Diet of the yellow mongoose (Cynictis penicillata) in the Albany Thicket Biome of South Africa
- Authors: Bizani, Mfundo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Zoology)
- Identifier: vital:11796 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019840
- Description: The dietary habits of the yellow mongoose Cynictis penicillata were studied in the Albany Thicket Biome of South Africa (Great Fish River Reserve, Eastern Cape). The diet was investigated through the analysis of 1,056 scats that were sampled over a period of 7 years (2005−2009 and 2011−2012) mainly in three similar sites (Kelarny, Grasslands and Junction 10) that were used by at least three families or groups of yellow mongooses. Scats were collected near latrine sites, labelled and stored in a freezer. In the laboratory, scats were oven dried for a period of 24 hours at 50 C. Diet was determined by identifying undigested food remains in the scats. Hair samples were examined under the compound microscope to identify which mammals were ingested. In the field, both arthropod and small mammal abundance were determined in order to evaluate whether yellow mongooses are opportunistic or specialist feeders. Furthermore, inter-annual (2006–2008) and inter-group/inter-site variations in the diet were assessed. Based on faecal analysis, arthropods were the principal prey, while small mammals acted as supplementary food item. Other food categories like vegetation, reptiles and birds were only ingested or preyed upon infrequently. Intermediate dietary diversity, and low standardised diet breadth indices were obtained for all seasons, as well as for the whole sampling period. The diet overlaps calculated for pairs of seasons were very high and did not differ substantially. However, the diet of the yellow mongoose varied seasonally, yearly and between groups (sites), mostly due to variations in arthropod and small mammal consumption. Food availability displayed an increase in biomass of both small mammals and arthropods in summer and autumn. Results obtained in this study could suggest that the yellow mongoose at the GFRR is insectivorous by preferring to feed on insects (and arthropods in general) when both insects and rodents are abundant. However the fact that its diet varies both seasonally, yearly and locally, as well as the presence of remains of other food categories in the scats, indicates that this species is rather an opportunistic, generalist feeder than an insect specialist.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Bizani, Mfundo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Zoology)
- Identifier: vital:11796 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019840
- Description: The dietary habits of the yellow mongoose Cynictis penicillata were studied in the Albany Thicket Biome of South Africa (Great Fish River Reserve, Eastern Cape). The diet was investigated through the analysis of 1,056 scats that were sampled over a period of 7 years (2005−2009 and 2011−2012) mainly in three similar sites (Kelarny, Grasslands and Junction 10) that were used by at least three families or groups of yellow mongooses. Scats were collected near latrine sites, labelled and stored in a freezer. In the laboratory, scats were oven dried for a period of 24 hours at 50 C. Diet was determined by identifying undigested food remains in the scats. Hair samples were examined under the compound microscope to identify which mammals were ingested. In the field, both arthropod and small mammal abundance were determined in order to evaluate whether yellow mongooses are opportunistic or specialist feeders. Furthermore, inter-annual (2006–2008) and inter-group/inter-site variations in the diet were assessed. Based on faecal analysis, arthropods were the principal prey, while small mammals acted as supplementary food item. Other food categories like vegetation, reptiles and birds were only ingested or preyed upon infrequently. Intermediate dietary diversity, and low standardised diet breadth indices were obtained for all seasons, as well as for the whole sampling period. The diet overlaps calculated for pairs of seasons were very high and did not differ substantially. However, the diet of the yellow mongoose varied seasonally, yearly and between groups (sites), mostly due to variations in arthropod and small mammal consumption. Food availability displayed an increase in biomass of both small mammals and arthropods in summer and autumn. Results obtained in this study could suggest that the yellow mongoose at the GFRR is insectivorous by preferring to feed on insects (and arthropods in general) when both insects and rodents are abundant. However the fact that its diet varies both seasonally, yearly and locally, as well as the presence of remains of other food categories in the scats, indicates that this species is rather an opportunistic, generalist feeder than an insect specialist.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An ethnographic study of business documentation writing practices of selected human resource practitioners in the Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Authors: Blignaut, David Llewellyn
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Business writing English language -- Written English -- South Africa , Written communication -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50077 , vital:42031
- Description: The proposed study will focus on the dominant writing practices in the Human Resources (HR) workplace environment. Business writing is dominated by English and world Englishes as an international language, and users are increasingly second or foreign language speakers. As a result, business environments adopt English-only policies. As a result, the hegemony of English for business use has been entrenched. In addition, English has become a highly influential language in South Africa. As any document production is not simple and spontaneous where rules are visible and can be learned or known independently, this study specifically examines the business documentation writing practices of Human Resource (HR) practitioners in the workplace to evaluate the relevance of the BKH 1120 English in Communication A business writing curriculum. The integration of the workplace social context is essential as writing practices encompass not only the physical act of writing, but include abstract cognitive processes and the contexts of the reader, writer, text and social environment that pertain to text processing and production. Therefore, this study intends to inform current HE academic business writing requirements as well as documentation structures and layout practices for the curriculum development of the BKH1120 Communication in English A module. The study used a qualitative research tool based on an ethnographic design. Although an ethnographic study demands that the researcher spends extensive time in the field, an alternative strategy is to conduct the research based on interviews as a thick description of depth and detail that interviewers seek in interviews can be found in the interviewees’ first hand experiences”. Content analysis was also used to analyse the interview responses as well as the document samples collected from the participants. This research study concluded that HE often does not often adequately prepare students for the social, ideological and collaborative workplace writing expectations. Therefore, HE programmes should make careful decisions on which workplace discourse practices to include in their teaching practices and design meaningful and realistic ways to equip students in to prepare them well to deal with workplace writing challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Blignaut, David Llewellyn
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Business writing English language -- Written English -- South Africa , Written communication -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50077 , vital:42031
- Description: The proposed study will focus on the dominant writing practices in the Human Resources (HR) workplace environment. Business writing is dominated by English and world Englishes as an international language, and users are increasingly second or foreign language speakers. As a result, business environments adopt English-only policies. As a result, the hegemony of English for business use has been entrenched. In addition, English has become a highly influential language in South Africa. As any document production is not simple and spontaneous where rules are visible and can be learned or known independently, this study specifically examines the business documentation writing practices of Human Resource (HR) practitioners in the workplace to evaluate the relevance of the BKH 1120 English in Communication A business writing curriculum. The integration of the workplace social context is essential as writing practices encompass not only the physical act of writing, but include abstract cognitive processes and the contexts of the reader, writer, text and social environment that pertain to text processing and production. Therefore, this study intends to inform current HE academic business writing requirements as well as documentation structures and layout practices for the curriculum development of the BKH1120 Communication in English A module. The study used a qualitative research tool based on an ethnographic design. Although an ethnographic study demands that the researcher spends extensive time in the field, an alternative strategy is to conduct the research based on interviews as a thick description of depth and detail that interviewers seek in interviews can be found in the interviewees’ first hand experiences”. Content analysis was also used to analyse the interview responses as well as the document samples collected from the participants. This research study concluded that HE often does not often adequately prepare students for the social, ideological and collaborative workplace writing expectations. Therefore, HE programmes should make careful decisions on which workplace discourse practices to include in their teaching practices and design meaningful and realistic ways to equip students in to prepare them well to deal with workplace writing challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The role of the expanded public works programme in poverty alleviation
- Authors: Blou, Siphiwo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Unemployment -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Public works -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9183 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020167
- Description: South Africa is characterised by inequitable growth and development, a high level of poverty, increasing demands and limited resources and the challenge of integration. The need for improved standards of living and access to better infrastructure which are seen as crucial issues in addressing poverty have necessitated the introduction of programmes that aim to alleviate poverty. The South African democratic government has, since 1994, implemented various programmes in an attempt to improve the quality of lives of its citizens through policy interventions. The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is one of the many programmes offered by the National Government to provide poverty and income relief through temporary work for the unemployed to carry out socially useful activities. The study is descriptive in nature. The researcher seeks to gain insight into the effectiveness of the EPWP as poverty alleviation strategy in the Oudtshoorn Municipal area. The researcher needs to understand the impact it has made on the beneficiaries focussing on Bongolethu and Bridgton as critically distressed settlements. The researcher used, inter alia, policy documents, circular letters, accredited journal articles, newspaper reports, minutes of the Oudtshoorn Municipal Council meetings as sources of data collection. The findings reveal that there are short term poverty alleviation initiatives in Oudtshoorn. The study also revealed that the problem of poverty is still a challenge in the Oudtshoorn Municipal Area and a review of the current policies is necessary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Blou, Siphiwo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Unemployment -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Public works -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9183 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020167
- Description: South Africa is characterised by inequitable growth and development, a high level of poverty, increasing demands and limited resources and the challenge of integration. The need for improved standards of living and access to better infrastructure which are seen as crucial issues in addressing poverty have necessitated the introduction of programmes that aim to alleviate poverty. The South African democratic government has, since 1994, implemented various programmes in an attempt to improve the quality of lives of its citizens through policy interventions. The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is one of the many programmes offered by the National Government to provide poverty and income relief through temporary work for the unemployed to carry out socially useful activities. The study is descriptive in nature. The researcher seeks to gain insight into the effectiveness of the EPWP as poverty alleviation strategy in the Oudtshoorn Municipal area. The researcher needs to understand the impact it has made on the beneficiaries focussing on Bongolethu and Bridgton as critically distressed settlements. The researcher used, inter alia, policy documents, circular letters, accredited journal articles, newspaper reports, minutes of the Oudtshoorn Municipal Council meetings as sources of data collection. The findings reveal that there are short term poverty alleviation initiatives in Oudtshoorn. The study also revealed that the problem of poverty is still a challenge in the Oudtshoorn Municipal Area and a review of the current policies is necessary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Assessing the local government turnaround strategy: the case of Ngqushwa Local Municipality
- Authors: Bokwe, Nosiphiwo Gloria
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal corporations -- South Africa , Regional planning -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020084
- Description: The thrust of the study is to investigate the Local Government Turnaround Strategy as introduced by Cabinet in the year 2009. In this treatise a critical evaluation of the Local Government Turnaround Strategy that was passed by cabinet as a panacea that seeks to address the challenges that are being faced by municipalities today will be embarked upon. A case study of the Ngqushwa Local Municipality in the Amathole District Municipal area will be undertaken with the view to understand whether the Local Government Turnaround Strategy will indeed assist ailing local municipalities like Ngqushwa. As can be seen in our country, apartheid has left many problems both in the social, economic and political realms of our society. When local government was first established it was for the perpetuation of separate development as enshrined in the policy of apartheid. Apartheid was not the beginning of geographic, institutional and social separation at the local level. Segregation was already a policy by the time apartheid was introduced in 1948. However, the Group Areas Act, the key piece of legislation, instituted strict residential segregation and compulsory removal of black people to own group areas. Through spatial separation, influx control, and a policy of own management for own areas, apartheid aimed to limit the extent to which affluent white municipalities would bear the financial burden of servicing disadvantaged black areas. These separate developments led to the collapse of the former Black Local Authorities. When the democratic government took over the same challenges reared their heads again. Many intervention programmes were introduced to assist ailing municipalities to be viable. The study thus has tried to indicate how the Turnaround has assisted municipalities like the Ngqushwa Local Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Bokwe, Nosiphiwo Gloria
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal corporations -- South Africa , Regional planning -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020084
- Description: The thrust of the study is to investigate the Local Government Turnaround Strategy as introduced by Cabinet in the year 2009. In this treatise a critical evaluation of the Local Government Turnaround Strategy that was passed by cabinet as a panacea that seeks to address the challenges that are being faced by municipalities today will be embarked upon. A case study of the Ngqushwa Local Municipality in the Amathole District Municipal area will be undertaken with the view to understand whether the Local Government Turnaround Strategy will indeed assist ailing local municipalities like Ngqushwa. As can be seen in our country, apartheid has left many problems both in the social, economic and political realms of our society. When local government was first established it was for the perpetuation of separate development as enshrined in the policy of apartheid. Apartheid was not the beginning of geographic, institutional and social separation at the local level. Segregation was already a policy by the time apartheid was introduced in 1948. However, the Group Areas Act, the key piece of legislation, instituted strict residential segregation and compulsory removal of black people to own group areas. Through spatial separation, influx control, and a policy of own management for own areas, apartheid aimed to limit the extent to which affluent white municipalities would bear the financial burden of servicing disadvantaged black areas. These separate developments led to the collapse of the former Black Local Authorities. When the democratic government took over the same challenges reared their heads again. Many intervention programmes were introduced to assist ailing municipalities to be viable. The study thus has tried to indicate how the Turnaround has assisted municipalities like the Ngqushwa Local Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Provincial monitoring and support for accountability in municipal finance: the case of Nkonkobe Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Bongco, Mlami
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11699 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015136
- Description: The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, section 154(1) states that the national government and provincial governments, by legislative and other measures, must support and strengthen the capacity of municipalities to manage their own affairs, to exercise their powers and to perform their functions. The study sought to identify the monitoring and support rendered to Nkonkobe local municipality by the province in achieving clean audit; and assessing the impact of the provincial monitoring and support to Nkonkobe local municipality in achieving clean audit. In addition to this the study sought to come up with recommendations on how to address the challenges and problems experienced in the rendering of provincial monitoring and support to Nkonkobe local municipality. The study used both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Twenty (20) respondents comprised of Nkonkobe local municipal officials, Eastern Cape Provincial government officials and South African Local Government Association’s officials were given questionnaires to complete. Furthermore face-to-face interviews and document analysis were also used as data collection methods. The study findings suggest that the monitoring and support provided to Nkonkobe local municipality by the province is insufficient in achieving clean audit, as it faces capacity and budgetary constraints, and above all, is not well coordinated between the Provincial Treasury and Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs. Improvement in audit outcome (from a disclaimer to a qualified audit opinion) has been noted, but in general, there has been insignificant impact noted in Nkonkobe local municipality. The study recommended that sufficient resources must be provided by the province in monitoring and supporting Nkonkobe local municipality to achieve clean audit. It was also recommended that coordination of support activities between and within the national and provincial governments was critically important.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Bongco, Mlami
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11699 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015136
- Description: The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, section 154(1) states that the national government and provincial governments, by legislative and other measures, must support and strengthen the capacity of municipalities to manage their own affairs, to exercise their powers and to perform their functions. The study sought to identify the monitoring and support rendered to Nkonkobe local municipality by the province in achieving clean audit; and assessing the impact of the provincial monitoring and support to Nkonkobe local municipality in achieving clean audit. In addition to this the study sought to come up with recommendations on how to address the challenges and problems experienced in the rendering of provincial monitoring and support to Nkonkobe local municipality. The study used both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Twenty (20) respondents comprised of Nkonkobe local municipal officials, Eastern Cape Provincial government officials and South African Local Government Association’s officials were given questionnaires to complete. Furthermore face-to-face interviews and document analysis were also used as data collection methods. The study findings suggest that the monitoring and support provided to Nkonkobe local municipality by the province is insufficient in achieving clean audit, as it faces capacity and budgetary constraints, and above all, is not well coordinated between the Provincial Treasury and Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs. Improvement in audit outcome (from a disclaimer to a qualified audit opinion) has been noted, but in general, there has been insignificant impact noted in Nkonkobe local municipality. The study recommended that sufficient resources must be provided by the province in monitoring and supporting Nkonkobe local municipality to achieve clean audit. It was also recommended that coordination of support activities between and within the national and provincial governments was critically important.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A study of the impact of the St. Mary's Development and Care Centre on communities in Grahamstown
- Authors: Booth, Kaylene Lucinda
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Community-based social services -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Community development -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9193 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020369
- Description: The study is made in an attempt to evaluate a Non-Profit Organisation established 30 years ago. The organisation is called The St. Mary’s Development and Care Centre. This centre, amongst others, was established in 1982 by a true humanitarian, Mrs Thelma Henderson, and has since had more than 2250 children and lots more families in its care. The research aims to explore and evaluate the impact that the centre has had on the families and communities in Grahamstown. The evaluation is done as part of the current manager’s strategy to assess the strengths of the organisation and to build on the efficacy of the organisation. The researcher understands impact as any change whether positive or negative. This, from a social science perspective, is experienced by the person on a personal level and the effects in different families cannot be measured with a universal measure. Theory proves that because people are at varying levels of development, they therefore experience change and thus impact, differently. With the use of the grounded theory method comprising of systematic, inductive and comparative approaches for conducting inquiry for the purpose of constructing theory (Bryant & Charmaz 2007: 1) the research found that people have experienced change at different levels. This information, triangulated against previous research, validated the claims that child sponsorship at an NGO level indeed has benefits for the children involved in their programs. Therefore this evaluation paper draws the conclusion through similarities found and qualitative personal views that the St. Mary’s Development and Care Centre has indeed had an impact on the Grahamstown community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Booth, Kaylene Lucinda
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Community-based social services -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Community development -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9193 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020369
- Description: The study is made in an attempt to evaluate a Non-Profit Organisation established 30 years ago. The organisation is called The St. Mary’s Development and Care Centre. This centre, amongst others, was established in 1982 by a true humanitarian, Mrs Thelma Henderson, and has since had more than 2250 children and lots more families in its care. The research aims to explore and evaluate the impact that the centre has had on the families and communities in Grahamstown. The evaluation is done as part of the current manager’s strategy to assess the strengths of the organisation and to build on the efficacy of the organisation. The researcher understands impact as any change whether positive or negative. This, from a social science perspective, is experienced by the person on a personal level and the effects in different families cannot be measured with a universal measure. Theory proves that because people are at varying levels of development, they therefore experience change and thus impact, differently. With the use of the grounded theory method comprising of systematic, inductive and comparative approaches for conducting inquiry for the purpose of constructing theory (Bryant & Charmaz 2007: 1) the research found that people have experienced change at different levels. This information, triangulated against previous research, validated the claims that child sponsorship at an NGO level indeed has benefits for the children involved in their programs. Therefore this evaluation paper draws the conclusion through similarities found and qualitative personal views that the St. Mary’s Development and Care Centre has indeed had an impact on the Grahamstown community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Local economic development projects in the Amathole District Municipality
- Authors: Boqwana, Nyameka Patience
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality -- Evaluation , Community development -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9181 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020165
- Description: The global economy has been reeling from the continued effects of the economic crisis since 2007. A range of approaches to economic recovery have been followed, ranging from financial bailout during the 2007/08 financial crisis, to austerity measures in the most recent 2011/12 sovereign debt crisis, but each with limited success. South Africa has similarly experienced significant shockwaves from the meltdown. The South African economy officially entered into recession in the second quarter of 2009. The economy was quick to emerge from economic recession by the first quarter of 2010, but has been on a bumpy path of recovery since. Moreover, economic recovery has been thwarted by the ensuing sovereign debt crisis in the Euro. South Africa is characterised by inequitable growth and development, a high incidence of poverty, a relatively underdeveloped economic base, low levels of skills development and low levels of access to basic services and infrastructure. LED has had a difficult birth in South Africa with regards to accomplishing its objectives of job creation and poverty alleviation. In an attempt to address these problems, the Amathole District Municipality has implemented a number of local economic development projects within the area aimed at improving the wellbeing of communities through the creation of job opportunities and sustainable livelihoods. The study is intended to assist the municipality to identify and address challenges that affect the successful implementation of LED projects. The following research aims to identify and assess the impacts that these projects have had on beneficiaries and the district as a whole. Furthermore the research aims to identify project successes as well as highlight shortcomings in order to enhance the economic impact of these projects in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Boqwana, Nyameka Patience
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality -- Evaluation , Community development -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9181 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020165
- Description: The global economy has been reeling from the continued effects of the economic crisis since 2007. A range of approaches to economic recovery have been followed, ranging from financial bailout during the 2007/08 financial crisis, to austerity measures in the most recent 2011/12 sovereign debt crisis, but each with limited success. South Africa has similarly experienced significant shockwaves from the meltdown. The South African economy officially entered into recession in the second quarter of 2009. The economy was quick to emerge from economic recession by the first quarter of 2010, but has been on a bumpy path of recovery since. Moreover, economic recovery has been thwarted by the ensuing sovereign debt crisis in the Euro. South Africa is characterised by inequitable growth and development, a high incidence of poverty, a relatively underdeveloped economic base, low levels of skills development and low levels of access to basic services and infrastructure. LED has had a difficult birth in South Africa with regards to accomplishing its objectives of job creation and poverty alleviation. In an attempt to address these problems, the Amathole District Municipality has implemented a number of local economic development projects within the area aimed at improving the wellbeing of communities through the creation of job opportunities and sustainable livelihoods. The study is intended to assist the municipality to identify and address challenges that affect the successful implementation of LED projects. The following research aims to identify and assess the impacts that these projects have had on beneficiaries and the district as a whole. Furthermore the research aims to identify project successes as well as highlight shortcomings in order to enhance the economic impact of these projects in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Ideas and power: shaping monetary policy in South Africa 1919-1936
- Authors: Bordiss, Bradley John
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- South Africa -- 1919-1936 Economic development -- South Africa -- 1919-1936 Economics -- South Africa -- History Economics -- Philosophy South Africa -- Economic policy -- 1919-1936 South Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- 1919-1936 Great Britain -- Foreign economic relations -- 1919-1936 Great Britain -- Economic policy -- 1918-1945
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1084 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011605
- Description: In the concluding paragraphs of Keynes’ General Theory, Keynes suggests that vested interests (power) may dominate in the short term, but that “sooner or later, it is ideas, not vested interests, which are dangerous for good or evil” (Keynes; 1936:384). This dissertation seeks to establish whether this is so, and to what extent, in the period 1919 to 1936, insofar as the shaping of monetary policy was concerned. The context that South Africa found itself in at the time was one in which Britain, the colonising power, was in economic decline. Britain’s real economy had lost its lead in the world in the late 1800s, and by our period, 1919 – 1936, she was now struggling to maintain her dominance of the world’s financial economy. South African gold flows to London, and a South African monetary policy supportive of British monetary policy, became more important than ever to Britain. On the back of its ascendant real economy, the United States of America was fast developing its financial sector as a rival to that centered on London. In the broader monetary policy world, the orthodox monetary regime of the Gold Standard, which had worked so well in the period from 1875 to 1914, was firstly difficult to reestablish, and once established, difficult to maintain. Opinion on what should be done was divided between the majority who favoured a return to the orthodoxy, and a much smaller group, including John Maynard Keynes, who argued that the Gold Standard should no longer be the preferred monetary system. In South Africa, our period starts 17 years after the Second Boer War. Afrikaner nationalists intent on establishing independence from Britain, competed with those, including Jan Christiaan Smuts, who believed that tying our policy up with that of the British Empire was the best for South Africa. It is in this context that a naturalised Briton, which the research shows was a loyal servant of the London power elite, was appointed by the Empire-friendly Smuts government to advise the South African government on monetary policy, the setting up of the South African Reserve Bank, the appointment of its first Governor and other matters in the period up until the fall of this government in 1924. It is also in this context that an American ‘Currency Doctor’ and Professor of Economics at Princeton University, which the research shows was intimately connected with the American government and Benjamin Strong at the Federal Reserve, was appointed by the Pact government later in 1924, and who was anxious to throw off the yoke of British control. The theoretical paradigm of this study is that developed by John Maynard Keynes and after him by the post-Keynesian economists, particularly Basil Moore and Hyman P. Minsky. Instead of considering the theory chronologically, book by book, the theory section deals with the subject matter in the themes which came up in the monetary policy debates of the time, looking at all the theoretical literature that applied to these various themes. Aside from the correction of errors of emphasis and errors of fact dealt with in chapter two, chapter five of the dissertation is where most of the original research is reflected. This is the section which deals in depth with the experts that advised the South Africans at the time, how they came to be appointed, whose interests they served, what theories they used in support of their positions, and what was the decision-making process; from their appointment, until their reports were drafted into the law of the Union of South Africa. While Ally’s work (1994) is accepted as the principal work on the influence of the Bank of England, and Britain’s control of South African gold on South African gold and monetary policy, this dissertation claims legitimacy based on a much closer look at the motives and vested interests of the experts advising the South African government at the time. By the end of this chapter, I believe we are better placed to understand and analyse the relative influence of ideas and power on monetary policy in the period 1919 – 1936.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Bordiss, Bradley John
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- South Africa -- 1919-1936 Economic development -- South Africa -- 1919-1936 Economics -- South Africa -- History Economics -- Philosophy South Africa -- Economic policy -- 1919-1936 South Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- 1919-1936 Great Britain -- Foreign economic relations -- 1919-1936 Great Britain -- Economic policy -- 1918-1945
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1084 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011605
- Description: In the concluding paragraphs of Keynes’ General Theory, Keynes suggests that vested interests (power) may dominate in the short term, but that “sooner or later, it is ideas, not vested interests, which are dangerous for good or evil” (Keynes; 1936:384). This dissertation seeks to establish whether this is so, and to what extent, in the period 1919 to 1936, insofar as the shaping of monetary policy was concerned. The context that South Africa found itself in at the time was one in which Britain, the colonising power, was in economic decline. Britain’s real economy had lost its lead in the world in the late 1800s, and by our period, 1919 – 1936, she was now struggling to maintain her dominance of the world’s financial economy. South African gold flows to London, and a South African monetary policy supportive of British monetary policy, became more important than ever to Britain. On the back of its ascendant real economy, the United States of America was fast developing its financial sector as a rival to that centered on London. In the broader monetary policy world, the orthodox monetary regime of the Gold Standard, which had worked so well in the period from 1875 to 1914, was firstly difficult to reestablish, and once established, difficult to maintain. Opinion on what should be done was divided between the majority who favoured a return to the orthodoxy, and a much smaller group, including John Maynard Keynes, who argued that the Gold Standard should no longer be the preferred monetary system. In South Africa, our period starts 17 years after the Second Boer War. Afrikaner nationalists intent on establishing independence from Britain, competed with those, including Jan Christiaan Smuts, who believed that tying our policy up with that of the British Empire was the best for South Africa. It is in this context that a naturalised Briton, which the research shows was a loyal servant of the London power elite, was appointed by the Empire-friendly Smuts government to advise the South African government on monetary policy, the setting up of the South African Reserve Bank, the appointment of its first Governor and other matters in the period up until the fall of this government in 1924. It is also in this context that an American ‘Currency Doctor’ and Professor of Economics at Princeton University, which the research shows was intimately connected with the American government and Benjamin Strong at the Federal Reserve, was appointed by the Pact government later in 1924, and who was anxious to throw off the yoke of British control. The theoretical paradigm of this study is that developed by John Maynard Keynes and after him by the post-Keynesian economists, particularly Basil Moore and Hyman P. Minsky. Instead of considering the theory chronologically, book by book, the theory section deals with the subject matter in the themes which came up in the monetary policy debates of the time, looking at all the theoretical literature that applied to these various themes. Aside from the correction of errors of emphasis and errors of fact dealt with in chapter two, chapter five of the dissertation is where most of the original research is reflected. This is the section which deals in depth with the experts that advised the South Africans at the time, how they came to be appointed, whose interests they served, what theories they used in support of their positions, and what was the decision-making process; from their appointment, until their reports were drafted into the law of the Union of South Africa. While Ally’s work (1994) is accepted as the principal work on the influence of the Bank of England, and Britain’s control of South African gold on South African gold and monetary policy, this dissertation claims legitimacy based on a much closer look at the motives and vested interests of the experts advising the South African government at the time. By the end of this chapter, I believe we are better placed to understand and analyse the relative influence of ideas and power on monetary policy in the period 1919 – 1936.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Expurgating the Monstrous: an analysis of the South African Daily Sun's coverage of gang rape
- Boshoff, Priscilla A, Prinsloo, Jeanne
- Authors: Boshoff, Priscilla A , Prinsloo, Jeanne
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143436 , vital:38246 , DOI: 10.1080/14680777.2014.903286
- Description: The most widely read South African tabloid, the Daily Sun, covered the “Soweto gang rape” in 2012. These acts were recorded by the perpetrators on mobile phones and “went viral” as the media continuously noted. We draw on the concept of provider love that informs relations of intimacy in certain South African spaces, central to which is its materiality and the assumption that a “real” man is able to command material resources, a prerequisite for having both a girlfriend and sex. For working class and township youth these possibilities are constrained and their sense of being left behind is lived in gendered ways with violent masculinities becoming a marker of tough sexual masculinity. Informed by Foucauldian understandings of discourse, the paper undertakes a close reading of this coverage, including the reporting, editorials, and letters. If those arrested for rape are constituted as monstrous, the analysis indicates how the responses are similarly vengeful. These responses deny the forms of masculinity produced within these marginalised spaces and foreclose on other possibilities for understanding these violent acts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Boshoff, Priscilla A , Prinsloo, Jeanne
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143436 , vital:38246 , DOI: 10.1080/14680777.2014.903286
- Description: The most widely read South African tabloid, the Daily Sun, covered the “Soweto gang rape” in 2012. These acts were recorded by the perpetrators on mobile phones and “went viral” as the media continuously noted. We draw on the concept of provider love that informs relations of intimacy in certain South African spaces, central to which is its materiality and the assumption that a “real” man is able to command material resources, a prerequisite for having both a girlfriend and sex. For working class and township youth these possibilities are constrained and their sense of being left behind is lived in gendered ways with violent masculinities becoming a marker of tough sexual masculinity. Informed by Foucauldian understandings of discourse, the paper undertakes a close reading of this coverage, including the reporting, editorials, and letters. If those arrested for rape are constituted as monstrous, the analysis indicates how the responses are similarly vengeful. These responses deny the forms of masculinity produced within these marginalised spaces and foreclose on other possibilities for understanding these violent acts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The transformers: journalism education
- Authors: Boshoff, Priscilla A
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141911 , vital:38015 , http://journals.co.za/content/rujr/2014/34/EJC159497
- Description: Universities are strange places. People come in as one kind of being, and leave quite different. They are places of transformation. One way in which they effect this transformation is to challenge our preconceived notions of the world, and our relationship to it. However, at the same time, universities are also places of privilege and so can be conservative – in the sense of conserving and fostering particular interests in their favour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Boshoff, Priscilla A
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141911 , vital:38015 , http://journals.co.za/content/rujr/2014/34/EJC159497
- Description: Universities are strange places. People come in as one kind of being, and leave quite different. They are places of transformation. One way in which they effect this transformation is to challenge our preconceived notions of the world, and our relationship to it. However, at the same time, universities are also places of privilege and so can be conservative – in the sense of conserving and fostering particular interests in their favour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A sustainability reporting framework for South African Higher Education Institutions
- Authors: Bosire, Samuel Mobisa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sustainable development reporting -- South Africa , Business intelligence -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Corporate governance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8798 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016126
- Description: Sustainability has gained prominence globally among nations, regions and organisations as a result of factors such as the effects of climate change on the environment, diminishing natural resources and rising population growth with their concomitant impact on economies and social systems. South Africa is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) that promotes international principles and best practices on sustainable development. Sustainability Reporting is one such best practice. Sustainability Reporting is imperative for good governance and organisations are now expected to support sustainability issues, risks and performance in a balanced and reasonable way. The United Nations and other global bodies have been in the vanguard in promoting guidelines for sustainability reporting with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) being the most Prominent Sustainability reporting guideline. The South African Higher Education Institutions generate a number of reports in the course of any given academic year. As has been the case in the global corporate world, failures in governance in some South African universities point to weaknesses in their governance, especially when it comes to oversight of the operations of institutions. Considering this, it is important to critically examine strategic planning processes to understand the aspects that are important for the survival of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and therefore they should be regularly and closely monitored. The study begins by exploring literature relating to strategic planning, governance, sustainability reporting practices and Business Intelligence (BI) technologies in Higher Education. The primary objective of the investigation is to propose a sustainability reporting framework for Higher Education Institutions in South Africa. It is argued that with the aid of appropriate BI tools, the proposed Sustainability Reporting framework would be useful in tracking progress in the implementation of strategic plans and at the same time strengthen governance in institutions. The study identified elements of Sustainability Reporting that are important for strategic planning. To develop the proposed framework, an empirical investigation was undertaken. Four online questionnaires were completed and returned by 108 participants comprising of Registrars and Information Managers at 23 South African Higher Education Institutions as well as to Information Managers in selected International Higher Education Institutions and Managers at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). The online questionnaires were developed to elicit information to include in the proposed framework. To analyse results, both descriptive and inferential statistics such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used. Results from the surveys revealed that Higher Education Institutions globally and in South Africa are grappling with the same issues. When it comes to Sustainability Reporting, factors such as information culture and Business Intelligence maturity levels were not found to be very different among the various institutions. In the case study at NMMU, correlational analysis confirmed that variables such as Management buying and the availability of BI reports were positively related to effective strategic planning and vice versa. Similarly, a strong correlation was observed between reporting guidelines and strategic planning. Moreover, the study highlighted the critical role of management and leadership in a university in creating an environment that supports Sustainability Reporting. In conclusion, it was recommended that efforts should be directed at creating awareness and at training staff on aspects that promote sustainability. It is incumbent upon the institution to take advantage of and promote technological tools and techniques to enable the easy flow of data and information in understandable and usable formats to all its stakeholders. Finally, a Framework for Sustainability Reporting for Higher Education Institutions (FSRHEI) and guidelines for implementing Sustainability Reports are proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Bosire, Samuel Mobisa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sustainable development reporting -- South Africa , Business intelligence -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Corporate governance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8798 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016126
- Description: Sustainability has gained prominence globally among nations, regions and organisations as a result of factors such as the effects of climate change on the environment, diminishing natural resources and rising population growth with their concomitant impact on economies and social systems. South Africa is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) that promotes international principles and best practices on sustainable development. Sustainability Reporting is one such best practice. Sustainability Reporting is imperative for good governance and organisations are now expected to support sustainability issues, risks and performance in a balanced and reasonable way. The United Nations and other global bodies have been in the vanguard in promoting guidelines for sustainability reporting with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) being the most Prominent Sustainability reporting guideline. The South African Higher Education Institutions generate a number of reports in the course of any given academic year. As has been the case in the global corporate world, failures in governance in some South African universities point to weaknesses in their governance, especially when it comes to oversight of the operations of institutions. Considering this, it is important to critically examine strategic planning processes to understand the aspects that are important for the survival of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and therefore they should be regularly and closely monitored. The study begins by exploring literature relating to strategic planning, governance, sustainability reporting practices and Business Intelligence (BI) technologies in Higher Education. The primary objective of the investigation is to propose a sustainability reporting framework for Higher Education Institutions in South Africa. It is argued that with the aid of appropriate BI tools, the proposed Sustainability Reporting framework would be useful in tracking progress in the implementation of strategic plans and at the same time strengthen governance in institutions. The study identified elements of Sustainability Reporting that are important for strategic planning. To develop the proposed framework, an empirical investigation was undertaken. Four online questionnaires were completed and returned by 108 participants comprising of Registrars and Information Managers at 23 South African Higher Education Institutions as well as to Information Managers in selected International Higher Education Institutions and Managers at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). The online questionnaires were developed to elicit information to include in the proposed framework. To analyse results, both descriptive and inferential statistics such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used. Results from the surveys revealed that Higher Education Institutions globally and in South Africa are grappling with the same issues. When it comes to Sustainability Reporting, factors such as information culture and Business Intelligence maturity levels were not found to be very different among the various institutions. In the case study at NMMU, correlational analysis confirmed that variables such as Management buying and the availability of BI reports were positively related to effective strategic planning and vice versa. Similarly, a strong correlation was observed between reporting guidelines and strategic planning. Moreover, the study highlighted the critical role of management and leadership in a university in creating an environment that supports Sustainability Reporting. In conclusion, it was recommended that efforts should be directed at creating awareness and at training staff on aspects that promote sustainability. It is incumbent upon the institution to take advantage of and promote technological tools and techniques to enable the easy flow of data and information in understandable and usable formats to all its stakeholders. Finally, a Framework for Sustainability Reporting for Higher Education Institutions (FSRHEI) and guidelines for implementing Sustainability Reports are proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An investigation of the expectations held by retail tenants with regards to the internal marketing function performed by their shopping centre landlord
- Authors: Bosman, Jiminy-Ann Ashurde
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Shopping centers , Retail trade , Stores, Retail , Consumer satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3725 , vital:20458
- Description: While much has been written about retail stores and the retail environment, franchises and organisational marketing, not much can be found on “host” organisations such as shopping centres and their role within the marketing mix. A unique disparity exists within shopping centres in that not only are they an organisation with their own brand identity and culture, but they also play host to numerous retailers and franchises with very clear brands and messages of their own. The question that is often posed to the landlord is therefore whose message or what message is the correct one to market to the common consumer-base targeted by both the shopping centre (landlord) and the tenant (retailers). When considering this, it is important to understand that a symbiotic relationship exists between landlord and tenant within shopping centres in that if a tenant is successful this will result in greater rentals for the landlord and if the landlord’s property is successful, i.e. popular, this will result in greater revenue for the tenant. Both parties therefore actively engage in marketing of their businesses and whilst the message is often noticeably different, what is unique is that this is often to the same consumer-base. Tenants in many shopping centres contribute towards centre marketing expenses as part of their lease agreements and as a result have certain expectations in terms of what message is being marketed. Shopping centres varying in size and tenant numbers make the landlords marketing role that much more complex and often generic messaging is employed to umbrella the wide offering available. This study aims at investigating the expectations held by retail tenants of their shopping centre landlords through the internal communications function. Corporate communication theory as well as public relations theory was used as a grounding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Bosman, Jiminy-Ann Ashurde
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Shopping centers , Retail trade , Stores, Retail , Consumer satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3725 , vital:20458
- Description: While much has been written about retail stores and the retail environment, franchises and organisational marketing, not much can be found on “host” organisations such as shopping centres and their role within the marketing mix. A unique disparity exists within shopping centres in that not only are they an organisation with their own brand identity and culture, but they also play host to numerous retailers and franchises with very clear brands and messages of their own. The question that is often posed to the landlord is therefore whose message or what message is the correct one to market to the common consumer-base targeted by both the shopping centre (landlord) and the tenant (retailers). When considering this, it is important to understand that a symbiotic relationship exists between landlord and tenant within shopping centres in that if a tenant is successful this will result in greater rentals for the landlord and if the landlord’s property is successful, i.e. popular, this will result in greater revenue for the tenant. Both parties therefore actively engage in marketing of their businesses and whilst the message is often noticeably different, what is unique is that this is often to the same consumer-base. Tenants in many shopping centres contribute towards centre marketing expenses as part of their lease agreements and as a result have certain expectations in terms of what message is being marketed. Shopping centres varying in size and tenant numbers make the landlords marketing role that much more complex and often generic messaging is employed to umbrella the wide offering available. This study aims at investigating the expectations held by retail tenants of their shopping centre landlords through the internal communications function. Corporate communication theory as well as public relations theory was used as a grounding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Work/family conflict across various life and career stages
- Authors: Bostock, Natalie Jean
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Work and family , Work environment , Well-being
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9413 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020157
- Description: This study examines Work Family Conflict including Work Interferes with Family (WIF) conflict, Family Interferes with Work (FIW) conflict, role overload, role interference and the impact of children across various life and career stages. Much of the research in this area focuses on the differences in the way the genders experience Work Family Conflict. Research has shown that various life and career stages can have a marked impact on this type of conflict and this study aims to determine how individuals in the various life and career stages experience this conflict. A correlational research design was used for this study. Using a five point likert scale, participants were asked to score their responses to seventeen items. The instrument was based on Duxbury and Mills Measure of Work Family Conflict (1990) (in Handbook of Quality-of-Life Research: An Ethical Perspective by Sirgy, 2001) with the inclusion of two additional items due to their high face validity. The questionnaire was distributed to human resources managers in organisations, friends, family members and colleagues and friends, family members and colleagues of theirs. Most of the responses were scored using a pencil and paper technique and the remainder was distributed using a Surveymonkey application on social media platforms like Facebook and Linkedin. The overall sample size of respondents was 175. The raw data was entered on an excel spreadsheet and analysed using Statistica version 12 and Microsoft Excel applications with VBA macros developed by a consultant for the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Unit for Statistical Consultation. . Statistics such as means, Cronbach alpha’s, relationships between factors, descriptive statistics, MANOVA and Chi-squared tests were used to analyse the data. The results of this study demonstrate the need for organisations to take heed of the various challenges that individuals face in both the workplace and home environment and the different ways in which these are experienced across various life and career stages. This will enable them to design specific interventions to mitigate the effects of Work Family Conflict and improve employee’s level of performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Bostock, Natalie Jean
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Work and family , Work environment , Well-being
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9413 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020157
- Description: This study examines Work Family Conflict including Work Interferes with Family (WIF) conflict, Family Interferes with Work (FIW) conflict, role overload, role interference and the impact of children across various life and career stages. Much of the research in this area focuses on the differences in the way the genders experience Work Family Conflict. Research has shown that various life and career stages can have a marked impact on this type of conflict and this study aims to determine how individuals in the various life and career stages experience this conflict. A correlational research design was used for this study. Using a five point likert scale, participants were asked to score their responses to seventeen items. The instrument was based on Duxbury and Mills Measure of Work Family Conflict (1990) (in Handbook of Quality-of-Life Research: An Ethical Perspective by Sirgy, 2001) with the inclusion of two additional items due to their high face validity. The questionnaire was distributed to human resources managers in organisations, friends, family members and colleagues and friends, family members and colleagues of theirs. Most of the responses were scored using a pencil and paper technique and the remainder was distributed using a Surveymonkey application on social media platforms like Facebook and Linkedin. The overall sample size of respondents was 175. The raw data was entered on an excel spreadsheet and analysed using Statistica version 12 and Microsoft Excel applications with VBA macros developed by a consultant for the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Unit for Statistical Consultation. . Statistics such as means, Cronbach alpha’s, relationships between factors, descriptive statistics, MANOVA and Chi-squared tests were used to analyse the data. The results of this study demonstrate the need for organisations to take heed of the various challenges that individuals face in both the workplace and home environment and the different ways in which these are experienced across various life and career stages. This will enable them to design specific interventions to mitigate the effects of Work Family Conflict and improve employee’s level of performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Confronting Afrikaans diction challenges in non-Afrikaans mother tongue choirs
- Authors: Botha, Charlotte
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Choral singing -- Diction , Afrikaans language -- Diction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:8529 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020956
- Description: This study is an initial attempt to identify the most common Afrikaans diction challenges experienced by non-Afrikaans mother tongue speaking choirs, and to explore means of confronting these challenges. No dedicated source exists for choral diction in Afrikaans as a foreign language. This study reviews personal views and literature from various fields that would inform several key elements necessary for the creation of such a source. The primary data for this study was collected through study questionnaires, completed by expert choral conductors who are highly regarded for their success in teaching and performing Afrikaans diction in non-Afrikaans mother tongue speaking choirs, in performance settings such as the ATKV-Applous Choir Competition. Through its proposition of methods for the improvement of Afrikaans diction practices in the non-Afrikaans choral setting, the study promotes the prolific composition of Afrikaans choral literature, and its ubiquitous inclusion in choral repertoire both in South Africa and abroad.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Botha, Charlotte
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Choral singing -- Diction , Afrikaans language -- Diction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:8529 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020956
- Description: This study is an initial attempt to identify the most common Afrikaans diction challenges experienced by non-Afrikaans mother tongue speaking choirs, and to explore means of confronting these challenges. No dedicated source exists for choral diction in Afrikaans as a foreign language. This study reviews personal views and literature from various fields that would inform several key elements necessary for the creation of such a source. The primary data for this study was collected through study questionnaires, completed by expert choral conductors who are highly regarded for their success in teaching and performing Afrikaans diction in non-Afrikaans mother tongue speaking choirs, in performance settings such as the ATKV-Applous Choir Competition. Through its proposition of methods for the improvement of Afrikaans diction practices in the non-Afrikaans choral setting, the study promotes the prolific composition of Afrikaans choral literature, and its ubiquitous inclusion in choral repertoire both in South Africa and abroad.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A Note on the (Continued) Ability of the Yield Curve to Forecast Economic Downturns in South Africa
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi , Keeton, Gavin
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/395994 , vital:69142 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/saje.12053"
- Description: In 2002-2003, the South African yield spread falsely signalled a downswing that never materialised. This paper provides two reasons for this false signal. First, while the Reserve Bank never actually officially declared the start of a downswing, by alternative measures a downswing did actually occur. It is this severe weakness in economic activity at that time that the yield curve pointed to. Second, short-term interest rates in 2003 were higher than they should have been because of a mistake made in measuring consumer price inflation. Because South Africa had recently introduced an inflation-targeting regime, policy interest rates were, as a result of this error, kept too high for too long. This policy mistake was rectified as soon as the error in the Consumer Price Index was discovered. Thus, the yield curve in 2003 pointed to the reality that short-term interest rates were too high and risked pushing the economy into full blown recession. This is demonstrated by the fact that it was a fall in long bond interest rates that caused the yield spread to turn negative, indicating expectations that short-term interest rates would need to be cut – as indeed they were.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi , Keeton, Gavin
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/395994 , vital:69142 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/saje.12053"
- Description: In 2002-2003, the South African yield spread falsely signalled a downswing that never materialised. This paper provides two reasons for this false signal. First, while the Reserve Bank never actually officially declared the start of a downswing, by alternative measures a downswing did actually occur. It is this severe weakness in economic activity at that time that the yield curve pointed to. Second, short-term interest rates in 2003 were higher than they should have been because of a mistake made in measuring consumer price inflation. Because South Africa had recently introduced an inflation-targeting regime, policy interest rates were, as a result of this error, kept too high for too long. This policy mistake was rectified as soon as the error in the Consumer Price Index was discovered. Thus, the yield curve in 2003 pointed to the reality that short-term interest rates were too high and risked pushing the economy into full blown recession. This is demonstrated by the fact that it was a fall in long bond interest rates that caused the yield spread to turn negative, indicating expectations that short-term interest rates would need to be cut – as indeed they were.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Family functioning and life satisfaction and happiness in South African households
- Botha, Ferdi, Booysen, Frikkie
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi , Booysen, Frikkie
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396048 , vital:69146 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-013-0485-6"
- Description: Families form an integral part of society and in fostering individual well-being. Despite the acknowledged importance of family, the association between family functioning and individual well-being outcomes have remained unexplored in the current body of knowledge. This paper explores the association between family functioning and reported levels of life satisfaction and happiness in South Africa. The paper employs the Family Attachment and Changeability Index (FACI8) to measure family functioning, using data from the 2011 South African Social Attitudes Survey. Four measures of family functioning are utilised, namely the aggregate FACI8 scale, the attachment and changeability sub-scales, and family functioning type. Improvements in the level of family functioning as well as in the levels of attachment and changeability are positively associated with life satisfaction and happiness. In addition, individuals living in midrange or balanced family functioning types are more satisfied with life and happier compared to persons living in extremely or moderately dysfunctional families. The findings highlight the importance of supportive intra-family dynamics in fostering greater individual well-being. This in turn places emphasis on the investigation of likely correlates of family functioning and impact evaluations of family-focused social work interventions’ impact on family functioning as areas for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi , Booysen, Frikkie
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396048 , vital:69146 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-013-0485-6"
- Description: Families form an integral part of society and in fostering individual well-being. Despite the acknowledged importance of family, the association between family functioning and individual well-being outcomes have remained unexplored in the current body of knowledge. This paper explores the association between family functioning and reported levels of life satisfaction and happiness in South Africa. The paper employs the Family Attachment and Changeability Index (FACI8) to measure family functioning, using data from the 2011 South African Social Attitudes Survey. Four measures of family functioning are utilised, namely the aggregate FACI8 scale, the attachment and changeability sub-scales, and family functioning type. Improvements in the level of family functioning as well as in the levels of attachment and changeability are positively associated with life satisfaction and happiness. In addition, individuals living in midrange or balanced family functioning types are more satisfied with life and happier compared to persons living in extremely or moderately dysfunctional families. The findings highlight the importance of supportive intra-family dynamics in fostering greater individual well-being. This in turn places emphasis on the investigation of likely correlates of family functioning and impact evaluations of family-focused social work interventions’ impact on family functioning as areas for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Life satisfaction and education in South Africa: Investigating the role of attainment and the likelihood of education as a positional good
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396091 , vital:69149 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-013-0452-2"
- Description: This paper explores various dynamics in the relationship between life satisfaction and education in South Africa using the 2008 National Income Dynamics Survey. The results indicate a strong positive association between educational attainment and individual satisfaction with life, which is true in the overall sample and for men and women. This positive relationship also holds for Black and Coloured individuals, but is insignificant in the Asian and White samples. Evidence indicates that education is a positional good, in that people who have attained more than the mean level of education in their relevant cluster are significantly more satisfied with life compared to those possessing less than the mean education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396091 , vital:69149 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-013-0452-2"
- Description: This paper explores various dynamics in the relationship between life satisfaction and education in South Africa using the 2008 National Income Dynamics Survey. The results indicate a strong positive association between educational attainment and individual satisfaction with life, which is true in the overall sample and for men and women. This positive relationship also holds for Black and Coloured individuals, but is insignificant in the Asian and White samples. Evidence indicates that education is a positional good, in that people who have attained more than the mean level of education in their relevant cluster are significantly more satisfied with life compared to those possessing less than the mean education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Happiness, socioeconomic status, and family functioning in South African households
- Botha, Ferdie, Booysen, Frikkie
- Authors: Botha, Ferdie , Booysen, Frikkie
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396075 , vital:69148 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-013-0485-6"
- Description: This paper examines how SES relates to individual happiness, while also controlling for family functioning; the latter measured by the Family Attachment and Changeability Index 8 (FACI8). An individual-, household-, and subjective SES index are developed via multiple correspondence analyses (MCA). Using data from the 2012 South African Social Attitudes Survey (SASAS), the paper employs structural equation modelling (SEM) to explore the relationship between happiness, SES, and family functioning. Multiple-group SEM (MGSEM) is employed to examine the association between happiness and family functioning across quartiles of the three SES indices. The results reveal that higher SES is significantly related to greater happiness, with the role of household- and subjective SES being stronger than individual SES. Furthermore, improved levels of family changeability are positively associated with happiness, whereas there is no relationship between happiness and family attachment. Overall, levels of family changeability and individual happiness are likely to benefit from improvements in socioeconomic status.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Botha, Ferdie , Booysen, Frikkie
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396075 , vital:69148 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-013-0485-6"
- Description: This paper examines how SES relates to individual happiness, while also controlling for family functioning; the latter measured by the Family Attachment and Changeability Index 8 (FACI8). An individual-, household-, and subjective SES index are developed via multiple correspondence analyses (MCA). Using data from the 2012 South African Social Attitudes Survey (SASAS), the paper employs structural equation modelling (SEM) to explore the relationship between happiness, SES, and family functioning. Multiple-group SEM (MGSEM) is employed to examine the association between happiness and family functioning across quartiles of the three SES indices. The results reveal that higher SES is significantly related to greater happiness, with the role of household- and subjective SES being stronger than individual SES. Furthermore, improved levels of family changeability are positively associated with happiness, whereas there is no relationship between happiness and family attachment. Overall, levels of family changeability and individual happiness are likely to benefit from improvements in socioeconomic status.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Assessing the role of Walter Sisulu University on economic development in King Sabata Dalindyebo (Eastern Cape)
- Authors: Boti, Z T
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11700 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015138
- Description: This mini-dissertation assesses the role played by Walter Sisulu University in achieving economic development in King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality. The aims of the study were: Assess the role played by Walter Sisulu University in achieving economic development in KSD. Assess the strides and achievements that Walter Sisulu University as an institution for higher learning has achieved in terms of advancing economic development in KSD municipality. In accordance with these aims, an investigation of respondent’s perceptions the role played by WSU was undertaken. The participants were 20 staff members from three faculties and two units in Nelson Mandela Drive campus of Walter Sisulu University. Using purposive sampling to select the research respondents, data was collected. The researcher also used journals, articles and books, both published and unpublished to collect data. A quantitative and qualitative data analysis was used in order to draw conclusions about the strides taken by WSU, and satisfaction of respondents with the existing programmers offered at Walter Sisulu University. Empirical evidence concerning problems with implementation of research initiatives that support community-based research and business research as supported by the mission and vision of the institution has been uncovered. In spite of the clearly articulated mission statement and the vision of this comprehensive university, the research revealed that the institution is lagging behind in delivering its mandate. On the basis of the findings, recommendations for enhancing economic development in KSD were put forward.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Boti, Z T
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11700 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015138
- Description: This mini-dissertation assesses the role played by Walter Sisulu University in achieving economic development in King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality. The aims of the study were: Assess the role played by Walter Sisulu University in achieving economic development in KSD. Assess the strides and achievements that Walter Sisulu University as an institution for higher learning has achieved in terms of advancing economic development in KSD municipality. In accordance with these aims, an investigation of respondent’s perceptions the role played by WSU was undertaken. The participants were 20 staff members from three faculties and two units in Nelson Mandela Drive campus of Walter Sisulu University. Using purposive sampling to select the research respondents, data was collected. The researcher also used journals, articles and books, both published and unpublished to collect data. A quantitative and qualitative data analysis was used in order to draw conclusions about the strides taken by WSU, and satisfaction of respondents with the existing programmers offered at Walter Sisulu University. Empirical evidence concerning problems with implementation of research initiatives that support community-based research and business research as supported by the mission and vision of the institution has been uncovered. In spite of the clearly articulated mission statement and the vision of this comprehensive university, the research revealed that the institution is lagging behind in delivering its mandate. On the basis of the findings, recommendations for enhancing economic development in KSD were put forward.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
"I felt that I deserved it" : an Investigation into HIV-related PTSD, traumatic life events, and the personal experiences of living with HIV : a mixed-method study
- Authors: Boulind, Melissa Jane
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Psychological aspects -- Research -- South Africa -- Kwazulu HIV infections -- Psychological aspects -- Research -- South Africa -- Kwazulu HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Kwazulu -- Interviews Psychic trauma -- Research Stress (Psychology) -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3211 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012172
- Description: There appears to be a growing body of literature focusing on PTSD and HIV-related PTSD (the diagnosis of HIV being the significant traumatic event) amongst HIV-positive samples, but only a few African studies that attempt to estimate the prevalence of PTSD amongst HIV-positive people, and even fewer that attempt to estimate the prevalence of HIV-related PTSD. The systemic review presented in this study is currently fully inclusive and is the most up-to-date available. Estimates of the prevalence of PTSD and HIV-related PTSD in South Africa range from 0.7 to 54.1% and, 4.2 to 40% respectively. The current cross-sectional study made use of a mixed-method approach to investigate traumatic life events, PTSD and HIV-related PTSD within a primary health-care centre in KwaZulu-Natal. The quantitative sample consisted of 159 adults (18-50 years) who were compliant on ARV medication. Using the CIDI-PTSD module, the adapted CIDI-PTSD module for HIV, and IES-R, findings indicated that 62% had reported some kind of traumatic event in their lifetime, with 29.6% of participants meeting the criteria for lifetime PTSD, and 40.9% meeting the criteria for lifetime HIV-related PTSD. Altogether, 57.9% of individuals met the criteria for some form of PTSD (either regular PTSD or HIV-related PTSD), and 12.6% met the criteria for both PTSD and HIV-related PTSD. Of the different categories of traumatic events, interpersonal violence has the highest rate of PTSD, followed by a diagnosis of and living with HIV, and then disaster. Furthermore, the IES-R was compared for its usefulness as a screening measure for PTSD against both the CIDI, but results suggest that it is an inferior screening measure to the PDS. The qualitative study consisted of six participants who were examined using IPA methodology informed by the Ehlers and Clark (2000) Model of trauma. Their experiences revealed experiences of stigma, a number of negative appraisals, negative emotions and coping behaviours. Some of the latter might serve as compensatory mechanisms to avoid negative judgements. Hypervigilance seems to be a feature of ARV-compliance that might confer added vulnerability to PTSD and other anxiety disorders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Boulind, Melissa Jane
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Psychological aspects -- Research -- South Africa -- Kwazulu HIV infections -- Psychological aspects -- Research -- South Africa -- Kwazulu HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Kwazulu -- Interviews Psychic trauma -- Research Stress (Psychology) -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3211 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012172
- Description: There appears to be a growing body of literature focusing on PTSD and HIV-related PTSD (the diagnosis of HIV being the significant traumatic event) amongst HIV-positive samples, but only a few African studies that attempt to estimate the prevalence of PTSD amongst HIV-positive people, and even fewer that attempt to estimate the prevalence of HIV-related PTSD. The systemic review presented in this study is currently fully inclusive and is the most up-to-date available. Estimates of the prevalence of PTSD and HIV-related PTSD in South Africa range from 0.7 to 54.1% and, 4.2 to 40% respectively. The current cross-sectional study made use of a mixed-method approach to investigate traumatic life events, PTSD and HIV-related PTSD within a primary health-care centre in KwaZulu-Natal. The quantitative sample consisted of 159 adults (18-50 years) who were compliant on ARV medication. Using the CIDI-PTSD module, the adapted CIDI-PTSD module for HIV, and IES-R, findings indicated that 62% had reported some kind of traumatic event in their lifetime, with 29.6% of participants meeting the criteria for lifetime PTSD, and 40.9% meeting the criteria for lifetime HIV-related PTSD. Altogether, 57.9% of individuals met the criteria for some form of PTSD (either regular PTSD or HIV-related PTSD), and 12.6% met the criteria for both PTSD and HIV-related PTSD. Of the different categories of traumatic events, interpersonal violence has the highest rate of PTSD, followed by a diagnosis of and living with HIV, and then disaster. Furthermore, the IES-R was compared for its usefulness as a screening measure for PTSD against both the CIDI, but results suggest that it is an inferior screening measure to the PDS. The qualitative study consisted of six participants who were examined using IPA methodology informed by the Ehlers and Clark (2000) Model of trauma. Their experiences revealed experiences of stigma, a number of negative appraisals, negative emotions and coping behaviours. Some of the latter might serve as compensatory mechanisms to avoid negative judgements. Hypervigilance seems to be a feature of ARV-compliance that might confer added vulnerability to PTSD and other anxiety disorders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014