Showing items 1 - 20 of 77

Human capital development and strategic plan alignment: a case of the Eastern Cape Department of Education

  • Authors: Zindi, Beauty https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4790-5379
  • Date: 2023-09
  • Subjects: Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28694 , vital:74500
  • Description: Human capital development as an interactive process enhances and facilitates the development of skills, capabilities and potential of human capital through organisational development. Thus, to achieve goals and strategic plans effectively and efficiently, the public sector must continuously upskill the knowledge and capacity of its human capital. The dearth in skills and capacity, often result in sub-optimal performance in the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE). To achieve key objectives in its strategic plan, the ECDoE must align its hhuman capital development needs with its strategic plan. The main objective of this study is to explore the nature and extent of alignment between human capital development and the strategic plan of the ECDoE. The sub-objectives of the study are to: (i) establish a conceptual framework for informing human capital development and strategic plan alignment in theECDoE ; (ii) determine how continuous teacher development as a human capital development approach can be more closely aligned with the strategic priorities of the ECDoE’s strategic plan; (iii) explore how human capital development aligns with the strategic plan and Performance Development Management System (PDMS) of the ECDoE and (iv) recommend how the ECDoE can align its strategic human capital development to its strategic plan and performance management system. The study adopts a pragmatic research philosophy and a mixed- methods approach. The quantitative strategy and positivist paradigm were adopted to collect data, from purposefully two hundred and sixty-seven (n=267) educators using a survey questionnaire. The interpretivist research philosophy informed the qualitative strategy. In-depth interview data was collected from five (n=5) purposefully sampled information-rich participants to a point of data saturation. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. Statistical results from survey data rejected hypothesis H10 and confirmed H11 which hypothesised that there was a relationship between eemployee performance and sstrategic plan alignment. Results further confirmed the relationship between employee performance and effectiveness of training alignment. Furthermore, results confirmed an association between employee performance and trainee evaluation. Results from qualitative data suggest that the ECDoE lacked competitive and effective skills human capital development training programmes, effective human resource development strategy as well as developmental capacity building training opportunities for educators. Such capacity dearth affected both educator and learner performance, leading to sub-optimal performance learner outcomes and academic achievement results. The ECDoE must therefore closely monitor and evaluate training programmes and assess their impact on educator performance. Training must be closely aligned with skills and capacity training needs of employees and must contribute to skills acquisition and job performance indicators, envisaged in the department’s strategic plan, mission and vision. Given the findings, the study recommends a framework for human capital development and strategic plan alignment in the public sector, particularly in the ECDoE. It concludes that continuous professional development must be a key performance driver for improving effectiveness and efficiency in strategic goal, vision and mission attainment. , Thesis (DPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
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The mediation of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities on the relationship between small business human resource management practices and performance

  • Authors: Goon, D M
  • Date: 2023
  • Subjects: Small business -- Personnel management , Organizational effectiveness -- Measurement , Performance -- Measurement
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29440 , vital:77967
  • Description: Small businesses play an important role in the growth and success of local economies worldwide. Regrettably, the persistent issue of small business failure stems from external and internal challenges. One of the most important internal challenges is the lack of knowledge required to configure a small business to sustain performance in a dynamic environment. The business's dynamic capabilities and human resource management are vital aspects. This study investigated the mediating role of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities in the relationship between human resource management practices in small businesses, using the AMO framework, and small business performance. The research employed a quantitative approach, utilising convenience and snowball sampling techniques. It yielded valid responses from 231 small businesses in the Eastern Cape region. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27 and AMOS version 22. The relationships were tested using the Person correlation coefficient, while simple regression models were used to test the influence of the variables within the study hypotheses. To examine the mediating effect, the Hayes Process Macro was utilised. The analysis unveiled positive and significant relationships between human resource management practices and knowledge-based dynamic capabilities with performance in small businesses. Knowledge-based dynamic capabilities and all its subcomponents also mediated the relationship between all dimensions of small business human resource management practices and performance. The implication of these findings highlights the urgent attention small businesses should give towards human resource management practices and building knowledge-based dynamic capabilities. These findings also alert policymakers and small business managers to what aspects of human resource management practices and knowledge-based dynamic capabilities should be prioritised for optimal performance in small businesses. , Thesis (MBM) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
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The perceptions of teachers about the effectiveness and efficiency of e-learning in rural schools in the Eastern Cape during COVID-19

  • Authors: September, Khanyile https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0354-3188
  • Date: 2023
  • Subjects: Distance education -- South Africa , Rural schools -- Effect of technological innovations on
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29540 , vital:77976
  • Description: The digital gap has been hitting rural schools across the world. This has also been witnessed in South Africa. This digital gap is a result of inequality amongst households. Hence, learners and teachers from rural schools cannot access technologies as urban learners and teachers do. This situation has caused a lack of connectivity, lack of information about ICT, lack of resources, and lack of skilled teachers in rural schools. Globally, almost all countries have shifted to do things online. However, some countries struggled to shift successfully such as India. The introduction of elearning in South African government schools was done with the aim of improving results performance and to develop skills in learners and allow a flexible learning environment. In some urban and semi-urban areas, teachers are able to use new technologies to teach; however, rural teachers are bound to use traditional teaching only. The problem actually surfaced when the new pandemic known as COVID-19 started in Wuhan, China, in 2019 and spread across the world. This also affected the South African education systems, where teachers and learners were ordered to stay away from school premises and institutions, as way of preventing the virus from spreading. Rural teachers could not perform any academic activities, like urban schools did, to reach out to their learners as they wished because of the challenges stated above. Using e-learning during the 2020 pandemic was an unending nightmare for these rural teachers as they faced more challenges than those that had existed prior to COVID-19. The identified challenges discussed in this paper are those that were experienced by Alfred Nzo district teachers. This paper also refers to how e-learning was used by these teachers. Challenges identified in the literature were addressed through guidance of the UTUAT model which was adopted for the study. Each problem was categorised in line with UTUAT model four construct. The two branches of philosophies were brought in which are ontology and epistemology. Ontology asks question about the reality or existence of something and epistemology asks question about proving he existence of something. This study adopted the qualitative approach and followed that approach in terms of research paradigm, data sampling, data collection and analysis and techniques. Interviews were conducted with 15 teachers (teachers, head of department, school principal and subject advisor) from high and primary school levels, after the consent forms had been issued to obtain permission to proceed with interviews. Notes and audio recordings were made use of during interview sessions for data analysis purposes, with NVivo being used to analyse the data. Form the issues identified, these are the themes that were created which are:poor understanding of the concept “e-learning” by rural educators, high levels of resistance from educators, pedagogy of educators, insufficient support of the concept “e-learning”, poor implementation of e-learning. Lastly, after the data had been collected and analysed, this study developed five new success factors that should be implemented by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to address issues identified as themes after thorough analysis of the literature and interviews. , Thesis (MIS) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
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The South African media portrayal of Sindisiwe Manqele’s intimate partner homicide Case of Nkululeko ‘Flabba’ Habedi: A feminist narrative analysis

  • Authors: Ntweni, Nosiphiwo
  • Date: 2022-01
  • Subjects: Homicide -- Psychological aspects , Content analysis (Communication)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23787 , vital:60542
  • Description: The story construction of intimate partner homicide in the media reflects the inherent influence the media has on the society and the shaping of its attitudes. This study uses an exploratory qualitative research design with the aim that is to investigate how the South African news media constructs and narrates the Intimate Partner Homicide of Nkululeko ‘Flabba’ Habedi by Sindisiwe Manqele. This objective was achieved through feminist narrative analysis of 30 South African media articles, with an underpinning theory of feminist constructionism. Feminist constructionism is a theoretical framework that ties together feminist psychology and social constructionist methods. The main ideas followed by the S.A. media reporters were sub-divided into three main deductive themes; ‘sad/victim’, ‘mad’ and ‘bad’. Overall, Manqele as a character, was demonised and portrayed as a villain, which followed the bad narrative. The ‘sad/victim’ narrative followed, and then the ‘mad’ narrative. The ‘sad/victim’ narrative frames Manqele as a victim of intimate partner violence (IPV). The ‘mad’ narrative showed up in the smallest number of the sample represented her as unstable and irrational. The ‘bad’ Manqele was primarily depicted as wicked and evil manipulator, the jealous, cold-blooded killer, and a promiscuous, sexual deviant. The possibility of history of IPV in the relationship its context was largely ignored. The narrative about rappers made allowances for the use of drugs, living a life of sexual experimentation and living with culture of aggression. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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An evaluation of performance management development system alignment with organizational objectives: case study of the Department of Tourism.

  • Authors: Mkhavele, Enes Katekani
  • Date: 2021-07
  • Subjects: Performance--Management , Organizational effectiveness , Employees--Rating of
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21455 , vital:48645
  • Description: The aim and objectives of this study are to assess the public sectors’ performance management development framework’s role in fulfilling organizational and employees’ performance objectives within Department of Tourism, to identify areas of disconnect between the Department of Tourism’s strategic objectives and employee performance, to determine whether the current employee rewards system enhances organizational commitment and promotes organizational effectiveness. Lastly, the study seeks to make a recommendation on how the Department of Tourism can align its employee’s performance management systems with the organizational performance planning process. , Thesis (PhD) (Public Administration) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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Portrayals of masculinity in selected Nigerian plays

  • Authors: Onuoha, Beatrice Nwawuloke
  • Date: 2021-06
  • Subjects: Masculinity in literature , Nigeria -- In literature
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22131 , vital:51985
  • Description: This work critically interrogates the portrayal of masculinity in plays written by both male and female Nigerian playwrights. Selected plays (three from each author) of Wole Soyinka, Femi Osofisan, Tess Onwueme and Tracie Utoh-Ezeajugh were studied in order to proffer answers to certain critical questions, some of which include determining whether the way male playwrights construct the psychosocial temperament of lead male characters differs from how such is depicted in the works of female authors. The study also sought to ascertain how the concept of masculinity has evolved through the careers of three generations of playwriting in Nigeria. While evaluating the differences that exist in the portrayal of masculinity in the male lead characters in the works of selected male playwrights when compared to those of their female counterparts, the study equally examines the portrayals of male identities in the selected texts. It also evaluates the notion of masculinity shift among the three generations of Nigerian playwrights with a view to ascertaining how textual portrayals of characters and events reflect the changing values that are held about male identities in different Nigerian societies. In executing these objectives, the study adopts a qualitative method, and then eclectically employs Raewyn Connell’s (1995) Theory of Masculinity, Judith Butler’s (1990) Theory of Performativity, and Louis Athan Althusser’s (1970) Idea of Interpellation as the Theoretical Framework to guide the analysis and interpretation of the selected texts. Furthermore, the study follows a constructivist model that involves several stages including the identification of the selected plays as the main texts, a perusal of the plays, review of the literature on gender portrayals in the plays, and a critiquing of the portrayal of masculinity in them. The findings of the analysis reveal that masculinity is a conditional, provisional and elusive subject. It is created in a certain socio-cultural and historical context and evolves according to situations. The studied texts demonstrate the artistic agency of women in constructing men’s masculinity. They imply that masculinity and femininity are like Siamese twins in the building of a peaceful, strong, and new nation. Moreover, the playwrights under study divulge that power is the key factor in (de)constructing and (re)defining of masculinity of men. Through their plays, the dramatists challenge and attempt to change the stereotypical constructs of men, dismantle the traditional gender roles and propose a new way of envisioning gender, where hegemonic principles can be nullified. It is therefore the submission of this work that Soyinka, Osofisan, Onwueme and Utoh-Ezeajugh do not affirm the social construct of masculinity but rather interrogate them. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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A content analysis of fan perceptions of the South African soap opera 7de Laan

  • Authors: Tsewu, Xola
  • Date: 2021-05
  • Subjects: Television soap operas , Television program genres
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23226 , vital:56477
  • Description: Soap operas are no longer only televised but the producers or content creators are branching out to other media, to make their content available to all kinds of audience. Increasingly, soap opera episodes can be shared not only on TV but also on the internet and this means its audience reach is extended. The focus of the study was on online audience of the South African soap opera 7de Laan, this exploratory study was conducted to assess the participation and activities of an online fan community. The study focused on a convenience sample of 10 asynchronous commentary forums attached to the 7de Laan YouTube channel. The sample included 1011 participants collectively providing 2312 comments. User names are not used in this study. The study intended to achieve the following objectives: 1. To conduct a qualitative content analysis of references to characters during the course of the ten episodes; 2. To find out what the users say about those characters and the plots in which they occur; and 3. To measure the coding in order to gain an impression of the interests and concerns of participants making up the online audience with respect to the soap opera narrative. The data set was coded and explored by means of the Qualitative data analysis programme NVivo 10. The raw material was collated into individual files for each participant, and imported into analysis programme. The analysis proceeded as three stages. The first stage revealed those characters that interested participants, ranging from those who attracted the most interest, to those who attracted the least. The second stage aimed to find out what themes coincided with these characters. The third stage aimed to find out what participants through about the soap opera 7de Laan itself. These stages correspond to three sets of appendices. The findings show a close correspondence between the relative airing of the five sub-plots that constitute the soap opera narrative, and the interest that online audience participants show through their comments. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Communication) --Faculty of Social Science and Humanities , 2021
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Enhancing the psychological strength of adolescent rugby players in South African secondary schools : the effects of Rational-Emotive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment Therapy

  • Authors: Munnik, James Barry https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8211-4260
  • Date: 2021-02
  • Subjects: Rational emotive behavior therapy , Acceptance and commitment therapy , Psychotherapy
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22111 , vital:51984
  • Description: This thesis aimed, firstly, to test the psychological effects of two psychological interventions designed to enhance the psychological strength of competitive athletes; and, secondly, to possibly determine which intervention might be considered superior to the other. The third aim of this thesis was to explore the results of the findings in terms of both their shared and differential theories. The two psychological approaches in question were Rational-Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT) – supplemented with adjunctive Mental Skills Training (MST) techniques and the Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment (MAC) approach. To test the psychological strengthening effects of both interventions and to compare the results, a non-equivalent pre-test post-test control group design was followed which utilised a control group along with purposive sampling. Various dependent variables were investigated using seven instruments. Variables tested included: - mental wellbeing, irrational beliefs, mental toughness, achievement motivation and competitive anxiety, as well as anger and frustration levels and subjective performance. The instruments used to capture these variables were: - The Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF); Shortened General Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (SGABS); the Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ); the Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT); as well as one five-point Likert question written by the researcher and one question from the Psychological Skills Inventory (PSI). Seventy-one male adolescent rugby players, from three different schools were sourced to take part in this study. Thus 32 (Mage = 17.33; SD = 6= .729) participants from one high school completed the seven-session REBT-Based MST intervention. 21 (Mage = 17.23; SD = .669) from another school completed the seven-module MAC intervention and 18 (Mage = 15.52; SD = .326) from an additional school were used as a control group school. All three group participants filled out the instrument questionnaires prior to undergoing the various interventions and just following it. Each intervention’s sessions were about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes long. The control group just filled out the instrument questionnaires in about the same time frame that the other schools had their pre- and post-intervention assessments. The results demonstrated that generally both interventions improved the psychological strength of their players more so than the control group, however, the REBT intervention decreased irrationality and improved subjective performance measures more significantly when compared to the other treatment group. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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Effects of paclobutrazol and plant spacing on growth, yield, and after effect on sprout development in seed potatoes (solanum tuberosum l.)

  • Authors: Jokazi, Khuselo Bernad https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8620-9838
  • Date: 2021-01
  • Subjects: Potatoes , Plant regulators
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21323 , vital:48406
  • Description: Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the genus Solanum, in the Solanaceae family which is comprised of about 2 800 species (Sahair et al., 2018). Potato domestication can be traced back to the sixteenth century in the South American continent (Hawkes, 1978). The potato crop became a staple food for greater parts of the world towards the end of the seventeenth century. It is not clear when the crop was introduced to the African continent, although the literature indicates that it was grown in some parts of the continent by the late seventeenth century (Hawkes, 1978). Potato is a very bulky crop and is a source of high energy per given area of land (Tsegaw, 2005). Nutritionally, the crop is rich in carbohydrates and provides a considerable amount of protein, with a good balance of amino acids, vitamins (C, B6, and B1, folate), minerals (potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium), and the micronutrients iron and zinc. Potatoes are also a source of high dietary fiber, especially when eaten unpeeled. In addition, potatoes are rich in antioxidants, including polyphenols, vitamin C, carotenoids, and tocopherols (Bradshaw and Ramsay, 2009). Potatoes play a very important role in the global food system. It is South Africa’s most important vegetable crop (DAFF, 2012). Worldwide, it ranks fourth topmost important food crops following wheat, maize, and rice (Esmaielpour et al., 2011; Bradshaw and Ramsay, 2009), followed by barley (Allemann et al., 2003). South Africa is the 27th largest producer in the world and the 3rd largest producer in Africa after Egypt and Malawi (FAOSTAT, 2015). In the year 2014, potatoes were produced in 51 435 hectares of land, which yielded over 2 million tons (DAFF, 2015). This crop is produced in sixteen producing regions throughout South Africa with the Limpopo, Free State, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape provinces being the leading regions (DAFF, 2015). Because of the different climatic regions in South Africa, potatoes are planted at different times of the year. As a result, the country enjoys fresh potatoes throughout the year (DAFF, 2014). According to the Potato Industry Research Strategy 2014-17 under Potato South Africa, the past few years have seen a decrease in the area of land under potato production, with an increase in the average yield per area. This yield increment can be accredited to an increase in the production under irrigation system, the use of improved cultivars and seed quality, and the application of research results (PSA, 2014). World potato production indicates that intensive cultivation has led to an increment of potato yields between 1960 and 1999, even though there was a reduction in the area planted with the crop (Fabeiro et al., 2001). However, there is a large gap between potential potato yield and actual yield per hectare. Research undoubtedly holds great potential for narrowing this gap. In order to do so, there is a need to understand the factors limiting potato yield. Temperature, plant spacing, and seed tuber quality are amongst the most significant factors affecting potato growth, yield, and quality. Potatoes are very adaptive; at present, they can be produced in different climatic regions. They are temperate crops, which prefer a cool and humid climate (Haverkort, 1990), but care should be taken to avoid high-stress periods such as temperature extremes. The optimum temperature for haulm growth and net photosynthesis is in the range between 15℃ and 25℃, and 20℃ is the optimum temperature for tuberization. Tuberization is inhibited by temperatures above 29℃, as the photoassimilate partitioning towards the tubers is decreased, leading to an increase in shoot growth (Gawronska et al., 1992). Plant spacing is usually determined by the target market and cultivar. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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Critical discourse analysis of election campaigns in Zimbabwe with specific reference to 2008 and 2013 election periods

  • Authors: Mugomba Moreen
  • Date: 2020-05
  • Subjects: Critical discourse analysis , Political manifestos -- Zimbabwe , Communication in politics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22083 , vital:51982
  • Description: Elections are a key aspect in all communities and in Zimbabwe they are held after every 5 years. Election candidates’ speeches. Linguistic manipulation is an influential instrument in politics and as such presidential candidates’ electioneering discourse is infested with persuasive linguistic elements. Therefore, this study analysed the generic structure of hard news and editorials as well as political manifestos. The nature of linguistic devices invoked for the enactment of political goals and objectives by Zimbabwean newspaper reports in English and Shona were analysed. The study looked at how presidential candidates express themselves to the electorate through language as well. The study demonstrated how newspaper reporters make linguistic choices to express similar content from contending politicians during election time. The study took a qualitative research methodology. Tools used to collect data were interviews and document analysis. Ten newspaper reporters were interviewed for their extensive knowledge of media situations. The newspaper articles which were based on political manifestos by two of the contending political parties, the MDC and ZANU PF were analysed. Systemic Functional Linguistics and Critical Discourse Analysis were used as theories of analysis. Findings from the study revealed the existence of certain linguistic devices that are used in the art of persuasion, as candidates campaign for political posts. Characteristic linguistic devices were observed in journalists’ reports. These devices include modals, verbs, pronouns, metaphors, repetition, anaphora as well as the use of “us and them” in both the speeches and news reports in English and Shona. The analysis showed a discrepancy between state and independent media as far as news representation of election events is concerned. It is recommended in this study that, there must be a balance in the presentation of politics in newspapers even if there is personal bias in linguistic choice on the part of individual journalists. A transition model into electioneering reporting came up. The proposed model looks into issues of cohesion in news reports. The study has contributed further insights into the nature, features and functions of political discourse. discourse is paramount in society and as elections are held, several persuasive elements and occasions come into play as contesting candidates try to garner votes. Election discourse is realised in the aspiring , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2020
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Human capital Development and Economic Growth: A cross country study

  • Authors: Sokanti, Thembalethu
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Economic development Human capital
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18985 , vital:43005
  • Description: The study examined the impact of human capital development on economic growth for 129 countries comprising of developed and developing countries. The primary focus of the study is on examining the contribution of human capital index components on economic growth for the period 2014 to 2017. The panel data model was employed in the study. Firstly, the hausman test was used to determine the suitable method between fixed and random effects. The fixed effects model was selected as the best panel econometric technique to be used in the study. The empirical results showed that there is a positive and statistically significant relationship between human capital index components (capacity, development, deployment and know how) and economic growth. The study also found that these components of human capital index have more impact on economic growth when they are interacted together based on theories of human capital and economic growth. Capacity and development are found to be the best contributors to economic growth for all the regions; thus, the study recommends that for economic growth to be increased, countries should invest more of their funds on capacity and development sub- indexes of human capital index. Exchange rates and inflation are found to have a negative relationship with the economic growth, while interest rates are found to have a positive and statistical relationship with the economic growth. The study also found out that there is a regional effect associated with human capital development, with European region being the best contributor to GDP. The components of human capital index also found to be important for all regions to invest on to improve economic performance. Deployment is found not to be significant is Sub-Saharan Africa. The existence of income group effect is found with developed countries performing much better compared to developing countries. The study also recommended that countries should invest more of their wealth in human capital development components such as education and health to enhance their economic growth
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Uthelekiso Lwelizwi leMbongi KwisiHobe sikaZolani Mkiva noMzwakhe Mbuli

  • Authors: Makhenyane, Lukhanyo
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: African languages , Language and languages , South African poetry
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters/Doctoral , Degree
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18020 , vital:42004
  • Description: Despite the vast research on African poetry by scholars like Qangule (1979), Ntuli (1984), Sirayi (1985), Bokoda (1994), Mtumane (2000), Bobelo (2008) and Jadezweni (2013), there is a paucity of extended research on the aesthetic works of African poets in South Africa in the post-apartheid era. In a quest to redress this imbalance, I undertook a comparative study of two prominent African poets in the post-apartheid era in South Africa. This study adds nuance to our understanding of African poetry as it would define African poetry further from an African perspective. Swanepoel (1990) challenges scholars of African literature to have a critical look on the developments of neighbouring literatures as comparing these literatures produces new and useful ideas about African literature. In addition, scholars such as Gerard (1981) and Perera (1991) advocate for the creation and adoption of a comparative methodology for the study of African literature. This led scholars such as Mdaka (2002) to test comparative methodology in assessing ideology and aesthetics in South African isiXhosa novels and Kenyan novels written in English. Likewise, Cutalele (2007) uses comparative methodology in investigating similar themes in the aesthetics works of S.E.K. Mqhayi and Zolani Mkiva. In responding to Swanepoel’s challenge, this study aims to investigate and evaluate the importance of the voice of imbongi in articulating current and burning issues in the post-apartheid South Africa as well as the solutions they propose to some of the problems facing the country. In this study, the methodology swings on the hinges of Ngara’s Marxist theory. The choice of Ngara’s Marxist theory is based largely on its theoretical insights on ideology, form and communication in analysing poetry. Ngara divides ideology into three sub-themes: dominant ideology, which refers to the beliefs, set of values, thoughts and actions of a people in a particular era, authorial ideology that refers to the set of values espoused by the poet and aesthetics ideology, which is the literary convention and stylistic of the poet. Using the comparative method, the voice of imbongi in Mbuli and Mkiva’s poetry is compared over three ideologies – protest, patriotism and revolution. Under the theme of protest, I compare Mkiva and Mbuli’s poetry under two sub-themes, socio-political protest and socio-cultural protest. Mbuli and Mkiva’s protest agitates for change in the political and cultural spheres of the post-apartheid South Africa. Page viii of 290 They comment on issues like leadership and social welfare of South Africans, burning issues of this era. In the theme of patriotism, I examined poetry that displays love and loyalty for one’s country. In displaying their love and loyalty for their country, it is clear that to Mbuli and Mkiva, country refers to Africa, not just South Africa. Furthermore, under the theme of revolution I examined poetry that praises struggle heroes as well as the one that introduces the new struggles of the people of South Africa. In praising revolutionary leaders, Mbuli and Mkiva parade good leadership skills for the new breed of leaders to learn. In discussing the revolutionary theme, they speak of economic freedom as one of the struggles of the new South Africa. In investigating and evaluating their poetry in post-aparthied South Africa, I discovered that in their protest and their revolutionary ideology they express the theme of disillusionment. They speak against corruption in leadership while they question those who violate children and women’s right to life. Such issues were thought to be buried with the death of apartheid. Furthermore, they introduce us to neo-revolution by showing how the struggle for freedom still continues as freedom without economic freedom falls short of freedom.
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The effect of marketing capabilities on the competitive advantage of Small Medium and Micro Enterprises in OR Tambo District Municipality, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Mpongwana, Konaye https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4105-1536
  • Date: 2020-01
  • Subjects: Market segmentation , Marketing -- Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20197 , vital:45407
  • Description: It is usually understood that the development of technological marketing capabilities by firms provides them with immense opportunities to transform their business practices and strategies, to strategically position themselves in the market and enhance firm performance. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of marketing capabilities (Intellectual capital, marketing strategy and market orientation) on the competitive advantage of SMMEs. Prior research has that early development of marketing capabilities enables firms to achieve competitive advantage. The issue to be attended to will be to identify the connection between the incorrect marketing capabilities and failure of SMMEs, if there is any. Furthermore, a thorough investigation looking at how the reduction of failure of SMMEs can be realised by investigating the marketing capabilities of SMMEs. Quantitative research approach was used in the study, with a population of 200 SMMEs, the Raosoft calculator is also used to calculate the sample size of 100 SMMEs which were used to collect the primary data of the study. Convenience sampling method was used by the researcher. The findings also revealed that SMMEs adopt new and advanced technologies when marketing their products and services. The study recommends that SMME Owners/ Managers should consider spending a higher proportion of their time and money engaging in activities related to marketing throughout the life of their business. Therefore, it has concluded that effective deployment of marketing capabilities can lead to competitive advantage and greater performance. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
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The implementation of national health strategy (2009-2013) in Vungu District clinics, Midlands Province in Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Mangwanya, M G https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0362-5546
  • Date: 2019-08
  • Subjects: Medical care -- Zimbabwe
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19914 , vital:44454
  • Description: The practice of strategy implementation is key to the public sector in Zimbabwe because it helps the government to be up to speed in providing services to the public. This research focused on the National Health Strategy 2009-2013 and its impact on health service delivery in Vungu Rural District Council Clinics. The research was based on qualitative desk study design which made use of existing data and semi structured interviews to understand the effect of the National Health Strategy on health service delivery in Vungu Rural Districts Council Clinics. From the literature reviewed and the data collected, it can be noted that lack of resources has had a huge effect on the execution of the strategy. The findings from the study show that the National Health Strategy was a good initiative. However, it lacked financial resources which posed challenges to the health workers in Vungu Rural District Council Clinics. The health workers were not very familiar with the National Health Strategy and this had a negative impact on its execution because they cannot execute a strategy that they are not familiar with. The study highlighted the importance of resources for the execution of the National Health Strategy. The study therefore sought to find ways the Zimbabwean Health System may formulate the health strategy with the limited resources in order to achieve desired goals. The Health Workers echoed the same sentiments that they needed resources for the implementation of the strategy. It is hoped that the findings would provide guidelines for the formulation and implementation of future health strategies. Recommendations given would ensure that there is utilisation of available resources, which would help in the execution of other health strategies to ensure efficient and effective health care service delivery. The recommendations are also intended to enhance the performance of health workers. Though the study was limited to Vungu Rural District Council Clinics the findings and recommendations would provide guidelines for other rural clinics as they use the National Health Strategy. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2019
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Communication barriers within virtual communities in an ethnoreligious diverse society: a case study of Nigeria

  • Authors: Ogunnubi ,Adeyemi
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Communication
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15859 , vital:40533
  • Description: The study explores the communication barriers that exist within virtual communities in an ethno-religious diverse society like Nigeria. Qualitative research approach was employed. Subsequently, data was collected using qualitative questionnaire that contained open ended questions and through participant observation (online ethnography). Purposive sampling was used to select participants through liaising with Facebook users, as one of the online virtual communities in Nigeria. Having monitored online discourse on Facebook for some months, this study purposively selected 300 active facebook users from various Nigerian cultural and ethnic backgrounds, but only 60 participants indicated their interest to participate. Also, out of the 60 participants who agreed to participate, only 30 participants (25 males and 5 females) fully participated to the final stage while the other 30 withdrew from the study. The participants were mainly adults between the age brackets of 20 and 59. Thematic Analysis was subsequently used to analyse the data by identifying main themes to provide detailed descriptions of the setting, participants as well as activities. The findings of this study revealed that majority of the participants agree that due to Facebook familiarity and Nigeria's religious colouration, there is a display of disrespect, insolence and deep arrogance to other interactants online. The study further identified and revealed other barriers such as differences in cultural backgrounds and opinions, lack of politeness, prejudging and filtering, name calling and insults. The study proposes that social media platforms as virtual communities should be regulated with full implementation of the law and its sustenance, regardless of individuals having power to make their own choices about the kind of languages they use within virtual communities and considering its effect on other online users. Vulgar languages, hate speeches, incitements, bullying and other offensive comments would hopefully be curbed to the barest minimum if this intervention could be implemented. The conclusion of the study was that Nigerians should be civil in responding to discourse in virtual communities as certain inflammatory, religious or utterances based on ethnicity due to an uninformed perspective usually display one's poor knowledge on issues of national interests
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Customary marriage and family practices that discriminate against amaXhosa women: a critical study of selected isixhosa literary text

  • Authors: Mbatyoti, Pheliwe Yvonne
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Forced marriage -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Customary law -- South Africa Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Litt et Phil (African Studies)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10736 , vital:35731
  • Description: In many parts of Africa, the cultural practices and customs that were in use over the ages are still largely in place today. Many of these practices discriminate against individuals and compromise their human rights, particularly the rights of African women. The aim of this investigation is to study customary marital practices among the amaXhosa in order to establish their effect on modern amaXhosa society. In addition, this includes other discriminatory practices, such as the diminished status of wedded women. Within the study, the social status of women before and after 1994 is dealt with as depicted in the selected texts. The study further determines the current social status of married women under the current dispensation and finds out whether the rights of married women are sufficiently recognised in the texts under discussion. It is clear therefore that whilst Africa has made good progress on the political front, the same cannot be said for some of the cultural values that are still adhered to in the present age. This applies in particular to the rights of women in an African society. Globally, women and girls suffer the harmful and life-threatening effects of discriminatory traditional and cultural practices that continue under the guise of social, cultural and religious ceremonies. In the democratic South Africa, there is growing concern and awareness that some cultural practices are harmful to women and girls. The study analyses a number of texts namely, novels and drama, that were published before and after the 1994 era in South Africa with aims and objectives being outlined in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 is devoted to the theoretical framework, which includes the general theory pertaining to the status of women, feminism and human rights. Secondly, it deals with African theory pertaining to the status of African women as well as their rights; finally, it reflects on the role of women in societies where traditional marriage custom is still in use. Chapter 3 analyses the depiction of customary marriage as a theme in isiXhosa prose before and after 1994. Chapter 4 examines the depiction of customary marriage in v isiXhosa drama before and after 1994 and focuses more on human rights elements. Chapter 5 summarises the arguments distilled from the analysed works. The researcher came to the conclusion that the practice of forced marriage does not occur in amaXhosa society only but it is also found on a wider scale on the rest of the African continent and beyond. The study was concluded with a set of recommendations that were made to combat the scourge of anti-feminism that is found in modern society.
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Examining the position of black South African accents in English in Drama Departments within institutions in the Western Cape Province: a case study

  • Authors: Seekoe, Leanetse Thato
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: English language
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16397 , vital:40716
  • Description: This dissertation examines the treatment and perceptions of black South African accents in English in the drama departments of specific institutions of higher learning in the Western Cape Province. The researcher is concerned with the handling of African native cultural identities in the curriculum policy of Drama Departments in higher education institutions in the Western Cape Province. Although the focus of the research is on the institutions that are based in the Western Cape Province, the subjects that are being discussed are representatives of black people in South Africa as a whole. To portray the issue of accents appropriately, the examination does often refer to language as a relatable concept. In the literature of this dissertation, there is ample support for the claim that language differences and disagreements in South Africa are due to the historical and socio-political stance of the European native. After examining the topic of power and social control, the study points out that the native is rarely in control of the interests of the European descendent. Thus, the relationship between the two is immediately assumed before it has even been established. For the purpose of this discussion, ambiguity is appreciated when intimacy between cultures evolves for the greater good. However, it is disregarded when individual voices are diluted into neutral or standard representations of a language. And so the act of reducing black South African accents in English to mirror that of the Euro-American culture robs the natives of their individuality and imprisons them into cultural assimilation. Ultimately, this study intends to identify different groups of black South Africans who speak English with accents. For clarity has divided into two separate groups namely privileged and unprivileged. Accents that are appreciated by white South African English speakers are considered to be privileged, while accents that carry the undertones of any mother-tongue language are recognised in this research study as unprivileged. The study wishes to present this phenomenon as a social issue that will negatively affect the growth of indigenous participation in performance spaces in the Western Cape which the study assumes as the context for the research. The implication of the study is to potentially eliminate issues of inferiority to those black South African accents that have been regarded as less valuable to dramatic performances in the Western Cape, to the extent that platforms of dramatic performances will broaden in order for black South African accents to be prioritised with relevant usage
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Exploring how millennials prepare their content for social media: a narrative study of online users

  • Authors: Coleman, Robyn-Ann
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Generation Y
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSW
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17542 , vital:41089
  • Description: Millennials, (born between 1982 to 1996) referred to as ‘techno savvy’, are the largest and most highly educated generational cohort in this time. Introduced to technology early on in their lives has lead to a prolific use of social media. As possible future leaders, millennials also have the highest employment turnaround. The increased turnaround is because millennials are always on the lookout for better opportunities and purpose to meet their need for accelerated growth together with their need to belong. Social media platforms have the propensity to provide instantaneous and gratifying rewards, through various ways including self disclosure online. As millennials are seeking purpose and reward, communicating on a social media platform is way more rewarding than attempting to communicate. With the arena of face to face communication shifting to online communication this is becoming more amplified. This research study explored how millennials prepared to portray their content on Facebook and Instagram. A biographical narrative approach effectively acquired 15 individual millennials in-depth co-constructed narratives on how they prepare their online social media, and analysed through contexualising the co-constructed into a re-storied narrative with Connelly & Clandinin’s (2009) narrative analysis approach. Goffman’s dramaturgical approach, a conceptual framework based on micro social interaction was used to obtain insight into millennials online portrayal. The findings revealed that all of the participants utilised one or more of the following dramaturgical metaphors to portray themselves; a) they utilised props and /or filters to set the environment and filter their image online, b) they managed their impressions by being intentional in the selection of their images, and c) by intentionally selecting images or messages that portray roles their audience would affirm them for. The findings of this study highlights and provides insight in millennials’ preoccupation, distraction and portrayal online, which feeds into their need to be seen in a positive light and be affirmed. These findings provide social workers with new insight and perspective into millennials unspoken rich indepth narratives when millennials portray themselves online
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Financial development, income inequality and poverty: case of a selected SADC countries

  • Authors: Leve, Samkele
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Finance Economic development Income distribution
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16918 , vital:40785
  • Description: The financial sector plays a pivotal role in an economy of a country; hence the importance of financial development cannot be underestimated. Financial development is widely regarded as another conduit through which income inequality and poverty can be alleviated, however both theoretical and empirical literature does not reach consensus on the effect of financial development on income inequality and poverty. Against this background, the study empirically examines the effect of financial development on income inequality and poverty in selected Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, employing the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) technique for the period 1980 to 2011. Based on the inequalitydecreasing and Mckinnon Conduit effect, two models which link financial sector development and inequality and financial sector development and poverty were estimated using five different dimensions of financial development. Empirical results revealed that financial development overall does have an impact on income inequality and poverty in the selected SADC countries. An interesting observation from the empirical results is that the actual dimension of financial development plays a significant role in determining the relationship between financial development, income inequality and poverty in the SADC region. The impact of financial depth on poverty is not obvious in the study, depending on the variable used. On the relationship between financial system stability, income inequality and poverty, results reveal that a stable financial system is beneficial to the poor. Financial efficiency does not appear to have a significant role in reducing income inequality and poverty in the selected SADC countries. Overall, the findings from the study indicate that financial access or financial inclusion and financial stability is what reduces poverty instead of mere financial sector development at a broader level.
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Medicinal Plants Used to Treat and Manage Respiratory Infections in the Limpopo Province, South Africa: Phytotherapeutic Study of Bapedi Traditional Healers’ Practices

  • Authors: Semenya, Sebua Silas
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Medicinal plants Respiratory infections -- Alternative treatment
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15716 , vital:40512
  • Description: There is paucity of data on South African traditional healers’ (THs) phytotherapeutic practices regarding respiratory infections (RIs). Several people in South Africa are contracting RIs due to prevalence of risk factors. This situation is exacerbated by limited modern health care facilities and associated personnel in some provinces in the country. The primary objectives of this study were twofold. First purpose was to execute a comprehensive social and ethnobotanical surveys aimed at (a) establishing the types of RIs treated by THs and diagnosis techniques used, (b) plants used as therapies for RIs and associated indigenous knowledge practices, (c) source/s of plants used as medicines, (d) harvesting practices, current local availability status, conservation status and threats of indigenous plants as well as the level of conservation knowledge possessed by THs. The second objective was to assess the therapeutic value of the four most frequently used plant species by THs by (a) analysing the phytochemical profile of the plant extracts, (b) their antioxidant activities, and (c) their antibacterial activities. Information linked to the social and ethnobotanical surveys was gathered via a semi-structured questionnaires, supplemented by field observations during face-to-face interview with 240 conveniently selected THs practicing in the municipalities of Capricorn, Sekhukhune and Waterberg districts of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Data were generally analysed using Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). In addition to these softwares, ethnobotanical data were analysed via quantitative ethnobotanical indexes namely use mention (UM), fidelity level (FL), use value (UV) and preference ranking (PR). For laboratory experiments, qualitative phytochemical constitutes of the crude extracts were determined using the standard screening methods. The antioxidant activities of acetone, dichlomethane, hexane, methanol and water crude extracts were evaluated using qualitative and quantitative 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. Antibacterial activities of these extracts was assessed using microdilution and bioautography assays. Six types of RIs; tuberculosis (84.1%), sore throat (65%), asthma (58.3%), sinusitis (55%), pneumonia (53.3%) and rhinitis (43.7%) were treated by THs practicing as herbalists (58.7%), herbalists and diviners (40.5%), and diviners (0.4%). The identification of these RIs was based on the patients’ presentation of certain clinical symptoms, with THs practicing both herbalism and divination additionally using bone casting. There was a broad overlap between the clinical signs used to diagnose most of the RIs, and the specificity of symptoms followed when ascertaining an individual infection was low. A total of 224 plant species (83% indigenous and 16.9% exotics) belonging to 177 genera and 85 botanical families, mainly the Fabaceae (25 spp.) and Asteraceae (16 spp.) were used by THs as herbal medicines for the aforesaid RIs and perceived related symptoms (RSs). Most of the documented plant species were used for tuberculosis (82.1%) and asthma (46.4%). Roots (64%) and leaves (13%) formed an important mainstay for medicinal recipes preparations. Different routes of administering these recipes were noted, with oral (75.6%) and nasal (18.8%) being the most preferred. The most widely used species by THs to treat and manage all the six RIs with high UM, FL, UV and PR values included Clerodendrum ternatum, Cryptocarya transvaalensis, Enicostema axillare, Lasiosiphon caffer and Stylochaeton natalensis. Overall larger numbers of species used by Bapedi THs including the mentioned ones are recorded for the first time in scientific literature as remedies for RIs and RSs, thus reflecting a need for more similar studies amongst other ethnic groups of South Africa and elsewhere. The phytochemical screening of four most used plants C. ternatum, C. transvaalensis, E. axillare and L. caffer crude extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phlobatannin, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenes. All plants including those that did not display any antioxidant activities using qualitative DPPH assay displayed a certain level of scavenging activity when quantified, with the mentioned extracts from E. axillare (water and hexane), L. caffer (water and acetone) and C. ternatum (acetone) showing excellent activity almost comparable to a standard antioxidant drug (ascorbic acid). Plant extracts from all used solvents were active against Mycobacterium smegmatis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with miniumum bactericidal concentration values ranging between 0.019 and 2.5 mg/ml depending on the plant species. Some of plant extracts exhibited minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging between 0.63 to 2.5 mg/ml. This study showed that most of the diagnosis methods used by Bapedi THs and their herbal medicines have the potential to contribute towards the management and treatment of RIs and RSs. iii | Page Future endeavour should be focused on the following: (a) possibility of collaboration between questioned THs and local western health care practitioners in the treatment of these diseases, and (b) isolation, purification and characterization of the biologically active compounds from extract of the above-stated plants, amongst other inquiries.
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