A novel Arf GTPase assay for antimalarial drug discovery
- Authors: Swart, Tarryn
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: To be added
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/178558 , vital:42950
- Description: Access restricted until April 2022. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Swart, Tarryn
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: To be added
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/178558 , vital:42950
- Description: Access restricted until April 2022. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Review of the rehabilitation and integration of offenders
- Authors: Darries, Share-Leigh
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Criminals--Rehabilitation--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51199 , vital:43219
- Description: “It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens but its lowest ones – and South Africa treated its imprisoned African citizens like animals”.1 The constitutional mandate to ensure the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society, upon eventual release falls on the South African Department of Correctional Services (DCS).2 In terms of this mandate, the Department is encumbered with the responsibility to develop programmes which not only addresses criminal conduct but results in the eventual drop of recidivism rates.3 Notwithstanding the Department’s inordinate efforts to discharge its constitutional mandate, recidivism rates continue to be on the rise.4 Built to digress from innate retributive traditions and the concept of punishment, the Department of Correctional Services proffered to alter our realities through the creation of an environment which essentially births different behaviours.5 A task rendered unattainable, as inordinate efforts become frustrated by the realities of prisons and the myth of rehabilitation. Despite having one of the most progressive criminal justice systems in the world, obstinate challenges in South African prisons and an overwhelming prison population make managing and translating its policies into practice all the more difficult.6 With high crime and recidivism rates inundating an already saturated criminal justice 1 Mandela Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela (1994) 174-175. 2 Murhula and Singh “A Critical Analysis on Offenders Rehabilitation Approach in South Africa: A Review of the Literature” 2019 12 African Journal of Criminology and Justice Studies 21 21. 3 Ibid. 4 Ibid. 5 Department of Correctional Services “White Paper on Corrections in South Africa” (November 2004) (Republic of South Africa, Minister of Correctional Services)” http://wwww.dcs.gov.za/wpcontent/uploads/2016/08/WHITE-PAPER-8.pdf (accessed 2019-05-6) 5; Wainio “Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons season 3 premiere recap: Costa Rica: Prison on a Knife-Edge” https://www.google.co.za/amp/s/showsnob.com/2018/12/24/inside-the-worlds-toughest-prisonsseason-3-premiere/amp (accessed 2019-05-6). 6 McAree “Prisoner Rehabilitation in South Africa: A case study of Phoenix Zululand’s work in Eshowe Correctional Facilities” 2011 School for International Training 7. ix system, and exposure of minor offenders to hardened criminals become all the more common,7 the vision of translating every offender who walks through the prison gate into corrigible and law-abiding citizens8 become a far-kept dream. Instead, South African prisons become nothing but breeding grounds of criminality, 9 and temporary vessels of human right violations, as an inmates try to come to terms with the fact that their eventual release into society is met with ostracization, destabilized community relations and collateral consequences.10 Since offenders are usually detained for long periods on remand, prisons are innately prevented from becoming correctional centers despite this being a stated aim in the White Paper on Corrections.11 Against this backdrop, the researcher proffers to broaden the perpetual desire to construct a transformed and developed system; one which charts a course from innate retributive traditions to one which births rehabilitated offenders into society. Mindful of the obstinate penal system which undeniably perpetuates colonial structures through dichotomization, this treatise offers an altered reality, a system which respects and promotes the values and rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.12 , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Criminal and Procedural Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Darries, Share-Leigh
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Criminals--Rehabilitation--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51199 , vital:43219
- Description: “It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens but its lowest ones – and South Africa treated its imprisoned African citizens like animals”.1 The constitutional mandate to ensure the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society, upon eventual release falls on the South African Department of Correctional Services (DCS).2 In terms of this mandate, the Department is encumbered with the responsibility to develop programmes which not only addresses criminal conduct but results in the eventual drop of recidivism rates.3 Notwithstanding the Department’s inordinate efforts to discharge its constitutional mandate, recidivism rates continue to be on the rise.4 Built to digress from innate retributive traditions and the concept of punishment, the Department of Correctional Services proffered to alter our realities through the creation of an environment which essentially births different behaviours.5 A task rendered unattainable, as inordinate efforts become frustrated by the realities of prisons and the myth of rehabilitation. Despite having one of the most progressive criminal justice systems in the world, obstinate challenges in South African prisons and an overwhelming prison population make managing and translating its policies into practice all the more difficult.6 With high crime and recidivism rates inundating an already saturated criminal justice 1 Mandela Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela (1994) 174-175. 2 Murhula and Singh “A Critical Analysis on Offenders Rehabilitation Approach in South Africa: A Review of the Literature” 2019 12 African Journal of Criminology and Justice Studies 21 21. 3 Ibid. 4 Ibid. 5 Department of Correctional Services “White Paper on Corrections in South Africa” (November 2004) (Republic of South Africa, Minister of Correctional Services)” http://wwww.dcs.gov.za/wpcontent/uploads/2016/08/WHITE-PAPER-8.pdf (accessed 2019-05-6) 5; Wainio “Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons season 3 premiere recap: Costa Rica: Prison on a Knife-Edge” https://www.google.co.za/amp/s/showsnob.com/2018/12/24/inside-the-worlds-toughest-prisonsseason-3-premiere/amp (accessed 2019-05-6). 6 McAree “Prisoner Rehabilitation in South Africa: A case study of Phoenix Zululand’s work in Eshowe Correctional Facilities” 2011 School for International Training 7. ix system, and exposure of minor offenders to hardened criminals become all the more common,7 the vision of translating every offender who walks through the prison gate into corrigible and law-abiding citizens8 become a far-kept dream. Instead, South African prisons become nothing but breeding grounds of criminality, 9 and temporary vessels of human right violations, as an inmates try to come to terms with the fact that their eventual release into society is met with ostracization, destabilized community relations and collateral consequences.10 Since offenders are usually detained for long periods on remand, prisons are innately prevented from becoming correctional centers despite this being a stated aim in the White Paper on Corrections.11 Against this backdrop, the researcher proffers to broaden the perpetual desire to construct a transformed and developed system; one which charts a course from innate retributive traditions to one which births rehabilitated offenders into society. Mindful of the obstinate penal system which undeniably perpetuates colonial structures through dichotomization, this treatise offers an altered reality, a system which respects and promotes the values and rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.12 , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Criminal and Procedural Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Entrepreneurial intentions of Eskom employees in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ngamlana, Vuyiseka Pakama
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53026 , vital:44871
- Description: Entrepreneurship has been gathering increasing attention because of its critical impact on the economy. This is due to Entrepreneurship serving both as an engine driving economic growth and as a strategy, which promotes the discovery, dissemination and implementation of innovation. In South Africa, limited research has been conducted to test the entrepreneurial intentions of employees working in the State Owned Enterprises (SOEs). SOEs such as Eskom are facing significant political, institutional and normative pressures which minimise its ability to perform its mandate. Eskom has a surplus work force with a headcount of 47 600 employees, this is 15 000 more than the headcount it had a decade ago, while the electricity production has not changed. The aim of this study is to examine entrepreneurial intentions of Eskom employees and the factors that influence individuals to select employment in the public sector. The entrepreneurial intention model used in this study draws from the work by Mhlanga (2019). The model consists of culture, family obligations, job security, role modelling, entrepreneurial self – efficacy, access to financial resources and locus of control to entrepreneurial intentions. Convenience sampling was used in this study (n=160). The research design involved a cross-sectional approach. SPSS and STATA statistical software were used for the analyses. Job security, role modelling and selfefficacy were found to influence entrepreneurial intentions of Eskom employees in the Eastern Cape. Eskom employees in the Eastern Cape were found to be optimistic about the availability of financing and accessibility for start-ups business ventures. One of the recommendations therefore is for Eskom management to facilitate initiatives such as Entrepreneurship Workshops for Eskom employees to network and share ideas, with funders and mentors. The target population consist of 2050 employees sample size of 160 respondents was obtained. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NNU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Ngamlana, Vuyiseka Pakama
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53026 , vital:44871
- Description: Entrepreneurship has been gathering increasing attention because of its critical impact on the economy. This is due to Entrepreneurship serving both as an engine driving economic growth and as a strategy, which promotes the discovery, dissemination and implementation of innovation. In South Africa, limited research has been conducted to test the entrepreneurial intentions of employees working in the State Owned Enterprises (SOEs). SOEs such as Eskom are facing significant political, institutional and normative pressures which minimise its ability to perform its mandate. Eskom has a surplus work force with a headcount of 47 600 employees, this is 15 000 more than the headcount it had a decade ago, while the electricity production has not changed. The aim of this study is to examine entrepreneurial intentions of Eskom employees and the factors that influence individuals to select employment in the public sector. The entrepreneurial intention model used in this study draws from the work by Mhlanga (2019). The model consists of culture, family obligations, job security, role modelling, entrepreneurial self – efficacy, access to financial resources and locus of control to entrepreneurial intentions. Convenience sampling was used in this study (n=160). The research design involved a cross-sectional approach. SPSS and STATA statistical software were used for the analyses. Job security, role modelling and selfefficacy were found to influence entrepreneurial intentions of Eskom employees in the Eastern Cape. Eskom employees in the Eastern Cape were found to be optimistic about the availability of financing and accessibility for start-ups business ventures. One of the recommendations therefore is for Eskom management to facilitate initiatives such as Entrepreneurship Workshops for Eskom employees to network and share ideas, with funders and mentors. The target population consist of 2050 employees sample size of 160 respondents was obtained. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NNU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A behaviour of South Africa’s economy towards inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) from BRICs economies
- Authors: Dingela, Siyasanga
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Investments, Foreign -- Developing countries , South Africa -- Economic conditions , BRIC countries -- Foreign economic relations
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51141 , vital:43212
- Description: This study investigated a behaviour of South Africa’s economy towards inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) from Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRICs) economies, during the period 1997 to 2016. The BRICs bloc was coined in 2001 by then chairperson of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Jim O’Neil. According to Goldman Sach (2001), the BRICs group was collectively expected to overtake the major economic powers over the span of a few decades. Their growth is expected to shape a new economic order and replace the currently dominant advanced economies. South Africa joined the BRICs bloc in 2010 as the jeweler of the world and as a gateway to Africa. It joined the BRICs group at the time when economic growth was at a sluggish rate, and the savings and investment were at the lowest rate. The country had a high unemployment rate, high levels of poverty and income inequality. On the other hand, the BRICs economies had limited intra-BRICs flows amongst themselves. It is against this background that this study investigated the long run impact of BRICs FDI inflows on South Africa’s economic growth, and the causality relationship between South Africa’s economic growth and BRICs FDI inflows. This study contributes to the body of knowledge of economics in South Africa and the literature on foreign direct investment and economic growth in South Africa. The study employed two cointegration methods to investigate the behaviour of South Africa’s economy towards inflows of foreign direct investment from BRICs economies. These are fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS). For granger causality, the study employed Stacked and Dumistrescu Hurlin tests. All the models used time series annual data from 1997 to 2016. The Unit root test results confirmed that the variables were stationary at first difference using panel Im, Pesaran, Shin (IPS) and Levin, Lin, Chu (LLC). The research employs four regressions, first, Economic growth and foreign direct investment (i.e. private sector, banking sector and both sectors), human capital, physical capital, household consumption, government expenditure, exports, and arable land; Second, Employment and foreign direct investment, human capital, physical capital, household consumption, government expenditure, exports, and arable land; third, Economic complexity and foreign direct investment, human capital, physical capital, household consumption, government expenditure, exports, and arable land; finally, Unemployment and foreign direct investment, human capital, physical capital, household consumption, government expenditure, exports, and arable land. The cointegration results for private FDI and economic growth, employment, economic complexity, and unemployment. The results show only economic complexity has significant effect on foreign direct investment and other variables show insignificant results. However, this effect is smaller compared to other growth determinants which are included in the regressions. The cointegration results for bank FDI. These results show more similarities with private FDI results and few differences. However, this effect is smaller compared to other growth determinants included in the regressions. These growth determinants, however, show a positive effect of human capital and household consumption on economic growth which is expected. Other interesting results are exports being positively related with economic growth and unemployment but negative with employment and insignificant with economic complexity. Another one is government spending negatively influence economic growth, employment and positively influence unemployment. But insignificant for economic complexity. Total FDI results and other variables. These results are also similar to private and bank FDI results discussed above. Economic complexity shows significant effect with foreign direct investment, yet other variables are insignificant. . Further results show human capital positively related with economic growth, which is expected. However, physical capital and household consumption negatively affects growth. Another one exports show positive influence on economic growth but negatively related with employment. Yet, insignificant with economic complexity and unemployment. Other results government spending shows negative influence with employment but insignificant with economic growth, economic complexity and unemployment. The results for nonlinearity between the variables under review. The results that employment and economic complexity are nonlinear with foreign direct investment and no nonlinearity between unemployment, economic growth and foreign direct investment. For employment, low levels of foreign direct investment (LFDI_private) adversely affects employment but at higher levels (FDI_private_SQ) is insignificant. For economic complexity, low levels of foreign direct investment are insignificant for economic complexity but at higher levels there is a positive effect of squared foreign direct investment on economic complexity. Further results show that economic growth and employment are nonlinear with human capital, physical capital, household consumption and exports. Physical capital and household consumption adversely affect economic growth, yet positively affects employment. Human capital positively affects economic growth, employment, and unemployment. Exports positively affect economic growth, but negatively affect employment. Further results show nonlinearity between employment and government expenditure. Government expenditure adversely affects employment. Also, economic growth and unemployment show nonlinearity with arable land. Arable land adversely affects economic growth but positively affects unemployment. Nonlinear results for economic growth and economic complexity with foreign direct investment but no nonlinearity in other remaining variables. For economic growth, low levels of foreign direct investment there is a positive effect of foreign direct investment on economic growth, however, at higher levels foreign direct investment are insignificant. For economic complexity, low levels of foreign direct investment are insignificant, yet, higher levels of foreign direct investment there is a positive influence of foreign direct investment on economic complexity. Further results show economic growth and employment that are nonlinear with human capital, physical capital, and household consumption. Human capital positively affects both economic growth and employment. Physical capital and household consumption are adversely affecting economic growth, yet positively affects employment. Further results show nonlinearity between economic growth and government expenditure. Government expenditure adversely affects employment. More results, employment, and unemployment show nonlinearity results with exports. Exports adversely affect employment but positively affects unemployment. Results show economic growth and unemployment that are nonlinear with arable land. Arable land adversely affects economic growth, but positively affect unemployment. Nonlinear results for economic complexity only and other variables show no nonlinearity in the regressions. For economic complexity, low levels of foreign direct investment are insignificant, but at higher levels of foreign direct investment there is positive effect of foreign direct investment on economic complexity. More results show economic growth and employment that are nonlinear with human capital, physical capital, household consumption and exports. Human capital and exports positively affect economic growth, employment, and unemployment. Whereas, physical capital and household consumption adversely affects economic growth and unemployment, yet positively affects employment. Further results show nonlinearity between employment and government expenditure. Government spending adversely affects employment. Further results show nonlinearity between economic growth and unemployment with arable land. Arable land positively affects unemployment, yet adversely affects economic growth. The following section discusses granger causality results. This study also employed granger causality tests. The causality results between economic growth, employment, economic complexity, unemployment, and private foreign direct investment. The causality results show that there is granger causality between economic growth and economic complexity with private foreign direct investment. Whereas, between bank foreign direct investment and other variables there is no granger causality. However, between total foreign direct investment and economic growth and employment there is granger causality. There are a number of policy recommendations that can be drawn from the study. The study results in overall revealed that BRICs (private and bank) FDI inflows had a positive impact on South Africa’s economic growth between 1997 and 2016. The study results suggest that the policy makers should focus the attention on lobbying foreign direct investment from BRICs economies, since this study shows positive impact and relationship between South Africa’s economic growth and BRICs FDI inflows. The BRICs economies should focus on enhancing investment partnership, preventing protectionism, and promoting intra-BRICS flows. In addition, South Africa should eliminate barriers affecting business with BRICs countries. Policy makers should promote the building of new companies (for example Greenfield Investment) so that the economy of South Africa could grow and create employment. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Economics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Dingela, Siyasanga
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Investments, Foreign -- Developing countries , South Africa -- Economic conditions , BRIC countries -- Foreign economic relations
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51141 , vital:43212
- Description: This study investigated a behaviour of South Africa’s economy towards inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) from Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRICs) economies, during the period 1997 to 2016. The BRICs bloc was coined in 2001 by then chairperson of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Jim O’Neil. According to Goldman Sach (2001), the BRICs group was collectively expected to overtake the major economic powers over the span of a few decades. Their growth is expected to shape a new economic order and replace the currently dominant advanced economies. South Africa joined the BRICs bloc in 2010 as the jeweler of the world and as a gateway to Africa. It joined the BRICs group at the time when economic growth was at a sluggish rate, and the savings and investment were at the lowest rate. The country had a high unemployment rate, high levels of poverty and income inequality. On the other hand, the BRICs economies had limited intra-BRICs flows amongst themselves. It is against this background that this study investigated the long run impact of BRICs FDI inflows on South Africa’s economic growth, and the causality relationship between South Africa’s economic growth and BRICs FDI inflows. This study contributes to the body of knowledge of economics in South Africa and the literature on foreign direct investment and economic growth in South Africa. The study employed two cointegration methods to investigate the behaviour of South Africa’s economy towards inflows of foreign direct investment from BRICs economies. These are fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS). For granger causality, the study employed Stacked and Dumistrescu Hurlin tests. All the models used time series annual data from 1997 to 2016. The Unit root test results confirmed that the variables were stationary at first difference using panel Im, Pesaran, Shin (IPS) and Levin, Lin, Chu (LLC). The research employs four regressions, first, Economic growth and foreign direct investment (i.e. private sector, banking sector and both sectors), human capital, physical capital, household consumption, government expenditure, exports, and arable land; Second, Employment and foreign direct investment, human capital, physical capital, household consumption, government expenditure, exports, and arable land; third, Economic complexity and foreign direct investment, human capital, physical capital, household consumption, government expenditure, exports, and arable land; finally, Unemployment and foreign direct investment, human capital, physical capital, household consumption, government expenditure, exports, and arable land. The cointegration results for private FDI and economic growth, employment, economic complexity, and unemployment. The results show only economic complexity has significant effect on foreign direct investment and other variables show insignificant results. However, this effect is smaller compared to other growth determinants which are included in the regressions. The cointegration results for bank FDI. These results show more similarities with private FDI results and few differences. However, this effect is smaller compared to other growth determinants included in the regressions. These growth determinants, however, show a positive effect of human capital and household consumption on economic growth which is expected. Other interesting results are exports being positively related with economic growth and unemployment but negative with employment and insignificant with economic complexity. Another one is government spending negatively influence economic growth, employment and positively influence unemployment. But insignificant for economic complexity. Total FDI results and other variables. These results are also similar to private and bank FDI results discussed above. Economic complexity shows significant effect with foreign direct investment, yet other variables are insignificant. . Further results show human capital positively related with economic growth, which is expected. However, physical capital and household consumption negatively affects growth. Another one exports show positive influence on economic growth but negatively related with employment. Yet, insignificant with economic complexity and unemployment. Other results government spending shows negative influence with employment but insignificant with economic growth, economic complexity and unemployment. The results for nonlinearity between the variables under review. The results that employment and economic complexity are nonlinear with foreign direct investment and no nonlinearity between unemployment, economic growth and foreign direct investment. For employment, low levels of foreign direct investment (LFDI_private) adversely affects employment but at higher levels (FDI_private_SQ) is insignificant. For economic complexity, low levels of foreign direct investment are insignificant for economic complexity but at higher levels there is a positive effect of squared foreign direct investment on economic complexity. Further results show that economic growth and employment are nonlinear with human capital, physical capital, household consumption and exports. Physical capital and household consumption adversely affect economic growth, yet positively affects employment. Human capital positively affects economic growth, employment, and unemployment. Exports positively affect economic growth, but negatively affect employment. Further results show nonlinearity between employment and government expenditure. Government expenditure adversely affects employment. Also, economic growth and unemployment show nonlinearity with arable land. Arable land adversely affects economic growth but positively affects unemployment. Nonlinear results for economic growth and economic complexity with foreign direct investment but no nonlinearity in other remaining variables. For economic growth, low levels of foreign direct investment there is a positive effect of foreign direct investment on economic growth, however, at higher levels foreign direct investment are insignificant. For economic complexity, low levels of foreign direct investment are insignificant, yet, higher levels of foreign direct investment there is a positive influence of foreign direct investment on economic complexity. Further results show economic growth and employment that are nonlinear with human capital, physical capital, and household consumption. Human capital positively affects both economic growth and employment. Physical capital and household consumption are adversely affecting economic growth, yet positively affects employment. Further results show nonlinearity between economic growth and government expenditure. Government expenditure adversely affects employment. More results, employment, and unemployment show nonlinearity results with exports. Exports adversely affect employment but positively affects unemployment. Results show economic growth and unemployment that are nonlinear with arable land. Arable land adversely affects economic growth, but positively affect unemployment. Nonlinear results for economic complexity only and other variables show no nonlinearity in the regressions. For economic complexity, low levels of foreign direct investment are insignificant, but at higher levels of foreign direct investment there is positive effect of foreign direct investment on economic complexity. More results show economic growth and employment that are nonlinear with human capital, physical capital, household consumption and exports. Human capital and exports positively affect economic growth, employment, and unemployment. Whereas, physical capital and household consumption adversely affects economic growth and unemployment, yet positively affects employment. Further results show nonlinearity between employment and government expenditure. Government spending adversely affects employment. Further results show nonlinearity between economic growth and unemployment with arable land. Arable land positively affects unemployment, yet adversely affects economic growth. The following section discusses granger causality results. This study also employed granger causality tests. The causality results between economic growth, employment, economic complexity, unemployment, and private foreign direct investment. The causality results show that there is granger causality between economic growth and economic complexity with private foreign direct investment. Whereas, between bank foreign direct investment and other variables there is no granger causality. However, between total foreign direct investment and economic growth and employment there is granger causality. There are a number of policy recommendations that can be drawn from the study. The study results in overall revealed that BRICs (private and bank) FDI inflows had a positive impact on South Africa’s economic growth between 1997 and 2016. The study results suggest that the policy makers should focus the attention on lobbying foreign direct investment from BRICs economies, since this study shows positive impact and relationship between South Africa’s economic growth and BRICs FDI inflows. The BRICs economies should focus on enhancing investment partnership, preventing protectionism, and promoting intra-BRICS flows. In addition, South Africa should eliminate barriers affecting business with BRICs countries. Policy makers should promote the building of new companies (for example Greenfield Investment) so that the economy of South Africa could grow and create employment. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Economics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The role of open government data in the repurposing of land administration in postapartheid South Africa : an exploration
- Authors: Manona, Siyabulela Sobantu
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Transparency in government -- South Africa , Land reform -- South Africa , Qualitative research -- Methodology , Postcolonialism -- South Africa , Post-apartheid era -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991- , South Africa -- Social conditions -- 1994- , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994- , Open Government Data (OGD)
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/178397 , vital:42936 , 10.21504/10962/178397
- Description: Almost three decades after the official end of the apartheid, South Africa has been on a sturdy path that is characterised by deepening spatial economic inequalities. A plethora of policy instruments unleashed since 1994 had not only failed to stem the tide of poverty and inequality, but had deepened them. As part of this, South Africa’s most ambitious social engineering programme – land reform -- had disappointing outcomes. Premised on a view that these apartheid continuities were embedded in South Africa’s land administration system – which was incoherent and fragmented and requiring a systemic overhaul -- the study sought to explore the potential role of Open Government Data (OGD) in the repurposing of land administration system in the post-apartheid South Africa. To achieve this goal, the study was guided by the following objectives: to explore the ontology and the state of land governance and administration in the context of the post-apartheid South Africa; to undertake an evaluation or assessment of South Africa’s land data ecosystem; and to explore the potential role of OGD in the repurposing of land administration system in the postapartheid of South Africa. This study was steeped in qualitative research methods, underpinned by primary and secondary literature review. While the study was primarily pitched on a national scale – the combination of the systems and multiple scales approaches – yielded results which dislodges solutions that are required outside of the domain of a single state. This is one glaring example of land governance complexities that straddle beyond national scale – specifically in respect of new policy trajectories on trans-national boundaries and governance of water resources. Based on the holistic ontology of land, this study concludes that land administration and land governance overarching conceptual orientation -- concerned with land use decisions made by humans at various scales from a praxis and policy perspective –constitute two sides of the same coin, the former steeped towards practice and the latter steeped towards policy. Drawing from decolonial theories the study concludes that land does not only have multiple dimensions, but it also has multiple meanings, in a manner that calls for an ontological shift away from the western ontology, towards an inclusive and holistic conceptualisation. Historiography that is anchored in de-colonial thinking of South Africa’s land governance helps us understand how and why – colonial/apartheid norms acrimoniously found their way into the post-apartheid order -- the post-apartheid institutions of modernity rest on the same hierarchies of identities, classification and pathologisation. The study concludes that, while the colonial/apartheid administration may be gone, it’s underlying power matrices continue -- i.e. capitalism/European/patriachal/white – in a manner which explains the continuities of South Africa’s spatial inequalities and the associated economic inequalities. The organising principle for land relations (including opportunities) continues to be underpinned by gender, race and class, in ways that expose the mythical dimensions of the 'post-apartheid' underbelly. While identifying the need for homogenisation and rationalistion of colonial, apartheid and post-apartheid institutions (on a national scale) that is insufficient for the transformation of the colonial situation of what is in essence a part of the global system, the study advocates for the ‘repurposing of land governance and administration’ – underpinned by de-colonial thinking. Repurposing is seen as political imaginary that would entail uncoupling thought processes and praxis from the colonial matrices of power. The study goes on to conclude that there is a definite role for Open Government Data in repurposing of land administration in the post-apartheid South Africa – as a necessary, though in and of it’s own it is an insufficient condition to achieve that ideal -- but presents an opportunity to enhance transdisciplinarity approaches and efficiencies in internal government functioning and evidence-based decision making and policy formulation processes. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Geography, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Manona, Siyabulela Sobantu
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Transparency in government -- South Africa , Land reform -- South Africa , Qualitative research -- Methodology , Postcolonialism -- South Africa , Post-apartheid era -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991- , South Africa -- Social conditions -- 1994- , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994- , Open Government Data (OGD)
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/178397 , vital:42936 , 10.21504/10962/178397
- Description: Almost three decades after the official end of the apartheid, South Africa has been on a sturdy path that is characterised by deepening spatial economic inequalities. A plethora of policy instruments unleashed since 1994 had not only failed to stem the tide of poverty and inequality, but had deepened them. As part of this, South Africa’s most ambitious social engineering programme – land reform -- had disappointing outcomes. Premised on a view that these apartheid continuities were embedded in South Africa’s land administration system – which was incoherent and fragmented and requiring a systemic overhaul -- the study sought to explore the potential role of Open Government Data (OGD) in the repurposing of land administration system in the post-apartheid South Africa. To achieve this goal, the study was guided by the following objectives: to explore the ontology and the state of land governance and administration in the context of the post-apartheid South Africa; to undertake an evaluation or assessment of South Africa’s land data ecosystem; and to explore the potential role of OGD in the repurposing of land administration system in the postapartheid of South Africa. This study was steeped in qualitative research methods, underpinned by primary and secondary literature review. While the study was primarily pitched on a national scale – the combination of the systems and multiple scales approaches – yielded results which dislodges solutions that are required outside of the domain of a single state. This is one glaring example of land governance complexities that straddle beyond national scale – specifically in respect of new policy trajectories on trans-national boundaries and governance of water resources. Based on the holistic ontology of land, this study concludes that land administration and land governance overarching conceptual orientation -- concerned with land use decisions made by humans at various scales from a praxis and policy perspective –constitute two sides of the same coin, the former steeped towards practice and the latter steeped towards policy. Drawing from decolonial theories the study concludes that land does not only have multiple dimensions, but it also has multiple meanings, in a manner that calls for an ontological shift away from the western ontology, towards an inclusive and holistic conceptualisation. Historiography that is anchored in de-colonial thinking of South Africa’s land governance helps us understand how and why – colonial/apartheid norms acrimoniously found their way into the post-apartheid order -- the post-apartheid institutions of modernity rest on the same hierarchies of identities, classification and pathologisation. The study concludes that, while the colonial/apartheid administration may be gone, it’s underlying power matrices continue -- i.e. capitalism/European/patriachal/white – in a manner which explains the continuities of South Africa’s spatial inequalities and the associated economic inequalities. The organising principle for land relations (including opportunities) continues to be underpinned by gender, race and class, in ways that expose the mythical dimensions of the 'post-apartheid' underbelly. While identifying the need for homogenisation and rationalistion of colonial, apartheid and post-apartheid institutions (on a national scale) that is insufficient for the transformation of the colonial situation of what is in essence a part of the global system, the study advocates for the ‘repurposing of land governance and administration’ – underpinned by de-colonial thinking. Repurposing is seen as political imaginary that would entail uncoupling thought processes and praxis from the colonial matrices of power. The study goes on to conclude that there is a definite role for Open Government Data in repurposing of land administration in the post-apartheid South Africa – as a necessary, though in and of it’s own it is an insufficient condition to achieve that ideal -- but presents an opportunity to enhance transdisciplinarity approaches and efficiencies in internal government functioning and evidence-based decision making and policy formulation processes. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Geography, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Impacts of food security programmes at Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Ngxeba, Zola
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53030 , vital:44875
- Description: Poverty is recognised as one of the greatest challenges faced by developing and the least developed countries. South Africa has been no different with increased levels of poverty which are also inherit from the substantial inequality in the country. Thus, food security programmes have become an innovative way to tackle the issue of poverty across municipalities. Taking a qualitative and quantitative root within the Buffallo City Municipality located in the Eastern Cape, this study evaluated the impact these programmes have on household food security. Through surveys and interviews with participants in the Siyazondla and Siyakhula food programme instituted by department of rural development and agrarian reform (DRDAR) the findings show that beneficiaries benefited heavily from the programmes. Several households reported increased scale of food supply due to programmes such as the gardening projects and inputs within the agricultural process particularly; seeds, fertilizer and equipment neccesary for planting. Thus, conclusively, the outcome of these food security programmes has been positive and it is adviced that the department of rural development and agrarian reform (DRDAR) increase the population of households in the projects offered by the department. Moreover, these projects should be implimented to provide means which could enable communities to continue the projects without need for dependence. This would entail providing individuals with the neccesary skills and education to continue these projects within their households at limited costs. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Ngxeba, Zola
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53030 , vital:44875
- Description: Poverty is recognised as one of the greatest challenges faced by developing and the least developed countries. South Africa has been no different with increased levels of poverty which are also inherit from the substantial inequality in the country. Thus, food security programmes have become an innovative way to tackle the issue of poverty across municipalities. Taking a qualitative and quantitative root within the Buffallo City Municipality located in the Eastern Cape, this study evaluated the impact these programmes have on household food security. Through surveys and interviews with participants in the Siyazondla and Siyakhula food programme instituted by department of rural development and agrarian reform (DRDAR) the findings show that beneficiaries benefited heavily from the programmes. Several households reported increased scale of food supply due to programmes such as the gardening projects and inputs within the agricultural process particularly; seeds, fertilizer and equipment neccesary for planting. Thus, conclusively, the outcome of these food security programmes has been positive and it is adviced that the department of rural development and agrarian reform (DRDAR) increase the population of households in the projects offered by the department. Moreover, these projects should be implimented to provide means which could enable communities to continue the projects without need for dependence. This would entail providing individuals with the neccesary skills and education to continue these projects within their households at limited costs. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Understanding the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on SMEs in South Africa
- Authors: Ogunniyi, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53039 , vital:44883
- Description: The current research dissertation is on the topic- Understanding the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on SMEs in South Africa. It aims to analyse the strategies of SMEs to make positive results from the Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa. The research mainly concentrates on the concepts and techniques of technology implementation, customer relationship and advanced technology in SME Enterprises of South Africa. These techniques are needed to validate the importance of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the enhancement of SMEs in South Africa. In this entire process of research, the researcher evaluates current condition of SMEs in South Africa and the issues that are faced by these enterprises. The changes that are needed by these enterprises and their impact on organisational structure is also discussed. In addition to this, the researcher has also undertaken secondary research on the existing literature in this current topic and related topics. Therefore, the researcher was able to gain a clear insight into the study area. As SMEs are facing problems related to marketing and marking their position in the global market, useful recommendations are given to eliminate these problems. The researcher found out that SMEs need to improve policies to implement technological innovations to secure a market position for SMEs. In order to carry out the research, the researcher applied interpretivism and a deductive approach. Along with this, the qualitative research/methodology was chosen for carrying out the investigation. Qualitative data and non-probability sampling helped in collecting data. Analysis of this data was done by explaining transcripts of the interviews with the sample of entrepreneurs of South African SMEs. The researcher used a total of ten entrepreneurs from different industries in the country. Most of these entrepreneurs interviewed are from previously disadvantaged backgrounds with university degrees. The researcher made an effort to select candidates from different cities across South Africa. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Ogunniyi, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53039 , vital:44883
- Description: The current research dissertation is on the topic- Understanding the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on SMEs in South Africa. It aims to analyse the strategies of SMEs to make positive results from the Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa. The research mainly concentrates on the concepts and techniques of technology implementation, customer relationship and advanced technology in SME Enterprises of South Africa. These techniques are needed to validate the importance of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the enhancement of SMEs in South Africa. In this entire process of research, the researcher evaluates current condition of SMEs in South Africa and the issues that are faced by these enterprises. The changes that are needed by these enterprises and their impact on organisational structure is also discussed. In addition to this, the researcher has also undertaken secondary research on the existing literature in this current topic and related topics. Therefore, the researcher was able to gain a clear insight into the study area. As SMEs are facing problems related to marketing and marking their position in the global market, useful recommendations are given to eliminate these problems. The researcher found out that SMEs need to improve policies to implement technological innovations to secure a market position for SMEs. In order to carry out the research, the researcher applied interpretivism and a deductive approach. Along with this, the qualitative research/methodology was chosen for carrying out the investigation. Qualitative data and non-probability sampling helped in collecting data. Analysis of this data was done by explaining transcripts of the interviews with the sample of entrepreneurs of South African SMEs. The researcher used a total of ten entrepreneurs from different industries in the country. Most of these entrepreneurs interviewed are from previously disadvantaged backgrounds with university degrees. The researcher made an effort to select candidates from different cities across South Africa. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Customer experience in the grocery retail sector in South Africa
- Authors: Leander, Donovan
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Customer services -- Management , Consumer satisfaction , Grocery trade-Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51743 , vital:43368
- Description: Customer Experience (CX) is the measurement of interaction between a customer and an organisation over a long time. Customer Experience is a strategic marketing effort that aims to improve the customer journey and touchpoints with the organisations’ product and services. It involves the complete customer journey – starting with the search process, purchase and after-sale processes of the experience. Google Trends identified that online users from all over the world search the key words “Customer Experience” more, often than not. This study considered a reliable measure for Customer Experience. This study endeavours to explore Customer Experience in the grocery retail sector in South Africa to put customer needs at the centre of their business. Extensive research on Customer Experience exist, however Customer Experience in the grocery retail sector in South Africa has not been measured using Professor Phillip Klaus’s new scale in CX. A broad literature review was conducted and Factors influencing Customer Experience in the grocery retail sector were identified and explored. The academic literature selected for the study is founded in the academic theories of Experienced Utility and Service-Dominant (S-D) Logic. The literature formed the foundation for the conceptual model that included the proposed Brand Experience (BE), Service Experience (SE) and Post-purchase / Consumption Experience (PE) independent factors. This treatise formed part of a bigger study of Customer Experience undertaken, using a questionnaire distributed via email, which 858 respondents completed. The study was quantitative. Data analysis included the use of descriptive and inferential statistics, Exploratory Factor Analysis, Reliability and Validity of Measurement, One-Sample T-Tests and the measurement of relationship between the factors. There is a need for companies to explore and understand CX in order to differentiate themselves strategically and to improve the bottom line. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by using academic literature and theories to explore Customer Experience in the grocery retail sector in South Africa. BE involves the customers’ perception of the brand and influence the customer’s experience. Customers look for clues to help inform their SE and expect companies to know their product and basic service promise. The findings of the study identified that BE and SE had a positive and significant influence on each other. Customers will show signs of commitment to an organisation during a positive PE. Similarly, the findings concluded that PE and CX had a statistical and practical significant positive correlation. PE was highlighted as a key determinant of CX. A positive CX will lead to a repeat purchases. Marketing managers need to take into account these factors when formulating CX strategies to influence the bottom line of the organisation. This study concludes with managerial recommendations that the grocery retail sector can implement to influence CX. Some of the recommendations include the appointment of a professional to manage all social media content; training and development opportunities for employees to enhance customer and shopping experience; and the use of customer data from loyalty programmes to promote personalised offers. In summary, a continuous review of CX with the emphasis on PE is recommended, to understand the changing needs of customers in the grocery retail sector. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Leander, Donovan
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Customer services -- Management , Consumer satisfaction , Grocery trade-Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51743 , vital:43368
- Description: Customer Experience (CX) is the measurement of interaction between a customer and an organisation over a long time. Customer Experience is a strategic marketing effort that aims to improve the customer journey and touchpoints with the organisations’ product and services. It involves the complete customer journey – starting with the search process, purchase and after-sale processes of the experience. Google Trends identified that online users from all over the world search the key words “Customer Experience” more, often than not. This study considered a reliable measure for Customer Experience. This study endeavours to explore Customer Experience in the grocery retail sector in South Africa to put customer needs at the centre of their business. Extensive research on Customer Experience exist, however Customer Experience in the grocery retail sector in South Africa has not been measured using Professor Phillip Klaus’s new scale in CX. A broad literature review was conducted and Factors influencing Customer Experience in the grocery retail sector were identified and explored. The academic literature selected for the study is founded in the academic theories of Experienced Utility and Service-Dominant (S-D) Logic. The literature formed the foundation for the conceptual model that included the proposed Brand Experience (BE), Service Experience (SE) and Post-purchase / Consumption Experience (PE) independent factors. This treatise formed part of a bigger study of Customer Experience undertaken, using a questionnaire distributed via email, which 858 respondents completed. The study was quantitative. Data analysis included the use of descriptive and inferential statistics, Exploratory Factor Analysis, Reliability and Validity of Measurement, One-Sample T-Tests and the measurement of relationship between the factors. There is a need for companies to explore and understand CX in order to differentiate themselves strategically and to improve the bottom line. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by using academic literature and theories to explore Customer Experience in the grocery retail sector in South Africa. BE involves the customers’ perception of the brand and influence the customer’s experience. Customers look for clues to help inform their SE and expect companies to know their product and basic service promise. The findings of the study identified that BE and SE had a positive and significant influence on each other. Customers will show signs of commitment to an organisation during a positive PE. Similarly, the findings concluded that PE and CX had a statistical and practical significant positive correlation. PE was highlighted as a key determinant of CX. A positive CX will lead to a repeat purchases. Marketing managers need to take into account these factors when formulating CX strategies to influence the bottom line of the organisation. This study concludes with managerial recommendations that the grocery retail sector can implement to influence CX. Some of the recommendations include the appointment of a professional to manage all social media content; training and development opportunities for employees to enhance customer and shopping experience; and the use of customer data from loyalty programmes to promote personalised offers. In summary, a continuous review of CX with the emphasis on PE is recommended, to understand the changing needs of customers in the grocery retail sector. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Investigating talent management strategies influencing the retention of employees with technical expertise at Aspen Pharmacare
- Ben-Mazwi Matolengwe, Yonela
- Authors: Ben-Mazwi Matolengwe, Yonela
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa , Talent management -- South Africa , Human capital
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50944 , vital:43174
- Description: This study examines the influence of talent management strategies on employee retention with employee engagement as a mediating variable. This study was conducted at Aspen Pharmacare Port Elizabeth site, South Africa. The population in this study is approximately 1500 employees from Aspen Pharmacare Port Elizabeth. The sampling method uses census techniques so that the number of samples used is 49 employees. The research data was collected using an online questionnaire which is then analysed using a path analysis technique using SPSS software to examine the relationships among the variables, which are: employee value proposition, work motivation and employee performance. The results show that there is a positive relationship between all talent management strategies and retention. Leadership has a largely significant correlation with retention, however, it is indicated that engagement is a mediating variable. Employees with technical expertise value the impact that leadership has in their roles at the organisation. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Ben-Mazwi Matolengwe, Yonela
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa , Talent management -- South Africa , Human capital
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50944 , vital:43174
- Description: This study examines the influence of talent management strategies on employee retention with employee engagement as a mediating variable. This study was conducted at Aspen Pharmacare Port Elizabeth site, South Africa. The population in this study is approximately 1500 employees from Aspen Pharmacare Port Elizabeth. The sampling method uses census techniques so that the number of samples used is 49 employees. The research data was collected using an online questionnaire which is then analysed using a path analysis technique using SPSS software to examine the relationships among the variables, which are: employee value proposition, work motivation and employee performance. The results show that there is a positive relationship between all talent management strategies and retention. Leadership has a largely significant correlation with retention, however, it is indicated that engagement is a mediating variable. Employees with technical expertise value the impact that leadership has in their roles at the organisation. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Grade 3 teachers’ strategies for developing learners’ reading comprehension skills in bilingual classrooms in Idutywa Education District
- Authors: Mzendana, Tembela Rosemary
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Reading (Primary) , Reading comprehension
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20119 , vital:45281
- Description: Learners’ low literacy achievements with regard to reading and writing in early schooling in South Africa remain a concern, particularly in the Foundation Phase. With regard to reading, amongst other things, Foundation Phase learners have been found to be “barking” at the text. That is an indication that they are struggling with achieving and grasping the main goal and purpose of reading, which is comprehension. In this dissertation, I explore the reading strategies teachers utilise in their grade 3 classrooms when teaching IsiXhosa and English. Participants for this study were grade 3 teachers from 2 different public schools in Idutywa District and grade 3 learners from 2 different public schools in Idutywa district. This qualitative study thus sought to investigate Grade 3 teachers’ strategies for developing learners’ reading comprehension skills in bilingual classrooms in two schools in the Idutywa Education District. Data was generated through semi-structured interviews. Amongst other issues, findings of the study revealed the following: participants reported valuing reading as an important skill that learners need to acquire academic success. Teachers demonstrated some understanding of how reading lessons are sequenced and paced. This study, thus, recommends that if learners are to acquire bilingual reading comprehension skills, both target languages should be valued and teachers be equipped on how to use these languages as resources in the classroom. , Thesis (MEd.) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Mzendana, Tembela Rosemary
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Reading (Primary) , Reading comprehension
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20119 , vital:45281
- Description: Learners’ low literacy achievements with regard to reading and writing in early schooling in South Africa remain a concern, particularly in the Foundation Phase. With regard to reading, amongst other things, Foundation Phase learners have been found to be “barking” at the text. That is an indication that they are struggling with achieving and grasping the main goal and purpose of reading, which is comprehension. In this dissertation, I explore the reading strategies teachers utilise in their grade 3 classrooms when teaching IsiXhosa and English. Participants for this study were grade 3 teachers from 2 different public schools in Idutywa District and grade 3 learners from 2 different public schools in Idutywa district. This qualitative study thus sought to investigate Grade 3 teachers’ strategies for developing learners’ reading comprehension skills in bilingual classrooms in two schools in the Idutywa Education District. Data was generated through semi-structured interviews. Amongst other issues, findings of the study revealed the following: participants reported valuing reading as an important skill that learners need to acquire academic success. Teachers demonstrated some understanding of how reading lessons are sequenced and paced. This study, thus, recommends that if learners are to acquire bilingual reading comprehension skills, both target languages should be valued and teachers be equipped on how to use these languages as resources in the classroom. , Thesis (MEd.) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Water conservation and water demand management in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Mlomzale, Kwanele
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Water conservation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Water demand management -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Water-supply -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177159 , vital:42795
- Description: Water is one of the scarce and constrained natural resource globally, and a necessity to every living creature, organism and the natural environment – it is the existence of life. Water, as an irreplaceable natural resource, plays a vital role in every country's development and prosperity, integrating socio-economic needs of both the present and future generation. Therefore, sustainable strategies and approaches or concepts are significant in ensuring that such a unique resource is preserved and conserved sustainably. Municipal environment or local government sphere creates a pivotal role in governing the use of water, through the provision of legislation, regulations and establishment of water conservation and water demand management strategies and plans. However, it has been established that there is a lack of integrated water resource management approach and planning in municipalities, creating concerns with regards to controlling the overutilisation of water and protection of water sources in general. The aim and goals of the study are to review Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality's (BCMM) water conservation and water demand management (BCMM WC/WDM) development and implementation by, assessing the existing strategy related to water conservation and water demand management; constraints and opportunity identification; and provision of recommendations in improving the practices in the municipality. The study presents core theories and empirical studies relevant to the water conservation and water demand management, and also deals with theoretical framework found under the Natural Resource-Based View and its application to water conservation and water demand management concepts. A qualitative research design approach was used for the research, which is underpinned by a post-positivism paradigm. In terms of data collection, two methods were used in the study: (i) document study and secondary analysis; and (ii) semi-structured interviews with BCMM relevant officials. The study identified gaps and inconsistencies in the development and implementation of BCMM WC/WDM strategy, although the municipality has taken some step towards its implementation. However, the strives taken by BCMM in implementing water conservation and water demand management initiatives are acknowledged. The study provides recommendations related to the findings identified upon the data collection and fieldwork. The recommendation proposed by the study includes proper communicating the BCMM WC/WDM strategy to all relevant stakeholders, focus on reducing the non-revenue water, implementation of various project related to pressure management, encourage culture of using water efficiently through educational and community awareness campaigns, capacitation of BCMM including seeking financial support, continuous review of the strategy and exploring other water supply sources to relax the already constrained existing water sources. The limitations of the study compared to the broader scope of water conservation and water demand management aspects are highlighted and acknowledged. Thus, in the conclusion of this study, further future studies are suggested to explore other related aspects of water conservation and water demand management in BCMM. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Mlomzale, Kwanele
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Water conservation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Water demand management -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Water-supply -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177159 , vital:42795
- Description: Water is one of the scarce and constrained natural resource globally, and a necessity to every living creature, organism and the natural environment – it is the existence of life. Water, as an irreplaceable natural resource, plays a vital role in every country's development and prosperity, integrating socio-economic needs of both the present and future generation. Therefore, sustainable strategies and approaches or concepts are significant in ensuring that such a unique resource is preserved and conserved sustainably. Municipal environment or local government sphere creates a pivotal role in governing the use of water, through the provision of legislation, regulations and establishment of water conservation and water demand management strategies and plans. However, it has been established that there is a lack of integrated water resource management approach and planning in municipalities, creating concerns with regards to controlling the overutilisation of water and protection of water sources in general. The aim and goals of the study are to review Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality's (BCMM) water conservation and water demand management (BCMM WC/WDM) development and implementation by, assessing the existing strategy related to water conservation and water demand management; constraints and opportunity identification; and provision of recommendations in improving the practices in the municipality. The study presents core theories and empirical studies relevant to the water conservation and water demand management, and also deals with theoretical framework found under the Natural Resource-Based View and its application to water conservation and water demand management concepts. A qualitative research design approach was used for the research, which is underpinned by a post-positivism paradigm. In terms of data collection, two methods were used in the study: (i) document study and secondary analysis; and (ii) semi-structured interviews with BCMM relevant officials. The study identified gaps and inconsistencies in the development and implementation of BCMM WC/WDM strategy, although the municipality has taken some step towards its implementation. However, the strives taken by BCMM in implementing water conservation and water demand management initiatives are acknowledged. The study provides recommendations related to the findings identified upon the data collection and fieldwork. The recommendation proposed by the study includes proper communicating the BCMM WC/WDM strategy to all relevant stakeholders, focus on reducing the non-revenue water, implementation of various project related to pressure management, encourage culture of using water efficiently through educational and community awareness campaigns, capacitation of BCMM including seeking financial support, continuous review of the strategy and exploring other water supply sources to relax the already constrained existing water sources. The limitations of the study compared to the broader scope of water conservation and water demand management aspects are highlighted and acknowledged. Thus, in the conclusion of this study, further future studies are suggested to explore other related aspects of water conservation and water demand management in BCMM. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Enriching the physical education pedagogical content knowledge of foundation phase teachers
- Kahts-Kramer, Samantha Andrea
- Authors: Kahts-Kramer, Samantha Andrea
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Physical education and training , Early childhood education -- Curricula
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51242 , vital:43236
- Description: Physical Education (PE) is vital for the holistic development of Foundation Phase learners. Foundation Phase teachers working in low resource contexts, however, being generalists rather than specialists, struggle to teach PE effectively, even when supplied with programmes by external experts. I was interested in finding out why, and what could be done to help them integrate Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) into their teaching, to benefit their learners. I proceeded from the hypothesis that teachers should play an active part in their own development, otherwise any Continual Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) would not bring about the change desired. I argued that if CPTD training and support is embedded within their context and based on teaching philosophies that foster teacher transformation, empowerment, and advocacy, then teachers might be more likely to commit to teaching PE. My aim in this study was thus to develop a collaborative process of CPTD with Foundation Phase teachers in low resource schools to enrich their pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of PE and FMS within their contexts of social disadvantage. I initially adopted a qualitative design, but during this study, I realised that a more participatory approach was needed. I therefore present my study in two phases In Phase One, I answered the question: What are Foundation Phase teachers’ experiences of implementing PE in low resource schools? I did so to inform the design of an appropriately suited CPTD model for Phase Two of this study. I used a qualitative research design situated within the interpretive paradigm. I purposively sampled 24 Foundation Phase teachers to partake in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed three broad themes, namely, personal, and systemic barriers to PE, as well as positive responses to challenges. The overlap between themes was significant, highlighting the complexity of teachers’ experiences and perceptions of PE. Teachers’ positive responses emphasised that they possess the creativity and advocacy to overcome challenges posed and necessitated that I adopt a participatory design to work with teachers to develop a collaborative form of CPTD. Phase Two of this study was guided by the questions set by the participating teachers. Ten Foundation Phase teachers from two schools volunteered to be part of the study. In Cycle One they asked: What do we need to learn to be able to effectively implement PE? The findings of Cycle One led them to ask the following question in Cycle Two: How can we improve our confidence to teach PE within our school contexts? Participants did so through collaboratively creating PE lessons which they then implemented and evaluated. The findings of Phase Two highlighted how Foundation Phase teachers can be guided to empower themselves to overcome the barriers to teaching PE that they face in their low resource schools. Based on teachers’ CPTD experiences, I then addressed the third question of this study: What CPTD guidelines can be generated to enable Foundation Phase teachers to improve on and to implement their PCK of PE and FMS at low resource schools? Five CPTD guidelines aimed at collaborative and transformative PE-based CPTD focused on whole school transformation were identified. I provide a graphic depiction of the CPTD guidelines that explains how it can be operationalised. These CPTD guidelines and process model provide valuable knowledge to inform CPTD policy and practice of PE in the Foundation Phase in low resource schools. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Kahts-Kramer, Samantha Andrea
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Physical education and training , Early childhood education -- Curricula
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51242 , vital:43236
- Description: Physical Education (PE) is vital for the holistic development of Foundation Phase learners. Foundation Phase teachers working in low resource contexts, however, being generalists rather than specialists, struggle to teach PE effectively, even when supplied with programmes by external experts. I was interested in finding out why, and what could be done to help them integrate Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) into their teaching, to benefit their learners. I proceeded from the hypothesis that teachers should play an active part in their own development, otherwise any Continual Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) would not bring about the change desired. I argued that if CPTD training and support is embedded within their context and based on teaching philosophies that foster teacher transformation, empowerment, and advocacy, then teachers might be more likely to commit to teaching PE. My aim in this study was thus to develop a collaborative process of CPTD with Foundation Phase teachers in low resource schools to enrich their pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of PE and FMS within their contexts of social disadvantage. I initially adopted a qualitative design, but during this study, I realised that a more participatory approach was needed. I therefore present my study in two phases In Phase One, I answered the question: What are Foundation Phase teachers’ experiences of implementing PE in low resource schools? I did so to inform the design of an appropriately suited CPTD model for Phase Two of this study. I used a qualitative research design situated within the interpretive paradigm. I purposively sampled 24 Foundation Phase teachers to partake in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed three broad themes, namely, personal, and systemic barriers to PE, as well as positive responses to challenges. The overlap between themes was significant, highlighting the complexity of teachers’ experiences and perceptions of PE. Teachers’ positive responses emphasised that they possess the creativity and advocacy to overcome challenges posed and necessitated that I adopt a participatory design to work with teachers to develop a collaborative form of CPTD. Phase Two of this study was guided by the questions set by the participating teachers. Ten Foundation Phase teachers from two schools volunteered to be part of the study. In Cycle One they asked: What do we need to learn to be able to effectively implement PE? The findings of Cycle One led them to ask the following question in Cycle Two: How can we improve our confidence to teach PE within our school contexts? Participants did so through collaboratively creating PE lessons which they then implemented and evaluated. The findings of Phase Two highlighted how Foundation Phase teachers can be guided to empower themselves to overcome the barriers to teaching PE that they face in their low resource schools. Based on teachers’ CPTD experiences, I then addressed the third question of this study: What CPTD guidelines can be generated to enable Foundation Phase teachers to improve on and to implement their PCK of PE and FMS at low resource schools? Five CPTD guidelines aimed at collaborative and transformative PE-based CPTD focused on whole school transformation were identified. I provide a graphic depiction of the CPTD guidelines that explains how it can be operationalised. These CPTD guidelines and process model provide valuable knowledge to inform CPTD policy and practice of PE in the Foundation Phase in low resource schools. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The substantive fairness of dismissal for operational requirements in the context of collective bargaining
- Authors: Mtshemla, Ntokozo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Collective bargaining
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51195 , vital:43222
- Description: An employer may wish to change terms and conditions of employment in order to respond to the operational needs of a business. The definition of operational requirements is not limited to initiatives aimed at ensuring the survival of a business but include measures intended to improve its performance. Changes to terms and conditions of employment ordinarily locate themselves within the realm of interest disputes which are mainly resolved through the process of collective bargaining coupled with power play. This means that an employer may not dismiss employees within the context of collective bargaining as a way of compelling compliance with a demand in relation to matters of mutual interest. Section187(1)(c) of the LRA renders any dismissal automatically unfair if the reason for the dismissal is a refusal by employees to accept a demand in respect of any matter of mutual interest. The question that arises relates to the interpretation of this section and the impact thereof on the right of the employer to retrench as envisaged in section 188(1)(a)(ii) of the LRA. This reveals the intersection between collective bargaining and dismissals for operational requirements. In other words, changes to terms and conditions of employment equally influence the performance of the business thereby also fall within the definition of operational requirements. The question therefore is when do employers’ economic needs justify a dismissal of employees who rejects changes to terms and conditions of employment? Secondly, whether or not the relevant provisions, and the whole scheme of the LRA, require retrenchments to be the measure of last resort? These issues shall be explored in this treatise with reference to the relevant provisions of the LRA and relevant case law. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Mtshemla, Ntokozo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Collective bargaining
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51195 , vital:43222
- Description: An employer may wish to change terms and conditions of employment in order to respond to the operational needs of a business. The definition of operational requirements is not limited to initiatives aimed at ensuring the survival of a business but include measures intended to improve its performance. Changes to terms and conditions of employment ordinarily locate themselves within the realm of interest disputes which are mainly resolved through the process of collective bargaining coupled with power play. This means that an employer may not dismiss employees within the context of collective bargaining as a way of compelling compliance with a demand in relation to matters of mutual interest. Section187(1)(c) of the LRA renders any dismissal automatically unfair if the reason for the dismissal is a refusal by employees to accept a demand in respect of any matter of mutual interest. The question that arises relates to the interpretation of this section and the impact thereof on the right of the employer to retrench as envisaged in section 188(1)(a)(ii) of the LRA. This reveals the intersection between collective bargaining and dismissals for operational requirements. In other words, changes to terms and conditions of employment equally influence the performance of the business thereby also fall within the definition of operational requirements. The question therefore is when do employers’ economic needs justify a dismissal of employees who rejects changes to terms and conditions of employment? Secondly, whether or not the relevant provisions, and the whole scheme of the LRA, require retrenchments to be the measure of last resort? These issues shall be explored in this treatise with reference to the relevant provisions of the LRA and relevant case law. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
An analysis of the employability of civil engineering graduate technicians
- Authors: Ikudayisi, Akinola Mayowa
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Job hunting , Career development , Labor market
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51578 , vital:43312
- Description: In South Africa, a severe shortage of professional engineers exists compared to the international benchmark of an average population per engineer. This shortage is one of the major causes of poor service and utility delivery at the municipal level. In addition, there is an insufficient number of competent engineers available for ongoing projects. Hence, there is a critical shortage of experienced, engineering professionals, particularly mid-career engineers to be responsible for production works. As a result, Universities of Technology (UoT) were tasked and authorised to train engineering professionals. From research, it was discovered that most of the Civil Engineering Graduate Technicians (CEGT) failed to acquire and develop relevant and essential industry skills during their engineering programme. This makes it difficult for them to be employed in the engineering workplaces. The departments of civil engineering in some South African universities have not evaluated the quality of the education of their CEGT and their employability to work in the engineering industry. This research therefore aims to measure the employability and quality of education of Civil Engineering Graduate Technicians from some South African universities by investigating the experiences of civil engineering alumni and employers of graduates in the engineering industry. This is to determine if the graduate technicians are provided and equipped with relevant industry competencies and skills set to meet the industry’s expectation. An online survey which contains 89 closed-ended questions was designed to allow alumni and their employers assess the standard of education of graduates and industry competence acquired during their engineering programmes. The Universal Resource Link (URL) to the online questionnaire was sent to a sample of 600 respondents using a web-based survey approach. Only seventeen percent of the targeted population completed the survey and that makes 102 respondents in this study. A conceptual model that measures the employability of Civil Engineering Graduate Technicians was also developed. The data gathered was statistically analysed. Varying descriptive and inferential statistics were explored, such as frequency distributions, central measure, dispersion measure, the Cronbach alpha coefficient test, one-sample t-tests, Cohen’s d, Pearson’s product moment correlation, ANOVA, MANOVA, ranking indices and lastly, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The EFA was employed to ensure the construct validity of the instrument and to identify items which should be removed. Each of these statistics cumulatively performs an empirical evaluation of the Civil Engineering Graduate Technician employability model. From the result of the data analysis, the hypothesised model identified the following factors as having an influence on the employability of Civil Engineering Graduate Technicians: Knowledge Gained, Academic Staff Teaching, Engineering Design Ability, Individual and Teamwork Ability, Participation of each Student, Infrastructure Provided, Problem Solving Skills, Professional and Technical Communication Skills, Workplace Practices, Encouragement in School and Essentiality of Creativity and Innovation. These eleven independent factors from Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient were all found to possess good internal reliability. They all exert a significant positive effect on employability. Additionally, managerial recommendations, limitations to the study and a call for future research were discussed. If these recommendations are implemented, UoTs and employers in the civil engineering industry should be successful in producing work-ready civil engineering technicians. Having these recommendations implemented is fundamental to creating innovative and skilled technicians and engineers in the engineering industry, who can adapt to market changes. Of the competencies assessed, “Individual and Teamwork ability” received the highest and “Infrastructure provided” the lowest rating. Overall, the results indicate that employers are reasonably satisfied with the competencies of Civil Engineering Graduate Technicians but point to the need for the strengthening of “Engineering design ability”, “Professional and technical communication skills” and “Infrastructure provided” competencies within the curriculum of the Diploma programme. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Ikudayisi, Akinola Mayowa
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Job hunting , Career development , Labor market
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51578 , vital:43312
- Description: In South Africa, a severe shortage of professional engineers exists compared to the international benchmark of an average population per engineer. This shortage is one of the major causes of poor service and utility delivery at the municipal level. In addition, there is an insufficient number of competent engineers available for ongoing projects. Hence, there is a critical shortage of experienced, engineering professionals, particularly mid-career engineers to be responsible for production works. As a result, Universities of Technology (UoT) were tasked and authorised to train engineering professionals. From research, it was discovered that most of the Civil Engineering Graduate Technicians (CEGT) failed to acquire and develop relevant and essential industry skills during their engineering programme. This makes it difficult for them to be employed in the engineering workplaces. The departments of civil engineering in some South African universities have not evaluated the quality of the education of their CEGT and their employability to work in the engineering industry. This research therefore aims to measure the employability and quality of education of Civil Engineering Graduate Technicians from some South African universities by investigating the experiences of civil engineering alumni and employers of graduates in the engineering industry. This is to determine if the graduate technicians are provided and equipped with relevant industry competencies and skills set to meet the industry’s expectation. An online survey which contains 89 closed-ended questions was designed to allow alumni and their employers assess the standard of education of graduates and industry competence acquired during their engineering programmes. The Universal Resource Link (URL) to the online questionnaire was sent to a sample of 600 respondents using a web-based survey approach. Only seventeen percent of the targeted population completed the survey and that makes 102 respondents in this study. A conceptual model that measures the employability of Civil Engineering Graduate Technicians was also developed. The data gathered was statistically analysed. Varying descriptive and inferential statistics were explored, such as frequency distributions, central measure, dispersion measure, the Cronbach alpha coefficient test, one-sample t-tests, Cohen’s d, Pearson’s product moment correlation, ANOVA, MANOVA, ranking indices and lastly, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The EFA was employed to ensure the construct validity of the instrument and to identify items which should be removed. Each of these statistics cumulatively performs an empirical evaluation of the Civil Engineering Graduate Technician employability model. From the result of the data analysis, the hypothesised model identified the following factors as having an influence on the employability of Civil Engineering Graduate Technicians: Knowledge Gained, Academic Staff Teaching, Engineering Design Ability, Individual and Teamwork Ability, Participation of each Student, Infrastructure Provided, Problem Solving Skills, Professional and Technical Communication Skills, Workplace Practices, Encouragement in School and Essentiality of Creativity and Innovation. These eleven independent factors from Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient were all found to possess good internal reliability. They all exert a significant positive effect on employability. Additionally, managerial recommendations, limitations to the study and a call for future research were discussed. If these recommendations are implemented, UoTs and employers in the civil engineering industry should be successful in producing work-ready civil engineering technicians. Having these recommendations implemented is fundamental to creating innovative and skilled technicians and engineers in the engineering industry, who can adapt to market changes. Of the competencies assessed, “Individual and Teamwork ability” received the highest and “Infrastructure provided” the lowest rating. Overall, the results indicate that employers are reasonably satisfied with the competencies of Civil Engineering Graduate Technicians but point to the need for the strengthening of “Engineering design ability”, “Professional and technical communication skills” and “Infrastructure provided” competencies within the curriculum of the Diploma programme. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A psychobiographical study of Harvey Milk
- Authors: Pretorius, Neil Zietsman
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gay rights , Psychology -- Biographical methods
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51600 , vital:43321
- Description: The aim of the study was to explore and describe Harvey Milk’s identity development and performance from the theoretical perspective of Narrative Therapy. Harvey (1930-1978), was an American Gay Rights activist who became one of the first openly gay political candidates to be elected to public office in the United States in 1977, before being assassinated in 1978. The study was conducted within a postmodern Social Constructionist epistemology which applied Michael White and David Epston’s (1990) Narrative Therapy as a particular theoretical lens to understand Harvey’s lived experiences. Harvey was chosen as the research subject based on his ability to construct his public identity as an openly gay politician and activist in defiance of the contemporarily dominant heteronormative discourse, despite the danger this posed to his personal safety. His selection was made through purposive sampling which facilitated a qualitative, single case psychobiographical study. Data on Harvey was obtained from both primary and secondary sources available in the public domain, and was analysed using Narrative Therapy concepts that describe individual identity. The study’s findings detail the narrative processes Harvey underwent and the discursive influences he experienced to move from being a closeted gay man, who hid his sexuality from public view, to an openly gay trailblazing Gay Rights activist, who fiercely challenged the norms and effects of heteronormativity on both his own life and that of his gay community. The study emphasises the value of psychobiography and Narrative Therapy to understand individual identity construction and performance. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Pretorius, Neil Zietsman
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gay rights , Psychology -- Biographical methods
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51600 , vital:43321
- Description: The aim of the study was to explore and describe Harvey Milk’s identity development and performance from the theoretical perspective of Narrative Therapy. Harvey (1930-1978), was an American Gay Rights activist who became one of the first openly gay political candidates to be elected to public office in the United States in 1977, before being assassinated in 1978. The study was conducted within a postmodern Social Constructionist epistemology which applied Michael White and David Epston’s (1990) Narrative Therapy as a particular theoretical lens to understand Harvey’s lived experiences. Harvey was chosen as the research subject based on his ability to construct his public identity as an openly gay politician and activist in defiance of the contemporarily dominant heteronormative discourse, despite the danger this posed to his personal safety. His selection was made through purposive sampling which facilitated a qualitative, single case psychobiographical study. Data on Harvey was obtained from both primary and secondary sources available in the public domain, and was analysed using Narrative Therapy concepts that describe individual identity. The study’s findings detail the narrative processes Harvey underwent and the discursive influences he experienced to move from being a closeted gay man, who hid his sexuality from public view, to an openly gay trailblazing Gay Rights activist, who fiercely challenged the norms and effects of heteronormativity on both his own life and that of his gay community. The study emphasises the value of psychobiography and Narrative Therapy to understand individual identity construction and performance. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The development of a framework to assess the effectiveness of the existing viability based lending format of development funding institutions to facilitate increased financial inclusion; recent evidence from the SME sector in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
- Authors: Mkhize, Bukhosi Walter
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52999 , vital:44867
- Description: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) internationally have a significant involvement in global economies, as they often are key drivers of economic growth through job creation, increasing production volumes, increased exports and imports. SMEs’ access to development finance and other financing products in the market remains one of the most significant constraints to the establishment, survival, growth, and productivity of SMEs. The South African Government has enacted policies to support SME development and enhance financial inclusion; however, the financing gap has proven to be persistent. Most SMEs cannot access various development and commercial credit funding due to a number of reasons, such as: the detailed complex financial documentation, own contribution and collateral required by finance institutions to grant loan finance; high cost involved in raising loan funding and high punitive interest rates due to the perceived high risk nature of the SMEs; and long time frames for the economic viability and business sustainability assessment processes for credit approval. In this study, a broad analysis of a viability based lending format of a development funding institution was conducted with the intention to develop a framework to assess its effectiveness to facilitate increased financial inclusion in the SMEs sector in KwaZulu-Natal. The study used the literature review to identify key factors that have an impact on economic viability and business sustainability/feasibility in terms of how these factors influence perceived financial inclusion of SMEs. The empirical section of the study tested SMEs’ perceptions and understanding of the concepts that influence the economic viability and business sustainability/feasibility of the SME sector. Strong evidence emerged from the empirical study that SMEs lack crucial resources such as own contribution to achieve an optimal equity structure in the business, lack of grant funding information available to support SMEs, lack of collateral required for funding security, lack of business support available to SMEs to compile comprehensive business plans and lack of own resources to manage various aspects of the business. Without appropriate coordination of the SMEs’ ecosystem, financial inclusion for SMEs will remain a challenge. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Mkhize, Bukhosi Walter
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52999 , vital:44867
- Description: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) internationally have a significant involvement in global economies, as they often are key drivers of economic growth through job creation, increasing production volumes, increased exports and imports. SMEs’ access to development finance and other financing products in the market remains one of the most significant constraints to the establishment, survival, growth, and productivity of SMEs. The South African Government has enacted policies to support SME development and enhance financial inclusion; however, the financing gap has proven to be persistent. Most SMEs cannot access various development and commercial credit funding due to a number of reasons, such as: the detailed complex financial documentation, own contribution and collateral required by finance institutions to grant loan finance; high cost involved in raising loan funding and high punitive interest rates due to the perceived high risk nature of the SMEs; and long time frames for the economic viability and business sustainability assessment processes for credit approval. In this study, a broad analysis of a viability based lending format of a development funding institution was conducted with the intention to develop a framework to assess its effectiveness to facilitate increased financial inclusion in the SMEs sector in KwaZulu-Natal. The study used the literature review to identify key factors that have an impact on economic viability and business sustainability/feasibility in terms of how these factors influence perceived financial inclusion of SMEs. The empirical section of the study tested SMEs’ perceptions and understanding of the concepts that influence the economic viability and business sustainability/feasibility of the SME sector. Strong evidence emerged from the empirical study that SMEs lack crucial resources such as own contribution to achieve an optimal equity structure in the business, lack of grant funding information available to support SMEs, lack of collateral required for funding security, lack of business support available to SMEs to compile comprehensive business plans and lack of own resources to manage various aspects of the business. Without appropriate coordination of the SMEs’ ecosystem, financial inclusion for SMEs will remain a challenge. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Economic impact of climate change on maize production in the Free State Province, South Africa
- Authors: Johnson, Richard Cowper
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Corn -- Climatic factors -- South Africa -- Free State , Climatic changes -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Free State , Climate change mitigation -- South Africa -- Free State , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Free State
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174365 , vital:42471
- Description: Higher concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere is a major influence on climate change globally. Climate change is caused by greenhouse gases trapping too much heat from the sun in the atmosphere and thus, altering the climate through a rise in global surface temperatures and changing precipitation patterns. CO2 is the most prominent greenhouse gas found in the atmosphere and it is reported that by the turn of the century the CO2 concentration levels will have doubled if the current rate of emissions continues. However, the increase in atmospheric levels of the gas has been found to increase the capacity of maize plants and their water use efficiency to achieve higher yields through CO2 fertilisation. Simulation experiments conducted by the Rhodes University Botany Department found that the effect of elevated levels of CO2 of double the current concentration offsets the negative effects of drought on maize. A case study was conducted on commercial maize farmers in two regions of the Free State province in South Africa to estimate the economic impact of climate change on maize production. Although production is increasing in the province, adaptation to the changing climate is key to the sustainability of production. There is a trade-off between the negative effects of higher CO2 levels changing the climate and the positive effect of CO2 fertilisation. As predicted, the economic impact of climate change is the disruption of farming practices and the increase in costs of production as a result of adapting to climate change. Using a gross margin analysis, the study found that the larger maize farmers who benefit from economies of scale are able to adapt and grow their production whilst the smaller farmers are being pushed out of the market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Johnson, Richard Cowper
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Corn -- Climatic factors -- South Africa -- Free State , Climatic changes -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Free State , Climate change mitigation -- South Africa -- Free State , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Free State
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174365 , vital:42471
- Description: Higher concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere is a major influence on climate change globally. Climate change is caused by greenhouse gases trapping too much heat from the sun in the atmosphere and thus, altering the climate through a rise in global surface temperatures and changing precipitation patterns. CO2 is the most prominent greenhouse gas found in the atmosphere and it is reported that by the turn of the century the CO2 concentration levels will have doubled if the current rate of emissions continues. However, the increase in atmospheric levels of the gas has been found to increase the capacity of maize plants and their water use efficiency to achieve higher yields through CO2 fertilisation. Simulation experiments conducted by the Rhodes University Botany Department found that the effect of elevated levels of CO2 of double the current concentration offsets the negative effects of drought on maize. A case study was conducted on commercial maize farmers in two regions of the Free State province in South Africa to estimate the economic impact of climate change on maize production. Although production is increasing in the province, adaptation to the changing climate is key to the sustainability of production. There is a trade-off between the negative effects of higher CO2 levels changing the climate and the positive effect of CO2 fertilisation. As predicted, the economic impact of climate change is the disruption of farming practices and the increase in costs of production as a result of adapting to climate change. Using a gross margin analysis, the study found that the larger maize farmers who benefit from economies of scale are able to adapt and grow their production whilst the smaller farmers are being pushed out of the market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Export diversification, export specialization and economic growth in G20 countries
- Authors: Siswana, Sinesipho
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: International economic relations , Macroeconomics , Economics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52621 , vital:43693
- Description: This study sought out to empirically investigate whether it is export diversification or export concentration that would help achieve and sustain higher economic growth in the G20 countries using data over the period of 1995 to 2017. The empirical analysis uses the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model within a Pooled Mean Group (PMG) to evaluate the existence of a long run cointegration and as a baseline for examining whether the relationship between export diversification (concentration) and growth is nonlinear through a Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model. The ARDL model confirms that the is a long run cointegration between the variables where both export diversification and concentration have a positive impact on growth. On the other hand, the NARDL model confirms that the relationship between export diversification and growth in the G20 countries is a nonlinear where a positive change in diversification has a negative effect on growth, while negative changes have a positive effect, thus, diversification has a negative effect on growth. The NARDL results for concentration do not confirm any nonlinearities, this implies that both positive and negative changes in concentration have negative and statistically insignificant effects on growth. Both the panel ARDL and panel NARDL model are superior models that can account and correct any serial autocorrelation that may exist, thus making the results robust enough. Seemingly, that both export diversification and concentration have a negative effect on growth and this effect may be attributed to the sample being a mixture of developed and developing economies, the study further analysed the effect on to sub-samples (G7 and non-G7). The results for the G7 panel show that there is no evidence of a nonlinear relationship between growth and concentration, as a positive change has a positive effect and a negative change has a negative effect. Overall, the G7 NARDL results are show that concentration will accelerate growth in developed economies in the long run more than diversification. The results for the non-G7 panel the NARDL results show that there is a linear relationship between export diversification (concentration) and growth. The overall, results of the study suggest, that for the G20 countries developmental levels need to be considered in order to know the correct export composition strategy to adopt in order to accelerate growth. With that said, in developed countries like the G7 export concentration would be beneficial in accelerating growth, while in developing countries like the non-G7 countries export diversification would accelerate growth. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences , Economics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Siswana, Sinesipho
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: International economic relations , Macroeconomics , Economics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52621 , vital:43693
- Description: This study sought out to empirically investigate whether it is export diversification or export concentration that would help achieve and sustain higher economic growth in the G20 countries using data over the period of 1995 to 2017. The empirical analysis uses the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model within a Pooled Mean Group (PMG) to evaluate the existence of a long run cointegration and as a baseline for examining whether the relationship between export diversification (concentration) and growth is nonlinear through a Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model. The ARDL model confirms that the is a long run cointegration between the variables where both export diversification and concentration have a positive impact on growth. On the other hand, the NARDL model confirms that the relationship between export diversification and growth in the G20 countries is a nonlinear where a positive change in diversification has a negative effect on growth, while negative changes have a positive effect, thus, diversification has a negative effect on growth. The NARDL results for concentration do not confirm any nonlinearities, this implies that both positive and negative changes in concentration have negative and statistically insignificant effects on growth. Both the panel ARDL and panel NARDL model are superior models that can account and correct any serial autocorrelation that may exist, thus making the results robust enough. Seemingly, that both export diversification and concentration have a negative effect on growth and this effect may be attributed to the sample being a mixture of developed and developing economies, the study further analysed the effect on to sub-samples (G7 and non-G7). The results for the G7 panel show that there is no evidence of a nonlinear relationship between growth and concentration, as a positive change has a positive effect and a negative change has a negative effect. Overall, the G7 NARDL results are show that concentration will accelerate growth in developed economies in the long run more than diversification. The results for the non-G7 panel the NARDL results show that there is a linear relationship between export diversification (concentration) and growth. The overall, results of the study suggest, that for the G20 countries developmental levels need to be considered in order to know the correct export composition strategy to adopt in order to accelerate growth. With that said, in developed countries like the G7 export concentration would be beneficial in accelerating growth, while in developing countries like the non-G7 countries export diversification would accelerate growth. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences , Economics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Using the indigenous technology of dyeing and weaving African baskets as a cultural tool to mediate learning of chemical and physical changes
- Authors: Kakambi, William Mafelezo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia , Chemistry -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia , Ethnoscience -- Namibia , Culturally relevant pedagogy , Traditional ecological knowledge -- Namibia , Basket making -- Namibia , Dyes and dyeing -- Namibia , Pedagogical content knowledge
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177268 , vital:42805
- Description: Literature has revealed that indigenous learners, especially in many African nations are subjected to learning school science in unfamiliar contexts. Learners in Namibia where this study was conducted are no exception. In consequence, learners experience cognitive conflict between school science and the experiences learnt at home and in the community. This is exacerbated, in part, by the fact that science teachers do not seem to know how to integrate indigenous knowledge in their science teaching. As an attempt to address this problem, some scholars call for the integration of indigenous knowledge into the science curriculum to provide a much needed context for learning science. It is against this background that this study sought to use the indigenous technology of dyeing and weaving baskets as a cultural tool to mediate learning of chemical and physical changes. Underpinned by the interpretivist and Ubuntu paradigms, the study employed a qualitative case study research design. The study was conducted in the Zambezi region in Namibia. Four grade 8 Physical Science teachers, an expert community member, and a critical friend were involved as participants in this study. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews, workshop discussions, participatory observation, and journal reflections. Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory and Mavhunga and Rollnick’s topic specific pedagogical content knowledge were used as theoretical and analytical frameworks, respectively. A thematic approach to data analysis was employed to come up with sub-themes and themes. The findings of the study revealed that all the participating teachers in this study had never been exposed to ideas on how to integrate indigenous knowledge in their science teaching. As a result, they all embraced and valued the indigenous technology of dyeing and weaving as relevant and useful in the teaching and learning of chemical and physical changes. This study recommends that there is a need to empower science teachers on how to integrate indigenous knowledge in their science teaching in order to make science accessible and relevant to their learners’ lived worlds. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Kakambi, William Mafelezo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia , Chemistry -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia , Ethnoscience -- Namibia , Culturally relevant pedagogy , Traditional ecological knowledge -- Namibia , Basket making -- Namibia , Dyes and dyeing -- Namibia , Pedagogical content knowledge
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177268 , vital:42805
- Description: Literature has revealed that indigenous learners, especially in many African nations are subjected to learning school science in unfamiliar contexts. Learners in Namibia where this study was conducted are no exception. In consequence, learners experience cognitive conflict between school science and the experiences learnt at home and in the community. This is exacerbated, in part, by the fact that science teachers do not seem to know how to integrate indigenous knowledge in their science teaching. As an attempt to address this problem, some scholars call for the integration of indigenous knowledge into the science curriculum to provide a much needed context for learning science. It is against this background that this study sought to use the indigenous technology of dyeing and weaving baskets as a cultural tool to mediate learning of chemical and physical changes. Underpinned by the interpretivist and Ubuntu paradigms, the study employed a qualitative case study research design. The study was conducted in the Zambezi region in Namibia. Four grade 8 Physical Science teachers, an expert community member, and a critical friend were involved as participants in this study. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews, workshop discussions, participatory observation, and journal reflections. Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory and Mavhunga and Rollnick’s topic specific pedagogical content knowledge were used as theoretical and analytical frameworks, respectively. A thematic approach to data analysis was employed to come up with sub-themes and themes. The findings of the study revealed that all the participating teachers in this study had never been exposed to ideas on how to integrate indigenous knowledge in their science teaching. As a result, they all embraced and valued the indigenous technology of dyeing and weaving as relevant and useful in the teaching and learning of chemical and physical changes. This study recommends that there is a need to empower science teachers on how to integrate indigenous knowledge in their science teaching in order to make science accessible and relevant to their learners’ lived worlds. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Product-dust levels released from pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment and related health-based exposure risks
- Authors: Van der Vyver, Pieter Smuts
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- Equipment and supplies
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51936 , vital:43401
- Description: The study evaluated the product-dust levels that were released from manufacturing equipment during routine manufacturing of highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients. The study was performed at a high containment manufacturing facility for Product X. These assessments are necessary to evaluate the level of containment performance in correlation with health-based exposure limits; and from this, to develop proper control strategies for the workplace. The equipment that was evaluated in this study included barrier systems (isolators, isolation boxes), dust-proof decanting systems (split valves), soft connections covered with continuous liners, and airtight intermediate bulk containers. Methodology The amount of uncontrolled product-dust that was released during the manufacturing process was quantified by establishing an air and surface monitoring programme. This was then compared to health-based exposure levels (HBEL’s) to ensure operator safety and to implement an effective control strategy. Air monitoring involves the sampling of airborne particles through filtration of the air with a filter using a sampling pump to draw a quantifiable volume of air through the filter. The filter is then tested in a laboratory which extracts and quantifies the amount of highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredient (HPAPI) on the filter. Surface monitoring is used to assess the level of product contamination on a surface. The technique uses a suitable adsorbent material to physically adsorb surface contaminants from the surface by wiping or swabbing. Protocols were designed based on a risk assessment that took the manufacturing process, literature, and facility design into consideration. Results The HBEL level of 0.2 μg/m3 that was calculated for the manufacturing process of Product X was found to be lower than the HBEL of 1.4 μg/m3; and consequently, the level of operator exposure was well within the acceptable occupational exposure limits. All surface monitoring results passed the acceptance criteria of less than 0.032 mg/100 cm2 except for excursions that occurred during breaches in containment. Conclusion The air monitoring programme facilitated the quantification of the product-dust levels that were released into the primary manufacturing areas; which could then be verified against the HBEL of Product X. The surface monitoring programme facilitated the quantification of the product residue on non-product contact surfaces in the facility; which could then be verified against the HBEL of Product X. The objectives of the study were met for Level 2 of the high containment suite as it was possible to calculate the product-dust released from the manufacturing equipment and the product residue on external equipment surfaces and non-product contact surfaces in order to verify these levels against the relevant HBEL’s. The study enabled the assessment and impact on the current control measures, and recommendations were given to develop the control strategy. , Thesis (MPharm) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Van der Vyver, Pieter Smuts
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- Equipment and supplies
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51936 , vital:43401
- Description: The study evaluated the product-dust levels that were released from manufacturing equipment during routine manufacturing of highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients. The study was performed at a high containment manufacturing facility for Product X. These assessments are necessary to evaluate the level of containment performance in correlation with health-based exposure limits; and from this, to develop proper control strategies for the workplace. The equipment that was evaluated in this study included barrier systems (isolators, isolation boxes), dust-proof decanting systems (split valves), soft connections covered with continuous liners, and airtight intermediate bulk containers. Methodology The amount of uncontrolled product-dust that was released during the manufacturing process was quantified by establishing an air and surface monitoring programme. This was then compared to health-based exposure levels (HBEL’s) to ensure operator safety and to implement an effective control strategy. Air monitoring involves the sampling of airborne particles through filtration of the air with a filter using a sampling pump to draw a quantifiable volume of air through the filter. The filter is then tested in a laboratory which extracts and quantifies the amount of highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredient (HPAPI) on the filter. Surface monitoring is used to assess the level of product contamination on a surface. The technique uses a suitable adsorbent material to physically adsorb surface contaminants from the surface by wiping or swabbing. Protocols were designed based on a risk assessment that took the manufacturing process, literature, and facility design into consideration. Results The HBEL level of 0.2 μg/m3 that was calculated for the manufacturing process of Product X was found to be lower than the HBEL of 1.4 μg/m3; and consequently, the level of operator exposure was well within the acceptable occupational exposure limits. All surface monitoring results passed the acceptance criteria of less than 0.032 mg/100 cm2 except for excursions that occurred during breaches in containment. Conclusion The air monitoring programme facilitated the quantification of the product-dust levels that were released into the primary manufacturing areas; which could then be verified against the HBEL of Product X. The surface monitoring programme facilitated the quantification of the product residue on non-product contact surfaces in the facility; which could then be verified against the HBEL of Product X. The objectives of the study were met for Level 2 of the high containment suite as it was possible to calculate the product-dust released from the manufacturing equipment and the product residue on external equipment surfaces and non-product contact surfaces in order to verify these levels against the relevant HBEL’s. The study enabled the assessment and impact on the current control measures, and recommendations were given to develop the control strategy. , Thesis (MPharm) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04