An evaluation of the effectiveness of campus safety and security measures in crime prevention at the University of Fort Hare (Alice) campus
- Authors: Mdlungu, Tandiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Crime prevention Campus violence Universities and colleges -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12557 , vital:39287
- Description: The study focused on safety and security measures employed at institutions of higher learning. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of safety and security measures employed by institutions of higher learning in preventing crime. The study was carried out at the University of Fort Hare. An empirical research was conducted to collect data from the students using questionnaires. The study highlighted the rate of crime on campus as well as the effectiveness of safety and security measures on campus. The general finding of this study indicate that 51 percent of the students on campus have been victims of crime. From the victims, more than 50 percent did not report the crime to authorities. Majority of crimes are property crimes. Majority of students are not aware of any safety and security policies in the campus. Findings highlighted crime prevention challenges faced by the university. Moreover, students agree that the institution needs to improve as well as upgrade its existing safety and security measure which could help prevent the high prevalence of crime on campus From the findings of the research the researcher made recommendations and drew conclusions that could be beneficial to students as well as the institutions administrators.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Studies on the nutritional value of seven accessions of cocoyam growing in South Africa
- Authors: Lewu, Muinat Nike
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Taro , Nutrition , Field crops -- Nutrition , Taro -- Nutritional aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:11305 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001054 , Taro , Nutrition , Field crops -- Nutrition , Taro -- Nutritional aspects
- Description: Cocoyam [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott] is widely cultivated as a staple food in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The crop, however, remains unpopular and not well known outside KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa where it is cultivated mainly for subsistence. The aims of the study were to collect local landraces (accessions) of the crop from where it is found growing within the country for various studies and also to document its nutritional values as well as the safety/toxicity of the crop. The study was carried out using various methods. These included a comparative assessment of the proximate, mineral and antinutrient compositions of cooked and uncooked tubers of a typical commercially available cocoyam and potato found in South African markets. These investigations were repeated for the tubers and leaves of available landraces (seven accessions) of C. esculenta found growing in the farmers’ fields in KwaZulu-Natal Province. Also, an in vivo toxicological study on cooked accessions of the local landraces was conducted to determine possible toxicity effects after consumption using albino rats as a model. The results revealed that commercially available cocoyam and potato tubers have very close nutritional components. Analysis of the proximate composition of seven accessions (UFCe1- UFCe7) of cooked and uncooked tubers of cocoyam indicated that UFCe7 was better in ash, crude protein, crude fibre and crude lipid contents but with higher moisture which could make it more vulnerable to microbial attack. No tubers of the seven accessions appeared to be ii outstandingly better than the others based on their mineral compositions. However, in terms of antinutritional factors, UFCe1, UFCe3 and UFCe7 had the least amounts of oxalate, tannins and phytate in their cooked states. It was discovered however, that the leaves of the accessions of this vegetable contain substantial amount of minerals, and therefore, can contribute significantly to the nutrient requirements of humans and could be recommended as a cheap source of nutrients in South Africa. None of the accessions was outstandingly better than the others in terms of their mineral contents and anti-nutritional factors. Moreover, the current study has shown that boiling the leaves of cocoyam prior to consumption is an effective way of reducing the antinutrient contents of the leaves of the plant thereby making it safe for consumption. The findings also revealed that cooking C. esculenta leaves may increase the levels of protein, fibre and lipid contents while cooking may also decrease the mineral, carbohydrate and caloric contents of the leaves of the accessions. The leafy vegetable may, therefore, be recommended as a cheap source of plant protein. Cooking improved the nutritive value as a result of the reduction in antinutrient levels, thereby improving the food quality in all the tuber and leaf samples used for this study. At the same time, cooked samples also suffered loss of some nutrients with respect to the proximate and mineral compositions. However, supplementation from other food sources that are rich in these nutrients is necessary when these crops are cooked for consumption. Any of the cocoyam accessions may be recommended for consumption for improved protein and mineral nutrients while tubers of accession UFCe7 have also shown good promise in terms of protein and fibre content availability. The results of the in vivo study, using the liver and kidney functional endpoints of weanling albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) maintained on different accessions of cooked cocoyam-based iii diets (UFCe1-UFCe7) for 28 days, revealed that all the accessions produced selective alterations on the hepatorenal indices of weanling rats. The highest alterations were produced by UFCe4 while the least was from UFCe2. These alterations may have consequential effects on the normal functioning of the liver and kidney of the animals. The UFCe2 exhibited the least toxicity risk among the accessions of C. esculenta growing in KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2010
Professional nurses’ perceptions on quality patient care in one of the Eastern Cape state hospitals
- Authors: Somahela, Khanyisa Judith
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11353 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021141
- Description: The focus of this study was to explore the perceptions of professional nurses in the quality of care rendered by nurses in the public hospitals. Nursing is a challenging, demanding, and yet fulfilling profession, whose goal is to provide quality care to individuals, families and communities. However, there are inconsistencies regarding the quality of care rendered by nurses in the public hospitals. The media and the public portray nurses as providing poor quality care in the health care facilities. Conversely, the nurses view that they are doing their best, considering the challenging circumstances under which they work in public institutions.The study followed a qualitative approach and an exploratory descriptive design. A purposive sample of 13 professional nurses participated in the study. The sample size was not pre-determined. Data were collected until data saturation, when the interviews yielded no new information. The study was conducted in a state hospital in the Eastern Cape, using an interview guide. Responses were recorded using a tape recorder. No incentives were given to participants. Data were collected and analysed following the Tesch’s method. Prior to conducting the study, the researcher obtained ethical clearance from the University of Fort Hare research ethics committee. The perceptions of the professional nurses who participated in this study were inconsistent. The majority pointed out that the quality of patient care was deteriorating which means the patient care is poor. whereas some participants indicated that the quality of patient care was still the same; it had not changed or deteriorated, The contributing factors to the poor quality patient care were indicated as; shortage of staff, shortage of resources such as equipment, inadequate empowerment of staff, insufficient training of students, staff arriving late for duties, lack of passion their work, skipping and missing of routines, support service that was not working hand in hand with the nursing staff, increased hospitalization of patients and the Eastern cape Department of Health failing to remunerate the nurses as promised.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Synthesis, characterization, and biological studies of pyrazolone Schiff bases and their transition metal complexes
- Authors: Idemudia, Omoruyi Gold
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11340 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016068
- Description: Some new acylpyrazolone Schiff bases have been synthesized from the condensation reaction of two acylpyrazolone diketone precursors with phenylhydrazine, 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and sulfanilamide. They have been fully characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic techniques (IR,1H and 13C NMR, and mass-spectra). The single crystal structure of the benzoyl derivative acylpyrazolone Schiff bases have been obtained and analyzed by X-ray crystallography technique. Solid state X-ray diffraction revealed a keto tautomer Schiff base in solid state. Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with the Schiff bases have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV-VIS spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and thermal studies (TGA and DTG). An octahedral geometry around the transition metal ion, consisting of two bidentate Schiff base ligands bonding through the azometine nitrogen and ketonic oxygen have been proposed based on careful interpretation of available analytical and spectroscopic characterization results. Two water molecules as ligands complete the octahedral geometry in all cases. Using the invitro disc diffusion method for screening synthesized compounds against selected gram positive and gram negative bacterial at 40 mg/mL, and the DPPH free radical scavenging methods at 0.50, 0.25 and 0.13 mg/mL, the synthesized Schiff base and metal complexes showed varying biological activities. 4-benzoyl-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one sul29 fanilamide showed more activity generally, exhibiting a broad spectrum activity against all selected bacterial in some cases. Mn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes of sulfanilamide Schiff base with the acetylpyrazolone derivative 4-acetyl-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one sulfanilamide, exhibited a stronger and very good DPPH radical scavenging activity as good as ascorbic acid on comparing, but not with Cu(II). As such they could be important antitumour candidates.
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- Date Issued: 2014
An exploration of curriculum reforms in public schools in the Eastern Cape Province : a case study of Umtata District (1994-2014)
- Authors: Daniel, Nokonwaba
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Curriculum change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9132 , vital:34271
- Description: This research explores the effectiveness of curriculum reforms in Public schools in the Eastern Cape Province with specific reference to a case study of Umtata District (1994- 2014). The study was accomplished using the qualitative research method in which the views of 20 participants comprising of principals and teachers were explored about: How effective are the curriculum changes brought about by the democratic system of government in the South African education system? Which factors are limiting the effectiveness of the implementation of curriculum reforms in the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province? What are the effects of curriculum reforms on the performance of the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province? Which strategies can the Eastern Cape Department of Education adopt to improve the effectiveness of the curriculum reforms in the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province? Findings that some of the curriculum changes brought about by the Democratic System of Government in the South African Education System were associated with review and change of the language used in education and learning, technology, computer education and data handling. From this analysis of the interview findings, it is evident that curriculum reviews and change not only influenced the change of language policy in the South African education system to support diversity and multiculturalism, but also new technologies and science in teaching and learning. Even though it was evident from the responses of most of the teachers that enormous successes have been achieved, it also emerged from the findings that there have also been challenges and impediments. It emerged from the analysis of the interview findings that some of the factors limiting the effectiveness of curriculum effectiveness in the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province are associated with lack of resources, lack of skills, lack of text books, poor review and modifications of the syllabus, and poor consultation and involvement of relevant stakeholders. However, findings still revealed that as much as there are some limitations, the curriculum reviews and change undertaken since the 1994 democratic dispensation significantly influenced the improvement of the performance of the contemporary South African public education system. The analysis of the interview findings revealed the effects of curriculum reforms on the performance of the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province to be associated with improved pass rates, improved performance in science and data handling, and improved responsiveness to changing needs and demands of the contemporary world. Considering the findings of this study, it is argued that the directors in the Eastern Cape Department of Education must evaluate the decision to apply the following strategies to influence improvement of the successful implementation of the curriculum. Such strategies would involve situational analysis, curriculum and syllabus development, investment in relevant key success factors (skills, technology & infrastructure), teaching and learning methods, and measuring and improving. Future studies can still explore and develop a framework for measuring and improving the implementation of curriculum reform.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The effect of real exchange rate volatility on export performance: evidence from South Africa (2000-2011)
- Authors: Chamunorwa, Wilson
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11499 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018600 , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa
- Description: The effect of real exchange rate volatility on export performance: evidence from South Africa (2000-2011) This study sought to investigate the relationship between exchange rate volatility and export performance in South Africa. The main objective of the study was to examine the impact of exchange rate volatility on export performance in South Africa. This relationship was examined using GARCH methods. Exports were regressed against real effective exchange rate, trade openness and capacity utilisation. The research aimed to establish whether exchange rate volatility impacts negatively on export performance in the manner suggested by the econometric model. The result obtained showed that exchange rate volatility had a significantly negative effect on South African exports in the period 2000-2011.
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- Date Issued: 2014
A comparative economic analysis of small scale tobacco production under contract and non-contract farming : the case of Marondera rural district, Mashonaland East province, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Ruzhani, Freddy
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe Tobacco industry -- Zimbabwe Farmers -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12653 , vital:39296
- Description: Constitutionalism and separation of powers is the most dynamic topic worldwide. Montesquieu, the French philosopher is credited with the doctrine of separation of powers. Various countries adopted the doctrine and modified it, in order to fit their systems of governments. The reason behind is that there is no universally recognized model of separation of powers or one size fit all. Countries apply this doctrine differently in a fashion that fits their domestic laws and constitutional requirements. Montesquieu gave a classic exposition and the rationale for separation of powers in one of his well-celebrated work “The Spirit of Laws”. The concept of separation of powers emerged premised on the theory that the arms of state namely, the judiciary, the legislature and the executive, should operate within their providence without one interfering with the other. From the South African perspective, the Constitution of South Africa of 1996 requires separation of powers even though it is not explicitly so stated in the text. This research examines the unique South African model of separation of powers and how the courts have navigated through it from the time the Constitution was promulgated. It seeks to establish whether or not a South African model of separation of powers has come to the fore. The research further examines the problem of interference amongst the arms of state and mechanism of checks and balances which can be applied to prevent or minimise such interference. In doing so, the study pursued a desktop survey of primary and secondary materials, including scientific literature, legislation, courts’ jurisprudence, and official documents. A comparative perspective was also made in order to learn from the experiences of other jurisdictions where the doctrine is applied. The findings reveal that South Africa has a unique model of separation of powers. The model was learned and enriched from various foreign jurisdictions. The courts have contributed enormously to this model, which contrive to be fluid and living.
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- Date Issued: 2015
Energy and sustainable development: the case of Dewedzo rural community in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mbulayi, Shingirai P
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Renewable energy sources -- Zimbabwe , Power resources -- Zimbabwe , Energy consumption -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/866 , vital:26504 , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Renewable energy sources -- Zimbabwe , Power resources -- Zimbabwe , Energy consumption -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Energy poverty is a concept that has gained significance quite recently. Its significance has been prompted by the realization that without sustainable modern energy alternatives for the rural poor, prospects for rural transformation remains low. The recognition of modern energy as one of the missing link in rural transformation comes amid the growing concern about the negative effects of relying on traditional energy services and the increasing forecasts that most developing countries are likely to miss their MDG targets by 2015. Drawing on the Modernization and the Sustainable Development Approach, this study concluded that improving the quantity and quality of energy services consumed by the rural poor can counteract rural underdevelopment and enhance rural social and economic transformation in Dewedzo. The study confirmed that energy poor households are prone to various social, economic and environmental detriments such as poor health, hunger, malnutrition, poor education and missed socio economic opportunities. By addressing rural people‟s energy needs, more nexus can be injected into rural productivity and the economic social outputs of this process can in turn increase the pace at which MDGs can be achieved.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Richard Charles Nicholas Branson : a psychobiographical study
- Authors: Preston, Amanda Lorraine
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Branson, Richard Charles Nicholas, -- 1950- Businessmen -- Great Britain -- Biography Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5543 , vital:29318
- Description: Unique individuals are fascinating as we all want to be successful. There is thus a need to understand, unpack and share the psychological development and traits that allow some people to become sui generis, and to learn from them. Psychobiographical research is a qualitative approach that can be utilised to uncover the story of such an individual life, resulting in greater understanding of the psychological concepts underpinning the person. This form of study is invaluable, and involves applying psychological theory to lives completed or unfinished, enabling the development and testing of developmental theories. Richard Branson (1950-present), an entrepreneur, adventurer, philanthropist and family man is the single psychological subject chosen in this study. Branson was selected based on interest value, his uniqueness and the lack of a specifically academic and psychologically focused case study on his life. The primary aim was to explore and describe Branson’s personality development across his life, to date. This was achieved by applying both Maslow’s (1954, 1970) theory of optimal development and Adler’s (1929, 1956) Individual Psychology theory to provide a comprehensive idiographic interpretation of the development of Branson. To achieve this, the case study utilised the systematic and consistent collection, analysis and interpretation of life history materials, highlighting three areas of development, namely Childhood, Adolescence and Adulthood. The theoretical frameworks were used to discern, transform and reconstruct his life into a coherent and illuminating narrative of his psychological movement through life. Alexander’s (1988; 1990) model of identifying salient themes was used to analyse data for analytical generalisation (Yin, 2009). The conceptual framework derived from the theoretical perspective was constructed to organize, integrate data, and guide the presentation and discussion of findings of the study in an integrative and comprehensive manner. The findings suggest both Maslow’s and Adler’s theories considered the biopsychosocial context in Branson’s personality development and, at least to some extent, supported concepts indicative of progression toward optimality through having met the needs of the ego actualisation of his self, toward transcending selfishness and attaining altruism and social interest. The study of Branson’s personality development has provided a positive demonstration of the value of Maslow’s (1970a) and Adler’s (1929, 1956) theories to understand the process of development. It has further highlighted the unique trajectory of an individual’s life, contextualized, as well as the possibility of being agents in our own lives and despite challenges, able to become our own idiosyncratic best. The study also highlights the need, at a macro level, for governments to assist those unable to satisfy basic needs such as food, shelter and safety, to set an imperative, to aid those who struggle if a country and its people are to be uplifted. In terms of Adlerian theory, the study highlights the importance of family and early experiences in supporting the earliest years of children to assist them to develop an identity that is healthy and socially useful. Finally, recommendations were made for future research utilising a psychobiographical research design to uncover, illuminate and reconstruct the lives of outstanding and interesting individuals.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Livestock, rural livelihoods and rural development interventions in the Eastern Cape: case studies of Chris Hani, Alfred Nzo and Amathole district municipalities
- Authors: Phiri, Christopher
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Livestock -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Soc Sc (Rural Development)
- Identifier: vital:11937 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/184 , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Livestock -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study explores how livestock in rural communities were accessed, used as livelihoods portfolios and how off-farm activities and portfolios such as social grants, support from family members and employment assisted the rural poor to build their asset base. Empirical data was collected from 26 villages in the three districts. In particular the study examines firstly, the nature of rural poverty in these villages in the three districts and how households with and without livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, pigs, cats, ducks, horses and donkeys) used livestock local knowledge to sustain a living. Secondly it explores how the local government and related rural development agencies, intervened in livestock production and the thesis highlights the problematic nature of these interventions, and the implications this has for the form and nature of livestock ownership and use in relation to rural livelihoods. Arising from this, the thesis thirdly explores Ruliv‟s through concrete case studies, the challenges, constraints and implications of a pre-dominant top-down approach to rural development. Contrary to this approach, the study illustrates, through the Rhoxeni case study, the potential effectiveness of a „bottom-up‟ actor oriented approach to rural development. Fourthly, the study explores how local government initiatives intervened in the development of a rural livestock project in Alfred Nzo District Municipality through the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Programme Goat Project. Here iv the concerns of „commercialisation‟ of livestock production are explored and the thesis points to the implications that the exclusion of social and cultural meanings of livestock have for assumed paths of commercialisation and its associations with development. Fifthly the study explores the potentiality of emerging black commercial farmers who had acquired large areas of agricultural land through local government interventions (Land Redistribution Agricultural Development) but who lacked further support and capacity to transform themselves into commercial farmers. The thesis concludes that their livestock and crop farming activities remained more subsistence and livelihood based, than any transition to expected technical market oriented commercial farming. Overall, the thesis argues that while local government planning for rural development prioritised commercial agriculture as the basis of rural development and the key mechanism of rural poverty alleviation in developmental policies (PGDP, IDP, LED), rural poverty has actually been deepening. In this context, the study argues that the value of livestock to the rural poor lies „outside‟ of its assumed economic value and is more firmly and determinedly located in its social meanings and values, despite these significant levels of material poverty. This has major implications for understanding livelihoods, engaging livestock agency, defining farming and what it means to be a „farmer‟ and engaging with prevalent understandings and practices directed at rural development.
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- Date Issued: 2009
Evaluation of groundwater potential based on hybrid approach of geology, geophysics, and geoinformatics: Case study of Buffalo Catchment area, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Owolabi,Solomon T
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Hydrogeology Geology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Geology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12238 , vital:39218
- Description: This study focuses on the feasibility of exploring potential groundwater zones through assessment of catchment geo-hydrodynamic processes, using hydro-statistic principles and geographic information system-based approaches. The research work integrated analysis of hydrologic variables, geologic structures, and geomorpho-tectonic processes that provide information on spatial variability of hydrologic units in a watershed. The study is aimed at improving conceptual knowledge and presenting the technical feasibility of exploring potential groundwater zones through geo-hydrodynamic perspectives in hydrogeologically challenged environments. The study adopted a case design approach at the Buffalo hydrologic basin headwater in Eastern Cape, South Africa. The methods used in this study include: field mapping of geologic units and structures, digital processing of aeromagnetic map, cross-section profiling of borehole logs, auto-extraction of lineament, streamflow variability and recession assessment, geomorpho-tectonic analysis of surficial drainage pattern, vertical electrical sounding for imaging shallow subsurface layers, and geospatial integration of thematic maps of groundwater multi-influencing factors. The results indicate that the hydrogeological settings of Buffalo watershed comprised of good, moderate, fair, poor and very poor groundwater potential zones which cover 187 km2 , 338 km2 , 406 km2 , 185 km2 , and 121 km2 respectively. The results report that the groundwater system of Buffalo watershed is mainly hosted by the well-drained fractured dolerite and the shallow unconfined sandstone aquifer. The aquifer is bounded by two parallel impermeable valley walls in the north and south. Also, the Buffalo drainage system constitutes a variable head boundary as a groundwater discharge zone. The groundwater discharge which mostly occurs at the Tshoxa upper course, Mgqakwebe, Quencwe, Yellowwoods upper course and the Buffalo River center influence the status of the Buffalo River as a perennial river system. vi The groundwater recharge occurs through the networks of surficial lineaments and fractures concentrated on the sandstone lithosome, mostly in the northern half of the watershed. The surficial tectonic features trend in a WNW-ESE and E-W direction. The groundwater flow system is controlled by the subsurface lineaments which are oriented in west-northwest – eastsoutheast direction. Most of the groundwater recharge is driven by rain which is extreme at the north. The hydro-climatic pattern of the region influences the dendritic drainage system of Buffalo watershed. The geologic characterization and geomorpho-tectonic analysis indicate that the geologic settings are made up of upward-fining lithologic material and siliciclastic materials that were deposited as fill in paleochannels by braided and meandering fluvial systems. The variability in dissection property and the fluvial system indicates that Buffalo hydrologic and geomorphic systems are heterogeneous and complex. The possible impact of these variabilities aligns with the report of geoelectric sections which revealed the heterogeneity of the aquifer intrinsic properties and variability in groundwater yield. The electric resistivity tomography revealed the existence of a fault system and variation in the thickness of the aquifer. Hydrologic characterization indicates the vulnerability status of the rivers within the watershed. In particular, the Ngqokweni River is vulnerable to diminution while Quencwe River has the potential for a flash flood. Buffalo station is an important surface water capture zone. Delineation of groundwater potential zone should incorporate geologic, hydrologic, geophysical, geomorphotectonic, and environmental perspectives due to the inherent relationship among influencing factors. The study therefore identifies groundwater capture zones which can be further explored for groundwater development and to mitigate the stake of water shortage. The study therefore recommends the approach here to the department of water affairs for adoption to map the zones of groundwater potential at a regional scale. The study also provides resourceful information on vii groundwater recharge zones and therefore recommends that the environment and water stakeholders work together to protect the recharge zones from groundwater contamination due to land use
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- Date Issued: 2019
An investigation of the effetiveness of correctional centre-based vocational training programmes towards reducing recidivism
- Authors: Mangesi, Nosipho
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Recidivism Social justice
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16408 , vital:40717
- Description: Since the Department of Correctional Services has been transformed into an institution of rehabilitation and skills development, there is a need for a sound classification system whereby offenders are classified according to their potential for treatment and training programmes that match their risk/needs. The study was conducted in Middledrift Correctional Centre in the Eastern Cape with the aim of examining the effectiveness of correctionally based vocational training programmes towards reducing recidivism. Research towards correctional programmes was necessitated by the extant of recidivism in South Africa. The question is where does the problem lie because offenders are provided with rehabilitation programmes to make them law abiding citizens and reintegrate well into the community up on release but, in many cases it does not become possible as many ex-offenders return to custody either for new offence or parole violation. The study used qualitative design in data collection and in explaining the results. A sample of sixteen recidivists and five correctional officials formed participants for the study selecting using purposive sampling procedures. Involvement in vocational programmes was used as a criteria for selectiong of correctional officials as participants. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight recidivists and all five correctional officials and a focus group interview was held with the other eight set of recidivists. The study examined the impact of vocational programmes on recidivism followed by the factors that hinder effective offender rehabilitation and factors that influence recidivism up on release. The findings of this study were analysed using thematic analysis with the assistance of a voice recorder as a back up for collected data. Findings revealed that a small number of recidivists attend vocational training programmes and these programmes vi (vocational) are short in the centre together with programme facilitators at the time of reporting. Offenders stated that the available vocational programmes are of no interest to them. Participantas stated that vocational training does assist in desisting criminal activities up on release as it provide skills and opportunities for employment to curb unemployment as indicated as a major factor influencing recidivism. Findings also revealed that periodic re-assesment is not adequately conducted and classification for vocational training is not likely to be sufficiently done according to offender risk/needs. The study recommends that, a large number of offenders be provided with vocational training programmes and that offender classification incorporate the principles of RNR model
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- Date Issued: 2019
Efficacy of organic and synthetic insecticides on the control of cotton pests: The bollworm complex, Helicoverpa armigera, Diparopsis castanea, Earias insulana (Noctuidae) and the leafhopper, Jacobiell
- Authors: Malinga, Lawrence Nkosikhona
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Zoology)
- Identifier: vital:11791 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006798
- Description: A research was conducted on cotton to test different plant extracts with potential insecticidal properties against bollworms (Noctuidae) and leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) for the use by small-scale, cotton farmers. The study was carried out during the 2006/07 and 2007/08 seasons at ARC Institute for Industrial Crops, Rustenburg (25°39.0 S, 27°14.4 E) in the North West Province of South Africa. Four organic insecticides, tobacco (Nicotiana tabacium), khaki weed (Tagetes minuta), thorn apple (Datura stramonium) and garlic (Allium sativum) were compared with two chemical treatments, Mospilan® (acetamiprid) and Decis® (deltamethrin), and an untreated control. The cultivar, DeltaOPAL, was planted and the trial conducted using standard practices. Overall, Decis® and tobacco treatments exhibited significantly less bollworm larvae than the other treatments. Tobacco was the most promising biological pesticide against American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) and spiny bollworm (Earias insulana) larvae. All the treatments were significantly effective against the red bollworm (Diparopsis castanea) larvae, but Decis® and Mospilan® provided the best control. Although khaki weed, garlic and thorn apple were promising biological pesticides against the bollworm complex, tobacco was the most effective organic treatment. Mospilan® seemed to be more effective on the control of leafhoppers (Jacobiella fascialis), followed by Decis® and tobacco. Among the plant extracts, tobacco and garlic gave higher seed cotton yields compared to the khaki weed and thorn apple during both study seasons. In 2006/07, none of the treatments reached the corresponding economic threshold levels (ETLs). In contrast, in 2007/08, only rarely were the treatments (mostly Decis® and Mospilan®) below the corresponding ETLs. These differences were attributed to the higher rainfall recorded during the 2007/08 season, which reduced the effectiveness of the treatments by partly washing away the pesticidal applications. In addition, a high weed infestation also created competition for nutrients in the soil, thus resulting in lower (0.50-1.25 ton/ha in 2007/08 vs 2.50-5.00 ton/ha in 2006/07), but acceptable cotton seed yields. In conclusion, it is suggested that some plant extracts (particularly from tobacco and garlic) can be used as a cheaper and more environment-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides for the control of bollworms and leafhoppers, although it has been demonstrated that their efficacy do not reach the one of chemical treatments. Further research in the near future is recommended.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Exploring the psychosocial effects of removing teenagers from their homes to places of safety
- Authors: Boxongo , Sisipho
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Teenagers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSW
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18073 , vital:42226
- Description: The child welfare system investigate over 2 Million children each year for parental abuse or neglect, yet little is known about the psychosocial effects of removing teenagers from their homes and placing them in the place of safety. Although an abusive family would undoubtedly be harmful to children, removing a child from his or her family can be just as traumatic. Long term outcome are rarely observed, and teenagers placed in the place of safety are likely differ from those not placed. Hence this study took a microscopic scrutiny at the effects of the teenager`s removal from their home environment to a place of safety. In carrying out this research qualitative method of data collection was used. The study outlined the factors that lead to removal of teenagers from their home environment to the place of safety. The study found that some of the teenagers who were removed from their home environment were due to poverty, maltreatment, negligence and child abuse at home. The study also revealed that the placement of the teenagers in the places of safety expose the teenagers to psychological, physical, emotional and behavioural negative experiences. The teenagers that participated in the study mentioned that they are stigmatised by the community and peers at school, some also cited that they have lost contact with their families. It was also found out that; the professionals who participated in the study also too experience some challenges in rendering services to the teenagers as sometimes they don`t get informed about the children`s situation on their arrival in the centre. On the other hand, another professional declared that they are trying by all means to cater for all the needs of the children, but they are failed by the case managers and other stakeholders, such as department of social development who delay the process of obtaining court orders which makes it difficult for the child to be funded and also the process of reunifying the child with the biological family.
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- Date Issued: 2020
The prospects of commercialising small-scale chicken production in Buffalo City metropolitan municipality, Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Seti, Thembalethu Macdonald
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poultry -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Chicken industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15244 , vital:40257
- Description: The aim of this study is to explore the prospects of commercialising small-scale chicken production in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape. In the attempt of exploring these prospects, the researcher sought to understand socio-economic characteristics of small-scale chicken farmers, describe the small-scale chicken enterprise, and determine farmer’s level of commercialisation and factors influencing the farmer’s commercialisation level. Stratified random sampling was used to select 99 participants in the study area. The sampled participants constituted small-scale chicken farmers that were supported by government projects and farmers that were not part of any government support. Descriptive statistics, Household Commercialization Index (HCI) and Multinomial Regression model were used to analyse data and bring meaning to it. The results of the study signify that most of the farmers (66percent) are subsistence oriented, meaning most of their produce is consumed within the household and about 40percent are semi-commercial and only 7percent are at full commercialization meaning they only produce for the market. The result also showed that access to extension services (p<0.03), gender (p<0.03) household size (permanent family members) (p<0.01), transport cost (p<0.04), farming experience (p<0.02, grades and standards (p<0.01), production machines (p<0.05), and distance to the market (p<0.05) were the major determinants influencing output commercialization in the study area. The major constraints to production identified and prioritized by farmers were lack of feed, disease outbreaks, high mortality rate and theft. Based on the study results, to bring about the prospects of commercialising small-scale chicken, government should consistently supply extension officers, government investment in poultry machines and transport is also recommended. In terms of further research, the study suggests that research on profitability of small-scale chicken production would yield immense insights for policy development.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Relations of family and school attachment to forms of learner violence in secondary school communities in Amathole education district, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ncube, Thembinkosi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School violence -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School discipline -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: vital:16166 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/504 , School violence -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School discipline -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Adolescents in the schools in South Africa have been victims of many social problems such as violence and crime as a result of background influence. They have been both victims and perpetrators of this violence. Problems of attachment to both school and home have always been blamed for the adolescents’ deviance. South African schools are affected by this verbal and physical violence which presumably emanates from learners poor connections with school and home. The background of societies such as economic deprivation has also been presumed to have an impact on the way adolescents conduct themselves in schools. There is no research that has verified the correlation between violence and attachment to bases of attachment - home and school in South Africa, especially in the Eastern Cape Province. A survey was conducted in more than ten schools in the Amathole District where 317 learners’ opinions on their observation of cases of verbal and physical violence in their schools, and on their attachment to both home and school were collected through a 40 item questionnaire. The questionnaire had five sections (a) to (e). The first section (a) required learners to enter their biographical information; gender, age, grade, and quintile classification. The second section (b) required learners to rate their attachment to their homes and to their care givers. The third section (c) required learners to rate their connectedness to their schools. The fourth section (d) required learners to supply information on their observation and involvement in verbal violence. The final section (e) with items adopted from section (d) and customised required learners to rate their observation and involvement in physical violence. Descriptive statistics were used to glean frequencies and the overall levels of attachment and violence amongst learners. The study also looked at significant differences in attachment (both family and school) and violence (both verbal and physical) using gender and socio-economic profiles of the learners and schools (quintile system) as sorting or categorising variables. One major finding which is contrary to most theory and may be as a result of social dynamics is that statistics suggested that gender and socio-economic variables had little bearing on violence and attachment. Through the use of SPSS, the Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients were calculated to answer the sub-questions on the relationship between family and school attachment, and school violence (both verbal and physical). There were notable negative and positive correlations between school attachment and verbal violence; for example there was a positive correlation between teachers making learners hate school and learner-involvement in swearing. There was also a negative correlation between school buildings making learners proud and schools and homes being to blame for the frequency of verbal violence in the schools. There were also notable correlations between attachment to family and verbal violence such as the correlation between the frustration by parents’ lack of concern and learners’ involvement in verbal violence without any clear reason. With regard to physical violence there was a negative correlation between parents having time to discuss life with their children and the frequency of physical violence in the schools. There was however a negative correlation between one’s pride in one’s school and the blame on schools for instigating school violence. From these correlations implications for school violence prevention could be drawn. The study reveals that a lot needs to be done by the schools, parents, the government, and the community to enhance learner attachment to both school and home. However, for all the stake holders to succeed government must take the leading role in speeding up the process of reducing poverty in the communities. This is premised on the fact that some findings reveal that frequency of violence increases in an environment of frustration and anger. Schools as care-givers can also introduce many interventions such as counselling workshops to equip teachers with professional crisis management. The research may encourage the Department of Education and schools to adopt violence prevention programs implemented in countries (like United States of America’s Olweus bullying and violence prevention program) for use in bringing communities together to work against school violence. These findings might strengthen the South African Department of Education’s Safe Schools Programs.
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- Date Issued: 2011
Developing a Machine Learning Algorithm for Outdoor Scene Image Segmentation
- Authors: Zangwa, Yamkela
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Computational intelligence Computer science
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science )
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12087 , vital:39150
- Description: Image segmentation is one of the major problems in image processing, computer vision and machine learning fields. The main reason for image segmentation existence is to reduce the gap between computer vision and human vision by training computers with different data. Outdoor image segmentation and classification has become very important in the field of computer vision with its applications in woodland-surveillance, defence and security. The task of assigning an input image to one class from a fixed set of categories seem to be a major problem in image segmentation. The main question that has been addressed in this research is how outdoor image classification algorithms can be improved using Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (R-CNN) architecture. There has been no one segmentation method that works best on any given problem. To determine the best segmentation method for a certain dataset, various tests have to be done in order to achieve the best performance. However deep learning models have often achieved increasing success due to the availability of massive datasets and the expanding model depth and parameterisation. In this research Convolutional Neural Network architecture is used in trying to improve the implementation of outdoor scene image segmentation algorithms, empirical research method was used to answer questions about existing image segmentation algorithms and the techniques used to achieve the best performance. Outdoor scene images were trained on a pre-trained region-based convolutional neural network with Visual Geometric Group-16 (VGG-16) architecture. A pre-trained R-CNN model was retrained on five different sample data, the samples had different sizes. Sample size increased from sample one to five, to increase the size on the last two samples the data was duplicated. 21 test images were used to evaluate all the models. Researchers has shown that deep learning methods perform better in image segmentation because of the increase and availability of datasets. The duplication of images did not yield the best results; however, the model performed well on the first three samples.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Assessment of government spending austerity measures in on-site school support for curriculum delivery: a case of Idutywa Education District
- Authors: Lombo, Nomachule
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Government spending policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Financial crises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Debts, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2038 , vital:27600
- Description: The view of on-site school support for curriculum delivery is shared by most countries and its effects have been felt by schools. There is fear that the Austerity Measures will negate the outcomes of the action taken by the teams that visit the schools. The reviewed literature is more biased towards the Austerity Measures in the whole government sector rather than in a department or an institution like the Education District in Idutywa. Even though the effects of Austerity Measures have been researched all over the world based on a specific country, there is deficiency of such literature done in the institution like the department of Education Districts. The researcher intends contributing to the filling of this gap by this study. The researcher therefore carried out a focused study of the effect of Department’s Austerity Measures on on-site school curriculum support in Idutywa Education District. It is also imperative to know how the teachers are affected by these departmental Austerity Measures, hence the interviews were carried out with the school personnel in addition to the District Professional staff. The District is characterised by poor performance in both Annual National Assessment (ANA) and the final National Senior Certificate results. The findings revealed that the implementation of AM have contributed to, amongst other things, the following issues: The inadequate on-site school support for curriculum delivery; The shortage of resources that includes teachers and vehicles; and ultimately the learner underperformance The researcher expect that the recommendation made will be embraced and be factored through, during the planning process of the Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education in order to improve learner performance.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Analysis of technical efficiency of small-scale maize producers: a case study in Tsolo magisterial district in O.R Tambo district in the Eastern Cape of South Africa
- Authors: Avuletey, Richard
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Corn -- Fertilizers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11210 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016191 , Corn -- Fertilizers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Maize is the most important cereal crop grown in South Africa. This crop is produced throughout the country under diverse conditions and in diverse environments. The study only focuses on technical efficiency because it is an important subject in developing agriculture where resources are limited, but high population growth is very common. In such a setting, increased output will depend more on efficiency improvements and assessing the scope for such efficiency improvements within the system is a crucial need. The objective of the study was to determine the level of technical efficiency and to identify the socio-economic and institutional characteristics as well as the entrepreneurial spirit that influence the technical efficiency of small-scale maize producers in the Tsolo magisterial district. Purposive and Snowball sampling techniques were used to collect primary data from 120 small-scale farmers. The stochastic frontier model was used to determine the level of technical efficiency. The Multivariate OLS was used to analyze the socio-economic factors and institutional characteristics that have influenced the technical efficiency of maize production. A similar linear regression model was used to estimate the influence of positive psychological capital and entrepreneurial spirit on the technical efficiency of maize production. The stochastic results revealed that small-scale farmers in Tsolo are technically efficient at 98 percent in maize production and experience increasing return to scale (1.37), which means that increase in the use of inputs, will as well increase their productivity and efficiency. The inefficiency model results indicated that age, years in farming, household size and extension contact significant and 3 variables, namely, as years in farming, extension contact and farm size are significant in the OLS model. Lastly the results of the linear regression indicated that, out of the 4 variables estimated in the entrepreneurial spirit, self-efficacy and resilience were significant with respect to its responsiveness to total maize output.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Political education as a determinant of university students’ political participation in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Badaru, Kazeem Ajasa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Citizenship -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Democracy and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15793 , vital:40524
- Description: Globally, there is a downward trend in youths’ political interest and participation in the learning of political education in their school curricula as a measure to combat the apparent dangers posed by the declining young citizens’ participation in the political processes.This study therefore investigated political education as a determinant of university students’ political participation in the Province of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study employed a mixed methods design. Using the probability sampling technique, a sample of 375 participants was randomly selected from one university in the Eastern Cape Province while semi-structured interviews were conducted among five (5) purposively selected members of the same university’s Student Representative Council (SRC) executive committee. Simple descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages were used to summarize all categories of variables; while Pearson correlation statistics, Chi-square and Ordinary least square regression were used to examine the relationship between dependent and independent variables at a 95percent confidence interval. Alpha values less than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Thematic content analysis was performed on the qualitative data. The quantitative analysis revealed that students’ level of political awareness was high; 98.1percent of them were aware of their rights to vote and be voted for. Students’ political judgment was positively correlated with participation in campus (r =0.182) and national politics (r = 0.030) respectively. Most of the students agreed to take part in the 2018 SRC (78.8percent) and 2019 national elections (77.9percent) respectively. Political interest was significantly correlated with participation in campus (r = 0.375) and national politics (r =0. 404). The findings from the multivariate analysis showed that political interest (<0.001), parents’ political involvement (<0.001) and year of study (<0.001) were the significant determinants of students’ participation in politics. The qualitative findings also showed that there was a positive relationship between political education and students’ participation in politics. Since political interest and family are element and agent of political education respectively, it is concluded that political education is to a large extent a determinant of university students’ political participation. It is recommended that the universities, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and other stakeholders should do a thorough review of the university education curricula and programmes to ensure that political education is adequately accommodated and taken care of in a way that would increase students’ interest, awareness and participation in politics. When this is amply done, students’ cognitive skills and capacities would be enhanced to increase their participation in the political processes in South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2019