Evaluation of traditional and residual momentum strategies during the Covid period on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
- Authors: Yengwa, Mphathi Lubabalo
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/462834 , vital:76339
- Description: Traditional momentum is a concept which was first discovered by Jegadeesh and Titman (1993), defined as a tendency of stocks to experience a continuation in their relative performance. A stock that performed relatively well will continue to perform relatively well, and vice versa. It has been observed by other researchers that during market crises, traditional momentum tends to produce large negative returns for investors, defined as a momentum crash. To mitigate momentum crashes, many researchers have developed new momentum strategies which have better performance than traditional momentum during market crises; such strategies include residual momentum. While both residual and traditional momentum have been studied in international markets and locally, the performance of both the residual and traditional momentum strategies have not been examined in the most recent Covid-fuelled financial crisis on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The study compares the performance of hypothetical long-only winner traditional and residual momentum portfolios (from 2018–2022) using various risk metrics, which include the tracking error, Sharpe ratio, Jensen’s alpha and information ratio. To compare the statistical significance of the difference in mean returns of residual and traditional momentum strategies to the benchmark (FTSE/Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Top 40) the study uses Welch’s t-test. The study uses an Auto regressive distributed lag (ARDL) regression to examine the effect that various market conditions (bull market, bear market and extreme volatility) have on the returns of residual and traditional momentum strategies. Given the limited period examined in this study, the Monte Carlo simulation was used to extrapolate potential outcomes of how the momentum strategies might perform under different market conditions (as mentioned) in 1 000 iterations of each condition. The simple return analysis undertaken in this research revealed that traditional momentum outperformed residual momentum both before and throughout the COVID period. In the risk-adjusted performance measures, traditional momentum outperformed at all four risk indicators during the 2020 COVID year. The statistical significance tests, which compared the strategies' mean returns to the benchmark, demonstrated no statistically significant difference in returns over the COVID year. Furthermore, when evaluating the strategies over a five-year period (2018-2022), the difference in mean returns was shown to be statistically insignificant. However, statistical significance in returns was shown in some individual years. The ARDL regression findings show that bull, bear, and volatility factors explain relatively little of the returns for both momentum strategies, which is consistent with previous research. The Monte Carlo simulation, using the bear variable, forecasted that traditional momentum would result in negative returns during market declines, but residual momentum would provide positive returns and surpass traditional momentum with a probability of 26%. When using the bull variable, the simulation discovered that both traditional and residual momentum strategies resulted in positive returns. However, the residual momentum strategy outperformed in terms of returns and had an 84% likelihood of outperforming the traditional momentum strategy across 1,000 iterations. Nevertheless, when the simulation included the volatility variable, it projected negative returns for residual momentum and positive returns for traditional momentum. Additionally, it estimated a 14% probability of residual momentum surpassing traditional momentum under volatile market circumstances. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
- Authors: Yengwa, Mphathi Lubabalo
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/462834 , vital:76339
- Description: Traditional momentum is a concept which was first discovered by Jegadeesh and Titman (1993), defined as a tendency of stocks to experience a continuation in their relative performance. A stock that performed relatively well will continue to perform relatively well, and vice versa. It has been observed by other researchers that during market crises, traditional momentum tends to produce large negative returns for investors, defined as a momentum crash. To mitigate momentum crashes, many researchers have developed new momentum strategies which have better performance than traditional momentum during market crises; such strategies include residual momentum. While both residual and traditional momentum have been studied in international markets and locally, the performance of both the residual and traditional momentum strategies have not been examined in the most recent Covid-fuelled financial crisis on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The study compares the performance of hypothetical long-only winner traditional and residual momentum portfolios (from 2018–2022) using various risk metrics, which include the tracking error, Sharpe ratio, Jensen’s alpha and information ratio. To compare the statistical significance of the difference in mean returns of residual and traditional momentum strategies to the benchmark (FTSE/Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Top 40) the study uses Welch’s t-test. The study uses an Auto regressive distributed lag (ARDL) regression to examine the effect that various market conditions (bull market, bear market and extreme volatility) have on the returns of residual and traditional momentum strategies. Given the limited period examined in this study, the Monte Carlo simulation was used to extrapolate potential outcomes of how the momentum strategies might perform under different market conditions (as mentioned) in 1 000 iterations of each condition. The simple return analysis undertaken in this research revealed that traditional momentum outperformed residual momentum both before and throughout the COVID period. In the risk-adjusted performance measures, traditional momentum outperformed at all four risk indicators during the 2020 COVID year. The statistical significance tests, which compared the strategies' mean returns to the benchmark, demonstrated no statistically significant difference in returns over the COVID year. Furthermore, when evaluating the strategies over a five-year period (2018-2022), the difference in mean returns was shown to be statistically insignificant. However, statistical significance in returns was shown in some individual years. The ARDL regression findings show that bull, bear, and volatility factors explain relatively little of the returns for both momentum strategies, which is consistent with previous research. The Monte Carlo simulation, using the bear variable, forecasted that traditional momentum would result in negative returns during market declines, but residual momentum would provide positive returns and surpass traditional momentum with a probability of 26%. When using the bull variable, the simulation discovered that both traditional and residual momentum strategies resulted in positive returns. However, the residual momentum strategy outperformed in terms of returns and had an 84% likelihood of outperforming the traditional momentum strategy across 1,000 iterations. Nevertheless, when the simulation included the volatility variable, it projected negative returns for residual momentum and positive returns for traditional momentum. Additionally, it estimated a 14% probability of residual momentum surpassing traditional momentum under volatile market circumstances. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
Gold mineralization at the Blue Rock Deposit, Gadzema Greenstone Belt: Implications on genesis and exploration for orogenic gold mineralization within Archaean Greenstone Belts of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mavuwa, Tavashavira
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/464944 , vital:76559
- Description: The Blue Rock gold deposit was re-discovered by African Consolidated Resources (ACR) in 2007, over a defunct historical gold mine at Blue Rock, during a regional geochemical soil sampling program, within the Gadzema Greenstone Belt (GGB), in Central Zimbabwe. Most significant orogenic gold deposits within this belt occur as BIF- and quartz vein hosted orebodies. But unlike them, gold mineralization at Blue Rock is associated with felsite and quartz porphyry rocks. The GGB is a northern extension of the Midlands Greenstone Belt (MGB), where the common occurrence of mineralized felsites, in close association with major gold reefs within numerous gold mines is well documented. But no significant effort was directed towards their understanding or exploration in the past. They were never considered viable exploration targets for significant economic gold deposits, until recently. More attention was instead focused on high-grade BIF and quartz vein hosted gold, that dominate most orebodies exploited by numerous mines within the belt. At Blue Rock, ACR defined a significant JORC compliant felsite-hosted gold resource of close to a million ounces, which represents a brand new attractive open-pit mining opportunity. But the successful exploration for such type of mineralization, whose footprint is so different from the common ones previously mined within the GGB, no doubt, calls for a good understanding of this type of mineralization. Which makes felsite-hosted gold mineralization a prime candidate for research, based on a deposit whose discovery and development, I was fortunate to be part of during the past few years. In this contribution, the genesis, localization and economic significance of felsite-hosted gold mineralization is investigated, using the gold deposit at Blue Rock as a case study. The deposit could be understood best through the Mineral Systems Approach, used in this study to interrogate alternative ideas about its genesis using published information and deposit-scale exploratory data. Results from the synthesis of published information on the evolution of Archaean Greenstone Belts and genesis of their host orogenic gold deposits, are consistent with models that view orogenic terrains as having formed through horizontal accretion in modern-day like subduction-accretion systems, at continental margins, where orogenic gold deposition occurred via processes that could be explained quite simply, through a universal orogenic gold mineral systems model. According to this model, orogenic gold deposits are believed to have formed from near neutral fluids containing dissolved gold, generated directly from the devolatilization of a subducted oceanic slab together with its overlying gold-bearing sulphide-rich sedimentary package, or indirectly through fluid released from a mantle lithosphere that was originally metasomatized and fertilized during an earlier subduction event. The fluid migrated up-dip from the mantle to crustal levels, through advection or seismic pumping along lithosphere- to crustal-scale fault zones, to form orogenic gold deposits within lower order structures. If these models are all accurate, then the GGB formed through subduction-related east-directed horizontal accretion at the continental margins of the Sebakwe Proto-Craton (SPC), and the genesis of felsite-hosted gold mineralization at Blue Rock could be explained eloquently through a universal orogenic gold model, in which mantle derived auriferous fluids were localised within lower order structures associated with felsites during the late stages of terrain accretion. Evidence from surface mapping and 3D modelling of exploratory drilling data, conducted during this research, strongly support the argument that the felsite hosted gold mineralization at Blue Rock, is neither unique nor accidental. It is just but, a simple product of the conjunction of favourable geological factors, no different to those that birthed typical GGB orogenic gold mineralization hosted within sheared sulphidic BIFs and quartz vein reefs. They all share the same geodynamic setting, fertility, preservation and regional architectural factors reminiscent of accretionary orogenic settings, albeit with differences in local architecture, variably controlled by geochemical and rheological properties of the different local host rocks. At deposit scale, the felsites occur as small dykes and sills emplaced along pre-existing structural zones of weakness. Gold mineralization is structurally controlled and associated mostly with brittle-ductile shears. During deformation, rheological contrast played a significant role in the selective failure of the more competent felsite rocks, resulting in the creation of permeability channels that allowed fluid migration. The more brittle and competent felsites acted as rigid bodies, that localised strain along their contacts with the surrounding less competent ductile mafic schists which acted as a relatively less permeable fluid cap rock. The irregular felsite contact zones with surrounding mafic schist caused a significant variation in the orientation of local principal maximum stress relative to the internally imposed regional stress, causing anomalously low minimum stress zones at deposit scale. Gold deposition occurred within low minimum stress structural traps dominated by sheared felsite contacts and their fractured interiors as well as triple junctions formed by complex structural geometries created by multiple felsite intrusions. The felsite hosted gold at Blue Rock can therefore be recognized as an orogenic gold mineral system archetype, for which an occurrence model is proposed. Understanding this type of mineralization is key for developing a robust exploration strategy - one that could be applied in a predictive capacity in exploration, to locate new economic gold deposits especially within well-endowed mature orogenic terrains, where exploration risk could be minimized by leveraging on new forward-thinking initiatives like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to re-analyze data from previous mining and exploration, allowing for a faster route to a return on investment. In a world of diminishing natural resources, the potential for previously ignored gold mineralization like the one at Blue Rock, becomes very significant. The prophetic words of Foster (1984), writing in Gold ‘82, therefore remain true and relevant to our time, that; “…. the way ahead for successful gold exploration is to search for new deposits not commonly recognized – in auriferous muds, disseminations in carbonate rocks, porphyries, and in felsic intrusive and extrusive volcanics…”. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
- Authors: Mavuwa, Tavashavira
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/464944 , vital:76559
- Description: The Blue Rock gold deposit was re-discovered by African Consolidated Resources (ACR) in 2007, over a defunct historical gold mine at Blue Rock, during a regional geochemical soil sampling program, within the Gadzema Greenstone Belt (GGB), in Central Zimbabwe. Most significant orogenic gold deposits within this belt occur as BIF- and quartz vein hosted orebodies. But unlike them, gold mineralization at Blue Rock is associated with felsite and quartz porphyry rocks. The GGB is a northern extension of the Midlands Greenstone Belt (MGB), where the common occurrence of mineralized felsites, in close association with major gold reefs within numerous gold mines is well documented. But no significant effort was directed towards their understanding or exploration in the past. They were never considered viable exploration targets for significant economic gold deposits, until recently. More attention was instead focused on high-grade BIF and quartz vein hosted gold, that dominate most orebodies exploited by numerous mines within the belt. At Blue Rock, ACR defined a significant JORC compliant felsite-hosted gold resource of close to a million ounces, which represents a brand new attractive open-pit mining opportunity. But the successful exploration for such type of mineralization, whose footprint is so different from the common ones previously mined within the GGB, no doubt, calls for a good understanding of this type of mineralization. Which makes felsite-hosted gold mineralization a prime candidate for research, based on a deposit whose discovery and development, I was fortunate to be part of during the past few years. In this contribution, the genesis, localization and economic significance of felsite-hosted gold mineralization is investigated, using the gold deposit at Blue Rock as a case study. The deposit could be understood best through the Mineral Systems Approach, used in this study to interrogate alternative ideas about its genesis using published information and deposit-scale exploratory data. Results from the synthesis of published information on the evolution of Archaean Greenstone Belts and genesis of their host orogenic gold deposits, are consistent with models that view orogenic terrains as having formed through horizontal accretion in modern-day like subduction-accretion systems, at continental margins, where orogenic gold deposition occurred via processes that could be explained quite simply, through a universal orogenic gold mineral systems model. According to this model, orogenic gold deposits are believed to have formed from near neutral fluids containing dissolved gold, generated directly from the devolatilization of a subducted oceanic slab together with its overlying gold-bearing sulphide-rich sedimentary package, or indirectly through fluid released from a mantle lithosphere that was originally metasomatized and fertilized during an earlier subduction event. The fluid migrated up-dip from the mantle to crustal levels, through advection or seismic pumping along lithosphere- to crustal-scale fault zones, to form orogenic gold deposits within lower order structures. If these models are all accurate, then the GGB formed through subduction-related east-directed horizontal accretion at the continental margins of the Sebakwe Proto-Craton (SPC), and the genesis of felsite-hosted gold mineralization at Blue Rock could be explained eloquently through a universal orogenic gold model, in which mantle derived auriferous fluids were localised within lower order structures associated with felsites during the late stages of terrain accretion. Evidence from surface mapping and 3D modelling of exploratory drilling data, conducted during this research, strongly support the argument that the felsite hosted gold mineralization at Blue Rock, is neither unique nor accidental. It is just but, a simple product of the conjunction of favourable geological factors, no different to those that birthed typical GGB orogenic gold mineralization hosted within sheared sulphidic BIFs and quartz vein reefs. They all share the same geodynamic setting, fertility, preservation and regional architectural factors reminiscent of accretionary orogenic settings, albeit with differences in local architecture, variably controlled by geochemical and rheological properties of the different local host rocks. At deposit scale, the felsites occur as small dykes and sills emplaced along pre-existing structural zones of weakness. Gold mineralization is structurally controlled and associated mostly with brittle-ductile shears. During deformation, rheological contrast played a significant role in the selective failure of the more competent felsite rocks, resulting in the creation of permeability channels that allowed fluid migration. The more brittle and competent felsites acted as rigid bodies, that localised strain along their contacts with the surrounding less competent ductile mafic schists which acted as a relatively less permeable fluid cap rock. The irregular felsite contact zones with surrounding mafic schist caused a significant variation in the orientation of local principal maximum stress relative to the internally imposed regional stress, causing anomalously low minimum stress zones at deposit scale. Gold deposition occurred within low minimum stress structural traps dominated by sheared felsite contacts and their fractured interiors as well as triple junctions formed by complex structural geometries created by multiple felsite intrusions. The felsite hosted gold at Blue Rock can therefore be recognized as an orogenic gold mineral system archetype, for which an occurrence model is proposed. Understanding this type of mineralization is key for developing a robust exploration strategy - one that could be applied in a predictive capacity in exploration, to locate new economic gold deposits especially within well-endowed mature orogenic terrains, where exploration risk could be minimized by leveraging on new forward-thinking initiatives like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to re-analyze data from previous mining and exploration, allowing for a faster route to a return on investment. In a world of diminishing natural resources, the potential for previously ignored gold mineralization like the one at Blue Rock, becomes very significant. The prophetic words of Foster (1984), writing in Gold ‘82, therefore remain true and relevant to our time, that; “…. the way ahead for successful gold exploration is to search for new deposits not commonly recognized – in auriferous muds, disseminations in carbonate rocks, porphyries, and in felsic intrusive and extrusive volcanics…”. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
The effect of an alkyl chain and β-diketonato-metal moiety on the photochromic behaviour of azobenzene compounds as materials for solar thermal fuels
- Authors: Bokhe, Witness Londi
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Photochemistry , Isomerization , Solar thermal energy , Solar thermal fuel , Liquid crystals , Optical materials
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/464510 , vital:76517
- Description: Scientists have been studying the development of renewable energy technologies in detail to create a sustainable energy supply. Among many new advanced material classes being researched recently are photo functional and photo responsive materials. These classes include azobenzene derivatives which are characterized by azo linkage (N=N) sandwiched by two phenyl rings. The trans-to-cis isomerization of azobenzene is a highly efficient and reversible process, making it an ideal candidate for solar thermal energy storage. This research investigates the impact of alkyl chain modifications and the incorporation of a β-diketonato-copper(II) complex on azobenzene derivatives, aiming to optimize their performance as efficient components in solar thermal fuel cells (STFs). The study focuses on a comprehensive analysis of these materials' ability to capture, convert, store, and release solar energy for enhanced sustainability in renewable energy applications. Experimental methodologies include synthesis of azobenzene derivatives with varying alkyl chain length, n (where n =8 & 10) and coordination of these compounds with a β-diketonato-copper(II) complex. Standard analytical techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H and 13C NMR), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy (UV/vis) were employed for chemical analysis of the synthesized material. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Polarised Optical Microscope (POM) were used to study the thermal properties and morphology. The photostationery states were determined using NMR spectroscopy and the kinetic parameters of the cis-to-trans relaxation process determined by a UV spectroscopy study. The cis-to-trans isomerisation had a longer half-life than the trans-to-cis isomerisation. The band gap of the isomers is within the range of semiconducting inorganic materials. DSC and POM thermograms showed that the compounds are liquid crystalline. Finally, the study reports that the synthesised azobenzene derivatives show potential as material for solar thermal fuel cells because of their photo-isomerization ability. Furthermore, the synthesised compounds contribute to the advancement of sustainable and efficient solar energy utilization technologies, addressing the growing demand for clean energy solutions in the face of global environmental challenges. Because solar energy may be stored and used without causing direct emissions or pollution, they are considered clean energy. If solar thermal fuels fulfil sustainability standards, they may qualify as green energy. This entails minimising adverse effects on the environment, using non-toxic chemicals and procedures. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
- Authors: Bokhe, Witness Londi
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Photochemistry , Isomerization , Solar thermal energy , Solar thermal fuel , Liquid crystals , Optical materials
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/464510 , vital:76517
- Description: Scientists have been studying the development of renewable energy technologies in detail to create a sustainable energy supply. Among many new advanced material classes being researched recently are photo functional and photo responsive materials. These classes include azobenzene derivatives which are characterized by azo linkage (N=N) sandwiched by two phenyl rings. The trans-to-cis isomerization of azobenzene is a highly efficient and reversible process, making it an ideal candidate for solar thermal energy storage. This research investigates the impact of alkyl chain modifications and the incorporation of a β-diketonato-copper(II) complex on azobenzene derivatives, aiming to optimize their performance as efficient components in solar thermal fuel cells (STFs). The study focuses on a comprehensive analysis of these materials' ability to capture, convert, store, and release solar energy for enhanced sustainability in renewable energy applications. Experimental methodologies include synthesis of azobenzene derivatives with varying alkyl chain length, n (where n =8 & 10) and coordination of these compounds with a β-diketonato-copper(II) complex. Standard analytical techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H and 13C NMR), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy (UV/vis) were employed for chemical analysis of the synthesized material. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Polarised Optical Microscope (POM) were used to study the thermal properties and morphology. The photostationery states were determined using NMR spectroscopy and the kinetic parameters of the cis-to-trans relaxation process determined by a UV spectroscopy study. The cis-to-trans isomerisation had a longer half-life than the trans-to-cis isomerisation. The band gap of the isomers is within the range of semiconducting inorganic materials. DSC and POM thermograms showed that the compounds are liquid crystalline. Finally, the study reports that the synthesised azobenzene derivatives show potential as material for solar thermal fuel cells because of their photo-isomerization ability. Furthermore, the synthesised compounds contribute to the advancement of sustainable and efficient solar energy utilization technologies, addressing the growing demand for clean energy solutions in the face of global environmental challenges. Because solar energy may be stored and used without causing direct emissions or pollution, they are considered clean energy. If solar thermal fuels fulfil sustainability standards, they may qualify as green energy. This entails minimising adverse effects on the environment, using non-toxic chemicals and procedures. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
Improving the first-generation students’ alumni awareness at Sol Plaatje University
- Authors: Sompondo, Qondakele Beuc
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434690 , vital:73096
- Description: This research study aimed to improve the alumni awareness of FGS at Sol Plaatje University in order to enjoy a lifelong connection with their alma mater. Furthermore, this study provides recommendations to Sol Plaatje University on how engage first-generation students (FGS) and alumni more effectively in the future. This study used a mixed-method research design to collect and analyse data. The first phase of data collection used a quantitative research method in the form of a survey to obtain biographical information about the final-year students and to identify FGS as key participants for this study. The second data collection phase employed qualitative research to gain insight into alumni awareness among FGS through an alumni awareness workshop and a follow-up questionnaire. The survey findings revealed that students needed to be informed about alumni and related activities on campus. In addition, all were eager to attend the alumni workshop in the second phase of the study. The study findings revealed that FGS showed improved knowledge of alumni and related activities after attending the alumni awareness workshop. They also indicated their willingness to attend university alumni events such as reunions, homecoming, and fundraising events after graduation. Recommendations include suggestions for Sol Plaatje University to identify FGS at registration and tailor its extracurricular and support programmes to cater for such students. The university should also introduce alumni awareness workshops to prepare students for life after graduation as alumni and for the world of work. Lastly, the university should develop a mentoring programme for its FGS and alumni at an earlier stage to help them transition into and out of the university. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Sompondo, Qondakele Beuc
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434690 , vital:73096
- Description: This research study aimed to improve the alumni awareness of FGS at Sol Plaatje University in order to enjoy a lifelong connection with their alma mater. Furthermore, this study provides recommendations to Sol Plaatje University on how engage first-generation students (FGS) and alumni more effectively in the future. This study used a mixed-method research design to collect and analyse data. The first phase of data collection used a quantitative research method in the form of a survey to obtain biographical information about the final-year students and to identify FGS as key participants for this study. The second data collection phase employed qualitative research to gain insight into alumni awareness among FGS through an alumni awareness workshop and a follow-up questionnaire. The survey findings revealed that students needed to be informed about alumni and related activities on campus. In addition, all were eager to attend the alumni workshop in the second phase of the study. The study findings revealed that FGS showed improved knowledge of alumni and related activities after attending the alumni awareness workshop. They also indicated their willingness to attend university alumni events such as reunions, homecoming, and fundraising events after graduation. Recommendations include suggestions for Sol Plaatje University to identify FGS at registration and tailor its extracurricular and support programmes to cater for such students. The university should also introduce alumni awareness workshops to prepare students for life after graduation as alumni and for the world of work. Lastly, the university should develop a mentoring programme for its FGS and alumni at an earlier stage to help them transition into and out of the university. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
Enhancement of the electrocatalytic activity of phthalocyanines through the reduction in symmetry and conjugation to detonation nanodiamonds
- Authors: Ncwane, Lunathi
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Electrocatalysis , Nanodiamonds , Hydrazine
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424541 , vital:72162
- Description: This thesis reports on the synthesis of novel phthalocynines tetrakis[(benzo[d]thiazol-2ylthio)phthalocyaninato]cobalt(II)chloride (complex 1) and tris(2-(ethylthio)benzo[d]thiazole)2-(phthalocyanine-9-ylthio)propionate cobalt(II) chloride (complex 2). The complexes are combined with DNDs via different techniques such as π-π stacking, covalent linkage and sequential modification on glassy carbon electrode. The synthesized MPcs and conjugates were characterized using UV-visible, mass, Fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopies as well as transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Combining MPcs with DNDs sought to improve electrooxidation of hydrazine. The electrochemical studies were conducted using cyclic voltammetry, chronocoloumetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry. Hydrazine was utilized as an analyte of interest, due to its mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. Glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) were modified using drop and dry method. The conjugation via covalent linkage proved to be the best way of enhancing electrocatalytic properties. Since it performed better in terms of limit of detection (0.33 μM), even though catalytic rate and sensitivity are not the highest. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Ncwane, Lunathi
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Electrocatalysis , Nanodiamonds , Hydrazine
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424541 , vital:72162
- Description: This thesis reports on the synthesis of novel phthalocynines tetrakis[(benzo[d]thiazol-2ylthio)phthalocyaninato]cobalt(II)chloride (complex 1) and tris(2-(ethylthio)benzo[d]thiazole)2-(phthalocyanine-9-ylthio)propionate cobalt(II) chloride (complex 2). The complexes are combined with DNDs via different techniques such as π-π stacking, covalent linkage and sequential modification on glassy carbon electrode. The synthesized MPcs and conjugates were characterized using UV-visible, mass, Fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopies as well as transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Combining MPcs with DNDs sought to improve electrooxidation of hydrazine. The electrochemical studies were conducted using cyclic voltammetry, chronocoloumetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry. Hydrazine was utilized as an analyte of interest, due to its mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. Glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) were modified using drop and dry method. The conjugation via covalent linkage proved to be the best way of enhancing electrocatalytic properties. Since it performed better in terms of limit of detection (0.33 μM), even though catalytic rate and sensitivity are not the highest. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The possible effect of insecticide drift from citrus orchards, and acute toxicity of insecticides on the biocontrol agents of Pontederia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laub (Pontederiaceae) established along citrus orchards in the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mabuza, Mefika Michael
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Acute toxicity , Pontederia crassipes , Biocontrol , Water hyacinth Biological control , Insecticides Toxicology , Nutrient , Citrus Diseases and pests
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424468 , vital:72156
- Description: This study investigated the possible effect of insecticide drift on naturalized biological control agents of Pontederia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laub (Pontederiaceae), in the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. Occurrence and abundance of biocontrol agents were recorded at three sites on the Crocodile River and at three dams adjacent to citrus orchards. Leaves of P. crassipes and water samples were collected for insecticide residues and also nutrient status of the water and plants. Eccritotarsus catarinensis Carvalho (Hemiptera: Miridae), Neochetina spp. (combined) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and Orthogalumna terebrantis Wallwork (Sarcoptiformes: Galumnidae) were recorded with notable variation in abundance between the river and dams across regions. Insecticide residues were not detected on all leaves sampled across study regions, however, nutrients were detected with nitrate ranging between oligotrophic and mesotrophic. Phosphorus was also detected, but, neither of the nutrients correlated with the occurrence and abundance of naturalized biological control agents of P. crassipes. Bioassays were conducted to measure the effect of commonly used insecticides (viz. Methomyl and Chlorpyrifos) on the survival and feeding damage of biological control agents of P. crassipes. Survival of individual insects was recorded between 0.5 and 120 hours for Megamelus scutellaris and Neochetina eichhorniae Warner (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adults for treatments where insecticides were topically applied onto the insects or leaves were dipped into the pesticides. Concentrations below field rates, recommended and above field rates of Methomyl and Chlorpyrifos on either exposure techniques significantly reduced survival and feeding of biocontrol agents. Methomyl was more toxic compared to Chlorpyrifos and it significantly reduced the survival of M. scutellaris and N. eichhorniae. In conclusion, in this study, population abundance of biocontrol agents of P. crassipes at the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga was not influenced by pesticide drift, but, insecticides commonly used in the citrus orchards has the potential to negatively impact naturalized biological control of P. crassipes as demonstrated by the bioassays. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Mabuza, Mefika Michael
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Acute toxicity , Pontederia crassipes , Biocontrol , Water hyacinth Biological control , Insecticides Toxicology , Nutrient , Citrus Diseases and pests
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424468 , vital:72156
- Description: This study investigated the possible effect of insecticide drift on naturalized biological control agents of Pontederia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laub (Pontederiaceae), in the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. Occurrence and abundance of biocontrol agents were recorded at three sites on the Crocodile River and at three dams adjacent to citrus orchards. Leaves of P. crassipes and water samples were collected for insecticide residues and also nutrient status of the water and plants. Eccritotarsus catarinensis Carvalho (Hemiptera: Miridae), Neochetina spp. (combined) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and Orthogalumna terebrantis Wallwork (Sarcoptiformes: Galumnidae) were recorded with notable variation in abundance between the river and dams across regions. Insecticide residues were not detected on all leaves sampled across study regions, however, nutrients were detected with nitrate ranging between oligotrophic and mesotrophic. Phosphorus was also detected, but, neither of the nutrients correlated with the occurrence and abundance of naturalized biological control agents of P. crassipes. Bioassays were conducted to measure the effect of commonly used insecticides (viz. Methomyl and Chlorpyrifos) on the survival and feeding damage of biological control agents of P. crassipes. Survival of individual insects was recorded between 0.5 and 120 hours for Megamelus scutellaris and Neochetina eichhorniae Warner (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adults for treatments where insecticides were topically applied onto the insects or leaves were dipped into the pesticides. Concentrations below field rates, recommended and above field rates of Methomyl and Chlorpyrifos on either exposure techniques significantly reduced survival and feeding of biocontrol agents. Methomyl was more toxic compared to Chlorpyrifos and it significantly reduced the survival of M. scutellaris and N. eichhorniae. In conclusion, in this study, population abundance of biocontrol agents of P. crassipes at the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga was not influenced by pesticide drift, but, insecticides commonly used in the citrus orchards has the potential to negatively impact naturalized biological control of P. crassipes as demonstrated by the bioassays. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
A business model framework for mission-driven organisations
- Authors: Thackeray, Sean Robin
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Nonprofit organizations South Africa Makhanda , Business model , Sustainable development South Africa Makhanda , Resource-based view , Social responsibility of business South Africa Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419123 , vital:71618
- Description: Non-profit organisations (NPOs) contribute to our society by addressing needs through value-creation activities which are normally not addressed by normal for-profit organisations. These NPOs generate their income through donations, fundraising and market activities such as the sale of products or services. However, in the pursuit of organisational sustainability, these NPOs need to ensure that their income meets their expenditure needs over the long run, to allow continuous value creation and to pursue their mission. An organisation’s business model can be visualised through a business model framework (BMF), which have been illustrated to be useful tools for organisations to test new business models, plan and coordinate activities, and to communicate how an organisations business model works to stakeholders. The use of BMFs by NPOs may be useful for similar purposes. However, a key challenge for NPOs and their management is adapting for-profit tools to be more applicable to the NPO environment. Whilst there has been some progress within the literature on adapting these for-profit business model tools to NPOs, this area of research is relatively underrepresented in the literature. The single case study method, exploratory in nature, following a deductive approach with a theoretical framework was used to evaluate the NPO Business model framework for NPOs with multiple income streams (Sanderse, 2014) appropriateness for the Centre for Biological Control (CBC), a mission-driven research organisation located within Rhodes University. The study made use of an interpretivist paradigm through the lens of resource-based theory. The contextual environment of the CBC was similar to other NPOs in that their organisational sustainability was at risk due to uncertainty about the availability of long-term funding. The CBC is actively diversifying their income streams by establishing new partnerships, which increase the capacity and resource base of the organisation to improve its flexibility in meeting current and potential funders’ needs. The NPO Business model framework for NPOs with multiple income streams was found to be a suitable BMF to visualise the holistic operations of the CBC. However, the role of governance-related matters being represented in this BMF was found to be lacking. An amended framework including governance as part of the Business model framework for NPOs with multiple income streams was developed. This improved the BMF, by allowing for further contextual insight into the CBCs business model as governance played a major role in the key activities and income-generating strategies they participate in. The role a BMF has in assisting an organisation with resource management activities was also explored. A suitable BMF, which allows for a holistic and explicit display of an organisation’s business model, would assist in determining how resources could be better managed or orchestrated to pursue different potential income-generating strategies or improve the efficiency of how resources are used in the current business model. This study contributed to business model theory by further testing the Business model framework for NPOs with multiple income streams as a tool to visualise an NPOs business model and identifying that once the governance block was added, this BMF became more suitable within the CBCs context. A minor contribution to resource based theory was the exploration of the potential roles BMFs play in resource management, which should be further investigated in line with additional research questions proposed. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
- Authors: Thackeray, Sean Robin
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Nonprofit organizations South Africa Makhanda , Business model , Sustainable development South Africa Makhanda , Resource-based view , Social responsibility of business South Africa Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419123 , vital:71618
- Description: Non-profit organisations (NPOs) contribute to our society by addressing needs through value-creation activities which are normally not addressed by normal for-profit organisations. These NPOs generate their income through donations, fundraising and market activities such as the sale of products or services. However, in the pursuit of organisational sustainability, these NPOs need to ensure that their income meets their expenditure needs over the long run, to allow continuous value creation and to pursue their mission. An organisation’s business model can be visualised through a business model framework (BMF), which have been illustrated to be useful tools for organisations to test new business models, plan and coordinate activities, and to communicate how an organisations business model works to stakeholders. The use of BMFs by NPOs may be useful for similar purposes. However, a key challenge for NPOs and their management is adapting for-profit tools to be more applicable to the NPO environment. Whilst there has been some progress within the literature on adapting these for-profit business model tools to NPOs, this area of research is relatively underrepresented in the literature. The single case study method, exploratory in nature, following a deductive approach with a theoretical framework was used to evaluate the NPO Business model framework for NPOs with multiple income streams (Sanderse, 2014) appropriateness for the Centre for Biological Control (CBC), a mission-driven research organisation located within Rhodes University. The study made use of an interpretivist paradigm through the lens of resource-based theory. The contextual environment of the CBC was similar to other NPOs in that their organisational sustainability was at risk due to uncertainty about the availability of long-term funding. The CBC is actively diversifying their income streams by establishing new partnerships, which increase the capacity and resource base of the organisation to improve its flexibility in meeting current and potential funders’ needs. The NPO Business model framework for NPOs with multiple income streams was found to be a suitable BMF to visualise the holistic operations of the CBC. However, the role of governance-related matters being represented in this BMF was found to be lacking. An amended framework including governance as part of the Business model framework for NPOs with multiple income streams was developed. This improved the BMF, by allowing for further contextual insight into the CBCs business model as governance played a major role in the key activities and income-generating strategies they participate in. The role a BMF has in assisting an organisation with resource management activities was also explored. A suitable BMF, which allows for a holistic and explicit display of an organisation’s business model, would assist in determining how resources could be better managed or orchestrated to pursue different potential income-generating strategies or improve the efficiency of how resources are used in the current business model. This study contributed to business model theory by further testing the Business model framework for NPOs with multiple income streams as a tool to visualise an NPOs business model and identifying that once the governance block was added, this BMF became more suitable within the CBCs context. A minor contribution to resource based theory was the exploration of the potential roles BMFs play in resource management, which should be further investigated in line with additional research questions proposed. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
Load shedding and performance of small-scale resturants in Mthatha, South Africa
- Authors: Matangayi, Lelethu
- Date: 2023-00
- Subjects: Economics and commerce
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10346 , vital:74969
- Description: Small businesses in South Africa are recognized for creating jobs and increasing economic growth. Ever since South Africa experienced load shedding in 2008, small businesses, especially those in the restaurant sector, have been hugely affected by load shedding as they heavily rely on electricity for most of their business operations. Load shedding results in a loss of sales and a decrease in productivity, which reduces their profitability and eventually, sustainability. The purpose of the study was to establish the extent to which load shedding affects the performance of small-scale restaurants in Mthatha, South Africa. A positivist research paradigm was adopted for the study, which was anchored on a quantitative approach using an explanatory research design. A fully structured self-administered questionnaire was sent to 53 small-scale restaurant owners or managers and 51 responded. Data analyzed using SmartPLS4 revealed that load shedding has a negative but insignificant impact on both the profitability and productivity of small-scale restaurants. Based on the results load shedding does not impact the performance of small-scale restaurants in Mthatha as both performance proxies showed a statistically insignificant impact. Looking at the current situation of electricity in South Africa, things are getting worse as it is common for Mthatha people to go the entire day without electricity. This study helps in identifying the extent of the effects load shedding has on small-scale restaurants. This study adds to the findings of prior research on the effects of load shedding on the performance of small-scale restaurants and the study contributed to the body of iii knowledge on the effects of load shedding on the performance of small-scale restaurants and mitigates on existing literature gap where the populace is not aware of the extent to which load shedding has affected the performance of small-scale restaurants. , Faculty of Economics and Financial Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-00
- Authors: Matangayi, Lelethu
- Date: 2023-00
- Subjects: Economics and commerce
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10346 , vital:74969
- Description: Small businesses in South Africa are recognized for creating jobs and increasing economic growth. Ever since South Africa experienced load shedding in 2008, small businesses, especially those in the restaurant sector, have been hugely affected by load shedding as they heavily rely on electricity for most of their business operations. Load shedding results in a loss of sales and a decrease in productivity, which reduces their profitability and eventually, sustainability. The purpose of the study was to establish the extent to which load shedding affects the performance of small-scale restaurants in Mthatha, South Africa. A positivist research paradigm was adopted for the study, which was anchored on a quantitative approach using an explanatory research design. A fully structured self-administered questionnaire was sent to 53 small-scale restaurant owners or managers and 51 responded. Data analyzed using SmartPLS4 revealed that load shedding has a negative but insignificant impact on both the profitability and productivity of small-scale restaurants. Based on the results load shedding does not impact the performance of small-scale restaurants in Mthatha as both performance proxies showed a statistically insignificant impact. Looking at the current situation of electricity in South Africa, things are getting worse as it is common for Mthatha people to go the entire day without electricity. This study helps in identifying the extent of the effects load shedding has on small-scale restaurants. This study adds to the findings of prior research on the effects of load shedding on the performance of small-scale restaurants and the study contributed to the body of iii knowledge on the effects of load shedding on the performance of small-scale restaurants and mitigates on existing literature gap where the populace is not aware of the extent to which load shedding has affected the performance of small-scale restaurants. , Faculty of Economics and Financial Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-00
Pink Concrete
- Authors: Curr, Jill Alexandra
- Date: 2022-04-07
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) South Africa , Diaries -- Authorship , South African fiction (English) 21st century , English fiction History and criticism , Nigerian fiction (English) History and criticism , Argentine fiction History and criticism , Angolan fiction (Portuguese) History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232388 , vital:49987
- Description: (From Reader Report Reflection) - I started this course believing I was not a writer. I knew that I loved to write, I knew that it was innate to how I perceived the world. I had written a novel previously, it was an outpouring, uncontrollable imagination spew. I was often scared and doubted myself throughout writing it, but I took comfort in my reading. I picked up all the classics, modern and old, rewriting the words into notebooks alongside my own, retracing the sounds, the rhythms, the symbols and their little links, the pauses. I collected pieces rereading them with reverence, my fingers curling over the lines sunken into the page. I didn’t understand what I was doing, it felt natural to hide in the skirts of other writers peering behind the curtain to see how they built the illusion. And yet, even after finishing my novel I still didn’t think I was a writer; it was a hobby, it was something extra to me, a backpack I could take off and on. I denied what was innate, and said it was not that important to me. I applied for this Master’s in Creative Writing (MACW)7 course because I wanted external validation on my first novel and an application was probably the only way, I was going to get someone to read it. It is sad and stunted that I needed this external validation to believe I could try, to believe that I could learn to control this compulsion, to believe that I could become a writer. In our first course contact week,8 lecturers and supervisors kept saying again again that we were already writers, that this is what we are. I was scared of this, that they would find out I was not really meant to be here. Writing, taking those solitary thoughts that are too much for my skull and making them real, something tangible; this is how I move through my existence. I take pieces of myself and paste them to the page, otherwise the thoughts build up like snow around a car until you are suffocating in an icebox. And by removing this part of myself to just a hobby, a silly backpack that I can pick up and put down, was just me running away. This MACW course gave me the tools to tap into what I am, that I have a why that I must write to and that I have an audience for this why. By sharing pieces of myself, I make them real again, something I can study, tracing their edges, their dark underbelly, the light hillocks. I sat with my fear for two years slowly, piece by piece, cracking it open. I learnt to love my voice and believe in it without needing external validation, without needing the gold star of acceptance, because I accept and love what I am trying to build with my writing. , Thesis (MACW) -- Faculty of Arts, School of Languages and Literatures, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-07
- Authors: Curr, Jill Alexandra
- Date: 2022-04-07
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) South Africa , Diaries -- Authorship , South African fiction (English) 21st century , English fiction History and criticism , Nigerian fiction (English) History and criticism , Argentine fiction History and criticism , Angolan fiction (Portuguese) History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232388 , vital:49987
- Description: (From Reader Report Reflection) - I started this course believing I was not a writer. I knew that I loved to write, I knew that it was innate to how I perceived the world. I had written a novel previously, it was an outpouring, uncontrollable imagination spew. I was often scared and doubted myself throughout writing it, but I took comfort in my reading. I picked up all the classics, modern and old, rewriting the words into notebooks alongside my own, retracing the sounds, the rhythms, the symbols and their little links, the pauses. I collected pieces rereading them with reverence, my fingers curling over the lines sunken into the page. I didn’t understand what I was doing, it felt natural to hide in the skirts of other writers peering behind the curtain to see how they built the illusion. And yet, even after finishing my novel I still didn’t think I was a writer; it was a hobby, it was something extra to me, a backpack I could take off and on. I denied what was innate, and said it was not that important to me. I applied for this Master’s in Creative Writing (MACW)7 course because I wanted external validation on my first novel and an application was probably the only way, I was going to get someone to read it. It is sad and stunted that I needed this external validation to believe I could try, to believe that I could learn to control this compulsion, to believe that I could become a writer. In our first course contact week,8 lecturers and supervisors kept saying again again that we were already writers, that this is what we are. I was scared of this, that they would find out I was not really meant to be here. Writing, taking those solitary thoughts that are too much for my skull and making them real, something tangible; this is how I move through my existence. I take pieces of myself and paste them to the page, otherwise the thoughts build up like snow around a car until you are suffocating in an icebox. And by removing this part of myself to just a hobby, a silly backpack that I can pick up and put down, was just me running away. This MACW course gave me the tools to tap into what I am, that I have a why that I must write to and that I have an audience for this why. By sharing pieces of myself, I make them real again, something I can study, tracing their edges, their dark underbelly, the light hillocks. I sat with my fear for two years slowly, piece by piece, cracking it open. I learnt to love my voice and believe in it without needing external validation, without needing the gold star of acceptance, because I accept and love what I am trying to build with my writing. , Thesis (MACW) -- Faculty of Arts, School of Languages and Literatures, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-07
Soil and vegetation recovery following Acacia dealbata clearing in the Tsitsa catchment, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: implications for ecological restoration
- Authors: Balintulo, Putuma
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Acacia South Africa Eastern Cape , Invasive plants South Africa Eastern Cape , Working for Water Programme , Soil restoration South Africa Eastern Cape , Plant nutrients South Africa Eastern Cape , Restoration ecology South Africa Eastern Cape , Clearing of land South Africa Eastern Cape , Legacy effect
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290778 , vital:56783
- Description: Invasion by alien plant species in South Africa continues to compromise the stability of ecosystems by causing declines in biodiversity, altering soil nutrients and processes, and subsequently transforming ecosystem functionality. Control of invasive alien plant species has been widely implemented in South Africa to minimize their negative impacts; however, the legacy effects can persist long after the plant has been removed. The impacts of Acacia dealbata clearing on soil properties and native vegetation recovery remains understudied despite their significance in ecological restoration and monitoring. This comparative study determined the impacts of A. dealbata clearing on both soil physicochemical properties and vegetation in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Soils were collected from three different clearing treatments, namely, cleared, invaded, and uninvaded, on 5 m x 5 m plots over three summer months. The plots were replicated four times for each clearing treatment, making a total of 72 sampling plots. Soils were assessed for soil pH, resistivity, P, C, N, and exchangeable cations as well as soil moisture content, penetration resistance, infiltration rate, hydraulic conductivity, and water repellency. Clearing of A. dealbata did not have any significant effects on most soil nutrients, however, there were variations in soil pH, resistance, and Na. Soil pH was significantly higher in the uninvaded treatments than in the cleared and invaded treatments. Soil moisture content was significantly higher in the cleared treatments than the adjacent invaded and uninvaded treatments, but this was observed in the month of December only. Soil penetration resistance and infiltration rates were significantly higher in the month of December in the cleared treatments. For all clearing treatments, no significant differences were recorded for soil hydraulic conductivity. These results on changes in soil properties following A. dealbata clearing are varied, with some soil properties showing decreases, an indication that removal of A. dealbata has the potential to shift soil properties towards a positive recovery trajectory. This study further assessed whether the clearing of A. dealbata facilitates the recovery of native plant species. Vegetation surveys were conducted in the three above-mentioned treatments and plots. Results showed little recruitment of native grasses and forbs, but the persistence of A. dealbata seedlings in the cleared treatments. Species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity index were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the cleared and invaded treatments than the uninvaded treatments, and this was more visible for trees and shrubs. Cover for all species was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the uninvaded than the cleared and invaded treatments. This study observed the recruitment of some native species in the cleared treatments that were not present in the invaded treatments. Therefore, the recruitment and establishment of some native species, mostly grasses, in the cleared treatments gives assurance that passive restoration is on a positive vegetation recovery trajectory that can lead to recovery of native vegetation after A. dealbata clearing. Therefore, the study concludes that investing in ecological restoration after alien plant clearing is a necessity for complete ecosystem recovery to be achieved. Overall, the study concludes that the removal of A. dealbata triggers changes to some soil properties. Similarly, the study observed recruitment of some native grasses in cleared areas, an indication that alien plant clearing facilitates changes in both soil properties and vegetation. However, soil and vegetation recovery are being hampered by the regrowth of A. dealbata and secondary invaders that were observed in the cleared treatments. Two key recommendations of this study are (i) clearing follow-up to remove recruiting seedlings of invasive plant species and secondary invaders should be timeous and well-funded, and (ii) active restoration should be considered to speed-up soil and vegetation recovery processes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Balintulo, Putuma
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Acacia South Africa Eastern Cape , Invasive plants South Africa Eastern Cape , Working for Water Programme , Soil restoration South Africa Eastern Cape , Plant nutrients South Africa Eastern Cape , Restoration ecology South Africa Eastern Cape , Clearing of land South Africa Eastern Cape , Legacy effect
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290778 , vital:56783
- Description: Invasion by alien plant species in South Africa continues to compromise the stability of ecosystems by causing declines in biodiversity, altering soil nutrients and processes, and subsequently transforming ecosystem functionality. Control of invasive alien plant species has been widely implemented in South Africa to minimize their negative impacts; however, the legacy effects can persist long after the plant has been removed. The impacts of Acacia dealbata clearing on soil properties and native vegetation recovery remains understudied despite their significance in ecological restoration and monitoring. This comparative study determined the impacts of A. dealbata clearing on both soil physicochemical properties and vegetation in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Soils were collected from three different clearing treatments, namely, cleared, invaded, and uninvaded, on 5 m x 5 m plots over three summer months. The plots were replicated four times for each clearing treatment, making a total of 72 sampling plots. Soils were assessed for soil pH, resistivity, P, C, N, and exchangeable cations as well as soil moisture content, penetration resistance, infiltration rate, hydraulic conductivity, and water repellency. Clearing of A. dealbata did not have any significant effects on most soil nutrients, however, there were variations in soil pH, resistance, and Na. Soil pH was significantly higher in the uninvaded treatments than in the cleared and invaded treatments. Soil moisture content was significantly higher in the cleared treatments than the adjacent invaded and uninvaded treatments, but this was observed in the month of December only. Soil penetration resistance and infiltration rates were significantly higher in the month of December in the cleared treatments. For all clearing treatments, no significant differences were recorded for soil hydraulic conductivity. These results on changes in soil properties following A. dealbata clearing are varied, with some soil properties showing decreases, an indication that removal of A. dealbata has the potential to shift soil properties towards a positive recovery trajectory. This study further assessed whether the clearing of A. dealbata facilitates the recovery of native plant species. Vegetation surveys were conducted in the three above-mentioned treatments and plots. Results showed little recruitment of native grasses and forbs, but the persistence of A. dealbata seedlings in the cleared treatments. Species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity index were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the cleared and invaded treatments than the uninvaded treatments, and this was more visible for trees and shrubs. Cover for all species was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the uninvaded than the cleared and invaded treatments. This study observed the recruitment of some native species in the cleared treatments that were not present in the invaded treatments. Therefore, the recruitment and establishment of some native species, mostly grasses, in the cleared treatments gives assurance that passive restoration is on a positive vegetation recovery trajectory that can lead to recovery of native vegetation after A. dealbata clearing. Therefore, the study concludes that investing in ecological restoration after alien plant clearing is a necessity for complete ecosystem recovery to be achieved. Overall, the study concludes that the removal of A. dealbata triggers changes to some soil properties. Similarly, the study observed recruitment of some native grasses in cleared areas, an indication that alien plant clearing facilitates changes in both soil properties and vegetation. However, soil and vegetation recovery are being hampered by the regrowth of A. dealbata and secondary invaders that were observed in the cleared treatments. Two key recommendations of this study are (i) clearing follow-up to remove recruiting seedlings of invasive plant species and secondary invaders should be timeous and well-funded, and (ii) active restoration should be considered to speed-up soil and vegetation recovery processes. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
The use of psychometric test systems as a pre-selection tool for identifying successful harvesting machine operators
- Authors: Schwegman, Kylle
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55246 , vital:51102
- Description: A shift towards fully mechanized forest activities, such as harvesting and, more recently, silviculture, has occurred from the early 2 000’s. The reason for mechanizing these activities differs for each country, although for most countries there is concern relating to the health and safety of forest workers. With mechanization in harvesting, the forest worker has moved away from the physical intensity of having to fell, debranch, debark and cross-cut trees into logs using either an axe or chainsaw, to operating a machine. Studies revolving around the human element (operator) have been conducted specifically relating to the ergonomics of the machines and how operators may influence machine productivity. Results showed that due to the repetitive nature of the work, the operators are exposed to associated stresses for longer periods. Typical injuries associated to these kinds of stressors are whole body vibrations (WBVs), repetitive hand and arm movements, non-neutral body postures and manual lifting, which lead to musculoskeletal symptoms in the lower back, neck and shoulders. However, as machine technology improves so does the ergonomic conditions which are experienced by machine operators. Machine productivity can be influenced by various factors, with the most influential being tree volume. However, a recent study showed that over 40% of variation in machine productivity has been observed amongst different machine operators operating similar machines. The specific reason for these differences has yet to be determined. However, decision making, motivation, planning capacity, concentration, memory, motor coordination, pattern recognition, logic reasoning, and spatial perception are abilities that have been described as important for successful harvesting work. The pre-selection of operators using psychometric and cognitive tests is not new to forestry, although very little information is available relating to the aptitude test known as the Vienna test system as well as the best possible demographic associated with successful harvesting operators. The overall aim of this study was to determine whether the high variation found amongst harvesting machine operators could be reduced initially through a preselection process which involves the use of aptitude tests (Vienna Test System) and demographic questionnaires. A study was implemented in Zululand, South Africa, testing whether there were significant productivity differences between nine machine operators. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Schwegman, Kylle
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55246 , vital:51102
- Description: A shift towards fully mechanized forest activities, such as harvesting and, more recently, silviculture, has occurred from the early 2 000’s. The reason for mechanizing these activities differs for each country, although for most countries there is concern relating to the health and safety of forest workers. With mechanization in harvesting, the forest worker has moved away from the physical intensity of having to fell, debranch, debark and cross-cut trees into logs using either an axe or chainsaw, to operating a machine. Studies revolving around the human element (operator) have been conducted specifically relating to the ergonomics of the machines and how operators may influence machine productivity. Results showed that due to the repetitive nature of the work, the operators are exposed to associated stresses for longer periods. Typical injuries associated to these kinds of stressors are whole body vibrations (WBVs), repetitive hand and arm movements, non-neutral body postures and manual lifting, which lead to musculoskeletal symptoms in the lower back, neck and shoulders. However, as machine technology improves so does the ergonomic conditions which are experienced by machine operators. Machine productivity can be influenced by various factors, with the most influential being tree volume. However, a recent study showed that over 40% of variation in machine productivity has been observed amongst different machine operators operating similar machines. The specific reason for these differences has yet to be determined. However, decision making, motivation, planning capacity, concentration, memory, motor coordination, pattern recognition, logic reasoning, and spatial perception are abilities that have been described as important for successful harvesting work. The pre-selection of operators using psychometric and cognitive tests is not new to forestry, although very little information is available relating to the aptitude test known as the Vienna test system as well as the best possible demographic associated with successful harvesting operators. The overall aim of this study was to determine whether the high variation found amongst harvesting machine operators could be reduced initially through a preselection process which involves the use of aptitude tests (Vienna Test System) and demographic questionnaires. A study was implemented in Zululand, South Africa, testing whether there were significant productivity differences between nine machine operators. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
A critical assessment of the relationship between the AfCFTA and World Trade Organisation dispute settlement mechanisms, in light of the Conflict of Jurisdiction
- Nhemachena, Tichakunda Charles
- Authors: Nhemachena, Tichakunda Charles
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: African Continental Free Trade Area , World Trade Organization , Dispute resolution (Law) , Conflict of judicial decisions , Good faith (Law)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192052 , vital:45191
- Description: This thesis interrogates the relationship between the Dispute Settlement Understanding and Africa Continental Free Trade Area dispute settlement mechanism, in light of the conflict of jurisdiction. The conflict of jurisdiction is an adverse effect of the fragmentation of international law. The uncoordinated proliferation of international treaties has increased occurrences of overlapping memberships and overlapping subject matter regulation amongst treaties. Whenever the overlaps mentioned above exist, and a dispute arises concerning matters of overlap, that dispute can be heard in more than one tribunal, giving rise to a conflict of jurisdiction. Jurisdictional conflicts are a problem because they breed uncertainty in the adjudication of disputes; they increase the risk of forum shopping, conflict of rulings, protracted litigation, and waste resources. There is a significant risk for jurisdictional conflicts between the World Trade Organisation and Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreements, because of membership and subject matter overlaps. To mitigate the problems caused by jurisdictional conflicts, the Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreement has incorporated a fork-in-the-road clause. Fork-in-the-road provisions allow parties to choose their preferred forum, and once the forum is chosen, the parties are prohibited from bringing the same dispute to another tribunal. Unfortunately, fork-in-the-road clauses are insufficient in resolving jurisdictional conflicts because they do not bind the Dispute Settlement Understanding. It is only bound to enforce World Trade Organisation obligations and not non-World Trade Organisation obligations. The extent to which non-World Trade Organisation norms apply in the Dispute Settlement Understanding is unsettled, making it difficult to conclude whether a fork-in-the-road provision will be effective an effective solution to potential jurisdictional conflicts. In this thesis, the researcher investigates the prospects of the World Trade Organisation applying the AfCFTA fork-in-the-road clause, directly, as a potential solution to the conflict of jurisdiction. In addition, the researcher will also investigate an alternative means of applying the AfCFTA fork-in-the-road provision, indirectly, using the World Trade Organisation procedural good faith provisions. In conclusion, the researcher provides recommendations on how the World Trade Organisation and the AfCFTA agreement can facilitate the application of fork-in-the-road clauses in the Dispute Settlement Understanding to resolve the conflict of jurisdiction. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Law, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Nhemachena, Tichakunda Charles
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: African Continental Free Trade Area , World Trade Organization , Dispute resolution (Law) , Conflict of judicial decisions , Good faith (Law)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192052 , vital:45191
- Description: This thesis interrogates the relationship between the Dispute Settlement Understanding and Africa Continental Free Trade Area dispute settlement mechanism, in light of the conflict of jurisdiction. The conflict of jurisdiction is an adverse effect of the fragmentation of international law. The uncoordinated proliferation of international treaties has increased occurrences of overlapping memberships and overlapping subject matter regulation amongst treaties. Whenever the overlaps mentioned above exist, and a dispute arises concerning matters of overlap, that dispute can be heard in more than one tribunal, giving rise to a conflict of jurisdiction. Jurisdictional conflicts are a problem because they breed uncertainty in the adjudication of disputes; they increase the risk of forum shopping, conflict of rulings, protracted litigation, and waste resources. There is a significant risk for jurisdictional conflicts between the World Trade Organisation and Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreements, because of membership and subject matter overlaps. To mitigate the problems caused by jurisdictional conflicts, the Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreement has incorporated a fork-in-the-road clause. Fork-in-the-road provisions allow parties to choose their preferred forum, and once the forum is chosen, the parties are prohibited from bringing the same dispute to another tribunal. Unfortunately, fork-in-the-road clauses are insufficient in resolving jurisdictional conflicts because they do not bind the Dispute Settlement Understanding. It is only bound to enforce World Trade Organisation obligations and not non-World Trade Organisation obligations. The extent to which non-World Trade Organisation norms apply in the Dispute Settlement Understanding is unsettled, making it difficult to conclude whether a fork-in-the-road provision will be effective an effective solution to potential jurisdictional conflicts. In this thesis, the researcher investigates the prospects of the World Trade Organisation applying the AfCFTA fork-in-the-road clause, directly, as a potential solution to the conflict of jurisdiction. In addition, the researcher will also investigate an alternative means of applying the AfCFTA fork-in-the-road provision, indirectly, using the World Trade Organisation procedural good faith provisions. In conclusion, the researcher provides recommendations on how the World Trade Organisation and the AfCFTA agreement can facilitate the application of fork-in-the-road clauses in the Dispute Settlement Understanding to resolve the conflict of jurisdiction. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Law, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Power in periods: a Foucauldian-feminist exploration of menstruation in an all-girls’ secondary school in South Africa
- Authors: Parkinson, Catherine Anne
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Menstruation South Africa , Menstruation Social aspects South Africa , High school girls Health and hygiene South Africa , Communication in reproductive health South Africa , Sexual health South Africa , Sex differences (Psychology) in adolescence South Africa , Male domination (Social structure) South Africa , Feminist theory , Foucault, Michel, 1926-1984. Surveiller et punir. English , Discourse analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190930 , vital:45042
- Description: Absenteeism from school among girls due to a lack of menstrual health management (MHM) products has increasingly attracted attention from researchers and activists in recent years. Having highlighted the challenges caused by a lack of MHM products, the focus has been on the available facilities at schools to ensure MHM. Many schools in South Africa lack water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) to ensure hygiene standards for the removal of bodily excre-ment, which further causes distress to girls needing MHM while at school. To investigate fur-ther the MHM challenges girls face, apart from access to products and WASH, this qualita-tive study purposively selected an all-girls’ school with access to good sanitation facilities. This research uses Foucauldian Discourse Analysis and Feminist Theory to explore the forms of discipline and control that girls experience at school to contain their bodily functioning and fluids, and the forms of resistance and support that girls encounter with MHM at school. I will argue that the ambivalent meanings girls acquire about menstruation at home and in soci-ety persist at school despite their own views that menstruation is normal. While MHM prod-ucts and WASH facilities need to be freely available, the problematic social response to men-struation is what needs to be addressed in order to emancipate women from the social patriar-chal power that informs their understanding that menstruation is shameful. MHM cannot only encompass products and facilities but needs to encompass a change in societal views of sex-ual and reproductive health. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Parkinson, Catherine Anne
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Menstruation South Africa , Menstruation Social aspects South Africa , High school girls Health and hygiene South Africa , Communication in reproductive health South Africa , Sexual health South Africa , Sex differences (Psychology) in adolescence South Africa , Male domination (Social structure) South Africa , Feminist theory , Foucault, Michel, 1926-1984. Surveiller et punir. English , Discourse analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190930 , vital:45042
- Description: Absenteeism from school among girls due to a lack of menstrual health management (MHM) products has increasingly attracted attention from researchers and activists in recent years. Having highlighted the challenges caused by a lack of MHM products, the focus has been on the available facilities at schools to ensure MHM. Many schools in South Africa lack water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) to ensure hygiene standards for the removal of bodily excre-ment, which further causes distress to girls needing MHM while at school. To investigate fur-ther the MHM challenges girls face, apart from access to products and WASH, this qualita-tive study purposively selected an all-girls’ school with access to good sanitation facilities. This research uses Foucauldian Discourse Analysis and Feminist Theory to explore the forms of discipline and control that girls experience at school to contain their bodily functioning and fluids, and the forms of resistance and support that girls encounter with MHM at school. I will argue that the ambivalent meanings girls acquire about menstruation at home and in soci-ety persist at school despite their own views that menstruation is normal. While MHM prod-ucts and WASH facilities need to be freely available, the problematic social response to men-struation is what needs to be addressed in order to emancipate women from the social patriar-chal power that informs their understanding that menstruation is shameful. MHM cannot only encompass products and facilities but needs to encompass a change in societal views of sex-ual and reproductive health. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
An anthropological investigation on academic performance of grade 12 learners: selected schools in King William’s Town, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Stuart, Sinaed
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54816 , vital:47910
- Description: The Eastern Cape is one of the poorest provinces in South Africa. The level of poverty, and lack of basic resources has given way to inadequacies in many of the services available to communities. From improper infrastructure, to a flawed or lacking public education system. Past and future research into the inadequacies and inequity that exists in the public education system need to act as a catalyst to policy changes, and intervention implementations to solve the issues that continue to persist. This study focuses on the factors that influence the academic performance of learners in matric in King Williams Town. The importance of this research is to investigate the issues that negatively impact on the performance of Grade 12 learners at Breidbach High School. Further, the importance of this study is to share the findings of the research with community members as well as the Department of Basic Education with the view and hope that they will address these issues. The research question is: What are the factors influencing academic performance of Grade 12 learners at Breidbach High School in Breidbach outside King Williams Town? The research objectives are as follows: to investigate and highlight factors associated with poor academic performance in the participating high school at Breidbach in King Williams Town, to contribute within the anthropology of education, adding to an already existing body of knowledge, with specific reference to the participating high school in King William’s Town and to come up with the recommendations with the view of addressing some of the challenges faced by the participating high school in King Williams Town. The study followed a qualitative approach which included various techniques and ethical compliance was adhered to. For the proposed study, the researcher will use ‘academic performance’ as a guideline for the conceptual framework. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Stuart, Sinaed
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54816 , vital:47910
- Description: The Eastern Cape is one of the poorest provinces in South Africa. The level of poverty, and lack of basic resources has given way to inadequacies in many of the services available to communities. From improper infrastructure, to a flawed or lacking public education system. Past and future research into the inadequacies and inequity that exists in the public education system need to act as a catalyst to policy changes, and intervention implementations to solve the issues that continue to persist. This study focuses on the factors that influence the academic performance of learners in matric in King Williams Town. The importance of this research is to investigate the issues that negatively impact on the performance of Grade 12 learners at Breidbach High School. Further, the importance of this study is to share the findings of the research with community members as well as the Department of Basic Education with the view and hope that they will address these issues. The research question is: What are the factors influencing academic performance of Grade 12 learners at Breidbach High School in Breidbach outside King Williams Town? The research objectives are as follows: to investigate and highlight factors associated with poor academic performance in the participating high school at Breidbach in King Williams Town, to contribute within the anthropology of education, adding to an already existing body of knowledge, with specific reference to the participating high school in King William’s Town and to come up with the recommendations with the view of addressing some of the challenges faced by the participating high school in King Williams Town. The study followed a qualitative approach which included various techniques and ethical compliance was adhered to. For the proposed study, the researcher will use ‘academic performance’ as a guideline for the conceptual framework. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
An investigation of support services available for black female owners of bed & breakfasts in Makhanda
- Authors: Mdluli, Lukhona Silubonile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Bed and breakfast accommodations -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Businesspeople, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Women-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Government aid to small business -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Racism -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Businesswomen -- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177181 , vital:42797
- Description: Over the last 26 years, the South African government has committed to SMME development. To do this, policies and support institutions were put in place which would create a favourable environment for SMME development. This was particularly important as after 1994, when the South African economy was re-integrated into global markets after years of having sanctions imposed against the country as a result of the apartheid system. The tourism industry was identified as one of the key economic drivers which would strengthen the economy and assist in job creation, especially since South Africa would be able to attract international tourists. Further, it created the opportunity for new participants to enter the industry, including black entrepreneurs who previously could not enter the industry as a result of the apartheid laws. The opening up of the country to international markets and the focus on the tourism industry also presented the opportunity for new forms of tourism to be explored including township tourism, which gave rise to the black-owned bed & breakfast sector. Over time, it has become evident that black entrepreneurs in this sector are facing a number of challenges, in spite of the pro-SMME policies and support institutions that are in place. Because this study seeks to investigate the support services available for black female bed & breakfast owners in Makhanda, a qualitative research approach using the interpretative theoretical framework was applied. By using semi-structured interview questions, to establish what challenges do black female bed and breakfast owners face the researcher was able to respond to the following; what participants identify as their needs; and whether they are able to access the support services that are made available by the Government. Results indicated that the majority of entrepreneurs have difficulty accessing funding to develop their businesses. The seasonality of Grahamstown/ Makhanda tourism businesses has its pros and cons for tourism entrepreneurs. Despite efforts by government to transform the tourism industry, black female entrepreneurs in this industry still experience a myriad of challenges, including passive racism. Insufficient institutional support and inaccessible support services for women have made it difficult to manage in this this environment. Thus, a recommendation is put forward for female focused entrepreneurship policy, which is more responsive in terms of a judicial and legal system(s) aimed at addressing women’s particular needs and challenges. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Mdluli, Lukhona Silubonile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Bed and breakfast accommodations -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Businesspeople, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Women-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Government aid to small business -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Racism -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Businesswomen -- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177181 , vital:42797
- Description: Over the last 26 years, the South African government has committed to SMME development. To do this, policies and support institutions were put in place which would create a favourable environment for SMME development. This was particularly important as after 1994, when the South African economy was re-integrated into global markets after years of having sanctions imposed against the country as a result of the apartheid system. The tourism industry was identified as one of the key economic drivers which would strengthen the economy and assist in job creation, especially since South Africa would be able to attract international tourists. Further, it created the opportunity for new participants to enter the industry, including black entrepreneurs who previously could not enter the industry as a result of the apartheid laws. The opening up of the country to international markets and the focus on the tourism industry also presented the opportunity for new forms of tourism to be explored including township tourism, which gave rise to the black-owned bed & breakfast sector. Over time, it has become evident that black entrepreneurs in this sector are facing a number of challenges, in spite of the pro-SMME policies and support institutions that are in place. Because this study seeks to investigate the support services available for black female bed & breakfast owners in Makhanda, a qualitative research approach using the interpretative theoretical framework was applied. By using semi-structured interview questions, to establish what challenges do black female bed and breakfast owners face the researcher was able to respond to the following; what participants identify as their needs; and whether they are able to access the support services that are made available by the Government. Results indicated that the majority of entrepreneurs have difficulty accessing funding to develop their businesses. The seasonality of Grahamstown/ Makhanda tourism businesses has its pros and cons for tourism entrepreneurs. Despite efforts by government to transform the tourism industry, black female entrepreneurs in this industry still experience a myriad of challenges, including passive racism. Insufficient institutional support and inaccessible support services for women have made it difficult to manage in this this environment. Thus, a recommendation is put forward for female focused entrepreneurship policy, which is more responsive in terms of a judicial and legal system(s) aimed at addressing women’s particular needs and challenges. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The development of a guiding framework to maximise the potential benefits of stokvels: Recent evidence from South Africa
- Authors: Dikwayo, Mziwamadoda
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Rotating credit associations -- South Africa , Savings and loan associations -- South Africa , Africans -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51131 , vital:43211
- Description: The financial exclusion of the poor from the formal financial sector has contributed to the never ending cycle of inequality and poverty in South Africa. It is however evident from the R50 billion (Nasasa, 2020) generated each year in the stokvel market, that those previously excluded have been able to create their own informal market with immense potential. The full potential of the stokvel market has however not been adequately explored which has resulted in members not fully utilising this informal sector to improve their standards of living and the formal sector not providing adequate product solutions to benefit members. Majority of stokvels are still focused on traditional rotationally disbursement mechanisms designed for short-term goals (Zondi, 2016) and regardless of the market that has growth to be worth R50 billion, members are yet utilise funds accumulated on instruments and mechanisms to improve standards of livings for themselves, families and general communities. The formal sector provides stokvel savings products that offer stokvels with simple savings mechanism often generating little interests which may not necessarily provide the full potential benefit to the members. This was also shown in a study by African Response (2019) indicating that 40% of stokvels had their money invested in low to no interest accounts. Stokvels have also evolved and are now used for far more than just a simple savings mechanism, with some stokvels focusing on continuous rotationally mechanisms, while others focus on fixed periods. Stokvels can exist for different reasons including for groceries, burial, school fees and longer term purposes such as building houses or buying cars or a combination of these. Solutions available ought to therefore take into consideration the key needs of stokvels while considering short term and medium to long term solutions which current simple savings solutions offered by the formal sector may not completely offer. In keeping up with the market, banks may try to enhance their products but Moliea (2017) concluded that banks were being flexible on things that members did not require. Against the stated research problem, the primary objective of this research is to investigate how the traditional mechanisms of stokvels can be amended and improved to ensure maximum benefits/returns for its members; which benefits are not only long-term in nature, but also taking account of the short-term needs and realities of poor communities within the context of the South African economy. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Dikwayo, Mziwamadoda
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Rotating credit associations -- South Africa , Savings and loan associations -- South Africa , Africans -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51131 , vital:43211
- Description: The financial exclusion of the poor from the formal financial sector has contributed to the never ending cycle of inequality and poverty in South Africa. It is however evident from the R50 billion (Nasasa, 2020) generated each year in the stokvel market, that those previously excluded have been able to create their own informal market with immense potential. The full potential of the stokvel market has however not been adequately explored which has resulted in members not fully utilising this informal sector to improve their standards of living and the formal sector not providing adequate product solutions to benefit members. Majority of stokvels are still focused on traditional rotationally disbursement mechanisms designed for short-term goals (Zondi, 2016) and regardless of the market that has growth to be worth R50 billion, members are yet utilise funds accumulated on instruments and mechanisms to improve standards of livings for themselves, families and general communities. The formal sector provides stokvel savings products that offer stokvels with simple savings mechanism often generating little interests which may not necessarily provide the full potential benefit to the members. This was also shown in a study by African Response (2019) indicating that 40% of stokvels had their money invested in low to no interest accounts. Stokvels have also evolved and are now used for far more than just a simple savings mechanism, with some stokvels focusing on continuous rotationally mechanisms, while others focus on fixed periods. Stokvels can exist for different reasons including for groceries, burial, school fees and longer term purposes such as building houses or buying cars or a combination of these. Solutions available ought to therefore take into consideration the key needs of stokvels while considering short term and medium to long term solutions which current simple savings solutions offered by the formal sector may not completely offer. In keeping up with the market, banks may try to enhance their products but Moliea (2017) concluded that banks were being flexible on things that members did not require. Against the stated research problem, the primary objective of this research is to investigate how the traditional mechanisms of stokvels can be amended and improved to ensure maximum benefits/returns for its members; which benefits are not only long-term in nature, but also taking account of the short-term needs and realities of poor communities within the context of the South African economy. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The relationship between debtors policies and recovery of debtors on the Nelson Mandela University financial statements
- Authors: Jiba, Mncedikazi Felicelle
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Financial statements , Accounting -- Standards , Debtor and creditor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51864 , vital:43379
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between the debt collection process in terms of the debtors polices and the recovery of debtors on the annual financial statements at Nelson Mandela University. A related goal was to determine if the debt collection as per debtor’s policy is effective enough to recover debtors in time as debtors affects in financial operations of the university. The student fees are one of the sources of income of the university. When there is an increase in debtors it means debt collection is decreasing, which ultimately affects the cash flow income that is increased through the debtors of the university. The results showed that Nelson Mandela University is collecting debt as per the debtor’s policy, however the recovery of debtors is not in the benefits of the university as large amounts of debtors are tied up to handed over to clients. , Thesis (MTech) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Cost management accounting, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Jiba, Mncedikazi Felicelle
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Financial statements , Accounting -- Standards , Debtor and creditor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51864 , vital:43379
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between the debt collection process in terms of the debtors polices and the recovery of debtors on the annual financial statements at Nelson Mandela University. A related goal was to determine if the debt collection as per debtor’s policy is effective enough to recover debtors in time as debtors affects in financial operations of the university. The student fees are one of the sources of income of the university. When there is an increase in debtors it means debt collection is decreasing, which ultimately affects the cash flow income that is increased through the debtors of the university. The results showed that Nelson Mandela University is collecting debt as per the debtor’s policy, however the recovery of debtors is not in the benefits of the university as large amounts of debtors are tied up to handed over to clients. , Thesis (MTech) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Cost management accounting, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The South African income tax implications of transactions entered into to earn points for a Broad- Based Black Economic Empowerment scorecard, with reference to a selection of structures
- Authors: Jaga, Praksha
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Black Economic Empowerment (Program : South Africa) , South Africa. Income Tax Act, 1962 , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Spendings tax -- South Africa , Tax deductions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177306 , vital:42808
- Description: This thesis discussed the South African income tax implications, in terms of the Income Tax Act, No. 58 of 1962, arising from complying with Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment requirements, and related principles established in case law. Various structures and transactions entered into for the purposes of earning points for the B-BBEE scorecard were identified. In the assessment of the deductibility of B-BBEE expenditure in terms of the preamble to section 11, section 11(a) and section 23(g) of the Act, it was highlighted that, in the South African economic environment, B-BBEE compliance represents a competitive advantage for entities. In addition, many South African organisations are required to comply with B-BBEE requirements for legal and regulatory purposes. The analysis of the deductibility of B-BBEE expenditure revealed that taxpayers that incur this expenditure would be carrying on a trade or commencing to do so. It was also concluded that B-BBEE expenditure is incurred in the production of income and would generally not be capital in nature, except in certain circumstances, in which case the Act provides certain allowances. Any deduction will only be allowed in the year of assessment in which the expenditure is actually incurred, or when the taxpayer incurs an unconditional legal obligation. This thesis explored several alternatives to achieve the requirements of the ownership element of B-BBEE and highlighted the income tax implications that arise because of these structures. It was also observed that there are a number of incentives in the Act that could be beneficial to taxpayers seeking to earn points for the remaining elements of the B-BBEE scorecard. A legal interpretive approach, in particular a doctrinal research methodology, was adopted in carrying out this research. This research concluded that the Act facilitates most of the B-BBEE transactions and structures, but due to the complex and sometimes uncertain nature of the tax consequences of B-BBEE transactions and structures, there is a need for further guidance in this area of tax law. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Accounting, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Jaga, Praksha
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Black Economic Empowerment (Program : South Africa) , South Africa. Income Tax Act, 1962 , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Spendings tax -- South Africa , Tax deductions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177306 , vital:42808
- Description: This thesis discussed the South African income tax implications, in terms of the Income Tax Act, No. 58 of 1962, arising from complying with Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment requirements, and related principles established in case law. Various structures and transactions entered into for the purposes of earning points for the B-BBEE scorecard were identified. In the assessment of the deductibility of B-BBEE expenditure in terms of the preamble to section 11, section 11(a) and section 23(g) of the Act, it was highlighted that, in the South African economic environment, B-BBEE compliance represents a competitive advantage for entities. In addition, many South African organisations are required to comply with B-BBEE requirements for legal and regulatory purposes. The analysis of the deductibility of B-BBEE expenditure revealed that taxpayers that incur this expenditure would be carrying on a trade or commencing to do so. It was also concluded that B-BBEE expenditure is incurred in the production of income and would generally not be capital in nature, except in certain circumstances, in which case the Act provides certain allowances. Any deduction will only be allowed in the year of assessment in which the expenditure is actually incurred, or when the taxpayer incurs an unconditional legal obligation. This thesis explored several alternatives to achieve the requirements of the ownership element of B-BBEE and highlighted the income tax implications that arise because of these structures. It was also observed that there are a number of incentives in the Act that could be beneficial to taxpayers seeking to earn points for the remaining elements of the B-BBEE scorecard. A legal interpretive approach, in particular a doctrinal research methodology, was adopted in carrying out this research. This research concluded that the Act facilitates most of the B-BBEE transactions and structures, but due to the complex and sometimes uncertain nature of the tax consequences of B-BBEE transactions and structures, there is a need for further guidance in this area of tax law. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Accounting, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Multi-grade teaching strategies used by rural primary school teachers at Amatole East Education district
- Masebe, Nocawe https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-4809-4643
- Authors: Masebe, Nocawe https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-4809-4643
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Combination of grades , Resource programs (Education)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20068 , vital:45105
- Description: The purpose of the study was to assess multi-grade classroom teaching strategies in rural primary schools at Amatole East Education District. The lens with which to view pedagogical practices of multi-grade teaching was through Bronfenbrenner Ecological System on Human Development and Vygotsky’s Social Learning Theory. An interpretivist paradigm within a qualitative research approach was chosen as befitting the study. The study sampled four primary schools in Amathole East Education District, with eight participants purposively selected. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, classroom observations and documents. Data gathering instruments utilised were Interview Schedule, Observation Sheets and Document Checklist. Data was analysed and interpreted through thematic and content analysis. Peer tutoring, self-directed learning and group-work were found to be the most effective teaching strategies in classroom-based teaching. Instructional techniques that involved teacher–directed activities and learner-directed learning activities were viewed as most beneficial for learners in multi-grade settings. However, multi-grade teachers struggled in coping with the utilisation of time and resources in teaching learners of different grade levels combined in the same classroom. The study concludes that during separate grade teaching, grade-by-grade approach, thematic teaching or individual seatwork utilisation of differentiated tasks accommodate application of a variety of teaching strategies. Thus the study suggests that pedagogical practices can be differentiated to address learners’ diverse learning needs, paying more attention to struggling learners. It is further recommended that teachers in multi-grade situations be equipped with special multi-grade teacher training through in-service training programs to overcome challenges of teaching in multi-grade settings. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
- Authors: Masebe, Nocawe https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-4809-4643
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Combination of grades , Resource programs (Education)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20068 , vital:45105
- Description: The purpose of the study was to assess multi-grade classroom teaching strategies in rural primary schools at Amatole East Education District. The lens with which to view pedagogical practices of multi-grade teaching was through Bronfenbrenner Ecological System on Human Development and Vygotsky’s Social Learning Theory. An interpretivist paradigm within a qualitative research approach was chosen as befitting the study. The study sampled four primary schools in Amathole East Education District, with eight participants purposively selected. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, classroom observations and documents. Data gathering instruments utilised were Interview Schedule, Observation Sheets and Document Checklist. Data was analysed and interpreted through thematic and content analysis. Peer tutoring, self-directed learning and group-work were found to be the most effective teaching strategies in classroom-based teaching. Instructional techniques that involved teacher–directed activities and learner-directed learning activities were viewed as most beneficial for learners in multi-grade settings. However, multi-grade teachers struggled in coping with the utilisation of time and resources in teaching learners of different grade levels combined in the same classroom. The study concludes that during separate grade teaching, grade-by-grade approach, thematic teaching or individual seatwork utilisation of differentiated tasks accommodate application of a variety of teaching strategies. Thus the study suggests that pedagogical practices can be differentiated to address learners’ diverse learning needs, paying more attention to struggling learners. It is further recommended that teachers in multi-grade situations be equipped with special multi-grade teacher training through in-service training programs to overcome challenges of teaching in multi-grade settings. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
An empirical investigation of the balance sheet channel of monetary policy transmission in South Africa
- Authors: Kelvin, Mudita
- Date: 2009-12
- Subjects: Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy) -- South Africa , Financial statements
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24106 , vital:62375
- Description: The intention of this study is to outline an empirical framework of the balance sheet channel of monetary policy transmission in South Africa. Specifically, this study examines how monetary policy decisions are transmitted, through the balance sheet of business firms, to the real economy. The study is motivated by the fact that credit has now occupied an important role in the funding of new capital investment in South Africa. Thus, the balance sheet channel may become a relevant channel in the monetary policy transmission process. This study augments the co integration and vector auto regression (VAR) analysis with impulse response and variance decomposition analyses to provide evidence for the balance sheet channel. The study employs quarterly South African data covering the period 1980 to 2008. For that purpose, The VAR model will contain the following variables, Bank rate (monetary policy effect), External finance premium (information asymmetry channel), stock market capitalization (to cater for the collateral channel), Changes in industrial and commercial inventories (cashflows channel), credit extension (to cater for the effect of credit demand), and gross domestic product (to cater for the aggregate shock). The study finds evidence in support of the balance sheet channel of monetary policy transmission in South Africa. The channel is weak as proved by the results. Therefore, the balance sheet channel should not be neglected from both the policy perspective and academic literature point of view in South Africa. However, the findings may only pertain to idiosyncratic economic developments during the sample period, while not necessarily serving as a best guide as to how the South African economy would work in the future. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2009
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009-12
- Authors: Kelvin, Mudita
- Date: 2009-12
- Subjects: Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy) -- South Africa , Financial statements
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24106 , vital:62375
- Description: The intention of this study is to outline an empirical framework of the balance sheet channel of monetary policy transmission in South Africa. Specifically, this study examines how monetary policy decisions are transmitted, through the balance sheet of business firms, to the real economy. The study is motivated by the fact that credit has now occupied an important role in the funding of new capital investment in South Africa. Thus, the balance sheet channel may become a relevant channel in the monetary policy transmission process. This study augments the co integration and vector auto regression (VAR) analysis with impulse response and variance decomposition analyses to provide evidence for the balance sheet channel. The study employs quarterly South African data covering the period 1980 to 2008. For that purpose, The VAR model will contain the following variables, Bank rate (monetary policy effect), External finance premium (information asymmetry channel), stock market capitalization (to cater for the collateral channel), Changes in industrial and commercial inventories (cashflows channel), credit extension (to cater for the effect of credit demand), and gross domestic product (to cater for the aggregate shock). The study finds evidence in support of the balance sheet channel of monetary policy transmission in South Africa. The channel is weak as proved by the results. Therefore, the balance sheet channel should not be neglected from both the policy perspective and academic literature point of view in South Africa. However, the findings may only pertain to idiosyncratic economic developments during the sample period, while not necessarily serving as a best guide as to how the South African economy would work in the future. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2009
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009-12
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