Municipal governance and the space for meaningful engagement: local government, citizenship and public participation in Amahlati and great Kei Municipalities
- Sokupa, Thabile https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2265-477X
- Authors: Sokupa, Thabile https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2265-477X
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Municipal government--South Africa--Eastern Cape , Local government--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25107 , vital:63978
- Description: Since the dawn of democracy in 1994 and the subsequent adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in 1996, new forms of “wall to wall” municipalities were created throughout South Africa in 2000 and given a mandate of a local developmental sphere. The founding blocks of this was through the creation of the three spheres of government mechanism, namely national, provincial and local, each sphere of government was regarded as distinctive, interrelated and interdependent from one another. The local government sphere however has since mid-2000’s been marred by persistent service delivery protests throughout the country, in recent years the service delivery protests have been accompanied by violence and intimidation. The Eastern Cape Province has not been spared from this phenomenon, media reports, independent monitoring think tanks and yearly statistical results released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) through the ‘Gatherings Act’ indicates that service delivery protests in the province has been on an upward trend on yearly basis since the mid-2000’s. But much more detail is required in understanding the causes behind what are sometimes termed “civil unrest.” The thesis attempts to highlight trends regarding reasons for protest, methods of protest, and the profiling of areas where the protests occur. The findings would meaningfully contribute to the local government discourse and foster alternative mechanisms of engaging communities through better governance and development mechanism by local authorities. The ultimate goal is to create alternative solutions in addressing communities’ needs at local level for policy makers. Currently there is an existing gap in investigating service delivery protests especialy in rural municipalities, most of the municipal research findings and policies are predominantly urban oriented and are not tailor made in addressing rural community’s needs on governance and development. Although the South African Constitution makes provision on steps to be followed on governance and development at local level both vertical and horizontal integration, the Constitution is however silent on addressing governance and development needs of rural communities. As a result of this silence, rural municipalities are confined to develop policies that are not specific to their local needs. Hence the research was conducted in rural communities of Amahlathi and Great Kei municipalities respectively through mixed methods between quantitative and qualitative research. The thesis primarily sought to assess the actual nature and content of forms of engagement in the current public participation discourse at the two municipalities and perceptions thereof of communities on this matter. The information gathered in this research is intended to provide policy makers and those with interests on local government with a better understanding on the dynamics of public participation involvement and service delivery protests on rural based municipalities. The research also seeks to generate new information, insights and perspectives on service delivery protests in order to develop alternative strategies in addressing and minimising service delivery protests. This would assist local government practitioners on the one hand, with planning and implementing a focused approach on governance and development for communities while on the other, introduce an alternative perspective that is evidence based for policy makers. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sokupa, Thabile https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2265-477X
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Municipal government--South Africa--Eastern Cape , Local government--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25107 , vital:63978
- Description: Since the dawn of democracy in 1994 and the subsequent adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in 1996, new forms of “wall to wall” municipalities were created throughout South Africa in 2000 and given a mandate of a local developmental sphere. The founding blocks of this was through the creation of the three spheres of government mechanism, namely national, provincial and local, each sphere of government was regarded as distinctive, interrelated and interdependent from one another. The local government sphere however has since mid-2000’s been marred by persistent service delivery protests throughout the country, in recent years the service delivery protests have been accompanied by violence and intimidation. The Eastern Cape Province has not been spared from this phenomenon, media reports, independent monitoring think tanks and yearly statistical results released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) through the ‘Gatherings Act’ indicates that service delivery protests in the province has been on an upward trend on yearly basis since the mid-2000’s. But much more detail is required in understanding the causes behind what are sometimes termed “civil unrest.” The thesis attempts to highlight trends regarding reasons for protest, methods of protest, and the profiling of areas where the protests occur. The findings would meaningfully contribute to the local government discourse and foster alternative mechanisms of engaging communities through better governance and development mechanism by local authorities. The ultimate goal is to create alternative solutions in addressing communities’ needs at local level for policy makers. Currently there is an existing gap in investigating service delivery protests especialy in rural municipalities, most of the municipal research findings and policies are predominantly urban oriented and are not tailor made in addressing rural community’s needs on governance and development. Although the South African Constitution makes provision on steps to be followed on governance and development at local level both vertical and horizontal integration, the Constitution is however silent on addressing governance and development needs of rural communities. As a result of this silence, rural municipalities are confined to develop policies that are not specific to their local needs. Hence the research was conducted in rural communities of Amahlathi and Great Kei municipalities respectively through mixed methods between quantitative and qualitative research. The thesis primarily sought to assess the actual nature and content of forms of engagement in the current public participation discourse at the two municipalities and perceptions thereof of communities on this matter. The information gathered in this research is intended to provide policy makers and those with interests on local government with a better understanding on the dynamics of public participation involvement and service delivery protests on rural based municipalities. The research also seeks to generate new information, insights and perspectives on service delivery protests in order to develop alternative strategies in addressing and minimising service delivery protests. This would assist local government practitioners on the one hand, with planning and implementing a focused approach on governance and development for communities while on the other, introduce an alternative perspective that is evidence based for policy makers. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
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Errors and misconceptions of grade 6 learners in common fractions: a case study of two primary schools in the Queenstown education district
- Authors: Libazi, Babini Precious
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Arithmetic -- Study and teaching (Elementary) , Mathematics -- Problems, exercises, etc , School children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Education
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11652 , vital:39093
- Description: The objective of this study was to investigate and explore the errors and misconceptions associated with the concept of fractions which are displayed by Grade 6 learners in two primary schools in the Queenstown Education District of the Eastern Cape Province. The research was done specifically to identify errors and misconceptions made by these learners in the addition and subtraction of common and mixed fractions. The study further tried to establish the causes of these errors and misconceptions. The research explored whether Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) can assist in the improvement or reduction of these errors and misconceptions. The study was conducted at Mlungisi and Xhalanga primary schools (pseudo – names) of the Queenstown Education District in the Eastern Cape Province. This was a mixed method research design, where 100 learners from two purposively identified primary schools were selected and subjected to a pre-test. From the 100 learners, 10 purposively selected learners were identified for interviews. The learners were also subjected to direct observations and documents (such as the Caps document, ANA examination papers, learners’ home and classwork books, November/December Grades 5 and 6 mark sheets and schedules, etc.) which were analysed and a post-test was administered. Two mathematics teachers teaching at the two primary schools were interviewed. Triangulation was used for data analysis. A Cognitively Guided Instruction was used to investigate whether the errors and misconceptions can be reduced or improved. The findings of the study were that learners do make errors when learning common fractions and that the types of errors were careless mistakes, conceptual errors, procedural errors and application errors which were identified and discussed in the study. The study further established that the Cognitively Guided Instruction approach recommended by the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) can be used to develop the learners’ conceptual understanding of common fractions. The CGI approach advocates the use of concrete materials for conceptual learning to take place. The findings of the study confirmed well documented research on the learners’ difficulties when dealing with fractions.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Libazi, Babini Precious
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Arithmetic -- Study and teaching (Elementary) , Mathematics -- Problems, exercises, etc , School children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Education
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11652 , vital:39093
- Description: The objective of this study was to investigate and explore the errors and misconceptions associated with the concept of fractions which are displayed by Grade 6 learners in two primary schools in the Queenstown Education District of the Eastern Cape Province. The research was done specifically to identify errors and misconceptions made by these learners in the addition and subtraction of common and mixed fractions. The study further tried to establish the causes of these errors and misconceptions. The research explored whether Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) can assist in the improvement or reduction of these errors and misconceptions. The study was conducted at Mlungisi and Xhalanga primary schools (pseudo – names) of the Queenstown Education District in the Eastern Cape Province. This was a mixed method research design, where 100 learners from two purposively identified primary schools were selected and subjected to a pre-test. From the 100 learners, 10 purposively selected learners were identified for interviews. The learners were also subjected to direct observations and documents (such as the Caps document, ANA examination papers, learners’ home and classwork books, November/December Grades 5 and 6 mark sheets and schedules, etc.) which were analysed and a post-test was administered. Two mathematics teachers teaching at the two primary schools were interviewed. Triangulation was used for data analysis. A Cognitively Guided Instruction was used to investigate whether the errors and misconceptions can be reduced or improved. The findings of the study were that learners do make errors when learning common fractions and that the types of errors were careless mistakes, conceptual errors, procedural errors and application errors which were identified and discussed in the study. The study further established that the Cognitively Guided Instruction approach recommended by the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) can be used to develop the learners’ conceptual understanding of common fractions. The CGI approach advocates the use of concrete materials for conceptual learning to take place. The findings of the study confirmed well documented research on the learners’ difficulties when dealing with fractions.
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Auditing & Governance: 2A
The experience of a black baptist township pastor in the apartheid: the case study of Reverend Simon Lukwe from the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mkonwana, Vuyo Patrick
- Date: 2015-06
- Subjects: Church and state
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25205 , vital:64007
- Description: The role of the Church in politics is always a contentious issue, this is not only the case in South Africa but all over the world. Christian traditions vary in their understanding and interpretation of Biblical teaching on what role Christians and clergy should play in city politics. The primary gist or objective of this thesis revolves around the birth, calling and the ministry of Reverend Simon Lukwe as a representation of black ministers in the Baptist Church. The secondary objective is to look at the pastoral methods that he employed based on the challenges of the day. It is acknowledged that there have been autobiographies and biographies written on the experiences of well-known clergy like Dr. Frank Chikane, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Reverend Beyes Naude and others, but there is puzzling silence about other Christian permanent persuaders who played a pivotal role in the public life in South Africa. This individual is one of those like many who were able to trounce the inferior and oppressive education that was offered to black ministers in the Baptist Union of Southern Africa. This dissertation is a narrative of a heart-breaking but fascinating account of a black minister who was detained and tortured by security forces; sadly, he was even forsaken by his own brothers and sisters in Christ (Baptist church members). It also seeks to examine what might be the call to the modern religious ministers based on the current socio-economic and political challenges, and what pastoral methods might be relevant to effectively minister in this context. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
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- Authors: Mkonwana, Vuyo Patrick
- Date: 2015-06
- Subjects: Church and state
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25205 , vital:64007
- Description: The role of the Church in politics is always a contentious issue, this is not only the case in South Africa but all over the world. Christian traditions vary in their understanding and interpretation of Biblical teaching on what role Christians and clergy should play in city politics. The primary gist or objective of this thesis revolves around the birth, calling and the ministry of Reverend Simon Lukwe as a representation of black ministers in the Baptist Church. The secondary objective is to look at the pastoral methods that he employed based on the challenges of the day. It is acknowledged that there have been autobiographies and biographies written on the experiences of well-known clergy like Dr. Frank Chikane, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Reverend Beyes Naude and others, but there is puzzling silence about other Christian permanent persuaders who played a pivotal role in the public life in South Africa. This individual is one of those like many who were able to trounce the inferior and oppressive education that was offered to black ministers in the Baptist Union of Southern Africa. This dissertation is a narrative of a heart-breaking but fascinating account of a black minister who was detained and tortured by security forces; sadly, he was even forsaken by his own brothers and sisters in Christ (Baptist church members). It also seeks to examine what might be the call to the modern religious ministers based on the current socio-economic and political challenges, and what pastoral methods might be relevant to effectively minister in this context. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
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Exploring the effects of domestic violence in the psychosocial development of children : the case of Mlungisi Township in Queenstown
- Authors: Ntsumpa, SL
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Family violence Abused children--South Africa Children and violence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Social Work
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17338 , vital:40957
- Description: The main aim of the study was to explore the effects of domestic violence in the psychosocial development of children at Mlungisi Township, Chris Hani District in Queenstown – Eastern Cape Province. The specific objectives of the study were: to investigate the effect domestic violence has on the psychosocial development of children; to assess the behavior of the children subjected to domestic violence; and to examine challenges that children are facing due to domestic violence; and to examine the support provided by professionals (Social works, community worker, educator, South African Police and Justice System) to children who are victims of domestic violence. The study adopted a qualitative research paradigm and non-probability sampling methodology in the form of purposive sampling technique. The study‟s sample size comprised of 20 participants, 7 male children between the ages of 9 and 16, and 8 female children between the ages of 9 and 16 on in-depth one-on-one interviews. Five children withdrew from the study because they became emotional and were reluctant to participate. The study also comprised of 5 participants in a focus group which composed of various professionals from government departments such as: Department of Social Development, Department of Education, South African Police Services, Lukhanji Municipality and Justice Official who are directly working with children. The research instrument used was an interview guide with open ended questions. The study findings include the following: effects of domestic violence on the psychosocial development of children; challenges faced by children due to domestic violence; behaviors of children subjected to domestic violence; support services; efficiency and effectiveness of services rendered to the children; and improvement of services rendered to the victims by government officials. The study recommendations were: more studies on domestic violence specifically on children as victims should be done; policy regarding domestic violence needs to be reviewed and in order to accommodate children; there should be policies that focus solemnly to children who happen to be victims of domestic violence not domestic violence in general; and government departments and other relevant stakeholder should be strengthened or even develop new intervention strategies to ensure effectiveness in curbing domestic violence.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntsumpa, SL
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Family violence Abused children--South Africa Children and violence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Social Work
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17338 , vital:40957
- Description: The main aim of the study was to explore the effects of domestic violence in the psychosocial development of children at Mlungisi Township, Chris Hani District in Queenstown – Eastern Cape Province. The specific objectives of the study were: to investigate the effect domestic violence has on the psychosocial development of children; to assess the behavior of the children subjected to domestic violence; and to examine challenges that children are facing due to domestic violence; and to examine the support provided by professionals (Social works, community worker, educator, South African Police and Justice System) to children who are victims of domestic violence. The study adopted a qualitative research paradigm and non-probability sampling methodology in the form of purposive sampling technique. The study‟s sample size comprised of 20 participants, 7 male children between the ages of 9 and 16, and 8 female children between the ages of 9 and 16 on in-depth one-on-one interviews. Five children withdrew from the study because they became emotional and were reluctant to participate. The study also comprised of 5 participants in a focus group which composed of various professionals from government departments such as: Department of Social Development, Department of Education, South African Police Services, Lukhanji Municipality and Justice Official who are directly working with children. The research instrument used was an interview guide with open ended questions. The study findings include the following: effects of domestic violence on the psychosocial development of children; challenges faced by children due to domestic violence; behaviors of children subjected to domestic violence; support services; efficiency and effectiveness of services rendered to the children; and improvement of services rendered to the victims by government officials. The study recommendations were: more studies on domestic violence specifically on children as victims should be done; policy regarding domestic violence needs to be reviewed and in order to accommodate children; there should be policies that focus solemnly to children who happen to be victims of domestic violence not domestic violence in general; and government departments and other relevant stakeholder should be strengthened or even develop new intervention strategies to ensure effectiveness in curbing domestic violence.
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An Evaluation of the effectiveness of public libraries in providing information to school children :A Case study of the Queenstown public library , Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Ndlovu, Sheron
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Information services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Information resources -- South Africa --Eastern Cape Public libraries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6528 , vital:30484
- Description: This study took the form of an evaluative study of the effectiveness of public libraries as a means of providing information to school children, and was conducted at the Queenstown Public Library in the province of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The research endeavoured to evaluate the effectiveness of public libraries in the role which they play to provide information to school children, despite the widespread belief that the role of libraries is now being replaced by Information and Communication Technologies, or ICTs. This study is also significant for the factors which contribute towards school children being prevented from receiving the full range of benefits which libraries have to offer and the recommendations which it makes to improve the effectiveness of the role played by libraries in this respect. The study could also be of benefit to the staff of libraries, as it could serve to inform them with respect to what needs to be done in order to improve the ways in which libraries make information available to school children. In this respect the research could also provide valuable insights into the strategies which need to be developed and adopted in order to make public libraries more effective providers of various types and forms of information to school children. It is to be hoped that the study will also make a valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge concerning public libraries as a means of providing information to school children. It is the fervent wish of this researcher to make a credible and articulate case for the great value which public libraries have for school children, despite the fact that general perceptions no longer accord libraries the value which they were once commonly held to possess.
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- Authors: Ndlovu, Sheron
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Information services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Information resources -- South Africa --Eastern Cape Public libraries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6528 , vital:30484
- Description: This study took the form of an evaluative study of the effectiveness of public libraries as a means of providing information to school children, and was conducted at the Queenstown Public Library in the province of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The research endeavoured to evaluate the effectiveness of public libraries in the role which they play to provide information to school children, despite the widespread belief that the role of libraries is now being replaced by Information and Communication Technologies, or ICTs. This study is also significant for the factors which contribute towards school children being prevented from receiving the full range of benefits which libraries have to offer and the recommendations which it makes to improve the effectiveness of the role played by libraries in this respect. The study could also be of benefit to the staff of libraries, as it could serve to inform them with respect to what needs to be done in order to improve the ways in which libraries make information available to school children. In this respect the research could also provide valuable insights into the strategies which need to be developed and adopted in order to make public libraries more effective providers of various types and forms of information to school children. It is to be hoped that the study will also make a valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge concerning public libraries as a means of providing information to school children. It is the fervent wish of this researcher to make a credible and articulate case for the great value which public libraries have for school children, despite the fact that general perceptions no longer accord libraries the value which they were once commonly held to possess.
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Assessment of the antibacterial properties of n-Hexane extract of Cocos Nucifera and its interactions with some conventional antibiotics
- Authors: Akinyele, Taiwo Adesola
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Coconut palm , Microbial sensitivity tests , Gram-negative bacterial infections , Vibrio infections , Antibiotics , Hexane , Extracts
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11245 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/416 , Coconut palm , Microbial sensitivity tests , Gram-negative bacterial infections , Vibrio infections , Antibiotics , Hexane , Extracts
- Description: Cocos nucifera belong to the family Aracaceae (palm Family). The English name is coconut and it is used extensively as medicinal remedies against infections such as urinary tract infections, gastro intestinal infections, skin and wound infections. The in vitro antibacterial (including anti-listerial and anti-vibrio) properties as well as the evaluation of the combination potentials of the plant extract with six front-line antibiotics were evaluated in this study using standard procedures. The in vitro anti-listerial properties of the crude aqueous and n-Hexane extract of the husk of Cocos nucifera were carried out against 37 Listeria isolates. Twenty-nine of the test organisms were susceptible to the aqueous extract while thirty were susceptible to the n-Hexane extract both at the screening concentration of 25 mg/ml. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for all the susceptible bacteria ranged between 0.6 - 5.0 mg/ml. For the aqueous extract, average log reduction in viable cell count ranged between 0.32 Log10 and 4.8 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hours interaction in 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. For the n-Hexane extract, the log reduction ranged between 2.4 Log10 and 6.2 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hours interaction in 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. The time-kill characteristics of the two extracts suggest that at higher concentration (2 × MIC) and longer duration of interaction (8 hr), more bacteria were killed. In vitro anti-vibrio and antibacterial properties experiment revealed that of all the 45 vibrio and 25 bacteria strains that was tested, 37 were susceptible to the aqueous extract and 38 to the n-Hexane extract, while 17 were susceptible to the aqueous extract and 21 to the n-Hexane extract. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for all the susceptible bacteria ranged between 0.3 - 5.0 mg/ml. viii The time kill studies revealed that for the aqueous extract, average log reduction in viable cell count in time kill assay ranged between 0.12 Log10 and 4.2 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hr interaction at 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. For the n-Hexane extract, the log reduction ranged between 0.56 Log10 and 6.4 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hr interaction in 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. In the test for the combination interactions, the checkerboard method revealed synergy of 67% and indifferent of 33%, while the time kill assay detected synergy in 72% and indifferent in 28% of the combinations tested. The synergy detected was not specific to any of the antibiotics or the Gram reaction of the bacteria, and no antagonism was detected. We conclude that the aqueous and n-Hexane extract of the husk of C. nucifera contains potential broad spectrum antibiotics resistance modulating compounds that could be relevant in the treatment of infections caused by these pathogens. In addition, the husk which is being discarded as agro waste will opens up a vista of opportunities for utilization for therapeutic purposes
- Full Text:
- Authors: Akinyele, Taiwo Adesola
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Coconut palm , Microbial sensitivity tests , Gram-negative bacterial infections , Vibrio infections , Antibiotics , Hexane , Extracts
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11245 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/416 , Coconut palm , Microbial sensitivity tests , Gram-negative bacterial infections , Vibrio infections , Antibiotics , Hexane , Extracts
- Description: Cocos nucifera belong to the family Aracaceae (palm Family). The English name is coconut and it is used extensively as medicinal remedies against infections such as urinary tract infections, gastro intestinal infections, skin and wound infections. The in vitro antibacterial (including anti-listerial and anti-vibrio) properties as well as the evaluation of the combination potentials of the plant extract with six front-line antibiotics were evaluated in this study using standard procedures. The in vitro anti-listerial properties of the crude aqueous and n-Hexane extract of the husk of Cocos nucifera were carried out against 37 Listeria isolates. Twenty-nine of the test organisms were susceptible to the aqueous extract while thirty were susceptible to the n-Hexane extract both at the screening concentration of 25 mg/ml. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for all the susceptible bacteria ranged between 0.6 - 5.0 mg/ml. For the aqueous extract, average log reduction in viable cell count ranged between 0.32 Log10 and 4.8 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hours interaction in 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. For the n-Hexane extract, the log reduction ranged between 2.4 Log10 and 6.2 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hours interaction in 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. The time-kill characteristics of the two extracts suggest that at higher concentration (2 × MIC) and longer duration of interaction (8 hr), more bacteria were killed. In vitro anti-vibrio and antibacterial properties experiment revealed that of all the 45 vibrio and 25 bacteria strains that was tested, 37 were susceptible to the aqueous extract and 38 to the n-Hexane extract, while 17 were susceptible to the aqueous extract and 21 to the n-Hexane extract. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for all the susceptible bacteria ranged between 0.3 - 5.0 mg/ml. viii The time kill studies revealed that for the aqueous extract, average log reduction in viable cell count in time kill assay ranged between 0.12 Log10 and 4.2 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hr interaction at 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. For the n-Hexane extract, the log reduction ranged between 0.56 Log10 and 6.4 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hr interaction in 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. In the test for the combination interactions, the checkerboard method revealed synergy of 67% and indifferent of 33%, while the time kill assay detected synergy in 72% and indifferent in 28% of the combinations tested. The synergy detected was not specific to any of the antibiotics or the Gram reaction of the bacteria, and no antagonism was detected. We conclude that the aqueous and n-Hexane extract of the husk of C. nucifera contains potential broad spectrum antibiotics resistance modulating compounds that could be relevant in the treatment of infections caused by these pathogens. In addition, the husk which is being discarded as agro waste will opens up a vista of opportunities for utilization for therapeutic purposes
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Analyses of the simple harmonic oscillator and its variations
- Authors: Bambiso, Noludwe Patience
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Harmonic analysis Vibration -- Mathematical models Oscillations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8132 , vital:31530
- Description: Vibratory motion is fundamental to all natural phenomena. It occurs everywhere in nature, from fundamental particles to the complexity of the life of the smallest cell, to the properties of the cosmos. Its frequency ranges from those of gammarays down the spectrum of X-rays, microwave, optical and radio waves. These are common concepts in everyday life, but their origin and nature are seldom comprehended. In this thesis we look at the mathematical fundamentals and how to apply them. We start with fundamental concepts and extend them to more complicated systems. We consider methods of analysis and applications. In Chapter 2 we consider simple harmonic oscillators and their mathematical analyses and in Chapter 3 we look at applications. Chapter 4 discusses the general form of simple harmonic motion, i.e. damped and forced harmonic motion. We consider simple coupled systems and their analysis. In Chapter 5 we introduce the method of complex functions and its application to complicated compound systems. Chapter 6 introduces a novel application, that of how SHM can be used as a model for advanced effects, or acausality. Chapter 7 presents a summary and conclusion.
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- Authors: Bambiso, Noludwe Patience
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Harmonic analysis Vibration -- Mathematical models Oscillations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8132 , vital:31530
- Description: Vibratory motion is fundamental to all natural phenomena. It occurs everywhere in nature, from fundamental particles to the complexity of the life of the smallest cell, to the properties of the cosmos. Its frequency ranges from those of gammarays down the spectrum of X-rays, microwave, optical and radio waves. These are common concepts in everyday life, but their origin and nature are seldom comprehended. In this thesis we look at the mathematical fundamentals and how to apply them. We start with fundamental concepts and extend them to more complicated systems. We consider methods of analysis and applications. In Chapter 2 we consider simple harmonic oscillators and their mathematical analyses and in Chapter 3 we look at applications. Chapter 4 discusses the general form of simple harmonic motion, i.e. damped and forced harmonic motion. We consider simple coupled systems and their analysis. In Chapter 5 we introduce the method of complex functions and its application to complicated compound systems. Chapter 6 introduces a novel application, that of how SHM can be used as a model for advanced effects, or acausality. Chapter 7 presents a summary and conclusion.
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Numerical quadrature of oscillatory and non-oscillatory integrals
- Dukuza, Kenneth Njengele https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4525-7390
- Authors: Dukuza, Kenneth Njengele https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4525-7390
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Oscillations , Numerical integration , Numerical analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24304 , vital:62600
- Description: In this dissertation we develop efficient new methods and techniques to numerically evaluate integrals of both oscillatory and non oscillatory kind. We have done a comprehensive literature review on the existing methods and made some modifications to them so as to cope with difficulties such as oscillations and strong singularities. In the numerical algorithms we have used mainly the MATLAB source code. Our results have been compared with well known methods by renowned authors in this field. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2009
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- Authors: Dukuza, Kenneth Njengele https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4525-7390
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Oscillations , Numerical integration , Numerical analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24304 , vital:62600
- Description: In this dissertation we develop efficient new methods and techniques to numerically evaluate integrals of both oscillatory and non oscillatory kind. We have done a comprehensive literature review on the existing methods and made some modifications to them so as to cope with difficulties such as oscillations and strong singularities. In the numerical algorithms we have used mainly the MATLAB source code. Our results have been compared with well known methods by renowned authors in this field. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2009
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Factors contributing to non-adherence in HIV positive patients on antiretroviral treatment in primary health care facilities, East London, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Petse, Siphokazi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Antiretroviral therapy -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Patient compliance , HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9734 , vital:34905
- Description: Aim: South Africa is faced with the major challenge of ensuring and sustaining the quality of services, including preventing and managing side- effects, and improving drug adherence, which are all critical, for the success of a comprehensive HIV programme. The aim of this study was to examine the underlying contributing factors to antiretroviral treatment adherence among HIV positive patients attending primary health care facilities in East London. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 371 HIV positive patients on antiretroviral treatment in xx primary health care facilities in East London, South Africa. The study utilized a self- designed structured questionnaire with both open- ended and closed ended questions, divided into socio-demographic, socio- economic, level of understanding and knowledge on HIV, quality of care and waiting times. Results: About 64 percent of the participants had a good knowledge of HIV, 25 percent had an average knowledge with few participants having poor knowledge of HIV (11 percent). Majority (92.2 percent) were counselled before starting ARVs treatment. Majority of participants (70.7 percent) do have money for transport to come to the clinic, while 53.1 percent experienced side effects. The majority (70 percent) of the participants were non-adherents. Concerning viral load distribution, 52 percent were undetectable, 26 percent unsuppressed and 22 percent suppressed. Marital status (married) (p=0.005), having no formal education (p=0.035), being Christian (p=0.007), alcohol consumption (p= 0.021) and viral load suppression had significant association with non-adherence to ARV treatment among participants. After adjusting for confounders, only non-Christians and unsuppressed viral loads were the independent predictors of non-adherence. Conclusion: The main contributing factors to ART non-adherence among participants on ARVs were marital status, level of education, religion, and Christians were more adherent to the treatment than non-Christians. Alcohol consumption also contributed to non-adherence and viral load. Adherence counseling should be done on each and every visit to remind the participants on the importance of taking their treatment. These factors need to be addressed to improve adherence to the treatment, decrease the virus in the blood (viral load) and improve their health in general.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Petse, Siphokazi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Antiretroviral therapy -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Patient compliance , HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9734 , vital:34905
- Description: Aim: South Africa is faced with the major challenge of ensuring and sustaining the quality of services, including preventing and managing side- effects, and improving drug adherence, which are all critical, for the success of a comprehensive HIV programme. The aim of this study was to examine the underlying contributing factors to antiretroviral treatment adherence among HIV positive patients attending primary health care facilities in East London. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 371 HIV positive patients on antiretroviral treatment in xx primary health care facilities in East London, South Africa. The study utilized a self- designed structured questionnaire with both open- ended and closed ended questions, divided into socio-demographic, socio- economic, level of understanding and knowledge on HIV, quality of care and waiting times. Results: About 64 percent of the participants had a good knowledge of HIV, 25 percent had an average knowledge with few participants having poor knowledge of HIV (11 percent). Majority (92.2 percent) were counselled before starting ARVs treatment. Majority of participants (70.7 percent) do have money for transport to come to the clinic, while 53.1 percent experienced side effects. The majority (70 percent) of the participants were non-adherents. Concerning viral load distribution, 52 percent were undetectable, 26 percent unsuppressed and 22 percent suppressed. Marital status (married) (p=0.005), having no formal education (p=0.035), being Christian (p=0.007), alcohol consumption (p= 0.021) and viral load suppression had significant association with non-adherence to ARV treatment among participants. After adjusting for confounders, only non-Christians and unsuppressed viral loads were the independent predictors of non-adherence. Conclusion: The main contributing factors to ART non-adherence among participants on ARVs were marital status, level of education, religion, and Christians were more adherent to the treatment than non-Christians. Alcohol consumption also contributed to non-adherence and viral load. Adherence counseling should be done on each and every visit to remind the participants on the importance of taking their treatment. These factors need to be addressed to improve adherence to the treatment, decrease the virus in the blood (viral load) and improve their health in general.
- Full Text:
Interpreting structural polarization in Zimbabwean electoral politics since 1980
- Authors: Munhuweyi, kenneth Takudzwa
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1980- , Political history , Politics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27105 , vital:66303
- Description: The study presents the structural polarization that characterized Zimbabwe’s postindependence electoral politics from 1980. Existing literature on the same phenomenon of polarization is both fragmented and inconsistent. Nevertheless, this study traced the history of Zimbabwean polarization to the pre-colonial and colonial periods to ascertain the reality of post-independence polarization. The postindependence of Zimbabwe under the Mugabe and Mnangagwa administrations, the ZANU-PF ruling party, was marked by political repression and restriction in electoral politics -a stealth authoritarian practice. In line with earlier studies, this research suggested that Zimbabwe is far from being an institutionalized democracy, given the dearth of electoral democratic qualities, the rule of law- and constitutional subversion. Zimbabwe has had a series of elections under monitoring and evaluation by local and international observers. The electoral observers’ reports and verdicts remain crucial in any given election and require scrutiny to determine their credibility and legitimacy. In 2018, Mnangagwa opened a doorway for international electoral monitoring/observation, previously closed by Mugabe in 2002. While recognizing Mnangagwa’s democratic aspirations, the 2017 post-coup was laced with political repression and 2018 post-election judicial verdict bias. There have been democratic transitioning impediments due to the ZANU-PF party’s centralized state institutions and militarized state capture –typical of a bureaucratic authoritarian regime. With the ZANU-PF party’s competitive authoritarianism in Zimbabwe, the thesis presented the prospects of the Citizens Coalition for Change opposition political parties’ -office seeking coalition building -aiming at maximizing electoral outcomes towards power changing and electoral reforms. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Munhuweyi, kenneth Takudzwa
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1980- , Political history , Politics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27105 , vital:66303
- Description: The study presents the structural polarization that characterized Zimbabwe’s postindependence electoral politics from 1980. Existing literature on the same phenomenon of polarization is both fragmented and inconsistent. Nevertheless, this study traced the history of Zimbabwean polarization to the pre-colonial and colonial periods to ascertain the reality of post-independence polarization. The postindependence of Zimbabwe under the Mugabe and Mnangagwa administrations, the ZANU-PF ruling party, was marked by political repression and restriction in electoral politics -a stealth authoritarian practice. In line with earlier studies, this research suggested that Zimbabwe is far from being an institutionalized democracy, given the dearth of electoral democratic qualities, the rule of law- and constitutional subversion. Zimbabwe has had a series of elections under monitoring and evaluation by local and international observers. The electoral observers’ reports and verdicts remain crucial in any given election and require scrutiny to determine their credibility and legitimacy. In 2018, Mnangagwa opened a doorway for international electoral monitoring/observation, previously closed by Mugabe in 2002. While recognizing Mnangagwa’s democratic aspirations, the 2017 post-coup was laced with political repression and 2018 post-election judicial verdict bias. There have been democratic transitioning impediments due to the ZANU-PF party’s centralized state institutions and militarized state capture –typical of a bureaucratic authoritarian regime. With the ZANU-PF party’s competitive authoritarianism in Zimbabwe, the thesis presented the prospects of the Citizens Coalition for Change opposition political parties’ -office seeking coalition building -aiming at maximizing electoral outcomes towards power changing and electoral reforms. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of enterococci from cow dung and environmental water sources in three selected dairy farms in Amathole District
- Authors: Tanih, Godfred Ngu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Enterobacteriaceae Water -- Microbiology Enterococcus faecalis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2348 , vital:27755
- Description: Enterococcus species are integral members of the gastrointestinal microfloral of humans, animals, birds, as well as insects. Their presence in water and food has been greatly associated with faecal contamination. This study was aimed at evaluating the incidence of Enterococcus species in cow dung and environmental water sources in three commercial dairy farms. In addition, their antibiotic profiles were determined as well as resistance and virulence genes. Furthermore, the genetic relatedness of the isolates was determined by molecular typing method (RAPD PCR). Three hundred and thirty four water and faecal samples consisting of 117, 116 and 101 were collected from Seven Star Middle Drift and Fort Hare Dairy trusts respectively. Of the 334 samples collected, 289 were of faecal origin and 45 from water sources within the farms. All samples were screened for enterococci using culture base growth media and molecular methods targeting the tuf gene. Speciation was done using species-specific primers and the incidences of various species within the farms determined. Furthermore resistance to antibiotics and multidrug-resistant phenotypes were established using the disk diffusion method. Genes coding for virulence and resistance were also determined. From the samples collected, 313 (289 faecal and 24 water) presumptive enteroccocci were isolated, 305 of 313 (97.45 percent) were confirmed as Enterococcus of which 239 of 305 (78.38 percent) were identified as E. hirae, 15 of 305 (4.92 percent) as E. faecium, 12/305 (3.93 percent) as E. durans, 6 of 305 (1.97 percent) as E. faecalis and 33 of 305 (10.82 percent) were unidentified. Out of the five virulence genes that were targeted in the study only gelE (71.80 percent of 219/305) and ace (27.2 percent 83/305) were present in the isolates. Phenotypic resistance to antibiotics was observed is in all twelve antibiotics tested with multidrug resistance phenotypes detected in some enterococcal isolates most predominant in Seven Star and Middledrift dairy trust. Finally RAPD profiles of the isolates showed high relatedness between the strains from water and cow dung sources in all three commercial dairy farms suggesting possible contamination from cow dung to the water sources or vice versa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tanih, Godfred Ngu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Enterobacteriaceae Water -- Microbiology Enterococcus faecalis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2348 , vital:27755
- Description: Enterococcus species are integral members of the gastrointestinal microfloral of humans, animals, birds, as well as insects. Their presence in water and food has been greatly associated with faecal contamination. This study was aimed at evaluating the incidence of Enterococcus species in cow dung and environmental water sources in three commercial dairy farms. In addition, their antibiotic profiles were determined as well as resistance and virulence genes. Furthermore, the genetic relatedness of the isolates was determined by molecular typing method (RAPD PCR). Three hundred and thirty four water and faecal samples consisting of 117, 116 and 101 were collected from Seven Star Middle Drift and Fort Hare Dairy trusts respectively. Of the 334 samples collected, 289 were of faecal origin and 45 from water sources within the farms. All samples were screened for enterococci using culture base growth media and molecular methods targeting the tuf gene. Speciation was done using species-specific primers and the incidences of various species within the farms determined. Furthermore resistance to antibiotics and multidrug-resistant phenotypes were established using the disk diffusion method. Genes coding for virulence and resistance were also determined. From the samples collected, 313 (289 faecal and 24 water) presumptive enteroccocci were isolated, 305 of 313 (97.45 percent) were confirmed as Enterococcus of which 239 of 305 (78.38 percent) were identified as E. hirae, 15 of 305 (4.92 percent) as E. faecium, 12/305 (3.93 percent) as E. durans, 6 of 305 (1.97 percent) as E. faecalis and 33 of 305 (10.82 percent) were unidentified. Out of the five virulence genes that were targeted in the study only gelE (71.80 percent of 219/305) and ace (27.2 percent 83/305) were present in the isolates. Phenotypic resistance to antibiotics was observed is in all twelve antibiotics tested with multidrug resistance phenotypes detected in some enterococcal isolates most predominant in Seven Star and Middledrift dairy trust. Finally RAPD profiles of the isolates showed high relatedness between the strains from water and cow dung sources in all three commercial dairy farms suggesting possible contamination from cow dung to the water sources or vice versa.
- Full Text:
Spectroscopy based mapping of selected dominant rock types in the Balfour Formation (Beaufort Group), Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Qabaqaba, Mcebisi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: spectrum Analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14693 , vital:40057
- Description: Lithological mapping of areas is crucial for both mineral resource identification and determination of ore concentrations. Without adequate knowledge on the extent of an area’s lithology, the above applications cannot be meaningfully accomplished. Spectroscopy-based mapping of rocks involves the use of portable reflectance spectrometers and digital maps to analyze, assess and map changes in rocks. Thereafter, understand and interpret the geochemical, physical and environmental processes that have an impact on the reflectance of the rocks while also making spatial and spectral links. Mapping lithology using remote sensing involves identification of rocks in remotely sensed images with lithological mapping being achievable through field and laboratory spectroscopy and creation of a spectral library. The main goal of this study was to measure, extract and analyze spectral signatures of dominant rocks within the Balfour Formation in order to create a spectral library that is capable of enabling, fast and cost-effective mapping of the spatial distributions of rocks within the Balfour Formation. The spectra of dominant rocks of the Balfour Formation were measured using the SR 3500 spectroradiometer. Different pre-processing techniques were applied to the acquired spectra such as smoothing, scatter correction and outlier detection. Random Forest classifier was used in the classification of the different rocks. Analysis of Variance and Bonferroni post hoc test were applied on the spectral signatures of different rocks to ascertain if there were any spectral differences between the absorption features in the spectra of the rocks. Landsat 8 imagery was used for classification of the different rocks within the Balfour Formation, maximum likelihood and spectral angle mapper were the two classifiers that were XI used. Maximum likelihood presented an accuracy of 76.19 % and 66.67 % for spectral angle mapper.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Qabaqaba, Mcebisi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: spectrum Analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14693 , vital:40057
- Description: Lithological mapping of areas is crucial for both mineral resource identification and determination of ore concentrations. Without adequate knowledge on the extent of an area’s lithology, the above applications cannot be meaningfully accomplished. Spectroscopy-based mapping of rocks involves the use of portable reflectance spectrometers and digital maps to analyze, assess and map changes in rocks. Thereafter, understand and interpret the geochemical, physical and environmental processes that have an impact on the reflectance of the rocks while also making spatial and spectral links. Mapping lithology using remote sensing involves identification of rocks in remotely sensed images with lithological mapping being achievable through field and laboratory spectroscopy and creation of a spectral library. The main goal of this study was to measure, extract and analyze spectral signatures of dominant rocks within the Balfour Formation in order to create a spectral library that is capable of enabling, fast and cost-effective mapping of the spatial distributions of rocks within the Balfour Formation. The spectra of dominant rocks of the Balfour Formation were measured using the SR 3500 spectroradiometer. Different pre-processing techniques were applied to the acquired spectra such as smoothing, scatter correction and outlier detection. Random Forest classifier was used in the classification of the different rocks. Analysis of Variance and Bonferroni post hoc test were applied on the spectral signatures of different rocks to ascertain if there were any spectral differences between the absorption features in the spectra of the rocks. Landsat 8 imagery was used for classification of the different rocks within the Balfour Formation, maximum likelihood and spectral angle mapper were the two classifiers that were XI used. Maximum likelihood presented an accuracy of 76.19 % and 66.67 % for spectral angle mapper.
- Full Text:
Diversity, host plant range and ecology of Lepidoptera stem borers in South Africa
- Authors: Stemele, Mxolisi Arnold
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Lepidoptera Host plants Stem borers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15409 , vital:40405
- Description: The biology and ecology of Lepidopteran pests stem borers has been extensively studied because of the economic importance of pest species such as Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Noctuidae), Sesamia calamistis (Hampson) (Noctuidae), Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Crambidae), and Eldana saccharina (Walker) (Pyralidae). Knowledge relating to diversity, infestation dynamics, and host plant range is readily available. In natural vegetation, the variety of stem borers is higher than that found in agroecosystems. However, there is a paucity of South African studies that explain the observed differences in diversity between the two systems. Stem borers are also known to exhibit species-specific ecological requirements, which influence their distribution between African countries. South African biomes are classified based on vegetation structure and climate, which happens to be the most critical factors that affect the distribution of phytophagous insects. This makes biomes an excellent model to investigate diversity and distribution of stem borer species. In this study, we investigated diversity, distribution and species composition in four biomes. The results showed that diversity and distribution of the stem borers in natural vegetation was determined by host plant distribution. Stem borer diversity correlated with high diversity of host plants. Thirty-two stem borer species were collected from 27 host plants and another three from light traps. Widely distributed host plants supported a higher diversity of stem borers, which is consistent with the resource availability hypotheses. Non-metric dimensional scale unfolding revealed disparity in host plant preference and plant species composition between the various stem borer families (Kruskal’s Stress = 0.16). Tortricidae species and Sesamia typhae (Le rü) (Noctuidae) feed exclusively on hydrophytic Cyperaceae species. The majority of Noctuidae, Crambidae and Phycitidae species collected were oligophagous on terrestrial Poaceae, with a few polyphagous exceptions feeding on hydrophytic Cyperaceae and Typhaceae. Additionally, species composition of Poaceae host plants differed between 8 Crambidae and the Phycitidae species. Stem borer species composition between biomes revealed the presence of distinct host plants (2D stress = 0.09) and stem borer (2D stress = 0.13) communities. The stem borer abundance and diversity were strongly correlated (R2 = 0.64), but species diversity (R2 = - 0.95) and host plant diversity (R2 = - 0.85) were inversely correlated to altitude. Based on these results it was concluded that stem borer diversity and distribution in natural vegetation was influenced by host plant diversity and distribution as well as climate associated with altitudinal gradients. In the last two decades, four stem borer species previously known on wild host plants; Busseola segeta (Bowden), Busseola phaia (Bowden), Pirateolea piscator (Fletcher) and Conicofrontia sesamoides (Hampson) have invaded cultivated crops. These invasions remained undetected because of a shortage of surveys, habitat transformation and misidentifications. Misidentifications are common among stem borers due to the considerable resemblance between morphospecies. In this study, we assessed the capacity of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome c oxidase (COI) to delineate closely related species to develop monitoring and early detection of invasive species and to assess migration patterns and gene flow between the populations. The results demonstrated that COI is an effective DNA marker for species delineation and assessment of intra- and interspecific genetic relationship. The K2P distances and phylogenetic tree defined boundaries between Noctuidae species with high resolution. No divergence distance was detected between intraspecific species, but for the congener species, divergence distance was 0.044%-0.111% with an average of 0.076%. The average interspecies K2P distance (0.57%) was 5-15 times higher than the congener species distances. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of two clades. Busseola and Sesamia species were connected in a monophyletic clade with a strong (93%) bootstrap. The second monophyletic clade comprised of a cluster of Pirateolea, Acrapex and Conicofrontia species, and this was also supported with 9 a strong bootstrap (100%). The gene flow study revealed low levels of genetic differentiation between the populations of B. fusca collected from different maize producing areas in South Africa. This low genetic differentiation was consistent with high gene flow. The number of effective migrants between the populations was between 8 and 99 individuals per generation. These results indicate high connectivity between the populations.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Stemele, Mxolisi Arnold
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Lepidoptera Host plants Stem borers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15409 , vital:40405
- Description: The biology and ecology of Lepidopteran pests stem borers has been extensively studied because of the economic importance of pest species such as Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Noctuidae), Sesamia calamistis (Hampson) (Noctuidae), Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Crambidae), and Eldana saccharina (Walker) (Pyralidae). Knowledge relating to diversity, infestation dynamics, and host plant range is readily available. In natural vegetation, the variety of stem borers is higher than that found in agroecosystems. However, there is a paucity of South African studies that explain the observed differences in diversity between the two systems. Stem borers are also known to exhibit species-specific ecological requirements, which influence their distribution between African countries. South African biomes are classified based on vegetation structure and climate, which happens to be the most critical factors that affect the distribution of phytophagous insects. This makes biomes an excellent model to investigate diversity and distribution of stem borer species. In this study, we investigated diversity, distribution and species composition in four biomes. The results showed that diversity and distribution of the stem borers in natural vegetation was determined by host plant distribution. Stem borer diversity correlated with high diversity of host plants. Thirty-two stem borer species were collected from 27 host plants and another three from light traps. Widely distributed host plants supported a higher diversity of stem borers, which is consistent with the resource availability hypotheses. Non-metric dimensional scale unfolding revealed disparity in host plant preference and plant species composition between the various stem borer families (Kruskal’s Stress = 0.16). Tortricidae species and Sesamia typhae (Le rü) (Noctuidae) feed exclusively on hydrophytic Cyperaceae species. The majority of Noctuidae, Crambidae and Phycitidae species collected were oligophagous on terrestrial Poaceae, with a few polyphagous exceptions feeding on hydrophytic Cyperaceae and Typhaceae. Additionally, species composition of Poaceae host plants differed between 8 Crambidae and the Phycitidae species. Stem borer species composition between biomes revealed the presence of distinct host plants (2D stress = 0.09) and stem borer (2D stress = 0.13) communities. The stem borer abundance and diversity were strongly correlated (R2 = 0.64), but species diversity (R2 = - 0.95) and host plant diversity (R2 = - 0.85) were inversely correlated to altitude. Based on these results it was concluded that stem borer diversity and distribution in natural vegetation was influenced by host plant diversity and distribution as well as climate associated with altitudinal gradients. In the last two decades, four stem borer species previously known on wild host plants; Busseola segeta (Bowden), Busseola phaia (Bowden), Pirateolea piscator (Fletcher) and Conicofrontia sesamoides (Hampson) have invaded cultivated crops. These invasions remained undetected because of a shortage of surveys, habitat transformation and misidentifications. Misidentifications are common among stem borers due to the considerable resemblance between morphospecies. In this study, we assessed the capacity of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome c oxidase (COI) to delineate closely related species to develop monitoring and early detection of invasive species and to assess migration patterns and gene flow between the populations. The results demonstrated that COI is an effective DNA marker for species delineation and assessment of intra- and interspecific genetic relationship. The K2P distances and phylogenetic tree defined boundaries between Noctuidae species with high resolution. No divergence distance was detected between intraspecific species, but for the congener species, divergence distance was 0.044%-0.111% with an average of 0.076%. The average interspecies K2P distance (0.57%) was 5-15 times higher than the congener species distances. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of two clades. Busseola and Sesamia species were connected in a monophyletic clade with a strong (93%) bootstrap. The second monophyletic clade comprised of a cluster of Pirateolea, Acrapex and Conicofrontia species, and this was also supported with 9 a strong bootstrap (100%). The gene flow study revealed low levels of genetic differentiation between the populations of B. fusca collected from different maize producing areas in South Africa. This low genetic differentiation was consistent with high gene flow. The number of effective migrants between the populations was between 8 and 99 individuals per generation. These results indicate high connectivity between the populations.
- Full Text:
The role and impact of trade unions on service delivery in Lukhanji Municipality (Eastern Cape)
- Authors: Brown, Gregory Simon
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Municipal services , Labor unions , Service industries workers -- Labor unions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26537 , vital:65578
- Description: The role and impact of trade unions on service delivery is such a pertinent question to research given the times our young democracy goes through. This was an inevitable piece of study to undertake especially from the point of view to examine which form and philosophy of unionism suits the public sector best. The wildcat strikes and unprotected industrial action that grip municipalities at 10 o’clock early in the day needs deeper thinking and new ground-breaking solutions. Very fundamental questions have to be examined to determine the extent of control SAMWU as a union have over the strategic management environment of the local sphere of state. Lukhanji municipality, given its strategic location happened to host many regional offices of all COSATU affiliated unions happens to be an inconvenient choice of the nucleus of radical trade unionism in Queenstown fall victim and the study examines that. Subsequently to that the municipality fell victim to rigid and radical forms of trade union operations that has strangled it to the point of it losing its character and role of a developmentalist institution in the communities it served. The study also highlights the severe service delivery backlogs in both former Transkei Ezibeleni and Ciskei Whittlesea and how transformation and integration of these two areas have been neglected as shown by the socio-economic profile. The study in the last Chapter makes particular recommendations on how the Strategic Management environment and corporate principles should be prioritised for Performance Management to be introduced and routinely implemented. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2013
- Full Text:
- Authors: Brown, Gregory Simon
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Municipal services , Labor unions , Service industries workers -- Labor unions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26537 , vital:65578
- Description: The role and impact of trade unions on service delivery is such a pertinent question to research given the times our young democracy goes through. This was an inevitable piece of study to undertake especially from the point of view to examine which form and philosophy of unionism suits the public sector best. The wildcat strikes and unprotected industrial action that grip municipalities at 10 o’clock early in the day needs deeper thinking and new ground-breaking solutions. Very fundamental questions have to be examined to determine the extent of control SAMWU as a union have over the strategic management environment of the local sphere of state. Lukhanji municipality, given its strategic location happened to host many regional offices of all COSATU affiliated unions happens to be an inconvenient choice of the nucleus of radical trade unionism in Queenstown fall victim and the study examines that. Subsequently to that the municipality fell victim to rigid and radical forms of trade union operations that has strangled it to the point of it losing its character and role of a developmentalist institution in the communities it served. The study also highlights the severe service delivery backlogs in both former Transkei Ezibeleni and Ciskei Whittlesea and how transformation and integration of these two areas have been neglected as shown by the socio-economic profile. The study in the last Chapter makes particular recommendations on how the Strategic Management environment and corporate principles should be prioritised for Performance Management to be introduced and routinely implemented. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2013
- Full Text:
Experiences of community psychiatric nurses and guardians of discharged psychiatric patients on the effectiveness of community mental health services of the Zomba district in Malawi
- Authors: Kachingwe, Bertha Maggie
- Date: 2011-12
- Subjects: Psychiatric nursing , Community mental health services
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24183 , vital:62440
- Description: Sturdy: Experiences of community psychiatric nurses and guardians of discharged psychiatric patients on the effectiveness of community mental health services of the Zomba District in Malawi. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of community psychiatric nurses and guardians of discharged psychiatric patients with regard to failure of Community Mental Health Services of the Zomba District, and make recommendations to improve community mental health services. Although such services exist, their effectiveness is unknown, either from the nurses’ point of view or from the consumers’ point of view. Method: A qualitative approach with phenomenological research design was used to answer the research question on the effectiveness of the services. This method was chosen because the researcher was committed to explore the lived in-depth experiences of the study participants. A purposive sampling method was used to select participants for the study, who were selected based on their knowledge of the phenomena. Data collection Instruments used were unstructured interviews, using face- to- face interaction. One broad, open-ended question was used to gather information from the participants. Data analysis was done using Atlas.ti software to help the researcher uncover complex phenomena hidden in the text. Findings: Participants from both groups overwhelmingly reported that community mental health services were not effective. Four categories and eleven themes of barriers impacting on ineffective services emerged from the nurses. For example; Inadequate service provision related to unavailability of resources (human, time and materials). Themes hindering effective services emerged from the guardians for example; Services not accessible related to inconsistent appointment dates, shortage of medications and poor economic status of participants. , Thesis (MCur) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2011
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kachingwe, Bertha Maggie
- Date: 2011-12
- Subjects: Psychiatric nursing , Community mental health services
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24183 , vital:62440
- Description: Sturdy: Experiences of community psychiatric nurses and guardians of discharged psychiatric patients on the effectiveness of community mental health services of the Zomba District in Malawi. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of community psychiatric nurses and guardians of discharged psychiatric patients with regard to failure of Community Mental Health Services of the Zomba District, and make recommendations to improve community mental health services. Although such services exist, their effectiveness is unknown, either from the nurses’ point of view or from the consumers’ point of view. Method: A qualitative approach with phenomenological research design was used to answer the research question on the effectiveness of the services. This method was chosen because the researcher was committed to explore the lived in-depth experiences of the study participants. A purposive sampling method was used to select participants for the study, who were selected based on their knowledge of the phenomena. Data collection Instruments used were unstructured interviews, using face- to- face interaction. One broad, open-ended question was used to gather information from the participants. Data analysis was done using Atlas.ti software to help the researcher uncover complex phenomena hidden in the text. Findings: Participants from both groups overwhelmingly reported that community mental health services were not effective. Four categories and eleven themes of barriers impacting on ineffective services emerged from the nurses. For example; Inadequate service provision related to unavailability of resources (human, time and materials). Themes hindering effective services emerged from the guardians for example; Services not accessible related to inconsistent appointment dates, shortage of medications and poor economic status of participants. , Thesis (MCur) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2011
- Full Text:
An assessment of the Millennium Development Goal's poverty reduction target in Ogun State, Nigeria
- Durokifa, Anuoluwapo Abosede
- Authors: Durokifa, Anuoluwapo Abosede
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Millennium Development Goals Economic development projects -- Nigeria Sustainable development -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4649 , vital:28483
- Description: Nigeria, like many nations of the world, is confronted with a high level of poverty. Over the years the country has taken several initiatives to reduce the incidence of poverty. Nigeria was one of the earliest countries to adopt the Millennium Development Goals [MDGs] as a strategy in reducing poverty and promoting development across the vast nation. The federating states have also rolled out a number of poverty reduction programmes tailored along the millennium development goals. This study, therefore, evaluates the achievement of the millennium development poverty reduction target in Ogun State, South west Nigeria. The study seeks to ascertain whether the state was able to significantly reduce poverty with the introduction of the MDGs. The study also attempts to establish difference or similarity (if any) between past poverty reduction policies in the state and the MDGs poverty reduction strategies. In carrying out this study, related literature on poverty, development and poverty reduction efforts (strategies and programmes) implemented in the state were extensively reviewed and relevant information retrieved for the study. This study employed the mixed method research, comprising both the quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data through the administration of a questionnaire was obtained from 232 respondents. While in-depth interview with seven participants provided the qualitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed using Descriptive statistics, and chi-square statistical technique was used to analyze the quantitative data while qualitative data analysis was carried out using transcription and thematic clusters. The findings of the study, in general, revealed that the MDG poverty reduction strategy did not make any significant contribution in reducing poverty in the state. The MDG strategy was not any different from past poverty reduction strategies implemented in the state. The findings of the research also strongly indicated that there was low awareness regarding the MDGs poverty reduction strategies set up amongst the citizens of the state. The low awareness emerged as a major hindrance to the success of the MDG programme. Based on the findings of this study, a sustainable development poverty reduction model was developed. The model gives room for programme awareness; people’s consultation and participation. It emphasizes the need to consider the community setting or environment factors in the planning and execution of poverty reduction programme. This model contend that aligning strategies to the peculiar need of each environment is a critical component for the sustenance of any poverty reduction programme.
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- Authors: Durokifa, Anuoluwapo Abosede
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Millennium Development Goals Economic development projects -- Nigeria Sustainable development -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4649 , vital:28483
- Description: Nigeria, like many nations of the world, is confronted with a high level of poverty. Over the years the country has taken several initiatives to reduce the incidence of poverty. Nigeria was one of the earliest countries to adopt the Millennium Development Goals [MDGs] as a strategy in reducing poverty and promoting development across the vast nation. The federating states have also rolled out a number of poverty reduction programmes tailored along the millennium development goals. This study, therefore, evaluates the achievement of the millennium development poverty reduction target in Ogun State, South west Nigeria. The study seeks to ascertain whether the state was able to significantly reduce poverty with the introduction of the MDGs. The study also attempts to establish difference or similarity (if any) between past poverty reduction policies in the state and the MDGs poverty reduction strategies. In carrying out this study, related literature on poverty, development and poverty reduction efforts (strategies and programmes) implemented in the state were extensively reviewed and relevant information retrieved for the study. This study employed the mixed method research, comprising both the quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data through the administration of a questionnaire was obtained from 232 respondents. While in-depth interview with seven participants provided the qualitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed using Descriptive statistics, and chi-square statistical technique was used to analyze the quantitative data while qualitative data analysis was carried out using transcription and thematic clusters. The findings of the study, in general, revealed that the MDG poverty reduction strategy did not make any significant contribution in reducing poverty in the state. The MDG strategy was not any different from past poverty reduction strategies implemented in the state. The findings of the research also strongly indicated that there was low awareness regarding the MDGs poverty reduction strategies set up amongst the citizens of the state. The low awareness emerged as a major hindrance to the success of the MDG programme. Based on the findings of this study, a sustainable development poverty reduction model was developed. The model gives room for programme awareness; people’s consultation and participation. It emphasizes the need to consider the community setting or environment factors in the planning and execution of poverty reduction programme. This model contend that aligning strategies to the peculiar need of each environment is a critical component for the sustenance of any poverty reduction programme.
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Relative deprivation and relative gratification as predictors of intergroup discrimination: can prejudice be reduced by equality?
- Authors: Neuwenhuis, Bridgitte
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Collective behavior , Social perception , Intergroup relations , Deprivation (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Psych)
- Identifier: vital:11608 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/147 , Collective behavior , Social perception , Intergroup relations , Deprivation (Psychology)
- Description: It has long been identified that relative deprivation increases prejudice. Guimond and Dambrun (2002) demonstrated that relative gratification, as the opposite of relative deprivation, is also an important variable in predicting intergroup discrimination. Guimond and Dambrun (2002), further suggest that in order to prevent destructive conflicts between groups, such as intergroup discrimination, the goal of equality rather than economic improvements has to be kept in mind. The present paper will report three experiments which aimed to replicate Guimond and Dambrun’s (2002) findings on relative deprivation and relative gratification and which further aimed to test their proposal that equality would reduce prejudice. The results of the three experiments confirmed the predicted effects of relative deprivation and relative gratification on intergroup discrimination. However, the results did not confirm that equality reduces prejudice. Methodological and theoretical reasons for these results are provided and discussed in detail.
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- Authors: Neuwenhuis, Bridgitte
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Collective behavior , Social perception , Intergroup relations , Deprivation (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Psych)
- Identifier: vital:11608 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/147 , Collective behavior , Social perception , Intergroup relations , Deprivation (Psychology)
- Description: It has long been identified that relative deprivation increases prejudice. Guimond and Dambrun (2002) demonstrated that relative gratification, as the opposite of relative deprivation, is also an important variable in predicting intergroup discrimination. Guimond and Dambrun (2002), further suggest that in order to prevent destructive conflicts between groups, such as intergroup discrimination, the goal of equality rather than economic improvements has to be kept in mind. The present paper will report three experiments which aimed to replicate Guimond and Dambrun’s (2002) findings on relative deprivation and relative gratification and which further aimed to test their proposal that equality would reduce prejudice. The results of the three experiments confirmed the predicted effects of relative deprivation and relative gratification on intergroup discrimination. However, the results did not confirm that equality reduces prejudice. Methodological and theoretical reasons for these results are provided and discussed in detail.
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The role of ward committees in the local government sector: a case study of Enoch Mgijima local municipality of Eastern Cape (2012 – 2016)
- Authors: Mteyise, Nomapa Pretty
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public administration--Citizen participation. , Community development. , Public administration.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22143 , vital:51987
- Description: Public participation is a vital aspect of developmental local government. A ward committee system was introduced in South Africa, as a channel for driving public participation programmes. This study set out to examine the experiences of ward committee members in Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM). The aim was to assess the ward committee system as a vehicle for meaningful public participation in the integrated development planning processes. In 1995 the government formulated the White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service. It indicated the importance of service delivery, and the aim was to transform the South African public service, as the key machinery of the government to equalize service delivery to all citizens. In 1996, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa anchored the Bill of Rights as the cornerstone of democracy that enshrines the rights of all people and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom. The South African government has developed a wide array of legislation that ensures that communities are consulted on an unremitting basis with regard to how services need to be rendered. Communities have a right to be consulted and to give input into issues affecting them. Public consultation as envisaged in the South African legislation has, nevertheless, not yielded the desired results, which is evident in the spate of service delivery protests over poor or non-service delivery. Section 152(1) (e) of the Constitution promotes involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government. Section 73 of the Municipal Structures Act (Act 117 of 1998) also requires municipalities to establish ward committees in a manner that seeks to enhance participatory democracy at the local level. This study set out to explore the experiences of ward committee members in EMLM. The intention was to evaluate the role of ward committees in the local government sector. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2022
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- Authors: Mteyise, Nomapa Pretty
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public administration--Citizen participation. , Community development. , Public administration.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22143 , vital:51987
- Description: Public participation is a vital aspect of developmental local government. A ward committee system was introduced in South Africa, as a channel for driving public participation programmes. This study set out to examine the experiences of ward committee members in Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM). The aim was to assess the ward committee system as a vehicle for meaningful public participation in the integrated development planning processes. In 1995 the government formulated the White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service. It indicated the importance of service delivery, and the aim was to transform the South African public service, as the key machinery of the government to equalize service delivery to all citizens. In 1996, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa anchored the Bill of Rights as the cornerstone of democracy that enshrines the rights of all people and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom. The South African government has developed a wide array of legislation that ensures that communities are consulted on an unremitting basis with regard to how services need to be rendered. Communities have a right to be consulted and to give input into issues affecting them. Public consultation as envisaged in the South African legislation has, nevertheless, not yielded the desired results, which is evident in the spate of service delivery protests over poor or non-service delivery. Section 152(1) (e) of the Constitution promotes involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government. Section 73 of the Municipal Structures Act (Act 117 of 1998) also requires municipalities to establish ward committees in a manner that seeks to enhance participatory democracy at the local level. This study set out to explore the experiences of ward committee members in EMLM. The intention was to evaluate the role of ward committees in the local government sector. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2022
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Strategies for empowering Kenya's informal economy to realise its full potential for socio- economic development
- Authors: Nason, Benson Vundi
- Date: 2010-12
- Subjects: Informal sector (Economics) -- Kenya , Kenya -- Economic conditions , Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25676 , vital:64425
- Description: This study attempted to identify realistic strategies that are accepted by those in the Jua Kali sector of Kenya’s informal economy. The strategies were seen as being relevant, practical and achievable in integrating the sector, or some parts of it, in the formal economy. Special attention was given to export potential as the driving force in socio-economic development. Since Jua Kali enterprises are widely spread throughout an area covering all the more heavily populated regions of Kenya, including many small villages as well as major towns, a comprehensive, nationwide study was out of the question. For this reason, the study was limited to the following areas with known and readily accessible concentrations of Jua Kali entrepreneurs. This included key suburbs of Nairobi and key regional towns like Machakos, Athi River and Mlolongo. The objectives of the study were to establish the problems faced by the informal sector in Kenya, to find out how such problems have affected the relevant artisans, to investigate if the artisans were aware of those problems and what they were doing if anything, to solve the problems they encountered. Finally, the study sought to establish what the other stakeholders were doing to improve the informal sector. The bulk of the literature reviewed underscored the facts that: the manufacturing sub–sector of Kenya’s informal economy has immense potential as an engine for driving the nation’s economy. Secondly, the full potential of the informal sector will only be realised if the manufacturers concerned are empowered to develop their own strategies for developing the informal economy. Such strategies should aim towards the goal of producing and marketing high quality products that are sold to both local and at the international markets via exports. The study adopted critical ethnography as its research method. Critical ethnography as a method requires a plan for the conducting of field research that is reflexive in nature whereby the researcher facilitates a consensual process in which the subjects reflect on their own situation and develop their own solutions to problems. In the present case the process was a communal one with a consensual decision making and actions by the subjects. All interpretations and meaning to activities and actions to be taken were thereof informed by the subjects being studied. At the end of the study, the findings of the analysis were presented to each of the participating subjects for their final comments with those comments being incorporated in the report. The principles of critical ethnography therefore, were seen as providing an ideal framework for exploring the possibilities of self–empowerment that enabled the subjects of the study to fulfil their potential within this important sector. Data analysis and presentation have been presented using tables. Finally, the study’s conclusions and recommendations have been presented in the relevant and subsequent chapters therein. As opportunities and resources will allow in the future, the dissemination of the study findings will continue to be facilitated throughout the country of Kenya. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
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- Authors: Nason, Benson Vundi
- Date: 2010-12
- Subjects: Informal sector (Economics) -- Kenya , Kenya -- Economic conditions , Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25676 , vital:64425
- Description: This study attempted to identify realistic strategies that are accepted by those in the Jua Kali sector of Kenya’s informal economy. The strategies were seen as being relevant, practical and achievable in integrating the sector, or some parts of it, in the formal economy. Special attention was given to export potential as the driving force in socio-economic development. Since Jua Kali enterprises are widely spread throughout an area covering all the more heavily populated regions of Kenya, including many small villages as well as major towns, a comprehensive, nationwide study was out of the question. For this reason, the study was limited to the following areas with known and readily accessible concentrations of Jua Kali entrepreneurs. This included key suburbs of Nairobi and key regional towns like Machakos, Athi River and Mlolongo. The objectives of the study were to establish the problems faced by the informal sector in Kenya, to find out how such problems have affected the relevant artisans, to investigate if the artisans were aware of those problems and what they were doing if anything, to solve the problems they encountered. Finally, the study sought to establish what the other stakeholders were doing to improve the informal sector. The bulk of the literature reviewed underscored the facts that: the manufacturing sub–sector of Kenya’s informal economy has immense potential as an engine for driving the nation’s economy. Secondly, the full potential of the informal sector will only be realised if the manufacturers concerned are empowered to develop their own strategies for developing the informal economy. Such strategies should aim towards the goal of producing and marketing high quality products that are sold to both local and at the international markets via exports. The study adopted critical ethnography as its research method. Critical ethnography as a method requires a plan for the conducting of field research that is reflexive in nature whereby the researcher facilitates a consensual process in which the subjects reflect on their own situation and develop their own solutions to problems. In the present case the process was a communal one with a consensual decision making and actions by the subjects. All interpretations and meaning to activities and actions to be taken were thereof informed by the subjects being studied. At the end of the study, the findings of the analysis were presented to each of the participating subjects for their final comments with those comments being incorporated in the report. The principles of critical ethnography therefore, were seen as providing an ideal framework for exploring the possibilities of self–empowerment that enabled the subjects of the study to fulfil their potential within this important sector. Data analysis and presentation have been presented using tables. Finally, the study’s conclusions and recommendations have been presented in the relevant and subsequent chapters therein. As opportunities and resources will allow in the future, the dissemination of the study findings will continue to be facilitated throughout the country of Kenya. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
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