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The substantive fairness of dismissal for operational requirements in the context of collective bargaining

  • Authors: Mtshemla, Ntokozo
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Collective bargaining
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51195 , vital:43222
  • Description: An employer may wish to change terms and conditions of employment in order to respond to the operational needs of a business. The definition of operational requirements is not limited to initiatives aimed at ensuring the survival of a business but include measures intended to improve its performance. Changes to terms and conditions of employment ordinarily locate themselves within the realm of interest disputes which are mainly resolved through the process of collective bargaining coupled with power play. This means that an employer may not dismiss employees within the context of collective bargaining as a way of compelling compliance with a demand in relation to matters of mutual interest. Section187(1)(c) of the LRA renders any dismissal automatically unfair if the reason for the dismissal is a refusal by employees to accept a demand in respect of any matter of mutual interest. The question that arises relates to the interpretation of this section and the impact thereof on the right of the employer to retrench as envisaged in section 188(1)(a)(ii) of the LRA. This reveals the intersection between collective bargaining and dismissals for operational requirements. In other words, changes to terms and conditions of employment equally influence the performance of the business thereby also fall within the definition of operational requirements. The question therefore is when do employers’ economic needs justify a dismissal of employees who rejects changes to terms and conditions of employment? Secondly, whether or not the relevant provisions, and the whole scheme of the LRA, require retrenchments to be the measure of last resort? These issues shall be explored in this treatise with reference to the relevant provisions of the LRA and relevant case law. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

The use of psychology in roman catholic seminary admissions in Southern Africa

  • Authors: Mitchell, Gregory Paul
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Catholic Church -- Africa, Southern -- Psychological aspects -- Congresses
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51344 , vital:43266
  • Description: Psychological assessment forms part of Roman Catholic seminary admissions in Southern Africa. The present study sought to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of the role, purpose, and nature of the use of psychology in Roman Catholic seminary admissions in the territory of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference. A qualitative research design was selected, which utilised the grounded theory method. Church authorities and clinicians, recruited by means of purposive snowball sampling, were interviewed in individual semi-structured interviews. The findings were interpreted in relation to the narrative of a vocation to the Roman Catholic priesthood, international practice guidelines, as well as literature regarding the context of the Southern African Roman Catholic Church. Proposed guidelines for this process in Southern Africa were generated based on the experiences of the participants and this iterative process of thematic analysis. Potential guidelines, grounded in the research data, emerged in the following focus areas: the vocation to the priesthood, contextual and systemic factors, the clinician, the assessment process, factors to be assessed, the psychological report, the decision to admit to seminary, feedback, and psychology in formation. These are recommended to the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference in draft form to be implemented in a participatory manner. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

The utilisation of performance management system for effective provision of services: a case study of the Greater Taung Local Municipality

  • Authors: Edward, Keikanetswe Angelina
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Personnel management -- South Africa -- North-West
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52508 , vital:43682
  • Description: Many rural municipalities are facing challenges in service delivery, and the Greater Taung Local Municipality(GTLM) is no exception. The performance management system plays a pivotal role in the improvement of service delivery and for this to be realised, there are elements that contribute negatively to the system which are a threat and if not managed properly, the aims and objectives of the development would not be possible. The main challenges in the way of implementation of a performance management system, according to the findings, are that the service delivery department of the municipality does not fully comply with the system, non-implementation of the system and/or inadequate skills and knowledge of employees. The aim of the study is to evaluate the utilisation of performance management in the provision of effective service delivery in the Greater Taung Local Municipality. The literature review of performance management has guided the researcher and enables her understanding of performance management system implementation. The main objectives of the research study are therefore to:  To determine the purpose of performance management;  To determine ways in which performance management improve an employees’ skills and performance;  To assess the application of performance management policy at the Greater Taung Local Municipality; and  To determine how performance management by the Greater Taung Local Municipality assists in service delivery. A qualitative research method was used to collect data in a form of questionnaires and a literature review, which includes e.g. legislation, policies, journals, books, newspaper articles etc. This method guided the researcher to control the data received by communicating the meaning of what had been learnt during the process of data analysis. The main recommendations of this research study are that more needs to be done in defining the performance management system to employees so that there can be a proper understanding and that a senior official’s perception of the system needs to change. Training would provide the necessary skills for employees to carry out their tasks, thereby meeting the developmental goals of the municipality. In conclusion, the implementation of the research recommendations in this study would improve the utilisation of performance management system and provide effective service delivery in the Greater Taung Local Municipality. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

The value of incubation to SMME in the financial services industry : the case of the infinitum initiative

  • Authors: Mboniswa, Unathi Sindisiwe
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53027 , vital:44862
  • Description: Small, micro and medium businesses are regarded as the engine for achieving economic growth and reducing unemployment through unlocking the potential of young entrepreneurs. However, 80% of such young entrepreneurs operating SMMEs fail in their first years of existence. To respond to this challenge, Business Incubators (BI’s) have been established to nurture SMMEs to succeed. Numerous BI’s, such as Godisa, have been established in South Africa with many supported by the Department of Trade and Industry. However, there are still many potential entrepreneurs in need of such help. In this regard, Old Mutual initiated a programme similar to Godisa, called the Infinitum Incubation Programme (IIP). The IIP seeks to groom young, willing and educated entrepreneurs from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, with business skills to help them establish sustainable businesses. Their focus is on Financial Advisors and the programme has been running for two years offering all the support needed by young businesses. Against this background, this study endeavoured to assess whether the initiative has had the intended impact on the Incubatees. Using a qualitative and Interpretivism research approach and a sample of six incubatees, this study addressed its objectives. Questionnaires were sent out to all incubators and incubatees involved in the IIP and a response rate 60% was achieved. These responses were analysed through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results show that the IIP has been successful in identifying suitable incubatees and stakeholders. It also found that the IIP has been successful in equipping incubatees with theoretical business management skills. However, in terms of skills transfer, the programme was not successful. Both incubatees and stakeholders rated the programme poorly. Further, both stakeholders and incubatees perceive the programme to be a very good idea and see potential for success; however, they feel that would be achieved only after significant improvement. The study recommends that the programme improve on the following: gender balance, management and coordination of the programme, improved skills transfer, balance between practice, theory, and providing post-programme mentorship. The study ends by describing limitations and areas for further research. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, NMU Business School, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Thiazole derivatives as potential hiv-1 protease inhibitors

  • Authors: Hlongwe, Zola
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Enzyme kinetics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52116 , vital:43427
  • Description: Series of compounds were screened using Schrodinger suite (Maestro). The DFT calculations were used for geometry optimization of the ligands using the B3YLYP functional and 6-31G basis set, and these structures were used for docking studies. Maestro was used to predict the activity of thiazole derivatives against HIV-1 protease. The range of estimated inhibition constants for these thiazole derivatives (65 nM-5 μM) indicate moderate to weak activity against HIV-1 protease, given that the activity of current protease inhibitors is typically found have experimental inhibition constants around 0.1-2.0 nM. Twenty compounds were selected based on the docking results and they were synthesized and characterized by NMR, FT-IR and elemental analysis. The cytotoxicity studies were done at two different concentrations (100 μM and 10 μM), using the brine shrimp bioassay. All compounds were highly toxic at 100 μM, with the percentage mortality between 20 to 75%. Eight compounds were selected for the enzyme bioassay based on the results obtained from lower concentration (10 μM). In the enzyme inhibition studies, the profile of HIV-1 activity was done at different inhibitor concentrations (800 μM – 10 μM) by measuring the cleavage of the synthetic substrate (Abz-Thr-lle-PNO2Phe=Gln-Arg-NH2) at excitation wavelength of 345/490 nm using fluorescence. Ligands 5 (unsubstituted derivative), 7 (4-nitro derivative) and 16 (4-methoxy derivative) gave percentage inhibition of 39, 45 and 42%, and this activity was very low compared to the activity of the positive control ritonavir (85% enzyme inhibition). Ligands 8 (4-methoxy derivative) and 12 (4-methoxy derivative) gave enzyme inhibition of 70% and 75%. These results suggest that the presence of the methoxy substituents ii increases activity of these compounds against HIV-1 protease. Most of the compounds gave good IC50 values between 12.5-42.7 nM. The bromo-substituted ligand 7 gave the lowest IC50 (12.5 nM). Ligand 11 also gave a good IC50 value of 14.86 nM. The bromo-substituted derivatives showed to be very active compared to other types of thiazole derivatives. Enzyme kinetics were carried out to compare the inhibition constants obtained via computational modelling. Ligand 7 (4-methoxy derivatives) binds better in the active site of HIV-1 protease than other compounds in Class B, with Ki = 50 nM, Km = 23.8 Nm and Vmax = 83.3 nM/min. The unsubstituted (L5), 4-bromo (L7) and 4-nitro (L8) substituted compounds gave inhibition constants of 100 to 112 nM. The in vitro testing yielded higher activity than that determined in silico. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Ukuba Ngabantu Abapheleleyo: Black Queer Space Making and the unfinished business of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa

  • Authors: Lupindo, Esihle
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: To be added
  • Language: English
  • Type: thesis , text , Masters , MSocSci
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/178479 , vital:42943
  • Description: Access restricted until April 2023. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Ultraprecision Diamond Turning of Monocrystalline Germanium

  • Authors: Adeleke, Adeniyi Kehinde
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Precision , Diamond Turning
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44453 , vital:37835
  • Description: Infrared lens production demands a surface with a high degree of accuracy and integrity. Surface roughness is a critical index of the measure of any product’s surface integrity. As a result of this, ultra-high machining technology has enjoyed extensive application, due to the continuous request for components within the range of 1 – 10nm roughness value. This technology has brought about the increased productivity and manufacture of quality products with a top-notch surface finish. Brittle materials such as germanium are hard to machine through the conventional processes such as lapping and polishing. Hence, the ultra-precision machining technology based on single point diamond turning (SPDT), is now been applied to machine germanium in the ductile mode, where material chip removal occurs by plastic deformation instead of a brittle fracture. During machining, selecting the optimal cutting conditions which includes cutting parameters and tool geometry, will not only improve productivity but ensure the minimisation of operating cost. In this research work, SPDT operation was used to conduct two experiments on a (monocrystalline germanium) workpiece. The first experiment was carried out using a diamond tool with a 1.5 mm nose radius, while the second experiment employed the use of a tool having a nose radius of 1.0 mm. A combination of machining parameters for each of the experimental runs were derived from a Box-Behnken method of design and the surface roughness was measured at each interval for both experiments with the aid of a Taylor Hopson PGI Dimension XL profilometer. Acoustic emission (AE) was also used as a quality sensing and tool-monitoring technique, to acquire signals and give indications of the expected surface roughness. Predictive models based on response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANN), were developed for determining surface roughness. Optimisation was performed using RSM to determine the optimal set of machining factors, which results in optimal condition of the output response. Further investigations on the acquired signals were carried out using signal-processing techniques. Time-domain and time-frequency domain features acquired from the AE signals, together with the process parameters, were employed as input variables in the neural network design, having shown a good association with the surface roughness. ix Conclusively, it can be observed that the predictive model results and the experimental roughness measurements are in good agreement with each other. For accuracy and cost of computation, the RSM and ANN developed models for single-crystal germanium are compared using mean absolute error (MAE). , Thesis (M.Eng) -- Faculty of Engineering, the built environment & Information Technology, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Umemulo and Zulu girlhood: From preservation to variations of ukuhlonipha nokufihla (respect and secrecy)

  • Authors: Mntambo, Londiwe Nompilo
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Virginity , Zulu (African people) -- Rites and ceremonies , Zulu (African people) -- Social life and customs , Virginity -- Social aspects , Women, Zulu -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Social conditions , Women -- Social and moral questions
  • Language: English , Zulu
  • Type: thesis , text , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/178352 , vital:42932
  • Description: This study examines evolving definitions of ukuziphatha kahle that historically relied on the preservation of virginity for Zulu girls, who participate in the umemulo ceremony that marks the transition from girlhood to womanhood. It examines notions of Zulu girlhood as understood through preservation - ukugcina isibaya sikaBaba - and through respectability and secrecy - ukuhlonipha nokufihla. The study analyses how conceptions of ukuziphatha kahle (good behavior) have evolved in the context of sexual rights in the performance of Zulu girlhood. It is located in the interdisciplinary literature of global girlhood studies, and African feminist lenses of womanhood and rites of passages. The study draws from 26 interviews with Zulu women who have gone through umemulo, elder women who facilitate virginity testing and umemulo; and female relatives of women who have gone through umemulo in Estcourt, Wembezi, Paapkalius Fountain, Ntabamhlophe and Cornfields in KwaZulu-Natal. This thesis contextualises umemulo and ukuziphatha kahle (good behaviour) in democratic South Africa. Umemulo is a ritual done for a Zulu girl whose behaviour is deemed to be good. While this is clear, what constitutes ukuziphatha kahle (good behaviour) is contested. On stricter terms, ukuziphatha kahle means to be intombi nto (a virgin). The interviews with women who went through umemulo show that most of them were not virgins at the time of the ritual. The elder and younger women expressed that ukuziphatha kahle for them goes beyond the girl’s virginity. Instead, they understand it as a girl who does not have a child, and who has shown respect and obedience to her parents and elders. Strikingly, the study shows an inter-generational collusion between the younger and elder women, who maintain the outward appearance of virginity of the girls who participate in umemulo. The study argues that there are variations of ukuhlonipha (respect), which in the rights context of democratic South Africa overlap into ukufihla (secrecy). Importantly, it is clear that the concept of being a good Zulu womanhood holds and remains important for Zulu girls and women. However, the ways in which Zulu women experience and perform this is complex. The findings show that while many Zulu girls want to be seen as performing accepted good Zulu womanhood, they do so in ways that allow them to enjoy their sexual rights and pleasure. This is not a tension. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Politial and International Studies, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Understanding the contribution of Land Use/Cover (LUC) classes on soil erosion and sedimentation using sediment fingerprinting technique and RUSLE in a GIS interface at sub-catchment level

  • Authors: Taeni, Thembalethu (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-7662-8652)
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Geographic information systems , Soil erosion , River sediments
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20920 , vital:46747
  • Description: Soil erosion by water is the major source of soil degradation in the world, and South Africa (SA) is not an exception particularly in the Free State (FS) Province. In South Africa, the Caledon River Catchment in the FS Province has been identified as one of the regions where soil erosion has been prevalent for decades. Evidence across many parts of the catchment show a widespread of soil erosion and the contaminant flux associated with sediment into river systems and reservoirs; including the Welbedatcht dam and Carthcart-drift dam in Ladybrand. It is of these issues that the current work aimed at enhancing the understanding of sediment sources and soil erosion dynamics at the Caledon River Basin. The objectives of the study were to locate sources of suspended sediments and to assess and quantify the contribution of Land Use Cover (LUC) classes to water erosion and sediment yield at a sub – catchment level of the Caledon River Basin. To achieve the objectives set out for this research, a study was conducted at a sub - catchment level of the Caledon River Basin in the FS Province, South Africa. The sediment–fingerprinting approach and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model were used in the study under Geographic Information System (GIS) settings. A qualitative and quantitative interpretation of the geochemical data were used to evaluate the potential for distinguishing catchment sediment sources. The application of multivariate sediment mixing models incorporating Monte Carlo simulations was undertaken to investigate recent variations in sediment sources. Lastly, to document the impact of LUC change on soil erosion; data from soil profile database, Landsat 8 OLI–TIRS and climate (i.e. rainfall) were used to assess and map the spatial and temporal pattern changes of soil erosion at a sub – catchment level as related to LUC changes. In this study, the sub–catchment was classified into 6 LUC classes. Thereafter soil erosion was quantified for three consecutive years namely; 2015, 2016 and 2018 using the soil erosion factors as GIS–layers. The investigation of sediment source types and spatial provenance in the catchment showed that the grassland areas have consistently been the main sediment source (83 percent) throughout the study period. Findings further showed that there was an increase in contributions from cultivation and abandoned cultivated fields. Sediment contribution from surface sources was dominant (54 percent) and thereafter, subsurface sediment input increased (62 percent). This trend is indicative of increased severity of gully erosion in the area and thus is consistent with other studies. To comprehend the influence of LUC class modification dynamics on soil erosion, water erosion in particular at the sub-catchment commencing from 2015 to 2018 (4 years), multi-temporal Landsat 8 information jointly with the RUSLE model were used. A post-classification, LUC class alteration comparison revealed that water bodies, shrubs and forested region and grassland declined by 0.27 percent, 15.60 percent, and 37.60 percent, respectively. On the other hand, regions under Bad lands, and bare-soil and built-up regions including agricultural region expanded by 2.22 percent, 5.78 percent, and 45.67 percent respectively, between 2015 to 2018 study period. The average yearly soil loss decreased at the sub-catchment and was 10.23,5.71 and 5.82 t ⋅ ha -1 ⋅ yr-1 for 2015, 2016 and 2018 respectively. Although soil loss lessened for the duration of the perceived period, a closer scrutiny revealed that there were nonetheless seeming signs of persistent escalation in soil loss risk. These signs were mostly shown in the elevated parts of the sub-catchment as shown by the red regions on the soil loss map. Additional examination of soil loss findings by LUC classes categories further indicated that most LUC classes categories, including Bare-soil and built-up area, agricultural-land, grassland, and region under shrubs and forests, showed increased soil loss levels during the 4 years’ study period at the sub-catchment. The information on the comparative vividness of diverse sediment sources given by the study must be observed as a noteworthy development towards an understanding of the sediment source dynamics in agricultural river based catchments; more so of the Caledon River Basin. Further research is recommended for other erosion prone catchments in South Africa to identify additional evidence of the spatial and temporal variations in soil erosion and sediment sources. The results of the study suggest that the procedure of assimilating the GIS and RS with the RUSLE model is not just precise, time-efficient and exact in recognizing soil erosion susceptible regions in geospatial and temporal standings. However, it is a cost-efficient substitute to standard field-founded approaches. , Thesis (MSc) (Soil Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Understanding the factors that influence employee engagement

  • Authors: Dengana, Xolla Olwethu
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Employee motivation , Employees -- Attitudes , Management -- Employee participation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51118 , vital:43210
  • Description: Employee engagement is essential in elevating the possibility of any business success. This study investigated and sought to understand the influence of certain factors on employee engagement in a Fast-Moving Consumer Goods firm in Gauteng, South Africa. Employees play a crucial role in assisting any firm to deliver a service or product of high quality to the end users or customers. The existing literature suggests a correlation between engaged employees and commitment and staff turnover which has a direct impact on company performance. This study investigated some of the key factors that influence employee engagement with a focus on the impact of departmental culture, two-way communication, leadership, recognition, and training development. For the purposes of this study, the moderating variable was employee’s attitude which ultimately may influence the level of engagement that employees have. To answer the research questions, a quantitative approach was selected for the purposes of this research. This is more especially as quantitative research is ideal to find statistical relationships between variables and outcomes Quantitative research will therefore be used to determine the relationships between the variables under study. A convenience sampling method was chosen for this study. Research instruments adopted for the study were extracted from several articles which adopted similar constructs. These research instruments were then contextualised for the purposes of understanding the factors that influence employee engagement within an FMCG environment. The researcher ensured that all research instruments adopted for the study, were validated, and have a Cronbach-alpha score of more than 0.7 which is an ideal unit of measure for research-instruments internal consistency. The data collected was subjected to correlation and regression analysis to satisfy the objective of the study. Based on the results, suitable suggestions were given to which factors to focus on more which could influence employee engagement the most. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Understanding the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on SMEs in South Africa

  • Authors: Ogunniyi, Vuyokazi
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53039 , vital:44883
  • Description: The current research dissertation is on the topic- Understanding the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on SMEs in South Africa. It aims to analyse the strategies of SMEs to make positive results from the Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa. The research mainly concentrates on the concepts and techniques of technology implementation, customer relationship and advanced technology in SME Enterprises of South Africa. These techniques are needed to validate the importance of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the enhancement of SMEs in South Africa. In this entire process of research, the researcher evaluates current condition of SMEs in South Africa and the issues that are faced by these enterprises. The changes that are needed by these enterprises and their impact on organisational structure is also discussed. In addition to this, the researcher has also undertaken secondary research on the existing literature in this current topic and related topics. Therefore, the researcher was able to gain a clear insight into the study area. As SMEs are facing problems related to marketing and marking their position in the global market, useful recommendations are given to eliminate these problems. The researcher found out that SMEs need to improve policies to implement technological innovations to secure a market position for SMEs. In order to carry out the research, the researcher applied interpretivism and a deductive approach. Along with this, the qualitative research/methodology was chosen for carrying out the investigation. Qualitative data and non-probability sampling helped in collecting data. Analysis of this data was done by explaining transcripts of the interviews with the sample of entrepreneurs of South African SMEs. The researcher used a total of ten entrepreneurs from different industries in the country. Most of these entrepreneurs interviewed are from previously disadvantaged backgrounds with university degrees. The researcher made an effort to select candidates from different cities across South Africa. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Understanding the South African international investment position and the valuation effects: subtitle if needed. If no subtitle follow instructions in manual

  • Authors: Hlati, Sisamnkelo
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Economics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51534 , vital:43298
  • Description: This study examines the relationship between the South African Net International Investment Positions and the valuation effects over a period of 47 years from 1970 to 2017. To investigate the long run relationship between NIIP and the determinants thereof, this current study made use of the bounds test technique and the results indicate that a long run relationship exist. In which case, the autoregressive distributed lag model to empirically investigate the impact of the current account balance, capital account balance and the valuation effects on the South African NIIP was conducted and this current study finds out that there is a long run positive relationship between the current account balance and the South African NIIP. However, the study noted that the impact of the current account balance is volatile and this could be due to the net investment income payments (in a form of interest and dividend) made to foreign investors, which constitute a proportionately large share of the South African current account deficit. The capital account balance exhibits a positive long run impact on the South African NIIP in line with theory. The valuation effects on the other hand indicate a relatively stable impact on the South African NIIP, while in the long run have a positive impact on NIIP. The positive impact of the valuation effects could be due to gains being relatively larger than losses in the long run. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Economics, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

University students’ perceptions of the influence of cannabis use on mental health

  • Authors: Ramodumo, Itumeleng Adolphina
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Mental health -- Education (Higher) , Marijuana -- Physiological effect , Cannabis -- Psychological aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51611 , vital:43322
  • Description: This study explored university students’ perceptions of cannabis use on mental health at a higher education institution (HEI). Cannabis is described as the most commonly used drug by youth, especially, those who are in tertiary institutions (Allen & Holder, 2014; Arria, Caldeira, Bugbee, Vincent & O’Grady, 2015). The use of cannabis has both negative and positive effects; this is evident in different areas of human functioning. Cannabis usage has been debated upon in courts, regarding its legalisation and decriminalisation, and on the 18th of September 2018, the South African High Court legalised cannabis for personal use. A qualitative study with an explorative- descriptive design was used to give a broader exploration of university students’ perceptions of the influence of cannabis on mental health. The study was conducted at an HEI in the Nelson Mandela Bay and purposive sampling was used to select 15 participants for the study. Data was collected using focused group interviews, following the granting of permission by the Nelson Mandela University Research Ethics Committee. The collected data was analysed and interpreted using thematic analysis. The research findings indicated both positive and negative influences of cannabis use on mental health. Most participants who expressed positive effects are pervious cannabis users, whereas, most participants with negative perspectives of cannabis use on mental health are non- cannabis users. The findings revealed that participants perceived that the quantity of cannabis smoked determined whether there was a positive or negative effect on mental health, that is, large doses of cannabis had negative effects. The research findings also revealed that the legalisation of cannabis is very likely to increase its use, and the precautionary measures users take to avoid the substance’s negative effects on mental health. The Cognitive Behavioural Theory was used as the lens to better understand how students perceive cannabis use and its influence on mental health. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Uphononongo nzulu lwendlela yokuphila nokusetyenziswa kwamasiko nenkcubeko kantu njengesixhobo sokulwa ingcinezelo ngokudandalaziswa ngu-A.C. Jordan kwinoveli yakhe ethi, Ingqumbo yeminyanya

  • Authors: Mbangwa, Cingiswa Norah
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Xhosa (African people) -- Politics and government , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs -- Biography
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52402 , vital:43636
  • Description: This project scrutinises and examines the important role played by A.C. Jordan in the struggle for liberation of the African people in South Africa. The main objective of this research is to unveil and expatiate the extent to which A.C. Jordan used the African custom and culture to fight the oppression of blacks by whites in his novel, Ingqumbo Yeminyanya. In this book he highlights the conflict between Western Culture and Education, and African customs and tradition. Whilst at the same time showing the superiority of the African culture over the Western values and tradition. This raises the ire of the white folks like Shepherd, the editor. It led to Shepherd's refusal to publish this novel, causing a two- year delay in the publication of this book. The book was supposed to have been published in 1938, but was published in 1940. Literary experts in all aspects of literature generally, have commented extensively on the book of A.C. Jordan, Ingqumbo Yeminyanya, analysing the book from its original isiXhosa version, to its English, Afrikaans and other translations. To a great extent, past and current research by literary experts puts special emphasis on Jordan as a well renowned writer of note and well acclaimed academic who has made tremendous contribution in the development of African literature. However, very few of these experts delve into Jordan's political activity and involvement in the fight against oppression and liberation of the Black's in South Africa and abroad. Mda (1991:1) concurs with this notion. His (Jordan’s) contribution in the literacy and educational fields have, I venture to say, been adequately portrayed. It is his political life that has not been fully addressed Mda says that literature does enough to portray Jordan in many aspects in which he excelled but not enough is done in the political aspect. Therefore, this research endeavours to contribute to the few already made about Jordan's political activism and the valuable contribution he has made in the fight for liberation of the African people. The methodology used in the study is descriptive, investigative, interpretative and analytic with the aim of illustrating the views of the author on the book in question. This makes it easy for the researcher to elucidate her objectives of the study on the theme of Jordan’s novel. Marxist theory as developed by Antonio Gramsci, and other theories related to it have been employed as the framework of this study. This theory has been chosen since it proved to be more relevant to the objectives of the study. The findings of the study reveal that A.C. Jordan has been very much vocal in addressing political issues of South Africa during his time, using both African custom and culture in his novel. The findings also indicate the vital role played by Jordan in the struggle for the freedom of South Africa. Recommendations are that Jordan deserves to be awarded like any other politician of his calibre, who displayed commitment and loyalty in the liberation struggle. In the hope that this piece of work might get to the relevant authorities who can take this view into consideration. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Upwelling over submarine canyons: an in-situ and modelling approach

  • Authors: Rautenbach, Gustav
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Oceanography -- Research -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52078 , vital:43442
  • Description: The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, located along the coastline of northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), hosts South Africa's only tropical coral reef system and is clustered with submarine canyons. These ecosystems support a flourishing diving and pelagic sportfishing industry in the area that contributes tens of millions of rand to the South African Gross Domestic Profit (GDP) annually as well as to provide income and job security for the majority of the local residents. Understanding the oceanographic dynamics, particularly upwelling events, will improve current knowledge of how the ecosystem works and may enhance conservation techniques. The upwelling events within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park results in the influx of cold and nutrient rich waters that supports biological productivity in the area. The complex oceanography, dominated by the Northern Agulhas Current and mesoscale eddies that stem from the Mozambique Channel and South East Madagascar Current (SEMC) is understudied and lacks understanding. This thesis aims to build upon the current knowledge of the upwelling events over the submarine canyons and the concurrent influence on the Mixed Layer Depth (MLD). At the submarine canyons, six anomalous cooling events were identified from surface and subsurface measurements extracted from the Operational Sea Surface Temperature and Ice Analysis (OSTIA) Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and from data collected using Underwater Temperature Recorders (UTRs) over a 12-month period. Depth-integrated lagged correlations showed a 2-to-7-hour lag period from the deep to shallow stations, suggesting that the anomalous cooling events are in fact upwelling events. Wind measurements from the Mbazwana Weather Station and snapshots of sea-level anomalies illustrated that the weaker and shorter upwelling events are driven either by alongshore wind stress or a cyclonic eddy event solely; whereas the stronger event was driven by the combination of both forcing mechanisms. An idealized canyon ocean model is used to interrogate the two forcing mechanisms more fully and showed that the most intense upwelling events are driven by the combined effect of upwelling-favourable alongshore wind stress and a cyclonic eddy which results in strong upward vertical velocity anomalies and the greatest shallowing (6.88 m) of the MLD. With the contribution of the in-situ measurements as a baseline study it is apparent that the idealised model does provide an improved understanding of the upwelling events and forcing mechanism over the submarine canyons within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ocean Sciences, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Using narratives to understand consumer behaviour, nutrition knowledge perceptions and experiences amongst women at Thembeni Location

  • Authors: Ben, Sive https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4186-924X
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Women -- Nutrition
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20164 , vital:45381
  • Description: Orientation: Nutrition knowledge is an important aspect which shapes the lived experiences of women when they are making a purchase. South Africa, being a developing country, is faced with many challenges that have in turn subjected rural women to various challenges in approaching nutrition. These challenges include but are not limited to low economic status, low levels of education, and lack of developmental programmes that are structured to cater for rural women. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences and the perceptions of rural women concerning nutrition knowledge. Motivation for the study: This study was conducted with a motivation to understand how a sample of women in a rural area approach issues of nutrition. In understanding this, women can be empowered in asserting the approach to consumer behaviour. Research design: A phenomenological philosophy was adopted using a qualitative tradition in pursuit of the research objective. A judgemental sampling technique was utilised to sample 20 women and semi-structured interviews were undertaken and the gathered data on the experiences and perceptions of women was analysed by way of narrative analysis. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Using the indigenous technology of dyeing and weaving African baskets as a cultural tool to mediate learning of chemical and physical changes

  • Authors: Kakambi, William Mafelezo
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia , Chemistry -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia , Ethnoscience -- Namibia , Culturally relevant pedagogy , Traditional ecological knowledge -- Namibia , Basket making -- Namibia , Dyes and dyeing -- Namibia , Pedagogical content knowledge
  • Language: English
  • Type: thesis , text , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177268 , vital:42805
  • Description: Literature has revealed that indigenous learners, especially in many African nations are subjected to learning school science in unfamiliar contexts. Learners in Namibia where this study was conducted are no exception. In consequence, learners experience cognitive conflict between school science and the experiences learnt at home and in the community. This is exacerbated, in part, by the fact that science teachers do not seem to know how to integrate indigenous knowledge in their science teaching. As an attempt to address this problem, some scholars call for the integration of indigenous knowledge into the science curriculum to provide a much needed context for learning science. It is against this background that this study sought to use the indigenous technology of dyeing and weaving baskets as a cultural tool to mediate learning of chemical and physical changes. Underpinned by the interpretivist and Ubuntu paradigms, the study employed a qualitative case study research design. The study was conducted in the Zambezi region in Namibia. Four grade 8 Physical Science teachers, an expert community member, and a critical friend were involved as participants in this study. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews, workshop discussions, participatory observation, and journal reflections. Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory and Mavhunga and Rollnick’s topic specific pedagogical content knowledge were used as theoretical and analytical frameworks, respectively. A thematic approach to data analysis was employed to come up with sub-themes and themes. The findings of the study revealed that all the participating teachers in this study had never been exposed to ideas on how to integrate indigenous knowledge in their science teaching. As a result, they all embraced and valued the indigenous technology of dyeing and weaving as relevant and useful in the teaching and learning of chemical and physical changes. This study recommends that there is a need to empower science teachers on how to integrate indigenous knowledge in their science teaching in order to make science accessible and relevant to their learners’ lived worlds. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Variation in forage quality in subtropical thicket

  • Authors: Nyembe, Khulisile Jacqueline
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Biodiversity -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52088 , vital:43440
  • Description: Several studies have assumed that the plant communities of the Subtropical Thicket biome are nutritious throughout the year. This is based on the observation that they are evergreen, palatable and grow on fertile soils; however this assumption has not been tested. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess forage quality variation in the Subtropical Thicket. This was done at three levels; first we measured the plant quality of dominant plant species in the diets of Thicket herbivores. Secondly, we measured the realised diet quality of Thicket herbivores through the analysis of faecal samples. Lastly we assessed the body condition of Thicket herbivores. The study was conducted at the Colchester (plant quality and diet quality) and Addo Main Camp (body condition assessment) sections of Addo Elephant National Park. To measure the food quality of Thicket plants we analysed 10 plants that are dominant in the diets of Thicket herbivores. To measure diet quality we collected faecal samples from ten herbivores with body mass ranging from 25 kg to 6000 kg. Plant quality results showed that only 30% of the sampled plants met the high energy goat diet protein requirements and that all the sampled plants did not meet the high energy goat diet fibre requirements. This indicates that Thicket plants are not as highly nutritious as they were thought to be. The principle components analysis together with overlapping confidence intervals showed that there was no significant difference between the summer plant samples and the winter plant samples. The faecal quality results showed that there was significant seasonal difference and that faecal diet quality was a function of body size. The body condition results showed that all the sampled herbivores lost condition in the cold dry months. The evidence from faecal diet quality and body condition assessment is sufficient for us to reject the assumption that Thicket forage is consistently nutritious throughout the year. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Water conservation and water demand management in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality

  • Authors: Mlomzale, Kwanele
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Water conservation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Water demand management -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Water-supply -- Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: thesis , text , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177159 , vital:42795
  • Description: Water is one of the scarce and constrained natural resource globally, and a necessity to every living creature, organism and the natural environment – it is the existence of life. Water, as an irreplaceable natural resource, plays a vital role in every country's development and prosperity, integrating socio-economic needs of both the present and future generation. Therefore, sustainable strategies and approaches or concepts are significant in ensuring that such a unique resource is preserved and conserved sustainably. Municipal environment or local government sphere creates a pivotal role in governing the use of water, through the provision of legislation, regulations and establishment of water conservation and water demand management strategies and plans. However, it has been established that there is a lack of integrated water resource management approach and planning in municipalities, creating concerns with regards to controlling the overutilisation of water and protection of water sources in general. The aim and goals of the study are to review Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality's (BCMM) water conservation and water demand management (BCMM WC/WDM) development and implementation by, assessing the existing strategy related to water conservation and water demand management; constraints and opportunity identification; and provision of recommendations in improving the practices in the municipality. The study presents core theories and empirical studies relevant to the water conservation and water demand management, and also deals with theoretical framework found under the Natural Resource-Based View and its application to water conservation and water demand management concepts. A qualitative research design approach was used for the research, which is underpinned by a post-positivism paradigm. In terms of data collection, two methods were used in the study: (i) document study and secondary analysis; and (ii) semi-structured interviews with BCMM relevant officials. The study identified gaps and inconsistencies in the development and implementation of BCMM WC/WDM strategy, although the municipality has taken some step towards its implementation. However, the strives taken by BCMM in implementing water conservation and water demand management initiatives are acknowledged. The study provides recommendations related to the findings identified upon the data collection and fieldwork. The recommendation proposed by the study includes proper communicating the BCMM WC/WDM strategy to all relevant stakeholders, focus on reducing the non-revenue water, implementation of various project related to pressure management, encourage culture of using water efficiently through educational and community awareness campaigns, capacitation of BCMM including seeking financial support, continuous review of the strategy and exploring other water supply sources to relax the already constrained existing water sources. The limitations of the study compared to the broader scope of water conservation and water demand management aspects are highlighted and acknowledged. Thus, in the conclusion of this study, further future studies are suggested to explore other related aspects of water conservation and water demand management in BCMM. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Workplace forums and the enhancement of collective bargaining

  • Authors: Silo, Zama
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Collective bargaining--Law and legislation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51189 , vital:43229
  • Description: Historically, workers in South Africa, black and Africans in particular, fought against an oppressive regime and, in the absence of political rights, strikes were mostly violent. Labour legislation was based on racial categorisation and discrimination. There was parallel labour legislation for blacks, and a different one for whites. The legislation for blacks was called the Black Labour Relations Act 48 of 19531 , for whites it was called the Industrial Conciliation Act, it was later renamed the Labour Relations Act 28 of 19562 . Trade unions were racially divided, and black workers mostly were denied the right of joining trade unions. The unions that admitted blacks as members could not become parties to industrial councils. Before 1979, black workers in South Africa did not have access to the collective bargaining system. After that year, the guidelines proposed by the Wiehahn, Commission brought about certain changes. Attempts were made to establish independent labour organisations for black workers, but both the state and employers applied various strategies to undermine these organisations. One of these strategies was the Native Labour Settlement Disputes Act of 1953, which restricted the representation of black workers on worker committees in the workplace and prohibited them from striking. Black workers therefore never utilised these statutory works committees and by 1971, there were only 18 statutory works committees in the country. The Department of Labour indicated that there was a preference for non-statutory works committees because there were no restrictions in respect of their composition, and they provided a structure by means of which workers could be represented.3 Militant action by black labour in the early 1970s led to the promulgation of the Black Labour Relations Regulation Act of 1973.4 This Act was to extend the existing works committee system. Liaison and coordinating committees were set up to restrain activism among the workers and establish an alternative form for trade unions of labour management communication. Where statutory works committees had only consisted of employees, employers could now half the members of the new liaison committees and their chairman. The growth of these committees led to black workers building up a base for a future independent organisation. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04
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