List of Titles

Analysing role transitioning from functional specialist to leadership: A case study of a media development agency

Authors: Nompumza, Sisanda, James
Date: 2025-10-10
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: vital:80670
Description: The study explored the role transition experiences of media development agency employees transitioning from functional specialists to leadership roles. Role transitions can pose significant challenges, which can adversely affect individual performance and organisational effectiveness. Challenges included identity transformation, role conflict, role ambiguity, and role overload. The study used a qualitative case study design, collecting data through semi-structured interviews from eight managers who transitioned from functional specialist roles to leadership roles. Thematic analysis was conducted to organise the data and identify thematic patterns and themes that emerged from their experiences. The results indicated that participants faced challenges associated with competing priorities; balancing the responsibilities of their former responsibilities and new role as a leader; ambiguous expectations in the new role; and ambiguity connected to a fast-paced and overwhelming workload. Organisational supports, such as mentorship programs, onboarding and continual development programs, the provision of mentors for professional development, and security provisions, were essential for managing transitions. Participants were able to create adaptive coping mechanisms, including self-directed learning and personal networks, to engage with peers in leadership roles. The research provided theoretical and practical insight into role transitions, which were beneficial in generating new actionable recommendations for the public sector organisations looking to improve their leadership development initiatives. While the study is exploratory with limitations for generalisability, it has opened space for future research in role transitions, which could include a longitudinal study of leadership transitions into new roles, comparative studies of public sector institutions, and an exploration of female and male issues in role transition experiences. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-10-10

Evaluating the impact of the biological control agent, Megamelus scutellaris Berg (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), on Pontederia crassipes Mart. (Pontederiaceae) (water hyacinth) senescence and detritus formation at Hartbeespoort Dam

- Bessinger, Rochelle

Authors: Bessinger, Rochelle
Date: 2025-10-10
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/492792 , vital:80658
Description: This study evaluated the biological control of Pontederia crassipes (water hyacinth) at Hartbeespoort Dam, South Africa, focusing on the impacts of plant senescence on water chemistry and detritus formation. Two studies were conducted, the first under laboratory conditions where the amount of detritus formed from senescing water hyacinth plants under biological and chemical control, as well as changes in water chemistry could be compared. This study found that water hyacinth produced increased amounts of detritus over time, compared to healthy plants across all treatments, indicating that senescing plants add to the sediment load of the water. Additionally, pH was found to decrease over time in the presence of senescing plants, restoring the acidity of water compared to alkaline water when water hyacinth plants are healthy. The second study was conducted in situ at Hartbeespoort Dam and monitored the effects of density of the biological control agent, Megamelus scutellaris, water hyacinth cover and eutrophic water on detritus formation. It was found that biological control effectively decreases water hyacinth abundance leading to the senescence of the plants, ultimately increasing the amount of detritus produced. Detritus production was significantly correlated to water hyacinth root length, plant abundance and root biomass. Findings indicate that while biological control effectively decreases plant abundance, it may influence nutrient concentrations in the eutrophic dam waters. This research suggests that the senescence of water hyacinth mats impacts sediment loading and nutrient water chemistry, these impacts are no different to water hyacinth under biological, chemical or no control at all. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology
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Date Issued: 2025-10-10

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The impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption in the private sector

- Mayekiso, Christopher Melumzi

Authors: Mayekiso, Christopher Melumzi
Date: 2025-10-10
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: vital:80669
Description: The research investigated the impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption in the private sector. In addition to determining whistleblowing's impact in reducing corruption in the private sector, the study also aimed to examine barriers faced by potential whistleblowers and analyse whistleblowing's moral motivation and impact on organisational reputation and stakeholder trust in the private sector. The research outlined the background of the research which highlighted that South Africa's private sector has faced numerous corruption scandals, which have undermined public trust and investor confidence. The background also underscored that whistleblowing, which may be internal or external, is a strategy that has been useful in exposing corruption scandals in many organisations. However, even though there is presence of legal protections enshrined in the constitution, presidential encouragement and mechanisms to encourage whistleblowing, corruption continues to plague the private sector in South Africa. This problem motivated the research to find out about the impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption, barriers that might be hindering the impact and moral motivation for whistleblowing as well as the impact thereof. To achieve these objectives, the study employed a post-positivist research which provides reality based on socially constructed views around whistleblowing and its impact on reducing corruption within the private sector. The research subsequently utilised a qualitative research approach which provided a suitable approach of exploring issues and understanding underlying reasons and motives in the impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption within the private sector. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was used to collect purposeful secondary data regarding issues on whistleblowing's impact in the South African private sector. Through thematic content analysis, secondary data collected from court cases, whistle-blower reports, and government reports was analysed to test the study’s propositions. The main themes of this study were structured around barriers, motivations, and impacts. The study’s findings revealed that the deterrence of potential whistleblowers affects the ability of whistleblowing to reduce corruption in the private sector as some cases of corruption are exposed or dealt with due to fear of job loss, harassment or physical harm. The impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption is lessened by weak legal and managerial safeguards that are supposed to protect whistleblowers. The findings show how the interplay of retaliation, inadequate protections and institutional distrust creates a hostile environment for whistleblowers undermining the whistleblowing’s impact in reducing corruption in the private sector. Leveraging the opportunities presented by these components of ethical conduct, reputational damage and stakeholder trust, there is a potential to improve the impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption in the private sector. The study discussion also highlighted the critical need for organisations to reform, cultural changes in the corporate environment and legal enforcement that is stronger to support whistleblowing to ensure that it has a positive impact on reducing corruption. , Thesis (MBA) -- Rhodes Business School, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-10-10

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The promotion of IsiXhosa in mainstream media: a case study on the strategies used by media practitioners to promote IsiXhosa

- Dyasi, Siviwe

Authors: Dyasi, Siviwe
Date: 2025-10-10
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/492803 , vital:80659
Description: As diverse languages mark South Africa’s linguistics, the dominance of English often marginalises indigenous languages, including isiXhosa. This dominance of English is the result of the colonial and apartheid legacies as English and Afrikaans were prioritised over indigenous languages in the media industry during these eras. This study highlights the critical role of media in language promotion. Through the use of qualitative case study approach, four media practitioners were interviewed. In this study, the necessity of including audiences in the interviews was observed. Thus, 10 participants were further interviewed from different backgrounds. The findings on employed strategies included bilingual programming, community-driven content creation, and the incorporation of traditional storytelling techniques that resonate with isiXhosa-speaking audiences. Furthermore, the research identifies partnerships with educational institutions and cultural organisations that aim to promote isiXhosa through workshops, documentaries, and social media campaigns. The study also addresses challenges media practitioners face, including resource limitations, audience engagement, and the need for language training. This study further investigates the competition between isiXhosa and other indigenous languages such as isiZulu. Despite these obstacles, the commitment to promoting isiXhosa reflects a broader movement towards linguistic equity and recognising the cultural heritage embedded in indigenous languages. This study contributes to the discourse on media representation and the promotion of indigenous languages, offering practical recommendations for enhancing the role of mainstream media in promoting isiXhosa. Documenting encourages a more inclusive media landscape, honouring South Africa’s rich linguistic diversity. The study also looked at the effect of the colonia and apartheid eras on indigenous languages, not neglecting the long dominance of English and Afrikaans in South African television. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-10-10

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Honorary Citation for the Conferment of Doctor of Laws honoris causa - Tandabantu Tennyson August

- Rhodes University, Martin, Tom

Authors: Rhodes University , Martin, Tom
Date: 2024-14-05
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Speeches , Transcripts, speech , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432591 , vital:72885
Description: Rhodes University Honorary Doctorate Citation (5 April 2024) Tandabantu Tennyson August: 1980s. South Africa. In the Bantustans of the time, like the Transkei, the youth have little reason for hope. They have much reason for despair. Their choices seem limited to the politics of struggle or to crime, an attempt to gain some kind of advantage from the meagre and unacceptable options on offer. In those bleak times, what was needed was visionaries. People who could see beyond the current circumstances to a different future and imagine how best to prepare for it. Not as idealists, but as pragmatists. What would happen once circumstances change, once the struggle had succeeded? Would we be ready for it? What qualities would the youth need to have in order to both benefit from and participate in a new dispensation? One such visionary was Tandabantu Tennyson August, and it is my distinct pleasure to have the opportunity to tell you more about him. Born in 1948, Mr. August matriculated from Healdtown High School, before pursuing higher education at the University of Transkei, where obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English and Geography. This was followed by Comparative Curriculum Studies at the University of South Africa, alongside obtaining teaching certificates from Lovedale and Cicira teacher training colleges, with majors in Physical Science, Mathematics, Science, and Mathematics. This solid educational foundation laid the groundwork for his impactful career in education. He taught at Wongalethu High, St Johns College and was deputy principal at Norwood, before taking up his first principalship, at Thanga High School in 1980. From 1984 to 1990 he was principal of Ndamase High School. During his tenure there, the matric pass rate never fell below 90%. From 1991 to 1995 he was principal Isivivane High School during which time the school was promoted from a primary to a high school. Following his distinguished service at schools, he worked at the Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education, first as a deputy chief education specialist (1996 – 2006) and then as chief education specialist (2006-2010). During that time, he played a pivotal role in establishing (in conjunction with Rhodes University) and being the provincial coordinator the Advanced Certificate in Education in English, followed by ACEs in mathematical literacy and life orientation. In 2016 he received a provincial teaching award for excellence. In 2017 he was awarded the Kade Asmal award for excellence in teaching. To this day, he remains an Executive member of the eastern cape Education advisory council. Quite a career. But there’s something I haven’t mentioned. He was also an accomplished rugby player of international standing. While at Lovedale College, he was selected to represent Border and then the South African African Rugby Board, playing England in Gqeberha in 1972, in a team that would later be known as the black springboks. He eventually received his green and gold springbok blazer as just recognition of his achievement. He incorporated his love of sport into his vision for the youth under his care, as part of his overriding mission of educating the whole person. He got everyone involved in sport, if not as a player, then as a supporter. Especially during his time as principal of Ndamase High School, I am led to believe, it was extremely intimidating for opposing teams to play them. Not only at Ndamase home games, but especially at their away games. There would be one bus for the team players, and six buses for the supporters. From 1986 – 1990: he was president of the Transkei schools` sports union (TSSU). But there’s yet another thing I haven’t mentioned. In 1981, just as his career as an educational leader was really taking off, he was involved in a terrible motor vehicle accident. It left him permanently disabled and, for much of his life, a wheelchair user. Rather than stopping him, it simply added another string to his bow, now as an advocate for the disabled. From 2012 – 2022: Chairperson Eastern Cape South African National Association For Special Education (SANASE): this organization cater for the education and wellbeing of learners with disabilities and special needs. In 2023, he was the national deputy president of the same organisation. From 2013 – to date: he is a Board Member on the National Council of & for persons with disabilities (NCPD). I had the pleasure of an extensive conversation with one of Mr August’s former pupils at Ndamase High, Professor Deyi Mbelani, the current director of Rhodes University’s Institute for the Study of Englishes in Africa. He told me many stories about Mr August’s leadership, that I only wish I had time to share with you now. I put it to Professor Mbelani that, having read about Mr August, the word that stood out for me was “dedication.” He agreed that “dedication” was the word, but that I must not leave out another: “vision”. It is Mr August’s status as a visionary that best defines him, he said. Going back over the above, I think he is right. Mr Chancellor I have the honour to request you to confer the degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa on the Mr Tandabantu Tennyson August. *The above citation draws heavily on documents submitted as part of the honorary doctorate nomination process and others compiled by the Division of Communications and Advancement. - Tom Martin.
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Date Issued: 2024-14-05

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