The posttraumatic growth of Natalie Du Toit: A psychobiography
- Authors: Madotyeni-Ngcongca, Thozama
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Posttraumatic growth , Psychobiography , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61522 , vital:70969
- Description: This study sought to gain insight into the phenomenon of posttraumatic growth by performing a psychobiography of Natalie du Toit, who underwent a traumatic experience and acquired a disability. This study employed a psychobiographical methodology in order to interpret the life of Paralympic gold medallist, Natalie du Toit, from a psychosocial development perspective. The study used a qualitative research paradigm and a purposive sampling technique was employed to select Natalie du Toit. This was done to determine the extent to which Natalie du Toit underwent developmental growth as a result of posttraumatic growth after recuperating from her trauma. Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth Model was used to inform the research. This model was used to describe the life experiences and events that characterised the posttraumatic adjustment of Natalie du Toit and interpret these through Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth Model. The findings revealed a significant extend the existence of all five variables of Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth Model, in the life of Natalie du Toit. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Madotyeni-Ngcongca, Thozama
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Posttraumatic growth , Psychobiography , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61522 , vital:70969
- Description: This study sought to gain insight into the phenomenon of posttraumatic growth by performing a psychobiography of Natalie du Toit, who underwent a traumatic experience and acquired a disability. This study employed a psychobiographical methodology in order to interpret the life of Paralympic gold medallist, Natalie du Toit, from a psychosocial development perspective. The study used a qualitative research paradigm and a purposive sampling technique was employed to select Natalie du Toit. This was done to determine the extent to which Natalie du Toit underwent developmental growth as a result of posttraumatic growth after recuperating from her trauma. Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth Model was used to inform the research. This model was used to describe the life experiences and events that characterised the posttraumatic adjustment of Natalie du Toit and interpret these through Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth Model. The findings revealed a significant extend the existence of all five variables of Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth Model, in the life of Natalie du Toit. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The prevention of money laundering in the use of cryptocurrency
- Authors: Mnyakama, Mzimkhulu
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Money laundering--Prevention , Digital currency
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60645 , vital:66287
- Description: Money laundering has become common in the world and the introduction of cryptocurrencies has created another avenue that makes it easier to move funds between jurisdictions without anyone knowing. A block chain technology is used to process peer-to-peer electronic payments utilising decentralised virtual currencies known as cryptocurrencies. Although they are not yet regulated, cryptocurrencies are prevalent in South Africa and pose a risk of being used for money laundering and other illicit activities. The regulation of cryptocurrencies in South Africa to prevent money laundering is what is being examined by this research project. The objectives were to understand the concept of money laundering, cryptocurrency and the inherent risks of cryptocurrency in money laundering. An analysis and examination of the difficult concept of cryptocurrency and the risks of money laundering was done. The study demonstrated that cryptocurrencies are decentralised convertible virtual currencies based on cryptographic algorithms. Cryptocurrencies are not monitored by a central body. The research reveals that the use of cryptocurrencies presents risks of money laundering and other illegal activities because of its decentralised, anonymous, peer-to-peer, and unregulated nature. The study focused on the prevention of money laundering using cryptocurrency. International regulatory frameworks of countries such as Canada, United States of America, European Union and Australia were discussed and compared to the South African regulatory developments. It was established that the legal frameworks developed by Canada, the United States of America, the European Union, and Australia aim to mitigate the risk of money laundering associated with the use of cryptocurrencies. Additionally, it was discovered that there is no legislative framework in South Africa to regulate cryptocurrencies, however SARB acknowledged that efforts are being made to develop one. ix It was determined that South Africa urgently needs regulatory interventions in the continued use of cryptocurrencies. The author presented recommendations based on this need, including incorporating cryptocurrencies into the current legal framework by designating them as financial products and adopting a proactive rather than a reactionary approach to the developments of cryptocurrencies. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of School of Criminal and Procedural Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mnyakama, Mzimkhulu
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Money laundering--Prevention , Digital currency
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60645 , vital:66287
- Description: Money laundering has become common in the world and the introduction of cryptocurrencies has created another avenue that makes it easier to move funds between jurisdictions without anyone knowing. A block chain technology is used to process peer-to-peer electronic payments utilising decentralised virtual currencies known as cryptocurrencies. Although they are not yet regulated, cryptocurrencies are prevalent in South Africa and pose a risk of being used for money laundering and other illicit activities. The regulation of cryptocurrencies in South Africa to prevent money laundering is what is being examined by this research project. The objectives were to understand the concept of money laundering, cryptocurrency and the inherent risks of cryptocurrency in money laundering. An analysis and examination of the difficult concept of cryptocurrency and the risks of money laundering was done. The study demonstrated that cryptocurrencies are decentralised convertible virtual currencies based on cryptographic algorithms. Cryptocurrencies are not monitored by a central body. The research reveals that the use of cryptocurrencies presents risks of money laundering and other illegal activities because of its decentralised, anonymous, peer-to-peer, and unregulated nature. The study focused on the prevention of money laundering using cryptocurrency. International regulatory frameworks of countries such as Canada, United States of America, European Union and Australia were discussed and compared to the South African regulatory developments. It was established that the legal frameworks developed by Canada, the United States of America, the European Union, and Australia aim to mitigate the risk of money laundering associated with the use of cryptocurrencies. Additionally, it was discovered that there is no legislative framework in South Africa to regulate cryptocurrencies, however SARB acknowledged that efforts are being made to develop one. ix It was determined that South Africa urgently needs regulatory interventions in the continued use of cryptocurrencies. The author presented recommendations based on this need, including incorporating cryptocurrencies into the current legal framework by designating them as financial products and adopting a proactive rather than a reactionary approach to the developments of cryptocurrencies. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of School of Criminal and Procedural Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The programmatic enforcement of the affirmative action provisions of the employment equity act, 55 of 1998
- Authors: Ntshoza, Zoleka Albertina
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Program -- implementation , Affirmative action programs , Discrimination in employment -– Law and legislation —- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60832 , vital:67863
- Description: This study explores the mechanisms contained in the Employment Equity Act of 1998 (EEA) that are in place to ensure that all employers comply with the EEA. The research introduces the topic and the background of the EEA and further discusses its important provisions. The EEA is an Act which was adopted to enable section 9 and 23 (1) of the Constitution. It is there to ensure equality in the workplace. The purpose of the EEA is to eliminate unfair discrimination in the workplace and promote equity for designated groups. This research discusses the application of the EEA and its interpretation by our courts. It does this by discussing leading cases of the EEA and other relevant fields of the labour law. Amongst other discussions in the research is the case of South African Police Service v Solidarity obo Bernard. In this case, a white female employee referred a matter of unfair discrimination to the court for her non-appointment, even though she was the only one who qualified for the job. The employer had preferred a black female candidate for the position. The court held that the discrimination was fair and relied on the employers Employment Equity Plan to determine whether the discrimination was just and equitable in terms of section 36 of the Constitution. Thereafter, this research considers the role of different bodies or structures that are in place to ensure compliance and implementation of affirmative action policies as outlined in the EEA. At the centre of this research is the role played by the inspectorate, the Commission for Employment Equity, and the Director General of the Department of Employment and Labour. These are the structures of the Department of Employment and Labour that are charged with enforcement of the labour laws and policies. Each structure has its own legislative duties. For example, in terms of the EEA, the inspector must conduct inspections for the employer’s workplace, make recommendations for compliance where it is necessary, and issue fines as a final sanction for non-compliance. On the other hand, the Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) investigating compliance, issuing annual reports, doing compliance reviews, issuing certificates of compliance and non-compliance and awards etc. In addition, the research also explores the enforcement penalties imposed by the EEA. It also incorporates a comparative study between the penalties imposed by South Africa with that of Namibia and Canada. This study will show how Canada’s EEA and South Africa are lenient compared to the Namibian one. In Namibia, non-compliance is not only sanctioned with fines but with other harsh sanctions that have detrimental effects on non-complying employers. Finally, the research makes a summary and findings of the study. Thereafter, it discusses the failures and shortfalls of the EEA. These critiques are made in comparison with other EEA such as Namibia, and further the researcher offers her personal critiques and recommendations to the current system. It then concludes by summarising the findings of the final chapter , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of of Labour Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Ntshoza, Zoleka Albertina
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Program -- implementation , Affirmative action programs , Discrimination in employment -– Law and legislation —- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60832 , vital:67863
- Description: This study explores the mechanisms contained in the Employment Equity Act of 1998 (EEA) that are in place to ensure that all employers comply with the EEA. The research introduces the topic and the background of the EEA and further discusses its important provisions. The EEA is an Act which was adopted to enable section 9 and 23 (1) of the Constitution. It is there to ensure equality in the workplace. The purpose of the EEA is to eliminate unfair discrimination in the workplace and promote equity for designated groups. This research discusses the application of the EEA and its interpretation by our courts. It does this by discussing leading cases of the EEA and other relevant fields of the labour law. Amongst other discussions in the research is the case of South African Police Service v Solidarity obo Bernard. In this case, a white female employee referred a matter of unfair discrimination to the court for her non-appointment, even though she was the only one who qualified for the job. The employer had preferred a black female candidate for the position. The court held that the discrimination was fair and relied on the employers Employment Equity Plan to determine whether the discrimination was just and equitable in terms of section 36 of the Constitution. Thereafter, this research considers the role of different bodies or structures that are in place to ensure compliance and implementation of affirmative action policies as outlined in the EEA. At the centre of this research is the role played by the inspectorate, the Commission for Employment Equity, and the Director General of the Department of Employment and Labour. These are the structures of the Department of Employment and Labour that are charged with enforcement of the labour laws and policies. Each structure has its own legislative duties. For example, in terms of the EEA, the inspector must conduct inspections for the employer’s workplace, make recommendations for compliance where it is necessary, and issue fines as a final sanction for non-compliance. On the other hand, the Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) investigating compliance, issuing annual reports, doing compliance reviews, issuing certificates of compliance and non-compliance and awards etc. In addition, the research also explores the enforcement penalties imposed by the EEA. It also incorporates a comparative study between the penalties imposed by South Africa with that of Namibia and Canada. This study will show how Canada’s EEA and South Africa are lenient compared to the Namibian one. In Namibia, non-compliance is not only sanctioned with fines but with other harsh sanctions that have detrimental effects on non-complying employers. Finally, the research makes a summary and findings of the study. Thereafter, it discusses the failures and shortfalls of the EEA. These critiques are made in comparison with other EEA such as Namibia, and further the researcher offers her personal critiques and recommendations to the current system. It then concludes by summarising the findings of the final chapter , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of of Labour Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The protection of the primary residence of a debtor in debt enforcement and insolvency
- Ngobese, Surname, Nokhwezi Xatyiswa
- Authors: Ngobese, Surname, Nokhwezi Xatyiswa
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Protection , Debtor and creditor -- Law and legislation , Bankruptcy -- Law and legislature
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61328 , vital:70288
- Description: Many people, particularly in South Africa, turn to borrowing money to pay for their everyday expenses. It is also generally acknowledged that mortgage financing is crucial to our economy and that it should remain readily available to people with a variety of incomes. Banks, and other secured lenders need confirmations that their security is reasonably safe to ensure that this remains the case. A debtor with immovable property is preferred because should the debtor fail to comply with his contractual obligations and there is no movable property to attach, the creditor will proceed to attach the immovable property of that debtor. In South Africa the law relating to debt enforcement proceedings and the provisions of the Insolvent Act allow for the attachment of the primary residence of a debtor/insolvent. There is a judicial process that is followed for the attachment of the house through debt enforcement. During insolvency the debtor is divested of his property immediately after granting of the sequestration order. These proceedings go as far as stripping a poor person of even a RDP house that they obtained through the Housing Act, a programme designed to provide housing to the poor. This study examines the relationship between the right to access housing and the right to human dignity, considering South Africa's past, the idea of transformative constitutionalism, and the argument that the 1996 South African Constitution's transformative vision is one that is committed to addressing socio-economic inequality. The legal position in South Africa is compared to that of the United Kingdom and the recommendation made by the study is that a stay in proceedings during insolvency for a defined period before the home of the insolvent is sold in execution would help advance the goals of the government and protect rights of those people whose estates are declared insolvent. Further, a complete exclusion of RDP houses from debt enforcement proceeding and insolvency, is suggested. The rights to equality and the right to property are considered in favour of the creditor. All rights are considered against the limitation clause, and it is submitted that a stay in sale of the primary household for a specific period during insolvency proceedings and the complete exclusion of RDP homes from sales in execution and sales during sequestration would not amount to an unjustifiable limitation of the creditor’s rights. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of School of Private Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Ngobese, Surname, Nokhwezi Xatyiswa
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Protection , Debtor and creditor -- Law and legislation , Bankruptcy -- Law and legislature
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61328 , vital:70288
- Description: Many people, particularly in South Africa, turn to borrowing money to pay for their everyday expenses. It is also generally acknowledged that mortgage financing is crucial to our economy and that it should remain readily available to people with a variety of incomes. Banks, and other secured lenders need confirmations that their security is reasonably safe to ensure that this remains the case. A debtor with immovable property is preferred because should the debtor fail to comply with his contractual obligations and there is no movable property to attach, the creditor will proceed to attach the immovable property of that debtor. In South Africa the law relating to debt enforcement proceedings and the provisions of the Insolvent Act allow for the attachment of the primary residence of a debtor/insolvent. There is a judicial process that is followed for the attachment of the house through debt enforcement. During insolvency the debtor is divested of his property immediately after granting of the sequestration order. These proceedings go as far as stripping a poor person of even a RDP house that they obtained through the Housing Act, a programme designed to provide housing to the poor. This study examines the relationship between the right to access housing and the right to human dignity, considering South Africa's past, the idea of transformative constitutionalism, and the argument that the 1996 South African Constitution's transformative vision is one that is committed to addressing socio-economic inequality. The legal position in South Africa is compared to that of the United Kingdom and the recommendation made by the study is that a stay in proceedings during insolvency for a defined period before the home of the insolvent is sold in execution would help advance the goals of the government and protect rights of those people whose estates are declared insolvent. Further, a complete exclusion of RDP houses from debt enforcement proceeding and insolvency, is suggested. The rights to equality and the right to property are considered in favour of the creditor. All rights are considered against the limitation clause, and it is submitted that a stay in sale of the primary household for a specific period during insolvency proceedings and the complete exclusion of RDP homes from sales in execution and sales during sequestration would not amount to an unjustifiable limitation of the creditor’s rights. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of School of Private Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The quantification of Pinus patula recovery and productivity of manually orientated biomass collection in post mechanised full tree and semi mechanised tree length harvesting operations
- Authors: Ncongwane, Thandekile Hazel
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Pinus patula – south Africa , Forest ecology , Biomass energy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61511 , vital:70692
- Description: The use of biomass as an alternate source of energy has grown in popularity. Different types of biomass are obtained from a variety of sources including natural forests, forestry plantations and agriculture residues. However, forestry residues have been identified as the most promising source, due to the wide variety of plant products including leaves, twigs, branches, merchantable stem, stumps and roots. The main sources of plantation forest biomass are residues from thinning, clearfell and conventional products such as pulpwood and sawn timber operations. These residues can accumulate between 4.3 to 9.4 billion tonnes annually around the world. The biomass availability in plantation forests has led to the development of different harvesting systems to help collect the products from infield to sawmill. Biomass harvesting has mainly been achieved through mechanised systems because of their high yields. However, the use of manual systems has been neglected due to technical limitations and financial viability. Thus, in South Africa, there is no scientific research looking at manual systems of collecting biomass from plantations. Because of this, different forestry stakeholders, including small growers and contractors using manual systems for biomass harvesting have limited knowledge regarding what to expect in terms of recoverable amounts, productivity and cost. This research examines the productivity of the manual biomass collection and the quantification of recovered and unrecovered residues after mechanised full tree (FT) and semi mechanised tree length (TL) harvesting operations in Pinus patula compartments. A total number of 8 plots with +/-200 standing trees were marked in each system. The diameter and height of all marked trees were measured to determine tree volume. Moreover, the quantification of recoverable woody biomass was determined, where after, a residues assessment method using plots and line transects was used to determine the amount of unrecovered residues. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Ncongwane, Thandekile Hazel
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Pinus patula – south Africa , Forest ecology , Biomass energy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61511 , vital:70692
- Description: The use of biomass as an alternate source of energy has grown in popularity. Different types of biomass are obtained from a variety of sources including natural forests, forestry plantations and agriculture residues. However, forestry residues have been identified as the most promising source, due to the wide variety of plant products including leaves, twigs, branches, merchantable stem, stumps and roots. The main sources of plantation forest biomass are residues from thinning, clearfell and conventional products such as pulpwood and sawn timber operations. These residues can accumulate between 4.3 to 9.4 billion tonnes annually around the world. The biomass availability in plantation forests has led to the development of different harvesting systems to help collect the products from infield to sawmill. Biomass harvesting has mainly been achieved through mechanised systems because of their high yields. However, the use of manual systems has been neglected due to technical limitations and financial viability. Thus, in South Africa, there is no scientific research looking at manual systems of collecting biomass from plantations. Because of this, different forestry stakeholders, including small growers and contractors using manual systems for biomass harvesting have limited knowledge regarding what to expect in terms of recoverable amounts, productivity and cost. This research examines the productivity of the manual biomass collection and the quantification of recovered and unrecovered residues after mechanised full tree (FT) and semi mechanised tree length (TL) harvesting operations in Pinus patula compartments. A total number of 8 plots with +/-200 standing trees were marked in each system. The diameter and height of all marked trees were measured to determine tree volume. Moreover, the quantification of recoverable woody biomass was determined, where after, a residues assessment method using plots and line transects was used to determine the amount of unrecovered residues. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The role of trade unions in organisational change in South African organisations
- Authors: Mzondi, Siphelele
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Management , Organisational Development , Labor union emblems
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62181 , vital:72005
- Description: Organisations of the 21st century face a plethora of changes due to globalisation, a world referred to as volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA). Organisations must consider pertinent stakeholders, specifically employees, and by representation, trade unions, during organisational change attempts. The study has explored the role of trade unions during organisational change in South African organisations. A literature review was conducted, which explored, amongst others, factors driving change, organisational change management models, the labour relations landscape in South Africa and the role of trade unions in organisational change. The empirical study included semi-structured interviews and a survey with a questionnaire. An exploratory sequential mixed methods research design was followed, with semi-structured interviews conducted with trade union representatives and human resource/employment relations managers. Thereafter, an online self-administered survey was conducted focusing on employees. A non-probability judgement design was employed in sampling the participants for the qualitative approach, and five (N = 5) HR/employment relations managers and six (N = 6) trade union representatives were interviewed. Random sampling was employed for the quantitative component and 74 questionnaires were completed. The interviews were thematically analysed while for the survey, exploratory factor and correlation analysis were used. The factor analysis extracted three factors: Before Change; During Change; and After Change. Based on the results recommendations for senior management, HR/ER managers; and for trade unions were presented. The recommendations include that organisations use the framework as a guide to involve trade unions. Trade unions and their representatives need to be acknowledged as important stakeholders before change is introduced. Knowledge of labour law is essential and a culture of open communication must be evident before, during and after change. Trade unions should organise conferences (Indabas) to reorientate and reskill themselves about their role during organisational change within South African organisations. The main contribution of the study is that HR/ER managers and trade union representatives should utilise the framework developed in this study to advance best practices in respect of the role of trade unions in organisational change in the South African context. , Thesis (Ma) --Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mzondi, Siphelele
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Management , Organisational Development , Labor union emblems
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62181 , vital:72005
- Description: Organisations of the 21st century face a plethora of changes due to globalisation, a world referred to as volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA). Organisations must consider pertinent stakeholders, specifically employees, and by representation, trade unions, during organisational change attempts. The study has explored the role of trade unions during organisational change in South African organisations. A literature review was conducted, which explored, amongst others, factors driving change, organisational change management models, the labour relations landscape in South Africa and the role of trade unions in organisational change. The empirical study included semi-structured interviews and a survey with a questionnaire. An exploratory sequential mixed methods research design was followed, with semi-structured interviews conducted with trade union representatives and human resource/employment relations managers. Thereafter, an online self-administered survey was conducted focusing on employees. A non-probability judgement design was employed in sampling the participants for the qualitative approach, and five (N = 5) HR/employment relations managers and six (N = 6) trade union representatives were interviewed. Random sampling was employed for the quantitative component and 74 questionnaires were completed. The interviews were thematically analysed while for the survey, exploratory factor and correlation analysis were used. The factor analysis extracted three factors: Before Change; During Change; and After Change. Based on the results recommendations for senior management, HR/ER managers; and for trade unions were presented. The recommendations include that organisations use the framework as a guide to involve trade unions. Trade unions and their representatives need to be acknowledged as important stakeholders before change is introduced. Knowledge of labour law is essential and a culture of open communication must be evident before, during and after change. Trade unions should organise conferences (Indabas) to reorientate and reskill themselves about their role during organisational change within South African organisations. The main contribution of the study is that HR/ER managers and trade union representatives should utilise the framework developed in this study to advance best practices in respect of the role of trade unions in organisational change in the South African context. , Thesis (Ma) --Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The socio-economic impact of communal property associations in O.R. Tambo district in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mhlontlo, Lizo
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Socio-economic impact , Communal Property Associations
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61692 , vital:71826
- Description: Land is the most valuable resource in every nation since it supports all aspects of life by giving people food, shelter, and water. In South Africa, the legacy of the colonial past remains with ongoing poverty, landlessness, inequality, and insecurity to this day. Large tracts of property are still owned by the minority who benefited from apartheid colonialism, the land issue continues to be a major concern in South African politics. After 1994 the Department of Land Affairs released a White Paper on Land Reform that served as the model for many subsequent land reform initiatives, including land restitution. Former Bantustans contain a sizable quantity of unsurveyed land that is kept in trust and administered by traditional leaders who serve as custodians. In order to return the land to its rightful owners through land restitution as well as other land reform initiatives, the government established a legal organization, the Communal Property Association (CPA), against which the land could be registered. This study focuses on CPAs located on unsurveyed communal land in the Eastern Cape Province's OR Tambo District. There has been discussion in parliament and among academics about the effectiveness of CPAs in addressing socioeconomic needs. Various studies and departmental assessments have revealed that CPAs are not in compliance with the Act that governs them, and the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Land Reform developed a regularization intervention strategy to close administrative gaps in slow land transfer, membership, financial reporting, asset management, and accountability. This study investigates whether CPAs provide socioeconomic benefits, and assesses their current practicability. Five CPAs were sampled, each located in different towns in the OR Tambo District of the Eastern Cape. The findings are that while there has been a socio-economic impact in the broader community where CPAs are located there has been limited benefit to intended beneficiaries. CPAs and their administration are in dire need of change. Too large CPA groupings, a lack of understanding of the constitution, a lack of business skills, a lack of asset management, corrupt transactions on CPA land, traditional leadership interference, delays in land surveying and transfer, a lack of government support, and land invasions are all challenges. The government needs to prioritize land surveying and transfer to beneficiaries in order to reduce land invasions and conflicts with traditional leaders. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mhlontlo, Lizo
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Socio-economic impact , Communal Property Associations
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61692 , vital:71826
- Description: Land is the most valuable resource in every nation since it supports all aspects of life by giving people food, shelter, and water. In South Africa, the legacy of the colonial past remains with ongoing poverty, landlessness, inequality, and insecurity to this day. Large tracts of property are still owned by the minority who benefited from apartheid colonialism, the land issue continues to be a major concern in South African politics. After 1994 the Department of Land Affairs released a White Paper on Land Reform that served as the model for many subsequent land reform initiatives, including land restitution. Former Bantustans contain a sizable quantity of unsurveyed land that is kept in trust and administered by traditional leaders who serve as custodians. In order to return the land to its rightful owners through land restitution as well as other land reform initiatives, the government established a legal organization, the Communal Property Association (CPA), against which the land could be registered. This study focuses on CPAs located on unsurveyed communal land in the Eastern Cape Province's OR Tambo District. There has been discussion in parliament and among academics about the effectiveness of CPAs in addressing socioeconomic needs. Various studies and departmental assessments have revealed that CPAs are not in compliance with the Act that governs them, and the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Land Reform developed a regularization intervention strategy to close administrative gaps in slow land transfer, membership, financial reporting, asset management, and accountability. This study investigates whether CPAs provide socioeconomic benefits, and assesses their current practicability. Five CPAs were sampled, each located in different towns in the OR Tambo District of the Eastern Cape. The findings are that while there has been a socio-economic impact in the broader community where CPAs are located there has been limited benefit to intended beneficiaries. CPAs and their administration are in dire need of change. Too large CPA groupings, a lack of understanding of the constitution, a lack of business skills, a lack of asset management, corrupt transactions on CPA land, traditional leadership interference, delays in land surveying and transfer, a lack of government support, and land invasions are all challenges. The government needs to prioritize land surveying and transfer to beneficiaries in order to reduce land invasions and conflicts with traditional leaders. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The use of Police force in crowd management
- Authors: Moses, Andrew Paul
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Law enforcement , Crowd control
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60660 , vital:66302
- Description: South Africa has a violent and oppressive past. They are various historical incidents1 of extreme cruelty perpetrated by the previous apartheid regime. Much of the modern South African democratic state was forged by protests. During the 1970s and 80s, the legislator by passing unjust laws was used to assist the government to maintain the oppression of the people of South Africa. From the Soweto uprising in the 1970s to the current service delivery protests of the 21st century, gatherings have always had the potential for deadly violence. The motivation for this research started with the emotions evoked by the iconic picture of the body of Hector Pietersen2 being carried after being shot by the police. Strikingly the images of the killing by the police of Andries Tatane conjured further questions concerning the use of deadly force within crowd management situations. The research undertook an analysis of the use of force by the police during crowd management situations. A brief analysis of South African law relating to the use of force by the police prior to 1996 is provided. There are legislative prescripts for the use of force during the maintenance of public order. It must be noted that the legislation falls short on providing clear, concise authority for the use of deadly force. Normally, the use of force by the police and civilians for the purpose of arrest is regulated by the Criminal Procedure Act3 , whereas the Regulation of Gatherings Act4 providing the authority for the use of force by the police in crowd management situations to preserve public order. At first glance, section 49 of the CPA seems to validate arguments that it violates some constitutionally protected rights, among which are the right to dignity, life, to freedom and security of the person, against cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and to a fair trial, which includes the right to be presumed innocent. Section 49 however, withstood Constitutional muster as set out in Re: S v Walters & another. As the right to life is a non derogable right.5 The limitation of this right may lead to constitutional scrutiny. The emphasis will thus be on ensuring that the balance with regards to proportionality in the use of deadly force is maintained. During the research it became apparent that the police, especially during crowd management situations, served political interests.6 This had the unintended consequence that the laws were applied to suit the political narrative and not the rule of law. The use of force in the policing arena is controversial. It is very clear that any misuse of force in crowd management situations will evoke the historical wounds associated with apartheid. However, within crowd management, the use of force and the authority to use deadly force is absolutely necessary. The Marikana massacre was used to highlight the mistakes that police have made during inappropriate use of force and its catastrophic consequences.7 It was observed that the legislative framework concerning the use of force, whether under section 49 of the CPA or section 9 of the RGA, is incoherent and too complex. The research argues for simplicity and accuracy within policy and applicable legislative alignment. The linkages from the applicable legislation to the institutional policies should never be outdated or incorrectly formulated. The violent rhetoric from politicians such as ex-president Jacob Zuma, 8 Minister Fikile Mbalula 9 and Bheki Cele10 fuels the argument that the police are susceptible to misdirected notions and may cause the police act unlawfully. The Constitution requires the police to “enforce the law”11 and as such there is an obligation on the police to do this within the constitutional parameters. The correct use of deadly force will only be achieved if the SAPS adequately resource, train and regularly refresh their members regarding the use of force when policing protests. , Thesis (LLM -- Faculty of Law, School of Criminal and Procedural Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Moses, Andrew Paul
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Law enforcement , Crowd control
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60660 , vital:66302
- Description: South Africa has a violent and oppressive past. They are various historical incidents1 of extreme cruelty perpetrated by the previous apartheid regime. Much of the modern South African democratic state was forged by protests. During the 1970s and 80s, the legislator by passing unjust laws was used to assist the government to maintain the oppression of the people of South Africa. From the Soweto uprising in the 1970s to the current service delivery protests of the 21st century, gatherings have always had the potential for deadly violence. The motivation for this research started with the emotions evoked by the iconic picture of the body of Hector Pietersen2 being carried after being shot by the police. Strikingly the images of the killing by the police of Andries Tatane conjured further questions concerning the use of deadly force within crowd management situations. The research undertook an analysis of the use of force by the police during crowd management situations. A brief analysis of South African law relating to the use of force by the police prior to 1996 is provided. There are legislative prescripts for the use of force during the maintenance of public order. It must be noted that the legislation falls short on providing clear, concise authority for the use of deadly force. Normally, the use of force by the police and civilians for the purpose of arrest is regulated by the Criminal Procedure Act3 , whereas the Regulation of Gatherings Act4 providing the authority for the use of force by the police in crowd management situations to preserve public order. At first glance, section 49 of the CPA seems to validate arguments that it violates some constitutionally protected rights, among which are the right to dignity, life, to freedom and security of the person, against cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and to a fair trial, which includes the right to be presumed innocent. Section 49 however, withstood Constitutional muster as set out in Re: S v Walters & another. As the right to life is a non derogable right.5 The limitation of this right may lead to constitutional scrutiny. The emphasis will thus be on ensuring that the balance with regards to proportionality in the use of deadly force is maintained. During the research it became apparent that the police, especially during crowd management situations, served political interests.6 This had the unintended consequence that the laws were applied to suit the political narrative and not the rule of law. The use of force in the policing arena is controversial. It is very clear that any misuse of force in crowd management situations will evoke the historical wounds associated with apartheid. However, within crowd management, the use of force and the authority to use deadly force is absolutely necessary. The Marikana massacre was used to highlight the mistakes that police have made during inappropriate use of force and its catastrophic consequences.7 It was observed that the legislative framework concerning the use of force, whether under section 49 of the CPA or section 9 of the RGA, is incoherent and too complex. The research argues for simplicity and accuracy within policy and applicable legislative alignment. The linkages from the applicable legislation to the institutional policies should never be outdated or incorrectly formulated. The violent rhetoric from politicians such as ex-president Jacob Zuma, 8 Minister Fikile Mbalula 9 and Bheki Cele10 fuels the argument that the police are susceptible to misdirected notions and may cause the police act unlawfully. The Constitution requires the police to “enforce the law”11 and as such there is an obligation on the police to do this within the constitutional parameters. The correct use of deadly force will only be achieved if the SAPS adequately resource, train and regularly refresh their members regarding the use of force when policing protests. , Thesis (LLM -- Faculty of Law, School of Criminal and Procedural Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Top-down control by grapsoid crabs in South African estuarine salt marshes
- Authors: Smith, Leigh-Ann
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Salt marsh ecology – South Africa , Crabs --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61223 , vital:69807
- Description: Salt marshes are one of the most productive ecosystems globally. These ‘blue carbon’ habitats are in many respects resilient to climate change effects, able to track sea level rise and act as carbon sinks. Since salt marshes are economically and ecologically essential habitats (for example providing foraging grounds for invertebrates, fish, birds and humans), understanding the processes that control their structure is crucial to best maintain ecosystem services provided by these habitats. For decades the importance of top-down forces, such as grazing, has not been recognised as being important in controlling salt marsh plant productivity. Rather, bottom-up forces, such as the availability of oxygen, was thought to be the main constraint to primary production. Therefore, a better understanding of salt marsh ecosystem dynamics and whether grazer control exists is needed. Although grazer top-down control has been demonstrated in salt marshes in locations such as the United States, this has not been investigated in South Africa. This is a crucial knowledge gap locally considering the importance of salt marsh ecosystems. The aim of this study was therefore to determine what role consumers play in structuring South Africa’s estuarine salt marsh vegetation, thereby also contextualising this process internationally. In order to achieve this, the abundance of grapsoid crabs was estimated and related to key salt marsh features, such as Spartina maritima stem height and stem density, which was quantified from observational surveys. Sampling took place at the beginning and end of the early-spring and late-summer growth period (September 2021 and April 2022) in the Knysna, Kromme and Swartkops estuaries. If a correlation was observed between crab density and salt marsh features, it was important to determine whether they consume the salt marsh vegetation or if the effect was due to their burrowing activities. Hence, the diet of grapsoid crabs was investigated using stable isotope and gut content analysis. To examine the importance of crab grazing in controlling the growth of salt marsh vegetation, crab abundance was manipulated in situ by means of exclusion cages. This experiment ran for five months in the Kromme Estuary, from November 2021 to March 2022 over the salt marsh growing season. An ex situ feeding experiment was also conducted on 30 crab specimens collected from the Kromme Estuary, during May 2022. These crabs were starved for 48 hours and thereafter fed different components of Spartina (growing and dead blades, and roots and rhizomes). The food consumed was quantified as the change in plant length and dry weight after 48 hours, which gave a maximum grazing rate for the different food sources. It was found that crabs are having a minimal impact on the salt marsh vegetation structure. Spartina maritima does form an important component of the diet of grapsoid crabs, however, this is not their only source of food, and possibly not their preferred source of food. They are however contributing to sediment properties through their burrowing activities. The iii ex situ feeding experiment showed that grapsoid crabs can consume all vegetative components of Spartina, with a significantly greater amount of roots and rhizomes consumed. There was no consistent effect in terms of the exclusion of grazers, indicating that other mitigating factors could be reducing the impacts of grapsoid exclusion in situ. Together, these findings contribute knowledge that can be used to inform conservation by quantifying what the salt marsh risks losing in the absence or overabundance of crabs, as has occurred elsewhere globally. These results influence how salt marshes are managed, and highlight how not recognising the importance of consumers, such as crabs, could misalign management objectives. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Smith, Leigh-Ann
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Salt marsh ecology – South Africa , Crabs --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61223 , vital:69807
- Description: Salt marshes are one of the most productive ecosystems globally. These ‘blue carbon’ habitats are in many respects resilient to climate change effects, able to track sea level rise and act as carbon sinks. Since salt marshes are economically and ecologically essential habitats (for example providing foraging grounds for invertebrates, fish, birds and humans), understanding the processes that control their structure is crucial to best maintain ecosystem services provided by these habitats. For decades the importance of top-down forces, such as grazing, has not been recognised as being important in controlling salt marsh plant productivity. Rather, bottom-up forces, such as the availability of oxygen, was thought to be the main constraint to primary production. Therefore, a better understanding of salt marsh ecosystem dynamics and whether grazer control exists is needed. Although grazer top-down control has been demonstrated in salt marshes in locations such as the United States, this has not been investigated in South Africa. This is a crucial knowledge gap locally considering the importance of salt marsh ecosystems. The aim of this study was therefore to determine what role consumers play in structuring South Africa’s estuarine salt marsh vegetation, thereby also contextualising this process internationally. In order to achieve this, the abundance of grapsoid crabs was estimated and related to key salt marsh features, such as Spartina maritima stem height and stem density, which was quantified from observational surveys. Sampling took place at the beginning and end of the early-spring and late-summer growth period (September 2021 and April 2022) in the Knysna, Kromme and Swartkops estuaries. If a correlation was observed between crab density and salt marsh features, it was important to determine whether they consume the salt marsh vegetation or if the effect was due to their burrowing activities. Hence, the diet of grapsoid crabs was investigated using stable isotope and gut content analysis. To examine the importance of crab grazing in controlling the growth of salt marsh vegetation, crab abundance was manipulated in situ by means of exclusion cages. This experiment ran for five months in the Kromme Estuary, from November 2021 to March 2022 over the salt marsh growing season. An ex situ feeding experiment was also conducted on 30 crab specimens collected from the Kromme Estuary, during May 2022. These crabs were starved for 48 hours and thereafter fed different components of Spartina (growing and dead blades, and roots and rhizomes). The food consumed was quantified as the change in plant length and dry weight after 48 hours, which gave a maximum grazing rate for the different food sources. It was found that crabs are having a minimal impact on the salt marsh vegetation structure. Spartina maritima does form an important component of the diet of grapsoid crabs, however, this is not their only source of food, and possibly not their preferred source of food. They are however contributing to sediment properties through their burrowing activities. The iii ex situ feeding experiment showed that grapsoid crabs can consume all vegetative components of Spartina, with a significantly greater amount of roots and rhizomes consumed. There was no consistent effect in terms of the exclusion of grazers, indicating that other mitigating factors could be reducing the impacts of grapsoid exclusion in situ. Together, these findings contribute knowledge that can be used to inform conservation by quantifying what the salt marsh risks losing in the absence or overabundance of crabs, as has occurred elsewhere globally. These results influence how salt marshes are managed, and highlight how not recognising the importance of consumers, such as crabs, could misalign management objectives. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Towards a Cybersecurity Skills Framework for South Africa
- Authors: Kruger, M
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Computer systems--Security measures , Frameworks (Structures) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61200 , vital:69793
- Description: Cybersecurity is an ever-growing area of concern both globally and in South Africa. The increasing number of cyberattacks daily has had a large effect on individuals, organisations, governments, and society at large. The growing need to combat cybercrime is accompanied by the increased need for skilled IT professionals to assist in protecting against cybercrime. Currently, there is a worldwide cybersecurity skills gap and a lack of IT professionals with the requisite cybersecurity skills. Many countries have developed their own taxonomies and common lexicons for IT and cybersecurity work, specifically for their context. This type of common lexicon is important to help assist in the development of skills. However, South Africa does not yet have its own cybersecurity skills framework to serve as a common lexicon for the South African context. Hence, the problem defined for this study is that, without a common lexicon of the cybersecurity knowledge, skills, abilities, and tasks (KSATs) required of IT professionals as they relate to specific IT job roles in South Africa, the cybersecurity skills gap cannot be sufficiently addressed. Such a lexicon could help drive the development of skills in South Africa and, in so doing assist in alleviating the cybersecurity skills gap. This study therefore presents a common lexicon by collecting job postings over a four-month period from 1 October 2020 to 31 January 2021. These job postings were analysed using a thematic content analysis. The results identified 20 common IT job roles, together with the specific KSATs relating to each job role identified. As a result, these job roles form part of a proposed cybersecurity skills framework for South Africa (CSFwSA) which could help and guide South Africa towards more targeted cybersecurity skills development. The proposed framework could also be useful in guiding tertiary educational facilities in the creation of cybersecurity curricula that represent the real-world expectations. This, in turn, could help South Africa to address the cybersecurity skills gap by better preparing IT professionals and ensuring that they are trained and skilled in cybersecurity. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Kruger, M
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Computer systems--Security measures , Frameworks (Structures) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61200 , vital:69793
- Description: Cybersecurity is an ever-growing area of concern both globally and in South Africa. The increasing number of cyberattacks daily has had a large effect on individuals, organisations, governments, and society at large. The growing need to combat cybercrime is accompanied by the increased need for skilled IT professionals to assist in protecting against cybercrime. Currently, there is a worldwide cybersecurity skills gap and a lack of IT professionals with the requisite cybersecurity skills. Many countries have developed their own taxonomies and common lexicons for IT and cybersecurity work, specifically for their context. This type of common lexicon is important to help assist in the development of skills. However, South Africa does not yet have its own cybersecurity skills framework to serve as a common lexicon for the South African context. Hence, the problem defined for this study is that, without a common lexicon of the cybersecurity knowledge, skills, abilities, and tasks (KSATs) required of IT professionals as they relate to specific IT job roles in South Africa, the cybersecurity skills gap cannot be sufficiently addressed. Such a lexicon could help drive the development of skills in South Africa and, in so doing assist in alleviating the cybersecurity skills gap. This study therefore presents a common lexicon by collecting job postings over a four-month period from 1 October 2020 to 31 January 2021. These job postings were analysed using a thematic content analysis. The results identified 20 common IT job roles, together with the specific KSATs relating to each job role identified. As a result, these job roles form part of a proposed cybersecurity skills framework for South Africa (CSFwSA) which could help and guide South Africa towards more targeted cybersecurity skills development. The proposed framework could also be useful in guiding tertiary educational facilities in the creation of cybersecurity curricula that represent the real-world expectations. This, in turn, could help South Africa to address the cybersecurity skills gap by better preparing IT professionals and ensuring that they are trained and skilled in cybersecurity. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Township economy performance and contribution towards economic development in Nelson Mandela Bay: Assessment using the circular flow of money
- Authors: Matambeka, Sibahle
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Circular Economy , Economic Development , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61659 , vital:71823
- Description: The study sought to explore township economic performance and contribution towards economic development in Nelson Mandela Bay, using the circular flow of money model. The study surveyed households and businesses in one of the townships in Nelson Mandela Bay (Kwazakhele). The survey reached out to 100 households and 100 businesses, totalling 200 participants. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The current state of the township economy is not a desirable one. There are more leakages than injections into the township economy. More township residents (especially high-income earners) choose to shop outside the township for goods because the township does not have the goods that residents need. Key findings show that township businesses are small in nature, primarily sole propriety and operate informally in the streets. Most people who work, earn R3500 and below and spend most of their income on food and groceries. Supply for the most consumed products in the township comes mainly from outside the township, and there is no circular flow in the township economy. However, there are more people working inside the township than those who work outside the township. More essential goods are found in the township than before, so residents do not have to travel outside the township to get basic groceries and food. Other findings show that the government is not intervening enough to help the township businesses through policy implementation and financial aid. Businesses in the township do not pay taxes, and this can limit what the government can do to help them. There are other business constraints that are prohibiting the township businesses to reach the optimum level, and the top cited constraint is Crime. The study recommended that government should intervene by passing a bill like the Gauteng Township Economy Bill that aims at assisting township businesses. Households should come up with other streams of income through entrepreneurship so that they can not only depend on government social grants for income. Businesses should form bulk buying groups to increase buying power to be competitive. Lastly, businesses should seek alternative sources of power because electricity is expensive, and the load-shedding is prohibiting township businesses from running efficiently. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Matambeka, Sibahle
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Circular Economy , Economic Development , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61659 , vital:71823
- Description: The study sought to explore township economic performance and contribution towards economic development in Nelson Mandela Bay, using the circular flow of money model. The study surveyed households and businesses in one of the townships in Nelson Mandela Bay (Kwazakhele). The survey reached out to 100 households and 100 businesses, totalling 200 participants. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The current state of the township economy is not a desirable one. There are more leakages than injections into the township economy. More township residents (especially high-income earners) choose to shop outside the township for goods because the township does not have the goods that residents need. Key findings show that township businesses are small in nature, primarily sole propriety and operate informally in the streets. Most people who work, earn R3500 and below and spend most of their income on food and groceries. Supply for the most consumed products in the township comes mainly from outside the township, and there is no circular flow in the township economy. However, there are more people working inside the township than those who work outside the township. More essential goods are found in the township than before, so residents do not have to travel outside the township to get basic groceries and food. Other findings show that the government is not intervening enough to help the township businesses through policy implementation and financial aid. Businesses in the township do not pay taxes, and this can limit what the government can do to help them. There are other business constraints that are prohibiting the township businesses to reach the optimum level, and the top cited constraint is Crime. The study recommended that government should intervene by passing a bill like the Gauteng Township Economy Bill that aims at assisting township businesses. Households should come up with other streams of income through entrepreneurship so that they can not only depend on government social grants for income. Businesses should form bulk buying groups to increase buying power to be competitive. Lastly, businesses should seek alternative sources of power because electricity is expensive, and the load-shedding is prohibiting township businesses from running efficiently. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Transfer of technological innovation for socio-economic development: the case of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in ACCRA, Ghana
- Authors: Anoku, John Kofie
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Developing economies , Research & development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60537 , vital:65643
- Description: The importance of technological innovation transfer to a country’s socio-economic development cannot be underestimated. This is because technological innovation provides the base for today’s knowledge-based economy. As a developing economy, Ghana faces several socio-economic development challenges as those of other developing economies. Despite these socio-economic challenges, it has been shown that thriving Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana, could help improve the socio-economic development of the Ghanaian economy. Notwithstanding the valuable contributions of SMEs to socio-economic development in Ghana, there appears to be a more significant disconnect between research outcomes from research institutions to SMEs in the areas of technological innovation transfer. It appears there is no bridge between research institutions and SMEs. Against this backdrop, the study aimed at investigating how the transfer of technological innovation from research institutions to SMEs could enable SMEs to thrive and improve the socio-economic development of the Ghanaian economy. A mixed methods research approach was used for the study. The study applied a stratified sampling technique to select 432 CEOs of SMEs from a total population of 481CEOs which represents all CEOs of SMEs in the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) database in Accra, Ghana as of December 2018. A purposive sampling technique was also used to select ten (10) directors of research institutions from a total number of nineteen (19) research institutions, (including the CSIRs and public tertiary educational institutions), based in Accra, Ghana. The study site, Accra, Ghana, was chosen because of its thriving SME populations and world-class research institutions. While a probit regression model was used to address only the objective three (3) of the research objectives, a descriptive statistical analysis was used via the usage of the SPSS software to generate the mean, standard deviation and percentages on the trend and distribution of the study variables among the study population. However, thematic analysis which enables the examination of the data to identify common themes was used on the qualitative data. The empirical results from the study indicated that technological innovation received from research institutions did not address SMEs' needs and did not result in products and services needed by the Ghanaian community. The study found low collaboration between research institutions and SMEs; and indicated that policy direction towards research institutions and SMEs' collaboration was the essential factor in boosting the efforts to drive collaborations. The study has made a valuable contribution to knowledge by showcasing a framework for successfully transferring technological innovation from research institutions to iii SMEs. The study also contributes to the Helix and triple helix models of innovation by indicating that the successful transfer of technological innovation goes beyond the production of basic research by research institutions and the adoption of basic research by SMEs. Thus, successful technological innovation transfer hinges mainly on effective collaboration between the parties involved. In this regard, the study also contributes to theory, as it is one of the first studies to directly address the problem concerning how the transfer of technological innovation from research institutions to SMEs could enable SMEs thrive and improve the socio-economic development of the Ghanaian economy. The study could enable policymakers/governments to understand the existing gap between research institutions and SMEs and how they can work together to harness technological innovation for the betterment of socio-economic development in Ghana. It also generates new empirical knowledge on research and SMEs. The new knowledge in technological innovations could shape theory and policy decision-making, resulting in enhanced sustainable socio-economic development in Ghana. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Anoku, John Kofie
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Developing economies , Research & development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60537 , vital:65643
- Description: The importance of technological innovation transfer to a country’s socio-economic development cannot be underestimated. This is because technological innovation provides the base for today’s knowledge-based economy. As a developing economy, Ghana faces several socio-economic development challenges as those of other developing economies. Despite these socio-economic challenges, it has been shown that thriving Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana, could help improve the socio-economic development of the Ghanaian economy. Notwithstanding the valuable contributions of SMEs to socio-economic development in Ghana, there appears to be a more significant disconnect between research outcomes from research institutions to SMEs in the areas of technological innovation transfer. It appears there is no bridge between research institutions and SMEs. Against this backdrop, the study aimed at investigating how the transfer of technological innovation from research institutions to SMEs could enable SMEs to thrive and improve the socio-economic development of the Ghanaian economy. A mixed methods research approach was used for the study. The study applied a stratified sampling technique to select 432 CEOs of SMEs from a total population of 481CEOs which represents all CEOs of SMEs in the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) database in Accra, Ghana as of December 2018. A purposive sampling technique was also used to select ten (10) directors of research institutions from a total number of nineteen (19) research institutions, (including the CSIRs and public tertiary educational institutions), based in Accra, Ghana. The study site, Accra, Ghana, was chosen because of its thriving SME populations and world-class research institutions. While a probit regression model was used to address only the objective three (3) of the research objectives, a descriptive statistical analysis was used via the usage of the SPSS software to generate the mean, standard deviation and percentages on the trend and distribution of the study variables among the study population. However, thematic analysis which enables the examination of the data to identify common themes was used on the qualitative data. The empirical results from the study indicated that technological innovation received from research institutions did not address SMEs' needs and did not result in products and services needed by the Ghanaian community. The study found low collaboration between research institutions and SMEs; and indicated that policy direction towards research institutions and SMEs' collaboration was the essential factor in boosting the efforts to drive collaborations. The study has made a valuable contribution to knowledge by showcasing a framework for successfully transferring technological innovation from research institutions to iii SMEs. The study also contributes to the Helix and triple helix models of innovation by indicating that the successful transfer of technological innovation goes beyond the production of basic research by research institutions and the adoption of basic research by SMEs. Thus, successful technological innovation transfer hinges mainly on effective collaboration between the parties involved. In this regard, the study also contributes to theory, as it is one of the first studies to directly address the problem concerning how the transfer of technological innovation from research institutions to SMEs could enable SMEs thrive and improve the socio-economic development of the Ghanaian economy. The study could enable policymakers/governments to understand the existing gap between research institutions and SMEs and how they can work together to harness technological innovation for the betterment of socio-economic development in Ghana. It also generates new empirical knowledge on research and SMEs. The new knowledge in technological innovations could shape theory and policy decision-making, resulting in enhanced sustainable socio-economic development in Ghana. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Use of flow reactors for an improved synthesis of Tenofovir derivatives
- Authors: Sonti, Thembela
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Antiviral agents -- South Africa , HIV infections –Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61190 , vital:69792
- Description: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is a prescription drug used to treat and prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. It aids in the reduction of HIV in the body, allowing the immune system to function more effectively. This reduces the risk of HIV complications, such as infections, whilst improving the quality of life. TDF belongs to the nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors category of drugs. These drugs limit the ability of the reverse transcriptase, an enzyme essential for each virus to replicate itself. A reduction in the cost of HIV treatment could improve supply security and make it more accessible to patients in need. Thus, this project aims to use flow technology to achieve a guaranteed supply chain and access. In this thesis, a method for the synthesis of TDF was developed using microreactors starting from the readily available adenine. The method was adapted from the traditional batch synthesis as currently there is no literature on the synthesis of TDF in flow chemistry. The batch methods used for the synthesis of the working standards were successfully translated to flow systems. For the best results to be obtained, optimisation of the reaction temperature, reagent molar equivalents and concentration was critical. From the optimisation studies, an improvement in conversion is evident throughout all stages. The flow synthesis of the first intermediate resulted in a conversion of 100 % in N,N-dimethylformamide in 6 min residence time. This study was conducted at 200 °C, which is higher than the boiling point of the solvent with the aid of a back pressure regulator. A key reagent in the synthesis of tenofovir, namely ((tosyloxy)methyl)phosphonic acid, had to be synthesised and it was successfully produced in 96 % yield. The second intermediate was synthesised through a successful coupling reaction between (R)-9-(2-hydroxypropyl)adenine and ((tosyloxy)methyl)- phosphonic acid, which afforded a 100 % conversion of tenofovir in 20 min total residence time. The multistep synthesis of tenofovir was a success as it afforded a 65 % overall conversion. The prodrug TDF was successfully synthesised at 120 °C with a 30 min residence time, yielding a conversion of 100 %. ii | P a g e This thesis consists of four chapters. Chapter one describes the background on HIV and a literature review on HIV drugs. This chapter also demonstrates flow chemistry and microreactors in detail and different routes for the synthesis of TDF in traditional batch methods. Chapter two provides a detailed methodology for batch synthesis and flow synthesis with analytical data. 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and FTIR spectroscopy was used to evaluate all the compounds synthesised in this chapter. Chapter three thoroughly discusses the results that were obtained graphically, showing that the flow synthesis gives better yields than batch synthesis. In chapter 4, the conclusion of the whole investigation is stated along with the future work for the preparation of TDF. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Sonti, Thembela
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Antiviral agents -- South Africa , HIV infections –Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61190 , vital:69792
- Description: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is a prescription drug used to treat and prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. It aids in the reduction of HIV in the body, allowing the immune system to function more effectively. This reduces the risk of HIV complications, such as infections, whilst improving the quality of life. TDF belongs to the nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors category of drugs. These drugs limit the ability of the reverse transcriptase, an enzyme essential for each virus to replicate itself. A reduction in the cost of HIV treatment could improve supply security and make it more accessible to patients in need. Thus, this project aims to use flow technology to achieve a guaranteed supply chain and access. In this thesis, a method for the synthesis of TDF was developed using microreactors starting from the readily available adenine. The method was adapted from the traditional batch synthesis as currently there is no literature on the synthesis of TDF in flow chemistry. The batch methods used for the synthesis of the working standards were successfully translated to flow systems. For the best results to be obtained, optimisation of the reaction temperature, reagent molar equivalents and concentration was critical. From the optimisation studies, an improvement in conversion is evident throughout all stages. The flow synthesis of the first intermediate resulted in a conversion of 100 % in N,N-dimethylformamide in 6 min residence time. This study was conducted at 200 °C, which is higher than the boiling point of the solvent with the aid of a back pressure regulator. A key reagent in the synthesis of tenofovir, namely ((tosyloxy)methyl)phosphonic acid, had to be synthesised and it was successfully produced in 96 % yield. The second intermediate was synthesised through a successful coupling reaction between (R)-9-(2-hydroxypropyl)adenine and ((tosyloxy)methyl)- phosphonic acid, which afforded a 100 % conversion of tenofovir in 20 min total residence time. The multistep synthesis of tenofovir was a success as it afforded a 65 % overall conversion. The prodrug TDF was successfully synthesised at 120 °C with a 30 min residence time, yielding a conversion of 100 %. ii | P a g e This thesis consists of four chapters. Chapter one describes the background on HIV and a literature review on HIV drugs. This chapter also demonstrates flow chemistry and microreactors in detail and different routes for the synthesis of TDF in traditional batch methods. Chapter two provides a detailed methodology for batch synthesis and flow synthesis with analytical data. 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and FTIR spectroscopy was used to evaluate all the compounds synthesised in this chapter. Chapter three thoroughly discusses the results that were obtained graphically, showing that the flow synthesis gives better yields than batch synthesis. In chapter 4, the conclusion of the whole investigation is stated along with the future work for the preparation of TDF. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Validation and adaptation of statistical models based on the SAPS III score to predict in-hospital mortality in a South African ICU
- Authors: Pazi, Sisa
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Police -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Statistics – South Africa , Mortality – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61360 , vital:70602
- Description: In-hospital mortality prediction remains an important task in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). In particular, the estimated in-hospital mortality risk is essential to describe case-mix, for research and clinical auditing purposes. Furthermore, in settings with limited hospital resources (e.g beds) such as the South African public health care system, the estimated in-hospital mortality risk is essential for resource allocation and to inform local patient triage guidelines. Commonly used models for prediction of in-hospital mortality in ICU patients includes, but not limited to, the Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III). The SAPS III model was developed in 2005. Notably, the SAPS III model was developed without data collected from African based hospitals. Given the general application of the SAPS III model, including benchmarking and quality control, the development of such a model based on local data is of paramount importance. To this end, this study developed a model for prediction of in-hospital mortality based on data collected in a hospital in South Africa. Logistic regression modelling was used to develop the proposed mortality risk assessment model. The results indicated that the proposed model exhibited superior discrimination and classification abilities compared to the SAPS III model. Future research includes the external validation of the proposed model in different hospitals in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Pazi, Sisa
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Police -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Statistics – South Africa , Mortality – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61360 , vital:70602
- Description: In-hospital mortality prediction remains an important task in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). In particular, the estimated in-hospital mortality risk is essential to describe case-mix, for research and clinical auditing purposes. Furthermore, in settings with limited hospital resources (e.g beds) such as the South African public health care system, the estimated in-hospital mortality risk is essential for resource allocation and to inform local patient triage guidelines. Commonly used models for prediction of in-hospital mortality in ICU patients includes, but not limited to, the Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III). The SAPS III model was developed in 2005. Notably, the SAPS III model was developed without data collected from African based hospitals. Given the general application of the SAPS III model, including benchmarking and quality control, the development of such a model based on local data is of paramount importance. To this end, this study developed a model for prediction of in-hospital mortality based on data collected in a hospital in South Africa. Logistic regression modelling was used to develop the proposed mortality risk assessment model. The results indicated that the proposed model exhibited superior discrimination and classification abilities compared to the SAPS III model. Future research includes the external validation of the proposed model in different hospitals in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Visitors' perceptions of the Outeniqua farmers' market in George
- Authors: Oberholzer, Cornelis
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Farmers' Market -- George , Sustainable Development , Garden Route (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60729 , vital:66486
- Description: Sustainability has been the focal point of sustainable tourism development in South Africa for a number of years. The ability of attractions to depict the culture of an area and provide visitors with locally produced goods that remain economically viable for vendors, remains crucial for tourism development. Hence, farmers’ markets have recently been identified as potential visitor attractions that can provide sustainable development for communities. However, farmers’ markets and their clientele who attend have not received the necessary scholarly attention particularly within the Western Cape region of South Africa. To further understand what role farmers markets can play in the tourism economy; this study sought to examine the perceptions of visitors at the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market in George. The research objectives were: • To determine the demographic profile of visitors to the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market. • To ascertain the preferences of visitors with regard to the type of products offered at the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market. • To determine whether the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market serves as an attraction to visitors. • To analyse which factors motivate visitors to attend the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market. • To examine the visitors understanding of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market. To accomplish the objectives of this study, previous research undertaken was consulted in order to better understand how farmers’ markets were performing around the world. In addition, to what methodological approaches would be most appropriate to utilise for such a study. The literature consulted revealed disparate differences in perceptions between farmers’ market visitors in Northern as opposed to Southern hemisphere countries. The effects of COVID 19 and the influence of visitor perceptions on travel behaviour were expounded on. Also, previous research revealed that a quantitative survey would be useful for the study as respondents would be accessible at the farmers’ market to solicit information since it was a confined area. v The findings revealed that visitors were mostly locals to the area, comprising primarily white middle-aged females who often attend with family groups. Furthermore, visitors thoroughly enjoyed the overall experience the market presented. It is further complemented by the availability of ready-to-eat foods as well as the provision of social interactions within a secure environment, while scrutinising the environmental friendliness and uniqueness of the products. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Oberholzer, Cornelis
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Farmers' Market -- George , Sustainable Development , Garden Route (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60729 , vital:66486
- Description: Sustainability has been the focal point of sustainable tourism development in South Africa for a number of years. The ability of attractions to depict the culture of an area and provide visitors with locally produced goods that remain economically viable for vendors, remains crucial for tourism development. Hence, farmers’ markets have recently been identified as potential visitor attractions that can provide sustainable development for communities. However, farmers’ markets and their clientele who attend have not received the necessary scholarly attention particularly within the Western Cape region of South Africa. To further understand what role farmers markets can play in the tourism economy; this study sought to examine the perceptions of visitors at the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market in George. The research objectives were: • To determine the demographic profile of visitors to the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market. • To ascertain the preferences of visitors with regard to the type of products offered at the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market. • To determine whether the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market serves as an attraction to visitors. • To analyse which factors motivate visitors to attend the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market. • To examine the visitors understanding of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market. To accomplish the objectives of this study, previous research undertaken was consulted in order to better understand how farmers’ markets were performing around the world. In addition, to what methodological approaches would be most appropriate to utilise for such a study. The literature consulted revealed disparate differences in perceptions between farmers’ market visitors in Northern as opposed to Southern hemisphere countries. The effects of COVID 19 and the influence of visitor perceptions on travel behaviour were expounded on. Also, previous research revealed that a quantitative survey would be useful for the study as respondents would be accessible at the farmers’ market to solicit information since it was a confined area. v The findings revealed that visitors were mostly locals to the area, comprising primarily white middle-aged females who often attend with family groups. Furthermore, visitors thoroughly enjoyed the overall experience the market presented. It is further complemented by the availability of ready-to-eat foods as well as the provision of social interactions within a secure environment, while scrutinising the environmental friendliness and uniqueness of the products. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Wage differentials by sector and gender in Botswana
- Authors: Motswapong, Masedi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Wage differentials -- Botswana , Wage Decomposition
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62128 , vital:71998
- Description: The study examines wage differentials in the public and private sectors and gender wage gaps within these sectors in Botswana. Raw data from three nationally representative surveys collected is used. These surveys include the 2005/06 Labour force, the 2015/16 Multi-Topic Household and the 2019 Quarterly Multi-Topic. To address the set objectives, the study utilises the quantile regression model and decomposition methods proposed by Firpo, Fortin and Lemieux (2009) and further used the reweighted RIF-OLS OaxacaBlinder decomposition method proposed by Rios-Avila (2020). Results from three surveys demonstrate evidence of wage inequalities in Botswana. Findings revealed that the wage differential in the public and private sectors has weakened over the years, though it is still a significant concern. The public-private sector wage gap decreased from 72% in 2005/06 to 56% in 2019. However, a different trend is observed in the gender wage differentials, where the gap gradually increased over time. Gender wage gaps in the public sector were 4% in 2005/06; in 2015/16, the gap increased to 27% and 49% in 2019. On the other hand, in the private sector, the average wages were 7.34 and 6.98 for males and females in 2005/06, respectively, implying a wage gap of 35%. This trend holds for the other two samples. The gender wage gap in 2015/16 fell to 23% and increased to 28% in 2019. Results from the quantile regression estimates show that returns to education differ in both the sectoral and gender sections. Further, for males and females, returns for education tend to rise as the education level increases. Returns for education for the private sector are higher than for the public sector. For gender wage differences, education returns for females are higher than for males at all levels, supporting findings that females are more educated on average than males. For decomposition results, findings show that observed characteristics, such as education levels, negatively affect wages at the lower levels and positively at other parts of the distribution in the sectoral wage section. For the gender wage gap section, results show that workers’ characteristics had mixed contributions to the wage gap; it narrows the gap at the lower levels and widens it at higher levels of the wage distribution. Further, results suggest the presence of labour market discrimination and evidence of the “sticky-floor” viii effect in both sectors. Additionally, findings from the reweighting RIF-Oaxaca estimates show that the public-private sector wage gap takes an inverted U-shaped distribution in different levels of the wage distribution. Similarly, composition effects positively affect the gap at lower levels, whereas wage structure effects affect the wage gap at the highest distribution level. Overall, the study’s findings have some significant policy recommendations. The study has indicated that the country has no policy to reduce or eliminate wage differentials in the labour market. Hence, Botswana policymakers need to formulate policies to eliminate wage inequalities. Furthermore, it is recommended that the government should continue investing in human capital development. Education is vital in bridging the wage gap within the labour market. Additionally, there is a need to promote tolerance within society and promote ways of appreciating women’s work. It is also recommended that males be encouraged to work in jobs where women are overrepresented. The study's findings contribute to the ongoing wage inequality debate, and it is hoped that the study will benefit policymakers in Botswana. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Motswapong, Masedi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Wage differentials -- Botswana , Wage Decomposition
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62128 , vital:71998
- Description: The study examines wage differentials in the public and private sectors and gender wage gaps within these sectors in Botswana. Raw data from three nationally representative surveys collected is used. These surveys include the 2005/06 Labour force, the 2015/16 Multi-Topic Household and the 2019 Quarterly Multi-Topic. To address the set objectives, the study utilises the quantile regression model and decomposition methods proposed by Firpo, Fortin and Lemieux (2009) and further used the reweighted RIF-OLS OaxacaBlinder decomposition method proposed by Rios-Avila (2020). Results from three surveys demonstrate evidence of wage inequalities in Botswana. Findings revealed that the wage differential in the public and private sectors has weakened over the years, though it is still a significant concern. The public-private sector wage gap decreased from 72% in 2005/06 to 56% in 2019. However, a different trend is observed in the gender wage differentials, where the gap gradually increased over time. Gender wage gaps in the public sector were 4% in 2005/06; in 2015/16, the gap increased to 27% and 49% in 2019. On the other hand, in the private sector, the average wages were 7.34 and 6.98 for males and females in 2005/06, respectively, implying a wage gap of 35%. This trend holds for the other two samples. The gender wage gap in 2015/16 fell to 23% and increased to 28% in 2019. Results from the quantile regression estimates show that returns to education differ in both the sectoral and gender sections. Further, for males and females, returns for education tend to rise as the education level increases. Returns for education for the private sector are higher than for the public sector. For gender wage differences, education returns for females are higher than for males at all levels, supporting findings that females are more educated on average than males. For decomposition results, findings show that observed characteristics, such as education levels, negatively affect wages at the lower levels and positively at other parts of the distribution in the sectoral wage section. For the gender wage gap section, results show that workers’ characteristics had mixed contributions to the wage gap; it narrows the gap at the lower levels and widens it at higher levels of the wage distribution. Further, results suggest the presence of labour market discrimination and evidence of the “sticky-floor” viii effect in both sectors. Additionally, findings from the reweighting RIF-Oaxaca estimates show that the public-private sector wage gap takes an inverted U-shaped distribution in different levels of the wage distribution. Similarly, composition effects positively affect the gap at lower levels, whereas wage structure effects affect the wage gap at the highest distribution level. Overall, the study’s findings have some significant policy recommendations. The study has indicated that the country has no policy to reduce or eliminate wage differentials in the labour market. Hence, Botswana policymakers need to formulate policies to eliminate wage inequalities. Furthermore, it is recommended that the government should continue investing in human capital development. Education is vital in bridging the wage gap within the labour market. Additionally, there is a need to promote tolerance within society and promote ways of appreciating women’s work. It is also recommended that males be encouraged to work in jobs where women are overrepresented. The study's findings contribute to the ongoing wage inequality debate, and it is hoped that the study will benefit policymakers in Botswana. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Women at work: A Muslim perspective
- Authors: Arghedien, Nuraan
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Personnel management , Muslim women
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60510 , vital:65640
- Description: Globally, women, including Muslim women face challenges advancing within their careers. This is supported by research focusing on the advancement of women. However, a paucity of research exists, focusing on the factors contributing to specifically the success and advancement of Muslim women. This study therefore explored the factors impacting on the experienced career success of women, particularly Muslim women and sought to identify additional barriers faced by Muslim women in the work context. In addition, the study identified interventions that can be used to enhance their success. For the purpose of this study, experienced career success referred to the subjective view of success individuals hold of themselves in relation to their careers. The target population of this study included women and men, irrespective of religious orientation or ethnic profile who reside and work in South Africa (n=243). A self-administered online survey was developed and distributed via an electronic link to individuals within a professional network as well as on various social media platforms. In addition, the study was subjected to various statistical analyses, including an Exploratory Factor Analysis, Reliability, Multiple Correlations, and Group Comparisons using ANOVAs, Tukey HSD, Independent Sample t-tests and Cohen’s d. Moreover, the qualitative analysis included ATLAS.ti, a manual search and the use of word clouds to extract themes that were highlighted or emphasised in the empirical study. The main findings of this study suggest that there are various factors impacting on the experienced career success of Muslim women. Positive significant relationships were found between Internal Factors and Success Indicators, indicating that the higher the level of motivation, the more successful are Muslim women. In addition, Organisational Factors and Success Indicators showed a positive relationship, implying that the importance placed on career-related interventions and commitment from top management influence the success of Muslim women. A significant relationship was found between Organisational Success Strategies and Success Indicators which means that the more aware and exposed Muslim women are to the identified career-related interventions, the greater their success. x No relationships were evident between gender and success, nor were differences found in the responses of men and women, contrary to the perception that the extent to which the factors apply to men and women are different. Furthermore, a model was developed based on the theoretical underpinnings and empirical evidence to assist in understanding the factors impacting on the experienced success of Muslim women. Additionally, strategies in the form of recommendations were advised with the aim of enhancing the experienced success of Muslim women. This study contributes to the body of knowledge relating to the advancement of Muslim women in the South African context. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Arghedien, Nuraan
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Personnel management , Muslim women
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60510 , vital:65640
- Description: Globally, women, including Muslim women face challenges advancing within their careers. This is supported by research focusing on the advancement of women. However, a paucity of research exists, focusing on the factors contributing to specifically the success and advancement of Muslim women. This study therefore explored the factors impacting on the experienced career success of women, particularly Muslim women and sought to identify additional barriers faced by Muslim women in the work context. In addition, the study identified interventions that can be used to enhance their success. For the purpose of this study, experienced career success referred to the subjective view of success individuals hold of themselves in relation to their careers. The target population of this study included women and men, irrespective of religious orientation or ethnic profile who reside and work in South Africa (n=243). A self-administered online survey was developed and distributed via an electronic link to individuals within a professional network as well as on various social media platforms. In addition, the study was subjected to various statistical analyses, including an Exploratory Factor Analysis, Reliability, Multiple Correlations, and Group Comparisons using ANOVAs, Tukey HSD, Independent Sample t-tests and Cohen’s d. Moreover, the qualitative analysis included ATLAS.ti, a manual search and the use of word clouds to extract themes that were highlighted or emphasised in the empirical study. The main findings of this study suggest that there are various factors impacting on the experienced career success of Muslim women. Positive significant relationships were found between Internal Factors and Success Indicators, indicating that the higher the level of motivation, the more successful are Muslim women. In addition, Organisational Factors and Success Indicators showed a positive relationship, implying that the importance placed on career-related interventions and commitment from top management influence the success of Muslim women. A significant relationship was found between Organisational Success Strategies and Success Indicators which means that the more aware and exposed Muslim women are to the identified career-related interventions, the greater their success. x No relationships were evident between gender and success, nor were differences found in the responses of men and women, contrary to the perception that the extent to which the factors apply to men and women are different. Furthermore, a model was developed based on the theoretical underpinnings and empirical evidence to assist in understanding the factors impacting on the experienced success of Muslim women. Additionally, strategies in the form of recommendations were advised with the aim of enhancing the experienced success of Muslim women. This study contributes to the body of knowledge relating to the advancement of Muslim women in the South African context. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Workplace Discrimination Based on Pregnancy
- Authors: Pathiswa, Mbongwana
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Employment discrimination , Pregnancy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60797 , vital:67819
- Description: In the past, South Africa was marked by widespread discriminatory practices, many of which still exist to date. This study investigates the persistent discrimination against pregnant women. The study revealed that in South Africa, pregnant women continue to face discrimination in employment and are often denied the right to go on maternity leave, nursing or breastfeeding and childcare facilities. Presently, pregnancy is listed as a prohibited ground for discrimination in the South African Constitution as well as many ILO Conventions. Similarly, the South African labour law framework which gives effect to the Constitution provides for the protection of women and pregnant workers. This protection comes in the form of measures that proscribe dismissal and discrimination based on. Despite these legislation, this study finds that the less favorable treatment of women and pregnant workers in South African workplaces has become increasingly common, and this has turned into a contentious subject. This study focused on labour legislation that has been developed to safeguard pregnant women in the workplace in light of applicable constitutional protections. Notwithstanding these legislative protections for pregnant women in the workplace, the analysis shows that many pregnant women continue to be treated unfairly due to their pregnancies or for reasons linked to their pregnancies. Consequently, there has been a regression in the actual execution of laws and regulations protecting pregnant workers. The study highlights the need to establish mechanisms to ensure that legislation protecting pregnant workers in the workplace achieves its intended purpose and is implemented properly. Consequently, this study presents pertinent suggestions about the implementation of labour legislation so that the employment rights of women and pregnant workers are adequately safeguarded. , Thesis (LLB) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Pathiswa, Mbongwana
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Employment discrimination , Pregnancy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60797 , vital:67819
- Description: In the past, South Africa was marked by widespread discriminatory practices, many of which still exist to date. This study investigates the persistent discrimination against pregnant women. The study revealed that in South Africa, pregnant women continue to face discrimination in employment and are often denied the right to go on maternity leave, nursing or breastfeeding and childcare facilities. Presently, pregnancy is listed as a prohibited ground for discrimination in the South African Constitution as well as many ILO Conventions. Similarly, the South African labour law framework which gives effect to the Constitution provides for the protection of women and pregnant workers. This protection comes in the form of measures that proscribe dismissal and discrimination based on. Despite these legislation, this study finds that the less favorable treatment of women and pregnant workers in South African workplaces has become increasingly common, and this has turned into a contentious subject. This study focused on labour legislation that has been developed to safeguard pregnant women in the workplace in light of applicable constitutional protections. Notwithstanding these legislative protections for pregnant women in the workplace, the analysis shows that many pregnant women continue to be treated unfairly due to their pregnancies or for reasons linked to their pregnancies. Consequently, there has been a regression in the actual execution of laws and regulations protecting pregnant workers. The study highlights the need to establish mechanisms to ensure that legislation protecting pregnant workers in the workplace achieves its intended purpose and is implemented properly. Consequently, this study presents pertinent suggestions about the implementation of labour legislation so that the employment rights of women and pregnant workers are adequately safeguarded. , Thesis (LLB) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
A best practice model for international Financial feasibility in property Development
- Authors: Adendorff, Ryan Gregg
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Built environment , Real estate development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59348 , vital:62073
- Description: Property development is a sector which provides economic benefits to many countries worldwide. Such economic benefits are employment provision and GDP contribution to the economy. Interestingly, financial feasibility is one of the tools that can be used to ensure property development projects’ success. It has been therefore recognised that some of the property development entrepreneurs lack financial feasibility know-how which could position their property development businesses into a competitive edge and sustainability in this continuous fluctuating property market. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the key factors and variable that drive financial feasibility in property development and generate a financial feasibility model which can be used by property development entrepreneurs to analyse the financial feasibility of property development projects. Based on the aim of this study, an extended review of the literature relating to property business, property development, demand planning and risk management within the built environment discipline was conducted in identifying factors affecting the perceived success of financial feasibility for property development projects internationally. The research reviewed literature in the property development industry by identifying the variables for profitability, outside advice, trend analysis and real estate strategies. The research methodology approach that was used for this study, a qualitative explanatory multi-case study where embedded unit of analysis and valuable insight was provided for the success of financial feasibility in property development internationally. Semistructured interviews were conducted with various industry experts as indicated below: • Project Manager at Property Company; • Project Manager at developer; • Development Manager; • Owner of Property Group; • Part time lecturer at NMU Built Environment; • Development consulting company CEO; vi • Trustgro Developments (Pty) Ltd: Managing Director; • Tswaranang Consulting – Managing Director; • Capelo Development Company (Property Development) Director; and • NMBM - Senior Director: Land Planning and Management. The interview questions and primary and secondary propositions were defined together with the validity and reliability of the research. The purpose of the qualitative research was to unravel key factors that determine the perceived success of international financial feasibility of property development projects. Replication logic was used to generalise the results and the findings of this research effort suggested that the following variables emerging from qualitative themes, positively influences the perceived success of the financial feasibility in property development projects: profitability, risk management, outside advice, trend analysis, property cycles and demand planning. The implication arising from this study is that the perceived success of international financial feasibility in property development projects has the following positive influencing factors: profitability, risk management, outside (specialist) advice, trends analysis, property cycles and demand planning which must be considered by property developers and investors to ensure the success of their property development interventions. The curriculum of property development and real estate management practice should equally take into account the afore-mentioned factors. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Adendorff, Ryan Gregg
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Built environment , Real estate development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59348 , vital:62073
- Description: Property development is a sector which provides economic benefits to many countries worldwide. Such economic benefits are employment provision and GDP contribution to the economy. Interestingly, financial feasibility is one of the tools that can be used to ensure property development projects’ success. It has been therefore recognised that some of the property development entrepreneurs lack financial feasibility know-how which could position their property development businesses into a competitive edge and sustainability in this continuous fluctuating property market. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the key factors and variable that drive financial feasibility in property development and generate a financial feasibility model which can be used by property development entrepreneurs to analyse the financial feasibility of property development projects. Based on the aim of this study, an extended review of the literature relating to property business, property development, demand planning and risk management within the built environment discipline was conducted in identifying factors affecting the perceived success of financial feasibility for property development projects internationally. The research reviewed literature in the property development industry by identifying the variables for profitability, outside advice, trend analysis and real estate strategies. The research methodology approach that was used for this study, a qualitative explanatory multi-case study where embedded unit of analysis and valuable insight was provided for the success of financial feasibility in property development internationally. Semistructured interviews were conducted with various industry experts as indicated below: • Project Manager at Property Company; • Project Manager at developer; • Development Manager; • Owner of Property Group; • Part time lecturer at NMU Built Environment; • Development consulting company CEO; vi • Trustgro Developments (Pty) Ltd: Managing Director; • Tswaranang Consulting – Managing Director; • Capelo Development Company (Property Development) Director; and • NMBM - Senior Director: Land Planning and Management. The interview questions and primary and secondary propositions were defined together with the validity and reliability of the research. The purpose of the qualitative research was to unravel key factors that determine the perceived success of international financial feasibility of property development projects. Replication logic was used to generalise the results and the findings of this research effort suggested that the following variables emerging from qualitative themes, positively influences the perceived success of the financial feasibility in property development projects: profitability, risk management, outside advice, trend analysis, property cycles and demand planning. The implication arising from this study is that the perceived success of international financial feasibility in property development projects has the following positive influencing factors: profitability, risk management, outside (specialist) advice, trends analysis, property cycles and demand planning which must be considered by property developers and investors to ensure the success of their property development interventions. The curriculum of property development and real estate management practice should equally take into account the afore-mentioned factors. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
A co-constructed understanding of teachers’ experiences in a community of practice within a community-university engagement project
- Authors: Newton, Tracey
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: To be assigned
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60559 , vital:65839
- Description: Abstract. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Newton, Tracey
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: To be assigned
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60559 , vital:65839
- Description: Abstract. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12