was collected through unstructured interviews with the participants. Before data collection, permission was obtained from the Eastern Cape Department of Health and the Nursing Service Manager of the Gateway clinic, in the district hospital where the research was conducted. The Nursing Service Manager was acting as a Medical Superintendent at the time of the study. Written, informed consent was obtained from all participants before conducting interviews. Trustworthiness was ensured by means of Guba’s model throughout the study, and the aspects of truth value, applicability, consistency and neutrality were considered. Tesch’s eight steps of data analysis were used to analyze the data collected, and four main themes were identified namely: • Women perceive midwives as considerate and knowledgeable • Women perceive midwives as lazy and rude • Women experience mixed emotions about the care they receive from midwives • Though their experiences, women identified certain needs in the services and care they received at the clinic. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations for midwifery practice made based on the results of the study, with the aim of improving antenatal services rendered to pregnant women.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Vicarious and direct liability of an employer for sexual harassment at work
- Authors: Lawlor, Ryan Mark
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Sexual harassment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Sex discrimination in employment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10266 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/825 , Sexual harassment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Sex discrimination in employment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Description: Sexual harassment is an ever increasing drain on the resources of the modern employer, as well as serving to take up much time in terms of legal battles and court cases. The concept of sexual harassment has undergone much revision over the past decades, and South Africa is now firmly committed to the eradication of this problem. The Constitution protects and enshrines important rights like dignity, equality and the right to fair labour practices. These are further defined and protected through the application of various statutes, including the LRA, EEA, PEPUDA and the revised Code of Good Practice. In terms of statutory liability, the employer will be liable for the harassment of its employees, unless it takes a proactive stance and implements comprehensive sexual harassment policies. In this way it will escape liability. The common law vicarious liability of the employer cannot be escaped as easily. The entire concept of the law of delict is to remedy harm suffered. In terms of the common law, employers will be held vicariously liable for the harassment of their employees if it can be shown that the harassment occurred within a valid working relationship, if the harassment actually occurred through a delict, and if the act occurred within the course and scope of employment. The best way for employers to minimize their liability for sexual harassment is the implementation of training and educational policies that serve to make employees aware of what is permissible in the workplace. This will aid the employer in showing that it has done everything possible to reduce the risk of harassment, which will in turn serve to reduce the employer’s liability. To protect against the risk of expensive litigation, many employers are now investigating the matter of liability insurance – they would rather pay increased premiums than suffer alone when their employees take legal action against them. Sexual harassment is a problem that can only be solved through a concerted effort on the part of the legislature, judiciary, employers and employees. Together, these parties must ensure that all of those involved in the world of work are aware of the problem of harassment, as well as taking steps to educate and train employees so as to prevent it. Only in this way will we be able to take action to reduce this terrible problem in our country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Lawlor, Ryan Mark
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Sexual harassment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Sex discrimination in employment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10266 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/825 , Sexual harassment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Sex discrimination in employment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Description: Sexual harassment is an ever increasing drain on the resources of the modern employer, as well as serving to take up much time in terms of legal battles and court cases. The concept of sexual harassment has undergone much revision over the past decades, and South Africa is now firmly committed to the eradication of this problem. The Constitution protects and enshrines important rights like dignity, equality and the right to fair labour practices. These are further defined and protected through the application of various statutes, including the LRA, EEA, PEPUDA and the revised Code of Good Practice. In terms of statutory liability, the employer will be liable for the harassment of its employees, unless it takes a proactive stance and implements comprehensive sexual harassment policies. In this way it will escape liability. The common law vicarious liability of the employer cannot be escaped as easily. The entire concept of the law of delict is to remedy harm suffered. In terms of the common law, employers will be held vicariously liable for the harassment of their employees if it can be shown that the harassment occurred within a valid working relationship, if the harassment actually occurred through a delict, and if the act occurred within the course and scope of employment. The best way for employers to minimize their liability for sexual harassment is the implementation of training and educational policies that serve to make employees aware of what is permissible in the workplace. This will aid the employer in showing that it has done everything possible to reduce the risk of harassment, which will in turn serve to reduce the employer’s liability. To protect against the risk of expensive litigation, many employers are now investigating the matter of liability insurance – they would rather pay increased premiums than suffer alone when their employees take legal action against them. Sexual harassment is a problem that can only be solved through a concerted effort on the part of the legislature, judiciary, employers and employees. Together, these parties must ensure that all of those involved in the world of work are aware of the problem of harassment, as well as taking steps to educate and train employees so as to prevent it. Only in this way will we be able to take action to reduce this terrible problem in our country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Valuing preferences for freshwater inflows into the Bira, Bushmans, Kasouga, Keiskamma, Kleinemond East, Nahoon and Tyolomnqa estuaries
- Authors: Van der Westhuizen, Henri
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Freshwater ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8998 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/628 , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Freshwater ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: There are about 259 estuaries in South Africa that can be classified as “functioning” and their “health” status is directly related to the quantity and quality of freshwater that flows into them. Many of South Africa’s estuaries have become smaller due to a steady decrease in the amount of freshwater that flows into them. This reduction in freshwater inflows decreases their ecological functioning and undermines the recreational activities and subsistence services available from them. The National Water Act (ACT No. 36 of 1998) recognises the right of the environment to water, but a large amount of data is still needed to make management decisions on the allocation of freshwater. The objective of this research was to contribute to the management of the allocation of freshwater in the catchment areas of the Bira, Bushmans, Kasouga, Keiskamma, Kleinemond East, Nahoon and Tyolomnqa rivers by determining the recreational value of the freshwater flowing into their estuaries. This recreational value was established using the contingent valuation method. The contingent valuation method (CVM) is a technique to establish the value of a good (or service) that is not bought or sold in an actual market. This technique is frequently applied in the valuation of environmental goods, e.g. the freshwater that flows into an estuary. The CVM establishes the economic value by asking the users of an environmental good to state their willingness to pay (WTP) for a hypothetical project to prevent or bring about a change in the current condition of the environmental good. The users’ WTP is then aggregated to establish a total willingness to pay (TWTP) for the population of the users of the environmental good. The hypothetical project presented in this study is that of an increase of freshwater inflows, that would prevent (bring about) predetermined changes in environmental services provided by the selected seven estuaries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Van der Westhuizen, Henri
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Freshwater ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8998 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/628 , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Freshwater ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: There are about 259 estuaries in South Africa that can be classified as “functioning” and their “health” status is directly related to the quantity and quality of freshwater that flows into them. Many of South Africa’s estuaries have become smaller due to a steady decrease in the amount of freshwater that flows into them. This reduction in freshwater inflows decreases their ecological functioning and undermines the recreational activities and subsistence services available from them. The National Water Act (ACT No. 36 of 1998) recognises the right of the environment to water, but a large amount of data is still needed to make management decisions on the allocation of freshwater. The objective of this research was to contribute to the management of the allocation of freshwater in the catchment areas of the Bira, Bushmans, Kasouga, Keiskamma, Kleinemond East, Nahoon and Tyolomnqa rivers by determining the recreational value of the freshwater flowing into their estuaries. This recreational value was established using the contingent valuation method. The contingent valuation method (CVM) is a technique to establish the value of a good (or service) that is not bought or sold in an actual market. This technique is frequently applied in the valuation of environmental goods, e.g. the freshwater that flows into an estuary. The CVM establishes the economic value by asking the users of an environmental good to state their willingness to pay (WTP) for a hypothetical project to prevent or bring about a change in the current condition of the environmental good. The users’ WTP is then aggregated to establish a total willingness to pay (TWTP) for the population of the users of the environmental good. The hypothetical project presented in this study is that of an increase of freshwater inflows, that would prevent (bring about) predetermined changes in environmental services provided by the selected seven estuaries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Using agreements as an abstraction for access control administration
- Authors: Reyneke, André
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Information -- control and access , Computer security -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9791 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/598 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011701 , Information -- control and access , Computer security -- Management
- Description: The last couple of decades saw lots of changes in the business world. Not only did technology change at a rapid pace, but businesses' views with respect to the role that information plays also changed drastically. Information is now seen as a strategic resource. This change paved the way for the so-called knowledge worker that not only consumes information, but actively participates in creating new knowledge from information. Employees must therefore be empowered to fulfill their new role as knowledge workers. Empowerment happens through job redefinition and by ensuring that the appropriate information is at hand. Although information is more readily available to employees, appropriate access controls must still be implemented. However, there is conflict between the need to share information and the need to keep information confidential. These conflicting needs must be reflected in the administration of access control. In order to resolve these conflicts, a finer granularity of access controls must be implemented. However, to implement a finer granularity of access control, an increase in the number of access controls and, therefore, the administrative burden is inevitable. Access control administrators must cater for a potentially large number of systems. These systems can not only be heterogenous as far as architecture and technology are concerned, but also with respect to access control paradigms. Vendors have realized that human involvement must be minimized, giving birth to so-called "provisioning systems". Provisioning systems, in principle, automate certain parts of access control administration. However, currently implementations are done in an ad hoc manner, that is, without a systematic process of identifying the real access control needs. This study aims to address this problem by proposing the "agreement abstraction" as a possible vehicle for systematically analyzing the access control requirements in a business. In essence, the agreement abstraction allows us to identify opportunities where access control can be automated. A specific methodological approach is suggested whereby the business is analysed in terms of business processes, as opposed to the more traditional resource perspective. Various business processes are used as examples to explain and motivate the proposed agreement abstraction further. This dissertation therefore contributes to the field of discourse by presenting a new abstraction that can be used systematically to analyse access control administration requirements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Reyneke, André
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Information -- control and access , Computer security -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9791 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/598 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011701 , Information -- control and access , Computer security -- Management
- Description: The last couple of decades saw lots of changes in the business world. Not only did technology change at a rapid pace, but businesses' views with respect to the role that information plays also changed drastically. Information is now seen as a strategic resource. This change paved the way for the so-called knowledge worker that not only consumes information, but actively participates in creating new knowledge from information. Employees must therefore be empowered to fulfill their new role as knowledge workers. Empowerment happens through job redefinition and by ensuring that the appropriate information is at hand. Although information is more readily available to employees, appropriate access controls must still be implemented. However, there is conflict between the need to share information and the need to keep information confidential. These conflicting needs must be reflected in the administration of access control. In order to resolve these conflicts, a finer granularity of access controls must be implemented. However, to implement a finer granularity of access control, an increase in the number of access controls and, therefore, the administrative burden is inevitable. Access control administrators must cater for a potentially large number of systems. These systems can not only be heterogenous as far as architecture and technology are concerned, but also with respect to access control paradigms. Vendors have realized that human involvement must be minimized, giving birth to so-called "provisioning systems". Provisioning systems, in principle, automate certain parts of access control administration. However, currently implementations are done in an ad hoc manner, that is, without a systematic process of identifying the real access control needs. This study aims to address this problem by proposing the "agreement abstraction" as a possible vehicle for systematically analyzing the access control requirements in a business. In essence, the agreement abstraction allows us to identify opportunities where access control can be automated. A specific methodological approach is suggested whereby the business is analysed in terms of business processes, as opposed to the more traditional resource perspective. Various business processes are used as examples to explain and motivate the proposed agreement abstraction further. This dissertation therefore contributes to the field of discourse by presenting a new abstraction that can be used systematically to analyse access control administration requirements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Ubuchule bencoko yababini nesimbo sokubhala kwincwadi ka A.M. Mmango ethi, "Law' ilahle"
- Authors: Tose, M. J
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Mmango, A. M. -- Criticism and interpretation , Mmango, A. M. Law' ilahle , Xhosa fiction -- History and criticism
- Language: Xhosa
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8467 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/621 , Mmango, A. M. -- Criticism and interpretation , Mmango, A. M. Law' ilahle , Xhosa fiction -- History and criticism
- Description: Olu phando lugxile kakhulu kwincwadi ka-A.M. Mmango ethi, Law’ilahle. Apha sizama ukuveza ukubaluleka kobuchule bokubhala phakathi kwencoko yabantu ababini kubhalo lwemidlalo ngoovulindlela bedrama esiXhoseni. Oku kwenziwa ngokuthi kuphononongwe nzulu isimbo sokubhala. Ezinye izinto esiza kuziveza ziindlela zokuthetha ezithi zizesetyenziswe ngabalinganiswa. Oku kwenziwa ngokuthi kugxeleshwe kakhulu kumagama namaganyana adelelekileyo asetyeniswayo ngabalinganiswa ze kuthi kubuywe kukhangelwe nefuthe laloo magama kulwimi olusulungekileyo lwesiXhosa. Oku kukhokelela ekuphononongeni indlela ekuthi umbhali asebenzise ngayo isigama esivumelekileyo nesigama esithi sisetyenziswe esibangela ukuba umfundi lowo asebenzise ingqondo yakhe ukucinga ukuba kutheni umbhali etshintsha isigama kuloo ncoko ithile ayakhayo. U-A. M. Mmango usizobela asivezele kakuhle zonke izigaba ekufuneka zilandelwe xa sibhala uncwadi lwedrama. Uyaphumelele ke ukuziveza zonke ezi zinto ngenxa yeengxoxo azakhayo phakathi kwabalinganiswa. Ukuba sithelekisa uluncwadi lwedrama yale mihla luye lube nawo umahluko kuncwadi olwalubhalwe kuqala. Kananjalo, lo ka-Mmango usebenzisa uyilo lwengxoxo nocwangciso lwimi olululo ukwenzela ukuba umfundi lowo ofunda incwadi yakhe akwazi ukuwubona umahluko phakathi kwababhali bale mihla nabakudala. Esi simbo sikaMmango sokubhala asiwenzi umdintsi. Oku kuphawuleka ngamandla kwimixholwana esekeleze ululeko olungqongqo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Tose, M. J
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Mmango, A. M. -- Criticism and interpretation , Mmango, A. M. Law' ilahle , Xhosa fiction -- History and criticism
- Language: Xhosa
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8467 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/621 , Mmango, A. M. -- Criticism and interpretation , Mmango, A. M. Law' ilahle , Xhosa fiction -- History and criticism
- Description: Olu phando lugxile kakhulu kwincwadi ka-A.M. Mmango ethi, Law’ilahle. Apha sizama ukuveza ukubaluleka kobuchule bokubhala phakathi kwencoko yabantu ababini kubhalo lwemidlalo ngoovulindlela bedrama esiXhoseni. Oku kwenziwa ngokuthi kuphononongwe nzulu isimbo sokubhala. Ezinye izinto esiza kuziveza ziindlela zokuthetha ezithi zizesetyenziswe ngabalinganiswa. Oku kwenziwa ngokuthi kugxeleshwe kakhulu kumagama namaganyana adelelekileyo asetyeniswayo ngabalinganiswa ze kuthi kubuywe kukhangelwe nefuthe laloo magama kulwimi olusulungekileyo lwesiXhosa. Oku kukhokelela ekuphononongeni indlela ekuthi umbhali asebenzise ngayo isigama esivumelekileyo nesigama esithi sisetyenziswe esibangela ukuba umfundi lowo asebenzise ingqondo yakhe ukucinga ukuba kutheni umbhali etshintsha isigama kuloo ncoko ithile ayakhayo. U-A. M. Mmango usizobela asivezele kakuhle zonke izigaba ekufuneka zilandelwe xa sibhala uncwadi lwedrama. Uyaphumelele ke ukuziveza zonke ezi zinto ngenxa yeengxoxo azakhayo phakathi kwabalinganiswa. Ukuba sithelekisa uluncwadi lwedrama yale mihla luye lube nawo umahluko kuncwadi olwalubhalwe kuqala. Kananjalo, lo ka-Mmango usebenzisa uyilo lwengxoxo nocwangciso lwimi olululo ukwenzela ukuba umfundi lowo ofunda incwadi yakhe akwazi ukuwubona umahluko phakathi kwababhali bale mihla nabakudala. Esi simbo sikaMmango sokubhala asiwenzi umdintsi. Oku kuphawuleka ngamandla kwimixholwana esekeleze ululeko olungqongqo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Trade unions' attitudes and perceptions towards the Coega Industrial Development Zone
- Authors: Sikaka, Weziwe
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor unions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9085 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/850 , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor unions -- South Africa
- Description: In an attempt to create employment opportunities and uplift economic development, government has embarked on industrial development through arms acquisition. The two major Spatial Development Initiatives namely, the Fish River SDI and the Wild Coast SDI were developed to enhance economic development in the Eastern Cape. The Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) is one of the elements of the Fish River SDI aimed at enhancing economic development through industrial development (Haines & Hosking, 2005). The Coega IDZ is one of government’s initiatives under the Industrial Participation program that has gained a lot of recognition. The Coega project has been under a lot of controversy since its conception and was highly linked to the arms deal as this project consumed most of government funds through the arms procurement program (Haines & Hosking 2005). The study therefore will attempt to address aspects premised in objectives of this study from the viewpoint of trade unions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Sikaka, Weziwe
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor unions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9085 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/850 , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor unions -- South Africa
- Description: In an attempt to create employment opportunities and uplift economic development, government has embarked on industrial development through arms acquisition. The two major Spatial Development Initiatives namely, the Fish River SDI and the Wild Coast SDI were developed to enhance economic development in the Eastern Cape. The Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) is one of the elements of the Fish River SDI aimed at enhancing economic development through industrial development (Haines & Hosking, 2005). The Coega IDZ is one of government’s initiatives under the Industrial Participation program that has gained a lot of recognition. The Coega project has been under a lot of controversy since its conception and was highly linked to the arms deal as this project consumed most of government funds through the arms procurement program (Haines & Hosking 2005). The study therefore will attempt to address aspects premised in objectives of this study from the viewpoint of trade unions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Towards knowing through doing : improving the societal relevance of systematic conservation assessments
- Authors: Knight, Andrew Thomas
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Conservation of natural resources -- Planning , Nature conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10598 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/711 , Conservation of natural resources -- Planning , Nature conservation -- South Africa
- Description: Systematic conservation assessments are spatially-explicit techniques for prioritising areas for the implementation of conservation action. There has been considerable reference in the peer-reviewed literature as to the usefulness of these tools, which appear to be primarily used by academics for theoretical research. A literature review and author survey reveals the peer-reviewed literature is largely theoretical, although conservation action results more frequently than reported. The effectiveness of these interventions is generally described as only ‘fairly effective’. This general trend, coupled with previous personal failures in translating systematic conservation assessments into effective conservation action triggered an explicit process of social learning implemented as action research. It examined the workings of the Subtropical Thicket Ecosystem Planning (STEP) project, which included development of a systematic conservation assessment. Systematic conservations assessments simply provide information on where action should be implemented, and so are only useful if situated within broader operational models for conservation planning. Most operational models presented in the peer-reviewed literature are primarily focused upon the testing ecological data, not upon the delivery of conservation action. A new operational model for conservation planning is presented which more accurately reflects the ‘real-world’ process of conservation planning. An implementation strategy is an essential complement to a systematic conservation assessment. It describes how specific, explicitly-stated goals will be achieved, who is accountable for undertaking these activities, and the resources required. As the Implementation Specialist for the STEP Project, I co-lead the collaborative development of an implementation strategy with stakeholders that aimed to mobilise resources towards achieving common goals. Whilst the development and initial uptake of the strategy was good, subsequent implementation has flounder. The reasons for this are explored. The ultimate pragmatic goal of a conservation planning process is the establishment of effective social learning institutions. These develop common visions, mobilise collective action, and adaptively learn and refine their conservation activities. Thicket Forum is one xi such institution established through the STEP Project. My involvement with Thicket Forum since 2004 in implementing an adaptive learning approach facilitates collaboration between land managers, government and research organisations. Systematic conservation assessments evolved in response to the ad hoc way in which protected areas were implemented, leaving unrepresentative, biased protected area networks. Most research is theoretical and without an intimate understanding of the social-ecological system of a planning region, notably opportunities and constraints for implementing conservation action. Highlighting the importance of an approach which is flexible, not only in space, but in time, which can capitalise upon implementation opportunities, is important for stemming the myth that opportunism is the nemesis of systematic conservation assessments. To this end, conservation planners have been slow to include factors influencing effective implementation in systematic conservation assessments. Many studies which identify candidate protected area networks, first, fail to identify the specific instrument(s) to be applied, and second, assume all intact land is available. Having mapped the willingness of land managers in the Albany District, South Africa, to sell their land, it is demonstrated the majority of targets fail to be achieved because land managers will not sell. Knowing this, the current focus of gathering ever-more ecological data is misplaced. Human, social and economic factors influence target achievement, efficiency and spatial configuration of priority areas. Selecting important areas for conservation, particularly at the local-scale, requires the mapping of factors which define opportunities for conservation. Land manager willingness to collaborate and participate, entrepreneurial orientation, conservation knowledge, social capital, and local champions were applied using a method of hierarchical clustering to identify land managers who represent conservation opportunities for private land conservation initiatives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Knight, Andrew Thomas
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Conservation of natural resources -- Planning , Nature conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10598 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/711 , Conservation of natural resources -- Planning , Nature conservation -- South Africa
- Description: Systematic conservation assessments are spatially-explicit techniques for prioritising areas for the implementation of conservation action. There has been considerable reference in the peer-reviewed literature as to the usefulness of these tools, which appear to be primarily used by academics for theoretical research. A literature review and author survey reveals the peer-reviewed literature is largely theoretical, although conservation action results more frequently than reported. The effectiveness of these interventions is generally described as only ‘fairly effective’. This general trend, coupled with previous personal failures in translating systematic conservation assessments into effective conservation action triggered an explicit process of social learning implemented as action research. It examined the workings of the Subtropical Thicket Ecosystem Planning (STEP) project, which included development of a systematic conservation assessment. Systematic conservations assessments simply provide information on where action should be implemented, and so are only useful if situated within broader operational models for conservation planning. Most operational models presented in the peer-reviewed literature are primarily focused upon the testing ecological data, not upon the delivery of conservation action. A new operational model for conservation planning is presented which more accurately reflects the ‘real-world’ process of conservation planning. An implementation strategy is an essential complement to a systematic conservation assessment. It describes how specific, explicitly-stated goals will be achieved, who is accountable for undertaking these activities, and the resources required. As the Implementation Specialist for the STEP Project, I co-lead the collaborative development of an implementation strategy with stakeholders that aimed to mobilise resources towards achieving common goals. Whilst the development and initial uptake of the strategy was good, subsequent implementation has flounder. The reasons for this are explored. The ultimate pragmatic goal of a conservation planning process is the establishment of effective social learning institutions. These develop common visions, mobilise collective action, and adaptively learn and refine their conservation activities. Thicket Forum is one xi such institution established through the STEP Project. My involvement with Thicket Forum since 2004 in implementing an adaptive learning approach facilitates collaboration between land managers, government and research organisations. Systematic conservation assessments evolved in response to the ad hoc way in which protected areas were implemented, leaving unrepresentative, biased protected area networks. Most research is theoretical and without an intimate understanding of the social-ecological system of a planning region, notably opportunities and constraints for implementing conservation action. Highlighting the importance of an approach which is flexible, not only in space, but in time, which can capitalise upon implementation opportunities, is important for stemming the myth that opportunism is the nemesis of systematic conservation assessments. To this end, conservation planners have been slow to include factors influencing effective implementation in systematic conservation assessments. Many studies which identify candidate protected area networks, first, fail to identify the specific instrument(s) to be applied, and second, assume all intact land is available. Having mapped the willingness of land managers in the Albany District, South Africa, to sell their land, it is demonstrated the majority of targets fail to be achieved because land managers will not sell. Knowing this, the current focus of gathering ever-more ecological data is misplaced. Human, social and economic factors influence target achievement, efficiency and spatial configuration of priority areas. Selecting important areas for conservation, particularly at the local-scale, requires the mapping of factors which define opportunities for conservation. Land manager willingness to collaborate and participate, entrepreneurial orientation, conservation knowledge, social capital, and local champions were applied using a method of hierarchical clustering to identify land managers who represent conservation opportunities for private land conservation initiatives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Towards a theory of choral conducting gestures
- Oosthuizen, Benjamin William
- Authors: Oosthuizen, Benjamin William
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Choral conducting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DMus
- Identifier: vital:8505 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/589 , Choral conducting
- Description: It is an oversimplification to look only at the manner in which a two-dimensional drawing suggests a three-dimensional movement in order to study choral conducting gestures. It must be recognised that there is a myriad of tacit aspects of knowledge surrounding conducting gestures. These aspects of tacit knowledge might be the reason why the teaching of conducting is done mostly in a continuous practicum, where the apprentice learns from the master, because in the practical situation the novice learns not only explicit knowledge, but also tacit knowledge. On the other hand, it is vital that the process of categorising and theorising about gestures continues in order to at least gain a better explicit knowledge of the process. In doing so, a theoretical knowledge base will strengthen the body of knowledge. This explicit knowledge should contain information with regard to the anatomy of the conductor, a basic understanding of a balanced posture, bilateral symmetry and vertical alignment, and a basic knowledge which will help to understand which main muscle groups are responsible for which basic movements involving gestures. The study of gestures from a theoretical point of view is barely more than five decades old. The demands which 20th and 21st century composers make on conductors question the traditional approaches of the functions of the hands. It has become essential for a conductor to develop greater skill of ambidexterity in order to cope with these demands. Despite the notion by some authors that choral conducting gestures employ standard gestures, it has been shown in this study that this is simply not the case. An overview of the work of authors in the field of conducting gestures was presented through a literature study. Concepts and their definitions have been selected and explained through the answering of research questions. Definitions of parameters and functionality of gestures were clarified to decide which gestures were the most appropriate in certain circumstances. This theory aims to be both descriptive and normative. It is descriptive in the sense that the concepts and issues and relationships around the characteristic aspects of gestures are indicated. It is normative in terms of the suggestions offered with regard to issues pertaining to gestures. This thesis sets out to contribute to the formulation of theoretical aspects of choral conducting gestures in an effort to codify and structure knowledge which is often stored in composers minds and experience, in an effort to pass down this knowledge to other apprentices in the field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Oosthuizen, Benjamin William
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Choral conducting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DMus
- Identifier: vital:8505 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/589 , Choral conducting
- Description: It is an oversimplification to look only at the manner in which a two-dimensional drawing suggests a three-dimensional movement in order to study choral conducting gestures. It must be recognised that there is a myriad of tacit aspects of knowledge surrounding conducting gestures. These aspects of tacit knowledge might be the reason why the teaching of conducting is done mostly in a continuous practicum, where the apprentice learns from the master, because in the practical situation the novice learns not only explicit knowledge, but also tacit knowledge. On the other hand, it is vital that the process of categorising and theorising about gestures continues in order to at least gain a better explicit knowledge of the process. In doing so, a theoretical knowledge base will strengthen the body of knowledge. This explicit knowledge should contain information with regard to the anatomy of the conductor, a basic understanding of a balanced posture, bilateral symmetry and vertical alignment, and a basic knowledge which will help to understand which main muscle groups are responsible for which basic movements involving gestures. The study of gestures from a theoretical point of view is barely more than five decades old. The demands which 20th and 21st century composers make on conductors question the traditional approaches of the functions of the hands. It has become essential for a conductor to develop greater skill of ambidexterity in order to cope with these demands. Despite the notion by some authors that choral conducting gestures employ standard gestures, it has been shown in this study that this is simply not the case. An overview of the work of authors in the field of conducting gestures was presented through a literature study. Concepts and their definitions have been selected and explained through the answering of research questions. Definitions of parameters and functionality of gestures were clarified to decide which gestures were the most appropriate in certain circumstances. This theory aims to be both descriptive and normative. It is descriptive in the sense that the concepts and issues and relationships around the characteristic aspects of gestures are indicated. It is normative in terms of the suggestions offered with regard to issues pertaining to gestures. This thesis sets out to contribute to the formulation of theoretical aspects of choral conducting gestures in an effort to codify and structure knowledge which is often stored in composers minds and experience, in an effort to pass down this knowledge to other apprentices in the field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Towards a framework for identity verification of vulnerable children within the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Rautenbach, James
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Biometric identification , Information storage and retrieval systems , Children -- Services for -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9792 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/597 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011702 , Biometric identification , Information storage and retrieval systems , Children -- Services for -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This dissertation proposes the development of an identification verification model that can be implemented within the context of the Eastern Cape, South Africa in order to ensure that vulnerable children are provided with the requisite care that they deserve from the state. The dissertation provides both a developed and developing world perspective on the identification verification needs of vulnerable children by providing an overview of relevant South African policy with regard to caring for vulnerable children and presenting an international perspective with specific reference to current legislative developments in the United Kingdom and Malaysia. Chapter 1 provides a motivation for a framework to be used for the identification verification of children in developing countries by emphasising that the provision of basic social services to children is an urgent requirement for poverty eradication and is a necessity as documented in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. A background to the needs of vulnerable children in South Africa is given and the scope, limitations and research methodology used in the dissertation is presented. Chapter 2 provides an overview of child related policy in the South African Context both from a National Government and Eastern Cape perspective. Although extensive progress has been made in the development of policies aimed at protecting vulnerable children, the practical implementation of these policies has been hampered by numerous issues including the lack of coordination between key entities. Chapter 3 provides an introduction to several noteworthy international developments with regard to the identity verification of vulnerable children. Lessons learnt from identity verification systems from the United Kingdom and Malaysia are analyzed for applicability to the South African context. In addition to this, the use of biometric technology in identity verification systems and a number of biometric identification methodologies available are discussed. Chapter 4 proposes the development and implementation of a biometric identity verification model in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa based on lessons learnt from the assessment of South African policy and international best practice. The system should be piloted in the Eastern Cape and, if successful, be implemented throughout South Africa with a possible view to future implementation on the African continent. The scope of the system, the technological requirements and a high level implementation plan together with the need to further research certain key aspects e.g. the cost implications are discussed. It is clear that the development of such a model and the implementation of such a system will ensure that vulnerable children are provided with the requisite care that they are constitutionally entitled to. Significant follow up research is required during the development of the model to ensure that all aspects of the model are well documented and during the implementation of the system to ensure that the requirements of the users both within the government and the general public are met.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Rautenbach, James
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Biometric identification , Information storage and retrieval systems , Children -- Services for -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9792 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/597 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011702 , Biometric identification , Information storage and retrieval systems , Children -- Services for -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This dissertation proposes the development of an identification verification model that can be implemented within the context of the Eastern Cape, South Africa in order to ensure that vulnerable children are provided with the requisite care that they deserve from the state. The dissertation provides both a developed and developing world perspective on the identification verification needs of vulnerable children by providing an overview of relevant South African policy with regard to caring for vulnerable children and presenting an international perspective with specific reference to current legislative developments in the United Kingdom and Malaysia. Chapter 1 provides a motivation for a framework to be used for the identification verification of children in developing countries by emphasising that the provision of basic social services to children is an urgent requirement for poverty eradication and is a necessity as documented in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. A background to the needs of vulnerable children in South Africa is given and the scope, limitations and research methodology used in the dissertation is presented. Chapter 2 provides an overview of child related policy in the South African Context both from a National Government and Eastern Cape perspective. Although extensive progress has been made in the development of policies aimed at protecting vulnerable children, the practical implementation of these policies has been hampered by numerous issues including the lack of coordination between key entities. Chapter 3 provides an introduction to several noteworthy international developments with regard to the identity verification of vulnerable children. Lessons learnt from identity verification systems from the United Kingdom and Malaysia are analyzed for applicability to the South African context. In addition to this, the use of biometric technology in identity verification systems and a number of biometric identification methodologies available are discussed. Chapter 4 proposes the development and implementation of a biometric identity verification model in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa based on lessons learnt from the assessment of South African policy and international best practice. The system should be piloted in the Eastern Cape and, if successful, be implemented throughout South Africa with a possible view to future implementation on the African continent. The scope of the system, the technological requirements and a high level implementation plan together with the need to further research certain key aspects e.g. the cost implications are discussed. It is clear that the development of such a model and the implementation of such a system will ensure that vulnerable children are provided with the requisite care that they are constitutionally entitled to. Significant follow up research is required during the development of the model to ensure that all aspects of the model are well documented and during the implementation of the system to ensure that the requirements of the users both within the government and the general public are met.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The zooplankton of Mngazana estuary
- Authors: Louw, Liezel
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Marine zooplankton -- South Africa -- Mngazana Estuary , Mngazana Estuary (Eastern Cape, South Africa) , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Mngazana Estuary , Estuarine area conservation -- South Africa -- Mngazana Estuary
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10707 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/702 , Marine zooplankton -- South Africa -- Mngazana Estuary , Mngazana Estuary (Eastern Cape, South Africa) , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Mngazana Estuary , Estuarine area conservation -- South Africa -- Mngazana Estuary
- Description: The zooplankton community of the main channel of the Mngazana estuary was investigated on six occasions over one year. Spatial and temporal variability in zooplankton abundance and distribution were sampled using two slightly modified WP2 plankton nets of 200 μm mesh and 57 cm mouth diameter. Nets were fitted with calibrated Kahlsico 005 WA 130 flow meters. A set of environmental variables were also measured at each site. The water column of the main channel of Mngazana estuary was stratified in summer but well mixed in winter. Temperature progressively increased from the lower stations to the upper reaches of the estuary. Maximum vertical temperature differences occurred in the middle estuarine reaches. Salinity progressively decreased from the lower reaches to the upper reaches, but was generally above 26 from Station 3 to Station 8. Only during November 2005, were salinity readings low due to heavy rains. Summer salinity values were always lower than the winter salinity values as a result of summer rainfall. A total of 76 zooplankton taxa were identified. The estuarine copepods Acartia natalensis and Pseudodiaptomus hessei dominated the assemblage, with maximum abundances in the middle to upper reaches. Acartia natalensis reached high densities in winter (> 50 000 m-3) although lowest abundances were recorded when maximum rainfall was received (November 2005). Wooldridge (1977) and Deyzel (2004) recorded maximum densities during summer. Pseudodiaptomus hessei reached high densities (> 17 000 m-3) during the highest rainfall month. Previous studies indicated that this pioneer species is able to recover quickly after a flood and subsequently increase rapidly in numbers. The mysid, Mesopodopsis africana reached high densities (> 5 000 m-3) in the middle estuarine reaches during summer. Ichtyofauna, brachyura and anomura were important contributors to the merozooplankton component of the community. The maximum number of species was recorded during winter in the lower estuarine reaches, when vertical differences in salinities were minimal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Louw, Liezel
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Marine zooplankton -- South Africa -- Mngazana Estuary , Mngazana Estuary (Eastern Cape, South Africa) , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Mngazana Estuary , Estuarine area conservation -- South Africa -- Mngazana Estuary
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10707 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/702 , Marine zooplankton -- South Africa -- Mngazana Estuary , Mngazana Estuary (Eastern Cape, South Africa) , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Mngazana Estuary , Estuarine area conservation -- South Africa -- Mngazana Estuary
- Description: The zooplankton community of the main channel of the Mngazana estuary was investigated on six occasions over one year. Spatial and temporal variability in zooplankton abundance and distribution were sampled using two slightly modified WP2 plankton nets of 200 μm mesh and 57 cm mouth diameter. Nets were fitted with calibrated Kahlsico 005 WA 130 flow meters. A set of environmental variables were also measured at each site. The water column of the main channel of Mngazana estuary was stratified in summer but well mixed in winter. Temperature progressively increased from the lower stations to the upper reaches of the estuary. Maximum vertical temperature differences occurred in the middle estuarine reaches. Salinity progressively decreased from the lower reaches to the upper reaches, but was generally above 26 from Station 3 to Station 8. Only during November 2005, were salinity readings low due to heavy rains. Summer salinity values were always lower than the winter salinity values as a result of summer rainfall. A total of 76 zooplankton taxa were identified. The estuarine copepods Acartia natalensis and Pseudodiaptomus hessei dominated the assemblage, with maximum abundances in the middle to upper reaches. Acartia natalensis reached high densities in winter (> 50 000 m-3) although lowest abundances were recorded when maximum rainfall was received (November 2005). Wooldridge (1977) and Deyzel (2004) recorded maximum densities during summer. Pseudodiaptomus hessei reached high densities (> 17 000 m-3) during the highest rainfall month. Previous studies indicated that this pioneer species is able to recover quickly after a flood and subsequently increase rapidly in numbers. The mysid, Mesopodopsis africana reached high densities (> 5 000 m-3) in the middle estuarine reaches during summer. Ichtyofauna, brachyura and anomura were important contributors to the merozooplankton component of the community. The maximum number of species was recorded during winter in the lower estuarine reaches, when vertical differences in salinities were minimal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The value of freshwater inflows into the Kowie, Kromme and Nahoon Estuaries
- Authors: Sale, Michael Charles
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Estuaries -- South Africa , Freshwater ecology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9003 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/599 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011689 , Estuaries -- South Africa , Freshwater ecology -- South Africa
- Description: An estuary can be defined as a partially enclosed, coastal body of water which is either permanently or periodically open to the sea and within which there is a measurable variation of salinity due to the mixture of sea water with fresh water derived from land drainage. Estuaries are extremely important environmental assets and the management of them is dependent on the active involvement of the people whose livelihoods depend on them. There have been steady decreases in freshwater inflows into them during the past century due to abstraction of river water for human consumption and alien tree and plant infestations. Due to these decreases in freshwater inflows, many estuaries have become smaller and are providing reduced recreational services to users, such as boaters, fishermen and birders. This reduction in recreational service provision has adverse economic consequences. The scale of these consequences have become of great interest to river catchment planners. Of particular interest is the value of the freshwater inflows into estuaries relative to other abstractions of this water. The value referred to here is in terms of the environmental services yielded to recreational users. From a management perspective, it is desirable that these marginal values be compared with marginal cost values of this water in its best alternative use in order to guide the allocation of inflows into the respective estuaries. The aim of this study is to place a monetary value on this freshwater inflow at the Kowie, Kromme and Nahoon estuaries. Due to the fact that the freshwater flowing into estuaries is not a traded good, an alternative method to market price must be used to value it. The method of valuation used in this study is the contingent valuation method. The contingent valuation method (CVM) is a survey technique which asks individuals to place values upon changes to environmental assets. The questionnaires used in the surveys differed slightly. The one administered at the Nahoon Estuary was revised in the light of experience gained at the administration of the ones at the Kowie and the Kromme estuaries. Some questions in the latter two surveys were found to be confusing to the respondents and were made clearer and some of the questions were found to yield little extra information and were scrapped from the Nahoon Estuary survey.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Sale, Michael Charles
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Estuaries -- South Africa , Freshwater ecology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9003 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/599 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011689 , Estuaries -- South Africa , Freshwater ecology -- South Africa
- Description: An estuary can be defined as a partially enclosed, coastal body of water which is either permanently or periodically open to the sea and within which there is a measurable variation of salinity due to the mixture of sea water with fresh water derived from land drainage. Estuaries are extremely important environmental assets and the management of them is dependent on the active involvement of the people whose livelihoods depend on them. There have been steady decreases in freshwater inflows into them during the past century due to abstraction of river water for human consumption and alien tree and plant infestations. Due to these decreases in freshwater inflows, many estuaries have become smaller and are providing reduced recreational services to users, such as boaters, fishermen and birders. This reduction in recreational service provision has adverse economic consequences. The scale of these consequences have become of great interest to river catchment planners. Of particular interest is the value of the freshwater inflows into estuaries relative to other abstractions of this water. The value referred to here is in terms of the environmental services yielded to recreational users. From a management perspective, it is desirable that these marginal values be compared with marginal cost values of this water in its best alternative use in order to guide the allocation of inflows into the respective estuaries. The aim of this study is to place a monetary value on this freshwater inflow at the Kowie, Kromme and Nahoon estuaries. Due to the fact that the freshwater flowing into estuaries is not a traded good, an alternative method to market price must be used to value it. The method of valuation used in this study is the contingent valuation method. The contingent valuation method (CVM) is a survey technique which asks individuals to place values upon changes to environmental assets. The questionnaires used in the surveys differed slightly. The one administered at the Nahoon Estuary was revised in the light of experience gained at the administration of the ones at the Kowie and the Kromme estuaries. Some questions in the latter two surveys were found to be confusing to the respondents and were made clearer and some of the questions were found to yield little extra information and were scrapped from the Nahoon Estuary survey.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The use of thermal modelling in improving rural subsistence aquaculture
- Authors: Bailey, Dylan Francis
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Sustainable aquaculture -- South Africa , Aquaculture industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10715 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/473 , Sustainable aquaculture -- South Africa , Aquaculture industry -- South Africa
- Description: There has been a long history of attempts to promote subsistence rural aquaculture within South Africa. Many of these attempts have failed due to inadequate support from government and support agencies. There has been a recent revived interest in promoting rural aquaculture development. Presented in this project are six scenarios demonstrating the potential application of thermal modelling techniques to improving subsistence rural aquaculture. These scenarios were based on a model validated against a real life system, and run with environmental data for the year 2005. Bovine manure, grass thatch, cereal straw and Typha spp. water reeds were tested for thermal performance. These results were then applied to the scenarios. The open and kraal enclosed pond scenarios yielded the widest deviation in temperatures throughout the year, with an average temperature of 3.8oC and 6.0oC above ambient and a temperature range of 10.6oC and 12.4oC for the year respectively. Eliminating solar radiation and reducing wind speed resulted in an average difference of 1.5oC below ambient and a temperature range of 7.5oC for the year. When completely enclosed in a well-sealed traditional Xhosa style hut, the pond had an average difference of 5.6oC below outside ambient temperature, with a range of 7.8oC for the year. A passive solar heating scenario added to the sealed hut scenario, which when run continuously maintained an average difference of 34.7oC above outside ambient temperatures, with a range of 56oC for the year. When a hypothetical 25oC temperature control was included in the model, the system maintained an average of 7.1oC above ambient outside temperatures, with a temperature range of 0.8oC throughout the year. The wider range of temperatures made available through the use of thermal modelling approaches provides a more diverse range of species available for subsistence rural aquaculture at any site, significantly improving its potential.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Bailey, Dylan Francis
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Sustainable aquaculture -- South Africa , Aquaculture industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10715 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/473 , Sustainable aquaculture -- South Africa , Aquaculture industry -- South Africa
- Description: There has been a long history of attempts to promote subsistence rural aquaculture within South Africa. Many of these attempts have failed due to inadequate support from government and support agencies. There has been a recent revived interest in promoting rural aquaculture development. Presented in this project are six scenarios demonstrating the potential application of thermal modelling techniques to improving subsistence rural aquaculture. These scenarios were based on a model validated against a real life system, and run with environmental data for the year 2005. Bovine manure, grass thatch, cereal straw and Typha spp. water reeds were tested for thermal performance. These results were then applied to the scenarios. The open and kraal enclosed pond scenarios yielded the widest deviation in temperatures throughout the year, with an average temperature of 3.8oC and 6.0oC above ambient and a temperature range of 10.6oC and 12.4oC for the year respectively. Eliminating solar radiation and reducing wind speed resulted in an average difference of 1.5oC below ambient and a temperature range of 7.5oC for the year. When completely enclosed in a well-sealed traditional Xhosa style hut, the pond had an average difference of 5.6oC below outside ambient temperature, with a range of 7.8oC for the year. A passive solar heating scenario added to the sealed hut scenario, which when run continuously maintained an average difference of 34.7oC above outside ambient temperatures, with a range of 56oC for the year. When a hypothetical 25oC temperature control was included in the model, the system maintained an average of 7.1oC above ambient outside temperatures, with a temperature range of 0.8oC throughout the year. The wider range of temperatures made available through the use of thermal modelling approaches provides a more diverse range of species available for subsistence rural aquaculture at any site, significantly improving its potential.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The training of the non-specialist music teacher in Zimbabwe : a case study
- Authors: Mufute, Josphat
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Music teachers -- tTraining of -- Zimbabwe , Music -- Instruction and study -- Zimbabwe , School music -- Instruction and study -- Zimbabwe , Music in education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:9552 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/565 , Music teachers -- tTraining of -- Zimbabwe , Music -- Instruction and study -- Zimbabwe , School music -- Instruction and study -- Zimbabwe , Music in education
- Description: The focus of this study thus was to establish if the training of teachers at a particular teachers’ training college in Zimbabwe is equipping students as future teachers with the required competences to realise the aims and objectives of the Zimbabwe Primary Music Syllabus. This study follows on the above-mentioned initial small-scale investigation conducted in 2002, which revealed that teachers lacked the required competences to implement this particular syllabus effectively (Mufute, 2002:16).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Mufute, Josphat
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Music teachers -- tTraining of -- Zimbabwe , Music -- Instruction and study -- Zimbabwe , School music -- Instruction and study -- Zimbabwe , Music in education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:9552 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/565 , Music teachers -- tTraining of -- Zimbabwe , Music -- Instruction and study -- Zimbabwe , School music -- Instruction and study -- Zimbabwe , Music in education
- Description: The focus of this study thus was to establish if the training of teachers at a particular teachers’ training college in Zimbabwe is equipping students as future teachers with the required competences to realise the aims and objectives of the Zimbabwe Primary Music Syllabus. This study follows on the above-mentioned initial small-scale investigation conducted in 2002, which revealed that teachers lacked the required competences to implement this particular syllabus effectively (Mufute, 2002:16).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The status of the Al Qaeda and Taliban detainees at Guantanamo bay
- Authors: Kilian, Clive Linton
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Prisoners of war -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- Cuba -- Guantańamo Bay Naval Base , Detention of persons -- Guańtanamo Bay Naval Base (Cuba) , Human rights -- Government policy -- United States
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10278 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/826 , Prisoners of war -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- Cuba -- Guantańamo Bay Naval Base , Detention of persons -- Guańtanamo Bay Naval Base (Cuba) , Human rights -- Government policy -- United States
- Description: The United States of America has in its custody several hundred Taliban and Al Qaeda combatants who were captured after the September 11, 2001 attack and during the war in Afghanistan. These prisoners are incarcerated at the Guantanamo naval base in Cuba. The treatment given to these detainees has elicited widespread criticism, as well as unprecedented intellectual and legal debates regarding prisoners of war. In order to fully understand the position of the Guantanamo Bay detainees, one has to be aware of the origins of the prisoner-of-war phenomenon. From biblical times, through the countless conflicts that were waged across the globe through the ages, the concept of “prisoner of war” gradually evolved. Growing concern for the plight of prisoners of war was paralleled by the development of the laws of war, which sought to regulate the conduct of combatants during an armed conflict. The laws of war that have bearing on modern day States are those documented in the Geneva Conventions. The Geneva Conventions regulate armed conflicts and set out the requirements for prisoners of war, as well as their trial rights. The United States, in declaring the Guantanamo Bay detainees “unlawful combatants” or “illegal enemy combatants”, terms which are undefined in International Law, have sought to evade the prescripts of the Geneva Conventions. In direct contravention of the Geneva Conventions, the Guantanamo Bay detainees are denied the right to humane treatment, a fair trial and due process of the law. Prior to Hamdan vs Rumsfeld, the United States’ position was challenged with very little success. The Supreme Court, in Hamdan vs Rumsfeld, directed the president to accord the detainees the protections of the Third Geneva Convention. The relief brought by this decision was very short lived. In September 2006 the United States Congress passed the Military Commissions Act of 2006. This Bill gives the president of the United States unfettered power in dealing with anyone suspected of being a threat to the State, as well as the authorisation to interpret and apply the Geneva Conventions according to his sole discretion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Kilian, Clive Linton
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Prisoners of war -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- Cuba -- Guantańamo Bay Naval Base , Detention of persons -- Guańtanamo Bay Naval Base (Cuba) , Human rights -- Government policy -- United States
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10278 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/826 , Prisoners of war -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- Cuba -- Guantańamo Bay Naval Base , Detention of persons -- Guańtanamo Bay Naval Base (Cuba) , Human rights -- Government policy -- United States
- Description: The United States of America has in its custody several hundred Taliban and Al Qaeda combatants who were captured after the September 11, 2001 attack and during the war in Afghanistan. These prisoners are incarcerated at the Guantanamo naval base in Cuba. The treatment given to these detainees has elicited widespread criticism, as well as unprecedented intellectual and legal debates regarding prisoners of war. In order to fully understand the position of the Guantanamo Bay detainees, one has to be aware of the origins of the prisoner-of-war phenomenon. From biblical times, through the countless conflicts that were waged across the globe through the ages, the concept of “prisoner of war” gradually evolved. Growing concern for the plight of prisoners of war was paralleled by the development of the laws of war, which sought to regulate the conduct of combatants during an armed conflict. The laws of war that have bearing on modern day States are those documented in the Geneva Conventions. The Geneva Conventions regulate armed conflicts and set out the requirements for prisoners of war, as well as their trial rights. The United States, in declaring the Guantanamo Bay detainees “unlawful combatants” or “illegal enemy combatants”, terms which are undefined in International Law, have sought to evade the prescripts of the Geneva Conventions. In direct contravention of the Geneva Conventions, the Guantanamo Bay detainees are denied the right to humane treatment, a fair trial and due process of the law. Prior to Hamdan vs Rumsfeld, the United States’ position was challenged with very little success. The Supreme Court, in Hamdan vs Rumsfeld, directed the president to accord the detainees the protections of the Third Geneva Convention. The relief brought by this decision was very short lived. In September 2006 the United States Congress passed the Military Commissions Act of 2006. This Bill gives the president of the United States unfettered power in dealing with anyone suspected of being a threat to the State, as well as the authorisation to interpret and apply the Geneva Conventions according to his sole discretion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The roles of district education officers in the implementation of the guidance and counselling curriculum in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chipenyu, Wilbert
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Education -- Zimbabwe , Education -- Guidance -- Zimbabwe , Education -- Curricula -- Zimbabwe , School management and organization -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:9557 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/488 , Education -- Zimbabwe , Education -- Guidance -- Zimbabwe , Education -- Curricula -- Zimbabwe , School management and organization -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This study presents a description of the roles District Education Officers in the implementation of the Guidance and Counselling curriculum in Zimbabwe. The roles of the District Education Officers were researched through the literature study and empirical research. It was found that although their professional contribution is vital in successful implementation, there are other obstacles namely, financial constraints, very high workload, lack of government support and inferior appointment procedures for District Education Officers which tend to hamper them to fulfil their duties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Chipenyu, Wilbert
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Education -- Zimbabwe , Education -- Guidance -- Zimbabwe , Education -- Curricula -- Zimbabwe , School management and organization -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:9557 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/488 , Education -- Zimbabwe , Education -- Guidance -- Zimbabwe , Education -- Curricula -- Zimbabwe , School management and organization -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This study presents a description of the roles District Education Officers in the implementation of the Guidance and Counselling curriculum in Zimbabwe. The roles of the District Education Officers were researched through the literature study and empirical research. It was found that although their professional contribution is vital in successful implementation, there are other obstacles namely, financial constraints, very high workload, lack of government support and inferior appointment procedures for District Education Officers which tend to hamper them to fulfil their duties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The role of the community pharmacist in cardiovascular disease management
- Venter, Ignatius Johannes Erhardt
- Authors: Venter, Ignatius Johannes Erhardt
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Pharmacist and patient -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Phamaceutical services -- Patients , Cardiovascular system -- Diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:10150 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/652 , Pharmacist and patient -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Phamaceutical services -- Patients , Cardiovascular system -- Diseases
- Description: Cardiovascular disease contributes to mortality and morbidity statistics worldwide and in South Africa. The current focus in health care revolves around activities aimed at preventing the development of cardiovascular disease, rather than the treatment of disease. The identification of risk factors that can predispose a patient to the development of cardiovascular disease is an essential component of any cardiovascular disease management programme. It is necessary that in the management of these risk factors, they are not considered to be isolated, but inter-related. Through the provision of point-of-care cardiovascular risk screening and monitoring services as well as disease-related counselling, the community pharmacist, as a readily accessible source of healthcare, can play an essential role in the cardiovascular disease management process. The aim of this study was to describe the nature of the services provided by community pharmacists with respect to cardiovascular risk and disease management in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The research design was a non-experimental, descriptive study using a crosssectional survey method. Data was obtained through the utilisation of a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of three sections and was administered to community pharmacies in the Nelson Mandela Metropole, that provided cardiovascular point-of-care screening services. The community pharmacists correctly identified cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity (76.6 percent; 36, n=47) and smoking (27.7 percent; 13, n=47). Other cardiovascular risk factors such as abdominal obesity (4.2 percent; 2, n=47), gender (2.1 percent; 1, n=47) and family history (4.2 percent; 2, n=47) were largely ignored by the pharmacists. Point-of-care testing services were readily available in the pharmacies, with all of the pharmacies providing blood glucose and blood pressure measurements. Blood cholesterol measurements were only provided in 87.8 percent (36, n=41) of the pharmacies. The services were generally provided in a clinic facility, with 90.2 percent (37, n=41) of the pharmacies having a clinic facility available. Pharmacists were involved in the provision of point-of-care services, with 85.4 percent (35, n=41) of the pharmacies indicating that the pharmacists participated. Pharmacists readily provided counselling prior (70.7 percent; 29, n=41) to and after (80.5 percent; 33, n=41) the conduction of the screening services on areas such as lifestyle modification and treatment options. Only 15 percent (7, n=47) of the pharmacists indicated that they were aware of Cardiovascular Risk Calculator Tools and none of the pharmacists indicated that they had utilised such a tool. Pharmacists recommended frequent monitoring (60.5 percent; 26, n=43) and lifestyle modification (67.4 percent; 29, n=43) to patients, if the result of their screening service was within normal limits. However, the majority of the pharmacists indicated that they would refer patients, if the results obtained were out of the normal range. Conclusions based on the findings indicated that the pharmacists are readily providing cardiovascular risk screening services. The pharmacists were also able to identify the presence of any risk factors that can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease in the patients. However, active pharmaceutical involvement in further cardiovascular disease monitoring seemed to be lacking. Recommendations were made on areas such as reimbursement for pharmaceutical care services, increased utilisation of support staff and Continuing Professional Development events that could assist in improving the role of the community pharmacist in cardiovascular disease management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Venter, Ignatius Johannes Erhardt
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Pharmacist and patient -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Phamaceutical services -- Patients , Cardiovascular system -- Diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:10150 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/652 , Pharmacist and patient -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Phamaceutical services -- Patients , Cardiovascular system -- Diseases
- Description: Cardiovascular disease contributes to mortality and morbidity statistics worldwide and in South Africa. The current focus in health care revolves around activities aimed at preventing the development of cardiovascular disease, rather than the treatment of disease. The identification of risk factors that can predispose a patient to the development of cardiovascular disease is an essential component of any cardiovascular disease management programme. It is necessary that in the management of these risk factors, they are not considered to be isolated, but inter-related. Through the provision of point-of-care cardiovascular risk screening and monitoring services as well as disease-related counselling, the community pharmacist, as a readily accessible source of healthcare, can play an essential role in the cardiovascular disease management process. The aim of this study was to describe the nature of the services provided by community pharmacists with respect to cardiovascular risk and disease management in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The research design was a non-experimental, descriptive study using a crosssectional survey method. Data was obtained through the utilisation of a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of three sections and was administered to community pharmacies in the Nelson Mandela Metropole, that provided cardiovascular point-of-care screening services. The community pharmacists correctly identified cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity (76.6 percent; 36, n=47) and smoking (27.7 percent; 13, n=47). Other cardiovascular risk factors such as abdominal obesity (4.2 percent; 2, n=47), gender (2.1 percent; 1, n=47) and family history (4.2 percent; 2, n=47) were largely ignored by the pharmacists. Point-of-care testing services were readily available in the pharmacies, with all of the pharmacies providing blood glucose and blood pressure measurements. Blood cholesterol measurements were only provided in 87.8 percent (36, n=41) of the pharmacies. The services were generally provided in a clinic facility, with 90.2 percent (37, n=41) of the pharmacies having a clinic facility available. Pharmacists were involved in the provision of point-of-care services, with 85.4 percent (35, n=41) of the pharmacies indicating that the pharmacists participated. Pharmacists readily provided counselling prior (70.7 percent; 29, n=41) to and after (80.5 percent; 33, n=41) the conduction of the screening services on areas such as lifestyle modification and treatment options. Only 15 percent (7, n=47) of the pharmacists indicated that they were aware of Cardiovascular Risk Calculator Tools and none of the pharmacists indicated that they had utilised such a tool. Pharmacists recommended frequent monitoring (60.5 percent; 26, n=43) and lifestyle modification (67.4 percent; 29, n=43) to patients, if the result of their screening service was within normal limits. However, the majority of the pharmacists indicated that they would refer patients, if the results obtained were out of the normal range. Conclusions based on the findings indicated that the pharmacists are readily providing cardiovascular risk screening services. The pharmacists were also able to identify the presence of any risk factors that can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease in the patients. However, active pharmaceutical involvement in further cardiovascular disease monitoring seemed to be lacking. Recommendations were made on areas such as reimbursement for pharmaceutical care services, increased utilisation of support staff and Continuing Professional Development events that could assist in improving the role of the community pharmacist in cardiovascular disease management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The role of small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (smm's) in the socio-economic development of Buffalo City
- Authors: Sinxoto, Nomhle Beauty
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8738 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/793 , Small business -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Description: Thirteen years in the new democratic South Africa, South Africa is still faced with socio-economic problems such as high rates of unemployment, shortage of housing, crime and HIV/Aids. Buffalo city falls within the Amathole District Municipality (ADM). ADM population is estimated at + 1, 67 million, being predominantly rural and living in low socio-economic conditions. The demographic trends of ADM population depict high poverty, illiteracy and unemployment rates, rendering them prone to high morbidity and mortality (www.amathole.gov.za, 2007). The aim of this research was to assess the role of the SMMEs in the socio-economic development of Buffalo City. This study is based on exploratory quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Using a convenience sampling technique structured questionnaires were used to collect data amongst 28 SMMEs in Buffalo City. The findings of this study suggest that SMMEs play a vital role in the socio-economic development of Buffalo City. The SMMEs create employment and incomes; provide human capital investment in form of training programs and HIV/Aids programs; make donations to community structures; give sponsors to various sports clubs and food to the homeless. Finally SMMEs contribute towards tax revenues that in turn help reduce poverty and redistribute wealth. However, SMMEs in Buffalo City face a number of constraints, namely, lack of access to funding, lack of operating space, and high cost of property to lease and difficulty in finding trained competent staff. Further, the perceptions of the SMMEs about the adjudication of tenders was some biasness in the adjudication of tender in favour of those who were close to the public officials. There was no accountability and professionalism amongst the adjudicating officials. Finally the government was not doing enough to encourage SMME development in Buffalo City. In view of the socio-economic benefits of the SMMEs in Buffalo city, it is recommended that support programmes to the SMMEs should be enhanced. On the basis of the findings in this study, it is suggested that assistance to the SMMEs should go beyond institutional support such as Ntsika, Khula, DTI and/or SEDA but should be targeted to funding opportunities for the SMMEs. Commercial banks should be involved in ensuring that SMMEs obtain access to funding. Infrastructural facilities such as affordable business premises should be provided for the SMMEs. Affordable premises will reduce the overhead costs of the SMMEs and in turn increase the profits of these SMMEs. Increase the profits of the SMMEs will ensure the survival of the SMMEs and will in turn contribute towards the upliftment of the socio-economic status of the people who would have otherwise been unemployed, destitute and poor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Sinxoto, Nomhle Beauty
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8738 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/793 , Small business -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Description: Thirteen years in the new democratic South Africa, South Africa is still faced with socio-economic problems such as high rates of unemployment, shortage of housing, crime and HIV/Aids. Buffalo city falls within the Amathole District Municipality (ADM). ADM population is estimated at + 1, 67 million, being predominantly rural and living in low socio-economic conditions. The demographic trends of ADM population depict high poverty, illiteracy and unemployment rates, rendering them prone to high morbidity and mortality (www.amathole.gov.za, 2007). The aim of this research was to assess the role of the SMMEs in the socio-economic development of Buffalo City. This study is based on exploratory quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Using a convenience sampling technique structured questionnaires were used to collect data amongst 28 SMMEs in Buffalo City. The findings of this study suggest that SMMEs play a vital role in the socio-economic development of Buffalo City. The SMMEs create employment and incomes; provide human capital investment in form of training programs and HIV/Aids programs; make donations to community structures; give sponsors to various sports clubs and food to the homeless. Finally SMMEs contribute towards tax revenues that in turn help reduce poverty and redistribute wealth. However, SMMEs in Buffalo City face a number of constraints, namely, lack of access to funding, lack of operating space, and high cost of property to lease and difficulty in finding trained competent staff. Further, the perceptions of the SMMEs about the adjudication of tenders was some biasness in the adjudication of tender in favour of those who were close to the public officials. There was no accountability and professionalism amongst the adjudicating officials. Finally the government was not doing enough to encourage SMME development in Buffalo City. In view of the socio-economic benefits of the SMMEs in Buffalo city, it is recommended that support programmes to the SMMEs should be enhanced. On the basis of the findings in this study, it is suggested that assistance to the SMMEs should go beyond institutional support such as Ntsika, Khula, DTI and/or SEDA but should be targeted to funding opportunities for the SMMEs. Commercial banks should be involved in ensuring that SMMEs obtain access to funding. Infrastructural facilities such as affordable business premises should be provided for the SMMEs. Affordable premises will reduce the overhead costs of the SMMEs and in turn increase the profits of these SMMEs. Increase the profits of the SMMEs will ensure the survival of the SMMEs and will in turn contribute towards the upliftment of the socio-economic status of the people who would have otherwise been unemployed, destitute and poor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The role of pacC in Aspergillus flavus
- Authors: Suleman, Essa
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Fungi -- Biotechnology , Pathogenic microorganisms
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10332 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/612 , Fungi -- Biotechnology , Pathogenic microorganisms
- Description: Many microorganisms, and in particular fungi, are able to grow over a wide pH range. Thus, these microorganisms must possess some regulatory mechanism or system that senses the environmental pH signal and ensures that gene expression of certain molecules is tailored to the pH of the environment (Penalva and Arst, 2002). In Aspergillus species and several other fungi, pH regulation is mediated by seven genes viz. palA, palB, palC, palF, palH, palI and the global pH regulatory gene, pacC (MacAbe et al, 1996; Negrete-Urtasun, 1999; Denison, 2000). The activated form of the PacC protein activates genes that are required at alkaline pH, e.g. genes coding for alkaline phosphatases, and represses certain genes that are functional at acidic pH, e.g. genes encoding acid phosphatases (Negrete-Urtasun, 1999). PacC (and its homologues) also positively regulates genes involved in penicillin biosynthesis, e.g. the isopenicillin N synthase gene, ipnA, in A. nidulans (Penalva and Arst, 2002). It has also been hypothesised that pacC may negatively regulate aflatoxin biosynthesis, a carcinogenic secondary metabolite in several species of Aspergillus (Keller et al, 1997). To elucidate the role of pacC a novel method of post-transcriptional gene silencing known as RNA interference was utilized. This method involved the cloning of a partial pacC gene fragment first in the forward and then the reverse orientations in a fungal expression cassette to create an RNA interference (RNAi) vector. The unique structure of this vector would allow the cloned fragments to be expressed and the resulting RNA to immediately form a double stranded stem-loop structure or short hairpin RNA (shRNA; McDonald et al, 2005). The formation of this shRNA, in turn, would be responsible for activating the endogenous RNA degradation complexes that would lead to mRNA degradation and subsequent gene silencing (Liu et al, 2003; Kadotoni et al, 2003; McDonald et al, 2005). The results presented here have shown that confirmed pacC RNAi mutants produced aflatoxins irrespective of environmental pH (i.e. the mutants produce aflatoxins under acidic and alkaline conditions). Thus, pacC is essential for pH regulation of aflatoxin production in A. flavus. There are numerous other biological (e.g. presence of oxylipins, lipooxygenases) and non-biological factors (pH, carbon source etc.) which affect maize colonisation and aflatoxin production by A. flavus (Burrow et al, 1996; Wilson et al, 2001; Calvo et al; 2002; Tsitsigiannis et al, 2006). However, all the genetic mechanisms involved have as yet not been identified. It has been shown by Caracuel et al (2003) that pacC acts as a negative virulence regulator in plants and these workers have hypothesised that PacC prevents expression of genes that are important for infection and virulence of the pathogen. Therefore the physiological effects that pacC silencing had on the growth, conidiation and pathogenicity of A. flavus mutants were also investigated. The results of this study showed that pacC does not play a significant role in primary growth and development but does affect conidial production. SEM results showed that mutants have many “open ended” phialides and poorly developed conidiophores. This would suggest that pacC activation of conidial production genes is also required. Furthermore, pacC RNAi silencing severely impaired the ability of the A. flavus mutants to infect and cause damage on maize. The results obtained here are similar to that of pacC null mutants in A. nidulans, C. albicans and F. oxysporum which also exhibited low pathogenicity (Davis et al, 2000; Fonzi, W.A, 2002; Caracuel et al, 2003; Bignell et al, 2005 and Cornet et al, 2005). This study indicates that pathogenicity of A. flavus on maize is directly related to the structural integrity of conidia, which in turn is greatly influenced by PacC. This gene is a global transcriptional regulator and may either repress or activate one or many genes in each of the above pathways (Penalva and Arst, 2002). Studies on the genetic mechanisms of pacC regulation on these pathways are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of activation or repression of these genes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Suleman, Essa
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Fungi -- Biotechnology , Pathogenic microorganisms
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10332 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/612 , Fungi -- Biotechnology , Pathogenic microorganisms
- Description: Many microorganisms, and in particular fungi, are able to grow over a wide pH range. Thus, these microorganisms must possess some regulatory mechanism or system that senses the environmental pH signal and ensures that gene expression of certain molecules is tailored to the pH of the environment (Penalva and Arst, 2002). In Aspergillus species and several other fungi, pH regulation is mediated by seven genes viz. palA, palB, palC, palF, palH, palI and the global pH regulatory gene, pacC (MacAbe et al, 1996; Negrete-Urtasun, 1999; Denison, 2000). The activated form of the PacC protein activates genes that are required at alkaline pH, e.g. genes coding for alkaline phosphatases, and represses certain genes that are functional at acidic pH, e.g. genes encoding acid phosphatases (Negrete-Urtasun, 1999). PacC (and its homologues) also positively regulates genes involved in penicillin biosynthesis, e.g. the isopenicillin N synthase gene, ipnA, in A. nidulans (Penalva and Arst, 2002). It has also been hypothesised that pacC may negatively regulate aflatoxin biosynthesis, a carcinogenic secondary metabolite in several species of Aspergillus (Keller et al, 1997). To elucidate the role of pacC a novel method of post-transcriptional gene silencing known as RNA interference was utilized. This method involved the cloning of a partial pacC gene fragment first in the forward and then the reverse orientations in a fungal expression cassette to create an RNA interference (RNAi) vector. The unique structure of this vector would allow the cloned fragments to be expressed and the resulting RNA to immediately form a double stranded stem-loop structure or short hairpin RNA (shRNA; McDonald et al, 2005). The formation of this shRNA, in turn, would be responsible for activating the endogenous RNA degradation complexes that would lead to mRNA degradation and subsequent gene silencing (Liu et al, 2003; Kadotoni et al, 2003; McDonald et al, 2005). The results presented here have shown that confirmed pacC RNAi mutants produced aflatoxins irrespective of environmental pH (i.e. the mutants produce aflatoxins under acidic and alkaline conditions). Thus, pacC is essential for pH regulation of aflatoxin production in A. flavus. There are numerous other biological (e.g. presence of oxylipins, lipooxygenases) and non-biological factors (pH, carbon source etc.) which affect maize colonisation and aflatoxin production by A. flavus (Burrow et al, 1996; Wilson et al, 2001; Calvo et al; 2002; Tsitsigiannis et al, 2006). However, all the genetic mechanisms involved have as yet not been identified. It has been shown by Caracuel et al (2003) that pacC acts as a negative virulence regulator in plants and these workers have hypothesised that PacC prevents expression of genes that are important for infection and virulence of the pathogen. Therefore the physiological effects that pacC silencing had on the growth, conidiation and pathogenicity of A. flavus mutants were also investigated. The results of this study showed that pacC does not play a significant role in primary growth and development but does affect conidial production. SEM results showed that mutants have many “open ended” phialides and poorly developed conidiophores. This would suggest that pacC activation of conidial production genes is also required. Furthermore, pacC RNAi silencing severely impaired the ability of the A. flavus mutants to infect and cause damage on maize. The results obtained here are similar to that of pacC null mutants in A. nidulans, C. albicans and F. oxysporum which also exhibited low pathogenicity (Davis et al, 2000; Fonzi, W.A, 2002; Caracuel et al, 2003; Bignell et al, 2005 and Cornet et al, 2005). This study indicates that pathogenicity of A. flavus on maize is directly related to the structural integrity of conidia, which in turn is greatly influenced by PacC. This gene is a global transcriptional regulator and may either repress or activate one or many genes in each of the above pathways (Penalva and Arst, 2002). Studies on the genetic mechanisms of pacC regulation on these pathways are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of activation or repression of these genes.
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- Date Issued: 2007