Labour dispute resolution in South Africa and Malawi: a comparative study
- Authors: Banda, Lisa Malopa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa , Dispute resolution (Law) -- Malawi Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa Labor laws and legislation -- Malawi Arbitration, Industrial -- South Africa Arbitration, Industrial -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23891 , vital:30639
- Description: The aim of this treatise with the title Labour dispute resolution in South Africa and Malawi: A comparative study is to compare alternative dispute resolution between these two countries. It, furthermore, aims at drawing best practice to feed into each other. Another objective of this treatise is to learn by comparing and providing insight into the two countries’ alternative dispute resolution systems. This treatise comprises five chapters, each dealing with different aspects of alternative dispute resolution and an inter-country comparison. Chapter 1 introduces the concept of alternative dispute resolution and explains different types of methodologies in South Africa and Malawi in this regard. It also describes the different external alternative dispute resolution systems. In any conflicting situation, there is no guarantee that disputes will be resolved successfully, hence, one needs to apply different methodologies to try to resolve disputes, such as an alternative dispute resolution. Chapter 2 examines the Alternative Dispute Resolution System of South Africa and consists of three parts. Part 1 focuses on the historical legislative framework, Part 2 examines labour dispute resolution, as provided for in the Labour Relations Act of 1995 and Part 3 analyses the advantages and disadvantages of alternative dispute resolution systems in South Africa. Alternative dispute resolution has become popular and prominent across the globe as it ensures privacy and emphasises a cooperative and constructive way forward, which carries with it the possibility of improving employment relations in the long term. Chapter 3 provides an outline of Malawi’s relevant dispute resolution legal framework, regulated methodologies and system. Chapter 4 concentrates on evaluating and comparing alternative dispute resolution systems in South Africa with that of Malawi and later evaluates efficiencies, the effectiveness and challenges of alternative dispute resolution, which arise from the earlier comparison, with the aim of determining whether or not there is a need for reform of each country’s alternative dispute resolution system. The delivery of alternative dispute resolution systems can take place in a number of different settings, such as an employment tribunal, under the auspice of the Ministry of Labour, dispute resolution boards or a private dispute resolution. However, for the purpose of this study, the main mechanisms that will be analysed are arbitration, conciliation and mediation. Conclusions and recommendations are discussed in Chapter 5, which briefly summarises this study and synthesises the analysis of the South African and Malawian alternative dispute resolution system. Recommendations for legislation, methodologies and systems are also made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Banda, Lisa Malopa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa , Dispute resolution (Law) -- Malawi Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa Labor laws and legislation -- Malawi Arbitration, Industrial -- South Africa Arbitration, Industrial -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23891 , vital:30639
- Description: The aim of this treatise with the title Labour dispute resolution in South Africa and Malawi: A comparative study is to compare alternative dispute resolution between these two countries. It, furthermore, aims at drawing best practice to feed into each other. Another objective of this treatise is to learn by comparing and providing insight into the two countries’ alternative dispute resolution systems. This treatise comprises five chapters, each dealing with different aspects of alternative dispute resolution and an inter-country comparison. Chapter 1 introduces the concept of alternative dispute resolution and explains different types of methodologies in South Africa and Malawi in this regard. It also describes the different external alternative dispute resolution systems. In any conflicting situation, there is no guarantee that disputes will be resolved successfully, hence, one needs to apply different methodologies to try to resolve disputes, such as an alternative dispute resolution. Chapter 2 examines the Alternative Dispute Resolution System of South Africa and consists of three parts. Part 1 focuses on the historical legislative framework, Part 2 examines labour dispute resolution, as provided for in the Labour Relations Act of 1995 and Part 3 analyses the advantages and disadvantages of alternative dispute resolution systems in South Africa. Alternative dispute resolution has become popular and prominent across the globe as it ensures privacy and emphasises a cooperative and constructive way forward, which carries with it the possibility of improving employment relations in the long term. Chapter 3 provides an outline of Malawi’s relevant dispute resolution legal framework, regulated methodologies and system. Chapter 4 concentrates on evaluating and comparing alternative dispute resolution systems in South Africa with that of Malawi and later evaluates efficiencies, the effectiveness and challenges of alternative dispute resolution, which arise from the earlier comparison, with the aim of determining whether or not there is a need for reform of each country’s alternative dispute resolution system. The delivery of alternative dispute resolution systems can take place in a number of different settings, such as an employment tribunal, under the auspice of the Ministry of Labour, dispute resolution boards or a private dispute resolution. However, for the purpose of this study, the main mechanisms that will be analysed are arbitration, conciliation and mediation. Conclusions and recommendations are discussed in Chapter 5, which briefly summarises this study and synthesises the analysis of the South African and Malawian alternative dispute resolution system. Recommendations for legislation, methodologies and systems are also made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Labour rights of fishers in Namibia
- Hamukuaya, Nghililewanga Hashali
- Authors: Hamukuaya, Nghililewanga Hashali
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- Namibia , Fishing -- law and legislation -- Namibia Employee rights -- Namibia Human rights -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30061 , vital:30815
- Description: Fishers make an important contribution to the global economy and add value to a country’s gross domestic product. Their contribution is even more important in countries such as Namibia that rely heavily on the fishing industry as a source of income. The working conditions of fishers have recently come under scrutiny as a result of poor labour standards when compared to employees ashore. A background of the working conditions of fishers is provided illustrating the unique working conditions of the fishing industry. After that the international standards, namely those of the United Nations and the International Labour Organisation (hereinafter referred to as “the ILO”), are discussed and the challenges in the regulations of the condition of employment of fishers are pointed out. The ILO recently adopted the Work in Fishing Convention (hereinafter referred to as “the WIFC”) in 2007, which is the primary instrument applicable to fishers’ conditions of employment. Namibia has not ratified the Convention and, as a result, it has no legal obligation to comply with the standards it sets. The international standards were tested against the national legislation of Namibia. This was done to determine the extent of Namibia’s compliance with those standards. The dissertation revealed that, if Namibia were to immediately ratify the Convention it would not conform with the standards and, as a result, would be in breach of its international obligation. The dissertation takes a step further by comparing the approach taken in regulating the conditions of employment in Namibia to the approach taken in South Africa. The purpose of the comparison is to determine the lessons Namibia can learn, if any, to improve the regulation of the condition of employment for its fishers. The dissertation 7 reveals that there are lessons Namibia can learn from South Africa to improve the conditions of employment of the fishers. These lessons relate to introducing a bargaining council and, where necessary, statutory councils for the fishing industry. The introduction of a bargaining council and statutory councils would give organisations such as trade unions more power to negotiate a general standard across multiple sectors within the fishing industry. The standards that are negotiating could incorporate the standards provided in the WIFC even though Namibia has not ratified the convention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Hamukuaya, Nghililewanga Hashali
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- Namibia , Fishing -- law and legislation -- Namibia Employee rights -- Namibia Human rights -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30061 , vital:30815
- Description: Fishers make an important contribution to the global economy and add value to a country’s gross domestic product. Their contribution is even more important in countries such as Namibia that rely heavily on the fishing industry as a source of income. The working conditions of fishers have recently come under scrutiny as a result of poor labour standards when compared to employees ashore. A background of the working conditions of fishers is provided illustrating the unique working conditions of the fishing industry. After that the international standards, namely those of the United Nations and the International Labour Organisation (hereinafter referred to as “the ILO”), are discussed and the challenges in the regulations of the condition of employment of fishers are pointed out. The ILO recently adopted the Work in Fishing Convention (hereinafter referred to as “the WIFC”) in 2007, which is the primary instrument applicable to fishers’ conditions of employment. Namibia has not ratified the Convention and, as a result, it has no legal obligation to comply with the standards it sets. The international standards were tested against the national legislation of Namibia. This was done to determine the extent of Namibia’s compliance with those standards. The dissertation revealed that, if Namibia were to immediately ratify the Convention it would not conform with the standards and, as a result, would be in breach of its international obligation. The dissertation takes a step further by comparing the approach taken in regulating the conditions of employment in Namibia to the approach taken in South Africa. The purpose of the comparison is to determine the lessons Namibia can learn, if any, to improve the regulation of the condition of employment for its fishers. The dissertation 7 reveals that there are lessons Namibia can learn from South Africa to improve the conditions of employment of the fishers. These lessons relate to introducing a bargaining council and, where necessary, statutory councils for the fishing industry. The introduction of a bargaining council and statutory councils would give organisations such as trade unions more power to negotiate a general standard across multiple sectors within the fishing industry. The standards that are negotiating could incorporate the standards provided in the WIFC even though Namibia has not ratified the convention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Factors that make a visit to selected Eastern Cape national parks a memorable experience
- Authors: Baldie, Carole Audrey
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tourism -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Customer relations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21461 , vital:29524
- Description: South African National Parks (SANParks) manages 19 functional national parks (NPs) and oversees the conservation of South Africa’s (SA’s) biodiversity, landscapes and heritage assets. The organisation plays a significant role in the promotion of SA’s nature-based tourism business which in turn forms part of the nation’s heritage and identity. Tourism to SA’s NPs is significant and interest in visiting these parks continues to increase annually, from both international and domestic markets. Three of these NPs are located in the Eastern Cape province, namely Addo Elephant National Park (AENP), Camdeboo National Park (CNP) and Mountain Zebra National Park (MZNP) and were the focus of this study. The main reason for conducting the current study was to establish what factors make visits to the three aforementioned NPs memorable. The findings of this research could be useful to all NPs and assist them in making decisions regarding the evaluation and creation of product offerings that will enhance experiences and make them memorable for tourists. Based on the findings, and because each NP is unique (for example, the different biodiversity and landscapes), the product offerings can also be made exclusive to each NP and therefore tourists can have the opportunity for different MTEs in each park. Providing product offerings that afford MTE opportunities are particularly important for NPs, as government funding is decreasing and each NP needs to generate its own funds. Tourism is presently the economic lifeline for the parks. If NPs focus on improving current products where necessary and developing new products that provide for MTEs, NPs could increase their competitive advantage. Having a competitive advantage can ensure an increase in tourism numbers and therefore the financial sustainability of the park. Data was collected on site at each of the three NPs selected for the study, using convenience sampling to select respondents. A web-based survey was also posted on the SANParks’ website. Prior to the posting of the web-based survey, SANParks conducted a simple random sampling procedure utilising a sampling frame of tourists who had previously visited the respective NPs. The selected target population emanating from simple random sampling was e-mailed the link to the SANParks website which guided respondents to the online questionnaire if they wished to take part in the survey, hence the response sample was a convenience sample. In total, 463 usable questionnaires were received. Descriptive statistics resulted from the data analysis. A frequency analysis showed the distribution of the results, while an exploratory factors analysis (EFA) was conducted to ascertain any latent factors in the data. The results of the EFA showed the presence of three latent factors which were labelled Pleasure, Social Interaction and Discovery and Enrichment. Firstly, a strong positive correlation was shown between two of the factors, namely Pleasure and Discovery and Enrichment, and secondly, a positive correlation between two other factors, namely Social Interaction and Discovery and Enrichment was indicated. A weak correlation was shown between the factors Pleasure and Social Interaction. This research has contributed to the knowledge base regarding the factors that make a visit to AENP, CNP and MZNP memorable. Future research can make use of these factors for more exhaustive research in a wider range of NPs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Baldie, Carole Audrey
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tourism -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Customer relations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21461 , vital:29524
- Description: South African National Parks (SANParks) manages 19 functional national parks (NPs) and oversees the conservation of South Africa’s (SA’s) biodiversity, landscapes and heritage assets. The organisation plays a significant role in the promotion of SA’s nature-based tourism business which in turn forms part of the nation’s heritage and identity. Tourism to SA’s NPs is significant and interest in visiting these parks continues to increase annually, from both international and domestic markets. Three of these NPs are located in the Eastern Cape province, namely Addo Elephant National Park (AENP), Camdeboo National Park (CNP) and Mountain Zebra National Park (MZNP) and were the focus of this study. The main reason for conducting the current study was to establish what factors make visits to the three aforementioned NPs memorable. The findings of this research could be useful to all NPs and assist them in making decisions regarding the evaluation and creation of product offerings that will enhance experiences and make them memorable for tourists. Based on the findings, and because each NP is unique (for example, the different biodiversity and landscapes), the product offerings can also be made exclusive to each NP and therefore tourists can have the opportunity for different MTEs in each park. Providing product offerings that afford MTE opportunities are particularly important for NPs, as government funding is decreasing and each NP needs to generate its own funds. Tourism is presently the economic lifeline for the parks. If NPs focus on improving current products where necessary and developing new products that provide for MTEs, NPs could increase their competitive advantage. Having a competitive advantage can ensure an increase in tourism numbers and therefore the financial sustainability of the park. Data was collected on site at each of the three NPs selected for the study, using convenience sampling to select respondents. A web-based survey was also posted on the SANParks’ website. Prior to the posting of the web-based survey, SANParks conducted a simple random sampling procedure utilising a sampling frame of tourists who had previously visited the respective NPs. The selected target population emanating from simple random sampling was e-mailed the link to the SANParks website which guided respondents to the online questionnaire if they wished to take part in the survey, hence the response sample was a convenience sample. In total, 463 usable questionnaires were received. Descriptive statistics resulted from the data analysis. A frequency analysis showed the distribution of the results, while an exploratory factors analysis (EFA) was conducted to ascertain any latent factors in the data. The results of the EFA showed the presence of three latent factors which were labelled Pleasure, Social Interaction and Discovery and Enrichment. Firstly, a strong positive correlation was shown between two of the factors, namely Pleasure and Discovery and Enrichment, and secondly, a positive correlation between two other factors, namely Social Interaction and Discovery and Enrichment was indicated. A weak correlation was shown between the factors Pleasure and Social Interaction. This research has contributed to the knowledge base regarding the factors that make a visit to AENP, CNP and MZNP memorable. Future research can make use of these factors for more exhaustive research in a wider range of NPs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Development of high capacity lithium-manganese-rich cathode materials xLi2MnO3•(1-x)LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2 for lithium ion batteries
- Authors: Rapulenyane, Nomasonto
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Lithium ion batteries , Electrochemistry Lithium cells
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34766 , vital:33442
- Description: In this study, a facile synthesis method was developed to produce layered-layered cathode materials with the formula xLi2MnO3•(1-x)LiMO2 (M= Ni and Mn) referred to as lithium-manganese-rich materials for lithium ion batteries. The prepared materials displayed high capacity ≥200 mAh/g at a current density of 20 mA/g in the voltage range of 2.0 V to 4.8 V. In particular the cathode material prepared at pH 10.0 delivered a high initial discharge capacity of 266 mAh/g at 20 mA/g current density and maintained a discharge capacity ≥220 mAh/g at 50 mA/g after 50 cycles. The synthesis method was used to further investigate the effect of lithium ratio in the layered-layered material. Li1+xMn0.6Ni0.2O2, x= 0.2, 0.25, 0.3 and 0.4 cathode materials were produced respectively. The BET surface area analysis results showed that Li1.3Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 material had comparatively higher surface area to the other cathode materials and also delivered good electrochemical results. XPS showed that the cation distribution is affected by the increase in lithium ratio, the Mn4+ percentages decreased significantly with an increase in lithium ratio. All materials peaks deconvoluted into two peaks namely Mn4+ and Mn3+, Li1.3Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 had the highest percentages of the stable Mn4+ 70.8%. Further investigation focused on the effect of the sintering temperature on the structure and the electrochemical performance of Li1+xMn0.6Ni0.2O2, x= 0.25, 0.3 and 0.4 cathode materials. X-ray diffraction showed the same patterns for all cathode materials sintered at 700˚C, 800˚C and 900˚C. Rietveld refined results however, showed that the increase in the sintering temperature, results in a decrease in the Li2MnO3 component percentage in the layered structures. Scanning electron microscopy images further proved that the particle size increases with increasing temperature. The charge–discharge tests of coin cells demonstrated that the materials sintered at 800˚C delivered higher discharge capacities above 200 mAh/g at 20 mA/g current density when compared to the materials made at the lower temperatures. Lastly the cathode material prepared at pH 10.0 was further evaluated in a cell using lithium titanate oxide Li4Ti5O12 as anode material. The cells delivered an initial discharge capacity of 213 mAh/g at 20 mA/g within a voltage range 3.3V-0.5V. The coin cells developed in this work delivered good cycling performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Rapulenyane, Nomasonto
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Lithium ion batteries , Electrochemistry Lithium cells
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34766 , vital:33442
- Description: In this study, a facile synthesis method was developed to produce layered-layered cathode materials with the formula xLi2MnO3•(1-x)LiMO2 (M= Ni and Mn) referred to as lithium-manganese-rich materials for lithium ion batteries. The prepared materials displayed high capacity ≥200 mAh/g at a current density of 20 mA/g in the voltage range of 2.0 V to 4.8 V. In particular the cathode material prepared at pH 10.0 delivered a high initial discharge capacity of 266 mAh/g at 20 mA/g current density and maintained a discharge capacity ≥220 mAh/g at 50 mA/g after 50 cycles. The synthesis method was used to further investigate the effect of lithium ratio in the layered-layered material. Li1+xMn0.6Ni0.2O2, x= 0.2, 0.25, 0.3 and 0.4 cathode materials were produced respectively. The BET surface area analysis results showed that Li1.3Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 material had comparatively higher surface area to the other cathode materials and also delivered good electrochemical results. XPS showed that the cation distribution is affected by the increase in lithium ratio, the Mn4+ percentages decreased significantly with an increase in lithium ratio. All materials peaks deconvoluted into two peaks namely Mn4+ and Mn3+, Li1.3Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 had the highest percentages of the stable Mn4+ 70.8%. Further investigation focused on the effect of the sintering temperature on the structure and the electrochemical performance of Li1+xMn0.6Ni0.2O2, x= 0.25, 0.3 and 0.4 cathode materials. X-ray diffraction showed the same patterns for all cathode materials sintered at 700˚C, 800˚C and 900˚C. Rietveld refined results however, showed that the increase in the sintering temperature, results in a decrease in the Li2MnO3 component percentage in the layered structures. Scanning electron microscopy images further proved that the particle size increases with increasing temperature. The charge–discharge tests of coin cells demonstrated that the materials sintered at 800˚C delivered higher discharge capacities above 200 mAh/g at 20 mA/g current density when compared to the materials made at the lower temperatures. Lastly the cathode material prepared at pH 10.0 was further evaluated in a cell using lithium titanate oxide Li4Ti5O12 as anode material. The cells delivered an initial discharge capacity of 213 mAh/g at 20 mA/g within a voltage range 3.3V-0.5V. The coin cells developed in this work delivered good cycling performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Application of hidden Markov models and their extensions to animal movement data
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Bracken
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Markov processes Animal locomotion Time-series analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23835 , vital:30624
- Description: Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) have become increasingly popular in animal movement studies as they provide a flexible modelling approach and take the correlation between successive observations into account. They can segment the movement paths into latent states, which can be considered as rough proxies for the behaviours of the animals. This study comprises of two sections, both involving the application of HMMs to large terrestrial mammal movement data. Usually step lengths representing the displacement distances between successive observations, turning angles measuring the tortuosity, or a bivariate input of both variables are used as inputs in the models. It has been found in the literature that the turning angle is either included in the modelling process or it is excluded without much justification for doing so. The first part of this study investigates the nfluence of the turning angle on the model output and resultant interpretations of the HMMs when modelling the trajectories of large terrestrial mammals in southern Africa. Results revealed at different time scales, and for both predator and herbivore species in this study, that the turning angle does not influence the state allocation of the HMMs, which is the main output in terms of interpreting the behaviours of the animals. It is thought in most cases that the inclusion of the turning angle overcomplicates the models unnecessarily without contributing any additional information in terms of the behavioural interpretations or improving the overall fit of the models. This was found for the variety of movements of the species under observation in this study. The second part of this study attempts to validate the state allocation of the HMMs fitted to eland trajectories in the Greater Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape, with the use of camera trap data. This presented a unique opportunity as this type of data is mainly used for abundance or capture-recapture studies, and the HMMs are rarely validated as the true behaviours of the animals are seldom known. Results revealed that the same diel patterns were detected by the HMMs that were shown by the classified camera trap data. Direct comparisons of the observations where the dates and times matched for the telemetry and camera trap data could be done in several rare instances, which revealed many similarities. Although it was not an ideal comparison, the camera trap data provided a rough validation of the state allocation of the HMMs used in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Bracken
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Markov processes Animal locomotion Time-series analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23835 , vital:30624
- Description: Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) have become increasingly popular in animal movement studies as they provide a flexible modelling approach and take the correlation between successive observations into account. They can segment the movement paths into latent states, which can be considered as rough proxies for the behaviours of the animals. This study comprises of two sections, both involving the application of HMMs to large terrestrial mammal movement data. Usually step lengths representing the displacement distances between successive observations, turning angles measuring the tortuosity, or a bivariate input of both variables are used as inputs in the models. It has been found in the literature that the turning angle is either included in the modelling process or it is excluded without much justification for doing so. The first part of this study investigates the nfluence of the turning angle on the model output and resultant interpretations of the HMMs when modelling the trajectories of large terrestrial mammals in southern Africa. Results revealed at different time scales, and for both predator and herbivore species in this study, that the turning angle does not influence the state allocation of the HMMs, which is the main output in terms of interpreting the behaviours of the animals. It is thought in most cases that the inclusion of the turning angle overcomplicates the models unnecessarily without contributing any additional information in terms of the behavioural interpretations or improving the overall fit of the models. This was found for the variety of movements of the species under observation in this study. The second part of this study attempts to validate the state allocation of the HMMs fitted to eland trajectories in the Greater Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape, with the use of camera trap data. This presented a unique opportunity as this type of data is mainly used for abundance or capture-recapture studies, and the HMMs are rarely validated as the true behaviours of the animals are seldom known. Results revealed that the same diel patterns were detected by the HMMs that were shown by the classified camera trap data. Direct comparisons of the observations where the dates and times matched for the telemetry and camera trap data could be done in several rare instances, which revealed many similarities. Although it was not an ideal comparison, the camera trap data provided a rough validation of the state allocation of the HMMs used in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Beneficiary perceptions regarding farm worker equity share schemes in South Africa
- Authors: Xolo, Siyavuya Nicholas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Investments -- South Africa , Investment analysis Land reform -- South Africa Agricultural laborers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36323 , vital:33920
- Description: The study aimed to assess beneficiary perceptions regarding farm worker equity share schemes in South Africa. Farm worker equity share schemes started in the early 1990s with the aim of having a special arrangement pertaining to the ownership and operation of a farm between the farmer and the farm workers. This was intended to assist farm workers in not only remaining as farm workers but also to gain ownership of the farm. This could lead to the empowerment of farm workers, better working conditions, improved living standards and their rights to land ownership. Farm worker equity share schemes have been widely reported as having failed to meet their intended objectives, thus, in 2009, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform initiated a study to assess the implementation of equity share schemes. Although the report was not made public, it reports that out of the 88 equity share schemes at the time, only nine managed to pay dividends ranging from R200 to R2000 per year. As a result, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform put a moratorium on equity share schemes; this was however removed in 2011. It is against this background that this study was undertaken to assess beneficiaries’ perceptions regarding farm worker equity share schemes in South Africa. A positivistic research paradigm was employed in this study, by means of quantitative research. Secondary data in the form of textbooks, journal articles and Internet sources provided the theoretical framework for this study. Primary data was obtained using the survey method, by means of self-administered structured questionnaires. Convenience and purposive sampling were applied in order to select 20 farms that use equity share schemes. The farms selected for this study were located in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape provinces, covering a variety of farming activities such as citrus fruits, crops, vegetables and wineries. Ideally, a total of 15 farm workers per farm were targeted. However, due to a variation in these farm worker equity share schemes, on some farms less than 15 workers and in others more than 15 workers were selected for the study; this resulted in a total sample size of 341 farm workers. Ten null-hypotheses and a hypothetical model of beneficiary perceptions regarding farm worker equity share schemes were tested. The influence of seven independent variables were tested, these are: stakeholder trust, operational risks, government interventions, two-way communication, farm worker empowerment, training and skills development, and access to resources on farm worker equity share schemes. In addition, the influence of farm worker equity share schemes on three dependent variables, namely, farming performance, sustainability and employee expectations were tested. The Statistica (version 13.2) computer programme was used to analyse the results by means of advanced statistical techniques (such as exploratory factor analysis, regression and correlation analyses) as well as descriptive analysis and frequency distributions. After various statistical procedures, the model was re-specified; some of the variables were then renamed and the hypotheses were adjusted accordingly. The empirical results showed that three key variables to the success of farm worker equity share schemes are stakeholder trust, government interventions and farm owner support. It was determined that these key variables could lead to increased farming performance, farming sustainability and meeting employee expectations. This study provided useful and practical guidelines to farm owners and administrators of equity share schemes, so as to ensure effective strategising that could enhance their competitiveness and long term survival. The findings of this study could inform strategy policy formulation and implementation in the agricultural sector, as pertaining to farm worker equity share schemes. The study used a sound and well-developed research design and methodology, which has been justified and successfully applied to this research; this method can be utilised by other similar studies to conduct empirical research in the field of farm worker equity share schemes. It is envisaged that the results and recommendations of this study could be used to implement effective strategies that could ensure the effective functioning of farm worker equity share schemes in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Xolo, Siyavuya Nicholas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Investments -- South Africa , Investment analysis Land reform -- South Africa Agricultural laborers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36323 , vital:33920
- Description: The study aimed to assess beneficiary perceptions regarding farm worker equity share schemes in South Africa. Farm worker equity share schemes started in the early 1990s with the aim of having a special arrangement pertaining to the ownership and operation of a farm between the farmer and the farm workers. This was intended to assist farm workers in not only remaining as farm workers but also to gain ownership of the farm. This could lead to the empowerment of farm workers, better working conditions, improved living standards and their rights to land ownership. Farm worker equity share schemes have been widely reported as having failed to meet their intended objectives, thus, in 2009, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform initiated a study to assess the implementation of equity share schemes. Although the report was not made public, it reports that out of the 88 equity share schemes at the time, only nine managed to pay dividends ranging from R200 to R2000 per year. As a result, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform put a moratorium on equity share schemes; this was however removed in 2011. It is against this background that this study was undertaken to assess beneficiaries’ perceptions regarding farm worker equity share schemes in South Africa. A positivistic research paradigm was employed in this study, by means of quantitative research. Secondary data in the form of textbooks, journal articles and Internet sources provided the theoretical framework for this study. Primary data was obtained using the survey method, by means of self-administered structured questionnaires. Convenience and purposive sampling were applied in order to select 20 farms that use equity share schemes. The farms selected for this study were located in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape provinces, covering a variety of farming activities such as citrus fruits, crops, vegetables and wineries. Ideally, a total of 15 farm workers per farm were targeted. However, due to a variation in these farm worker equity share schemes, on some farms less than 15 workers and in others more than 15 workers were selected for the study; this resulted in a total sample size of 341 farm workers. Ten null-hypotheses and a hypothetical model of beneficiary perceptions regarding farm worker equity share schemes were tested. The influence of seven independent variables were tested, these are: stakeholder trust, operational risks, government interventions, two-way communication, farm worker empowerment, training and skills development, and access to resources on farm worker equity share schemes. In addition, the influence of farm worker equity share schemes on three dependent variables, namely, farming performance, sustainability and employee expectations were tested. The Statistica (version 13.2) computer programme was used to analyse the results by means of advanced statistical techniques (such as exploratory factor analysis, regression and correlation analyses) as well as descriptive analysis and frequency distributions. After various statistical procedures, the model was re-specified; some of the variables were then renamed and the hypotheses were adjusted accordingly. The empirical results showed that three key variables to the success of farm worker equity share schemes are stakeholder trust, government interventions and farm owner support. It was determined that these key variables could lead to increased farming performance, farming sustainability and meeting employee expectations. This study provided useful and practical guidelines to farm owners and administrators of equity share schemes, so as to ensure effective strategising that could enhance their competitiveness and long term survival. The findings of this study could inform strategy policy formulation and implementation in the agricultural sector, as pertaining to farm worker equity share schemes. The study used a sound and well-developed research design and methodology, which has been justified and successfully applied to this research; this method can be utilised by other similar studies to conduct empirical research in the field of farm worker equity share schemes. It is envisaged that the results and recommendations of this study could be used to implement effective strategies that could ensure the effective functioning of farm worker equity share schemes in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Vulnerability and coping strategies of the Missionvale informal settlement community to flood hazards
- Authors: Tele, Asanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Squatter settlements -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Urbanization -- South Africa Floods -- Health aspects Floods -- Economic aspects Floods -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Emergency management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35796 , vital:33848
- Description: While many governments and organisations across the globe have programmes in place to control flood disasters, the challenges, unpreparedness and vulnerability to flooding in many parts of the world persist. This study used the low-lying area of Missionvale township in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa as a case study to investigate the extent of the vulnerability of informal settlement dwellers to flooding, and to understand how the community deals with and recovers from severe flood disasters. The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. The empirical data for the study was obtained through a survey of 90 residents of the area, as well as interviews with the members of the community. Fieldwork and observations were also conducted. These focused on examining the area in terms of disaster relief. Secondary data was obtained through a literature review as well as a review of legislative frameworks. The findings indicate that since 1994, the government has put in place a disaster management system but the system still needs to be reinforced as periodic severe flooding continues to destroy properties and infrastructure in many communities. Crime as well as the emergence of water-borne diseases are negative spin-offs of these disasters. The research elaborates on the coping strategies of the community to floods and makes recommendations on vulnerability and coping strategies to floods in low-income settlements in South Africa. With climate change likely to aggravate flood disasters, it is recommended that the policy directions need stakeholders to improve disaster preparedness, provide flood measures to houses and storm water drainage, develop early warning systems and improve community participation in disaster preparedness planning and efforts. In addition, it is crucial to improve post-disaster responses such as service delivery and support for the flood victims with needed resources and rebuilding of homes and lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Tele, Asanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Squatter settlements -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Urbanization -- South Africa Floods -- Health aspects Floods -- Economic aspects Floods -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Emergency management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35796 , vital:33848
- Description: While many governments and organisations across the globe have programmes in place to control flood disasters, the challenges, unpreparedness and vulnerability to flooding in many parts of the world persist. This study used the low-lying area of Missionvale township in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa as a case study to investigate the extent of the vulnerability of informal settlement dwellers to flooding, and to understand how the community deals with and recovers from severe flood disasters. The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. The empirical data for the study was obtained through a survey of 90 residents of the area, as well as interviews with the members of the community. Fieldwork and observations were also conducted. These focused on examining the area in terms of disaster relief. Secondary data was obtained through a literature review as well as a review of legislative frameworks. The findings indicate that since 1994, the government has put in place a disaster management system but the system still needs to be reinforced as periodic severe flooding continues to destroy properties and infrastructure in many communities. Crime as well as the emergence of water-borne diseases are negative spin-offs of these disasters. The research elaborates on the coping strategies of the community to floods and makes recommendations on vulnerability and coping strategies to floods in low-income settlements in South Africa. With climate change likely to aggravate flood disasters, it is recommended that the policy directions need stakeholders to improve disaster preparedness, provide flood measures to houses and storm water drainage, develop early warning systems and improve community participation in disaster preparedness planning and efforts. In addition, it is crucial to improve post-disaster responses such as service delivery and support for the flood victims with needed resources and rebuilding of homes and lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An analysis of foreign market entry strategy for Discovery Limited
- Authors: Terblanche, Gaynor
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Export marketing , Foreign exchange International trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35841 , vital:33852
- Description: The Discovery Limited is a key player in the South African Insurance Industry, which is well regulated. The Insurance Industry is of a world class standard and compares favourably with economies such as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. The South African economy continues to show a decline with a negative growth in gross domestic product (GDP), for two consecutive quarters (last quarter of 2016 and first quarter of 2017). The current dampened expected growth rates, with a highly penetrated insurance market in South Africa, are strong incentives to look for growth beyond the borders of South Africa. This study, therefore, explores the potential impact on investor confidence, when Discovery Limited enters Foreign Markets. The research objectives, namely Industry-Based considerations, institution-based considerations, resource-based considerations and recommendations, were used to draw linkages between the Discovery Shared Value Insurance Model and the Business Model Framework. Internationalisation models were introduced, yet Peng’s Comprehensive Model of Foreign Market Entry in conjunction with Discovery Limited’s Shared-Value Insurance Model, provides a greater scope to assess the foreign market entries The study seeks to propose a strategy for when firms enter foreign markets and explores investor confidence when doing so. The findings of the study will be able to be generalised in the market amongst firms who seek to enter foreign markets and provides insight and recommendations to all stakeholders upon taking the move. In pursuing this study, a qualitative approach was conducted. A review of the literature making use of academic resource, annual financial reports of the company and country reports available in the public domain, were used. Interviews were conducted using semi-structured questions with the Partner Market Executives of Discovery to gain deeper insight and understanding. An invitation to interview six (6) participants, was distributed and only five (5) were interviewed. This constitutes a (5/6) 83.3% response rate. These Partner Market Executives were best positioned to answer questions related to Foreign Market Entry (Partner Markets) for Discovery Limited. The questions were informed by the literature. A Thematic Analysis was conducted on the data collected to identify core themes that strongly resonated with participants. The research findings are credible, and the subject of the research was correctly identified, from the view point of both the researchers and the participants. The participation was voluntary and record keeping of audio and transcriptions were done. Based on the key themes identified for each of the three foreign market entry considerations, the study concluded that: ‘Vitality becomes core to the solution’, ‘the intellectual property that sits behind the Shared Value Model’, ‘Can’t run away from regulatory approval’, ‘Timing to enter a market’, and ‘infrastructure to enter a foreign market’ are crucial considerations that an investor would like to see, and Discovery Limited must be mindful of this when targeting growth in its share price. Therefore, Discovery will have to consider advice on infrastructure development for Africa and they will have to set an unobstructed vision and timeline to expand into Africa. Discovery Limited, being a South African Company, is still challenged with a product that must be compatible with the rest of the African market. Entering into Africa might not be a priority now, but the lack of knowledge on what the product for the African market would look like, left room for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Terblanche, Gaynor
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Export marketing , Foreign exchange International trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35841 , vital:33852
- Description: The Discovery Limited is a key player in the South African Insurance Industry, which is well regulated. The Insurance Industry is of a world class standard and compares favourably with economies such as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. The South African economy continues to show a decline with a negative growth in gross domestic product (GDP), for two consecutive quarters (last quarter of 2016 and first quarter of 2017). The current dampened expected growth rates, with a highly penetrated insurance market in South Africa, are strong incentives to look for growth beyond the borders of South Africa. This study, therefore, explores the potential impact on investor confidence, when Discovery Limited enters Foreign Markets. The research objectives, namely Industry-Based considerations, institution-based considerations, resource-based considerations and recommendations, were used to draw linkages between the Discovery Shared Value Insurance Model and the Business Model Framework. Internationalisation models were introduced, yet Peng’s Comprehensive Model of Foreign Market Entry in conjunction with Discovery Limited’s Shared-Value Insurance Model, provides a greater scope to assess the foreign market entries The study seeks to propose a strategy for when firms enter foreign markets and explores investor confidence when doing so. The findings of the study will be able to be generalised in the market amongst firms who seek to enter foreign markets and provides insight and recommendations to all stakeholders upon taking the move. In pursuing this study, a qualitative approach was conducted. A review of the literature making use of academic resource, annual financial reports of the company and country reports available in the public domain, were used. Interviews were conducted using semi-structured questions with the Partner Market Executives of Discovery to gain deeper insight and understanding. An invitation to interview six (6) participants, was distributed and only five (5) were interviewed. This constitutes a (5/6) 83.3% response rate. These Partner Market Executives were best positioned to answer questions related to Foreign Market Entry (Partner Markets) for Discovery Limited. The questions were informed by the literature. A Thematic Analysis was conducted on the data collected to identify core themes that strongly resonated with participants. The research findings are credible, and the subject of the research was correctly identified, from the view point of both the researchers and the participants. The participation was voluntary and record keeping of audio and transcriptions were done. Based on the key themes identified for each of the three foreign market entry considerations, the study concluded that: ‘Vitality becomes core to the solution’, ‘the intellectual property that sits behind the Shared Value Model’, ‘Can’t run away from regulatory approval’, ‘Timing to enter a market’, and ‘infrastructure to enter a foreign market’ are crucial considerations that an investor would like to see, and Discovery Limited must be mindful of this when targeting growth in its share price. Therefore, Discovery will have to consider advice on infrastructure development for Africa and they will have to set an unobstructed vision and timeline to expand into Africa. Discovery Limited, being a South African Company, is still challenged with a product that must be compatible with the rest of the African market. Entering into Africa might not be a priority now, but the lack of knowledge on what the product for the African market would look like, left room for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Association between maternal health status and birth outcomes in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District
- Authors: Hawkins, Althea Anita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Birth weight, Low -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Birth weight Premature infants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30039 , vital:30812
- Description: In 2011, the South African low birth weight rates varied between 9% and 15.5%, according to different sources. This means that about one out of every ten babies born alive weighed less than 2500g. Furthermore, six of South Africa’s nine provinces, including the Eastern Cape, reported low birth weight rates equal or higher than the national average. These figures raise serious concerns about the health status of infants, their chances of survival and their quality of life, particularly in provinces with a high incidence of low birth weight. Literature has linked the maternal health status to adverse birth outcomes. Statistics from the district office of the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD) indicates that for the fourth quarter of 2015, between 16.65 and 20.9% low birth weight infants were born. However, limited information is available regarding the causes and maternal health status of the mothers of the infants born with adverse birth outcomes in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD). The objective of the research study is to investigate the associations between maternal health status and birth outcomes in order to identify the major drivers of adverse birth outcomes in NMBHD. The study used a quantitative research approach. In order to enhance the design, the researcher used an explorative, descriptive, cross-sectional, contextual and survey research design. The study was conducted at the regional hospital in Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD) and Midwifery Obstetric Units (MOU). The participants were selected using a convenient and purposive sampling technique. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. A statistician assisted with the data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The researcher ensured that ethical considerations were maintained throughout the study to protect the participants. Reliability and validity were also ensured throughout the study. The total sample of the study was 207 and the mean age of the participants was 26,9 years. Hypertension and HIV were the conditions most diagnosed prior to, and during, pregnancy. Most of the delivered infants were females. The findings of the study revealed a significant association between maternal diabetes, maternal hypertension and the infants’ birth weight. Additional findings iv revealed that independent of gestational age, mothers with hypertension are likely to deliver low birth weight (LBW) infants. Antenatal care is of the utmost importance during pregnancy and special attention should be given to the management of hypertension. The researcher developed recommendations for primary health care (PHC) nurses in antenatal clinics (ANC) to address the management of the major maternal drivers of LBW infants in order to decrease and prevent adverse birth outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Hawkins, Althea Anita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Birth weight, Low -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Birth weight Premature infants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30039 , vital:30812
- Description: In 2011, the South African low birth weight rates varied between 9% and 15.5%, according to different sources. This means that about one out of every ten babies born alive weighed less than 2500g. Furthermore, six of South Africa’s nine provinces, including the Eastern Cape, reported low birth weight rates equal or higher than the national average. These figures raise serious concerns about the health status of infants, their chances of survival and their quality of life, particularly in provinces with a high incidence of low birth weight. Literature has linked the maternal health status to adverse birth outcomes. Statistics from the district office of the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD) indicates that for the fourth quarter of 2015, between 16.65 and 20.9% low birth weight infants were born. However, limited information is available regarding the causes and maternal health status of the mothers of the infants born with adverse birth outcomes in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD). The objective of the research study is to investigate the associations between maternal health status and birth outcomes in order to identify the major drivers of adverse birth outcomes in NMBHD. The study used a quantitative research approach. In order to enhance the design, the researcher used an explorative, descriptive, cross-sectional, contextual and survey research design. The study was conducted at the regional hospital in Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD) and Midwifery Obstetric Units (MOU). The participants were selected using a convenient and purposive sampling technique. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. A statistician assisted with the data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The researcher ensured that ethical considerations were maintained throughout the study to protect the participants. Reliability and validity were also ensured throughout the study. The total sample of the study was 207 and the mean age of the participants was 26,9 years. Hypertension and HIV were the conditions most diagnosed prior to, and during, pregnancy. Most of the delivered infants were females. The findings of the study revealed a significant association between maternal diabetes, maternal hypertension and the infants’ birth weight. Additional findings iv revealed that independent of gestational age, mothers with hypertension are likely to deliver low birth weight (LBW) infants. Antenatal care is of the utmost importance during pregnancy and special attention should be given to the management of hypertension. The researcher developed recommendations for primary health care (PHC) nurses in antenatal clinics (ANC) to address the management of the major maternal drivers of LBW infants in order to decrease and prevent adverse birth outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The influence of the state IT agency’s current performance-based rewards on employee motivation
- Authors: Lucwaba, Pamela Xolewa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Incentive awards Employees -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22574 , vital:30008
- Description: Organisational success originates from employees’ willingness to use their abilities and skills so that an organisation continues to achieve its strategic objectives and thus remains competitive. The organisation’s task is to encourage and nourish these motivated employee inputs by putting effective rewards in place (Markova and Ford, 2011, p. 813.). In view of this, the purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the State IT Agency’s official performance-based rewards and to establish whether these rewards enhance employee motivation. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study targeted all 86 employees occupying non-managerial positions (Job level A1 – D1) at the State IT Agency – Eastern Cape. The study thus included the entire population. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Collected data was analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) for descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study were presented in frequency tables, cross-tabulations, histogram and line charts. The study revealed that intrinsically motivated employees are also motivated by financial and non-financial rewards. The research also showed that a statistically significant relationship exists between the number of years in the current position and employee motivation. This study’s results further revealed low levels of employee motivation as well as job dissatisfaction amongst the employees, dissatisfaction with the rewards provided by the organisation and that the State IT Agency is not providing employees with motivational factors perceived by employees as motivational. The study thus concluded that when the State IT Agency rewards outstanding employee performance with a performance-based bonus and a salary increase such employees’ motivation levels should be enhanced. It was recommended that the State IT Agency should design a total rewards strategy for the purpose of maximising the impact of various rewards on employee motivation. The State IT Agency should also focus on eliminating factors leading to employee dissatisfaction before implementing the proposed total rewards strategy because dissatisfied employees cannot be motivated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Lucwaba, Pamela Xolewa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Incentive awards Employees -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22574 , vital:30008
- Description: Organisational success originates from employees’ willingness to use their abilities and skills so that an organisation continues to achieve its strategic objectives and thus remains competitive. The organisation’s task is to encourage and nourish these motivated employee inputs by putting effective rewards in place (Markova and Ford, 2011, p. 813.). In view of this, the purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the State IT Agency’s official performance-based rewards and to establish whether these rewards enhance employee motivation. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study targeted all 86 employees occupying non-managerial positions (Job level A1 – D1) at the State IT Agency – Eastern Cape. The study thus included the entire population. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Collected data was analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) for descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study were presented in frequency tables, cross-tabulations, histogram and line charts. The study revealed that intrinsically motivated employees are also motivated by financial and non-financial rewards. The research also showed that a statistically significant relationship exists between the number of years in the current position and employee motivation. This study’s results further revealed low levels of employee motivation as well as job dissatisfaction amongst the employees, dissatisfaction with the rewards provided by the organisation and that the State IT Agency is not providing employees with motivational factors perceived by employees as motivational. The study thus concluded that when the State IT Agency rewards outstanding employee performance with a performance-based bonus and a salary increase such employees’ motivation levels should be enhanced. It was recommended that the State IT Agency should design a total rewards strategy for the purpose of maximising the impact of various rewards on employee motivation. The State IT Agency should also focus on eliminating factors leading to employee dissatisfaction before implementing the proposed total rewards strategy because dissatisfied employees cannot be motivated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The development of an optimised decision based methodology for the replacement timing of frontline equipment utilised within the quarrying industry
- Authors: Basson, Kenneth Mervyn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Decision making , Industrial equipment Industrial equipment -- Maintenance and repair
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23647 , vital:30592
- Description: At present, frontline equipment employed at B&E International, and operating within the quarrying sector is typically replaced as soon as the operating expenses are deemed to be excessive. From a capital budgeting perspective, the trigger for signalling the replacement of equipment occurs when prescribed operating cost performance metrics are violated. In some instances, a further consideration for motivating the replacement of equipment is when the perception arises that the nonavailability of the equipment employed, results in financial losses being incurred by a company. It can therefore be argued that the current equipment replacement timing methodological approach adopted at B&E International is suboptimal in nature. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that in many instances, escalation of commitment manifests itself whereby unnecessary capital is repeatedly invested in order to extend the life of an asset resulting in a situation occurring whereby the required level of investment return is not achieved. In the event of these situations arising, the decision to replace an asset is prolonged as a result of the suboptimal investment decisions being made. The primary focus of this study is to provide a methodological equipment replacement framework that is based upon sound capital budgeting fundamentals. A comprehensive literature review of capital budgeting approaches that specifically focus on the optimal replacement timing of frontline quarrying equipment, did not yield any relevant studies that have been undertaken in this regard. This study did however investigate contemporary equipment replacement approaches based upon a capital budgeting paradigm and highlighted their respective limitations. Convincing evidence obtained, indicated that the most widely accepted method of identifying the optimal replacement timing of equipment occurs when the economic life of the asset is attained. This in itself would therefore infer that a cost minimisation approach is the most pervasive methodological approach adopted in order to identify the optimal replacement timing of equipment. When considering capital investment based decisions, it was found that the discounted cash flow based methodologies are the most widely used and accepted approach applied in the mining industry. Notwithstanding this, one major caveat manifests itself in that when considering the optimal replacement timing of front line equipment within the quarrying industry, the inclusion of uncertainty, flexibility and the associated financial risks was not evident. In order to model these effects, a probabilistic Net Present Value (NPV) approach was adopted and the required Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) models were constructed. Given the uncertainty of the expected cumulative R&M profiles for the asset classes constituting this study, an extensive statistical analysis was carried out in order to establish the required predictive Repair and Maintenance (R&M) models required for the DCF analysis by means of regression analysis. Further regression analyses were conducted in order to model the overall availability and utilisation metrics for the respective asset classes included in this study. The consequence of incurring downtime was investigated and the resultant DCF analysis yielded a significant impact on the Free Cash Flow (FCF) generated by the respective assets. The magnitude of the incurred consequential financial losses incurred as a result of the respective downtime was found to be significant when considering frontline equipment. In order to model the effect of, and the extent to which, the respective independent variables influence the static NPV outcome, a sensitivity analysis was performed. From this, the influence of the independent variables constituting the NPV model employed in this study, were observed. A Real Options Analysis (ROA) approach was initially employed in order to model the effects of FCF uncertainty and the results of carrying out this analysis indicated a minimal influence on the static NPV model referred to earlier. It was therefore concluded that from an equipment replacement timing perspective, the ROA approach did not provide a robust and accurate representation of the probabilistic NPV outcomes anticipated. In order to address these perceived shortcomings, an Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) model was constructed and the requisite probability distribution functions representing the most influential independent variables determined from the sensitivity analysis were identified and subsequently analysed. The results of the MCS analysis yielded the expected NPV outcomes that were found to be far more conservative compared to the static NPV outcomes referred to previously. Furthermore, the concluding findings of this study indicate that in order to estimate the optimal time to dispose of an asset, a static NPV analysis must first be modelled and thereafter a probabilistic NPV analysis. The respective uncertainty aspects over the lifespan of the assets should be identified to be incorporated into the MCS model. This methodological approach therefore opposes the use of a strictly deterministic based approach and rather predicates the use of a probabilistic NPV based framework. This study further concluded that traditional DCF approaches fail to consider management flexibility in terms of adapting to uncertainty and to also reduce the possibility of “escalation of commitment” occurring as a result of sub-optimal equipment replacement timing decisions by management. The use and acceptance of the traditional DCF approaches are acknowledged, but in order to develop an equipment replacement methodological approach that considers uncertainty and risk on the one hand and also allows for the incorporation of real data over the assets lifetime on the other, the use of an MCS probabilistic NPV based model was found to be the optimal approach to be adopted. The result of updating the static NPV model with updated data as soon as it is obtained enables one to generate accurate probabilistic distribution functions required for the subsequent MCS analysis. By adopting this approach the study has concluded that one can obtain realistic and accurate NPV forecasts from the anticipated FCF estimates. The principal conclusion obtained from this study is that the optimal time in which to replace front line assets employed at B&E International is when the probabilistic net earnings profile, viz., NPV of the equipment is maximized.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Basson, Kenneth Mervyn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Decision making , Industrial equipment Industrial equipment -- Maintenance and repair
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23647 , vital:30592
- Description: At present, frontline equipment employed at B&E International, and operating within the quarrying sector is typically replaced as soon as the operating expenses are deemed to be excessive. From a capital budgeting perspective, the trigger for signalling the replacement of equipment occurs when prescribed operating cost performance metrics are violated. In some instances, a further consideration for motivating the replacement of equipment is when the perception arises that the nonavailability of the equipment employed, results in financial losses being incurred by a company. It can therefore be argued that the current equipment replacement timing methodological approach adopted at B&E International is suboptimal in nature. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that in many instances, escalation of commitment manifests itself whereby unnecessary capital is repeatedly invested in order to extend the life of an asset resulting in a situation occurring whereby the required level of investment return is not achieved. In the event of these situations arising, the decision to replace an asset is prolonged as a result of the suboptimal investment decisions being made. The primary focus of this study is to provide a methodological equipment replacement framework that is based upon sound capital budgeting fundamentals. A comprehensive literature review of capital budgeting approaches that specifically focus on the optimal replacement timing of frontline quarrying equipment, did not yield any relevant studies that have been undertaken in this regard. This study did however investigate contemporary equipment replacement approaches based upon a capital budgeting paradigm and highlighted their respective limitations. Convincing evidence obtained, indicated that the most widely accepted method of identifying the optimal replacement timing of equipment occurs when the economic life of the asset is attained. This in itself would therefore infer that a cost minimisation approach is the most pervasive methodological approach adopted in order to identify the optimal replacement timing of equipment. When considering capital investment based decisions, it was found that the discounted cash flow based methodologies are the most widely used and accepted approach applied in the mining industry. Notwithstanding this, one major caveat manifests itself in that when considering the optimal replacement timing of front line equipment within the quarrying industry, the inclusion of uncertainty, flexibility and the associated financial risks was not evident. In order to model these effects, a probabilistic Net Present Value (NPV) approach was adopted and the required Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) models were constructed. Given the uncertainty of the expected cumulative R&M profiles for the asset classes constituting this study, an extensive statistical analysis was carried out in order to establish the required predictive Repair and Maintenance (R&M) models required for the DCF analysis by means of regression analysis. Further regression analyses were conducted in order to model the overall availability and utilisation metrics for the respective asset classes included in this study. The consequence of incurring downtime was investigated and the resultant DCF analysis yielded a significant impact on the Free Cash Flow (FCF) generated by the respective assets. The magnitude of the incurred consequential financial losses incurred as a result of the respective downtime was found to be significant when considering frontline equipment. In order to model the effect of, and the extent to which, the respective independent variables influence the static NPV outcome, a sensitivity analysis was performed. From this, the influence of the independent variables constituting the NPV model employed in this study, were observed. A Real Options Analysis (ROA) approach was initially employed in order to model the effects of FCF uncertainty and the results of carrying out this analysis indicated a minimal influence on the static NPV model referred to earlier. It was therefore concluded that from an equipment replacement timing perspective, the ROA approach did not provide a robust and accurate representation of the probabilistic NPV outcomes anticipated. In order to address these perceived shortcomings, an Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) model was constructed and the requisite probability distribution functions representing the most influential independent variables determined from the sensitivity analysis were identified and subsequently analysed. The results of the MCS analysis yielded the expected NPV outcomes that were found to be far more conservative compared to the static NPV outcomes referred to previously. Furthermore, the concluding findings of this study indicate that in order to estimate the optimal time to dispose of an asset, a static NPV analysis must first be modelled and thereafter a probabilistic NPV analysis. The respective uncertainty aspects over the lifespan of the assets should be identified to be incorporated into the MCS model. This methodological approach therefore opposes the use of a strictly deterministic based approach and rather predicates the use of a probabilistic NPV based framework. This study further concluded that traditional DCF approaches fail to consider management flexibility in terms of adapting to uncertainty and to also reduce the possibility of “escalation of commitment” occurring as a result of sub-optimal equipment replacement timing decisions by management. The use and acceptance of the traditional DCF approaches are acknowledged, but in order to develop an equipment replacement methodological approach that considers uncertainty and risk on the one hand and also allows for the incorporation of real data over the assets lifetime on the other, the use of an MCS probabilistic NPV based model was found to be the optimal approach to be adopted. The result of updating the static NPV model with updated data as soon as it is obtained enables one to generate accurate probabilistic distribution functions required for the subsequent MCS analysis. By adopting this approach the study has concluded that one can obtain realistic and accurate NPV forecasts from the anticipated FCF estimates. The principal conclusion obtained from this study is that the optimal time in which to replace front line assets employed at B&E International is when the probabilistic net earnings profile, viz., NPV of the equipment is maximized.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Black South African men’s adjustment to divorce: a divorce-stress-adjustment model
- Muchena, Kudakwashe Christopher
- Authors: Muchena, Kudakwashe Christopher
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Divorce -- Psychological aspects , Social psychology Men -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50121 , vital:42048
- Description: The decision to divorce marks a turning point for each individual involved. It can be viewed as more than just a legal process. From a psychological perspective, it does not matter who initiated the divorce, it always comes with emotional ramifications for all those involved. Statistically there is a high rate of divorce in South Africa and there have been significant shifts in trends over time. However, black South African men’s experience of, action in, and adjustment to divorce has been relatively neglected in the divorce research, yet it is important for understanding contemporary social arrangements and processes, as well as for broadening the understanding of black South African men’s lives. How black South African men describe their situations and respond to marital dissolution may point to their positions in the gender-structured community and to how they interpret the nature of social practice, marriages, divorce and their position in society. The present study aimed at exploring black South African men’s experience of, and adjustment to, divorce. More specifically, the study developed a divorce-stress-adjustment model for divorced black South African men. The theoretical framework underpinning this study was that of Symbolic Interactionism that was complemented and enhanced by Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory, focusing specifically on identity development in adulthood. This was a qualitative study using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as both the research design and data analytic theory and process. The eight participants were volunteers who were recruited purposively. In accordance with IPA guidelines, data for the study was collected using biographical questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The emerging themes were grouped into four superordinate themes, that is, pre-divorce experiences, experiencing divorce, adjustment process and post-divorce experience. Each superordinate theme had corresponding subordinate themes and subthemes. The themes were then used to develop the divorce-stress adjustment model indicating that the experience of divorce is an interconnected process. Weed’s recommendations for interpretative synthesis of interview data were used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Muchena, Kudakwashe Christopher
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Divorce -- Psychological aspects , Social psychology Men -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50121 , vital:42048
- Description: The decision to divorce marks a turning point for each individual involved. It can be viewed as more than just a legal process. From a psychological perspective, it does not matter who initiated the divorce, it always comes with emotional ramifications for all those involved. Statistically there is a high rate of divorce in South Africa and there have been significant shifts in trends over time. However, black South African men’s experience of, action in, and adjustment to divorce has been relatively neglected in the divorce research, yet it is important for understanding contemporary social arrangements and processes, as well as for broadening the understanding of black South African men’s lives. How black South African men describe their situations and respond to marital dissolution may point to their positions in the gender-structured community and to how they interpret the nature of social practice, marriages, divorce and their position in society. The present study aimed at exploring black South African men’s experience of, and adjustment to, divorce. More specifically, the study developed a divorce-stress-adjustment model for divorced black South African men. The theoretical framework underpinning this study was that of Symbolic Interactionism that was complemented and enhanced by Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory, focusing specifically on identity development in adulthood. This was a qualitative study using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as both the research design and data analytic theory and process. The eight participants were volunteers who were recruited purposively. In accordance with IPA guidelines, data for the study was collected using biographical questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The emerging themes were grouped into four superordinate themes, that is, pre-divorce experiences, experiencing divorce, adjustment process and post-divorce experience. Each superordinate theme had corresponding subordinate themes and subthemes. The themes were then used to develop the divorce-stress adjustment model indicating that the experience of divorce is an interconnected process. Weed’s recommendations for interpretative synthesis of interview data were used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The impact of the construction regulations 2014 on a water utility’s projects’ health and safety performance in South Africa
- Authors: Malindi, Rajandree Mandy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Safety regulations -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Standards -- South Africa Construction industry -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31655 , vital:31645
- Description: The construction industry plays a major role in South Africa’s economic development. Since promulgation of the Construction Regulations, the expectation is that project stakeholders are placing more emphasis on H&S to contribute to project success. The study aimed to assess the impact of the involvement of clients and other project stakeholders on the overall project H&S performance on projects undertaken by a large water utility. The scope was limited to the organisation’s engineering and operations division and its internal project stakeholders, namely the designers, quantity surveyors, project managers, and construction H&S professionals. Local literature pointed out that poor construction H&S performance is attributable to a lack of management commitment, inadequate supervision, inadequate or lack of H&S training, lack of worker involvement, personal risk appreciation and work pressures (cidb, 2009: 37). International literature indicated that the total CoA exceeds the cost of H&S (cidb, 2009: 9). Quantitative methods were utilised in two phases to gather and analyse data. In Phase 1, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to a target population, and in Phase 2, data was obtained from existing records of historic and completed project files for projects undertaken by the water utility. A total of 67 responses were used to analyse data. All stakeholders somehow contributed to H&S however, most respondents regarded CHS professionals, contractors and PMs as the primary stakeholders. The study found that stakeholders perceived H&S to be influenced during the later rather than the initial stages of projects and that H&S actions were significantly undertaken during stage 5. The frequency of H&S actions varied with each stakeholder dependent on the stage in which they were involved in. Recommendations were for H&S to be integrated in the initial stages of projects and for a follow up research to be conducted to investigate if there are improvements during the six project stages after full implementation of the Construction Regulations 2014. This requirement will force industry to comply and most importantly to drive joint efforts by the various stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Malindi, Rajandree Mandy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Safety regulations -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Standards -- South Africa Construction industry -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31655 , vital:31645
- Description: The construction industry plays a major role in South Africa’s economic development. Since promulgation of the Construction Regulations, the expectation is that project stakeholders are placing more emphasis on H&S to contribute to project success. The study aimed to assess the impact of the involvement of clients and other project stakeholders on the overall project H&S performance on projects undertaken by a large water utility. The scope was limited to the organisation’s engineering and operations division and its internal project stakeholders, namely the designers, quantity surveyors, project managers, and construction H&S professionals. Local literature pointed out that poor construction H&S performance is attributable to a lack of management commitment, inadequate supervision, inadequate or lack of H&S training, lack of worker involvement, personal risk appreciation and work pressures (cidb, 2009: 37). International literature indicated that the total CoA exceeds the cost of H&S (cidb, 2009: 9). Quantitative methods were utilised in two phases to gather and analyse data. In Phase 1, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to a target population, and in Phase 2, data was obtained from existing records of historic and completed project files for projects undertaken by the water utility. A total of 67 responses were used to analyse data. All stakeholders somehow contributed to H&S however, most respondents regarded CHS professionals, contractors and PMs as the primary stakeholders. The study found that stakeholders perceived H&S to be influenced during the later rather than the initial stages of projects and that H&S actions were significantly undertaken during stage 5. The frequency of H&S actions varied with each stakeholder dependent on the stage in which they were involved in. Recommendations were for H&S to be integrated in the initial stages of projects and for a follow up research to be conducted to investigate if there are improvements during the six project stages after full implementation of the Construction Regulations 2014. This requirement will force industry to comply and most importantly to drive joint efforts by the various stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Urban agriculture and stokvels
- Authors: Sonti, Yolisa Wendy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Urban agriculture -- Economic aspects , Agriculture -- Finance Cooperative societies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23142 , vital:30433
- Description: Agriculture has been identified as a strategy for sustainable development in an attempt to improve food security and alleviate poverty around the world. Urban agriculture is the practise of farming and gardening in urban and peri-urban areas. There has been a growing trend to involve innovative methods to urban agriculture due to lack of land in urban areas. Stokvels are informal saving groups popularly used in South Africa. This is one of the strategies families in South Africa use to generate income, as a result of the high rate of unemployment in the country. The income from stokvels is used by members to source food and sustain their families. This study aims to investigate the possibility of using stokvels in urban agriculture for entrepreneurial purposes to improve the level of food security and alleviate unemployment and increase the household income of families in South Africa. This study therefore reviews literature on urban agriculture and identifies its enablers and barriers. Literature on stokvels is also reviewed, the reasons for participation in stokvels are highlighted and the different types of stokvels are also identified. The literature that was reviewed on urban agriculture and stokvels informed the questionnaire of the study. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a representative sample of 152 stokvel members in the Nelson Mandela Bay Area. The results from the questionnaire were then analysed using univariate analysis and descriptive statistics. Multivariate analysis and inferential statistics were also used for data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that stokvel members know agriculture activities although they do not use their stokvel funds to participate in urban agriculture. The study found that stokvel members participate in stokvels as means to generate income for their households. It was also found that there is interest among stokvel members to use their stokvel funds in urban agriculture. A conceptual model of urban agriculture for stokvel members was developed from the study which enabled the possibility for future detailed research in testing the model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Sonti, Yolisa Wendy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Urban agriculture -- Economic aspects , Agriculture -- Finance Cooperative societies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23142 , vital:30433
- Description: Agriculture has been identified as a strategy for sustainable development in an attempt to improve food security and alleviate poverty around the world. Urban agriculture is the practise of farming and gardening in urban and peri-urban areas. There has been a growing trend to involve innovative methods to urban agriculture due to lack of land in urban areas. Stokvels are informal saving groups popularly used in South Africa. This is one of the strategies families in South Africa use to generate income, as a result of the high rate of unemployment in the country. The income from stokvels is used by members to source food and sustain their families. This study aims to investigate the possibility of using stokvels in urban agriculture for entrepreneurial purposes to improve the level of food security and alleviate unemployment and increase the household income of families in South Africa. This study therefore reviews literature on urban agriculture and identifies its enablers and barriers. Literature on stokvels is also reviewed, the reasons for participation in stokvels are highlighted and the different types of stokvels are also identified. The literature that was reviewed on urban agriculture and stokvels informed the questionnaire of the study. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a representative sample of 152 stokvel members in the Nelson Mandela Bay Area. The results from the questionnaire were then analysed using univariate analysis and descriptive statistics. Multivariate analysis and inferential statistics were also used for data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that stokvel members know agriculture activities although they do not use their stokvel funds to participate in urban agriculture. The study found that stokvel members participate in stokvels as means to generate income for their households. It was also found that there is interest among stokvel members to use their stokvel funds in urban agriculture. A conceptual model of urban agriculture for stokvel members was developed from the study which enabled the possibility for future detailed research in testing the model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Predicting reintroduction outcomes: assessing the feasibility of reintroducing African wild dog to a small protected area
- Authors: Vogel, John Thomas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: African wild dog , Wild dogs -- South Africa Wild dogs -- Conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36464 , vital:33947
- Description: Large mammalian carnivores have experienced significant contractions in population sizes and geographical ranges. The conservation of large carnivores is crucially important, particularly due to their vulnerability to extinction and their functional significance and ability to structure ecosystems. Due to an expanding human footprint, large carnivores are increasingly subject to modified and spatially constrained habitats. A growing debate exists as to how to conserve and coexist with large carnivores in an anthropogenically induced environment. Reintroduction, as a conservation tool to restore locally extirpated large carnivores to portions of their former ranges is increasingly being applied. However, in South Africa, habitat to support large carnivores remain small and non-contiguous. Food is a fundamental ecological requirement to sustain reintroduced large carnivores. Therefore, an understanding of large predator foraging patterns can be informative in the context of how the predator species influences and utilises a novel ecosystem. We investigated the foraging behaviour of reintroduced African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) at five small protected areas in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Wild dog utilised 16 prey species, albeit they primarily used nyala (Tragelaphus angasii) and impala (Aepyceros melampus) which collectively form 75 % of their diet. Only nyala was significantly preferred, suggesting that this prey species is used in greater proportion to their abundance. As wild dogs are social cooperative hunters, we tested whether wild dog pack size was correlated to prey mass selection. There was no evidence to suggest that larger packs use larger prey. However, the mean wild dog pack size in our sample sites, was relatively smaller than those encountered elsewhere. Furthermore, wild dog have been shown to modify their hunting behaviour in the presence of wildlife-proof fencing, by using fences to aid in the capture of larger prey species than would innately occur. We compared the prey mass of wild dog kills in relation to proximity of these hard boundaries. Despite the affinity towards kills occurring within 200 m of fences, the upward bias caused by fences on prey mass selection was inconsistent across sample sites. The relatively small size of wild dogs makes them particularly vulnerable to competition. As the energetic output of wild dog is high, interspecific competition can increase foraging costs. The reintroduction of large carnivores to small artificially induced systems may be a contentious issue as resources available to support large carnivores are expected to be relatively more finite. We compared both the potential inter- and intraspecific dietary niche dimensions of an intact large carnivore guild in context of a wild dog reintroduction. We determined cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), leopard (Panthera pardus), and lion (Panthera leo) prey composition, diet breadth, overlap, prey preference and predicted the density of an intact large carnivore guild in a novel landscape. Further, we compared the foraging behaviour of these large carnivores to that of wild dog. Our findings suggest that large African carnivores in small protected areas are subject to a considerable dietary niche overlap. Wild dog and cheetah, particularly reproductive females with dependent offspring, displayed the greatest potential for dietary overlap and subsequent competition. Leopard and lion at the population species level exhibited greater degrees of foraging plasticity. Lion displayed a contrasting prey species preference to sympatric predators as they selected for prey items frequently avoided by cheetah, leopard and wild dog. The proposed wild dog reintroduction site is expected to sustain seven wild dog based on the availability of preferred prey biomass. However, the reintroduction of wild dog to the small protected area is expected to have negative lateral trophic influences on other species of conservation concern. This should be of vital importance to management of the protected area. As the influence of competition in food-web and population dynamics, particularly in resource poor environments may be profound, our research highlights the need to assess the influence of competitive forces in structuring and restoring large predators to portions of their historical range.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Vogel, John Thomas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: African wild dog , Wild dogs -- South Africa Wild dogs -- Conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36464 , vital:33947
- Description: Large mammalian carnivores have experienced significant contractions in population sizes and geographical ranges. The conservation of large carnivores is crucially important, particularly due to their vulnerability to extinction and their functional significance and ability to structure ecosystems. Due to an expanding human footprint, large carnivores are increasingly subject to modified and spatially constrained habitats. A growing debate exists as to how to conserve and coexist with large carnivores in an anthropogenically induced environment. Reintroduction, as a conservation tool to restore locally extirpated large carnivores to portions of their former ranges is increasingly being applied. However, in South Africa, habitat to support large carnivores remain small and non-contiguous. Food is a fundamental ecological requirement to sustain reintroduced large carnivores. Therefore, an understanding of large predator foraging patterns can be informative in the context of how the predator species influences and utilises a novel ecosystem. We investigated the foraging behaviour of reintroduced African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) at five small protected areas in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Wild dog utilised 16 prey species, albeit they primarily used nyala (Tragelaphus angasii) and impala (Aepyceros melampus) which collectively form 75 % of their diet. Only nyala was significantly preferred, suggesting that this prey species is used in greater proportion to their abundance. As wild dogs are social cooperative hunters, we tested whether wild dog pack size was correlated to prey mass selection. There was no evidence to suggest that larger packs use larger prey. However, the mean wild dog pack size in our sample sites, was relatively smaller than those encountered elsewhere. Furthermore, wild dog have been shown to modify their hunting behaviour in the presence of wildlife-proof fencing, by using fences to aid in the capture of larger prey species than would innately occur. We compared the prey mass of wild dog kills in relation to proximity of these hard boundaries. Despite the affinity towards kills occurring within 200 m of fences, the upward bias caused by fences on prey mass selection was inconsistent across sample sites. The relatively small size of wild dogs makes them particularly vulnerable to competition. As the energetic output of wild dog is high, interspecific competition can increase foraging costs. The reintroduction of large carnivores to small artificially induced systems may be a contentious issue as resources available to support large carnivores are expected to be relatively more finite. We compared both the potential inter- and intraspecific dietary niche dimensions of an intact large carnivore guild in context of a wild dog reintroduction. We determined cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), leopard (Panthera pardus), and lion (Panthera leo) prey composition, diet breadth, overlap, prey preference and predicted the density of an intact large carnivore guild in a novel landscape. Further, we compared the foraging behaviour of these large carnivores to that of wild dog. Our findings suggest that large African carnivores in small protected areas are subject to a considerable dietary niche overlap. Wild dog and cheetah, particularly reproductive females with dependent offspring, displayed the greatest potential for dietary overlap and subsequent competition. Leopard and lion at the population species level exhibited greater degrees of foraging plasticity. Lion displayed a contrasting prey species preference to sympatric predators as they selected for prey items frequently avoided by cheetah, leopard and wild dog. The proposed wild dog reintroduction site is expected to sustain seven wild dog based on the availability of preferred prey biomass. However, the reintroduction of wild dog to the small protected area is expected to have negative lateral trophic influences on other species of conservation concern. This should be of vital importance to management of the protected area. As the influence of competition in food-web and population dynamics, particularly in resource poor environments may be profound, our research highlights the need to assess the influence of competitive forces in structuring and restoring large predators to portions of their historical range.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Investigation of the thermo-chemical behaviour of coal-algae agglomerates
- Authors: Baloyi, Hope
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Biomass energy , Coal -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23913 , vital:30642
- Description: There is a growing research interest in the co-processing of biomass and coal, with the aim of addressing the negative attributes associated with the thermal processing of coal alone. Biomass feedstocks are regarded as a clean, renewable source, and the co-utilization of biomass feedstocks with coal is deemed to have a potential to reduce emission of pollutants (i.e. NOx and SOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). Moreover, biomass are thermally reactive and thus facilitate the conversion of coal during co-processing. Biomass material and coal are two autonomous fuel materials with different chemical characteristics and have a dissimilar thermal behaviour making it difficult to achieve chemical interaction between the two solid fuels to contribute to the formation of products. Coalgae® Technology developed at the Nelson Mandela University, involves the biological treatment of coal fines by adsorbing live microalgae biomass (in slurry form) onto waste coal fines to form coal-microalgae agglomerates. This new innovative approach seeks to integrate bio-based feedstock into coal thermal processing and to improve the utilization and thermal efficiency of coal fines as well as the interaction between the volatile components of biomass and coal during thermal processing (e.g. devolatilization), thereby overcoming some of the challenges that confront the co-processing of coal and biomass. Coal fines are low-ranked coals, generally characterized by high contents of sulphur, high ash yields, low calorific values and poor thermal reactivity, and these attributes limits the thermo-chemical processing of the coal fines. Therefore, this investigation was undertaken to assess the thermo-chemical behaviour of coal-microalgae agglomerates, formed by adsorbing live microalgae slurry at varying ratios onto coal fines. For this purpose, the effects of adsorbing microalgae at varying ratios on the chemical characteristics and thermal behaviour of coal fines under pyrolytic conditions were investigated. The primary aim was to assess whether the thermo-chemical behaviour of coal-microalgae agglomerates, formed by adsorption of live microalgae onto fine coal, is substantively modified compared to a simple additive model of the original coal and pre-dried microalgae biomass samples. Results obtained from the proximate analyses performed on an Eltra Thermo-gravimetric analyzer (TGA) thermostep, have shown that the adsorption of microalgae slurry onto coal fines does not possess greater influence in improving the yield of volatiles and ash in coal fines than can be expected from a simple additive model of the original raw materials. Based on the ultimate analyses results, it was found that the adsorption of microalgae slurry resulted in a systematic reduction in the sulphur content, a notable increase in the hydrogen and oxygen contents, however, no significant disparities were found between the measured ultimate properties of coal-microalgae agglomerates as compared to the theoretically-expected ultimate properties from a simple linear combination of parental coal and microalgae biomass. Assessment of the thermal behaviour of parental samples and coal-microalgae agglomerates involved the use non-isothermal (40-900ºC, 20 K/min) thermogravimetry under inert conditions. It was found that the adsorption of microalgae slurry onto coal fines resulted in an improved thermal reactivity of coal fines, although, did not affect the overall pyrolysis characteristics of the coal fines. Comparison of the thermal profiles (measured and calculated TG/DTG curves), revealed that the yield of volatile products during the pyrolysis of coal-microalgae blends do not exceed the expected volatile yields from a simple combination of coal and microalgae biomass. These results suggest that there was no positive or accelerative synergistic interaction between volatile components of adsorbed microalgae and coal fines during pyrolysis. Mild pyrolysis of raw coal and coal-microalgae performed in a fixed-bed reactor furnace (450ºC), resulted in improved yields of Fossil-Bio crude (FBC) oil (derived from coal-microalgae pyrolysis), at increased biomass ratio compared to coal tar. FBC Oil was found to contain relatively high contents of oxygen, hydrogen, and low sulphur content than coal tar. GC-MS analyses showed the presence of a heterocyclic compounds (i.e. Indole and 2, 6 dimethyl pyridine) in the FBC oil and these were not identified in the coal tar. Furthermore, high boiling compounds such as Flourene, pyrene and pentacosane were identified in the coal tar, however not identified in the FBC oil. Simulated distillation results showed notable differences between the FBC oil and coal tar in terms of the distribution of boiling point fractions particularly, high boing point components. Semi-devolatilized chars derived from coal-microalgae agglomerates showed substantial degree of decarboxylation and dehydrogenation compared to the coal chars.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Baloyi, Hope
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Biomass energy , Coal -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23913 , vital:30642
- Description: There is a growing research interest in the co-processing of biomass and coal, with the aim of addressing the negative attributes associated with the thermal processing of coal alone. Biomass feedstocks are regarded as a clean, renewable source, and the co-utilization of biomass feedstocks with coal is deemed to have a potential to reduce emission of pollutants (i.e. NOx and SOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). Moreover, biomass are thermally reactive and thus facilitate the conversion of coal during co-processing. Biomass material and coal are two autonomous fuel materials with different chemical characteristics and have a dissimilar thermal behaviour making it difficult to achieve chemical interaction between the two solid fuels to contribute to the formation of products. Coalgae® Technology developed at the Nelson Mandela University, involves the biological treatment of coal fines by adsorbing live microalgae biomass (in slurry form) onto waste coal fines to form coal-microalgae agglomerates. This new innovative approach seeks to integrate bio-based feedstock into coal thermal processing and to improve the utilization and thermal efficiency of coal fines as well as the interaction between the volatile components of biomass and coal during thermal processing (e.g. devolatilization), thereby overcoming some of the challenges that confront the co-processing of coal and biomass. Coal fines are low-ranked coals, generally characterized by high contents of sulphur, high ash yields, low calorific values and poor thermal reactivity, and these attributes limits the thermo-chemical processing of the coal fines. Therefore, this investigation was undertaken to assess the thermo-chemical behaviour of coal-microalgae agglomerates, formed by adsorbing live microalgae slurry at varying ratios onto coal fines. For this purpose, the effects of adsorbing microalgae at varying ratios on the chemical characteristics and thermal behaviour of coal fines under pyrolytic conditions were investigated. The primary aim was to assess whether the thermo-chemical behaviour of coal-microalgae agglomerates, formed by adsorption of live microalgae onto fine coal, is substantively modified compared to a simple additive model of the original coal and pre-dried microalgae biomass samples. Results obtained from the proximate analyses performed on an Eltra Thermo-gravimetric analyzer (TGA) thermostep, have shown that the adsorption of microalgae slurry onto coal fines does not possess greater influence in improving the yield of volatiles and ash in coal fines than can be expected from a simple additive model of the original raw materials. Based on the ultimate analyses results, it was found that the adsorption of microalgae slurry resulted in a systematic reduction in the sulphur content, a notable increase in the hydrogen and oxygen contents, however, no significant disparities were found between the measured ultimate properties of coal-microalgae agglomerates as compared to the theoretically-expected ultimate properties from a simple linear combination of parental coal and microalgae biomass. Assessment of the thermal behaviour of parental samples and coal-microalgae agglomerates involved the use non-isothermal (40-900ºC, 20 K/min) thermogravimetry under inert conditions. It was found that the adsorption of microalgae slurry onto coal fines resulted in an improved thermal reactivity of coal fines, although, did not affect the overall pyrolysis characteristics of the coal fines. Comparison of the thermal profiles (measured and calculated TG/DTG curves), revealed that the yield of volatile products during the pyrolysis of coal-microalgae blends do not exceed the expected volatile yields from a simple combination of coal and microalgae biomass. These results suggest that there was no positive or accelerative synergistic interaction between volatile components of adsorbed microalgae and coal fines during pyrolysis. Mild pyrolysis of raw coal and coal-microalgae performed in a fixed-bed reactor furnace (450ºC), resulted in improved yields of Fossil-Bio crude (FBC) oil (derived from coal-microalgae pyrolysis), at increased biomass ratio compared to coal tar. FBC Oil was found to contain relatively high contents of oxygen, hydrogen, and low sulphur content than coal tar. GC-MS analyses showed the presence of a heterocyclic compounds (i.e. Indole and 2, 6 dimethyl pyridine) in the FBC oil and these were not identified in the coal tar. Furthermore, high boiling compounds such as Flourene, pyrene and pentacosane were identified in the coal tar, however not identified in the FBC oil. Simulated distillation results showed notable differences between the FBC oil and coal tar in terms of the distribution of boiling point fractions particularly, high boing point components. Semi-devolatilized chars derived from coal-microalgae agglomerates showed substantial degree of decarboxylation and dehydrogenation compared to the coal chars.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Designing devotion: the visual mechanisms used to build a personality cult
- Authors: Muller, Ruehl
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Design -- Social aspects , Design -- Human factors Communication in design Graphic arts
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22968 , vital:30158
- Description: This study develops a model that aims to prove that, regardless of sociopolitical system, where a cult of personality exists, the mechanisms that are used to construct it and to maintain it, from a visual communication perspective, exhibit a methodological sameness. Drawing on Collins’ (2004) theory of emotional energy and interaction rituals, and Márquez’s (2013; 2017) application of said theory as an explanation of the personality cult phenomenon, the model seeks to identify, with regard to affectiveemotional constructions, what is required from leader-based foci to initiate this process. To achieve this, artefacts (visual representations) of Kim Jongil, Ayatollah Khomeini, King Mswati III, and Saparmurat Niyazov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow were collated from within North Korea, Iran, Swaziland and Turkmenistan respectively. Analyses of both the design and semiotic components of the artefacts were conducted and the findings used to develop the model. The model was tested through four unique case studies of personality cults not affiliated with its construction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Muller, Ruehl
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Design -- Social aspects , Design -- Human factors Communication in design Graphic arts
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22968 , vital:30158
- Description: This study develops a model that aims to prove that, regardless of sociopolitical system, where a cult of personality exists, the mechanisms that are used to construct it and to maintain it, from a visual communication perspective, exhibit a methodological sameness. Drawing on Collins’ (2004) theory of emotional energy and interaction rituals, and Márquez’s (2013; 2017) application of said theory as an explanation of the personality cult phenomenon, the model seeks to identify, with regard to affectiveemotional constructions, what is required from leader-based foci to initiate this process. To achieve this, artefacts (visual representations) of Kim Jongil, Ayatollah Khomeini, King Mswati III, and Saparmurat Niyazov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow were collated from within North Korea, Iran, Swaziland and Turkmenistan respectively. Analyses of both the design and semiotic components of the artefacts were conducted and the findings used to develop the model. The model was tested through four unique case studies of personality cults not affiliated with its construction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Construction management’s perceptions of health and safety
- Authors: Sigama, Takalani
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Management , Building -- Safety measures Construction industry -- Health aspects Construction industry -- Safety regulations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35713 , vital:33784
- Description: Projects in the construction sector are reputed for poor health and safety (H&S) performance, compared to other industries. This can be attributed to, inter alia, a relatively uncontrolled working environment, inherent operational risks, workers' behaviour in relation to H&S commitment, cultural and religious beliefs, and uncertainties inherent in projects. Hazards and risk arising from poor H&S practices result in injuries, and in some cases, fatalities. The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions of construction management regarding H&S on construction sites. This study investigates the relationship between behaviours, attitudes, perceptions, and behaviours towards H&S, and compares cultural divergences among levels of construction personnel, namely construction management, construction supervision, construction H&S personnel, and H&S representatives. The construction industry has for many years developed and maintained a very bad reputation for coping with project cost, H&S, quality, and schedule. The industry often delivers projects late, and contributes to a disproportionate rate of work-related injuries, and fatalities. Project H&S management is acknowledged as one of the techniques that could be improved on construction projects to enhance performance of construction contractors in South Africa. To answer the research question: ‘Why construction management perceive H&S as a hindrance to production?” the mixed-method research approach was used. An indepth literature review with respect to project H&S was carried out, followed by qualitative and quantitative empirical research. The study established the need for H&S training and awareness of Construction Managers, Construction Supervisors, Construction Health and Safety Managers (CHSMs), Officers (CHSOs), and H&S Representatives. The study recommends that an H&S training needs analysis is critical for all employees, since it raises H&S awareness among all stakeholders in the construction industry, and enables the development of training plans, thereby supporting the reduction of accidents and related incident.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Sigama, Takalani
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Management , Building -- Safety measures Construction industry -- Health aspects Construction industry -- Safety regulations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35713 , vital:33784
- Description: Projects in the construction sector are reputed for poor health and safety (H&S) performance, compared to other industries. This can be attributed to, inter alia, a relatively uncontrolled working environment, inherent operational risks, workers' behaviour in relation to H&S commitment, cultural and religious beliefs, and uncertainties inherent in projects. Hazards and risk arising from poor H&S practices result in injuries, and in some cases, fatalities. The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions of construction management regarding H&S on construction sites. This study investigates the relationship between behaviours, attitudes, perceptions, and behaviours towards H&S, and compares cultural divergences among levels of construction personnel, namely construction management, construction supervision, construction H&S personnel, and H&S representatives. The construction industry has for many years developed and maintained a very bad reputation for coping with project cost, H&S, quality, and schedule. The industry often delivers projects late, and contributes to a disproportionate rate of work-related injuries, and fatalities. Project H&S management is acknowledged as one of the techniques that could be improved on construction projects to enhance performance of construction contractors in South Africa. To answer the research question: ‘Why construction management perceive H&S as a hindrance to production?” the mixed-method research approach was used. An indepth literature review with respect to project H&S was carried out, followed by qualitative and quantitative empirical research. The study established the need for H&S training and awareness of Construction Managers, Construction Supervisors, Construction Health and Safety Managers (CHSMs), Officers (CHSOs), and H&S Representatives. The study recommends that an H&S training needs analysis is critical for all employees, since it raises H&S awareness among all stakeholders in the construction industry, and enables the development of training plans, thereby supporting the reduction of accidents and related incident.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A theoretical study on primary health care services within a South African context
- Mkalipi, Thembinkosi Delport
- Authors: Mkalipi, Thembinkosi Delport
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Primary health care -- South Africa , Health facilities -- South Africa Clinics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32193 , vital:31979
- Description: Primary health care (PHC) is a system introduced to bring health services closer to communities. It was introduced with its challenges such as the management and treatment of various illnesses including HIV, TB and STI’s which have affected certain communities. The non-communicable diseases which require the attention of PHC institutions still face numerous challenges including the referral system and clinics with limited medicine. The study revealed that there are limited measures in place to deal with communities in rural areas who require medical assistance from government. Further challenges identified from the study included human resource management, supply chain management, finance and other administrative support systems. The inadequate funding of the Department of Health appears to be directly related to adequate service delivery problems. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology which incorporated an extensive desktop analysis and literature review approach. No human participants were involved. Health legislation is an important enabler and a necessary component of health policy. Research has shown that since 1995 when the first edition of the review appeared, South Africa has been engaged in a constant process of public health law reform and despite significant gains, some legislative processes have stalled. Examples include the certificate of need provided for in the National Health Act, the introduction of compulsory continuing professional development for pharmacists, the recognition of specialist nurses as prescribers, and the introduction of international benchmarking for medicinal processes. The process of introducing NHI remains contested with the legislative component, still under developed. Although NHI will in due course be a game changer and there has been some strengthening of the health service in the NHI pilot district to date, in general, implementation has been slower than anticipated in the NHI green paper released in August 2011. The NHI white paper indicated that public health care spending was likely to increase substantially over the next 15years from 4% to 6% of the GDP. Several mechanisms for raising revenue have been proposed, including some combination of an increase of VAT or payroll tax, or an increase of personal income tax. NHI also has the potential to improve efficiencies in the overall health system through improved pooling, strategic purchasing, medicine price reduction through central procurement, redistribution, improved quality in the public sector and providing greater access to general practitioners. Development of, and amendment to the relevant health technology assessment policy and legislative frameworks are needed in order to inform appropriate universal health coverage and to align with the 2015 NHI white paper Addressing social determinants is the cornerstone of the National Department of Health’s primary health care system. A engineering strategy, and an approach that is embedded in the country’s national development plan is needed. However the translation of this policy commitment to programmatic action at different levels in the health system and in partnership with other sectors remains elusive Evidence indicate that South African patients face challenges in accessing heath care particularly those from rural areas. The main challenge is the lack of a coordinated strategy to ensure continuous access to treatment, cure and support for chronic conditions. This study has shown that the private for profit hospital sector is well resourced and caters to a population that is wealthier, urban and more likely to be formerly employed. The public hospital sector catering to the majority of South Africans, faces lower human resourcing ratios, financial constraints and ageing infrastructure. The ideal clinic realisation and maintenance programme was assigned in response to the current deficiencies in the quality of primary health care services and to lay a strong foundation for the implementation of national health insurance. There is an urgent need to develop cohesive, sustainable systems to support evidence based decisions on appropriate regime choices, while minimizing risks associated with medication. This study has shown the importance of a robust national PV system in order to reduce the significant burden of drug induced diseases, to inform treatment policies with real world evidence, to improve outcomes of common diseases, such as HIV, TB, hypertension, and diabetes through optimal therapeutic management, and to ensure the safety of large scale therapeutic interventions such as vaccines, especially when newly introduced. Results from the study suggest that there is a failure by policy-makers to adequately address the challenges faced by PHC institutions. There also appears to be a backlog in terms of the promulgation of enabling legislation to address certain of the challenges. The Department of Health has a number of draft policies which are negatively affecting the level of service delivery. The study revealed that the challenges include, inter alia, inadequate budgeting, staff shortages, aging infrastructure, the non-availability of certain medicines in hospitals, a poor referral system with limited measures in place to address HIV, TB and STI’s as well as non-communicable treatments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mkalipi, Thembinkosi Delport
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Primary health care -- South Africa , Health facilities -- South Africa Clinics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32193 , vital:31979
- Description: Primary health care (PHC) is a system introduced to bring health services closer to communities. It was introduced with its challenges such as the management and treatment of various illnesses including HIV, TB and STI’s which have affected certain communities. The non-communicable diseases which require the attention of PHC institutions still face numerous challenges including the referral system and clinics with limited medicine. The study revealed that there are limited measures in place to deal with communities in rural areas who require medical assistance from government. Further challenges identified from the study included human resource management, supply chain management, finance and other administrative support systems. The inadequate funding of the Department of Health appears to be directly related to adequate service delivery problems. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology which incorporated an extensive desktop analysis and literature review approach. No human participants were involved. Health legislation is an important enabler and a necessary component of health policy. Research has shown that since 1995 when the first edition of the review appeared, South Africa has been engaged in a constant process of public health law reform and despite significant gains, some legislative processes have stalled. Examples include the certificate of need provided for in the National Health Act, the introduction of compulsory continuing professional development for pharmacists, the recognition of specialist nurses as prescribers, and the introduction of international benchmarking for medicinal processes. The process of introducing NHI remains contested with the legislative component, still under developed. Although NHI will in due course be a game changer and there has been some strengthening of the health service in the NHI pilot district to date, in general, implementation has been slower than anticipated in the NHI green paper released in August 2011. The NHI white paper indicated that public health care spending was likely to increase substantially over the next 15years from 4% to 6% of the GDP. Several mechanisms for raising revenue have been proposed, including some combination of an increase of VAT or payroll tax, or an increase of personal income tax. NHI also has the potential to improve efficiencies in the overall health system through improved pooling, strategic purchasing, medicine price reduction through central procurement, redistribution, improved quality in the public sector and providing greater access to general practitioners. Development of, and amendment to the relevant health technology assessment policy and legislative frameworks are needed in order to inform appropriate universal health coverage and to align with the 2015 NHI white paper Addressing social determinants is the cornerstone of the National Department of Health’s primary health care system. A engineering strategy, and an approach that is embedded in the country’s national development plan is needed. However the translation of this policy commitment to programmatic action at different levels in the health system and in partnership with other sectors remains elusive Evidence indicate that South African patients face challenges in accessing heath care particularly those from rural areas. The main challenge is the lack of a coordinated strategy to ensure continuous access to treatment, cure and support for chronic conditions. This study has shown that the private for profit hospital sector is well resourced and caters to a population that is wealthier, urban and more likely to be formerly employed. The public hospital sector catering to the majority of South Africans, faces lower human resourcing ratios, financial constraints and ageing infrastructure. The ideal clinic realisation and maintenance programme was assigned in response to the current deficiencies in the quality of primary health care services and to lay a strong foundation for the implementation of national health insurance. There is an urgent need to develop cohesive, sustainable systems to support evidence based decisions on appropriate regime choices, while minimizing risks associated with medication. This study has shown the importance of a robust national PV system in order to reduce the significant burden of drug induced diseases, to inform treatment policies with real world evidence, to improve outcomes of common diseases, such as HIV, TB, hypertension, and diabetes through optimal therapeutic management, and to ensure the safety of large scale therapeutic interventions such as vaccines, especially when newly introduced. Results from the study suggest that there is a failure by policy-makers to adequately address the challenges faced by PHC institutions. There also appears to be a backlog in terms of the promulgation of enabling legislation to address certain of the challenges. The Department of Health has a number of draft policies which are negatively affecting the level of service delivery. The study revealed that the challenges include, inter alia, inadequate budgeting, staff shortages, aging infrastructure, the non-availability of certain medicines in hospitals, a poor referral system with limited measures in place to address HIV, TB and STI’s as well as non-communicable treatments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Vulcanus and Fynbos portfolio orchestral ballet and a chamber work for SSATBarB and two guitars
- Authors: Kinsey, Avril
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Orchestral music, Arranged -- Parts , Ballets Orchestral music
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DMus
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31349 , vital:31355
- Description: This DMus composition degree is a portfolio (c. 93 minutes) that focuses on creative work with an extensive text in music notation, which embodies the composer’s creative research. The portfolio comprises two large-scale tonal and extended tonal works inspired by nature and informed by a narrative aesthetic. The two scores include an orchestral ballet in two acts and four scenes, Vulcanus (c. 54 minutes), which was created from a scenario by the composer, and which includes the occasional use of guitar and soprano, and a chamber work for SSATBarB and two guitars in nine movements entitled the Fynbos Suite (c. 39 minutes), inspired by the eco-system fynbos oil paintings of Steven Felmore. Both works can be seen as contributing respectively to the discipline of mainstream orchestral works, and guitar and choral writing. The accompanying commentary on the portfolio provides a rationale for the compositions, and outlines some of the creative processes and inspirational influences behind the works. An overview of the musical forms contextualizes the works within their narrative and visual frameworks. The ballet notes discuss the rationale for choosing ballet and include cultural, musical and extra-musical influences. A detailed scenario of the story with a description of the ballet’s characters and corps de ballet follows, while a table lists the dances and narrative mimetic episodes with tempos and time codes suitable for a choreographer to work from. The Fynbos Suite commentary gives some insight into fynbos within nature, and within the context of the paintings and the musical style. Included in the notes are the composer’s lyrics to four songs, and with the kind permission of the artist, the reproduction of the nine inspirational paintings. The recordings of Vulcanus and the Fynbos Suite were realised from the sound files of the Sibelius notation program. The guitar and the orchestral sounds, as well as the voice in Vulcanus are sampled from the Yamaha DGX 620 library, while the four vocal works of the Fynbos Suite were recorded with the Cape Soloists at the Fismer Hall, Stellenbosch University. The guitar in ‘Light on the Edge of Hope’ and the ‘Glory of Nature’ were performed by the composer. In conclusion to the background notes the creative journey, planned and unplanned, is reflected on, highlighting musical imagination with creative serendipity, and what the experiences of the process and outcome mean to the composer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kinsey, Avril
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Orchestral music, Arranged -- Parts , Ballets Orchestral music
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DMus
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31349 , vital:31355
- Description: This DMus composition degree is a portfolio (c. 93 minutes) that focuses on creative work with an extensive text in music notation, which embodies the composer’s creative research. The portfolio comprises two large-scale tonal and extended tonal works inspired by nature and informed by a narrative aesthetic. The two scores include an orchestral ballet in two acts and four scenes, Vulcanus (c. 54 minutes), which was created from a scenario by the composer, and which includes the occasional use of guitar and soprano, and a chamber work for SSATBarB and two guitars in nine movements entitled the Fynbos Suite (c. 39 minutes), inspired by the eco-system fynbos oil paintings of Steven Felmore. Both works can be seen as contributing respectively to the discipline of mainstream orchestral works, and guitar and choral writing. The accompanying commentary on the portfolio provides a rationale for the compositions, and outlines some of the creative processes and inspirational influences behind the works. An overview of the musical forms contextualizes the works within their narrative and visual frameworks. The ballet notes discuss the rationale for choosing ballet and include cultural, musical and extra-musical influences. A detailed scenario of the story with a description of the ballet’s characters and corps de ballet follows, while a table lists the dances and narrative mimetic episodes with tempos and time codes suitable for a choreographer to work from. The Fynbos Suite commentary gives some insight into fynbos within nature, and within the context of the paintings and the musical style. Included in the notes are the composer’s lyrics to four songs, and with the kind permission of the artist, the reproduction of the nine inspirational paintings. The recordings of Vulcanus and the Fynbos Suite were realised from the sound files of the Sibelius notation program. The guitar and the orchestral sounds, as well as the voice in Vulcanus are sampled from the Yamaha DGX 620 library, while the four vocal works of the Fynbos Suite were recorded with the Cape Soloists at the Fismer Hall, Stellenbosch University. The guitar in ‘Light on the Edge of Hope’ and the ‘Glory of Nature’ were performed by the composer. In conclusion to the background notes the creative journey, planned and unplanned, is reflected on, highlighting musical imagination with creative serendipity, and what the experiences of the process and outcome mean to the composer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018