Overall experience of expatriate TEFL teachers in China using positive and negative affectivity
- Authors: Berman, Gabriella Kirsty
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers , English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign countries , Teachers, Foreign -- China
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50955 , vital:43175
- Description: Mirroring the growth in the global population, there is a growth in unemployment and due to the current global COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment statistics are set to soar. In many countries, the lack of quality working opportunities results in qualified, educated and trained people (often the youth) opting to emigrate in order to pursue better quality jobs as well as to increase their standard of living and reduce their socio-economic costs, known as the “brain drain” phenomenon. While there are many work opportunities which youth are pursuing, teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) in a foreign country has become a very popular option, specifically in China. According to the Experience Model by Pine and Gilmore, the overall experience an individual has will be impacted by different factors, with the experience of being a foreign TEFL teacher in China being no exception. Furthermore, following the principles of human affectivity, the individual’s personal disposition or affectivity towards the activity will also influence their experience. It is therefore of interest to distinguish which factors influence the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China. From the comprehensive literature reviews, a proposed theoretical framework was constructed to identify the influence which social influences, work environment, location, cultural aspects, monetary benefits and non-monetary benefits (independent variables) have on the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China (independent variable). Six sets of hypotheses were formulated relating to the identified variables and through empirical research, it was decided whether the hypotheses of this study were accepted or rejected. In order to establish the influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable of this study, empirical research was conducted. The study employed a positivistic paradigm and a quantitative approach. The sample population of this study was TEFL teachers, who were teaching in China, during the time of the study. Due to the fact that no true sample frame exists for TEFL teachers who are working in China, non-probability sampling, more specifically, convenience sampling, was used to select respondents. Respondents were reached through online social media platforms. For the purpose of this study, online surveys were utilised as a data collection method and the specific data collection instrument was a web-based self-administered questionnaire. Section A of the questionnaire was used to collect the demographic data of the respondents, while Section B – Section G related to the variables of the study. A total of 379 usable questionnaires were received from a possible 479 respondents, indicating an 80.2% response rate. The study made use of descriptive (measure of central tendency as well as standard deviation and skewness of the data set) as well as inferential (Spearman’s correlation coefficient, ANOVA’s, Tukey Test, Cohen’s d, Kruskal-Wallis test and ordinal regression) statistics to interpret the raw data quantitatively, which was graphically illustrated. The empirical investigation conducted in this study between the variables, and sub-variables, revealed significant relationships between social influences (the presence of an expat community, the potential influence of a language barrier, acceptance by locals, access to healthcare), work environment (the work conditions of the TEFL teacher, specific working hours), location (the standard of accommodation provide, the specific city in which the TEFL teacher works and resides), cultural aspects (the lifestyle TEFL teachers are known to have, increased tourism opportunity), monetary benefits, and nonmonetary benefits and the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China. Within this study, the independent variables social influences, work environment, location cultural aspects and monetary benefits presented the highest correlation with the dependent variable, the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China. Additionally, of the above-mentioned variables, it was established that respondents with a higher monetary benefits factor score, were 3.64 times more likely to have a more positive overall experience, while respondents with a higher social influences factor score, were 2.80 times more likely to have a more positive overall experience. Based on the empirical findings, and corresponding literature findings, of this study, recommendations were provided to both aspiring TEFL teachers as well as to the institution in China who employ expatriate TEFL teachers regarding the variables of this study. The limitations of this study comprised of a lack of time; minimal budget; slow questionnaire response or access to respondents, and; availability of reliable resources to support the study. Finally, based on the findings of this study, the researcher made recommendation for future areas of study. The research conducted indicates the importance of the influence of the variables identified in this study on the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China. Through this study it is hoped that the experience of TEFL teaching in China can be brought to light, and enable the experience to be bettered for aspiring TEFL teachers, as well as for the institutions who employ them, as the phenomenon has an influence, not only on these two parties, but on host nationals of the country. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Marketing, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Berman, Gabriella Kirsty
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers , English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign countries , Teachers, Foreign -- China
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50955 , vital:43175
- Description: Mirroring the growth in the global population, there is a growth in unemployment and due to the current global COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment statistics are set to soar. In many countries, the lack of quality working opportunities results in qualified, educated and trained people (often the youth) opting to emigrate in order to pursue better quality jobs as well as to increase their standard of living and reduce their socio-economic costs, known as the “brain drain” phenomenon. While there are many work opportunities which youth are pursuing, teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) in a foreign country has become a very popular option, specifically in China. According to the Experience Model by Pine and Gilmore, the overall experience an individual has will be impacted by different factors, with the experience of being a foreign TEFL teacher in China being no exception. Furthermore, following the principles of human affectivity, the individual’s personal disposition or affectivity towards the activity will also influence their experience. It is therefore of interest to distinguish which factors influence the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China. From the comprehensive literature reviews, a proposed theoretical framework was constructed to identify the influence which social influences, work environment, location, cultural aspects, monetary benefits and non-monetary benefits (independent variables) have on the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China (independent variable). Six sets of hypotheses were formulated relating to the identified variables and through empirical research, it was decided whether the hypotheses of this study were accepted or rejected. In order to establish the influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable of this study, empirical research was conducted. The study employed a positivistic paradigm and a quantitative approach. The sample population of this study was TEFL teachers, who were teaching in China, during the time of the study. Due to the fact that no true sample frame exists for TEFL teachers who are working in China, non-probability sampling, more specifically, convenience sampling, was used to select respondents. Respondents were reached through online social media platforms. For the purpose of this study, online surveys were utilised as a data collection method and the specific data collection instrument was a web-based self-administered questionnaire. Section A of the questionnaire was used to collect the demographic data of the respondents, while Section B – Section G related to the variables of the study. A total of 379 usable questionnaires were received from a possible 479 respondents, indicating an 80.2% response rate. The study made use of descriptive (measure of central tendency as well as standard deviation and skewness of the data set) as well as inferential (Spearman’s correlation coefficient, ANOVA’s, Tukey Test, Cohen’s d, Kruskal-Wallis test and ordinal regression) statistics to interpret the raw data quantitatively, which was graphically illustrated. The empirical investigation conducted in this study between the variables, and sub-variables, revealed significant relationships between social influences (the presence of an expat community, the potential influence of a language barrier, acceptance by locals, access to healthcare), work environment (the work conditions of the TEFL teacher, specific working hours), location (the standard of accommodation provide, the specific city in which the TEFL teacher works and resides), cultural aspects (the lifestyle TEFL teachers are known to have, increased tourism opportunity), monetary benefits, and nonmonetary benefits and the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China. Within this study, the independent variables social influences, work environment, location cultural aspects and monetary benefits presented the highest correlation with the dependent variable, the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China. Additionally, of the above-mentioned variables, it was established that respondents with a higher monetary benefits factor score, were 3.64 times more likely to have a more positive overall experience, while respondents with a higher social influences factor score, were 2.80 times more likely to have a more positive overall experience. Based on the empirical findings, and corresponding literature findings, of this study, recommendations were provided to both aspiring TEFL teachers as well as to the institution in China who employ expatriate TEFL teachers regarding the variables of this study. The limitations of this study comprised of a lack of time; minimal budget; slow questionnaire response or access to respondents, and; availability of reliable resources to support the study. Finally, based on the findings of this study, the researcher made recommendation for future areas of study. The research conducted indicates the importance of the influence of the variables identified in this study on the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China. Through this study it is hoped that the experience of TEFL teaching in China can be brought to light, and enable the experience to be bettered for aspiring TEFL teachers, as well as for the institutions who employ them, as the phenomenon has an influence, not only on these two parties, but on host nationals of the country. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Marketing, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Estimating Bayesian tolerance intervals for a two - factor factorial model
- Authors: Besele, Kagiso Francis
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqenerha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Mathematical statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52302 , vital:43587
- Description: Quality improvement efforts have become the cornerstone of all manufacturing processes. Quality can be defined in terms of variability reduction, and since variability is a statistical concept, statistical techniques such as statistical quality control present techniques for assessing process variation. Methods such as experimental design provide a way to ascertain factor relationships and give a basis for computing variability that arises from each process variable, ultimately providing a way of calculating total process variability. This in turn results in variance components and eventually variance component estimation. As with any statistical model, estimates may be classified in any one of two ways, point estimates or interval estimates. Interval estimates that provide information about an entire population, and not only information on a few observations from a sample or knowledge about only a population parameter, are known as tolerance intervals. Wolfinger (1998) provided a Bayesian simulationbased approach for ascertaining three types of tolerance intervals using a balanced one-way random effects model. In this study, the method initially proposed by Wolfinger (1998), is extended in order to estimate tolerance intervals for the balanced two-way crossed classification random effects model with interaction. The suggested and derived techniques will be applied to the thermal impedance data initially collected by Houf and Berman (1988), and the method presented by Wolfinger (1998) will be expanded to also include the estimation of tolerance intervals for averages of observations from new or unknown measurements. This Bayesian approach provides a thorough but yet simplistic paradigm to using tolerance intervals in manufacturing settings. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Besele, Kagiso Francis
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqenerha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Mathematical statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52302 , vital:43587
- Description: Quality improvement efforts have become the cornerstone of all manufacturing processes. Quality can be defined in terms of variability reduction, and since variability is a statistical concept, statistical techniques such as statistical quality control present techniques for assessing process variation. Methods such as experimental design provide a way to ascertain factor relationships and give a basis for computing variability that arises from each process variable, ultimately providing a way of calculating total process variability. This in turn results in variance components and eventually variance component estimation. As with any statistical model, estimates may be classified in any one of two ways, point estimates or interval estimates. Interval estimates that provide information about an entire population, and not only information on a few observations from a sample or knowledge about only a population parameter, are known as tolerance intervals. Wolfinger (1998) provided a Bayesian simulationbased approach for ascertaining three types of tolerance intervals using a balanced one-way random effects model. In this study, the method initially proposed by Wolfinger (1998), is extended in order to estimate tolerance intervals for the balanced two-way crossed classification random effects model with interaction. The suggested and derived techniques will be applied to the thermal impedance data initially collected by Houf and Berman (1988), and the method presented by Wolfinger (1998) will be expanded to also include the estimation of tolerance intervals for averages of observations from new or unknown measurements. This Bayesian approach provides a thorough but yet simplistic paradigm to using tolerance intervals in manufacturing settings. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The concurrent jurisdiction of the high court and labour court
- Authors: Beyleveld, Dominique
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Labor laws and legislation--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51191 , vital:43218
- Description: The words “concurrent jurisdiction” essentially means that there is more than one court which has the power to hear a matter and therefore, a party may choose which forum to approach.1 The High Court (hereinafter referred to as “HC”) may exercise jurisdiction, together with the Labour Court (hereinafter referred to as “LC”), in enforcing purely contractual and other common law claims as well as for breach of fundamental rights to which the Labour Relations Act (LRA)2 (or other labour statutes) do not give effect to.3 However, this is not without limitations. The HC and the LC have concurrent jurisdiction over claims relating to the lawfulness of dismissal or other conduct by the parties, whereas all claims based on fairness falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of the LC.4 The practical implication of the approach taken by the Constitutional Court (hereinafter referred to as “CC”)5 is that jurisdiction may, to a certain extent,6 be based on the pleadings, and a litigant may in fact have simultaneous claims arising from the same circumstances.7 However, where the basis of the action and the relief sought is clearly identifiable as being part of the machinery of the Labour Relations Act (hereinafter referred to as the “LRA”) or other labour legislation, then the HC will not have jurisdiction and it is up to the LC to remedy the wrong and give effect to the primary objects of the LRA , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Beyleveld, Dominique
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Labor laws and legislation--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51191 , vital:43218
- Description: The words “concurrent jurisdiction” essentially means that there is more than one court which has the power to hear a matter and therefore, a party may choose which forum to approach.1 The High Court (hereinafter referred to as “HC”) may exercise jurisdiction, together with the Labour Court (hereinafter referred to as “LC”), in enforcing purely contractual and other common law claims as well as for breach of fundamental rights to which the Labour Relations Act (LRA)2 (or other labour statutes) do not give effect to.3 However, this is not without limitations. The HC and the LC have concurrent jurisdiction over claims relating to the lawfulness of dismissal or other conduct by the parties, whereas all claims based on fairness falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of the LC.4 The practical implication of the approach taken by the Constitutional Court (hereinafter referred to as “CC”)5 is that jurisdiction may, to a certain extent,6 be based on the pleadings, and a litigant may in fact have simultaneous claims arising from the same circumstances.7 However, where the basis of the action and the relief sought is clearly identifiable as being part of the machinery of the Labour Relations Act (hereinafter referred to as the “LRA”) or other labour legislation, then the HC will not have jurisdiction and it is up to the LC to remedy the wrong and give effect to the primary objects of the LRA , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A reflective multiple case study approach to understanding partner relationships within the context of community engagement at Rhodes University
- Authors: Bobo, Azola Benita Dorothea
- Date: 2021-05-06
- Subjects: Community development South Africa Makhanda , Community and college South Africa Makhanda , Community psychology South Africa Makhanda , Decolonization South Africa , Social action South Africa Makhanda , Transformative learning South Africa Makhanda , Rhodes University , Rhodes University Community Engagement (RUCE)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/253854 , vital:52406 , DOI 10.21504/10962/253854
- Description: Using a social constructivist approach, within the social action model of community psychology, this research interrogates the features of successful community engagement partnerships that exist within the context of higher education. It draws on the co-management model that the Rhodes University Community Engagement (RUCE) division proposes, where partnerships are seen to be mutually beneficial. This research further interrogates whether the principles of community engagement that RUCE propose play out in reality, and whether systems of power are deconstructed, in working towards more equitable engagements. Drawing on the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Residence Programme for case studies, this research used a reflective multiple case study design in attempting to answer the research question. Four partner groups (i.e., 4 community partners and 4 community engagement representatives) were selected for this research. Each participant was interviewed twice (with a 6-month time gap) and also participated in two focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the findings. In taking a social justice approach, it can be argued that RUCE has made strides towards forming collaborative partnerships based on the ethics of ubuntu and aspects of transformative learning, which may lead to the decolonisation of higher education. However, critical engagement with the research findings suggests that in many cases the principles that RUCE propose are aspirational. More work needs to be done with both students and community partners to develop the kinds of partnerships that RUCE aspires to. This research provides valuable insight into how carefully managed community engagement partnerships in higher education have the potential to contribute to the transformation agenda of higher education institutions, while promoting equitable societies. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-05-06
- Authors: Bobo, Azola Benita Dorothea
- Date: 2021-05-06
- Subjects: Community development South Africa Makhanda , Community and college South Africa Makhanda , Community psychology South Africa Makhanda , Decolonization South Africa , Social action South Africa Makhanda , Transformative learning South Africa Makhanda , Rhodes University , Rhodes University Community Engagement (RUCE)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/253854 , vital:52406 , DOI 10.21504/10962/253854
- Description: Using a social constructivist approach, within the social action model of community psychology, this research interrogates the features of successful community engagement partnerships that exist within the context of higher education. It draws on the co-management model that the Rhodes University Community Engagement (RUCE) division proposes, where partnerships are seen to be mutually beneficial. This research further interrogates whether the principles of community engagement that RUCE propose play out in reality, and whether systems of power are deconstructed, in working towards more equitable engagements. Drawing on the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Residence Programme for case studies, this research used a reflective multiple case study design in attempting to answer the research question. Four partner groups (i.e., 4 community partners and 4 community engagement representatives) were selected for this research. Each participant was interviewed twice (with a 6-month time gap) and also participated in two focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the findings. In taking a social justice approach, it can be argued that RUCE has made strides towards forming collaborative partnerships based on the ethics of ubuntu and aspects of transformative learning, which may lead to the decolonisation of higher education. However, critical engagement with the research findings suggests that in many cases the principles that RUCE propose are aspirational. More work needs to be done with both students and community partners to develop the kinds of partnerships that RUCE aspires to. This research provides valuable insight into how carefully managed community engagement partnerships in higher education have the potential to contribute to the transformation agenda of higher education institutions, while promoting equitable societies. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-05-06
Agro-morphological characterization and investigations into the response of yellow Quality Protein Maize (QPM) genotypes to low soil pH
- Authors: Bobotyana, Simthandile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Corn as food , Plants--Drought tolerance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20528 , vital:46087
- Description: Maize (Zea mays L) is an essential food grain crop in South Africa and is mainly grown under rainfed conditions by small-scale farmers. Quality Protein Maize (QPM) contains a higher level of two essential amino acids, tryptophan, and lysine when equated to normal maize. Therefore, the QPM in communities is a vital cereal where maize is a staple crop. Among the significant abiotic stresses that adversely affect maize productivity, such as soil fertility. Low soil pH or soil acidity results in nutrient deficiencies, as well as the toxicity of minerals such as manganese (Mn), aluminium (Al), and iron (Fe). The objectives of the study were to: (1) Characterize yellow QPM inbred lines and testcross hybrids for agro-morphological variability under optimum conditions, (2) Determine the response of QPM inbred lines and testcross hybrids to Al toxicity, and (3) Estimate the combining ability of QPM genotypes for the tolerance to Al toxicity. The laboratory assessment for tolerance to Al toxicity revealed a negative relationship between relative root growth RRG and hematoxylin staining; among the inbred lines, the genotype 8Y, 17Y, and 7Y had the highest RRG and net root growth (NRG) values and exhibited the highest tolerance to Al tolerance with the least hematoxylin staining. Inbred lines 12Y, 16Y, 19Y, 2Y, 20Y, 24Y, 30Y, 27Y, 34Y, 4Y, and 11Y were moderately tolerant. On the other hand, inbred lines 13Y, 18Y, and QSY5 had the least RRG were susceptible. Forty-four testcross hybrids were generated by crossing 22 QPM inbred lines with two open-pollinated variety (OPV) testers. These hybrids were evaluated together with five checks for different agronomic traits. The hybrids were planted in the summer season of 2017/18 and 2018/19 under rain-fed conditions 7 x 7 alpha lattice design was used. The significant variations among the genotypes for grain yield and most other agronomic traits under optimum, acidic conditions and across environments on combined analysis of variance. The hybrid was 14Y x NC (3.22 t/ha), followed by QSY5 x NC (3.02 t/ha) showed the highest yielding. The mean plant height was 226.23 cm, with ranges 197.60 to 254.85cm. The number of kernels per ear was 35, with a range from 29.45 to 40.25. Conversely, the mean ear length was 19.30 cm with a range of 17.65 to 20.95 cm, and the mean ear diameter ranged from 13,50 to 16,05 cm. The highest yielding hybrid, according to ranking, was 14Y x NC (2,93t/ha), which was ranked number 3, followed by 3Y x NC (2,83 t/ha), which was ranked number 4. Twenty-two yellow QPM inbred lines were evaluated for agro-morphological characteristics. A randomized complete block design with three replicates was used under acidic and normal soil conditions at two locations. The mean performance of inbred lines for grain yield ranged from 1.6 t/ha to 3.1 t/ha under optimum conditions, whereas it ranged from 1.1.t/ha to 1.7 t/ha under an acidic environment. The highest grain yielding genotypes under the optimum environment were 14Y, 7Y, and QSY5, while, in the acidic environment, the highest yielders were 3Y, QSY5, and 17Y. The lowest grain yielder under the optimum environment was 16Y at 1.5 t/ha, whereas 6Y, 7Y, 8Y, and 29Y were the most moderate yielders under the acidic environment. Grain yield displayed positive and significant (p<0,05) correlation with ear height (0.59), plant height (0.55), leaf length (0.18), number of leaves (0.37), number of ears per plot (0,54), number of kernels per row, number of rows per ear and thousand kernel weight. Combined ANOVA revealed that the environment effect was significant for all traits except the number of rows per ear and the number of ears in both environments. A total of 71 genotypes (22 inbred lines, forty-four single crosses, and five checks) were evaluated using a 7 x 7 alpha lattice design with two replications in combining ability. Across environments, the analysis showed a mean grain yield record of hybrids that ranged from 1.78 t/ha to 3.42 t/ha. Combined analysis showed only about 4 percent of the 44 hybrids had better grain yield than hybrid checks, whereas about 11 percent of the 44 hybrids had higher grain yield than two of the five hybrid checks. The highest yielding hybrid was 14Y x NC followed by QSY5 x NC. The Mid-parent heterosis (MPH) for grain yield ranged from -32.70 for 11YxObat to 16.50 percent for 14YxNC among the top-yielding genotypes. The highest positive mid-parent heterosis (MPH) for grain yield was observed in hybrid 14YxNC followed by QSY9xNC, QSY5xOBAT, 3YxNC, 13YxNC and 4YxOBAT, while the remaining hybrids exhibited negative estimates. Inbred lines' proportional contributions to the total variances were much higher than the testers for all traits. Whereas the inbred lines' proportional contribution was lower than the interaction of line x tester except on the number of ears which displayed the highest estimates of variances due to SCA effects, significant variation was observed. The GCA effects on grain yield in both environments generally showed no significant difference among inbred lines except for inbred lines such as QSY5 and 34Y but were positive. The selected crosses showed significant SCA effects in a few agronomic yield-related traits in the combined analysis. Among the hybrids, the only crosses that showed significant and positive SCA effects for grain yield were 25YxNC under optimum and 34YxObat under acidic environment. The inbred lines were assessed for tolerance to Al toxicity under laboratory conditions. Overall, the study identified soil acidity tolerant QPM inbred lines with an excellent combining ability for high-yielding QPM test hybrids, grain yield, and related traits. , Thesis (MSc) (Agriculture, Crop Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Bobotyana, Simthandile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Corn as food , Plants--Drought tolerance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20528 , vital:46087
- Description: Maize (Zea mays L) is an essential food grain crop in South Africa and is mainly grown under rainfed conditions by small-scale farmers. Quality Protein Maize (QPM) contains a higher level of two essential amino acids, tryptophan, and lysine when equated to normal maize. Therefore, the QPM in communities is a vital cereal where maize is a staple crop. Among the significant abiotic stresses that adversely affect maize productivity, such as soil fertility. Low soil pH or soil acidity results in nutrient deficiencies, as well as the toxicity of minerals such as manganese (Mn), aluminium (Al), and iron (Fe). The objectives of the study were to: (1) Characterize yellow QPM inbred lines and testcross hybrids for agro-morphological variability under optimum conditions, (2) Determine the response of QPM inbred lines and testcross hybrids to Al toxicity, and (3) Estimate the combining ability of QPM genotypes for the tolerance to Al toxicity. The laboratory assessment for tolerance to Al toxicity revealed a negative relationship between relative root growth RRG and hematoxylin staining; among the inbred lines, the genotype 8Y, 17Y, and 7Y had the highest RRG and net root growth (NRG) values and exhibited the highest tolerance to Al tolerance with the least hematoxylin staining. Inbred lines 12Y, 16Y, 19Y, 2Y, 20Y, 24Y, 30Y, 27Y, 34Y, 4Y, and 11Y were moderately tolerant. On the other hand, inbred lines 13Y, 18Y, and QSY5 had the least RRG were susceptible. Forty-four testcross hybrids were generated by crossing 22 QPM inbred lines with two open-pollinated variety (OPV) testers. These hybrids were evaluated together with five checks for different agronomic traits. The hybrids were planted in the summer season of 2017/18 and 2018/19 under rain-fed conditions 7 x 7 alpha lattice design was used. The significant variations among the genotypes for grain yield and most other agronomic traits under optimum, acidic conditions and across environments on combined analysis of variance. The hybrid was 14Y x NC (3.22 t/ha), followed by QSY5 x NC (3.02 t/ha) showed the highest yielding. The mean plant height was 226.23 cm, with ranges 197.60 to 254.85cm. The number of kernels per ear was 35, with a range from 29.45 to 40.25. Conversely, the mean ear length was 19.30 cm with a range of 17.65 to 20.95 cm, and the mean ear diameter ranged from 13,50 to 16,05 cm. The highest yielding hybrid, according to ranking, was 14Y x NC (2,93t/ha), which was ranked number 3, followed by 3Y x NC (2,83 t/ha), which was ranked number 4. Twenty-two yellow QPM inbred lines were evaluated for agro-morphological characteristics. A randomized complete block design with three replicates was used under acidic and normal soil conditions at two locations. The mean performance of inbred lines for grain yield ranged from 1.6 t/ha to 3.1 t/ha under optimum conditions, whereas it ranged from 1.1.t/ha to 1.7 t/ha under an acidic environment. The highest grain yielding genotypes under the optimum environment were 14Y, 7Y, and QSY5, while, in the acidic environment, the highest yielders were 3Y, QSY5, and 17Y. The lowest grain yielder under the optimum environment was 16Y at 1.5 t/ha, whereas 6Y, 7Y, 8Y, and 29Y were the most moderate yielders under the acidic environment. Grain yield displayed positive and significant (p<0,05) correlation with ear height (0.59), plant height (0.55), leaf length (0.18), number of leaves (0.37), number of ears per plot (0,54), number of kernels per row, number of rows per ear and thousand kernel weight. Combined ANOVA revealed that the environment effect was significant for all traits except the number of rows per ear and the number of ears in both environments. A total of 71 genotypes (22 inbred lines, forty-four single crosses, and five checks) were evaluated using a 7 x 7 alpha lattice design with two replications in combining ability. Across environments, the analysis showed a mean grain yield record of hybrids that ranged from 1.78 t/ha to 3.42 t/ha. Combined analysis showed only about 4 percent of the 44 hybrids had better grain yield than hybrid checks, whereas about 11 percent of the 44 hybrids had higher grain yield than two of the five hybrid checks. The highest yielding hybrid was 14Y x NC followed by QSY5 x NC. The Mid-parent heterosis (MPH) for grain yield ranged from -32.70 for 11YxObat to 16.50 percent for 14YxNC among the top-yielding genotypes. The highest positive mid-parent heterosis (MPH) for grain yield was observed in hybrid 14YxNC followed by QSY9xNC, QSY5xOBAT, 3YxNC, 13YxNC and 4YxOBAT, while the remaining hybrids exhibited negative estimates. Inbred lines' proportional contributions to the total variances were much higher than the testers for all traits. Whereas the inbred lines' proportional contribution was lower than the interaction of line x tester except on the number of ears which displayed the highest estimates of variances due to SCA effects, significant variation was observed. The GCA effects on grain yield in both environments generally showed no significant difference among inbred lines except for inbred lines such as QSY5 and 34Y but were positive. The selected crosses showed significant SCA effects in a few agronomic yield-related traits in the combined analysis. Among the hybrids, the only crosses that showed significant and positive SCA effects for grain yield were 25YxNC under optimum and 34YxObat under acidic environment. The inbred lines were assessed for tolerance to Al toxicity under laboratory conditions. Overall, the study identified soil acidity tolerant QPM inbred lines with an excellent combining ability for high-yielding QPM test hybrids, grain yield, and related traits. , Thesis (MSc) (Agriculture, Crop Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
An investigation into the effects of nano-carbons on the negative electrode morphology of lead acid batteries under high rate partial state of capacity cycling
- Authors: Bolo, Lukanyo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53324 , vital:45132
- Description: New technological developments in the field of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV’s), vehicle stop-start applications and electrical power utility devices have brought about new demands on the use of energy storage devices such as the Pb-acid battery. These applications require a new understanding and research into the material chemistry of the battery where it has to functionin a Partial State of Capacity Cycling (PSoCC) or High Rate Partial State of Capacity Cycling (HRPSoCC)duty. The Pb-acid battery is well known for its use in the automotive industry where it had worked for decades as a typical Starter, Lighting and Ignition (SLI) power source. However, the conventional Pb-acid battery is not suitable for the new types of vehicle demands and applications. When the Pb-lead acid battery is subjected to PSoCC conditions, very quickly excessive amount of non-conducting PbSO4crystals are formed on the negative plates of the battery that then drastically reduce its useful life in application. Over the years, researchers have shown that the small addition of certain carbon types to the negative plate active material (NAM) during battery manufacturing can reduce the sulfation effect thereby increasing its use the modern vehicle applications. This study investigated industrial manufactured cells that contained up to 0.5 % by weight two types of carbons in the NAM. These were compared to standard built cells in terms of their standard achievable capacities at various rates, their Cold Cranking Ability (CCA), their Dynamic Charge Acceptance (DCA) and a simplified PSoCC test. The carbons were classified as an activated carbon and a carbon nano-fiber and were included as a dry weight additive during the standard paste manufacturing process of the negative plate. Cells were built with a 9-plate configuration using standard expanded grid positive plates with a nominal rated capacity of 36 Ah. The cells were formed and subjected to a number of electrochemical tests, of which selected negative plates were then studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electrochemical in-situ Atomic Force Microscopy (EC-AFM). The microscopic study was then used to try and relate the observed material characteristics of the NAM with the carbons to the electrochemical results observed when testing a built cell. , Thesis (MA) --Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Bolo, Lukanyo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53324 , vital:45132
- Description: New technological developments in the field of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV’s), vehicle stop-start applications and electrical power utility devices have brought about new demands on the use of energy storage devices such as the Pb-acid battery. These applications require a new understanding and research into the material chemistry of the battery where it has to functionin a Partial State of Capacity Cycling (PSoCC) or High Rate Partial State of Capacity Cycling (HRPSoCC)duty. The Pb-acid battery is well known for its use in the automotive industry where it had worked for decades as a typical Starter, Lighting and Ignition (SLI) power source. However, the conventional Pb-acid battery is not suitable for the new types of vehicle demands and applications. When the Pb-lead acid battery is subjected to PSoCC conditions, very quickly excessive amount of non-conducting PbSO4crystals are formed on the negative plates of the battery that then drastically reduce its useful life in application. Over the years, researchers have shown that the small addition of certain carbon types to the negative plate active material (NAM) during battery manufacturing can reduce the sulfation effect thereby increasing its use the modern vehicle applications. This study investigated industrial manufactured cells that contained up to 0.5 % by weight two types of carbons in the NAM. These were compared to standard built cells in terms of their standard achievable capacities at various rates, their Cold Cranking Ability (CCA), their Dynamic Charge Acceptance (DCA) and a simplified PSoCC test. The carbons were classified as an activated carbon and a carbon nano-fiber and were included as a dry weight additive during the standard paste manufacturing process of the negative plate. Cells were built with a 9-plate configuration using standard expanded grid positive plates with a nominal rated capacity of 36 Ah. The cells were formed and subjected to a number of electrochemical tests, of which selected negative plates were then studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electrochemical in-situ Atomic Force Microscopy (EC-AFM). The microscopic study was then used to try and relate the observed material characteristics of the NAM with the carbons to the electrochemical results observed when testing a built cell. , Thesis (MA) --Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The design of a resource centre for Pellsrus, Jeffreys Bay
- Authors: Bosch, Rickus
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Community centers --South Africa --Jeffrey's Bay -- Designs and plans , Jeffrey's Bay (South Africa) --History
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57454 , vital:57872
- Description: The South African city faces an ongoing struggle with adequate social and spatial justice. Citizens have become separated and cultures have been divided owing to the historical formation of the city and the post legislative laws. Because of the growth of cities, certain resources are difficult to access and people need to trav el vast distances and cross dangerous barriers in order to access these resources. This thesis involves the research of social and spatial justice within the South Afri can city, which has resulted in a poor quality of life and a lack of resources. More specifically this thesis aimed at creating an environment that will aid in a better quality of life through spatial and social equity by creating an active and positive space to access certain resources. The particular focus area is the rural community of Pellsrus in Jeffreys Bay. The context has been analysed to enable a sound understanding of the formation of the town, the behaviour of the town and its people, the urban conditions and the spatial structures. Research lead to a site being selected that would form an transition space connecting separated communities and resources. The design is aimed at creating a space for people to gather, gain access to the needed resourc es and act as a linkage or transition zone between certain areas of the town. The objective was to enrich the current movement systems and enhance the existing resources, ultimately resulting in the design of a trade-resource centre in Pellsrus. The architectural design is formulated as a mean of locality and community. A qualitative methodology has been implemented which incorporates various research methods such as surveys, literature reviews, primary and secondary data collection, site sketches, topographic mapping and drone footage. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Bosch, Rickus
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Community centers --South Africa --Jeffrey's Bay -- Designs and plans , Jeffrey's Bay (South Africa) --History
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57454 , vital:57872
- Description: The South African city faces an ongoing struggle with adequate social and spatial justice. Citizens have become separated and cultures have been divided owing to the historical formation of the city and the post legislative laws. Because of the growth of cities, certain resources are difficult to access and people need to trav el vast distances and cross dangerous barriers in order to access these resources. This thesis involves the research of social and spatial justice within the South Afri can city, which has resulted in a poor quality of life and a lack of resources. More specifically this thesis aimed at creating an environment that will aid in a better quality of life through spatial and social equity by creating an active and positive space to access certain resources. The particular focus area is the rural community of Pellsrus in Jeffreys Bay. The context has been analysed to enable a sound understanding of the formation of the town, the behaviour of the town and its people, the urban conditions and the spatial structures. Research lead to a site being selected that would form an transition space connecting separated communities and resources. The design is aimed at creating a space for people to gather, gain access to the needed resourc es and act as a linkage or transition zone between certain areas of the town. The objective was to enrich the current movement systems and enhance the existing resources, ultimately resulting in the design of a trade-resource centre in Pellsrus. The architectural design is formulated as a mean of locality and community. A qualitative methodology has been implemented which incorporates various research methods such as surveys, literature reviews, primary and secondary data collection, site sketches, topographic mapping and drone footage. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The readiness for the 4th industrial revolution by SARS towards 2030
- Authors: Botha, Reneé Chrystal
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: South African Revenue Service , Technological innovations -- Economic aspects , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50966 , vital:43176
- Description: The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is an autonomous agent that was established to collect taxes on behalf of the state. This mandate is shared across countries where the common thread of revenue collection agencies is that they all need to collect revenue, want participants within the system to act responsibly, the process to be fair and to act within the boundaries of legislation. It has become increasingly challenging for revenue collection agencies across the world to ensure tax compliance and ensure optimal revenue collection when unemployment rates are high, and the economy continues to struggle. It is a shared objective between revenue collection agencies to optimise revenue collection initiative and to narrow the tax gap. The technological advances in all sectors have grown at an exponential rate within a very short period. The WEF (2018) emphasised that the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) brings with it an era of unprecedented innovation, technical change and global connectivity. Technology has become the key driver in assisting SARS to achieve its objectives to inform taxpayers of their responsibilities, make it easy for them to comply and ensure compliance to the tax laws. The primary objective of the research study is to investigate the possible factors that could influence the future state of revenue services, develop a series of alternative scenarios, and provide the preferred future of the South African Revenue Services towards 2030. The Six Pillars of futures studies provide a theory of futures thinking that links method and tools, that is developed through praxis (Inayatullah, 2012). The Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) was the preferred research tool used in this study to deepen the future analysis. Emphasis was placed on scenario planning and the creation of alternative futures for the South African Revenue Services towards 2030. The drivers of change that impacted the economy were identified and how it can be utilised to close the tax gap. SARS has been a victim of seizure where the destabilising of corporate governance and efficiency was the core objective. It is therefore important to understand the past and present to enable better planning. This paper aims to better understand the disruptors to industry and the opportunity to improve efficiency and effectiveness using technology associated with the 4IR. SARS has great potential in being globally competitive with other countries, if government, stakeholders and SARS leadership have a shared vision of what the future revenue services will look like, what its capabilities will be and resource availability to ensure this vision is realized. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences , Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Botha, Reneé Chrystal
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: South African Revenue Service , Technological innovations -- Economic aspects , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50966 , vital:43176
- Description: The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is an autonomous agent that was established to collect taxes on behalf of the state. This mandate is shared across countries where the common thread of revenue collection agencies is that they all need to collect revenue, want participants within the system to act responsibly, the process to be fair and to act within the boundaries of legislation. It has become increasingly challenging for revenue collection agencies across the world to ensure tax compliance and ensure optimal revenue collection when unemployment rates are high, and the economy continues to struggle. It is a shared objective between revenue collection agencies to optimise revenue collection initiative and to narrow the tax gap. The technological advances in all sectors have grown at an exponential rate within a very short period. The WEF (2018) emphasised that the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) brings with it an era of unprecedented innovation, technical change and global connectivity. Technology has become the key driver in assisting SARS to achieve its objectives to inform taxpayers of their responsibilities, make it easy for them to comply and ensure compliance to the tax laws. The primary objective of the research study is to investigate the possible factors that could influence the future state of revenue services, develop a series of alternative scenarios, and provide the preferred future of the South African Revenue Services towards 2030. The Six Pillars of futures studies provide a theory of futures thinking that links method and tools, that is developed through praxis (Inayatullah, 2012). The Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) was the preferred research tool used in this study to deepen the future analysis. Emphasis was placed on scenario planning and the creation of alternative futures for the South African Revenue Services towards 2030. The drivers of change that impacted the economy were identified and how it can be utilised to close the tax gap. SARS has been a victim of seizure where the destabilising of corporate governance and efficiency was the core objective. It is therefore important to understand the past and present to enable better planning. This paper aims to better understand the disruptors to industry and the opportunity to improve efficiency and effectiveness using technology associated with the 4IR. SARS has great potential in being globally competitive with other countries, if government, stakeholders and SARS leadership have a shared vision of what the future revenue services will look like, what its capabilities will be and resource availability to ensure this vision is realized. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences , Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Influence of a saline test environment on the Fatigue properties of laser metal deposition Ti-6al-4v specimens
- Authors: Botha, Sheldyn Jaye
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Metal organic chemical vapor deposition , Salines
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59203 , vital:60304
- Description: This study investigated the effects of the position of extraction and a corrosive environment on the fatigue properties of Ti-6Al-4V Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) specimens. Additive manufacturing (AM) processes allow for a reduction in manufacturing time, whilst constructing complex geometries. AM induces a complex thermal history which influences the microstructure in the material (1). The microstructure affects the fatigue properties where a finer microstructure is more favourable for increasing the fatigue life (2). Fatigue failure is one of the main modes of failure during a material’s service life (3). Thus, it is imperative to investigate the material’s fatigue behaviour. Major parameters of the LMD process were investigated, allowing bulk LMD coupons to be manufactured, from which fatigue specimens were extracted at three different heights. Static properties were attained through tensile testing and a Vickers Micro-Hardness evaluation. These properties allowed for calculating benchmark stresses that were utilised for fatigue testing. The biocompatibility of Ti-6Al-4V makes it desirable for medical implants – the core influence of this study. An implant is constantly subjected to a corrosive saline environment, introducing a corrosive mechanism of failure, known to decrease the life of a material. A rotary bending fatigue platform was utilised as it allowed for modifications to introduce a corrosive saline environment through means of a saline dosing system. Literature reports a higher possibility of corrosion fatigue occurring under rotary bending fatigue conditions for Ti alloy specimens (4,5). The fatigue data indicated no significant effect on the fatigue properties was evident when comparing the position of extraction, attributed to the interrupted build strategy utilised for manufacturing the bulk coupons. The specimens displayed a shift in fatigue life when subjected to a corrosive saline environment. Upon analysis, there was little variation in the microstructures at each position of extraction, attributed to the interrupted build strategy. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Botha, Sheldyn Jaye
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Metal organic chemical vapor deposition , Salines
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59203 , vital:60304
- Description: This study investigated the effects of the position of extraction and a corrosive environment on the fatigue properties of Ti-6Al-4V Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) specimens. Additive manufacturing (AM) processes allow for a reduction in manufacturing time, whilst constructing complex geometries. AM induces a complex thermal history which influences the microstructure in the material (1). The microstructure affects the fatigue properties where a finer microstructure is more favourable for increasing the fatigue life (2). Fatigue failure is one of the main modes of failure during a material’s service life (3). Thus, it is imperative to investigate the material’s fatigue behaviour. Major parameters of the LMD process were investigated, allowing bulk LMD coupons to be manufactured, from which fatigue specimens were extracted at three different heights. Static properties were attained through tensile testing and a Vickers Micro-Hardness evaluation. These properties allowed for calculating benchmark stresses that were utilised for fatigue testing. The biocompatibility of Ti-6Al-4V makes it desirable for medical implants – the core influence of this study. An implant is constantly subjected to a corrosive saline environment, introducing a corrosive mechanism of failure, known to decrease the life of a material. A rotary bending fatigue platform was utilised as it allowed for modifications to introduce a corrosive saline environment through means of a saline dosing system. Literature reports a higher possibility of corrosion fatigue occurring under rotary bending fatigue conditions for Ti alloy specimens (4,5). The fatigue data indicated no significant effect on the fatigue properties was evident when comparing the position of extraction, attributed to the interrupted build strategy utilised for manufacturing the bulk coupons. The specimens displayed a shift in fatigue life when subjected to a corrosive saline environment. Upon analysis, there was little variation in the microstructures at each position of extraction, attributed to the interrupted build strategy. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The effects of aspect, directional heating and depth on bedrock temperatures and the potential relationship with thermal fatigue weathering
- Authors: Breytenbach, Izak Johannes
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Weathering -- South Africa -- Karoo , Shields (Geology) -- South Africa -- Karoo , Shields (Geology) -- Thermal properties , Tillite -- South Africa -- Karoo
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177688 , vital:42847 , 10.21504/10962/177688
- Description: Geomorphological weathering processes and their relationship with temperature fluctuations are frequently researched. These research efforts are mostly restricted to surface conditions where soils, loose-lying rocks or rock outcrops are assessed. However, there is a shortcoming in the understanding of the thermal properties in a rock mass, particularly in the upper metres below the surface, as this has not been investigated or researched in any great detail. The research reported here is unique in this regard as it exploited the use of rotary core boreholes in tillite bedrock in the Karoo (Western Cape, South Africa) which were drilled as part of an invasive materials investigation for a proposed new hard rock quarry to supply road stone. Temperature data were captured on a bedrock ridge hosting tillite outcrop with a strong east to west orientation. The site work was done in two separate phases. The initial phase of research saw data being captured for one year on two aspects (i.e. north and south) at a depth of 0.3 m. This was followed by the second (more detailed) phase, where three aspects were assessed (i.e. north, south and a flat crest), but at depths of 0.3 m, 2.0 m and 6.0 m, totalling nine data acquisition points. The second investigation phase gathered data for seven months. Supplementary weather data were also captured for the site. Subsequent data analyses revealed that there is much to learn about the thermal behaviour of bedrock in the upper metres below the surface, and that the temperature properties or thermal regimes are not as simple as often assumed. Temperature differences related to aspect are not only surficial, but are transmitted to underlying bedrock, and notable temperature differences were measurable to a depth of at least 6.0 m. Seasonal temperature fluctuations also have a pronounced effect on the rock mass temperatures and it was proven that deeper parts of the bedrock accumulate and dissipate heat at different (i.e. retarded) rates compared with shallower parts of the rock mass, creating suitable thermal conditions to induce thermal fatigue. Thermal properties were also proven to be non-linear. During analyses, the concept of temperature inversions was proven, whereby one part of the bedrock becomes hotter or cooler relative to another/adjacent part of the bedrock, compared with its earlier temperature state. It was argued that these temperature inversions may exacerbate thermal fatigue. This research proved that aspect (i.e. directional heating) and depth need to be considered when analysing thermal regimes in a rock mass, as these have a distinct influence. The effects which manifest themselves create suitable conditions for thermal fatigue, not only near the surface but also at depth in the bedrock. Lastly, the effects of meteorological conditions on shallow bedrock temperatures were assessed. Preliminary findings suggest that boundary conditions and meteorological processes may indeed affect shallow bedrock temperatures, but only under certain circumstances and not to the same extent as reported in the literature for conditions researched at the surface. Wind temperature relative to the rock temperature, as well as a combination of wind and rain were found to be the most significant factors. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Geography, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Breytenbach, Izak Johannes
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Weathering -- South Africa -- Karoo , Shields (Geology) -- South Africa -- Karoo , Shields (Geology) -- Thermal properties , Tillite -- South Africa -- Karoo
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177688 , vital:42847 , 10.21504/10962/177688
- Description: Geomorphological weathering processes and their relationship with temperature fluctuations are frequently researched. These research efforts are mostly restricted to surface conditions where soils, loose-lying rocks or rock outcrops are assessed. However, there is a shortcoming in the understanding of the thermal properties in a rock mass, particularly in the upper metres below the surface, as this has not been investigated or researched in any great detail. The research reported here is unique in this regard as it exploited the use of rotary core boreholes in tillite bedrock in the Karoo (Western Cape, South Africa) which were drilled as part of an invasive materials investigation for a proposed new hard rock quarry to supply road stone. Temperature data were captured on a bedrock ridge hosting tillite outcrop with a strong east to west orientation. The site work was done in two separate phases. The initial phase of research saw data being captured for one year on two aspects (i.e. north and south) at a depth of 0.3 m. This was followed by the second (more detailed) phase, where three aspects were assessed (i.e. north, south and a flat crest), but at depths of 0.3 m, 2.0 m and 6.0 m, totalling nine data acquisition points. The second investigation phase gathered data for seven months. Supplementary weather data were also captured for the site. Subsequent data analyses revealed that there is much to learn about the thermal behaviour of bedrock in the upper metres below the surface, and that the temperature properties or thermal regimes are not as simple as often assumed. Temperature differences related to aspect are not only surficial, but are transmitted to underlying bedrock, and notable temperature differences were measurable to a depth of at least 6.0 m. Seasonal temperature fluctuations also have a pronounced effect on the rock mass temperatures and it was proven that deeper parts of the bedrock accumulate and dissipate heat at different (i.e. retarded) rates compared with shallower parts of the rock mass, creating suitable thermal conditions to induce thermal fatigue. Thermal properties were also proven to be non-linear. During analyses, the concept of temperature inversions was proven, whereby one part of the bedrock becomes hotter or cooler relative to another/adjacent part of the bedrock, compared with its earlier temperature state. It was argued that these temperature inversions may exacerbate thermal fatigue. This research proved that aspect (i.e. directional heating) and depth need to be considered when analysing thermal regimes in a rock mass, as these have a distinct influence. The effects which manifest themselves create suitable conditions for thermal fatigue, not only near the surface but also at depth in the bedrock. Lastly, the effects of meteorological conditions on shallow bedrock temperatures were assessed. Preliminary findings suggest that boundary conditions and meteorological processes may indeed affect shallow bedrock temperatures, but only under certain circumstances and not to the same extent as reported in the literature for conditions researched at the surface. Wind temperature relative to the rock temperature, as well as a combination of wind and rain were found to be the most significant factors. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Geography, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Linking agrochemical pollution with the aquatic ecological integrity of the Twee River Catchment, Western Cape
- Authors: Brink, Zanné
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Ecological integrity
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52326 , vital:43588
- Description: This study was initiated in the Twee River system due to the threat posed by agrochemicals on the occurrence of the endemic and endangered fish species found within the catchment. Poor knowledge and understanding of the environmental effects of fertilizers, pesticides and other agrochemicals among small and large commercial farmers within the study area, in combination with their intensive use may have resulted in chemical contamination above environmentally safe concentrations. Numerous studies have highlighted the fact that more research needs to be conducted to identify the key threats to the continued existence of specifically the Critically Endangered Sedercypris erubescens. The overall aim of this study was to determine the spatial and temporal patterns in aquatic ecosystem diversity in the Twee River catchment as indicated by macroinvertebrate and native fish distribution and abundance. It was further investigated if there was a link between agrochemical pollution and the aquatic ecological integrity of the Twee River catchment. Selected sampling sites were identified and sampled to determine the presence and concentration of pesticides entering the water of the Twee River system during run-off and event-based spraying. Furthermore, the effect of these pesticides on the distribution and abundance of the aquatic biota were determined using SASS5 for the macroinvertebrate populations and visually sampling the distribution of the native and non-native fish in the Twee River catchment. This study supports suggestions made by previous studies, that sub-lethal to lethal concentrations of insecticides could be a threat to the long-term survival of benthic macroinvertebrates and potentially the more sensitive endemic fish species within the Twee River system. More focussed research is needed to address impacts of pesticides within this catchment. Agricultural and conservation efforts should be aimed at developing of a shared vision amongst stakeholders, to allow for the longterm conservation of the endemic fish of the Twee River. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Brink, Zanné
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Ecological integrity
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52326 , vital:43588
- Description: This study was initiated in the Twee River system due to the threat posed by agrochemicals on the occurrence of the endemic and endangered fish species found within the catchment. Poor knowledge and understanding of the environmental effects of fertilizers, pesticides and other agrochemicals among small and large commercial farmers within the study area, in combination with their intensive use may have resulted in chemical contamination above environmentally safe concentrations. Numerous studies have highlighted the fact that more research needs to be conducted to identify the key threats to the continued existence of specifically the Critically Endangered Sedercypris erubescens. The overall aim of this study was to determine the spatial and temporal patterns in aquatic ecosystem diversity in the Twee River catchment as indicated by macroinvertebrate and native fish distribution and abundance. It was further investigated if there was a link between agrochemical pollution and the aquatic ecological integrity of the Twee River catchment. Selected sampling sites were identified and sampled to determine the presence and concentration of pesticides entering the water of the Twee River system during run-off and event-based spraying. Furthermore, the effect of these pesticides on the distribution and abundance of the aquatic biota were determined using SASS5 for the macroinvertebrate populations and visually sampling the distribution of the native and non-native fish in the Twee River catchment. This study supports suggestions made by previous studies, that sub-lethal to lethal concentrations of insecticides could be a threat to the long-term survival of benthic macroinvertebrates and potentially the more sensitive endemic fish species within the Twee River system. More focussed research is needed to address impacts of pesticides within this catchment. Agricultural and conservation efforts should be aimed at developing of a shared vision amongst stakeholders, to allow for the longterm conservation of the endemic fish of the Twee River. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Large mammalian fauna of the Palaeo-Agulhas Plain: predicting habitat use and range distribution
- Authors: Brooke, Christopher F
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Herbivores
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52332 , vital:43590
- Description: Understanding the variations in structure and abundance of animals and what leads to their distribution within the landscape has captured the attention of ecologists for centuries. Importantly, knowledge of current behaviour of large mammals can be used to inform historic population dynamics and is essential to understanding how early humans used large mammals as a foraging resource. Central to this thesis and improving our understanding of large herbivores is the Palaeo-Agulhas Plain (PAP) where large mammalian herbivores formed a key food resource for early humans. The PAP, now submerged off the southern Cape of South Africa, formed a novel ecosystem during lower sea levels. Characterised by large expanses of nutrient rich grasslands and large grazing herbivores, the PAP stands in stark contrast to the nutrient poor fynbos ecosystems that is in the southern Cape today. In this thesis I focus on the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; ~20 ka) when the PAP was last fully exposed to answer questions relating to the habitat use and range distribution of large herbivores. Importantly, through the Paleoscape Project, modelled climate, soil and vegetation have made these recreations of large mammals possible. Using modelled climate and vegetation this thesis aims to model the large herbivore communities and understand the influence of early humans on the PAP during the LGM for successful integration into the PaleoscapeABM (the PAP agent-based model). To improve our understanding of large mammals on the PAP I identified five large herbivores that became extinct on the PAP since the LGM and modelled their behavioural and physical traits using k-Nearest Neighbour imputation. I predicted the biomass of large herbivores across the PAP using actual biomass of large herbivores from 39 protected areas across South Africa (spanning five functional groups to include the extinct species) across a rainfall gradient and different biomes. The distribution of large herbivores would likely have been driven by similar top-down and bottom-up drivers we see in large herbivore ecology today. Knowing this, I created a predictive model for large mammals by predicting the probability of occurrence of functional groups of large herbivores in relation to environmental drivers and humans. Results showed that all species (except Antidorcas australis) were adapted to the grassy environment of the PAP and these specialisations likely contributed to their extinction along with changing climates and intensified hunting from humans. When predicting herbivore viii biomass, biome was the most important factor influencing the relationship between herbivores and rainfall. In general, large herbivore biomass increased with rainfall across biomes, except for grassland. Finally, I showed the probability of occurrence of large herbivores was influenced by early humans, water availability and a landscape of fear on the PAP. Through this thesis I have successfully provided detailed accounts of the biomass and probability of occurrence of large herbivores on the PAP. Importantly, this information can be seamlessly integrated into the PaleoscapeABM. Finally, I highlight the importance of this knowledge in understanding early humans, the potential shortcomings of this study and resulting areas where research needs to be focused. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Brooke, Christopher F
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Herbivores
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52332 , vital:43590
- Description: Understanding the variations in structure and abundance of animals and what leads to their distribution within the landscape has captured the attention of ecologists for centuries. Importantly, knowledge of current behaviour of large mammals can be used to inform historic population dynamics and is essential to understanding how early humans used large mammals as a foraging resource. Central to this thesis and improving our understanding of large herbivores is the Palaeo-Agulhas Plain (PAP) where large mammalian herbivores formed a key food resource for early humans. The PAP, now submerged off the southern Cape of South Africa, formed a novel ecosystem during lower sea levels. Characterised by large expanses of nutrient rich grasslands and large grazing herbivores, the PAP stands in stark contrast to the nutrient poor fynbos ecosystems that is in the southern Cape today. In this thesis I focus on the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; ~20 ka) when the PAP was last fully exposed to answer questions relating to the habitat use and range distribution of large herbivores. Importantly, through the Paleoscape Project, modelled climate, soil and vegetation have made these recreations of large mammals possible. Using modelled climate and vegetation this thesis aims to model the large herbivore communities and understand the influence of early humans on the PAP during the LGM for successful integration into the PaleoscapeABM (the PAP agent-based model). To improve our understanding of large mammals on the PAP I identified five large herbivores that became extinct on the PAP since the LGM and modelled their behavioural and physical traits using k-Nearest Neighbour imputation. I predicted the biomass of large herbivores across the PAP using actual biomass of large herbivores from 39 protected areas across South Africa (spanning five functional groups to include the extinct species) across a rainfall gradient and different biomes. The distribution of large herbivores would likely have been driven by similar top-down and bottom-up drivers we see in large herbivore ecology today. Knowing this, I created a predictive model for large mammals by predicting the probability of occurrence of functional groups of large herbivores in relation to environmental drivers and humans. Results showed that all species (except Antidorcas australis) were adapted to the grassy environment of the PAP and these specialisations likely contributed to their extinction along with changing climates and intensified hunting from humans. When predicting herbivore viii biomass, biome was the most important factor influencing the relationship between herbivores and rainfall. In general, large herbivore biomass increased with rainfall across biomes, except for grassland. Finally, I showed the probability of occurrence of large herbivores was influenced by early humans, water availability and a landscape of fear on the PAP. Through this thesis I have successfully provided detailed accounts of the biomass and probability of occurrence of large herbivores on the PAP. Importantly, this information can be seamlessly integrated into the PaleoscapeABM. Finally, I highlight the importance of this knowledge in understanding early humans, the potential shortcomings of this study and resulting areas where research needs to be focused. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The impact of the minimum wage in South Africa
- Authors: Brown, Kenrick
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Minimum wage--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51202 , vital:43224
- Description: On the 20th anniversary of freedom and democracy in South Africa, the government announced its intention to introduce a national minimum wage. The announcement made it clear that the intention was not to introduce a residual wage floor, but to rather completely transform the country’s inordinately unequal wage structure. “Change will not come about without some far-reaching interventions. … As government, we will, during this term, investigate the possibility of a national minimum wage as one of the key mechanisms to reduce income inequality.”1 Minimum wages are geared towards establishing wage floors, which are the bare minimum that employees are allowed to pay employees. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) describes minimum wages as remuneration that covers the basic needs of workers and their families, taking into account relevant economic factors.2 National minimum wages of course set these minimum wage floors at a national, economy-wide level. In South Africa, the stated purpose of a national minimum wage has the multi-purpose function of setting a national wage floor in order to reduce poverty and inequality in order to transform the inherently unequal wage structure radically that still exists in South Africa post-apartheid. Before 1st of January 2019 when the national minimum wage became effective, South Africa had minimum wages, but this was prescribed per sector of the economy. Particularly in unorganised sectors a nationally set minimum wage increased the scope and ease of enforcement for minimum wages in comparison to sectoral wage determinations. In short, it covers all employees in all industries, whereas sectoral determinations did not. Furthermore, a national minimum wage would be far more easily set to take into consideration broader governmental policy considerations in comparison to diverse, multisector wage determinations that only target the employees and economic considerations of their sector. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Brown, Kenrick
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Minimum wage--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51202 , vital:43224
- Description: On the 20th anniversary of freedom and democracy in South Africa, the government announced its intention to introduce a national minimum wage. The announcement made it clear that the intention was not to introduce a residual wage floor, but to rather completely transform the country’s inordinately unequal wage structure. “Change will not come about without some far-reaching interventions. … As government, we will, during this term, investigate the possibility of a national minimum wage as one of the key mechanisms to reduce income inequality.”1 Minimum wages are geared towards establishing wage floors, which are the bare minimum that employees are allowed to pay employees. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) describes minimum wages as remuneration that covers the basic needs of workers and their families, taking into account relevant economic factors.2 National minimum wages of course set these minimum wage floors at a national, economy-wide level. In South Africa, the stated purpose of a national minimum wage has the multi-purpose function of setting a national wage floor in order to reduce poverty and inequality in order to transform the inherently unequal wage structure radically that still exists in South Africa post-apartheid. Before 1st of January 2019 when the national minimum wage became effective, South Africa had minimum wages, but this was prescribed per sector of the economy. Particularly in unorganised sectors a nationally set minimum wage increased the scope and ease of enforcement for minimum wages in comparison to sectoral wage determinations. In short, it covers all employees in all industries, whereas sectoral determinations did not. Furthermore, a national minimum wage would be far more easily set to take into consideration broader governmental policy considerations in comparison to diverse, multisector wage determinations that only target the employees and economic considerations of their sector. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A proposed framework for the development of urban agriculture in South African cities
- Authors: Brown, Nicola Jayne
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Urban agriculture -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Food security -- Climatic factors -- South Africa , Resilience (Ecology)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174413 , vital:42475
- Description: While climate change and rapid urbanisation are impacting our cities and existing infrastructure, population growth and resource scarcity are placing unprecedented pressure on our food systems. In light of such challenges and the Sustainable Development Goals, resilient solutions are being sought to move both urban development and food production towards a more sustainable future. In this context, Urban Agriculture (UA) has been identified as a possible mechanism to complement rural food production with many associated social, economic and environmental benefits for urban communities. Some of these benefits include increased food system resilience, better urban environmental management, circular and productive reuse of urban wastes, employment opportunities, reduced food miles and the promotion of social inclusivity. Through a sustainable food system lens and underpinned by Resilience Theory, this research study sets out to investigate and explore the considerations for UA development. The research study reviews UA literature to identify and analyse the common challenges which act as barriers to implementation, as well as the current or potential opportunities which could be leveraged to drive UA development. The insights gained from literature on UA and UA development frameworks; and the data gathered from qualitative interviews with experts working in UA-related fields in South Africa (SA), were used to build a conceptual framework for UA development in SA. The conceptual framework developed is intended to be used as a guide for local municipalities, urban planners, urban farmers, urban communities and UA support organisations in their approach to developing UA initiatives. The findings from this research study reveal that UA development in SA involves numerous actors at both provincial and municipal levels; and within private institutions, businesses, universities, farmer organisations and society. The findings also reveal that UA currently occurs at many levels in SA, with each level drawing a particular range of participants due to the various social, economic and/or environmental features of the initiative. Along with challenges associated with land access, the lack of UA-related knowledge, the threat of theft, vandalism and soil contamination (to name a few); a lack of understanding of how agriculture can fit into urban spaces was found to be a major obstacle. The findings suggest that this lack of understanding has led to an under-realisation of the full potential of UA in South African towns and cities; and an inability to incentivise and optimise the development of UA. Considering the findings derived from the investigation, the study proposes five major considerations for UA development in SA, all of which are unpacked in the conceptual framework. The study concludes by making recommendations for UA decision-makers and UA organisations to consider for future developments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Brown, Nicola Jayne
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Urban agriculture -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Food security -- Climatic factors -- South Africa , Resilience (Ecology)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174413 , vital:42475
- Description: While climate change and rapid urbanisation are impacting our cities and existing infrastructure, population growth and resource scarcity are placing unprecedented pressure on our food systems. In light of such challenges and the Sustainable Development Goals, resilient solutions are being sought to move both urban development and food production towards a more sustainable future. In this context, Urban Agriculture (UA) has been identified as a possible mechanism to complement rural food production with many associated social, economic and environmental benefits for urban communities. Some of these benefits include increased food system resilience, better urban environmental management, circular and productive reuse of urban wastes, employment opportunities, reduced food miles and the promotion of social inclusivity. Through a sustainable food system lens and underpinned by Resilience Theory, this research study sets out to investigate and explore the considerations for UA development. The research study reviews UA literature to identify and analyse the common challenges which act as barriers to implementation, as well as the current or potential opportunities which could be leveraged to drive UA development. The insights gained from literature on UA and UA development frameworks; and the data gathered from qualitative interviews with experts working in UA-related fields in South Africa (SA), were used to build a conceptual framework for UA development in SA. The conceptual framework developed is intended to be used as a guide for local municipalities, urban planners, urban farmers, urban communities and UA support organisations in their approach to developing UA initiatives. The findings from this research study reveal that UA development in SA involves numerous actors at both provincial and municipal levels; and within private institutions, businesses, universities, farmer organisations and society. The findings also reveal that UA currently occurs at many levels in SA, with each level drawing a particular range of participants due to the various social, economic and/or environmental features of the initiative. Along with challenges associated with land access, the lack of UA-related knowledge, the threat of theft, vandalism and soil contamination (to name a few); a lack of understanding of how agriculture can fit into urban spaces was found to be a major obstacle. The findings suggest that this lack of understanding has led to an under-realisation of the full potential of UA in South African towns and cities; and an inability to incentivise and optimise the development of UA. Considering the findings derived from the investigation, the study proposes five major considerations for UA development in SA, all of which are unpacked in the conceptual framework. The study concludes by making recommendations for UA decision-makers and UA organisations to consider for future developments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A causal analysis to investigate low production efficiency in the tyre manufacturing industry in South Africa
- Authors: Bruinders, Bramwill Bertram
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Industrial efficiency , Production management , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50977 , vital:43177
- Description: The evolution of tyre manufacturing in South Africa went back to the early 1930s and matured technologically, becoming automated in the 1960s. The tyre industry in South Africa is worth approximately R30bn per annum and is one of the major supporting industries for domestic vehicle manufacturers. The local industry manufactures only 11 million tyres but can manufacture 18 million tyres per annum. The tyre industry thus plays a crucial role in South Africa’s economic development. Consumers are opting to buy cheaper imported tyres even though tyres are essential purchases. Therefore, the major tyre manufacturers must compete against an estimated 200 importers of various brands, most from China and Japan. The excess local capacity and increasing volume of imports put the local tyre manufacturers under severe pressure to grow their market share, reduce operational cost and achieve economies of scale. The study’s general objective was to conduct a root cause analysis of South African tyre manufacturers’ underlying issues resulting in low production efficiencies. This study used critical manufacturing principles such as traceability, knowledge of lean principles, lean implementation challenges, Total Quality Management, organisational buy-in, waste and rework and maintenance planning that constitute tools of lean practices. These principles provided an opportunity to adopt efficient manufacturing practices in tyre manufacturing companies and help organisations identify improvement areas. A questionnaire was developed and distributed electronically to 93 respondents employed in the tyre manufacturing industry in South Africa. The study addressed product traceability, investigated the quality measures in place, and examined the influence of the workforce’s attitude and morale on productivity, and determined management’s influence on decision-making. The key findings indicated that traceability, lean implementation challenges and organisational buy-in played a significant role in improving production efficiency. Recommendations were made to management to ensure that they lead by example and enhance these key constructs to foster their growth. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration , 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Bruinders, Bramwill Bertram
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Industrial efficiency , Production management , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50977 , vital:43177
- Description: The evolution of tyre manufacturing in South Africa went back to the early 1930s and matured technologically, becoming automated in the 1960s. The tyre industry in South Africa is worth approximately R30bn per annum and is one of the major supporting industries for domestic vehicle manufacturers. The local industry manufactures only 11 million tyres but can manufacture 18 million tyres per annum. The tyre industry thus plays a crucial role in South Africa’s economic development. Consumers are opting to buy cheaper imported tyres even though tyres are essential purchases. Therefore, the major tyre manufacturers must compete against an estimated 200 importers of various brands, most from China and Japan. The excess local capacity and increasing volume of imports put the local tyre manufacturers under severe pressure to grow their market share, reduce operational cost and achieve economies of scale. The study’s general objective was to conduct a root cause analysis of South African tyre manufacturers’ underlying issues resulting in low production efficiencies. This study used critical manufacturing principles such as traceability, knowledge of lean principles, lean implementation challenges, Total Quality Management, organisational buy-in, waste and rework and maintenance planning that constitute tools of lean practices. These principles provided an opportunity to adopt efficient manufacturing practices in tyre manufacturing companies and help organisations identify improvement areas. A questionnaire was developed and distributed electronically to 93 respondents employed in the tyre manufacturing industry in South Africa. The study addressed product traceability, investigated the quality measures in place, and examined the influence of the workforce’s attitude and morale on productivity, and determined management’s influence on decision-making. The key findings indicated that traceability, lean implementation challenges and organisational buy-in played a significant role in improving production efficiency. Recommendations were made to management to ensure that they lead by example and enhance these key constructs to foster their growth. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration , 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A study of the airflow on the windward slope of a transverse dune in the Alexandria coastal dunefield
- Authors: Burkinshaw, Jennifer Ruth
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52734 , vital:43883
- Description: Our understanding of the evolution of dune morphology has been hampered by a lack of empirical observations of airflow behaviour over dune forms. Sand dunes intrude into the atmospheric boundary layer and convergence of streamlines results in an acceleration of airflow up the windward slopes of dunes. This study examines the airflow structure and corresponding bedform development on the windward slope of a 7 m high transverse dune on the edge of the Alexandria coastal dunefield, Algoa Bay, South Africa. The Alexandria dunefield is subjected to a trimodal wind regime, consisting of the dominant south-westerly which blows all year round, summer easterlies and winter northwesterlies. The morphology of the study dune, Dune13, is controlled by the easterlies and north-westerlies, and reverses seasonally with respect to these two winds. Seven section lines 30 m apart and normal to the dune crest were surveyed regularly over the period of a year to monitor the reversal process. Three detailed topographic surveys were also done during this period. Airflow behaviour was monitored during the year. Wind speed profiles on the windward slope of the dune were measured using 4 to 5 vertical arrays of anemometers positioned from the base of the dune to the crest on a 1 selected section line. Usually 4 to 5 anemometers were deployed in each vertical array, from a height of 6 to 10 cm above the surface, up to a height of 150 cm above the surface. Initially 8 microanemometers were available; ultimately 28 anemometers were run simultaneously. An independent weather station at an elevation of 6 m recorded the unaccelerated flow. Local gradient measurements and erosion and deposition rates were recorded along selected section lines. Strong summer easterly winds (14 m/sec at 1.4 m above the dune crest) were measured on a dune slope in the process of being transformed from a slipface to a stoss slope. The following winter, light north-westerly winds (typically B m/sec at 1.6 m above the dune crest) were measured on the new windward slope already reversed by the prevailing winter wind. Airflow data confirm the compression of airflow against the windward slope resulting in a non-logarithmic wind speed profile. Compression results in an increased shear velocity within 30 cm of the dune surface, and the dune slope is eroded. Higher up in the wind speed profile, shear velocity decreases to 0.1 m/sec. It is not known at what height the wind speed profile recovers from the intrusion of the dune into the boundary layer. High values of shear velocity (1.6 m/sec) above the rounded crestal area of the dune record the recovery of the wind speed profile from flow divergence, which is a response to the rapid reduction of dune gradient and is accompanied by deposition of sand in this region. 2 The erosion pin data act as a simple and sensitive test for changes in gradient, reflecting the dune's response to changes in the airflow regime. The shape of the dune plays a major role in determining the extent of the compression and the distribution of shear velocity up the slope. Increased shear velocity is experienced on that part of the slope which is nonaerodynamic with respect to the prevailing wind. Under unidirectional conditions, feedback between flow and form results ultimately in a slope with a curvature such that shear velocity increases systematically upslope. The survey data and erosion pin data record the reversal process as the dune achieves a new steady state during each wind season. The existence of a non-logarithmic wind speed profile makes it difficult to know what relevant measure of shear velocity is to be used in sand transport equations. Future work should include wind speed measurements within 10 cm of the surface. An ideal study modelling aeolian bedform development would utilise wind tunnel measurements, combined with field measurements such as obtained in this study, for comparison with numerical modelling. The study needs to be extended to 3-dimensional airflow measurements. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Burkinshaw, Jennifer Ruth
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52734 , vital:43883
- Description: Our understanding of the evolution of dune morphology has been hampered by a lack of empirical observations of airflow behaviour over dune forms. Sand dunes intrude into the atmospheric boundary layer and convergence of streamlines results in an acceleration of airflow up the windward slopes of dunes. This study examines the airflow structure and corresponding bedform development on the windward slope of a 7 m high transverse dune on the edge of the Alexandria coastal dunefield, Algoa Bay, South Africa. The Alexandria dunefield is subjected to a trimodal wind regime, consisting of the dominant south-westerly which blows all year round, summer easterlies and winter northwesterlies. The morphology of the study dune, Dune13, is controlled by the easterlies and north-westerlies, and reverses seasonally with respect to these two winds. Seven section lines 30 m apart and normal to the dune crest were surveyed regularly over the period of a year to monitor the reversal process. Three detailed topographic surveys were also done during this period. Airflow behaviour was monitored during the year. Wind speed profiles on the windward slope of the dune were measured using 4 to 5 vertical arrays of anemometers positioned from the base of the dune to the crest on a 1 selected section line. Usually 4 to 5 anemometers were deployed in each vertical array, from a height of 6 to 10 cm above the surface, up to a height of 150 cm above the surface. Initially 8 microanemometers were available; ultimately 28 anemometers were run simultaneously. An independent weather station at an elevation of 6 m recorded the unaccelerated flow. Local gradient measurements and erosion and deposition rates were recorded along selected section lines. Strong summer easterly winds (14 m/sec at 1.4 m above the dune crest) were measured on a dune slope in the process of being transformed from a slipface to a stoss slope. The following winter, light north-westerly winds (typically B m/sec at 1.6 m above the dune crest) were measured on the new windward slope already reversed by the prevailing winter wind. Airflow data confirm the compression of airflow against the windward slope resulting in a non-logarithmic wind speed profile. Compression results in an increased shear velocity within 30 cm of the dune surface, and the dune slope is eroded. Higher up in the wind speed profile, shear velocity decreases to 0.1 m/sec. It is not known at what height the wind speed profile recovers from the intrusion of the dune into the boundary layer. High values of shear velocity (1.6 m/sec) above the rounded crestal area of the dune record the recovery of the wind speed profile from flow divergence, which is a response to the rapid reduction of dune gradient and is accompanied by deposition of sand in this region. 2 The erosion pin data act as a simple and sensitive test for changes in gradient, reflecting the dune's response to changes in the airflow regime. The shape of the dune plays a major role in determining the extent of the compression and the distribution of shear velocity up the slope. Increased shear velocity is experienced on that part of the slope which is nonaerodynamic with respect to the prevailing wind. Under unidirectional conditions, feedback between flow and form results ultimately in a slope with a curvature such that shear velocity increases systematically upslope. The survey data and erosion pin data record the reversal process as the dune achieves a new steady state during each wind season. The existence of a non-logarithmic wind speed profile makes it difficult to know what relevant measure of shear velocity is to be used in sand transport equations. Future work should include wind speed measurements within 10 cm of the surface. An ideal study modelling aeolian bedform development would utilise wind tunnel measurements, combined with field measurements such as obtained in this study, for comparison with numerical modelling. The study needs to be extended to 3-dimensional airflow measurements. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
An assessment of different methods for measuring mammal diversity in two Southern African arid ecosystems.
- Authors: Burt, Chloe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Biodiversity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52338 , vital:43591
- Description: A current critical environmental problem is the loss of biodiversity. To allow for adaptive management and effective conservation interventions, reliable data needs to be readily available and effectively collected. To gather reliable data, the most appropriate method must be used. The aim of this thesis was to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of different mammal diversity sampling techniques, including discussing specificities and complementarity of each. I also assessed the limitation of methods in terms of the influence of species traits on detectability. I used standard mammal field methods such as block transects, camera traps, track plates, spotlight surveys, mist nets, acoustic surveys, and live traps for a wide range of mammal taxa, and also included the use of local knowledge in the comparison. I assessed the cost-efficiency of each method by determining the cost per species. The efficiency of each method was assessed by observing when the species accumulation curve reached an asymptote. The effectiveness was determined by the species richness and the taxonomic groups the method detected. My results indicated that block transects were the most efficient and effective method to assess species richness. However, a combination of methods allowed for a more comprehensive survey and my results indicate that block transects and live traps were the best combination. It is important to note, not only the effectiveness and efficiency of methods be assessed, but also their limitations. I therefore also assessed the influence of species traits on the detectability of five methods. The species traits that I tested were body size, diet, activity, and if they lived in groups. On both study areas, body size was the main trait that influenced detectability with most field methods. Diet and activity had varying influence on detectability depending on the method. Group living did not significantly influence detectability. Based on my results, I provide guidelines for choosing the most appropriate survey method for targeted studies on mammals in arid ecosystems as well as guidelines for choosing the most appropriate methods for a terrestrial mammal inventory. Survey methods selection and guidelines provided here can allow for effective monitoring and therefore effective and adaptive management and having reliable and repeatable outcomes from surveys. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Burt, Chloe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Biodiversity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52338 , vital:43591
- Description: A current critical environmental problem is the loss of biodiversity. To allow for adaptive management and effective conservation interventions, reliable data needs to be readily available and effectively collected. To gather reliable data, the most appropriate method must be used. The aim of this thesis was to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of different mammal diversity sampling techniques, including discussing specificities and complementarity of each. I also assessed the limitation of methods in terms of the influence of species traits on detectability. I used standard mammal field methods such as block transects, camera traps, track plates, spotlight surveys, mist nets, acoustic surveys, and live traps for a wide range of mammal taxa, and also included the use of local knowledge in the comparison. I assessed the cost-efficiency of each method by determining the cost per species. The efficiency of each method was assessed by observing when the species accumulation curve reached an asymptote. The effectiveness was determined by the species richness and the taxonomic groups the method detected. My results indicated that block transects were the most efficient and effective method to assess species richness. However, a combination of methods allowed for a more comprehensive survey and my results indicate that block transects and live traps were the best combination. It is important to note, not only the effectiveness and efficiency of methods be assessed, but also their limitations. I therefore also assessed the influence of species traits on the detectability of five methods. The species traits that I tested were body size, diet, activity, and if they lived in groups. On both study areas, body size was the main trait that influenced detectability with most field methods. Diet and activity had varying influence on detectability depending on the method. Group living did not significantly influence detectability. Based on my results, I provide guidelines for choosing the most appropriate survey method for targeted studies on mammals in arid ecosystems as well as guidelines for choosing the most appropriate methods for a terrestrial mammal inventory. Survey methods selection and guidelines provided here can allow for effective monitoring and therefore effective and adaptive management and having reliable and repeatable outcomes from surveys. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Cognitive justice and environmental learning in South African social movements
- Authors: Burt, Jane Caroline
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Transformative learning , Water security -- South Africa , Environmental education -- South Africa , EEASA (Organization) , Civil society -- South Africa , Water justice , Cognitive justice
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174437 , vital:42477 , http://dx.doi.org/10.21504/10962/174437
- Description: This thesis by publication is an applied study into transformative learning as an emancipatory practice for water justice. It is guided by the core research question: How can cognitively just learning be an activist practice in social movements working towards water justice? To address this question, I use the applied critical realist approach which makes use of three moments of moral reasoning which are very similar to the approach adopted in the learning intervention that is the focus of this research. These three moments are: Diagnose, Explain, Act – sometimes known as the DEA model (Bhaskar, 2008, 243; Munnik & Price, 2015). The research object is the Changing Practice course for community-based environmental and social movements. The course was developed and studied over seven years, starting from the reflexive scholarship of environmental learning in South Africa, particularly the adult learning model of working together/working away developed through the Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa in partnership with the Environmental Learning Research Centre at Rhodes University (Lotz-Sisitka & Raven, 2004). We (the facilitators/educators) ran the Changing Practice course three times (2012-2014; 2014-2016; 2016-2018), in which I generated substantive data which forms the empirical base on which this study was developed. We found the concept of cognitive justice (Visvanathan, 2005; de Sousa Santos, 2016) to be a powerful mobilizing concept with which to carry out emancipatory research and learning, in three ways. First, it brought together a group of researchers, activists and practitioners from different organizations to work on how to strengthen the role of civil society in monitoring government water policy and practice (Wilson et al., 2016). Second, within the Changing Practice course itself, it became a principle for guiding learning design and pedagogy as well as a way of engaging in dialogue with the participants around the politics of knowledge, exclusion and inclusion in knowledge production, systems of oppression and multiple knowledges (Wilson et al., 2016; Burt et al., 2018). Thirdly, the participants’ change projects (the applied projects undertaken during the ‘working away’ phase between course modules), allowed participants to draw on different knowledge systems, which they learnt to do in the ‘working together’ modules, and to address cognitive justice concerns linked to environmental justice. The change projects also challenged our learning pedagogy by raising contradictions in the course’s approach to learning that needed to be transformed in order for our pedagogy to be more cognitively just. Throughout this thesis I argue that the work of cognitive justice deepens the connections between people, institutions and structures, particularly in relation to transformative learning. Our intention was to identify and critique structures and ideologies that perpetuated oppressive relations, and then to identify and enact the work needed towards transforming these relations. This is why I often refer to cognitive justice as a solidarity and mobilizing concept, and I use the term cognitive justice praxis to mean the reflection and actions that are needed to enact cognitive just learning. The facilitators and participants of the Changing Practice course worked to remove the layered effects of oppression both in the practice of water justice and in the learning process itself. We worked, however imperfectly, with a caring, collectively-held ethic towards each other and the world. Using the DEA model I applied the critical realist dialectic to analyse contradictions and generate explanations through four articles as reflexive writing projects (See Part 2 of this thesis). I used the critical realist dialectic both to reveal contradictions, investigate how these contradictions have come to be, and to generate alternative explanations and action to absent them. Through this research I identified four essential mechanisms for cognitively just environmental learning: care work, co-learning, reflexivity and an interdisciplinary approach to learning scholarship as learning praxis. The essential elements that made the Changing Practice course so effective were the working together/working away design, the encouraging of participants to make the change project something they were passionate about, and the situating and grounding of the Changing Practice course within a social movement network. We were able to show that for academic scholarship to contribute meaningfully to cognitively just learning praxis, it needs to be collaborative and reflexive, and start from the embodied historical and contextual experience of learning as experienced and understood by participants on the course. This demanded an interdisciplinary approach to work with contradictions in learning practice, one that could take into consideration different knowledges and knowledge practices beyond professional disciplines. Both social movement communities and scholarly communities have valuable knowledge to offer each other. As argued in article one, rather than a lack of knowledge, what more often limits our emancipatory action are factors that prevent us from coming closer together. (Burt et al, 2018) This research revealed that social movement learning towards water justice is multi-level care work, the four levels being: individual psychology, our relations with others, our relations with structures such as our social movements, and our relations with the planet. When such care work attains self- reflexivity, practice-reflexivity, co-learning and collective scholarship, it is able to absent the contradictions that inhibit cognitive justice. This thesis is a record of our attempts to learn how to achieve this.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Burt, Jane Caroline
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Transformative learning , Water security -- South Africa , Environmental education -- South Africa , EEASA (Organization) , Civil society -- South Africa , Water justice , Cognitive justice
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174437 , vital:42477 , http://dx.doi.org/10.21504/10962/174437
- Description: This thesis by publication is an applied study into transformative learning as an emancipatory practice for water justice. It is guided by the core research question: How can cognitively just learning be an activist practice in social movements working towards water justice? To address this question, I use the applied critical realist approach which makes use of three moments of moral reasoning which are very similar to the approach adopted in the learning intervention that is the focus of this research. These three moments are: Diagnose, Explain, Act – sometimes known as the DEA model (Bhaskar, 2008, 243; Munnik & Price, 2015). The research object is the Changing Practice course for community-based environmental and social movements. The course was developed and studied over seven years, starting from the reflexive scholarship of environmental learning in South Africa, particularly the adult learning model of working together/working away developed through the Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa in partnership with the Environmental Learning Research Centre at Rhodes University (Lotz-Sisitka & Raven, 2004). We (the facilitators/educators) ran the Changing Practice course three times (2012-2014; 2014-2016; 2016-2018), in which I generated substantive data which forms the empirical base on which this study was developed. We found the concept of cognitive justice (Visvanathan, 2005; de Sousa Santos, 2016) to be a powerful mobilizing concept with which to carry out emancipatory research and learning, in three ways. First, it brought together a group of researchers, activists and practitioners from different organizations to work on how to strengthen the role of civil society in monitoring government water policy and practice (Wilson et al., 2016). Second, within the Changing Practice course itself, it became a principle for guiding learning design and pedagogy as well as a way of engaging in dialogue with the participants around the politics of knowledge, exclusion and inclusion in knowledge production, systems of oppression and multiple knowledges (Wilson et al., 2016; Burt et al., 2018). Thirdly, the participants’ change projects (the applied projects undertaken during the ‘working away’ phase between course modules), allowed participants to draw on different knowledge systems, which they learnt to do in the ‘working together’ modules, and to address cognitive justice concerns linked to environmental justice. The change projects also challenged our learning pedagogy by raising contradictions in the course’s approach to learning that needed to be transformed in order for our pedagogy to be more cognitively just. Throughout this thesis I argue that the work of cognitive justice deepens the connections between people, institutions and structures, particularly in relation to transformative learning. Our intention was to identify and critique structures and ideologies that perpetuated oppressive relations, and then to identify and enact the work needed towards transforming these relations. This is why I often refer to cognitive justice as a solidarity and mobilizing concept, and I use the term cognitive justice praxis to mean the reflection and actions that are needed to enact cognitive just learning. The facilitators and participants of the Changing Practice course worked to remove the layered effects of oppression both in the practice of water justice and in the learning process itself. We worked, however imperfectly, with a caring, collectively-held ethic towards each other and the world. Using the DEA model I applied the critical realist dialectic to analyse contradictions and generate explanations through four articles as reflexive writing projects (See Part 2 of this thesis). I used the critical realist dialectic both to reveal contradictions, investigate how these contradictions have come to be, and to generate alternative explanations and action to absent them. Through this research I identified four essential mechanisms for cognitively just environmental learning: care work, co-learning, reflexivity and an interdisciplinary approach to learning scholarship as learning praxis. The essential elements that made the Changing Practice course so effective were the working together/working away design, the encouraging of participants to make the change project something they were passionate about, and the situating and grounding of the Changing Practice course within a social movement network. We were able to show that for academic scholarship to contribute meaningfully to cognitively just learning praxis, it needs to be collaborative and reflexive, and start from the embodied historical and contextual experience of learning as experienced and understood by participants on the course. This demanded an interdisciplinary approach to work with contradictions in learning practice, one that could take into consideration different knowledges and knowledge practices beyond professional disciplines. Both social movement communities and scholarly communities have valuable knowledge to offer each other. As argued in article one, rather than a lack of knowledge, what more often limits our emancipatory action are factors that prevent us from coming closer together. (Burt et al, 2018) This research revealed that social movement learning towards water justice is multi-level care work, the four levels being: individual psychology, our relations with others, our relations with structures such as our social movements, and our relations with the planet. When such care work attains self- reflexivity, practice-reflexivity, co-learning and collective scholarship, it is able to absent the contradictions that inhibit cognitive justice. This thesis is a record of our attempts to learn how to achieve this.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Ranked factors influencing the sustainability and growth of SMMEs in the city of Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Bussy, Matthew
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51050 , vital:43204
- Description: SMMEs are the backbone of both established and developing economies with their ability to contribute to a country’s GDP, create employment, stimulate innovation and create new revenue streams. In South Africa the majority of SMMEs do not reach the critical threshold period for sustainability, defined by the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) as three years. This study explores twenty-five barriers and influences (nine external and sixteen internal) as experienced by small businesses operating in the city of Port Elizabeth, and their effect on the sustainability and success of the small business. The internal barriers and influences are ranked according to their relative importance to business sustainability and success as viewed by small businesses in the city of Port Elizabeth. The research is exploratory in nature and was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The findings show that the nineteen barriers and influencers that are controllable within the business are all important to the success and sustainability of small businesses. Of these internal factors, the most important one relatively speaking is found to be the general management abilities of management, and the least important, relatively speaking, is the education levels of the non-management employees. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Bussy, Matthew
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51050 , vital:43204
- Description: SMMEs are the backbone of both established and developing economies with their ability to contribute to a country’s GDP, create employment, stimulate innovation and create new revenue streams. In South Africa the majority of SMMEs do not reach the critical threshold period for sustainability, defined by the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) as three years. This study explores twenty-five barriers and influences (nine external and sixteen internal) as experienced by small businesses operating in the city of Port Elizabeth, and their effect on the sustainability and success of the small business. The internal barriers and influences are ranked according to their relative importance to business sustainability and success as viewed by small businesses in the city of Port Elizabeth. The research is exploratory in nature and was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The findings show that the nineteen barriers and influencers that are controllable within the business are all important to the success and sustainability of small businesses. Of these internal factors, the most important one relatively speaking is found to be the general management abilities of management, and the least important, relatively speaking, is the education levels of the non-management employees. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
An exploration of attrition of sexual crime cases of child victims from the perspectives of the police officers, prosecutors and advocates in Kouga District, Eastern Cape (SA)
- Authors: Calitz, Karen
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Sex crimes -- Investigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Criminal justice, Administration of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51010 , vital:43200
- Description: The successful prosecution of a sex crime case is dependent on the testimony of the victim. Due to the concealed nature of a sexual crime, it is notoriously difficult to prosecute effectively. With child victims, a number of additional obstacles present themselves when it comes to children giving evidence. Attrition is the rate at which cases do not proceed to court. Statistics in South Africa has revealed that rape has one of the lowest conviction rates of all serious crimes. This study is aimed at analysing the factors that cause attrition during the investigation stage in cases where children were victims of any form of sexual crime. In order to obtain the unscripted view of the investigation process, the qualitative study comprises of interviews with investigating officers who investigate these cases and the prosecutors who present these cases to court. The multi-disciplinary team-approach during investigation and its varying limits and challenges, were the main focus. A purposive non-probability sampling technique was utilised, focusing on the Kouga district municipality of the Eastern Cape. Through this study, the factors causing attrition were analysed and presented in such a manner so that change can be conceptualised in order to strive for the rights of children to receive justice for crimes committed against them. Key findings of the study yielded three significant factors which plague the progress of these cases. A significant finding illuminated the lack of required capacity professionals have in working and understanding children throughout the criminal justice process. A further vital finding is the complexities of inter-departmental functioning on implementation level, indicating challenges in collaboration. An integral finding is the measure of time taken to investigate cases of child victims, which the criminal process flow is delayed to its own detriment in aiming for convictions. In general it was found that services to child victims are neglected. Collaborative approaches which are already in place are to be strengthened through capacity building and collaborative knowledge integration in all sectors of professionals. Victim services legislation must include specialized services for the child victim. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Calitz, Karen
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Sex crimes -- Investigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Criminal justice, Administration of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51010 , vital:43200
- Description: The successful prosecution of a sex crime case is dependent on the testimony of the victim. Due to the concealed nature of a sexual crime, it is notoriously difficult to prosecute effectively. With child victims, a number of additional obstacles present themselves when it comes to children giving evidence. Attrition is the rate at which cases do not proceed to court. Statistics in South Africa has revealed that rape has one of the lowest conviction rates of all serious crimes. This study is aimed at analysing the factors that cause attrition during the investigation stage in cases where children were victims of any form of sexual crime. In order to obtain the unscripted view of the investigation process, the qualitative study comprises of interviews with investigating officers who investigate these cases and the prosecutors who present these cases to court. The multi-disciplinary team-approach during investigation and its varying limits and challenges, were the main focus. A purposive non-probability sampling technique was utilised, focusing on the Kouga district municipality of the Eastern Cape. Through this study, the factors causing attrition were analysed and presented in such a manner so that change can be conceptualised in order to strive for the rights of children to receive justice for crimes committed against them. Key findings of the study yielded three significant factors which plague the progress of these cases. A significant finding illuminated the lack of required capacity professionals have in working and understanding children throughout the criminal justice process. A further vital finding is the complexities of inter-departmental functioning on implementation level, indicating challenges in collaboration. An integral finding is the measure of time taken to investigate cases of child victims, which the criminal process flow is delayed to its own detriment in aiming for convictions. In general it was found that services to child victims are neglected. Collaborative approaches which are already in place are to be strengthened through capacity building and collaborative knowledge integration in all sectors of professionals. Victim services legislation must include specialized services for the child victim. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04