VIVA Comrade Moss
- NUMSA
- Authors: NUMSA
- Date: 25 April
- Subjects: NUMSA
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109640 , vital:33163 , SALHA 14b : NUMSA
- Description: The last 'Trial Update" reported on Comrade Moss’s case until mid-March. This report covers the period from that time up until 25th April.STADLER - "ANC EXPERT" Brigadier Stadler testified that the ANC had made certain calls to organisations within the country which, according to his "research", had been followed by organisations in the country. As examples he gave the ANC’s call for ungovernability, the formation of organs of people’s power and the destruction of town councils. During cross-examination Stadler conceded that he was not able to give examples of any direct link between the ANC and organisations inside the coutry but he said an inference could be drawn by looking at the ANC’s call and the behaviour of organisations inside the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 25 April
- Authors: NUMSA
- Date: 25 April
- Subjects: NUMSA
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109640 , vital:33163 , SALHA 14b : NUMSA
- Description: The last 'Trial Update" reported on Comrade Moss’s case until mid-March. This report covers the period from that time up until 25th April.STADLER - "ANC EXPERT" Brigadier Stadler testified that the ANC had made certain calls to organisations within the country which, according to his "research", had been followed by organisations in the country. As examples he gave the ANC’s call for ungovernability, the formation of organs of people’s power and the destruction of town councils. During cross-examination Stadler conceded that he was not able to give examples of any direct link between the ANC and organisations inside the coutry but he said an inference could be drawn by looking at the ANC’s call and the behaviour of organisations inside the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 25 April
The prevalence of insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy in Africa: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Charles Bitamazire Businge, Benjamin Longo-Mbenza, Andre Pascal Kengne
- Authors: Charles Bitamazire Businge , Benjamin Longo-Mbenza , Andre Pascal Kengne
- Date: 22-8-2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3387 , vital:43338 , https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-019-1092-7#citeas
- Description: Background: Insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy is associated with many adverse pregnancy outcomes. About 90% of African countries are at risk of iodine deficiency due to poor soils and dietary goitrogens. Pregnancy predisposes to insufficient iodine nutrition secondary to increased physiological demand and increased renal loss. Iodine deficiency is re-emerging in countries thought to be replete with pregnant women being the most affected. This review seeks to identify the degree of iodine nutrition in pregnancy on the entire African continent before and after the implementation of national iodization programmes. Methods: A systematic search of published literature will be conducted for observational studies that directly determined the prevalence of insufficient iodine intake among pregnant women in Africa. Electronic databases and grey literature will be searched for baseline data before the implementation of population-based iodine supplementation and for follow-up data up to December 2018. Screening of identified articles and data extraction will be conducted independently by two investigators. Risk of bias and methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using a risk of bias tool. Appropriate meta-analytic techniques will be used to pool prevalence estimates from studies with similar features, overall and by major characteristics including the region of the study, time period (before and after implementation of iodization programmes), sample size and age. Heterogeneity of the estimates across studies will be quantified and publication bias investigated. This protocol is reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines. Discussion This review will help ascertain the impact of national iodization programmes on the iodine nutrition status in pregnancy in Africa and advise policy on the necessity for monitoring and mitigating iodine deficiency in pregnancy in Africa. This review is part of a thesis that will be submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, for the award of a PhD in Medicine whose protocol has been granted ethics approval (UCT HREC 135/2018). In addition, the results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 22-8-2019
- Authors: Charles Bitamazire Businge , Benjamin Longo-Mbenza , Andre Pascal Kengne
- Date: 22-8-2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3387 , vital:43338 , https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-019-1092-7#citeas
- Description: Background: Insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy is associated with many adverse pregnancy outcomes. About 90% of African countries are at risk of iodine deficiency due to poor soils and dietary goitrogens. Pregnancy predisposes to insufficient iodine nutrition secondary to increased physiological demand and increased renal loss. Iodine deficiency is re-emerging in countries thought to be replete with pregnant women being the most affected. This review seeks to identify the degree of iodine nutrition in pregnancy on the entire African continent before and after the implementation of national iodization programmes. Methods: A systematic search of published literature will be conducted for observational studies that directly determined the prevalence of insufficient iodine intake among pregnant women in Africa. Electronic databases and grey literature will be searched for baseline data before the implementation of population-based iodine supplementation and for follow-up data up to December 2018. Screening of identified articles and data extraction will be conducted independently by two investigators. Risk of bias and methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using a risk of bias tool. Appropriate meta-analytic techniques will be used to pool prevalence estimates from studies with similar features, overall and by major characteristics including the region of the study, time period (before and after implementation of iodization programmes), sample size and age. Heterogeneity of the estimates across studies will be quantified and publication bias investigated. This protocol is reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines. Discussion This review will help ascertain the impact of national iodization programmes on the iodine nutrition status in pregnancy in Africa and advise policy on the necessity for monitoring and mitigating iodine deficiency in pregnancy in Africa. This review is part of a thesis that will be submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, for the award of a PhD in Medicine whose protocol has been granted ethics approval (UCT HREC 135/2018). In addition, the results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 22-8-2019
Digital finance and poverty in selected Sub-Saharan Countries
- Dube, Ziphozethu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4532-5346
- Authors: Dube, Ziphozethu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4532-5346
- Date: 2022-10
- Subjects: Electronic funds transfers , Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23347 , vital:57616
- Description: Since the 21st century, digital finance has emerged as a critical enabler and an excellent tool for meeting the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through increasing financial inclusion and poverty reduction. The objective of achieving universal financial access by 2030 has led to recognising that financial inclusion has a significant role in economic growth and poverty eradication. The literature demonstrates that access to finance can affect poverty through access to credit, enabling savings, thereby facilitating intertemporal consumption smoothing. Digital finance is key to unlocking financial inclusion, particularly in developing countries. Building capacity in digital payments is one of the best ways to ensure a faster, better, and more cost-effective way to access financial services. The gender gap in developing countries states that (59% of men were reported to have a bank account in 2014, while 50% of women only had a bank account). Some groups, including women and the rural poor, are financially excluded compared to others. This study applied panel data regression analysis and structural equation modelling to investigate the nature of digital finance, its relationship with poverty and the transmission mechanism from digital finance to poverty in selected Sub-Saharan Countries. The results indicate that remittance is one of the most significant determinants of the use of digital finance in the Sub-Saharan region compared to other determinants of use for digital finance. Regarding the transmission mechanism between digital finance and poverty, the path analysis results suggest that the channel for remittance in the transmission mechanism has a more substantial impact on reducing poverty than savings in the Sub-Saharan region. The study recommends that remittance is essential, but savings are not critical in this digital age. This study contributed to literature by identifying the transmission mechanism between digital finance and poverty. This is beneficial to researchers and policymakers . It provides policy practitioners with a reference point on a model to build upon towards providing solutions to the problem, Sub-Saharan Countries encounter on delivering sustainable and broad-based economic growth. The study concludes by proposing that digital finance, particularly mobile money presents an excellent opportunity to increase access to finance and reduce poverty. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10
- Authors: Dube, Ziphozethu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4532-5346
- Date: 2022-10
- Subjects: Electronic funds transfers , Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23347 , vital:57616
- Description: Since the 21st century, digital finance has emerged as a critical enabler and an excellent tool for meeting the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through increasing financial inclusion and poverty reduction. The objective of achieving universal financial access by 2030 has led to recognising that financial inclusion has a significant role in economic growth and poverty eradication. The literature demonstrates that access to finance can affect poverty through access to credit, enabling savings, thereby facilitating intertemporal consumption smoothing. Digital finance is key to unlocking financial inclusion, particularly in developing countries. Building capacity in digital payments is one of the best ways to ensure a faster, better, and more cost-effective way to access financial services. The gender gap in developing countries states that (59% of men were reported to have a bank account in 2014, while 50% of women only had a bank account). Some groups, including women and the rural poor, are financially excluded compared to others. This study applied panel data regression analysis and structural equation modelling to investigate the nature of digital finance, its relationship with poverty and the transmission mechanism from digital finance to poverty in selected Sub-Saharan Countries. The results indicate that remittance is one of the most significant determinants of the use of digital finance in the Sub-Saharan region compared to other determinants of use for digital finance. Regarding the transmission mechanism between digital finance and poverty, the path analysis results suggest that the channel for remittance in the transmission mechanism has a more substantial impact on reducing poverty than savings in the Sub-Saharan region. The study recommends that remittance is essential, but savings are not critical in this digital age. This study contributed to literature by identifying the transmission mechanism between digital finance and poverty. This is beneficial to researchers and policymakers . It provides policy practitioners with a reference point on a model to build upon towards providing solutions to the problem, Sub-Saharan Countries encounter on delivering sustainable and broad-based economic growth. The study concludes by proposing that digital finance, particularly mobile money presents an excellent opportunity to increase access to finance and reduce poverty. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10
Land expropriation without compensation: a study of constructions of the Parliamentary process in selected mainstream and “ground-up” media from 27 February – 12 August 2018
- Authors: Jacobs, Luzuko G
- Date: 2022-10
- Subjects: Discourse analysis , Communication Political aspects South Africa , Land reform Press coverage South Africa , Land reform Government policy South Africa , Communication in mass media , Frames (Sociology) South Africa , Journalism Political aspects South Africa , Moneyweb Holdings Ltd. , City Press (South Africa) , Afriforum (South Africa) , African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/297807 , vital:57630 , DOI 10.21504/10962/297807
- Description: This study investigates the constructions of land expropriation without compensation (LEwC) in the discourses of two mainstream media, Moneyweb and City Press, and two ground-up platforms, Afriforum and the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA). It follows the February 2018 adoption by Parliament, of LEwC as a policy to reorder the country’s unequal and racially bifurcated economy. The motivations for, and opposition to the policy locate land as ‘the issue’ in conquest and capitalism. How land is signified therefore, is important to the understandings of ‘restitution’ and/or ‘resolution’. The news platforms selected here are diverse: Moneyweb focuses on investments. City Press concerns itself with politics. Afriforum and AFASA are alternative sphericules linked to ethnically- polarised quotidian concerns with land as a key focus. Discourses are central to how citizens see and construct themselves and one another as subjects. As such, media frames can be connected to justice and inter-‘race’ complexities. This is a study of media influences in cultivating certain meanings and understandings of tenuous and fractious political situations characterised by inequality and interracial enmity. The thesis draws from the Epistemologies of the South as well as Marxism to constitute the locus of its enunciation of colonisation, liberal capitalism, land question, justice, ideology, discourse, and framing. This framework is geared towards emic understanding of interrelated local and global contexts of the land question. Conceptual clarity is key to the development of an emancipatory imagination. Qualitative framing analysis and critical discourse analysis are used in this study to examine a diachronic corpus of 124 articles from the four platforms covering 167-days, from the adoption of the LEwC motion through the initial round of public hearings. The findings suggest a strong influence of the structures of coloniality in discourses across a wide political spectrum. The frames and counter-frames in the four platforms are simultaneously divergent and similar. Some are reactionary and conservative, others are liberal-transformational and even radical-prefigurative. All however, orbit around abyssal, North-centric, liberal capitalist normativity as the centripetal centre. The study proposes rethinking of the land question, a radical exorcism from land discourses, of structures of coloniality of power, knowledge, and being. Their mobilisation, predominance and naturalisation in political communication is anti-transformation and helps keep Black South Africans to this day, under the heavy yoke of an oppressive colonial and Apartheid reality as perpetual economic slaves. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10
- Authors: Jacobs, Luzuko G
- Date: 2022-10
- Subjects: Discourse analysis , Communication Political aspects South Africa , Land reform Press coverage South Africa , Land reform Government policy South Africa , Communication in mass media , Frames (Sociology) South Africa , Journalism Political aspects South Africa , Moneyweb Holdings Ltd. , City Press (South Africa) , Afriforum (South Africa) , African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/297807 , vital:57630 , DOI 10.21504/10962/297807
- Description: This study investigates the constructions of land expropriation without compensation (LEwC) in the discourses of two mainstream media, Moneyweb and City Press, and two ground-up platforms, Afriforum and the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA). It follows the February 2018 adoption by Parliament, of LEwC as a policy to reorder the country’s unequal and racially bifurcated economy. The motivations for, and opposition to the policy locate land as ‘the issue’ in conquest and capitalism. How land is signified therefore, is important to the understandings of ‘restitution’ and/or ‘resolution’. The news platforms selected here are diverse: Moneyweb focuses on investments. City Press concerns itself with politics. Afriforum and AFASA are alternative sphericules linked to ethnically- polarised quotidian concerns with land as a key focus. Discourses are central to how citizens see and construct themselves and one another as subjects. As such, media frames can be connected to justice and inter-‘race’ complexities. This is a study of media influences in cultivating certain meanings and understandings of tenuous and fractious political situations characterised by inequality and interracial enmity. The thesis draws from the Epistemologies of the South as well as Marxism to constitute the locus of its enunciation of colonisation, liberal capitalism, land question, justice, ideology, discourse, and framing. This framework is geared towards emic understanding of interrelated local and global contexts of the land question. Conceptual clarity is key to the development of an emancipatory imagination. Qualitative framing analysis and critical discourse analysis are used in this study to examine a diachronic corpus of 124 articles from the four platforms covering 167-days, from the adoption of the LEwC motion through the initial round of public hearings. The findings suggest a strong influence of the structures of coloniality in discourses across a wide political spectrum. The frames and counter-frames in the four platforms are simultaneously divergent and similar. Some are reactionary and conservative, others are liberal-transformational and even radical-prefigurative. All however, orbit around abyssal, North-centric, liberal capitalist normativity as the centripetal centre. The study proposes rethinking of the land question, a radical exorcism from land discourses, of structures of coloniality of power, knowledge, and being. Their mobilisation, predominance and naturalisation in political communication is anti-transformation and helps keep Black South Africans to this day, under the heavy yoke of an oppressive colonial and Apartheid reality as perpetual economic slaves. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10
Analysis of early-phase contact tracing during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak in Mangaung Metro, Free State
- Monyobo, Priscilla Kesaletseng
- Authors: Monyobo, Priscilla Kesaletseng
- Date: 2022-09
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) , Contact tracing (Epidemiology) , Public health
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23533 , vital:58105
- Description: Background and Aim Contact tracing is a critical public health measure for controlling and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Although the principles underlying this strategy are not novel, understanding the changes in infectiousness of COVID-19 is indeed novel. As are the capacity and operating procedures required to support disease investigation in Mangang Metro during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. On 16 March 2020, the first coronavirus disease case in the area, which led to a larger outbreak, occurred in Mangaung Metro, Free State province, South Africa. To date, Mangaung Metro remains the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic and the primary driver of the caseload in the Free State province. The aim of this study was to analyse contact tracing data in Mangaung Metro during the early phase of the COVID-19 outbreak (16 March 2020 – 30 June 2020) in order to measure the viral transmissibility of COVID-19 in the early stages of the outbreak, specifically in the context of Mangaung Metro. Methods A descriptive systematic analysis of index COVID-19 cases and their contacts in Mangaung Metro was conducted. The review period ran from 16 March to 30 June 2020, during which there was a total of 1 001 cases in Mangaung Metro. Data was captured on an Excel spreadsheet using the contact line list variables from the established National Institute of Communicable Disease contact line list framework. The inferential statistics were based on a time series analysis to compare the impact of contact tracing stratified by symptomatology and the root cause of the cases to the overall cases in Mangaung Metro. The study determined whether isolation, quarantine, and contact tracing were able to control outbreaks in the early phase using characteristics of disease transmission and parameters particularised to the COVID- 19 pathogen. Results As of 30 June 2020, the Free State province had a total of 2 072 COVID-19 cases. Mangaung Metro contributed 1 001 cases (48percent) of the total number of cases in the study period. Between March and June 2020, 3 553 contacts were traced in Mangaung Metro. This number translates to at least three investigated and traced contacts per index or laboratory confirmed positive case. From the traced contacts, 1 080 samples were collected and sent for laboratory testing. In April 2020, the greatest number of samples were collected. This high rate in sample collection is posited to be the result of the high rate of contacts traced, as well as the initial clinical guidelines followed for contact tracing. Most positive contacts were discovered in March 2020. One of the possible reasons for the high detection of COVID-19 confirmed positive contacts during the early stages of the outbreak was the focus and importance of contact tracing while the caseload remained relatively low. However, as the outbreak progressed in the Mangaung Metro context, the number and relative percentage of positive cases detected through contact tracing decreased. In total, the positive contacts recorded in March 2020 amounted to 92 (51.3percent), 18 in April (10.5percent), 41 in May (22.9percent), and 28 in June (15.6percent). The March 2020 tracking rate was the highest at 73.2percent, with an average contact tracing rate of 15.5percentby the end of June 2020. Of all the contacts traced, 7.9percent involved healthcare workers in the Free State. Conclusion The study’s findings show that contact tracing was an effective control measure during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in Mangung Metro district. Furthermore, the impact was greatest when the caseload was low and the burden on the healthcare system less severe. Mangaung Metro demonstrated the capability of tracing more contacts in the early-early phase of the outbreak; however, as the outbreak progressed to the latent early phase, the caseload increased and fewer contacts were traced. The consequence of contact tracing not being as effective during the latent early phase relates to the increase in both exposed and untraceable contacts, which in turn fueled the increase of new cases. This further impacted the at-risk and vulnerable population, especially the elderly, who were at an increased risk if not traced in a timely manner, possibly resulting in mortality. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-09
- Authors: Monyobo, Priscilla Kesaletseng
- Date: 2022-09
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) , Contact tracing (Epidemiology) , Public health
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23533 , vital:58105
- Description: Background and Aim Contact tracing is a critical public health measure for controlling and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Although the principles underlying this strategy are not novel, understanding the changes in infectiousness of COVID-19 is indeed novel. As are the capacity and operating procedures required to support disease investigation in Mangang Metro during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. On 16 March 2020, the first coronavirus disease case in the area, which led to a larger outbreak, occurred in Mangaung Metro, Free State province, South Africa. To date, Mangaung Metro remains the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic and the primary driver of the caseload in the Free State province. The aim of this study was to analyse contact tracing data in Mangaung Metro during the early phase of the COVID-19 outbreak (16 March 2020 – 30 June 2020) in order to measure the viral transmissibility of COVID-19 in the early stages of the outbreak, specifically in the context of Mangaung Metro. Methods A descriptive systematic analysis of index COVID-19 cases and their contacts in Mangaung Metro was conducted. The review period ran from 16 March to 30 June 2020, during which there was a total of 1 001 cases in Mangaung Metro. Data was captured on an Excel spreadsheet using the contact line list variables from the established National Institute of Communicable Disease contact line list framework. The inferential statistics were based on a time series analysis to compare the impact of contact tracing stratified by symptomatology and the root cause of the cases to the overall cases in Mangaung Metro. The study determined whether isolation, quarantine, and contact tracing were able to control outbreaks in the early phase using characteristics of disease transmission and parameters particularised to the COVID- 19 pathogen. Results As of 30 June 2020, the Free State province had a total of 2 072 COVID-19 cases. Mangaung Metro contributed 1 001 cases (48percent) of the total number of cases in the study period. Between March and June 2020, 3 553 contacts were traced in Mangaung Metro. This number translates to at least three investigated and traced contacts per index or laboratory confirmed positive case. From the traced contacts, 1 080 samples were collected and sent for laboratory testing. In April 2020, the greatest number of samples were collected. This high rate in sample collection is posited to be the result of the high rate of contacts traced, as well as the initial clinical guidelines followed for contact tracing. Most positive contacts were discovered in March 2020. One of the possible reasons for the high detection of COVID-19 confirmed positive contacts during the early stages of the outbreak was the focus and importance of contact tracing while the caseload remained relatively low. However, as the outbreak progressed in the Mangaung Metro context, the number and relative percentage of positive cases detected through contact tracing decreased. In total, the positive contacts recorded in March 2020 amounted to 92 (51.3percent), 18 in April (10.5percent), 41 in May (22.9percent), and 28 in June (15.6percent). The March 2020 tracking rate was the highest at 73.2percent, with an average contact tracing rate of 15.5percentby the end of June 2020. Of all the contacts traced, 7.9percent involved healthcare workers in the Free State. Conclusion The study’s findings show that contact tracing was an effective control measure during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in Mangung Metro district. Furthermore, the impact was greatest when the caseload was low and the burden on the healthcare system less severe. Mangaung Metro demonstrated the capability of tracing more contacts in the early-early phase of the outbreak; however, as the outbreak progressed to the latent early phase, the caseload increased and fewer contacts were traced. The consequence of contact tracing not being as effective during the latent early phase relates to the increase in both exposed and untraceable contacts, which in turn fueled the increase of new cases. This further impacted the at-risk and vulnerable population, especially the elderly, who were at an increased risk if not traced in a timely manner, possibly resulting in mortality. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-09
Clinical governance implementation challenges in the Department of Health, Mpumalanga, South Africa
- Maduna, Patrick Hawkins https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4926-1661
- Authors: Maduna, Patrick Hawkins https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4926-1661
- Date: 2022-09
- Subjects: Clinical competence , Evidence-based medicine , Health services administration
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23600 , vital:58194
- Description: Clinical governance (CG) is the system through which health authorities are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which clinical excellence flourishes. South Africa is one of the countries where CG has not been successfully implemented. This study sought to explore the CG implementation challenges in the Mpumalanga province, South Africa. The study objectives included the seven pillars of CG. The study was a qualitative and exploratory, using purposive sampling technique to select study participants. A total of twenty-two (22) individuals were selected for the study. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Each interview was transcribed verbatim by the researcher. Confidentiality was ensured through the coding of interviewee names. The content analysis technique was used for data analysis, using the study objectives as themes. The study found general lack of understanding of the concept of CG, poor performance of clinical audits, sub-standard clinical performance and effectiveness, poor clinical risk management, poor patient and public involvement in patient care, lack of evidence-based practice and research, inadequate training and development of healthcare workers, and sub-standard health information management across the department. The researcher recommends that the CG policy be prioritised by the Mpumalanga DOH, that systems be put in place to facilitate policy implementation, and that the departmental staff establishments at all levels, prioritise healthcare professionals in key leadership positions. In conclusion, there are numerous challenges that confront the Mpumalanga Department of Health regarding the implementation of clinical governance, requiring urgent attention. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-09
- Authors: Maduna, Patrick Hawkins https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4926-1661
- Date: 2022-09
- Subjects: Clinical competence , Evidence-based medicine , Health services administration
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23600 , vital:58194
- Description: Clinical governance (CG) is the system through which health authorities are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which clinical excellence flourishes. South Africa is one of the countries where CG has not been successfully implemented. This study sought to explore the CG implementation challenges in the Mpumalanga province, South Africa. The study objectives included the seven pillars of CG. The study was a qualitative and exploratory, using purposive sampling technique to select study participants. A total of twenty-two (22) individuals were selected for the study. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Each interview was transcribed verbatim by the researcher. Confidentiality was ensured through the coding of interviewee names. The content analysis technique was used for data analysis, using the study objectives as themes. The study found general lack of understanding of the concept of CG, poor performance of clinical audits, sub-standard clinical performance and effectiveness, poor clinical risk management, poor patient and public involvement in patient care, lack of evidence-based practice and research, inadequate training and development of healthcare workers, and sub-standard health information management across the department. The researcher recommends that the CG policy be prioritised by the Mpumalanga DOH, that systems be put in place to facilitate policy implementation, and that the departmental staff establishments at all levels, prioritise healthcare professionals in key leadership positions. In conclusion, there are numerous challenges that confront the Mpumalanga Department of Health regarding the implementation of clinical governance, requiring urgent attention. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-09
Implementation of constitutional values and principles in Cecelia Makiwane Hospital in the Eastern Cape Province
- Sigcau, Aviwe https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7409-8544
- Authors: Sigcau, Aviwe https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7409-8544
- Date: 2022-07
- Subjects: Hospitals--Administration , Health services administration--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master'stheses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23460 , vital:57736
- Description: This study aims to assess the implementation of the constitutional values and principles at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital: promoting professional ethics, efficient, effective, and economical use of resources, fairness, transparency, response to the people’s needs, and good human resources. The Constitutional values and principles champion democratic service in South Africa. It also encourages good governance through hospital employees implementing the Constitutional values and principles. The literature review reveals that there is a gap in the Implementation of the Constitutional values and principles in the hospitals due to the following challenges: many patients are still experiencing violations of their constitutional rights, shortages of drugs in hospitals, lack of equipment, poor infrastructure, corruption, freezing of posts, understaffing. The objectives of the study were: to assess the leadership values at Cecilia Makiwane hospital and determine their alignment with section 195 of the Constitution, to determine the implementation of the constitutional values and principles enshrined in chapter 10 of the Constitution, to examine the working conditions of the hospital, to evaluate the service quality at Cecilia Makiwane hospital., and to recommend measures and strategies that can be implemented to promote efficiency, effectiveness and economical use of resources at Cecilia Makiwane hospital. The study found that the implementation of the constitutional values and principles at Cecilia Makiwane hospital is not satisfactory. The findings show unethical leadership practices, and they put their interests first above the public needs. Regarding good human resources practices, the staff lacks career growth development programs, while promotion opportunities are influenced by nepotism and favouritism. The study recommends that for the hospital to be aligned to the constitutional values and principles, they need to provide training and workshops on the Public Service Code of Conduct, employ social theory for both management and staff, adopt communication strategies and teamwork, improve service impartiality, equity, effective time management performances, collaborative teamwork, accountability, and transparency. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-07
- Authors: Sigcau, Aviwe https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7409-8544
- Date: 2022-07
- Subjects: Hospitals--Administration , Health services administration--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master'stheses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23460 , vital:57736
- Description: This study aims to assess the implementation of the constitutional values and principles at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital: promoting professional ethics, efficient, effective, and economical use of resources, fairness, transparency, response to the people’s needs, and good human resources. The Constitutional values and principles champion democratic service in South Africa. It also encourages good governance through hospital employees implementing the Constitutional values and principles. The literature review reveals that there is a gap in the Implementation of the Constitutional values and principles in the hospitals due to the following challenges: many patients are still experiencing violations of their constitutional rights, shortages of drugs in hospitals, lack of equipment, poor infrastructure, corruption, freezing of posts, understaffing. The objectives of the study were: to assess the leadership values at Cecilia Makiwane hospital and determine their alignment with section 195 of the Constitution, to determine the implementation of the constitutional values and principles enshrined in chapter 10 of the Constitution, to examine the working conditions of the hospital, to evaluate the service quality at Cecilia Makiwane hospital., and to recommend measures and strategies that can be implemented to promote efficiency, effectiveness and economical use of resources at Cecilia Makiwane hospital. The study found that the implementation of the constitutional values and principles at Cecilia Makiwane hospital is not satisfactory. The findings show unethical leadership practices, and they put their interests first above the public needs. Regarding good human resources practices, the staff lacks career growth development programs, while promotion opportunities are influenced by nepotism and favouritism. The study recommends that for the hospital to be aligned to the constitutional values and principles, they need to provide training and workshops on the Public Service Code of Conduct, employ social theory for both management and staff, adopt communication strategies and teamwork, improve service impartiality, equity, effective time management performances, collaborative teamwork, accountability, and transparency. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-07
Infant feeding knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers in private health facilities in Alice town, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Oyeniran, Aderonke Adepeju
- Date: 2022-07
- Subjects: Breastfeeding
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23556 , vital:58132
- Description: Background and aim of the study: Within the global field of health education, it is generally accepted that the topic of breast-feeding is a crucial discussion due to its maternal, infant, and communal benefits. However, certain African countries, such as South Africa, experience certain challenges related to both predictive factors and maternal attitudes to breast-feeding. To improve public awareness and promote the implementation of breast-feeding, these factors should be investigated to highlight the importance of this practice among young mothers. Method: The study utilised a cross-sectional survey by means of a self-administered questionnaire, which was completed by the carefully chosen participants. The collected data were then analysed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) (frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (logistic regression). The level of significance for the inferential statistics was set at 0.05. Results: A total of 377 infant mothers participated in the study with median age of 30. Most infant mothers that participated in the study were well educated with infant mother 189 having a bachelor’s degree. The findings revealed that mothers of 40 years above are 1.51 times more likely not to breastfeed exclusively compared to mothers of less than 40 years of age (95percent CI, 0.75-2.25). The odds ratio of the incidence of decision in breastfeeding for participants with breastfeeding and formula milk was 1.66 (95percent CI, 0.87-2.53). In term of family support, mothers who don’t receive family support were 3.43 times more likely no to breastfeed. The result also revealed that mothers with breast pain were 0.98 more likely not to breastfeed. Conclusion: This study concludes that infant mothers are well informed about breastfeeding. This study also revealed that factors such as infant mothers’ knowledge about breastfeeding, medical health of both mother and infant and cultural norms can go a long way in influencing the decision of mothers to breastfeeding their infant or not. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-07
- Authors: Oyeniran, Aderonke Adepeju
- Date: 2022-07
- Subjects: Breastfeeding
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23556 , vital:58132
- Description: Background and aim of the study: Within the global field of health education, it is generally accepted that the topic of breast-feeding is a crucial discussion due to its maternal, infant, and communal benefits. However, certain African countries, such as South Africa, experience certain challenges related to both predictive factors and maternal attitudes to breast-feeding. To improve public awareness and promote the implementation of breast-feeding, these factors should be investigated to highlight the importance of this practice among young mothers. Method: The study utilised a cross-sectional survey by means of a self-administered questionnaire, which was completed by the carefully chosen participants. The collected data were then analysed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) (frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (logistic regression). The level of significance for the inferential statistics was set at 0.05. Results: A total of 377 infant mothers participated in the study with median age of 30. Most infant mothers that participated in the study were well educated with infant mother 189 having a bachelor’s degree. The findings revealed that mothers of 40 years above are 1.51 times more likely not to breastfeed exclusively compared to mothers of less than 40 years of age (95percent CI, 0.75-2.25). The odds ratio of the incidence of decision in breastfeeding for participants with breastfeeding and formula milk was 1.66 (95percent CI, 0.87-2.53). In term of family support, mothers who don’t receive family support were 3.43 times more likely no to breastfeed. The result also revealed that mothers with breast pain were 0.98 more likely not to breastfeed. Conclusion: This study concludes that infant mothers are well informed about breastfeeding. This study also revealed that factors such as infant mothers’ knowledge about breastfeeding, medical health of both mother and infant and cultural norms can go a long way in influencing the decision of mothers to breastfeeding their infant or not. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-07
Investigation of risky sexual behaviour amongst HIV/AIDS positive individuals on antiretroviral treatment in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Pere, Mzukisi Ernest
- Date: 2022-07
- Subjects: Sexual behaviour -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth Sexual behaviour
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23578 , vital:58190
- Description: Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the major public health concerns. Antiretroviral treatments (ART) is available immediately for HIV-positive individuals but sexually transmitted infections are on the rise. The majority of HIV positive patients on ART are engaging in unsafe sexual practices. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate risky sexual behaviour of people on antiretroviral treatment regarding prevention. The study was conducted on adult clients in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Methods: A quantitative and descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted whereby 304 patients who visited Nontyatyambo Health Centre were randomly selected. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 24. Simple descriptive statistics such as numbers, percentages and tables were used to characterise variables. A chi-square test was used to explore associations between dependent and independent variables. Test significance, confidence intervals and p-values of all the causes and contributory factors were set at 0.05. Results: Thirty two percent reported having sex with multiple sexual partners while 19percent reported never using a condom. Forty eight percent reported having had sexually transmitted infections since starting on ART. The median age (36 years (IQR: 31, 45) vs. 35 years (IQR: 26, 40)) of those who reported STIs was higher than the median age of those who did not report STI (p=0.012). Males (57percent, p=0.049), those who were employed (55percent, p=0.048), and those who were cohabitating (68percent, 0.030) were more likely to report STI. Similarly, those who had unprotected sex with a casual partner (62percent, p<0.001), and those who did not use a condom because a partner did not like it (71percent, p=0.001) were more likely to report STIs. A significant number of 32percent of the participants reported engaging in risky sexual practices while 48percent had reported an STI. Recommendations include educational outreach programmes and capacitation of health care workers with appropriate skills and tools. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-07
- Authors: Pere, Mzukisi Ernest
- Date: 2022-07
- Subjects: Sexual behaviour -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth Sexual behaviour
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23578 , vital:58190
- Description: Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the major public health concerns. Antiretroviral treatments (ART) is available immediately for HIV-positive individuals but sexually transmitted infections are on the rise. The majority of HIV positive patients on ART are engaging in unsafe sexual practices. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate risky sexual behaviour of people on antiretroviral treatment regarding prevention. The study was conducted on adult clients in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Methods: A quantitative and descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted whereby 304 patients who visited Nontyatyambo Health Centre were randomly selected. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 24. Simple descriptive statistics such as numbers, percentages and tables were used to characterise variables. A chi-square test was used to explore associations between dependent and independent variables. Test significance, confidence intervals and p-values of all the causes and contributory factors were set at 0.05. Results: Thirty two percent reported having sex with multiple sexual partners while 19percent reported never using a condom. Forty eight percent reported having had sexually transmitted infections since starting on ART. The median age (36 years (IQR: 31, 45) vs. 35 years (IQR: 26, 40)) of those who reported STIs was higher than the median age of those who did not report STI (p=0.012). Males (57percent, p=0.049), those who were employed (55percent, p=0.048), and those who were cohabitating (68percent, 0.030) were more likely to report STI. Similarly, those who had unprotected sex with a casual partner (62percent, p<0.001), and those who did not use a condom because a partner did not like it (71percent, p=0.001) were more likely to report STIs. A significant number of 32percent of the participants reported engaging in risky sexual practices while 48percent had reported an STI. Recommendations include educational outreach programmes and capacitation of health care workers with appropriate skills and tools. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-07
Outcomes-based participatory gender planning and budgeting in South African local government context: a case of selected municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Sikhosana, Nqobile
- Date: 2022-07
- Subjects: Municipal budgets
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23381 , vital:57620
- Description: This research is focused on the premise that engaging women and men in municipal budget preparation can be a precondition for achieving gender-sensitive service delivery outcomes. It follows, logically, that empowering citizens and granting them authority to control budget allocations has the potential to play a mediating role in transforming the financial management environment within the framework of local government in South Africa. Without representation of heterogeneous social classes, budget allocations in South Africa will continue to reflect the needs of those who hold the top echelons of municipal administrative machinery. Given the complexity of the flawed participatory structures and persistent gender inequality, the mixed methods approach was used as an investigative method to gain a deeper understanding of the participatory genderresponsive budgeting trend and its subsequent impact on service delivery outcomes in the Eastern Cape Province. The findings showed that men's participation and resource re-allocation elements had a significant effect on gender-responsive budgeting but women's participation and transparency had no significant impact. More so, findings also revealed that there is no difference in the manner in which the two municipalities have adopted the two concepts. The long-term results of male domination and the ignorance of transparency and women participation in budget formulation is the establishment of gender-blind budgets that fail to deliver gender-sensitive service delivery outcomes. Based on secondary data analysis, evidence showed that there is a lack of gender dimension in the municipal outcomes and this has contributed towards gender inequalities in terms of access to services. However, results indicated that the full involvement of women and giving then authority to have a voice in budgetary decisions, coupled with the transparent incorporation of gender priorities in the stages of the budget cycle can lead to the formulation to gender sensitive budgets. This knowledge allows the adoption of a participatory gender responsive model for local government. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-07
- Authors: Sikhosana, Nqobile
- Date: 2022-07
- Subjects: Municipal budgets
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23381 , vital:57620
- Description: This research is focused on the premise that engaging women and men in municipal budget preparation can be a precondition for achieving gender-sensitive service delivery outcomes. It follows, logically, that empowering citizens and granting them authority to control budget allocations has the potential to play a mediating role in transforming the financial management environment within the framework of local government in South Africa. Without representation of heterogeneous social classes, budget allocations in South Africa will continue to reflect the needs of those who hold the top echelons of municipal administrative machinery. Given the complexity of the flawed participatory structures and persistent gender inequality, the mixed methods approach was used as an investigative method to gain a deeper understanding of the participatory genderresponsive budgeting trend and its subsequent impact on service delivery outcomes in the Eastern Cape Province. The findings showed that men's participation and resource re-allocation elements had a significant effect on gender-responsive budgeting but women's participation and transparency had no significant impact. More so, findings also revealed that there is no difference in the manner in which the two municipalities have adopted the two concepts. The long-term results of male domination and the ignorance of transparency and women participation in budget formulation is the establishment of gender-blind budgets that fail to deliver gender-sensitive service delivery outcomes. Based on secondary data analysis, evidence showed that there is a lack of gender dimension in the municipal outcomes and this has contributed towards gender inequalities in terms of access to services. However, results indicated that the full involvement of women and giving then authority to have a voice in budgetary decisions, coupled with the transparent incorporation of gender priorities in the stages of the budget cycle can lead to the formulation to gender sensitive budgets. This knowledge allows the adoption of a participatory gender responsive model for local government. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-07
A netnographic analysis of complaints and service responses on selected South African banks' Twitter handles
- Authors: Poswa, Ziyanda
- Date: 2022-05
- Subjects: Digital ethnology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23438 , vital:57731
- Description: This study is a Netnographic investigation of numerous customer complaints and service responses on selected South African (SA) banks’ Twitter handles. The fulcrum of the study is significantly linked to the Justice theories which thus form the underpinning theories of the study. The study is based on qualitative data derived from selected SA banks’ Twitter handles for duration of at least three months. The study has its philosophy or paradigm deeply rooted in the Interpretivism paradigm. The qualitative research approach is then employed in the study along with the exploratory research design which allows the extrapolation of meaningful conclusions on the findings of the investigation based on the secondary data extracted from 1286 complaints on selected SA banks’ Twitter handles. The researcher makes use of thematic analysis to categorise, investigate, consolidate, define, and create reports on the themes identified in the data set thus enabling the drawing of meaningful inferences. The researcher’s findings point out that customer complaints generally spring from outcome service failure. Outcome service failure defines occurrences where clients are disappointed with banking services or the banking experience regardless of the service or product purchased. Complaints also emanated from process service failures which mostly describe incomplete service delivery. It is thus critically recommended that banks must make sure that process failures are curtailed through an effective improvement of the value chain system. This will also take into account a proper training of banking services personnel and staff. Furthermore, it is also suggested that increased mentoring, and improving or standardising training methods might help to improve bank employee service performance hence reducing incidents of failure. A closer look at the justice theories, it is identified in the study that, banks must try to uphold by all means through effective use of distributive justice service recovery. This is through the application of fairness and courtesy when addressing customer complaints especially on public social platforms such as Twitter. Eventually, this results in increased customer satisfaction and repeated patronage for the respective banks. Through interactional justice service recovery, banks are compelled to try in every way possible not to automate their responses to client complaints in their various or different manner. Procedural justice recovery suggests that banks should take into 3 cognizance better and more effective avenues of promptly responding to their clients hence improving the effectiveness of their service recovery processes. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-05
- Authors: Poswa, Ziyanda
- Date: 2022-05
- Subjects: Digital ethnology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23438 , vital:57731
- Description: This study is a Netnographic investigation of numerous customer complaints and service responses on selected South African (SA) banks’ Twitter handles. The fulcrum of the study is significantly linked to the Justice theories which thus form the underpinning theories of the study. The study is based on qualitative data derived from selected SA banks’ Twitter handles for duration of at least three months. The study has its philosophy or paradigm deeply rooted in the Interpretivism paradigm. The qualitative research approach is then employed in the study along with the exploratory research design which allows the extrapolation of meaningful conclusions on the findings of the investigation based on the secondary data extracted from 1286 complaints on selected SA banks’ Twitter handles. The researcher makes use of thematic analysis to categorise, investigate, consolidate, define, and create reports on the themes identified in the data set thus enabling the drawing of meaningful inferences. The researcher’s findings point out that customer complaints generally spring from outcome service failure. Outcome service failure defines occurrences where clients are disappointed with banking services or the banking experience regardless of the service or product purchased. Complaints also emanated from process service failures which mostly describe incomplete service delivery. It is thus critically recommended that banks must make sure that process failures are curtailed through an effective improvement of the value chain system. This will also take into account a proper training of banking services personnel and staff. Furthermore, it is also suggested that increased mentoring, and improving or standardising training methods might help to improve bank employee service performance hence reducing incidents of failure. A closer look at the justice theories, it is identified in the study that, banks must try to uphold by all means through effective use of distributive justice service recovery. This is through the application of fairness and courtesy when addressing customer complaints especially on public social platforms such as Twitter. Eventually, this results in increased customer satisfaction and repeated patronage for the respective banks. Through interactional justice service recovery, banks are compelled to try in every way possible not to automate their responses to client complaints in their various or different manner. Procedural justice recovery suggests that banks should take into 3 cognizance better and more effective avenues of promptly responding to their clients hence improving the effectiveness of their service recovery processes. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-05
Exploring the role of the Department of Social Development on the integrated school health programme in the Buffalo City Municipality .
- Authors: Nokama, Busisa Antoinette
- Date: 2022-05
- Subjects: Children--Health and hygiene. , School nursing. , Employee health promotion.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22198 , vital:51997
- Description: If one’s health is a state of wellbeing then the role of social development is key in the implementation of the Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) as it includes treatment and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction. The purpose of the study was to explore the role of the Department of Social Development (DSD) within the ISHP in Buffalo City Municipality. DSD services are complex hence the need active collaboration to ensure delivery of multi-sectoral services. Covid-19 evidently shows the link between physical, emotional and academic success (OECD, 2020). The trauma and challenges faced by learners’ manifests through behavioral problems that social workers and counsellors can address more effectively. Social work practice aims to treat and prevent psychosocial dysfunction, thus social workers remain integral in addressing social determinants of health. The challenges in the implementation of ISHP began at policy development, moreover they were exacerbated by poor coordination and management of the ISHP. The legislative framework however affords learners the right to protective care and support. The role of social development is not limited to transportation but has been captured through psychosocial support. The study suitably employed a qualitative research design to examine how the participants make sense of the Integrated School Health Programme and to provide a comprehensive description of the complex role of the DSD in the provision of psychosocial support. 15 participants from DOH, DoE and DSD were interviewed to capture the perspective of all three (3) departments. The findings indicated how the development of the policy impacts implementation. The DSD is participating in the implementation of ISHP, however the failure of the policy to capture the role of the DSD, hinders the DSD from full participation. The study also found a lack of resourcesto support implementation and often struggle to get learners but implementation varies. Conclusively, the study recommends the need for the departments to develop a Memorandum of Understanding, Terms of reference as well as Integrated Implementation plans in an effort to support and close the gaps identified in the policy. Collaboration was found to be an effective strategy to enhance resource mobilization. Coordination and Management still need to be strengthened, including accountability. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-05
- Authors: Nokama, Busisa Antoinette
- Date: 2022-05
- Subjects: Children--Health and hygiene. , School nursing. , Employee health promotion.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22198 , vital:51997
- Description: If one’s health is a state of wellbeing then the role of social development is key in the implementation of the Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) as it includes treatment and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction. The purpose of the study was to explore the role of the Department of Social Development (DSD) within the ISHP in Buffalo City Municipality. DSD services are complex hence the need active collaboration to ensure delivery of multi-sectoral services. Covid-19 evidently shows the link between physical, emotional and academic success (OECD, 2020). The trauma and challenges faced by learners’ manifests through behavioral problems that social workers and counsellors can address more effectively. Social work practice aims to treat and prevent psychosocial dysfunction, thus social workers remain integral in addressing social determinants of health. The challenges in the implementation of ISHP began at policy development, moreover they were exacerbated by poor coordination and management of the ISHP. The legislative framework however affords learners the right to protective care and support. The role of social development is not limited to transportation but has been captured through psychosocial support. The study suitably employed a qualitative research design to examine how the participants make sense of the Integrated School Health Programme and to provide a comprehensive description of the complex role of the DSD in the provision of psychosocial support. 15 participants from DOH, DoE and DSD were interviewed to capture the perspective of all three (3) departments. The findings indicated how the development of the policy impacts implementation. The DSD is participating in the implementation of ISHP, however the failure of the policy to capture the role of the DSD, hinders the DSD from full participation. The study also found a lack of resourcesto support implementation and often struggle to get learners but implementation varies. Conclusively, the study recommends the need for the departments to develop a Memorandum of Understanding, Terms of reference as well as Integrated Implementation plans in an effort to support and close the gaps identified in the policy. Collaboration was found to be an effective strategy to enhance resource mobilization. Coordination and Management still need to be strengthened, including accountability. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-05
Investigating the impact of psychological capital on job burnout amongst the nurses at Victoria hospital Alice, Eastern Cape province
- Malinge, Ziyanda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4504-7964
- Authors: Malinge, Ziyanda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4504-7964
- Date: 2022-05
- Subjects: Burn out (Psychology) , Human capital--Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23405 , vital:57728
- Description: The study investigates the impact of psychological capital on job burnout among the nurses at Victoria hospital at Alice, Eastern Cape. Explanatory survey research design was used in this study. Sampling techniques such as convenience method and also adopted purposive sampling were used in this study, and the data collected used a validated survey questionnaire. Out of 150 questionnaires distributed to the nurses at Victoria hospital, only 92 were answered. However, the researcher analysed data using descriptive and inferential statistics through Pearson Correlation Analysis and Multiple Regression Analysis. The statistical descriptions of respondents’ biographic and occupational data were all from Victoria hospital nurses. In terms of the participant’s age, between the age of 23-27, it is 18.5%, between 28-32, it is 15.2%, between 29-33, it is 18.4%, between 34-38, it is 14.3%, between 39-43, it is 15.3%, between 44-48, it is 12%, between 49-53, it is 8.8%, and lastly between 54-58, it is 13%. In terms of gender, 31.5% were male participants and 68.5% were female participants. In terms of occupational categories, nurses who are working at senior management positions are at 8.9%, professional nurses at 48.9% and non-professional nurses at 42.2%. In terms of marital status, married participants were at 35.2%, single, 56.0% and widows at 8.8%. In terms of working experience, the years range from one to above 16 years. 48.9% were participants who had 1-5 years working experience, 27.2% were participants with 6-10 experience, 8.7%, who had 11-15 years, and lastly 15.2% were the participants who had 16 years and above working experience. In terms of educational qualifications, participants with grade 12 were at 24.4%, diploma 40.0%, degree 33.3% and lastly were postgraduates participants at 2.2%. The final findings indicated that there is a significant negative relationship between self-efficacy and job burnout, r=-0.437, p<0.01, that there is a significant negative relationship between hope and job burnout, r= -0.457, p<0.01, that there is a significant negative relationship between resilience and job burnout, r= - 0.312 p<0.1 and that there is a significant negative relationship between optimism and job burnout, r= -0.287 p<0.01. Other findings showed that there is a significant independent impact of self-efficacy on job burnout, B= -0.760, t= -1.394, p>0.05, there is no significant independent impact of hope on job burnout, that B= -1.282 t= -2.280, p<0.05, there is no significant impact of resilience on job burnout, B= 0.009, t= 0.22 p>0.05, and lastly, there is no significant independent impact of optimism on job burnout, B= 0.919 t=1.594, p>0.05. Last findings showed that there is a significant joint impact of psychological capital dimensions, F=6.671, R2= 0.243, p<0.01. In conclusion, it is confirmed that there is no significant relationship between psychological capital dimensions and job burnout, secondly, there is a significant independent impact of psychological capital dimensions and job burnout. Lastly, there is a significant positive jointly impact of psychological capital dimensions on job burnout. , Thesis (MCom: IPS) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-05
- Authors: Malinge, Ziyanda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4504-7964
- Date: 2022-05
- Subjects: Burn out (Psychology) , Human capital--Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23405 , vital:57728
- Description: The study investigates the impact of psychological capital on job burnout among the nurses at Victoria hospital at Alice, Eastern Cape. Explanatory survey research design was used in this study. Sampling techniques such as convenience method and also adopted purposive sampling were used in this study, and the data collected used a validated survey questionnaire. Out of 150 questionnaires distributed to the nurses at Victoria hospital, only 92 were answered. However, the researcher analysed data using descriptive and inferential statistics through Pearson Correlation Analysis and Multiple Regression Analysis. The statistical descriptions of respondents’ biographic and occupational data were all from Victoria hospital nurses. In terms of the participant’s age, between the age of 23-27, it is 18.5%, between 28-32, it is 15.2%, between 29-33, it is 18.4%, between 34-38, it is 14.3%, between 39-43, it is 15.3%, between 44-48, it is 12%, between 49-53, it is 8.8%, and lastly between 54-58, it is 13%. In terms of gender, 31.5% were male participants and 68.5% were female participants. In terms of occupational categories, nurses who are working at senior management positions are at 8.9%, professional nurses at 48.9% and non-professional nurses at 42.2%. In terms of marital status, married participants were at 35.2%, single, 56.0% and widows at 8.8%. In terms of working experience, the years range from one to above 16 years. 48.9% were participants who had 1-5 years working experience, 27.2% were participants with 6-10 experience, 8.7%, who had 11-15 years, and lastly 15.2% were the participants who had 16 years and above working experience. In terms of educational qualifications, participants with grade 12 were at 24.4%, diploma 40.0%, degree 33.3% and lastly were postgraduates participants at 2.2%. The final findings indicated that there is a significant negative relationship between self-efficacy and job burnout, r=-0.437, p<0.01, that there is a significant negative relationship between hope and job burnout, r= -0.457, p<0.01, that there is a significant negative relationship between resilience and job burnout, r= - 0.312 p<0.1 and that there is a significant negative relationship between optimism and job burnout, r= -0.287 p<0.01. Other findings showed that there is a significant independent impact of self-efficacy on job burnout, B= -0.760, t= -1.394, p>0.05, there is no significant independent impact of hope on job burnout, that B= -1.282 t= -2.280, p<0.05, there is no significant impact of resilience on job burnout, B= 0.009, t= 0.22 p>0.05, and lastly, there is no significant independent impact of optimism on job burnout, B= 0.919 t=1.594, p>0.05. Last findings showed that there is a significant joint impact of psychological capital dimensions, F=6.671, R2= 0.243, p<0.01. In conclusion, it is confirmed that there is no significant relationship between psychological capital dimensions and job burnout, secondly, there is a significant independent impact of psychological capital dimensions and job burnout. Lastly, there is a significant positive jointly impact of psychological capital dimensions on job burnout. , Thesis (MCom: IPS) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-05
The contribution of cultural and creative industries towards sustainable livelihoods in the Eastern Cape (2009-2019)
- Authors: Ngwane, Ayanda
- Date: 2022-05
- Subjects: Poor--Services for. , Poverty--South Africa.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22185 , vital:51995
- Description: This research is focused on the premise that Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs) can be a precondition for the attainment of sustainable livelihoods. It follows, logically, that the efficient and effective implementation of CCIs has potential in transforming the well-being of those involved in the industries as evidence points to the notion that the CCIs can help deal with the persistent challenges of unemployment and poverty. Without effective and efficient implementation, and the political will to support such industries in the South African context, the potential of CCIs in improving the livelihoods of citizens will not be realised. Given the limitations levelled against the policy implementation and the processes involved in support for creative industries in South Africa, the qualitative method was used as an investigative strategy to gain a deeper understanding of CCIs and its general contribution on sustainable livelihoods in the Eastern Cape Province. The findings indicate that there is a basis for a creative economy in the Eastern Cape Province that can be improved by properly concerted action by all actors. There is a foundation for the development of innovative goods and services that could promote the integration of the Province into the global economy. So far, the outcome of this research points to the direction of offering knowledge of the way to realize the potential of Eastern Cape Province`s creative industries. More so, the study also highlights the importance of the creative economy in fostering growth guided by trade and attaining sustainable livelihoods in the process. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-05
- Authors: Ngwane, Ayanda
- Date: 2022-05
- Subjects: Poor--Services for. , Poverty--South Africa.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22185 , vital:51995
- Description: This research is focused on the premise that Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs) can be a precondition for the attainment of sustainable livelihoods. It follows, logically, that the efficient and effective implementation of CCIs has potential in transforming the well-being of those involved in the industries as evidence points to the notion that the CCIs can help deal with the persistent challenges of unemployment and poverty. Without effective and efficient implementation, and the political will to support such industries in the South African context, the potential of CCIs in improving the livelihoods of citizens will not be realised. Given the limitations levelled against the policy implementation and the processes involved in support for creative industries in South Africa, the qualitative method was used as an investigative strategy to gain a deeper understanding of CCIs and its general contribution on sustainable livelihoods in the Eastern Cape Province. The findings indicate that there is a basis for a creative economy in the Eastern Cape Province that can be improved by properly concerted action by all actors. There is a foundation for the development of innovative goods and services that could promote the integration of the Province into the global economy. So far, the outcome of this research points to the direction of offering knowledge of the way to realize the potential of Eastern Cape Province`s creative industries. More so, the study also highlights the importance of the creative economy in fostering growth guided by trade and attaining sustainable livelihoods in the process. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-05
The influence of ethical leadership in the municipal administration: a case of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Singanto, Nkosiyabo King
- Date: 2022-05
- Subjects: Municipal government--South Africa--Leadership , Leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23392 , vital:57633
- Description: The South Africa local government is confronted by ethical leadership challenges due to unethical practices by public functionaries and elected representatives in municipalities. The elected representatives are entrusted by legislation to take decisions and municipal officials are expected to implement the decisions taken by the municipal councilin an ethical manner, without fear, favour or prejudice on behalf of their communities. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon being studied. Data was collected using a structured Likert Scale interview questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions. The theories of virtue, deontology and utilitarianism were selected in this study to try to understand the concept of ethics and its relevance to answering the research questions developed for this research.. Among the key findings were that the research has shown that unethical behaviour in municipalities has a direct influence on service delivery and the functioning of municipal administration. It also showed that, despite the plethora of legislation that governs the behaviour of municipal leaders, the municipalities continue to face unethical challenges of corruption, fraud and maladministration. The findings also pointed to a failure by those who are supposed to implement the code of conduct and hold the perpetrators of unethical deeds accountable. Poor consequence management has been seen, inter alia, to be at the heart of the problem. The research reveals a need for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to explore the ways to enforce ethical leadership in the municipality. While the study is limited to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality, the following are recommended to mitigate the scourge: provide ethics training for municipal officials and councillors; set minimum qualifications for councillors; and cautiously, extend the application of the findings and recommendations of this research to other municipalities in South Africa as the problem, whilst researched in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality, is spread across all municipalities in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-05
- Authors: Singanto, Nkosiyabo King
- Date: 2022-05
- Subjects: Municipal government--South Africa--Leadership , Leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23392 , vital:57633
- Description: The South Africa local government is confronted by ethical leadership challenges due to unethical practices by public functionaries and elected representatives in municipalities. The elected representatives are entrusted by legislation to take decisions and municipal officials are expected to implement the decisions taken by the municipal councilin an ethical manner, without fear, favour or prejudice on behalf of their communities. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon being studied. Data was collected using a structured Likert Scale interview questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions. The theories of virtue, deontology and utilitarianism were selected in this study to try to understand the concept of ethics and its relevance to answering the research questions developed for this research.. Among the key findings were that the research has shown that unethical behaviour in municipalities has a direct influence on service delivery and the functioning of municipal administration. It also showed that, despite the plethora of legislation that governs the behaviour of municipal leaders, the municipalities continue to face unethical challenges of corruption, fraud and maladministration. The findings also pointed to a failure by those who are supposed to implement the code of conduct and hold the perpetrators of unethical deeds accountable. Poor consequence management has been seen, inter alia, to be at the heart of the problem. The research reveals a need for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to explore the ways to enforce ethical leadership in the municipality. While the study is limited to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality, the following are recommended to mitigate the scourge: provide ethics training for municipal officials and councillors; set minimum qualifications for councillors; and cautiously, extend the application of the findings and recommendations of this research to other municipalities in South Africa as the problem, whilst researched in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality, is spread across all municipalities in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-05
An eco-physiological investigation of fisheries-induced evolution: comparing the resilience of larvae from exploited and unexploited commercial reef fish populations to projected ocean acidification
- Authors: Muller, Cuen
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Ocean acidification , Fishes Climatic factors , Fishes Physiology , Fishes Metabolism , Fishes Respiration , Fishes Larvae , Fishery management , Chrysoblephus laticeps (Red roman)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232579 , vital:50004 , DOI 10.21504/10962/232579
- Description: It is now accepted that anthropogenic-induced climate change is resulting in unprecedented rates of change to marine environments. Marine organisms are being challenged by rapidly increasing temperatures, acidification, expansion of oxygen dead zones, and higher frequencies and magnitudes of extreme weather events. Exploited fish populations are also undergoing selective harvesting. Certain traits, such as large size, fast growth, and/or bold/active behaviours, are being actively targeted and removed from the population gene pool. This selective removal of individuals may compromise the capacity of fish populations to resist or recover from environmental disturbances and reduce their ability to adapt to a changing environment as many of these traits are heritable. As most marine fishes' embryonic and larval stages represent the period when individuals are most sensitive to environmental disturbances, they are a critical bottleneck to population persistence in the face of exploitation and climate change. This thesis aimed to quantify and compare the metabolic physiology, growth, and development of an exploited and endemic sparid, the roman seabream Chrysoblephus laticeps, during the early larval stages under 1) ocean acidification conditions expected by the year 2100 and 2) from populations experiencing dissimilar rates of exploitation. To quantify and compare the physiology of larvae, adult C. laticeps from an exploited population were captured and field-spawned. Fertilised eggs were placed into either control/present-day conditions (pH = 8.03, pCO2 ≈ 420 μatm) or high-pCO2/hypercapnic treatment conditions (pH = 7.63, pCO2 ≈ 1400 μatm). The metabolic physiology of individual larvae was determined using a novel rolling-regression technique on static respirometry data. Here, estimates of the minimum and maximum oxygen consumption rates (VO2) could be determined with high test-retest reliability. The very early developmental stages (yolk-sac stage) appeared resilient to high pCO2 conditions despite being exposed to treatment conditions throughout the embryonic stage. Preflexion larvae showed sensitivity to treatment conditions by exhibiting reduced metabolic and growth rates, consistent with metabolic depression, associated with environmental stress. However, by the onset of flexion, which coincides with gill development, acid-base regulation, and muscle differentiation, metabolic and growth rates of treatment larvae were significantly greater than that of controls. This suggests that acid-base regulation imposes a high cost to maintain internal pH homeostasis. Importantly, these elevated metabolic costs were likely mediated through increased feeding rates in experimental conditions where food was ad libitum. In natural conditions, where food availability may be varied, high pCO2 conditions could be associated with higher mortality rates. Based on evidence that protected/unexploited populations are more genetically diverse and are composed of individuals representing a greater range of metabolic phenotypes, offspring were collected from a protected population experiencing otherwise similar environmental conditions to the exploited population. Metabolic rates of control larvae were generally similar to those of the exploited population. However, minimum rates of VO2 were typically higher for larvae from the protected population at comparable life stages. Preflexion treatment larvae from the protected population did not appear to undergo a period of reduced metabolism or growth compared to their control counterparts. While metabolic rates at the onset of flexion were significantly higher for treatment larvae, this was not associated with growth differences. Growth over-compensation following periods of growth depression is often associated with deleterious effects, such as organ damage and body or developmental malformations. This suggests somewhat improved resilience to ocean acidification conditions. This thesis found evidence that larval C. laticeps are sensitive to ocean acidification conditions expected by 2100. When this stressor is combined with increasing thermal variability, changing current coastal regimes, and heterogeneous food availability, also expected to occur by 2100, ocean acidification may compromise the population persistence of this species. However, an energetics approach to stress-tolerance suggests that larvae from the protected population may inherently show greater resilience to climate change-related environmental stressors. Evidence that exploitation affects the resilience of fish larvae to climate change highlights the need for an evolutionary approach to fisheries management and the importance of spatial protection in maintaining larger and more resilient populations while providing the raw material essential for adaptation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
- Authors: Muller, Cuen
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Ocean acidification , Fishes Climatic factors , Fishes Physiology , Fishes Metabolism , Fishes Respiration , Fishes Larvae , Fishery management , Chrysoblephus laticeps (Red roman)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232579 , vital:50004 , DOI 10.21504/10962/232579
- Description: It is now accepted that anthropogenic-induced climate change is resulting in unprecedented rates of change to marine environments. Marine organisms are being challenged by rapidly increasing temperatures, acidification, expansion of oxygen dead zones, and higher frequencies and magnitudes of extreme weather events. Exploited fish populations are also undergoing selective harvesting. Certain traits, such as large size, fast growth, and/or bold/active behaviours, are being actively targeted and removed from the population gene pool. This selective removal of individuals may compromise the capacity of fish populations to resist or recover from environmental disturbances and reduce their ability to adapt to a changing environment as many of these traits are heritable. As most marine fishes' embryonic and larval stages represent the period when individuals are most sensitive to environmental disturbances, they are a critical bottleneck to population persistence in the face of exploitation and climate change. This thesis aimed to quantify and compare the metabolic physiology, growth, and development of an exploited and endemic sparid, the roman seabream Chrysoblephus laticeps, during the early larval stages under 1) ocean acidification conditions expected by the year 2100 and 2) from populations experiencing dissimilar rates of exploitation. To quantify and compare the physiology of larvae, adult C. laticeps from an exploited population were captured and field-spawned. Fertilised eggs were placed into either control/present-day conditions (pH = 8.03, pCO2 ≈ 420 μatm) or high-pCO2/hypercapnic treatment conditions (pH = 7.63, pCO2 ≈ 1400 μatm). The metabolic physiology of individual larvae was determined using a novel rolling-regression technique on static respirometry data. Here, estimates of the minimum and maximum oxygen consumption rates (VO2) could be determined with high test-retest reliability. The very early developmental stages (yolk-sac stage) appeared resilient to high pCO2 conditions despite being exposed to treatment conditions throughout the embryonic stage. Preflexion larvae showed sensitivity to treatment conditions by exhibiting reduced metabolic and growth rates, consistent with metabolic depression, associated with environmental stress. However, by the onset of flexion, which coincides with gill development, acid-base regulation, and muscle differentiation, metabolic and growth rates of treatment larvae were significantly greater than that of controls. This suggests that acid-base regulation imposes a high cost to maintain internal pH homeostasis. Importantly, these elevated metabolic costs were likely mediated through increased feeding rates in experimental conditions where food was ad libitum. In natural conditions, where food availability may be varied, high pCO2 conditions could be associated with higher mortality rates. Based on evidence that protected/unexploited populations are more genetically diverse and are composed of individuals representing a greater range of metabolic phenotypes, offspring were collected from a protected population experiencing otherwise similar environmental conditions to the exploited population. Metabolic rates of control larvae were generally similar to those of the exploited population. However, minimum rates of VO2 were typically higher for larvae from the protected population at comparable life stages. Preflexion treatment larvae from the protected population did not appear to undergo a period of reduced metabolism or growth compared to their control counterparts. While metabolic rates at the onset of flexion were significantly higher for treatment larvae, this was not associated with growth differences. Growth over-compensation following periods of growth depression is often associated with deleterious effects, such as organ damage and body or developmental malformations. This suggests somewhat improved resilience to ocean acidification conditions. This thesis found evidence that larval C. laticeps are sensitive to ocean acidification conditions expected by 2100. When this stressor is combined with increasing thermal variability, changing current coastal regimes, and heterogeneous food availability, also expected to occur by 2100, ocean acidification may compromise the population persistence of this species. However, an energetics approach to stress-tolerance suggests that larvae from the protected population may inherently show greater resilience to climate change-related environmental stressors. Evidence that exploitation affects the resilience of fish larvae to climate change highlights the need for an evolutionary approach to fisheries management and the importance of spatial protection in maintaining larger and more resilient populations while providing the raw material essential for adaptation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
An epistemic justice account of students’ experiences of feedback
- Authors: Vilakazi, Bella Phetheni
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Feedback (Psychology) , Experience , Narrative inquiry (Research method) , Critical thinking , Caring Moral and ethical aspects , Epistemic access
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232599 , vital:50006 , DOI 10.21504/10962/232599
- Description: I am a storyteller. I believe in the power of stories to share experiences and to elucidate thoughts and ideas and to help us to make sense of complex social practices. This thesis includes the stories of five young women who were learning to become teachers. As they shared their stories with me, I share them with you. This study includes their stories of receiving feedback. These stories are structured within the Narrative Inquiry dimensions of temporality, place and context. These dimensions suggest that stories are historical and move through time, stories are shaped by place and the context in which they unfold (Clandinin, 2013). Furthermore, these stories demonstrate how feedback can serve to give access to powerful knowledge and can serve to recognise who our students are and what they bring to the academy (Hordern, 2018). But feedback can also serve to misrecognise. Much has been written and reported about the barriers preventing students from acting on the feedback on their assignment tasks in higher education. In this study, I argue that feedback is a pedagogic practice that can support students to gain epistemic access. Feedback can only achieve this if it makes the expectations explicit for students to make sense of and make meaning for themselves and if it is offered in a dialogical format which recognises the students, their attempts, their identities, and their knowledge. The research question of this study, ‘How do experiences of forms of feedback affect female undergraduate student teachers’ chances of epistemic access?’, is not unusual. There have been many research projects that have been carried out that examine students’ experiences of feedback (for example, Evans, 2013; Basey, Maines, & Francis, 2014; Nicol et al.; 2014; Carless, 2019; Winstone et al., 2021). But I identified a gap where feedback has not, to my knowledge, been studied directly through the lenses of Epistemic Justice towards Parity of Participation. This study interpreted five undergraduate student teachers’ feedback experiences through these lenses. Narrative inquiry enabled me to design this study in ways that foregrounded experience. Data was collected through multiple conversations during which I organised the participants’ life stories of feedback within the dimensions of temporality, place and context, and sociality. Miranda Fricker’s (2007) theory of Epistemic Justice and Fraser’s norm of Parity of Participation (2000) framed this study. I engaged with Fricker and Fraser’s literature meaningfully as a reader and researcher. I established an understanding of how the lenses offered by Fraser and Fricker allowed me to make sense of the literature more generally, in social life and on the pedagogic practice of feedback. Fricker’s theory of Epistemic Justice considers the epistemically unjust, gendered, raced and classed, experiences of epistemic agents. Fricker (2007) draws on two central concepts to account for epistemic injustices: Testimonial Injustice and Hermeneutical Injustice. Fricker (2007; 2003) explains that testimonial injustice occurs within a testimonial exchange setting, when an epistemic agent as a speaker gives testimony of the epistemic agent’s experiences and knowledge but is not awarded the credibility the speaker deserves (Fricker, 2003). Epistemic agents who participate in a testimonial exchange need to overcome bias and prejudice in order to evaluate testimonies with the degree of fairness the testimony deserves (Fricker, 2013; 2016). Hermeneutical injustice occurs when an epistemic agent is unable to make sense and make meaning of their social experiences. Hermeneutical injustice strengthens when the epistemic agent is prevented from gaining access to resources that might help with sense making and meaning making of these social experiences (Dielman, 2012; Fricker, 2016). To ensure that meaning can be made between people and groups of people, there needs to be some shared understandings of the purpose and process of sense making and meaning-making – or a willingness to co-create such shared understandings. Fraser’s norm of Participatory Parity enabled a consideration of the larger world of political and economic systems that give rise to social injustice. In this study, the theories of Fricker and Fraser are used to illuminate experiences of feedback of the five undergraduate student teachers who are the participants in this study and how these translate to epistemic and social injustice. The norm of Participatory Parity is considered where feedback allowed or restricted participants from participating on an equal footing in the feedback process. Narrative inquiry, a research methodology that is used to study experiences, was used to inform research strategies of this study. Participants’ experiences, data collection and organising the narratives demonstrated the dimensions of temporality and space. The thesis includes biographical vignettes for each of the participants in the study, interspersed with data from across all five participants. The key findings of this study show that feedback generally operates at the surface levels of grammar correction. In light of the theoretical lenses of this study, I argue that the feedback experiences they shared generally did not recognise their attempts and the identities and knowledges they brought to the tasks. Because the focus was on superficial correction of the specific task, the feedback failed to create conditions for the (re)distribution of knowledge. At times the feedback exerted power on participants. Because the feedback was generally in the form of one directional correction (with little space for interaction with the feedback or dialogue with the assessor), this caused status subordination of participants in the epistemic spaces of teaching practice. Lastly, the lack of clarity of feedback was harmful to the potential for dialogical feedback. Such feedback caused participants to experience forms of epistemic injustice in the form of hermeneutical injustice where it failed to create conditions for the distribution of knowledge. Feedback also caused participants to experience testimonial injustice where it failed to create conditions for recognising participants’ processes of sense-making and meaning-making in the various assignment tasks. Participatory Parity could not occur because the processes of recognition and redistribution were constrained. Feedback then created fertile conditions of epistemic injustice to occur, and participants were likely to have failed to gain the much needed epistemic access. This study is not the story of bad, uncaring academics; the study acknowledges the context of large classes and heavy workloads in which feedback is or is not given. Rather, this is the story of five women trying to make their way through the university and out into the world as teachers. The study calls for better theorising of feedback and more support for both academics and students to develop feedback literacy so that feedback might serve as a dialogical pedagogic practice that enables epistemic justice. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
- Authors: Vilakazi, Bella Phetheni
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Feedback (Psychology) , Experience , Narrative inquiry (Research method) , Critical thinking , Caring Moral and ethical aspects , Epistemic access
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232599 , vital:50006 , DOI 10.21504/10962/232599
- Description: I am a storyteller. I believe in the power of stories to share experiences and to elucidate thoughts and ideas and to help us to make sense of complex social practices. This thesis includes the stories of five young women who were learning to become teachers. As they shared their stories with me, I share them with you. This study includes their stories of receiving feedback. These stories are structured within the Narrative Inquiry dimensions of temporality, place and context. These dimensions suggest that stories are historical and move through time, stories are shaped by place and the context in which they unfold (Clandinin, 2013). Furthermore, these stories demonstrate how feedback can serve to give access to powerful knowledge and can serve to recognise who our students are and what they bring to the academy (Hordern, 2018). But feedback can also serve to misrecognise. Much has been written and reported about the barriers preventing students from acting on the feedback on their assignment tasks in higher education. In this study, I argue that feedback is a pedagogic practice that can support students to gain epistemic access. Feedback can only achieve this if it makes the expectations explicit for students to make sense of and make meaning for themselves and if it is offered in a dialogical format which recognises the students, their attempts, their identities, and their knowledge. The research question of this study, ‘How do experiences of forms of feedback affect female undergraduate student teachers’ chances of epistemic access?’, is not unusual. There have been many research projects that have been carried out that examine students’ experiences of feedback (for example, Evans, 2013; Basey, Maines, & Francis, 2014; Nicol et al.; 2014; Carless, 2019; Winstone et al., 2021). But I identified a gap where feedback has not, to my knowledge, been studied directly through the lenses of Epistemic Justice towards Parity of Participation. This study interpreted five undergraduate student teachers’ feedback experiences through these lenses. Narrative inquiry enabled me to design this study in ways that foregrounded experience. Data was collected through multiple conversations during which I organised the participants’ life stories of feedback within the dimensions of temporality, place and context, and sociality. Miranda Fricker’s (2007) theory of Epistemic Justice and Fraser’s norm of Parity of Participation (2000) framed this study. I engaged with Fricker and Fraser’s literature meaningfully as a reader and researcher. I established an understanding of how the lenses offered by Fraser and Fricker allowed me to make sense of the literature more generally, in social life and on the pedagogic practice of feedback. Fricker’s theory of Epistemic Justice considers the epistemically unjust, gendered, raced and classed, experiences of epistemic agents. Fricker (2007) draws on two central concepts to account for epistemic injustices: Testimonial Injustice and Hermeneutical Injustice. Fricker (2007; 2003) explains that testimonial injustice occurs within a testimonial exchange setting, when an epistemic agent as a speaker gives testimony of the epistemic agent’s experiences and knowledge but is not awarded the credibility the speaker deserves (Fricker, 2003). Epistemic agents who participate in a testimonial exchange need to overcome bias and prejudice in order to evaluate testimonies with the degree of fairness the testimony deserves (Fricker, 2013; 2016). Hermeneutical injustice occurs when an epistemic agent is unable to make sense and make meaning of their social experiences. Hermeneutical injustice strengthens when the epistemic agent is prevented from gaining access to resources that might help with sense making and meaning making of these social experiences (Dielman, 2012; Fricker, 2016). To ensure that meaning can be made between people and groups of people, there needs to be some shared understandings of the purpose and process of sense making and meaning-making – or a willingness to co-create such shared understandings. Fraser’s norm of Participatory Parity enabled a consideration of the larger world of political and economic systems that give rise to social injustice. In this study, the theories of Fricker and Fraser are used to illuminate experiences of feedback of the five undergraduate student teachers who are the participants in this study and how these translate to epistemic and social injustice. The norm of Participatory Parity is considered where feedback allowed or restricted participants from participating on an equal footing in the feedback process. Narrative inquiry, a research methodology that is used to study experiences, was used to inform research strategies of this study. Participants’ experiences, data collection and organising the narratives demonstrated the dimensions of temporality and space. The thesis includes biographical vignettes for each of the participants in the study, interspersed with data from across all five participants. The key findings of this study show that feedback generally operates at the surface levels of grammar correction. In light of the theoretical lenses of this study, I argue that the feedback experiences they shared generally did not recognise their attempts and the identities and knowledges they brought to the tasks. Because the focus was on superficial correction of the specific task, the feedback failed to create conditions for the (re)distribution of knowledge. At times the feedback exerted power on participants. Because the feedback was generally in the form of one directional correction (with little space for interaction with the feedback or dialogue with the assessor), this caused status subordination of participants in the epistemic spaces of teaching practice. Lastly, the lack of clarity of feedback was harmful to the potential for dialogical feedback. Such feedback caused participants to experience forms of epistemic injustice in the form of hermeneutical injustice where it failed to create conditions for the distribution of knowledge. Feedback also caused participants to experience testimonial injustice where it failed to create conditions for recognising participants’ processes of sense-making and meaning-making in the various assignment tasks. Participatory Parity could not occur because the processes of recognition and redistribution were constrained. Feedback then created fertile conditions of epistemic injustice to occur, and participants were likely to have failed to gain the much needed epistemic access. This study is not the story of bad, uncaring academics; the study acknowledges the context of large classes and heavy workloads in which feedback is or is not given. Rather, this is the story of five women trying to make their way through the university and out into the world as teachers. The study calls for better theorising of feedback and more support for both academics and students to develop feedback literacy so that feedback might serve as a dialogical pedagogic practice that enables epistemic justice. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
An investigation of how a visual teaching approach can possibly address issues of mathematics anxiety at a selected school in the Oshikoto region of Namibia
- Ngonga, Daniel Nghifikepunye
- Authors: Ngonga, Daniel Nghifikepunye
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Visual learning Namibia , Math anxiety Namibia , Mathematics Study and teaching Namibia , After-school programs Namibia , Mathematics Study and teaching Activity programs
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290637 , vital:56770
- Description: This Namibian case study aimed to explore a visual teaching approach (VTA) used by three selected teachers to address issues of mathematics anxiety (MA). The three teachers took part in an intervention program that was looking at how a VTA could be grown in the context of an after-school club (ASC) at my school. The selected teachers were the senior primary teachers at my school. The focus of the research was on how they taught mathematics using visuals after participating in an intervention programme. Their VTA made use of manipulatives, visuals, and concrete materials. The learners of the participating teachers completed a big MA pre-test, small MA tests, and a big MA post-test to determine their levels of MA as the teaching programme unfolded. The study hoped to create awareness amongst teachers and education researchers about the significant use of a VTA in the teaching and learning of mathematics to address issues of MA among the learners. It aimed to answer three research questions. One was on teachers’ use of a VTA in the context of an ASC; the second one was on comparisons of learners’ MA big pre and post-tests to detect any change of MA, and the last was on the enabling and constraining factors encountered when using a VTA. The main argument was that a VTA can encourage learners to be more confident and less anxious about doing mathematics. This study was framed by a constructivist perspective and its design and methodology were underpinned by an interpretive paradigm. This mixed-method research study employed video-recorded observations and stimulated recall interviews, learners’ MA test results, and the teachers’ focus group interviews as the means of collecting data. To generate rich data and support validity, four lessons per selected teacher were observed and video recorded; 54 learners completed the MA tests of 16 questions, and three teachers answered seven questions each in the focus group interview (FGI) after the stimulus recall interviews (SRI) which were done immediately after the lesson presentations. The study found that the participating teachers incorporated a variety of visuals into their lessons to make the mathematics fun, inspiring, visible, hands-on, and activity-oriented. They engaged the learners and also found that the use of visuals motivated learners and reduced their MA. , Thesis (MED) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
- Authors: Ngonga, Daniel Nghifikepunye
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Visual learning Namibia , Math anxiety Namibia , Mathematics Study and teaching Namibia , After-school programs Namibia , Mathematics Study and teaching Activity programs
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290637 , vital:56770
- Description: This Namibian case study aimed to explore a visual teaching approach (VTA) used by three selected teachers to address issues of mathematics anxiety (MA). The three teachers took part in an intervention program that was looking at how a VTA could be grown in the context of an after-school club (ASC) at my school. The selected teachers were the senior primary teachers at my school. The focus of the research was on how they taught mathematics using visuals after participating in an intervention programme. Their VTA made use of manipulatives, visuals, and concrete materials. The learners of the participating teachers completed a big MA pre-test, small MA tests, and a big MA post-test to determine their levels of MA as the teaching programme unfolded. The study hoped to create awareness amongst teachers and education researchers about the significant use of a VTA in the teaching and learning of mathematics to address issues of MA among the learners. It aimed to answer three research questions. One was on teachers’ use of a VTA in the context of an ASC; the second one was on comparisons of learners’ MA big pre and post-tests to detect any change of MA, and the last was on the enabling and constraining factors encountered when using a VTA. The main argument was that a VTA can encourage learners to be more confident and less anxious about doing mathematics. This study was framed by a constructivist perspective and its design and methodology were underpinned by an interpretive paradigm. This mixed-method research study employed video-recorded observations and stimulated recall interviews, learners’ MA test results, and the teachers’ focus group interviews as the means of collecting data. To generate rich data and support validity, four lessons per selected teacher were observed and video recorded; 54 learners completed the MA tests of 16 questions, and three teachers answered seven questions each in the focus group interview (FGI) after the stimulus recall interviews (SRI) which were done immediately after the lesson presentations. The study found that the participating teachers incorporated a variety of visuals into their lessons to make the mathematics fun, inspiring, visible, hands-on, and activity-oriented. They engaged the learners and also found that the use of visuals motivated learners and reduced their MA. , Thesis (MED) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
Chinese character learning with the aid of an ICT website among Mandarin Second Additional Language learners in South Africa: a case study
- Authors: Fu, Shuying
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Mandarin dialects Study and teaching (Secondary) South Africa , Mandarin dialects Computer-assisted instruction for English speakers , Second language acquisition , Chinese characters , Information technology South Africa , Educational technology South Africa , Arch Chinese
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263590 , vital:53641
- Description: The teaching of Mandarin as a Second Additional Language (SAL) in South African schools was only introduced in 2016. The year 2018 saw the first Mandarin as SAL National Senior Certificate examination. Little research has been done on the teaching and learning of Mandarin as a SAL subject at the high school level in South Africa. Character learning and teaching are some of the most challenging aspects of this language teaching and learning. This research sought to investigate how beginner Mandarin SAL learners can be supported by a particular Information Communication Technology (ICT) website, www.archchinese.com (Arch Chinese), in their character learning. Learners’ ability to memorise Chinese characters is of utmost importance for their success in this language learning, especially for matriculants. To support the main research goal, this study set out to investigate the requirements for Chinese character learning, the role the website Arch Chinese plays in learners’ character learning and Mandarin SAL learners’ experience of using Arch Chinese as a learning tool. This research was conducted in the form of a case study within the interpretative paradigm. It adopted a questionnaire and document analysis for data collection to gain insight into the research topic. To get answers to the research questions posed above, the study analysed the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) Mandarin SAL documents from Grade 4–12, the Independent Examination Board (IEB) Mandarin Subject Assessment Guidelines (SAGs), and a textbook for beginners, Learn Chinese with me: Student’s book 1 in relation to character learning. The features and functions of the website, Arch Chinese, were also evaluated and Mandarin SAL learners’ answers to a questionnaire on their use of the website Arch Chinese were analysed. The study found that character teaching and learning has not been given enough attention in the curriculum. It was only covered in the Intermediate Phase but was seldom mentioned in the Senior and Further Education and Training Phases in the curriculum. The CAPS Mandarin SAL documents do not consider the special characteristics of the Mandarin language, as this curriculum was based on the CAPS English Generic SAL document. As a result, the assessment requirements on writing (character count requirement in particular) were not realistic. The teaching approaches promoted in the curriculum and the teaching time do not correspond well with the teaching and learning of this language. Moreover, this study found that there was no vocabulary list prescribed in the curriculum and therefore a gap exists between the curriculum on paper and the curriculum in practice. The analysis of the IEB SAGs found that the assessments were suitable for the level of Mandarin SAL learners. This is because the IEB considered the characteristics of the Mandarin language, which is non-cognate, to the alphabet-based languages that respondents in this research spoke or were familiar with. At the same time, the analysis of the website and the learners’ questionnaire found that learners held a positive attitude towards their use of the website and that it proved to help facilitate Mandarin SAL learners in their character learning. This study ends with recommendations for teachers, policy makers, the IEB, and character-learning websites. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
- Authors: Fu, Shuying
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Mandarin dialects Study and teaching (Secondary) South Africa , Mandarin dialects Computer-assisted instruction for English speakers , Second language acquisition , Chinese characters , Information technology South Africa , Educational technology South Africa , Arch Chinese
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263590 , vital:53641
- Description: The teaching of Mandarin as a Second Additional Language (SAL) in South African schools was only introduced in 2016. The year 2018 saw the first Mandarin as SAL National Senior Certificate examination. Little research has been done on the teaching and learning of Mandarin as a SAL subject at the high school level in South Africa. Character learning and teaching are some of the most challenging aspects of this language teaching and learning. This research sought to investigate how beginner Mandarin SAL learners can be supported by a particular Information Communication Technology (ICT) website, www.archchinese.com (Arch Chinese), in their character learning. Learners’ ability to memorise Chinese characters is of utmost importance for their success in this language learning, especially for matriculants. To support the main research goal, this study set out to investigate the requirements for Chinese character learning, the role the website Arch Chinese plays in learners’ character learning and Mandarin SAL learners’ experience of using Arch Chinese as a learning tool. This research was conducted in the form of a case study within the interpretative paradigm. It adopted a questionnaire and document analysis for data collection to gain insight into the research topic. To get answers to the research questions posed above, the study analysed the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) Mandarin SAL documents from Grade 4–12, the Independent Examination Board (IEB) Mandarin Subject Assessment Guidelines (SAGs), and a textbook for beginners, Learn Chinese with me: Student’s book 1 in relation to character learning. The features and functions of the website, Arch Chinese, were also evaluated and Mandarin SAL learners’ answers to a questionnaire on their use of the website Arch Chinese were analysed. The study found that character teaching and learning has not been given enough attention in the curriculum. It was only covered in the Intermediate Phase but was seldom mentioned in the Senior and Further Education and Training Phases in the curriculum. The CAPS Mandarin SAL documents do not consider the special characteristics of the Mandarin language, as this curriculum was based on the CAPS English Generic SAL document. As a result, the assessment requirements on writing (character count requirement in particular) were not realistic. The teaching approaches promoted in the curriculum and the teaching time do not correspond well with the teaching and learning of this language. Moreover, this study found that there was no vocabulary list prescribed in the curriculum and therefore a gap exists between the curriculum on paper and the curriculum in practice. The analysis of the IEB SAGs found that the assessments were suitable for the level of Mandarin SAL learners. This is because the IEB considered the characteristics of the Mandarin language, which is non-cognate, to the alphabet-based languages that respondents in this research spoke or were familiar with. At the same time, the analysis of the website and the learners’ questionnaire found that learners held a positive attitude towards their use of the website and that it proved to help facilitate Mandarin SAL learners in their character learning. This study ends with recommendations for teachers, policy makers, the IEB, and character-learning websites. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
Computational analysis of known drug resistant mutants of Plasmodium falciparum Dihydrofolate Reductase (PfDHFR) and screening for novel antifolates against the enzyme
- Authors: Tata, Rolland Bantar
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/234184 , vital:50170
- Description: Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
- Authors: Tata, Rolland Bantar
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/234184 , vital:50170
- Description: Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08