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The influence of technology factors on turnover intentions amongst a sample of government employees in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Mahlasela, Samkelisiwe
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Work -- Technological innovations
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13535 , vital:39677
  • Description: Orientation: Technology affects organisations both positively and negatively and in some instances technology factors can result in turnover intentions for certain employees of organisations. Research purpose: The main objective of the study was to investigate how technology-based job autonomy, technology-based job overload and technologybased job monitoring impact turnover intentions of employees. Motivation of the study: Exploring and understanding the relationship between technology factors and turnover intention amongst government employees to determine whether these factors affect government as much as they affect the private sector. Research design, approach and method: This research used a quantitative research approach. It drew a convenience sample of 182 employees (N= 182) from the South African Government. Main findings: The three main findings of the study were: Technology-based job autonomy was positively related to turnover intention. Technology-based job overload was found to be positively related to turnover intention. Finally, technology-based monitoring was found to be positively related to turnover intention. Practical/managerial implications: If organisations do not address the issue of monitoring and overload they are likely to experience many turnover intentions amongst the employees. Furthermore, the organisations with less autonomy are likely to lose their employees which means they will lose the resources that have been serving the organisation for a long time. This will also contribute to the organisation losing many funds as they would constantly have to train new employees. Contribution/value-add: The research adds value to the knowledge about the effects of technology factors on turnover intention by pointing out the reasons that lead to turnover intention.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The land restitution programme on Rural Livelihoods in the Amathole District, Eastern Cape: The case of Cata Community land claim.

  • Authors: Mnqandi, Nomgqibelo Beauty
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Restitution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10453 , vital:35475
  • Description: The history of South Africa has been shaped by the dictatorial laws of the apartheid regime which ushered an order of domination and segregation, ostensibly to perpetuate social inequality along racial lines. In the process the white minority intended to stifle the potential of the black communities and render them subservient and unable to question or stand against white domination. To this effect the white minority instituted discriminatory laws such as The Native Land Act of 1913, among others, in a bid to give impetus to the dispossession of black communities of their land. The dispossessed people were eventually forcefully removed from their land and posted to the middle of nowhere, at the so-called Ciskei and Transkei territories. In these homelands, as these states were called, the black South Africans started to feel the pinch of apartheid more. The worst of all, these people were impoverished since they had no jobs. It is only after the emergence of the democratic dispensation, in 1994, that the transformative action was taken even though it failed to deliver as expected. In the process, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform was established with a mission to transform and redress the evils of the past by either giving the dispossessed back their land, alternative land or financial compensation, among other arrangements. However, since it was difficult to give people back their land, the most popular option became financial compensation. This choice, it has been argued, was influenced by the high levels of poverty, high unemployment rate, low rural household incomes and poor levels of education – instances which may have led to the beneficiaries attaching little or no value towards land ownership and other possible means of land restitution. As such, ii the majority of the community thought that financial compensation would lead to sustainable livelihood and would, therefore, not allow such opportunity to slip off their hands. However, more than two decades after the emergence of the democratic dispensation, the popular financial compensation has not yielded the expected results. Yet there is a Cata community which, being among the first members of the society to successfully claim for land restitution opted for land restoration and financial compensation award was given to claimants to pay for houses that were demolished during the betterment process. Out of the award, the Cata community took a calculated risk and invested 50% of the compensation money towards the development and improving the livelihood of the Cata community. This being the case, the study sought to explore to what extent the restitution programme (with the financial compensation option) could succeed in improving the livelihoods of the Cata community. In a way, while this statement is the main objective of the study, it also satisfies the key question of the study. It will ensure that the Cata community, in their attempt to lead sustainable livelihoods, will become creative and ensure that people have good paying jobs, they budget and rationalise before using money; and that they are even prepared to take calculated risks in order to succeed, just as the Cata communities have done. No doubt this would ensure that every member of the society enjoys and is regaled by the fruits and transformative actions of the new democratic dispensation. Qualitative research methodology has been selected to conduct research of this study because it requires a researcher to dig deep to the research problems and give out rich research findings with insight because community experiences can only be understood qualitatively not through the statistics. The main findings of this study among others are that financial compensation should be linked with iii development in order to sustain livelihoods of the rural poor as the case has been with Cata community. A number of communities who opted financial compensation did not lead a sustainable livelihood instead they either became poorer or fell victims of poverty because they fail to use their financial compensation award wisely.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The management of court records for justice delivery : a case study of Alice Magistrate court in the Eastern Cape,South Africa

  • Authors: Ntengenyane, Khunjulwa
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Records -- Management Court records -- Management Court records -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MLS
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/7798 , vital:30767
  • Description: This study sought to investigate the management of court records for justice delivery at Alice Magistrate Court in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The objectives of the study were to find out the extent to which records are managed in Alice Magistrate Court; to establish the existing infrastructure for the management of court records in Alice Magistrate Court; to find out the extent to which the management of court records in Alice Magistrate Court comply with legislative and regulatory requirement; to find out the influence of the current management of court records in court processes, to find out the challenges of the management of court records in Alice Magistrate Court, and to make recommendations on the improvement of the management of court records in Alice Magistrate Court. The record life cycle and the records continuum models underpinned the study based on post-positivist paradigm that allowed the use of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The court manager, magistrate, prosecutor, interpreter, court clerks, and court users at the Alice Magistrate Court formed the sample for the study. Quantitative data were coded and analysed using Office Microsoft Excel 2010 while qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. The major finding indicated weak records management practices that resulted into loss and misplacement of records, and postponements of many cases that led to delays in justice delivery by the court. The study recommended the enhancement of the records management programme by continuous training of court personnel, the adoption of electronic records management system, and the review of the current records security and tracking systems.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The management of records for accountability by municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa : a case study of Mbizana Local Municipality

  • Authors: Tseku, Zintle
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Records--Management Information organization Public records--Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Library and Information Science
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15254 , vital:40331
  • Description: Records management is a major element for accountability in the municipality. The research topic was “the management of records for accountability by the municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: A case study of Mbizana Local Municipality”. The objectives of the study were: to find out the types of records management programme maintained by Bizana Local Municipality, to describe available infrastructure that supports the records management programme in Mbizana Local Municipality, to find out the extent to which the management of records in Mbizana Local Municipality complies with statutory and legislative requirements, and to find out the possible constraints that affects the records management programme in Mbizana Local Municipality. The study was conducted in Mbizana Local Municipality which is under Alfred Ndzo District Municipality in Eastern Cape, South Africa. The sample was municipality staff and the residents of the municipality. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The findings were that Mbizana Local Municipality has a records management programme which is important for accountability, however, there is a need for security maintenance. In addition, the findings were that the municipality need to train its registry staff about records management or hire new people who are capable of managing records. The researcher recommended that Mbizana Local Municipality should provide more training to registry staff on the management of records. The municipality should introduce electronic records management system since nowadays records are created electronically. Electronic records can be easily retrieved when needed for accountability. Also the municipality should allow the public to have access to records.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The moderating role of occupational self-efficacy and organisational justice in the relationship between perceived job insecurity and counterproductive work behaviour among bank employees in Nigeria

  • Authors: Oluwole, Olugbenga Joseph
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Job security Self-efficacy Bank employees
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12665 , vital:39297
  • Description: The unstable global economy and the drive by every organisation to remain in business and be competitive has led to many organisational downsizing, which in turn poses concerns towards identifying behaviours of the survivors’. These behaviours constitute the components of employees’ job performance which include task performance, organisational citizenship behaviour and counterproductive work behaviour (CWB). One of the major behavioural concerns facing organisations globally, in particular in Nigeria, is CWB, which previous studies identified as an attitudinal reaction of perceived job insecurity. Very few empirical studies in Nigeria have attempted to examine the relationship as well as the variables that can moderate the negative effect of job insecurity-CWB. This study, therefore, explores the moderating effects of occupational self-efficacy (OSE) and organisational justice on the job insecurity–CWB relationship among bank employees in Nigeria. Four theories provided the framework for the study, while a descriptive research design which utilized a cross-sectional survey was used. The multi-stage sampling procedure and purposive technique were employed to select the two participating banking organisations from the 22 licensed commercial banks in Nigeria. Using the convenience sampling technique, a total of 380 Nigerian bank employees who gave their personal consent participated through a structured questionnaire. The reliability coefficient of all the instruments are as follows: counterproductive work behaviour (α = .92), perceived job insecurity (α = .65), occupational self-efficacy (α = .82), organisational justice (α = .93) were used for data collection. The sample was taken from branches of the two selected banking organisations that cut across Lagos State, Nigeria, a cosmopolitan and Nigeria business hub. Six hypotheses were tested using descriptive statistics, zero-order correlation and hierarchical multiple regression at 0.05 level of significance. A significant positive relationship existed between: job insecurity and CWB (r = .14); job insecurity and sabotage (r = .23), job insecurity and withdrawal (r = .14) and job insecurity and abuse (r = .20) of sub-dimensions of CWB. Also, a significant relationship existed between OSE and CWB (r = .12); OSE and withdrawal (r = .27) and OSE and abuse (r = .12) of the sub-dimensions of CWB. And lastly, a significant positive relationship existed between organisational justice and CWB (r = .11); distributive justice and CWB (r = .13), procedural justice and CWB (r = .17); organisational justice and withdrawal (r = .35), and a negative relationship between organisational justice and production deviance (r = -.12) of the sub-dimensions of CWB. Also, a significant positive relationship existed on distributive justice and withdrawal behaviour (r = .22) and distributive justice and abuse (r = .12); procedural justice and sabotage (r = .17); procedural justice and withdrawal (r = .44); Interactional justice and withdrawal (r = .29) and a significant negative relationship existed on interactional justice and sabotage. Furthermore, there were significant moderator effects of OSE on job insecurity- CWB relationship (β = .11, p<.05); significant moderator effects of OSE on job insecurity-abuse behaviour (β = .13, p<.05) of sub-dimension of CWB. Also, there was significant moderator effects of organisational justice in job insecurity-CWB relationship (β = -.10, p<.05), interaction effect of procedural justice in job insecurity-withdrawal behaviour relationship (β = .24, p<.01) and interaction effect of interactional justice in job insecurity-abuse behaviour relationship (β = -.39, p<.001). And lastly, there was no significant joint moderator effects of OSE and organisational justice in job insecurity and CWB relationship (β = .00, ns), while there was significant moderator effect of joint OSE and organisational justice on job insecurity – sabotage relationshi0p (β = .17, p<.01) and job insecurity – withdrawal behaviour (β = .14, p<.01) The findings of this study pointed to the significance of employees’ cognitive sense as important and stable resources which organisational practitioners need to take into consideration during organisational change approach. Also, the banking organisation must clearly state the procedure and implementations of downsizing policies.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The nexus between savings, investment and foreign capital in South Africa : an application of the Feldstein-Horioka puzzle

  • Authors: Mtolo, Inga
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa Saving and investment -- South Africa Capital movements -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8968 , vital:34177
  • Description: This study investigates the relationship between savings, investment and foreign capital in South Africa, with special focus on the application of the Feldstein-Horioka theory. South Africa is a country that is still faced with relatively low saving levels. Given the low savings experienced by the country, available literature has alluded that foreign capital has played a greater role as the major driver of private investment expenditure in South Africa. Based on this background, the study empirically investigates the relationship between savings, investment and foreign capital utilising the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model estimation technique for the period 1965 to 2015. The empirical results revealed that there is a positive and significant relationship between savings and investment in South Africa. The empirical results also show that for the period 1995 to 2015, the different types of external financial flows utilized in the study and investment have a positive relationship. These results have been consistent with our apriori expectations and other prior studies. This suggests that, in the case of South Africa, apart from interest rates, there are other factors that determine investment. The positive relationship between investment and foreign capital flows suggest that policies which are aimed at attracting the different types of foreign financial flows should be implemented.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The perceptions of professional nurses about the introduction of the National Health Insurance in a private hospital in Gauteng

  • Authors: Molokomme, Victoria Khabonina
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Health insurance Hospitals Primary health care
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13057 , vital:39444
  • Description: The National Health Insurance is a relatively new concept in South Africa currently being piloted to ensure that all citizens have access to quality and affordable health care regardless of their socio-economic status. This study was prompted by concerns regarding the introduction of the NHI and its implications on the South African health system. Therefore it seeks to determine the professional nurses concerns about the introduction of the NHI in a private hospital in Gauteng and to describe recommendations based on these perceptions. This study used a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive design. Data was collected using a semi-structured individual interview schedule. The sample was purposive consisting of professional nurses employed in a private hospital in Gauteng. Thematic data saturation determined the number of professional nurses interviewed. Data analysis was done with the aid of Creswell’s theory (2014:1996). Ethical considerations were observed and trustworthiness maintained. The results of the study outlined that professional nurse’s perception about the NHI is centred on equal distribution of health services to benefit all South Africans. However, concerns were based on its financial implications for those mandated to pay towards the fund. The feasibility of its implementation in the midst of staff shortage, inadequate resources and its impact on the public health sector was seen as a major challenge. The notion of a joint effort between public and private health sector in creating one health system was anticipated by most participants. The NHI implementation raised concerns about the impact it will have on the private sectors viability in the future. Professional nurse’s non-involvement in policy making, poor communication, lack of transparency, concerns about governance and management were perceived to be stumbling blocks towards efficient and effective implementation of the NHI.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The psycho-social functioning and experiences of children in child-headed households in Gauteng Province, South Africa

  • Authors: Agere, Leonard Munyaradzi
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Adult children -- South Africa -- Conduct of life Youth-headed households -- South Africa Child support -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Social Work
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10646 , vital:35651
  • Description: The study was aimed at investigating the psycho-social needs and lived experiences of child headed households in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. A mixed methods approach was used to collect and analyse the data. The qualitative approach was the dominant one, while a quantitative approach was used to corroborate the qualitative findings. The quantitative data was collected through a survey. Three hundred questionnaires were distributed among children in child headed households. The child headed households were selected through simple random sampling from the databases of the NGOs and community based organisations that had agreed to participate in the study. The quantitative component of the study produced results that supported the qualitative findings. The qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, which were conducted with purposively selected social service practitioners and community structures who were involved in work with child headed households. The resilience approach, which posits that humans are born with inherent reserves to face adversity, and the ecological systems theory, which postulates the framework in which an individual can be understood in his constant interactions and relationships within community and wider society, inform this study. The findings of the study indicate that there were various psycho social needs and challenges that child headed households faced. As Maslow postulated in his hierarchy of needs theory, inferences were made to the diverse needs of the child headed households. Physiological needs like food, clothing and finance were found to be more presenting and eminent needs for the child headed households. The study findings highlighted safety needs in the form of need for formal housing as the majority lived in informal settlements where they were exposed to much vulnerability like violence, sexual exploitation and other social misdemeanours. Other needs were esteem and familial needs, which provided a platform to foster senses of identity and belonging. However, there were other child headed households who were fortunate to have extended family members and community based organisations that assisted by providing these needs and these gestures were appreciated by the households as they ameliorated dire situations and cushioned them from absolute poverty. The findings further revealed that the psycho social challenges and needs did not only present when the household became child headed household but when their parent/s was still with them and were only exacerbated in their absence. The effects of living with parental illness, sadness and anxiety due to dramatic changes in dynamics, pain and trauma witnessing a parent dying were among the psychosocial challenges faced when the parent was still present with the children. After their departure or absence the challenges shifted and the debilitating effects of grief and loss, emotional trauma, living without adult caregiver and stigma and discrimination, were among the cocktail of challenges that the child headed households faced. However, others had support from extended family members and community structures that supported them with palliative care for the terminally ill and this afforded them the much needed respite as they focused on their studies and enjoyed their rights to be children. The study reveals that children have several coping mechanisms that exude their resilience and this includes support from social workers in promoting sustainable development goals (SDG’s) including no poverty, good health and well-being and quality education (goals 1, 3 and 4). The study highlighted that others had to supplement education with paid work (informal) whilst some ended up disengaging from their education to pursue paid employment to eke a living and support their siblings. The community and NGO’s were seen as vital components of the ecosystem that promoted the resilience of the child headed households in coping with their day to day challenges and needs. On the basis of the findings, it is recommended that the South African government should, among other things, provide a properly resourced, co-ordinated and well managed child protection system to facilitate constituency work that responds to the real needs of child headed households and SMART planning by social workers, with systemic teaming around CHH with the DSD as lead agency. The study also recommends a psychosocial approach to CHH care in the form of a model that rallies for robust assessments that social service practitioners and every structure that has the “duty to care” for CHH, can embed in their practice for improved outcomes.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The regulation of anti-dumping : a critical assessment with a focus on South Africa

  • Authors: Chikomo, Unico
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Antidumping duties
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Law
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10896 , vital:35961
  • Description: Economic globalisation entails the integration of national economies into one economy centred upon free International trade and the unrestricted flow of foreign direct investment.1 It has been argued by economists, politicians, business people, lawyers and many others that economic globalisation results in healthy competition amongst producers of goods and technologies around the world. This in turn results in market efficiency, cheaper, high quality goods and the increased spread of technology and wealth amongst countries. International trade aims to increase trade liberalisation, which has been seen to create higher standards of living for people as a result of greater competition amongst producers in different parts of the international globe. However whilst in support of trade liberalisation trade lawyers have warned that International trade must be fair. Unfair trade can take the form of dumping, price fixing, and certain methods of subsidisation. Unfair trade usually has disastrous effects on the domestic markets of importing countries which can result in injury to domestic industry and the national economy. Such injury can be in the form low sales, losses, company closures and retrenchments. As a result of such domestic injury, World Trade Organisation (WTO) law condemns dumping if it causes injury to the domestic industry of the importing country2 and allows importing countries to impose certain measures aimed at protecting themselves against such injury; these measures are called anti-dumping measures. However, WTO member states need to ensure that their anti-dumping frameworks are consistent with WTO norms. The principal objective of this study is to critically assess the existing regulatory framework of anti-dumping in South Africa with a view to identifying shortcomings that may result in the framework being inconsistent with WTO anti-dumping rules. In pursuing that objective, the study explores the norms and standards of the existing WTO regulatory framework on anti-dumping and ascertains the obligations of South Africa with regard to the imposition of anti-dumping measures.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The reliability of firearm identification in South Africa : a comparative perspective

  • Authors: Mutsavi, Tanyarara
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Forensic sciences Firearms -- Identification
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Law
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10850 , vital:35860
  • Description: Crime has become a well-known and worrying fact of life in South Africa. It constrains the ability of citizens to participate actively and meaningfully in all spheres of social and economic life. In many cases where a crime is committed, a firearm is involved. In order to fight gun crime there is a need for the perpetrators to be prosecuted. For prosecution to take place, there must be evidence to link the suspects to the committed crime. This is when firearm identification as a form of expert scientific evidence comes into play. This type of evidence links the bullets and cartridges recovered from the crime scene to the suspect.s firearms through the process of matching which is done by using a comparison microscope. Expert scientific evidence like firearm identification evidence, needs to be scientifically reliable because unreliable evidence may lead to the conviction of the innocent and exoneration of the guilty. Case law, authoritative reports and other literature have shown that firearm identification is not scientific and therefore it is not reliable. This is a disturbing position, considering the fact that this type of evidence is still being used in courts and no alternative has been found thus far to replace it. This study therefore proposes some reforms and recommendations which have been registered in authoritative reports which assist South Africa in dealing with firearm identification evidence. To achieve reliability, some writers have suggested that South Africa should adopt the US approach with regard to admissibility where judges play a .gate keeping. role by making sure that expert evidence is reliable before it enters the court. However, this study argues that scientific reliability, in South Africa, should not be a criterion for admissibility, but should rather be a central factor in deciding what weight should be attached to the expert evidence given in a particular case. The reason for this is that, in South Africa, the jury system is not used and therefore the judge does not have to exercise a .gate keeping. role, as he or she will be the final arbiter as to whether the evidence is reliable. In this context, reliability is considered during cross-examination. Cross-examination by the defence is crucial and this study proposes some possible cross-examination questions that can be helpful in testing the reliability of firearm identification evidence.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The representation of christian ministers in South African media : a study of Uzalo on South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC 1)

  • Authors: Mbilase, Khanyisa
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Television programs -- South Africa Mass media -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa Mass media -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Communication
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9745 , vital:34909
  • Description: This study aimed to evaluate the manner in which Christian Ministers are represented in South African media, a study of Uzalo a South African telenovela airing on SABC1, from Monday to Friday at 20:30 pm. According to the 2017 prime time statistics, the telenovela has attracted more than 9.1 million viewers and with that said the telenovela is assumed to have an extensive impact on the society. The study was conducted at Ntselamanzi village near Alice Town in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. The study adopted a qualitative method and primary data was collected through focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the selected episodes from the drama. The finding of this study revealed that, Christian Ministers in the telenovela are portrayed to be actively involved in criminal activities which then qualifies them to be associated with crime or be called criminals. The study further revealed that, Christian Ministers have commercialised churches as seen by the continuous mushrooming of churches in society. The study concluded that, the media representations of Christian Ministers were biased and focusing only on portraying Christian Ministers negatively. Lastly, framing and cultivation theories were used to explain how the role of Christian Ministers is crafted and presented to the audiences.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The right of access to information as a means to empower citizens to participate in democratic processes : a case study of Zwelitsha, King Williams Town

  • Authors: Ngcuka, Simtembile
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Freedom of information Freedom of information -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , (MPhil)Human Rights
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10839 , vital:35858
  • Description: The Republic of South Africa is embedded from a society that has been beleaguered. Apartheid laws were used to treat people unequally, based on race, gander, ethnic group, background, colour, belief, culture and language. These laws prohibited association of people from different races and groups. The education system was also used to instil inferiority to disadvantaged people. This system promoted a culture of secrecy and unresponsive government. The new Constitution of the Republic of South Africa was adopted in 1996. This Constitution promotes democracy and equality amongst citizens of this country. It was also adopted to bridge injustices of the past. Democracy is about allowing every citizen to participate in the processes which are meant for the development of the country. The new Constitution provided that every citizen is equal; this means every citizen must enjoy equal human Rights. This includes the Right to participate in democratic processes which are taking place. Studies show that the Right of Access to Information empowers people to participate in democratic processes. This study examines the exercise in section 32 of the Republic of South Africa Constitution (1996), by Zwelitsha community as means to empower people in participating in democratic processes taking place in their community. This Right is reinforced by Promotion of Access to Information Act No. 2 of 2000 (PAIA). The research reveals that the community of Zwelitsha is not exercising this Right which often leads to violation of other Rights. The exercise of the Right of Access to Information increases awareness and knowledge of other existing Rights, and how they can be realised and defended. The recommendations in the study underscore the need to promote the Right of Access to Information as a means to empower citizens to participate in the democratic processes in their community. This study will take the community a step closer to reaching equality. It will also educate the community of the need and importance of exercising the Right of Access to Information. It will assist the community to be able to protect other Rights. An informed community is an empowered community that can also hold the state to account.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The rise and fall of rugby in a South African township : the case study of Mdantsane, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Gaca, Ntobeko Wycliff
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rugby football -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , African Studies
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10985 , vital:35972
  • Description: Rugby is one of the popular sports not only in South Africa but also internationally. Rugby plays a major role in the development of communities. However in the township of Mdantsane which is located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, this sport has been declining over the past two decades, following an initial period of success and stability. In the past, Mdantsane Township was at the forefront in the development and progress of rugby in the country. Some of the prominent rugby players in the country were products of rugby clubs in Mdantsane. This study, therefore focuses on the rise and the fall of rugby in the township of Mdantsane in East London. The main objective of this study being to explore the factors responsible for its rise and fall in Mdantsane Township. This study adopts a qualitative approach to gather empirical data. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used for data collection. The findings of the study pointed to differences in the rugby sport between the period before and after the democratic dispensation in South Africa. The initial success story of rugby was eventually turned into a period of decline. The findings further show that governance, maladministration and transformation, were the main contributing factors of the decline. This study recommends more rugby studies in the township of Mdantsane in order to ascertain what the present role of rugby is in the township.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The role of assisted reproduction technologies in improving cattle production under communal and emerging farming systems in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

  • Authors: Mugwabana, Thinawanga Joseph
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa Beef cattle breeds -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9100 , vital:34262
  • Description: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) in improving cattle production with the purpose of providing policy directives for the successful implementation of the ART project among communal and emerging livestock systems. The study was conducted under communal and emerging cattle farming systems in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. The selected districts in Limpopo were Vhembe, Capricorn, Mopani and Waterberg, in Mpumalanga were Gert Sibande and Ehlanzeni while in KwaZulu-Natal the selected districts were Zululand and Harry Gwala. A total of 282 cows were selected for the study, 38 percent in Limpopo, 32 percent in Mpumalanga and 30 percent in KwaZuluNatal. The cow parameters evaluated were breed type, parity, age, body condition score, frame size and lactation status. An ovsynch protocol which allows for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was used during the oestrous synchronisation process. A heat mount detector (Karma®) was used to detect oestrous synchronisation response. The dominant cattle breed types were the Bonsmara, Brahman and Nguni. All experimental cows that responded positively to oestrous synchronisation protocol and were inseminated with semen from a Nguni bull. Chi-Square Test of Independence were computed to determine the association among factors. Data was further modelled using the logistic regression model of SAS, establishing the probability of success. Districts, breed type, parity, age, and lactation status did not significantly influence (P > 0.05) conception rate following oestrous synchronisation and timed artificial insemination. However, conception rate was not independent (P < 0.05) of provinces, body condition score and body frame size. Cows in KwaZulu-Natal (66 percent) had significantly higher (P < 0.05) conception rates than those in Limpopo (44 percent) and Mpumalanga (60 percent). Cows of body condition score of ≥ 3.5 (72 percent) had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) conception rate than those of body condition score of ≤ 2.5 (66 percent) and 3 (48 percent). Large (82 percent) framed cows had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) conception rate than small (49 percent) and medium (55 percent) framed cows. Cows in Mpumalanga had more chances to conceive than those of Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal with odds ratio of 0.605 and 0.863, respectively. Cows in KwaZulu-Natal were in much better body conditions than those from the other two provinces. Cows of body condition score of ≥ 3.5 had more chances to conceive than those of body condition score of ≤ 2.5 and 3 with odds ratio of 0.592 and 0.388, respectively, and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). The study recorded a 100 percent calf survival rate following synchronisation and timed artificial insemination. The breed type, parity, age frame size and lactation status did not significantly influence calving response following oestrous synchronisation and timed artificial insemination (P > 0.05). However, calving rate was not independent of provinces, districts and body condition score (P < 0.05). Calving rate in Mpumalanga (58 percent) and KwaZulu-Natal (54 percent) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that recorded in Limpopo Province (36 percent). Calving rate of Gert Sibande (61 percent) and Ehlanzeni (50 percent) districts in Mpumalanga and Zululand (50 percent) and Harry Gwala (61 percent) in KwaZulu-Natal was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the Capricorn (32 percent), Mopani (23 percent and Waterberg (30 percent) in Limpopo Province with the exception of Vhembe (44 percent). Cows with body condition score of ≤ 2.5 (60 percent) had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) calving rate than those with a body condition score of 3 (43 percent). Cows in Mpumalanga had more chances to calve than those in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal with odds ratio of 0.076 and 0.537, respectively. Additionally, quantitative data was collected through in-depth interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data collected was managed and coded into themes using the Nvivo Version 11 software programme. Themes and issues that emerged were analysed and interpreted using critical social thinking and systems thinking. The results of the study revealed many factors that could compromise the implementation and adoption of ARTs in the study areas. The general feeling amongst cattle farmers interviewed was that government should address these challenges. A shortage of bulls was the main cause of the low cattle reproduction rate. The Nguni breed type cattle was perceived as the ideal cattle breed for rural areas by respondents. Oestrous synchronisation and artificial insemination can be applied under communal and emerging farming systems with success. From the study results, breeding with small framed animals such as the Nguni type breed under communal and emerging farming systems makes a lot of sense because the breed is known for its low feed maintenance requirement. Furthermore, cattle stakeholders should co-operate and work together to address many of the constraints facing cattle productivity and the implementation and adoption of ARTs in rural areas.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The role of civil society organizations in the consolidation of democracy : cases from Cameroon and South Africa

  • Authors: Ayuk, Enu Rene
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Civil Society Organization -- South Africa Social movements Democracy -- Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M. Soc. Sc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9319 , vital:34321
  • Description: This study investigates the role played by civil society organizations in the consolidation of democracy. It is a comparative study between South Africa and Cameroon. This study utilizes the Habermasian critical theory of civil society which emanates from the liberal ideology of democracy. The objectives of the study were to look at the legislations regulating the operation of NGOs, the activities carried out to consolidate democracy and the challenges faced by these organizations in both South Africa and Cameroon. The qualitative method was used for data collection for the study. Interviews were carried out with NGOs officials and the data was analyzed using thematic analyses. The research found out that there is a liberal legislative framework governing the activities of NGOs in South Africa. On the other hand, though Cameroon laws on association seem liberal, a careful study of these laws revealed a concerted effort from the state to constrain the operation of NGOs. NGOs in South Africa carryout activities such as picketing, publicity stunts, human rights awareness campaigns, anti-corruption campaigns, lobbying of parliament, protests, mass mobilization and public interest litigation to consolidate democracy.In Cameroon, NGOs are involved in activities like strike actions, public protest, human rights and anti-corruption campaign as well as public interest litigation to consolidate democracy. However, South African NGOs face challenges like administrative bottlenecks, legal draws backs, sporadic hostility from the state, inadequate funding and lack of staff capacity. In Cameroon, NGOs faced the following challenges; restrictive legal framework, arbitrary arrests and detention of activists, financial constraints, lack of staff capacity, lack of infrastructure, corruption and internal divisions.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The role of formal education in improving agricultural production : case of lower Gqumashe, Raymond Mhlaba Municipality

  • Authors: Jafta, Siwongiwe
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Agricultural productivity Non-formal education Farmers -- Education
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Anthropology
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10273 , vital:35387
  • Description: This study seeks to examine economic activity using anthropological perspective at Lower Gqumahashe. This settlement possesses natural resources that favour agricultural development. For instance, water resources include Tyhume River, which is the main source of irrigation. Tyhume Rive is the perennial river that runs along the study area. Other possible sources of irrigation are local livestock dams and the main water pipe supplying University of Fort Hare and Alice town. This study is an attempt to determine the impact of formal education on agricultural productivity at Lower Gqumahashe. The study population was female local farmers who were actively involved in agricultural activities during the course of investigation. The researcher used empirical research design. The researcher realized that empirical research design would offer her an opportunity for intense or prolonged contact with research informants in order to have a holistic picture of their behavior. The findings of the study reveal that low level of formal education of farmers impacts negatively on agricultural productivity in the study area. The study recommends that local female farmers should be encouraged to participate in adult basic education using incentives.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The role of migrants in the Pan Africanist struggle for liberation from 1962 to 1963 : the case of Cofimvaba

  • Authors: Mwanda, Sindiswa Christina
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: South Africa -- History -- 1962-1963 South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1962-1963
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , History
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9883 , vital:35107
  • Description: The perspective of South African liberation history needs to be balanced by recalling events that might otherwise be overshadowed by the subsequent electoral dominance of the African National Congress since 1994. This study is concerned with one such: the Cofimvaba struggles of 1962-3 which was organised by Cofimvaba migrants under the ideology of the Pan Africanist Congress. Whereas previous historians have based their accounts mainly on trial records, this thesis strives to recover the migrants’ own perspective through intensive and detailed interviews with the surviving veterans. It aims to provide an accurate historical account of the role played by migrant labourers, thereby correcting the historical distortions arising from overreliance on official sources to record the memories and perceptions of the struggle veterans, as exemplified by transcripts of interviews with and thereby provide some balance to the overall perspective of South African liberation history. The thesis opens with a description of the situation on the ground in Cofimvaba and Western Thembuland which gave rise to resistance. It continues with a discussion of the Pan-African Congress, especially in the Western Cape, the labour centre where most Cofimvaba migrants were concentrated. It proceeds to a detailed narrative of the events in Cofimvaba, more especially the battle of Ntlonze. The final chapter concludes with a critical reassessment of previous historical work, showing that the role of the migrants and the non-elite require greater appreciation and respect.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The role of the church in social development : the case of selected churches in Nairobi, Kenya

  • Authors: Mutunga, Daniel Kioko
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Perception Social action Community development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12599 , vital:39291
  • Description: The church as a unique society was founded by Jesus Christ who also set a pattern for its operations. Primary to the core responsibilities of the church, according to Scripture, is to reconcile creation to the Creator by transforming society to regain its lost nature. The Christian Church in Kenya was established by missionaries from different parts of the world about three centuries ago. It has since grown and spread to almost all the parts of the country, but all the major denominations have vibrant congregations in Nairobi. A quick categorisation of the church in Kenya would be into the Mainline and the Pentecostal churches. This study set out to investigate the perception the church in Nairobi holds on in its involvement in social action, whether the church thinks social action is part of its ministry, and what kind of engagements in social action the church in Nairobi is currently having. The study employed a qualitative approach and an exploratory design. Using the questionnaire and interview methods, data was collected from thirty two (32) church leaders (including pastors) sampled to be representative of the Mainline and the Pentecostal groups of churches. The data was transcribed, coded, categorised and interpreted following the themes which emerged in relation to the study objectives and the nature of the responses. The results of the study show that the church holds different perceptions on its responsibility and involvement with regard to social action. The findings show two extremes: those who see social action as core to the mission of the church and those who think social action is the responsibility of the government or of non-governmental agencies. Generally most churches do not plan or budget for social actions. The few that are engaged in in it the budgets are far too low compared to the other church activities and the plans are unstructured and sporadic Active engagement in social action by the church in Nairobi is therefore, by and large, unplanned and episodic. However, the few who are already engaged in social action have witnessed great success in community transformation. The study concludes that the church has not fully understood its ministry and this could be the reason why social action is not part of its agenda. This further explains the sporadic and truncated nature of social action in the church in Nairobi. The study recommends a review of the curriculum in seminaries and the retraining of practising pastors to embrace holistic ministry. This will address the current misconceptions, address the current dichotomy of sacred-secular in church ministry, and hence increase organised participation of the church in social action.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The role of the school management team in ensuring quality education: a case study of the iQonce high school in the Buffalo City Metro Education District in Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Fudam, Noluthando
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: School management teams School management and organization|
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13348 , vital:39636
  • Description: Since 1994, South Africa has undergone drastic fundamental changes in almost every sphere of society. Within education, the change has seen the significant transformation of the education system. One of the primary aims for the transformation of the education system was to provide quality education to all the children of the Republic of South Africa. The School Management Teams (SMTs) were introduced in order to increase accountability within a transformed education system. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of SMTs in ensuring quality education, with the aim of finding sustainable ways of improving the quality of education at the Iqonce high school at the Iqonce high school and the department of Education in the Eastern Cape Province. The objectives of the study were: a) To assess the role played by SMT in enhancing quality education at Iqonce high school in King Williams Town. b) To assess the role played by SMTs in enhancing quality education. c) To assess the challenges faced by the SMT in managing quality education and the functionality of the school. d) To identify training needs for SMTs to operate in their full capacity educational leadership and management. e) To explore an alternative policy framework that will help the SMTs in enhancing quality education. A qualitative research approach was employed and included an interview guide. Participants included four (4) SMT members, six (6) educators and six (6) parents drawn from the SGB of the Iqonce high school in the Buffalo City Metro Education District. Research findings indicated that the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) does not fully support the SMT members at Iqonce high school in their role of ensuring quality education. The study made numerous recommendations which included training of SMT members on how to manage the school. The ECDoE must work very closely with SMT members at Iqonce high school, also listens to their concerns. The teachers must understand that in order for SMTs to work effectively they need their support, even other stakeholders must support SMTs. There needs to be sound annual plans with targets that show how the annual target will be achieved.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The role of ward committees in the local government sector: a case study of Enoch Mgijima local municipality of Eastern Cape (2012 – 2016)

  • Authors: Mteyise, Nomapa Pretty
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Public administration--Citizen participation. , Community development. , Public administration.
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22143 , vital:51987
  • Description: Public participation is a vital aspect of developmental local government. A ward committee system was introduced in South Africa, as a channel for driving public participation programmes. This study set out to examine the experiences of ward committee members in Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM). The aim was to assess the ward committee system as a vehicle for meaningful public participation in the integrated development planning processes. In 1995 the government formulated the White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service. It indicated the importance of service delivery, and the aim was to transform the South African public service, as the key machinery of the government to equalize service delivery to all citizens. In 1996, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa anchored the Bill of Rights as the cornerstone of democracy that enshrines the rights of all people and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom. The South African government has developed a wide array of legislation that ensures that communities are consulted on an unremitting basis with regard to how services need to be rendered. Communities have a right to be consulted and to give input into issues affecting them. Public consultation as envisaged in the South African legislation has, nevertheless, not yielded the desired results, which is evident in the spate of service delivery protests over poor or non-service delivery. Section 152(1) (e) of the Constitution promotes involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government. Section 73 of the Municipal Structures Act (Act 117 of 1998) also requires municipalities to establish ward committees in a manner that seeks to enhance participatory democracy at the local level. This study set out to explore the experiences of ward committee members in EMLM. The intention was to evaluate the role of ward committees in the local government sector. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2022
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018
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