An exploration of Black women’s motivations for pursuing sociology at Rhodes University
- Authors: Vezi, Indiphile Siyanda
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425220 , vital:72220
- Description: Enbargoed. Expected release date 2025. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Evaluating the potential effects of microplastics at environmentally realistic concentrations in South African freshwater systems
- Authors: Mtintsilana, Zintle
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424160 , vital:72129
- Description: Microplastic pollution is spatially broad, microplastics can be found in various habitats including freshwater systems. Microplastic exposure to aquatic organisms has been associated with several physical impacts on aquatic organisms from multiple trophic levels such as; increased immune response, a decrease in food intake, excessive loss of weight, reduced growth rate, reduced energy and adverse effects on successive generations. However, these significant effects of microplastics exposure have been observed mostly in studies that use concentrations of microplastics that exceed environmental concentrations. Therefore, there is an overall lack of research on the effects of microplastics on freshwater organisms using environmentally realistic concentrations, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. A series of toxicity tests were used to expose a range of taxa including Tilapia sparrmanii, Caridina nilotica, and Melanoides tuberculata to different environmentally realistic concentrations of microplastics of different polymers. The study results show that the environmentally realistic concentrations had no statistically significant effects on most of the chosen test organisms and selected study endpoints, except for T. sparrmanii microplastic particle egestion and growth in polyethylene exposures which produced significant results. Although this study showed that at environmentally realistic concentrations and 21 days of exposure, minute effects on the test taxa were detected, various studies have proven that with longer exposure to microplastics, significant effects on freshwater organisms can be detected. Additionally, studies using concentrations higher than the current environmental concentrations have recorded significant effects on organisms and therefore, with increasing concentrations in the environment, more significant effects may be observed. Therefore, plastic pollution in the environment should be reduced as microplastics are in continuous production and circulation, and microplastic concentrations in freshwater environments are predicted to increase. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Water Research, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Every gig counts: understanding the livelihood strategies of Zimbabwean platform food delivery workers in Makhanda, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mwansa, Kombe
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425193 , vital:72218
- Description: Zimbabweans are often faced with several obstacles upon their arrival in South Africa. This thesis seeks to understand the lives and livelihoods of Zimbabwean gig economy workers in Makhanda using the case of Platform food delivery workers. Drawing from Chambers and Conway (1991) Sustainable Livelihoods Approach and existing literature the study explores the livelihoods of ten Zimbabwean gig workers in Makhanda using non-random purposeful sampling. Using qualitative methodology, the study examines their demographic backgrounds; pathways to employment in the gig economy; the economic and social livelihood strategies at their disposal, the daily challenges they face; and the livelihood outcomes they acquire as a result of their livelihood strategies. A case study involves an in-depth examination of a single individual, group, organization, or event. It is particularly useful for understanding complex phenomena in their real-world context. The study took on a case study approach which involved an in-depth examination of Zimbabwean Platform food delivery workers in Makhanda. The study found that there are complex connections between the gig economy and migrants' livelihoods. From one perspective in the context of South Africa’s constricted labour markets, gig work offers migrant workers quick pathways to employment and self-sufficiency. From another perspective gig work is precarious and technology companies misclassify gig workers as independent contractors, which leaves gig workers in vulnerable positions. Further findings show that migrant gig workers often combine gig work with other livelihood strategies in pursuit of secure and sustainable livelihoods. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Exploring ESL teachers’ self-developed pedagogical practices for teaching reading comprehension in Namibian primary schools
- Authors: Alumbungu, Marta Ndakalako
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419714 , vital:71669
- Description: Embargoed. Possible release date 2026 pending publication. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Fabrication of nanocatalysts as nanozymes-based biosensors for the detection of glucose and ascorbic acid
- Authors: Chavalala, Ridge Nhlamulo
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424501 , vital:72159
- Description: Embargoed. Expected release in 2025. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Investigating pedagogical practices of English First Additional Language educators in Grade 12 short stories: a case study
- Authors: Jabe, Sizwe
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424052 , vital:72119
- Description: The focus of this study was to investigate pedagogical practices of English First Additional Language educators in teaching Grade 12 short stories. An interpretive qualitative case study of three educators from three high schools in Chris Hani West district, in Eastern Cape were purposefully selected. Lesson observations, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis (lesson plans) with three English FAL educators were used to collect data. Shulman’s (1986) Pedagogical Content Knowledge was used as the theoretical framework and analytical tool for the study. Data revealed ineffective teaching strategies and on-the-surface subject matter knowledge that hampers the critical teaching of short stories. It also showed that educators have limited knowledge of learners’ learning difficulties and how to address them. The study recommends less teacher talk that was observed in many classes, to be replaced by extended discussions on the part of the learners. Educators should establish a variety of contemporary teaching strategies which put critical thinking and active learning before examination preparation. Lastly, educators, in their teaching of short stories, should consult various resources and attend content workshops to keep subject knowledge up to date. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Humanities, Study of Englishes of Africa, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
It’s an African proverb: conceptualizing narratives through the use of African subject matter
- Authors: Chithambo, N'lamwai Luntha
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425311 , vital:72228
- Description: The research by practice is made up of three points of interest that aim to incorporate storytelling into the work with reference to the comic book genre. These points of interest are: experiences of mental health issues from a young man’s perspective, a unique autobiographical experience unpacking the young man’s mental health struggle and African oral traditions. These three points of interest work towards the goal of using African subject matter to uncover and present a meaningful narrative of a young man dealing with mental health problems and his father figure’s ongoing sit-down conversation with him. This mini-thesis breaks down the different components of the research by practice and analyses each component while drawing from various theorists and artists. The mini-thesis also builds up to the idea of using original African subject matter (e.g. African oral traditions, specifically African objects, subjects, and locations) as a means of cultivating a locus of African identity in the comic book industry. The research by practice intersects with this mini-thesis in that it acts as an example of how I visualise African subject matter being used in the theorising and creation of comic books. , Thesis (MFA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Octa carboxy metal (II) phthalocyanine covalent films as pH sensitive electrochemical sensor for neurotransmitters
- Authors: Moyo, Iphithuli
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424525 , vital:72161
- Description: Octa acyl chloride metallophthalocyanines of cobalt (CoOAClPc) and iron (FeOAClPc) were synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. The metallophthalocyanines were fabricated as thin films onto phenylethylamine (PEA) pre-grafted Au electrode following a covalent amide reaction. The spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization confirmed the modification of the bare Au with PEA monolayer thin film (Au-PEA) and the covalent immobilization of MOAClPc to yield Au-PEA-MOAClPc (where M is Co and Fe). The acyl chloride functional groups were hydrolyzed forming pH sensitive thin films of terminal carboxylic acid (-COOH) functional groups (Au-PEA-MOCAPc). The Au-PEA-MOCAPc electrode exhibited pH selectivity and sensitivity properties towards the negatively charged [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- and positively charged [Ru(NH3)6]2+/3+ redox probes. The Au-PEA-MOCAPc electrodes were studied for their electrocatalytic and electroanalytical properties towards the detection of catecholamine neurotransmitters; dopamine (DA), epinephrine (EP) and norepinephrine (NOR). The electrodes were further investigated in the screening of ascorbic and uric acids by means of pH sensitive functional groups. The modification process exhibited good reproducibility. Excellent electrocatalytic and electroanalytical properties were observed. The limits of detection (LOD) determined using 3σ/m was found to be 64 nM, 0.22 μM and 0.17 μM for DA, EP and NOR respectively using Au-PEA-CoOCAPc. For Au-PEA-FeOCAPc, the LOD was found to 0.24 μM, 0.45 μM and 0.34 μM for DA, EP and NOR respectively. The Au-PEA-MOCAPc electrodes screened off the strong interferents, ascorbic and uric acid. The Au-PEA-FeOCAPc electrode was evaluated for its potential application in real sample analysis using new born calf serum, and it showed excellent percentage recoveries. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Remote sensing as a monitoring solution for water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) in the context of the biological control programme at Hartbeespoort Dam
- Authors: Kinsler, David Louis
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424599 , vital:72167
- Description: Water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes (C.Mart.) Solms (Pontederiaceae)) is a significant aquatic weed both globally and in South Africa. Despite notable success with biological control of other invasive macrophytes, the plant remains as a problematic weed in many aquatic systems in South Africa, particularly due to the eutrophic status of many of its water systems, as well as the plant’s tolerance to cooler climatic conditions than most of its existing biological control agents. Hartbeespoort Dam, located about 30 kilometres west of Pretoria, South Africa, has been infamously infested with water hyacinth for decades, which impacts the important socioeconomic utility of the dam and functioning of natural ecological processes in the system. The dam has a long history of efforts to control water hyacinth, which include widespread herbicidal spray, mechanical removal and classical biological control programmes since the early 1990s - mostly with limited or short-lived success. However, after the introduction of a new, cold-tolerant biological control agent, Megamelus scutellaris Berg (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) in 2018 with an inundative release strategy, the water hyacinth dropped significantly from a maximum cover of about 45 percent (819 hectares) down to less than two percent (40 hectares) over a three-month period (November 2019 – January 2020). This was significant, as it marked the first successful biological control of water hyacinth in a eutrophic, temperate system in South Africa. However, due to the scale of Hartbeespoort Dam (1820 hectares) and the high spatiotemporal variation of the floating mats across time and space, quantifying and monitoring these rapid changes has proved difficult. In response to this problem, this thesis proposed a remote sensing solution to address the need for accurate, timely and readily accessible monitoring data of the water hyacinth population on the dam. Leveraging the temporally frequent (< 5 days revisit time) Sentinel-2 multispectral satellite data, as well as the powerful cloud-computing resources of Google Earth Engine, this thesis developed and deployed a relatively simple and robust index-based decision tree classification method to demonstrate the value of these technologies as an effective monitoring and analysis tool for monitoring large macrophyte infestations. To this end, several challenges had to be overcome in order to produce easily accessible data that was accurate and reliable. For example, due to the size of the Sentinel-2 Level-1C image dataset from August 2015 to March 2021 (n = 654), an automated process of filtering out clouded images was required. Additionally, the co-presence of algal and cyanobacterial blooms necessitated the development of a novel index, coined the Algae Resistant Macrophyte Index (ARMI), to deal with the challenges of accurate macrophyte detection. The high spatiotemporal variability of the floating mats meant that a typical, location-based confusion matrix as a means of assessing the accuracy of the decision tree classifier required a different approach which compared the total classified areas with higher resolution images. This thesis aims to demonstrate the utility of remote sensing tools to provide effective monitoring information to managers, researchers and other stakeholders. There is scope to expand to more areas in South Africa and beyond and may prove an invaluable tool to augment and support on-going and future macrophyte monitoring programmes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geography, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Selected medicinal plants leaves identification: a computer vision approach
- Authors: Deyi, Avuya
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424552 , vital:72163
- Description: Identifying and classifying medicinal plants are valuable and essential skills during drug manufacturing because several active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) are sourced from medicinal plants. For many years, identifying and classifying medicinal plants have been exclusively done by experts in the domain, such as botanists, and herbarium curators. Recently, powerful computer vision technologies, using machine learning and deep convolutional neural networks, have been developed for classifying or identifying objects on images. A convolutional neural network is a deep learning architecture that outperforms previous advanced approaches in image classification and object detection based on its efficient features extraction on images. In this thesis, we investigate different convolutional neural networks and machine learning algorithms for identifying and classifying leaves of three species of the genus Brachylaena. The three species considered are Brachylaena discolor, Brachylaena ilicifolia and Brachylaena elliptica. All three species are used medicinally by people in South Africa to treat diseases like diabetes. From 1259 labelled images of those plants species (at least 400 for each species) split into training, evaluation and test sets, we trained and evaluated different deep convolutional neural networks and machine learning models. The VGG model achieved the best results with 98.26% accuracy from cross-validation. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Mathematics, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The adoption of international financial reporting standards and foreign direct investment inflows: the moderating effect of the institutional environment in Africa
- Authors: Simbi, Chipo
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419230 , vital:71627 , DOI 10.21504/10962/419230
- Description: Globalisation has created a need for an international accounting language to facilitate the smooth flow of trade across countries. In 2003, in an effort to establish a global financial reporting language, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) developed a single set of high-quality accounting principles known as the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Over the last decade, several African countries have adopted IFRS, and Africa has become the second-largest adopting continent after Europe. IFRS promotes improved quality of disclosure of accounting transactions, reduces information asymmetry between preparers and users of financial information, lowers the cost of investing, and breaks down information barriers to cross-border investment. Researchers suggest many benefits of IFRS adoption for macroeconomic indicators such as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The reduction in information acquisition and processing costs which translates into the reduction in investment costs, has been cited by most researchers. Researchers have argued, however, that the economic benefits of IFRS in Africa depend on the strength of the institutional environment. They also argue that the Western environment in which the IFRS was developed differs from the African environment. Thus, the universal approach of the IASB may not be appropriate due to the historical, social, economic and political context of African countries. The impact of the adoption of IFRS by African countries requires further examination, particularly as a weak institutional environment confronts many African countries. Three research questions are designed for this study; (1) Is there a significant change in FDI inflows for IFRS adopters in selected African countries after the adoption? (2) Is there a significant change in FDI inflows due to the institutional environment? (3) Does the institutional environment in IFRS-adopting countries moderate the effect of IFRS on FDI in selected African countries? The present study is underpinned by the new institutional theory, the information asymmetry theory, the eclectic theory and the signalling theory, each of which provide reasons why African countries have adopted IFRS. Nine hypotheses are developed, based on the research questions, and tested using the Systems General Method of Moments and the Difference-in-Difference method. The study uses data from 26 African countries, 15 adopting and 11 non-adopting countries, over the period 1996 - 2018. First, the study establishes that the adoption of IFRS positively and significantly affects FDI inflows into the selected sample of African countries. Second, the study concludes that legal enforcement, accounting and auditing standards enforcement, and language origin positively and significantly impact FDI inflows into these countries. Legal origin, however, has a positive but insignificant association with FDI inflows. Third, legal enforcement, historical ties, accounting and auditing enforcement and the quality of the institutional environment are found to moderate the effect of IFRS adoption on FDI inflows. These results indicate that IFRS is a crucial determinant of FDI inflows into African countries, but a supportive institutional environment is needed for African countries to attract FDI inflows after adoption. The results contribute to the accounting and finance literature on FDI into African countries, and may assist the investment community to assess the institutional risk associated with investing in IFRS adopting African countries. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Accounting, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The prevalence of alcohol use disorders among university students in developing countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Authors: Ndlovu, Philani
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425019 , vital:72202
- Description: High alcohol misuse is associated with many challenges, including (a) unsafe sex, problems with the criminal justice system, absenteeism, academic failure, death, injury, and alcohol related harm, both in the developing and developed world. Despite the above, no meta-analysis had been conducted in the literature to comprehensively study the prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) amongst university students in the developing world. This study reviewed literature related to AUDs among university students in developing countries. It described the concept of AUD and the harmful effects of excessive alcohol use, including biological, cognitive, psycho-social, and economic impacts on the individual and the family. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The Role of the courts in the interpretation and implementation of the Right to Basic Education in Section 29(1)(a) of the South African Constitution
- Authors: Ngubane, Kwanele Nhlanhla
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424141 , vital:72127
- Description: The right to education in section 29(1)(a) of the Constitution was meant to signal a break between an education system divided along racial lines, and a new democratic education system based on equity, equality, and opportunity for all learners. In reality, the South African education system still remains deeply divided along racial lines, with poor, mostly black learners, being under-resourced by the state, while their richer, mostly white, counterparts are being taught in schools that have access to all the resources necessary to realise the right to basic education. As a result, the right to education in section 29(1)(a) of the Constitution has been heavily debated, and between 2010 and 2022, the South African courts have often been called on to interpret the right. In the process, a rich jurisprudence has developed on the core content of the right to basic education, with findings by the courts that the right includes an entitlement to a number of educational resources. These include access to school infrastructure, learner-teacher support materials, desks and chairs, scholar transport, teaching and non-teaching staff, and nutrition. This study examines the way South African courts, between 2010 and 2022, have interpreted and implemented the right to basic education to give effect to section 29(1)(a) of the Constitution. While South African courts have historically shied away from interpreting socio-economic rights to contain a minimum core content and have rather opted for a reasonableness approach, the same is not entirely true for section 29(1)(a). As stated above, courts have been willing to find that the right entails a minimum basket of goods and services without which the right cannot be realised. By examining some of the most important education rights cases during this period, the study proposes that there are five factors that have guided the courts’ interpretation of the right and has assisted in the courts finding that the right contains a minimum core content. These factors are the historical context of the right to basic education; the textual formulation of the right to basic education in section 29(1)(a) of the Constitution; the interrelatedness of the right to basic education and other rights within the Bill of Rights; subsidiary education policies, legislation, and regulations, and lastly, the role of international law. This study seeks to consider the extent to which each of these factors have played a role in courts’ interpretation of section 29(1)(a). The study also considers the implementation of these judgments and the role that the courts have played in realising the right to education for learners on ground-level. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Law, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The use of creative-arts therapies in treating trauma-related mental health conditions in South Africa: perspectives from three practising creative-arts therapists
- Authors: Makube, Tshegofatso Bennia Basetsana
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425399 , vital:72235
- Description: Multiple factors contribute to the prevailing mental health conditions of South Africans. According to Kaminer and Eagle (2010, p.8), 75% of South Africans are trauma survivors, half of whom have experienced multiple traumas, some directly and some indirectly. However, many trauma survivors are not adequately treated due to the limited access and availability of mental health specialists in the country. Thus, mainstream medical treatments ought to be supplemented by alternative forms of therapy such as creative-arts therapy that cater to the wide demographic range of citizens in South Africa. This research aims to explore the efficacy of creative-arts therapies as a treatment for trauma-related mental health conditions in South Africa from the perspectives of three practising creative-arts therapists. The research is a qualitative study and uses Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to interpret the data. The research participants consisted of three accredited creative-art therapists practising in Music, Art, and Dance. The participants were interviewed using semi-structured, in-depth interviews which were conducted online. The interview data was transcribed and analysed using the IPA framework provided by Smith, Flowers and Larkin (2009). The results yielded three superordinate themes which were supported by eight subordinate themes. The results suggest that creative-arts therapies are underutilized in South Africa due to a lack of public awareness and general (mis)perceptions about mental health conditions. Furthermore, access to these therapies in formal settings is limited as they are not offered as treatment options in public health facilities, which negatively impacts the viability of creative-arts therapies practice in the country. Creative-arts therapies offer several unique benefits to individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities as they do not require prior artistic knowledge or experience to participate in treatment. In addition, they are non-verbal which helps to bridge the language and cultural barriers that often arise as a result of South Africa’s diverse cultural population. Finally, creative-arts therapies are an effective method of treating mental health conditions incurred through trauma as they focus on accessing stored trauma in the body or unconscious mind through a natural and non-judgemental platform of creative expression. As a result, they address the physical, emotional, psychological, and cognitive effects of trauma while empowering the individual. In conclusion, this research suggests that creative-arts therapies are highly effective in the treatment of trauma-related mental health conditions, particularly in a country like South Africa which experiences high incidents of trauma. They should be better integrated into public health care facilities so that they are accessible to the general public. This will result in an increase in the use of creative-arts therapies as a treatment option for mental health conditions, particularly those related to trauma. It would also help to address the limited awareness and poor perceptions of the nature of mental health, mental illness, mental health care and mental health care services. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The use of creative-arts therapies in treating trauma-related mental health conditions in South Africa: perspectives from three practising creative-arts therapists
- Authors: Makube, Tshegofatso Bennia Basetsana
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425388 , vital:72236
- Description: Multiple factors contribute to the prevailing mental health conditions of South Africans. According to Kaminer and Eagle (2010, p.8), 75% of South Africans are trauma survivors, half of whom have experienced multiple traumas, some directly and some indirectly. However, many trauma survivors are not adequately treated due to the limited access and availability of mental health specialists in the country. Thus, mainstream medical treatments ought to be supplemented by alternative forms of therapy such as creative-arts therapy that cater to the wide demographic range of citizens in South Africa. This research aims to explore the efficacy of creative-arts therapies as a treatment for trauma-related mental health conditions in South Africa from the perspectives of three practising creative-arts therapists. The research is a qualitative study and uses Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to interpret the data. The research participants consisted of three accredited creative-art therapists practising in Music, Art, and Dance. The participants were interviewed using semi-structured, in-depth interviews which were conducted online. The interview data was transcribed and analysed using the IPA framework provided by Smith, Flowers and Larkin (2009). The results yielded three superordinate themes which were supported by eight subordinate themes. The results suggest that creative-arts therapies are underutilized in South Africa due to a lack of public awareness and general (mis)perceptions about mental health conditions. Furthermore, access to these therapies in formal settings is limited as they are not offered as treatment options in public health facilities, which negatively impacts the viability of creative-arts therapies practice in the country. Creative-arts therapies offer several unique benefits to individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities as they do not require prior artistic knowledge or experience to participate in treatment. In addition, they are non-verbal which helps to bridge the language and cultural barriers that often arise as a result of South Africa’s diverse cultural population. Finally, creative-arts therapies are an effective method of treating mental health conditions incurred through trauma as they focus on accessing stored trauma in the body or unconscious mind through a natural and non-judgemental platform of creative expression. As a result, they address the physical, emotional, psychological, and cognitive effects of trauma while empowering the individual. In conclusion, this research suggests that creative-arts therapies are highly effective in the treatment of trauma-related mental health conditions, particularly in a country like South Africa which experiences high incidents of trauma. They should be better integrated into public health care facilities so that they are accessible to the general public. This will result in an increase in the use of creative-arts therapies as a treatment option for mental health conditions, particularly those related to trauma. It would also help to address the limited awareness and poor perceptions of the nature of mental health, mental illness, mental health care and mental health care services. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Internal barriers facing small business owners adopting financial management practices in Makana Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Tendayi, Elizabeth
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419484 , vital:71648
- Description: Although small businesses are important in South Africa, they have a high failure rate. About 63 percent of small businesses in South Africa fail in the first 18 months of their inception (Van Staden, 2022; Zhou, 2021; Bruwer, 2020: 148). One of the reasons for the failure of small businesses is the improper and ineffective adoption of proper financial management practices (Zada, Yukun and Zada, 2021: 1074). However, the success of small businesses is highly dependent on the adoption of proper financial management practices (Kapitsinis, 2019; Jindrichovska, 2013; Abuzayed, 2012; Kaya and Alpkan, 2012; Banos-Caballero, Garcia-Teruel and Martinez-Solano, 2010). In the Eastern Cape, most small businesses do not adopt proper financial management practices (Raj, 2012; Van Eeden, Viviers and Venter, 2003:1). Therefore, the study aimed to analyse internal barriers facing small business owners adopting proper financial management practices in Makana Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Eastern Cape. Proper financial management practices are evident where there is transparency, efficiency and accuracy in the achievement of the financial objectives of a business (Cheluget and Morogo, 2017: 215). Financial management practices include cash management practices, accounts receivables management practices, accounts payables management practices, inventory management practices, working capital management practices, investment management or capital budgeting practices, financing or capital structure practices, accounting information systems, financial reporting and analysis practices. The study adopted a qualitative research design and a case study methodology. A non-probability judgment sampling method was used to select a sample of twelve small business owners in Makanda, Makana Municipality. Makanda was a relevant study area because it has a high unemployment rate and poverty, and small businesses may be used as one of the driving forces in the reduction of poverty and unemployment in Makana Municipality (Eastern Cape Socio Economic Consultative Council, 2017: 1; Zemenu and Mohammed, 2014: 2; Alebiosu, 2005: 5). Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Content analysis was used to describe and interpret qualitative data using coding and themes. The findings of the study showed that most small business owners or managers in Makana Municipality adopted cash management practices, working capital management practices, inventory management practices, capital structure (equity capital) practices and financial reporting and analysis. However, it was also found that small business owners or managers in Makana Municipality did not adopt accounts receivables management practices, accounts payables management practices, capital structure (debt capital) practices, accounting information systems and capital budgeting (investment) management practices. These barriers included difficulty in debt collection, cost of debt collection, nature of product or industry, challenges with suppliers or creditors, Covid-19, debt avoidance, improvement of cash flow, negative attitude towards computer systems, waste of resources and difficulty use of computer systems. It is recommended that small businesses may overcome these barriers by implementing proper debt collection procedures, honouring credit payments terms with suppliers or creditors, consulting external accountants on how to balance the use of both debt and equity capital, hiring qualified personnel to acquire training and bring awareness to the use of computer systems. In addition, the government should provide financial education programmes that specifically deal with long-term investments, and small businesses are encouraged to apply for Covid-19 rescue packages or grants through role plates such as Debt Relief Finance Scheme and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA). It was concluded that each small business adopts financial management practices differently due to the nature of the business or industry. Also, the adoption of financial management practices is dependent on the exposure of the different barriers within each business. Hence, this study confirms that the contingency theory may be used to explain that the adoption of financial management practices is dependent upon the nature of the business or industry and the different barriers that small businesses face. Theoretically, this study contributed to the existing literature by analysing the barriers faced by small business owners adopting financial management practices in the Eastern Cape. Practically, this study highlighted the internal barriers that small business owners need to overcome to the adoption of financial management practices. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
Investigating the use of nudging to dissuade online banking fraud
- Authors: Mutyavariri, Takudzwa Stanley
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419462 , vital:71646
- Description: Online banking is a service offered by most modern banks to provide their clients with a convenient means to access their bank accounts remotely. However, such convenience comes at a cost and has the potential to expose clients to online banking fraud. To mitigate such forms of fraud, banks make extensive use of traditional cybersecurity measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, as well as personal identification numbers (PINs) and passwords. However, despite the use of such traditional cybersecurity measures, online banking fraud still occurs. In particular, traditional cybersecurity measures have difficulties detecting the unauthorised use of a customer’s online banking credentials. For this reason, this study’s main objective was to investigate the effectiveness of nudges when used to dissuade the unauthorised use of clients’ online banking credentials. The study also had two secondary objectives: firstly, to identify where the deployment of nudges would be most effective; and secondly, to identify the rationalisations an individual may use to justify committing online banking fraud. Although previous research has sought to understand the use of nudges in various online contexts, none have done so within the context of online banking. Using a recontextualised version of the COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation – behaviour) model of behaviour change, nudges were deployed in three versions of a fictitious online banking website. Following this, 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with online banking users from the United States of America to understand how a third party may behave and rationalise their choices when they have unauthorised access to a customer’s online banking credentials. The transcripts of these interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the most dissuasive nudges focused on encouraging individuals to empathise with the account holder. Nudges that increased the perception of an online banking website’s security were also particularly dissuasive. The findings also indicated that the most effective place to deploy these nudges was after a user had logged in. Several rationalisations that enabled individuals to commit online baking fraud were found. The three most common were crime of opportunity, down on their luck, and sunk cost fallacy and curiosity. Together, the findings provide evidence to suggest that, if used effectively, nudges could prove useful as a means of dissuading online banking fraud, and even more so when combined with traditional cybersecurity measures. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Information Systems, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
The influence of immuno-contraception on the ecology of African savanna elephants (Loxodonta africana) in a small game reserve in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Fowler, Natalie
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422269 , vital:71926
- Description: African savanna elephants (Loxodonta africana) can alter the vegetation structure on a landscape which has both positive and negative consequences for biodiversity. This ecological role can be dependent on the density of elephants in a given area and how the area is transformed. Elephants are currently listed as an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) global red list. Despite this endangered status, strong conservation efforts in southern Africa have increased elephant numbers in protected areas. In South Africa, many of these protected areas are small (<1000 km2) and fenced. Thus, without the freedom to roam over large areas, elephant impacts on vegetation and other ecosystem processes may be exacerbated. Increased growth rates and higher population densities, have prompted wildlife managers to explore several population-level management techniques to slow elephant growth rates in small, protected areas. One such technique is the use of immuno-contraception. My study focused on three datasets (Pre, During and Post porcine zona pellucida (PZP) treatments) of one elephant population over an 18-year period in a small game reserve in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The first aim of my study was to compare the female demography and reproductive parameters of treated (with PZP) and non-treated females (no PZP). I predicted that the population growth would decrease as more elephant cows were contracepted as well as them having longer inter-calving intervals than non-treated cows. Further, I predicted that there would be a skewed sex ratio of male calves born to treated cows. Lastly, I predicted that fertility rates would be lower in treated cows than in non-treated cows. I calculated the annual population growth rates, inter-calving intervals, sex ratios, age at first calving, fecundity rates and fertility rates of all breeding cows. Population growth rates were similar to other managed populations although, compared to a relatively untouched elephant population, annual growth rates in my study site were high. The inter-calving intervals and age at first birth were low compared to other African protected areas which were most likely influenced by the use of PZP, rainfall and a lack of density dependence. Treated cows did not have longer inter-calving intervals compared to non-treated cows nor was there a male biased sex ratio of the offspring of treated cows. The second aim was to assess the spatial ecology of this elephant population and how it may be influenced by immuno-contraception. I predicted that the use of PZP would increase the elephant herd’s core range as there were fewer reproducing cows. I also predicted that PZP would alter the elephant’s habitat use making them less selective in terms of the vegetation types they selected. I compared the home ranges of the elephant population among the three treatments (Pre PZP, During PZP and Post PZP treatment). Home ranges were larger when elephants were treated with PZP compared to the Pre and Post treatments. The herd utilized most of the reserve during the use of PZP whereas prior to contraception, their space use was mostly concentrated on the eastern side of the reserve. Additionally, the vegetation utilization was inconsistent across the differing timeframes, specifically between pre PZP and during PZP. Prior to the use of PZP, the elephant herd utilized the old lands and riverine thicket the most whereas during the use of PZP, the grasslands and karroid habitats were used the most. The most likely influence of the changes in home ranges and vegetation utilization were rainfall, the use of PZP and resource availability. My results suggest that the use of PZP is essential for controlling elephant population numbers. However, there may be some long-term effects (e.g., behavioural changes) of the use of PZP in elephant populations in small game reserves. Thus, I recommend continued monitoring of all aspects of elephant ecology on reserves where PZP is used as a contraceptive technique. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-03-29