Resilience and sustainable reintegration of female survivors of human trafficking in Harare, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Kusemwa, Tapfumanei
- Date: 2024-11
- Subjects: Human trafficking victims -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Psychic trauma -- Social aspects , Psychic trauma -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29695 , vital:78872
- Description: The study explored the resilience and sustainable reintegration of female survivors of human trafficking who were repatriated to into their original communities in Zimbabwe. To achieve its goals the study had three objectives and the goals were, a) explore the individual (intrinsic) factors that promote development of psychosocial long-term resilience traits among reintegrated female survivors of human trafficking; b) determine the available community level factors (including indigenous knowledge systems) that support and influence the successful sustainable reintegration of female survivors of human trafficking and, c) assess the extent to which predefined national level post traumatic support policies, action plans, and initiatives for survivors predict and promote sustainable resilience among reintegrated survivors. The exploration was guided by the Resilience Theory. This theory offers a useful lens through which the issue was studied within the qualitative research methodology. Semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and observations were used to collect data. Twenty (20) survivors of trafficking were interviewed in addition ro twenty (20) survivors if human trafficking were interviewed for the study and divided as follows: ten (10) relatives and or acquaintances of the victims at community level, and ten (10) key informants drawn from technical persons in government and other independent organisations working in the areas of human trafficking. The victims of human trafficking were selected using the information power model while the key informants were selected using purposive sampling. Data gathered were analysed using the thematic analysis. Findings from the study indicate that resilience is a process rather than a fixed attribute of a given person. Some individuals show resilience across a wide range of circumstances and outcomes; however, it cannot be assumed that the same features and circumstances can be protective and lead to resilience in light of all risks faced during human trafficking. To survive and be able to continue with their lives and in the end realise sustainable livelihoods, there are intrinsic or individual factors that promote the development of psychosocial long-term resilience among survivors of human trafficking. The study recommends that there is need for more improved legislation and government led efforts in helping the survivors. This can be achieved through the adoption of a Trafficking in Persons Case Management System proposed in this study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2025
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kusemwa, Tapfumanei
- Date: 2024-11
- Subjects: Human trafficking victims -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Psychic trauma -- Social aspects , Psychic trauma -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29695 , vital:78872
- Description: The study explored the resilience and sustainable reintegration of female survivors of human trafficking who were repatriated to into their original communities in Zimbabwe. To achieve its goals the study had three objectives and the goals were, a) explore the individual (intrinsic) factors that promote development of psychosocial long-term resilience traits among reintegrated female survivors of human trafficking; b) determine the available community level factors (including indigenous knowledge systems) that support and influence the successful sustainable reintegration of female survivors of human trafficking and, c) assess the extent to which predefined national level post traumatic support policies, action plans, and initiatives for survivors predict and promote sustainable resilience among reintegrated survivors. The exploration was guided by the Resilience Theory. This theory offers a useful lens through which the issue was studied within the qualitative research methodology. Semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and observations were used to collect data. Twenty (20) survivors of trafficking were interviewed in addition ro twenty (20) survivors if human trafficking were interviewed for the study and divided as follows: ten (10) relatives and or acquaintances of the victims at community level, and ten (10) key informants drawn from technical persons in government and other independent organisations working in the areas of human trafficking. The victims of human trafficking were selected using the information power model while the key informants were selected using purposive sampling. Data gathered were analysed using the thematic analysis. Findings from the study indicate that resilience is a process rather than a fixed attribute of a given person. Some individuals show resilience across a wide range of circumstances and outcomes; however, it cannot be assumed that the same features and circumstances can be protective and lead to resilience in light of all risks faced during human trafficking. To survive and be able to continue with their lives and in the end realise sustainable livelihoods, there are intrinsic or individual factors that promote the development of psychosocial long-term resilience among survivors of human trafficking. The study recommends that there is need for more improved legislation and government led efforts in helping the survivors. This can be achieved through the adoption of a Trafficking in Persons Case Management System proposed in this study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2025
- Full Text:
Sustainable solid waste management in municipalities: experiences of selected settlements in Engcobo Local Municipality
- Nqwitha, Musa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1143-4149
- Authors: Nqwitha, Musa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1143-4149
- Date: 2024-10
- Subjects: Refuse and refuse disposal -- South Africa , Municipal government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29521 , vital:77974
- Description: South Africa has a variety of regulations on the provision of solid waste management services in municipalities as a result of the apartheid legacy. Nonetheless, discrepancies in waste management services persist despite new laws, legislative reforms and strategies. Those who live in marginalised and impoverished communities are the most susceptible and severely affected by improper waste management. This demonstrates a lack of integrated and sustainable waste management systems. This study aims to recommend a sustainable solid waste management system in Engcobo Local Municipality. More specifically, this study provides a sustainable and long-term waste management system for municipal solid waste (MSW) management in South African municipalities. Improving municipal solid waste management is essential for integrated and long-term management efficiency. Effective MSW management is critical, given the high generation rate and the capacity to decrease environmental consequences, depletion and contamination. To address the research issues, the study used a qualitative case study research design and an inductive research technique based on naturalistic interpretive research philosophy. Data was gathered through focus group discussions, documents, and semi-structured interviews. Considering this study is based on the interpretivism paradigm and qualitative research technique, the researcher employed nonprobability sampling. The sample size was n=35 participants who participated in semistructured interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic data analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings revealed that there have been gains in the management of sustainable waste. The municipality is experimenting with novel approaches to deal with the problem of solid waste, particularly in remote locations where people's trash is difficult to pick up and collect. Residents' views toward waste management have changed since few individuals attend the ‘General Mbizo’ on waste where the municipality speaks with citizens about waste and the economic rewards associated with effective waste management. Though it was shown that some participants in focus groups still need more information on waste management, there is a need for thorough educational initiatives on sanitation management, not particularly waste but water, waste and sanitation. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nqwitha, Musa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1143-4149
- Date: 2024-10
- Subjects: Refuse and refuse disposal -- South Africa , Municipal government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29521 , vital:77974
- Description: South Africa has a variety of regulations on the provision of solid waste management services in municipalities as a result of the apartheid legacy. Nonetheless, discrepancies in waste management services persist despite new laws, legislative reforms and strategies. Those who live in marginalised and impoverished communities are the most susceptible and severely affected by improper waste management. This demonstrates a lack of integrated and sustainable waste management systems. This study aims to recommend a sustainable solid waste management system in Engcobo Local Municipality. More specifically, this study provides a sustainable and long-term waste management system for municipal solid waste (MSW) management in South African municipalities. Improving municipal solid waste management is essential for integrated and long-term management efficiency. Effective MSW management is critical, given the high generation rate and the capacity to decrease environmental consequences, depletion and contamination. To address the research issues, the study used a qualitative case study research design and an inductive research technique based on naturalistic interpretive research philosophy. Data was gathered through focus group discussions, documents, and semi-structured interviews. Considering this study is based on the interpretivism paradigm and qualitative research technique, the researcher employed nonprobability sampling. The sample size was n=35 participants who participated in semistructured interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic data analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings revealed that there have been gains in the management of sustainable waste. The municipality is experimenting with novel approaches to deal with the problem of solid waste, particularly in remote locations where people's trash is difficult to pick up and collect. Residents' views toward waste management have changed since few individuals attend the ‘General Mbizo’ on waste where the municipality speaks with citizens about waste and the economic rewards associated with effective waste management. Though it was shown that some participants in focus groups still need more information on waste management, there is a need for thorough educational initiatives on sanitation management, not particularly waste but water, waste and sanitation. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2024
- Full Text:
Water-use efficiency Decision Support System for irrigation in smallholder farms using machine learning
- Authors: Mndela, Yonela
- Date: 2024-09
- Subjects: Irrigation farming , Agriculture--Economic aspects , Agricultural development projects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29933 , vital:79207
- Description: Small-scale farmers in arid and semi-arid regions rely mostly on irrigation to boost agricultural production and reduce dependency on unpredictable rainfall. However, due to poor farming knowledge, the efficiency of irrigation in these farms is low as crops are irrigated equally across the entire field without considering spatial variations in crop water requirements. This study was aimed at devising irrigation scheduling for various small-scale crops cabbage, sweet potato, maize, garlic, Florida broadleaf mustard, Solanum Retroflexum, green beans, sugar beans and spinach in the Mutale River catchment, based on changes in crop water status obtained from the regression models generated from the association between remotely sensed data and field data. Remotely sensed data in the form of unmanned aerial vehicle UAV imagery was used as the base from which crop spectral signatures and spatial patterns in water content were obtained. Endmember spectral analysis was performed to analyse spectral patterns of the crops. The Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index GNDVI, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NDVI, Normalized Difference Red edge NDRE, and Optimized Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index OSAVI were generated from the UAV imagery to serve as the base from which crops were characterized, and spatial patterns in water content were observed. Field survey method was carried out on the various crop plots to acquire leaf water content data fresh weight, turgid weight, and dry weight. The stratified random sampling method was used to select crops from which leaf samples would be extracted for measurements, based on crop type and growth stage. The measured leaf water content data was used to compute the Relative Water Content RWC which was used as an indication of water content in the crops. Field based RWC was used to observe spatial patterns in crop water content, as well as calibration and validation of crop water content empirical models retrieved from the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle UAV imagery. The Levene’s k-comparison test was performed to determine the spatial patterns in crop water content. A simple linear regression technique was employed to determine the nature and significance of the association of field based RWC and spectral vegetation indices. The linear regressions with the highest coefficient of determination r2 were used for modelling crop water content using spectral vegetation indices maps as the explanatory variable in the models. The time series regression technique was employed to simulate water changes across the crop types in the study area. The endmember spectral analysis results revealed variations in the spectral reflectance patterns of crops across the UAV spectral channels. A slight difference in spectral reflectance was noted across Solanum Retroflexum, green beans, sweet potato, pepper, maize, and sugar beans, as they all exhibited low and high reflectance in the red and near infrared channels, respectively. The spectral patterns of peas and cabbage were relatively easy to distinguish from the other crops because they exhibited high reflectance in the red-edge and green channels, respectively. The analysis of the spectral vegetation maps revealed that GNDVI, NDVI, NDRE, and OSAVI can be used to observe spatial variability of water content across various crops. In this study, the healthier plants were identified by a higher spectral index value (closer to +1) while unhealthy plants showed lower values closer to -1. The linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between GNDVI and water content of sweet potato, maize, sugar beans, and Florida broadleaf mustard, with r2 values of 0.948, 0.995, 0.978, and 0.953, respectively. NDVI revealed a strong association with water content of Solanum Retroflexum, pepper, and cabbage, with the r2 values of 0.949, 0.956, and 0.995, respectively. NDRE, on the other hand, revealed a strong relationship with water content in peas and green beans, with r2 values of 0.961, and 0.974, respectively. OSAVI was observed to be the least sensitive spectral index to water content across the surveyed crop types. The remotely sensed models produced in this study revealed that, RWC can be successfully predicted from UAV imagery. Time series regression revealed a gradual decrease in water content with an increase in the number of days for all the surveyed crops. The simulations revealed that Solanum Retroflexum, sweet potato, maize, sugar beans, and Florida Broadleaf Mustard reached their respective wilting points at day four after irrigation, implying that irrigation of these crops should be scheduled after every four 4 days basis. Peas, green beans, pepper, and cabbage reached their respective wilting points at day five after irrigation, implying that irrigation of these crops should be scheduled after every five days. The results of this study revealed that, with the current irrigation scheduling interval of seven days in the study area, the crops are subjected to water stress which has a huge impact on the quality and yield of the crops. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mndela, Yonela
- Date: 2024-09
- Subjects: Irrigation farming , Agriculture--Economic aspects , Agricultural development projects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29933 , vital:79207
- Description: Small-scale farmers in arid and semi-arid regions rely mostly on irrigation to boost agricultural production and reduce dependency on unpredictable rainfall. However, due to poor farming knowledge, the efficiency of irrigation in these farms is low as crops are irrigated equally across the entire field without considering spatial variations in crop water requirements. This study was aimed at devising irrigation scheduling for various small-scale crops cabbage, sweet potato, maize, garlic, Florida broadleaf mustard, Solanum Retroflexum, green beans, sugar beans and spinach in the Mutale River catchment, based on changes in crop water status obtained from the regression models generated from the association between remotely sensed data and field data. Remotely sensed data in the form of unmanned aerial vehicle UAV imagery was used as the base from which crop spectral signatures and spatial patterns in water content were obtained. Endmember spectral analysis was performed to analyse spectral patterns of the crops. The Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index GNDVI, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NDVI, Normalized Difference Red edge NDRE, and Optimized Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index OSAVI were generated from the UAV imagery to serve as the base from which crops were characterized, and spatial patterns in water content were observed. Field survey method was carried out on the various crop plots to acquire leaf water content data fresh weight, turgid weight, and dry weight. The stratified random sampling method was used to select crops from which leaf samples would be extracted for measurements, based on crop type and growth stage. The measured leaf water content data was used to compute the Relative Water Content RWC which was used as an indication of water content in the crops. Field based RWC was used to observe spatial patterns in crop water content, as well as calibration and validation of crop water content empirical models retrieved from the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle UAV imagery. The Levene’s k-comparison test was performed to determine the spatial patterns in crop water content. A simple linear regression technique was employed to determine the nature and significance of the association of field based RWC and spectral vegetation indices. The linear regressions with the highest coefficient of determination r2 were used for modelling crop water content using spectral vegetation indices maps as the explanatory variable in the models. The time series regression technique was employed to simulate water changes across the crop types in the study area. The endmember spectral analysis results revealed variations in the spectral reflectance patterns of crops across the UAV spectral channels. A slight difference in spectral reflectance was noted across Solanum Retroflexum, green beans, sweet potato, pepper, maize, and sugar beans, as they all exhibited low and high reflectance in the red and near infrared channels, respectively. The spectral patterns of peas and cabbage were relatively easy to distinguish from the other crops because they exhibited high reflectance in the red-edge and green channels, respectively. The analysis of the spectral vegetation maps revealed that GNDVI, NDVI, NDRE, and OSAVI can be used to observe spatial variability of water content across various crops. In this study, the healthier plants were identified by a higher spectral index value (closer to +1) while unhealthy plants showed lower values closer to -1. The linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between GNDVI and water content of sweet potato, maize, sugar beans, and Florida broadleaf mustard, with r2 values of 0.948, 0.995, 0.978, and 0.953, respectively. NDVI revealed a strong association with water content of Solanum Retroflexum, pepper, and cabbage, with the r2 values of 0.949, 0.956, and 0.995, respectively. NDRE, on the other hand, revealed a strong relationship with water content in peas and green beans, with r2 values of 0.961, and 0.974, respectively. OSAVI was observed to be the least sensitive spectral index to water content across the surveyed crop types. The remotely sensed models produced in this study revealed that, RWC can be successfully predicted from UAV imagery. Time series regression revealed a gradual decrease in water content with an increase in the number of days for all the surveyed crops. The simulations revealed that Solanum Retroflexum, sweet potato, maize, sugar beans, and Florida Broadleaf Mustard reached their respective wilting points at day four after irrigation, implying that irrigation of these crops should be scheduled after every four 4 days basis. Peas, green beans, pepper, and cabbage reached their respective wilting points at day five after irrigation, implying that irrigation of these crops should be scheduled after every five days. The results of this study revealed that, with the current irrigation scheduling interval of seven days in the study area, the crops are subjected to water stress which has a huge impact on the quality and yield of the crops. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
Selected physiological activities and in vitro toxicological evaluation of essential oils and crude extracts of Helichrysum odoratissimum (L.) Sweet used for the treatment of diabetes in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Afuape, Abolaji Olajumoke
- Date: 2024-05
- Subjects: Ethnobotany , Diabetes -- Treatment , Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29966 , vital:79880
- Description: Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial glucose metabolic disorder with detrimental effect on the economic and health status of individuals in South Africa. Plant medicine has become the alternative healing power of this disease due to its availability and affordability with little or no side effect compared with synthetic drugs. However a few of these medicinal plants have not been scientifically studied to ascertain their effectiveness and safety. This research work evaluated the extracts of H. odoratissimum leaves and stems for their anti-diabetic property using selected physiological investigations to validate its folkloric usage in the management of diabetes in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In this study aqueous extracts of H. odoratissimum leaves and stem were investigated for enzyme inhibitory activities against alpha-amylase and alpha glucosidase using porcine pancreatin and p Nitrophenyl α D glucopyranoside p NP-Gluc enzyme assays respectively. Acarbose and epigallocatechin gallate served as reference drugs respectively. The anti inflammatory activity was performed using inhibition of 5 Lipoxygenase activity and inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase iNOS from nitric oxide NO production in lipopolysaccharide LPS activated macrophages RAW 264.7 with nordihydroguaiaretic acid NDGA and aminoguanidine AG as reference drugs while 3 4 5 dimethylthiazol 2 yl 2 5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide MTT assay was used to assess cell viability. The aqueous leaves and stem extract exhibited weak inhibitory potency against 5 LOX activity .The IC50 values of 1.88 ugmL and 4.64 ug mL for leaf and stem extracts, respectively, is significantly different p 0.05 from that of the standard NDGA with IC50 14.49 ug mL. For inhibition of iNOS activity by the extracts aqueous stem extract exhibited a high inhibitory effect of 16.27 μg mL on NO production compared to 20.83 μgmL displayed by leaf aqueous extract. However the percentage cell viability using MTT assay was 86.07 percent and 90.51 percent for aqueous leaf and stem extracts respectively. The percentage inhibition of aqueous leaf and stem extracts against alpha amylase activity was 0.2 percent and 0.04 percent respectively. These cannot be compared with the standard drug acarbose which exhibited 96 percent inhibitory effect against alpha amylase activity. However the aqueous leaf extract exhibited strong percentage inhibition of 90.05 percent over 45.48 percent displayed by aqueous stem extract against alpha glucosidase activity. This is compared favourably with 86.09 percent of the standard, epigallocatechin gallate EGCG. Alkaloids flavonoids and terpenoids were present in appreciable amounts in both leaves and stem extracts. The result of radical scavenging showed that all the assay models exhibited significant influence over inhibition activity of the extracts assayed. In respect to the IC50 values aqueous stem extract had good DPPH radical scavenging activity while leaf aqueous extract had good nitric oxide NO and hydrogen peroxide H2O2 inhibition potential. Aqueous stem extracts exhibited effective antimicrobial activity against the tested pathogenic species with minimum inhibitory concentrations values ranging from 0.1 5.0 mg mL for bacteria and 0. 5 5.000 mg mL for fungi respectively. The antioxidant activity thus indicates the potential modulatory utility of the leaf and stem extracts of H. odoratissimum against oxidative stress-induced chronic diseases. This discovery demonstrated that aqueous leaf and stem extracts contain bioactive components with anti diabetic potential. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Afuape, Abolaji Olajumoke
- Date: 2024-05
- Subjects: Ethnobotany , Diabetes -- Treatment , Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29966 , vital:79880
- Description: Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial glucose metabolic disorder with detrimental effect on the economic and health status of individuals in South Africa. Plant medicine has become the alternative healing power of this disease due to its availability and affordability with little or no side effect compared with synthetic drugs. However a few of these medicinal plants have not been scientifically studied to ascertain their effectiveness and safety. This research work evaluated the extracts of H. odoratissimum leaves and stems for their anti-diabetic property using selected physiological investigations to validate its folkloric usage in the management of diabetes in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In this study aqueous extracts of H. odoratissimum leaves and stem were investigated for enzyme inhibitory activities against alpha-amylase and alpha glucosidase using porcine pancreatin and p Nitrophenyl α D glucopyranoside p NP-Gluc enzyme assays respectively. Acarbose and epigallocatechin gallate served as reference drugs respectively. The anti inflammatory activity was performed using inhibition of 5 Lipoxygenase activity and inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase iNOS from nitric oxide NO production in lipopolysaccharide LPS activated macrophages RAW 264.7 with nordihydroguaiaretic acid NDGA and aminoguanidine AG as reference drugs while 3 4 5 dimethylthiazol 2 yl 2 5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide MTT assay was used to assess cell viability. The aqueous leaves and stem extract exhibited weak inhibitory potency against 5 LOX activity .The IC50 values of 1.88 ugmL and 4.64 ug mL for leaf and stem extracts, respectively, is significantly different p 0.05 from that of the standard NDGA with IC50 14.49 ug mL. For inhibition of iNOS activity by the extracts aqueous stem extract exhibited a high inhibitory effect of 16.27 μg mL on NO production compared to 20.83 μgmL displayed by leaf aqueous extract. However the percentage cell viability using MTT assay was 86.07 percent and 90.51 percent for aqueous leaf and stem extracts respectively. The percentage inhibition of aqueous leaf and stem extracts against alpha amylase activity was 0.2 percent and 0.04 percent respectively. These cannot be compared with the standard drug acarbose which exhibited 96 percent inhibitory effect against alpha amylase activity. However the aqueous leaf extract exhibited strong percentage inhibition of 90.05 percent over 45.48 percent displayed by aqueous stem extract against alpha glucosidase activity. This is compared favourably with 86.09 percent of the standard, epigallocatechin gallate EGCG. Alkaloids flavonoids and terpenoids were present in appreciable amounts in both leaves and stem extracts. The result of radical scavenging showed that all the assay models exhibited significant influence over inhibition activity of the extracts assayed. In respect to the IC50 values aqueous stem extract had good DPPH radical scavenging activity while leaf aqueous extract had good nitric oxide NO and hydrogen peroxide H2O2 inhibition potential. Aqueous stem extracts exhibited effective antimicrobial activity against the tested pathogenic species with minimum inhibitory concentrations values ranging from 0.1 5.0 mg mL for bacteria and 0. 5 5.000 mg mL for fungi respectively. The antioxidant activity thus indicates the potential modulatory utility of the leaf and stem extracts of H. odoratissimum against oxidative stress-induced chronic diseases. This discovery demonstrated that aqueous leaf and stem extracts contain bioactive components with anti diabetic potential. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
The psychosocial experiences of adolescents living with absent fathers in selected schools in Keiskammahoek, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Qengwa, Luvuyo https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2600-6473
- Authors: Qengwa, Luvuyo https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2600-6473
- Date: 2024-05
- Subjects: Social case work with teenagers -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Absentee fathers -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29754 , vital:78909
- Description: Globally the majority of adolescents are living without their biological fathers and throughout the African continent South Africa appears as the country with a high percentage of absent fathers with Black adolescents being the most affected. The study demonstrated multiple aspects that resulted in fathers being absent and showed figures of absent fathers in different ethnic groups in South Africa. This investigation was designed to gain the psychosocial experiences of adolescents living with absent fathers in selected schools in Keiskammahoek Eastern Cape South Africa. A qualitative approach non probability and purposive sampling were employed. A total of 24 participants were selected which were 10 adolescent girls 10 adolescent boys and four social workers. Face to face and semi structured interviews were conducted for data collection from adolescents in different secondary schools and social workers from the Department of Social Development in Keiskammahoek. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyse acquired data from the adolescents and social workers. The findings revealed that the father s absence imposes several challenges on Adolescents however the social work interventions help to curb some of the challenges which include anti social behaviours in adolescents. Services such as PEIP ILP and Emotional support rendered by social workers play a huge role in adolescents living with absent fathers. It is recommended that families need to engage adolescents in open talks about their absent fatherhood while healthcare practitioners and social workers need to provide sex education to adolescents. The establishment of sports and recreation programmes in communities is necessary to decrease substance use and criminal behaviour in adolescents. The entire research was guided by the Attachment theory. , Thesis (MSci Soc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Qengwa, Luvuyo https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2600-6473
- Date: 2024-05
- Subjects: Social case work with teenagers -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Absentee fathers -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29754 , vital:78909
- Description: Globally the majority of adolescents are living without their biological fathers and throughout the African continent South Africa appears as the country with a high percentage of absent fathers with Black adolescents being the most affected. The study demonstrated multiple aspects that resulted in fathers being absent and showed figures of absent fathers in different ethnic groups in South Africa. This investigation was designed to gain the psychosocial experiences of adolescents living with absent fathers in selected schools in Keiskammahoek Eastern Cape South Africa. A qualitative approach non probability and purposive sampling were employed. A total of 24 participants were selected which were 10 adolescent girls 10 adolescent boys and four social workers. Face to face and semi structured interviews were conducted for data collection from adolescents in different secondary schools and social workers from the Department of Social Development in Keiskammahoek. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyse acquired data from the adolescents and social workers. The findings revealed that the father s absence imposes several challenges on Adolescents however the social work interventions help to curb some of the challenges which include anti social behaviours in adolescents. Services such as PEIP ILP and Emotional support rendered by social workers play a huge role in adolescents living with absent fathers. It is recommended that families need to engage adolescents in open talks about their absent fatherhood while healthcare practitioners and social workers need to provide sex education to adolescents. The establishment of sports and recreation programmes in communities is necessary to decrease substance use and criminal behaviour in adolescents. The entire research was guided by the Attachment theory. , Thesis (MSci Soc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
Optimization of automatic speech recognition under noisy environment using machine learning techniques
- Authors: Yamkela, Melane
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Automatic speech recognition , Speech processing systems , Computational linguistics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29954 , vital:79216
- Description: Speech recognition technology is a fascinating field that enables machines to comprehend and interpret human speech. It allows users to interact with computers, smartphones, and other devices, using spoken commands rather than traditional input methods, like typing. Speech recognition systems analyse audio input, typically in the form of spoken words or phrases, and convert them into text or commands that computers can understand. The journey of speech recognition technology has been remarkable, evolving from simple command-based systems to advanced natural language processing algorithms capable of understanding context, accents, and even emotions. While speech recognition has made significant strides, challenges persist, particularly in accurately handling noisy environments and distinguishing between similarsounding words. This study aimed at developing an optimal automatic speech recognition system under a noisy environment, using machine learning techniques. In addition, the study aimed at evaluating the performance of the developed system. Speech recognition methodology involves several key steps to accurately transform verbal words into written commands or text, such as - Audio Input, Preprocessing, Feature Extraction, Acoustic Modeling, and Language Modeling. The model was developed using Google Collab and TensorFlow, an open-source machinelearning platform. This model used a transformer-hugging face, which is a pre-trained model. Transformers deploy convolutional neural networks that were trained with data collected by Facebook wac2 vec. For evaluation, the model made use of a confusion matrix, precision and accuracy metrics; the model was tested on real-time data and good results were achieved. Evaluation is continuing to observe the model's performance under different noisy backgrounds. This research adds to the corpus of knowledge, particularly in the field of speech recognition and for future work, the study will seek to use large live data and also investigate the error rate. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Yamkela, Melane
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Automatic speech recognition , Speech processing systems , Computational linguistics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29954 , vital:79216
- Description: Speech recognition technology is a fascinating field that enables machines to comprehend and interpret human speech. It allows users to interact with computers, smartphones, and other devices, using spoken commands rather than traditional input methods, like typing. Speech recognition systems analyse audio input, typically in the form of spoken words or phrases, and convert them into text or commands that computers can understand. The journey of speech recognition technology has been remarkable, evolving from simple command-based systems to advanced natural language processing algorithms capable of understanding context, accents, and even emotions. While speech recognition has made significant strides, challenges persist, particularly in accurately handling noisy environments and distinguishing between similarsounding words. This study aimed at developing an optimal automatic speech recognition system under a noisy environment, using machine learning techniques. In addition, the study aimed at evaluating the performance of the developed system. Speech recognition methodology involves several key steps to accurately transform verbal words into written commands or text, such as - Audio Input, Preprocessing, Feature Extraction, Acoustic Modeling, and Language Modeling. The model was developed using Google Collab and TensorFlow, an open-source machinelearning platform. This model used a transformer-hugging face, which is a pre-trained model. Transformers deploy convolutional neural networks that were trained with data collected by Facebook wac2 vec. For evaluation, the model made use of a confusion matrix, precision and accuracy metrics; the model was tested on real-time data and good results were achieved. Evaluation is continuing to observe the model's performance under different noisy backgrounds. This research adds to the corpus of knowledge, particularly in the field of speech recognition and for future work, the study will seek to use large live data and also investigate the error rate. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
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A hybrid optimisation model for water quality prediction using Naive Bayes and SMO algorithms:: The bagging technique
- Authors: Mcedani, Lazola Asadumodwa
- Date: 2024-03
- Subjects: Water quality , Learning classifier systems , Time-series analysis--Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29911 , vital:79189
- Description: This study comprehensively evaluates machine learning classifiers to predict water quality using time-series data. The objective is to identify the most effective classifiers, assess the influence of reconfigurations on their performance, and construct a hybrid model using the superior classifiers. Additionally, the study seeks to ascertain the most suitable ensemble technique. The methodology incorporates the knowledge discovery in databases KDD process and scrutinises 56 classifiers available in WEKA. The investigation reveals support vector machine optimisation SMO and Naive Bayes as the leading classifiers, with 74.37 percent and 70.01 percent prediction accuracies, respectively. Performance enhancements were observed following reconfigurations, with the refined SMO model achieving an accuracy of 79.9827 percent on a novel unseen dataset and the adjusted Naive Bayes model reaching 78.3784 percent. The hybrid model, which amalgamates Naive Bayes and SMO, exhibited improved accuracy without compromising efficiency. Bagging was identified as the most influential ensemble technique, delivering the highest accuracy and overall model efficacy. Bagging achieves a prediction accuracy of 86.4865 percent, surpassing the best-performing base model. It also demonstrates a Kappa statistic of 0.7628, indicating substantial agreement with the ground truth, along with an impressive F-measure of 0.859 and other notable metrics, highlighting its robust performance across various evaluation criteria. This study contributes to developing water quality prediction models, providing valuable insights for researchers and practitioners, and enabling more informed decision-making in environmental management, public health, and resource allocation. The research advances algorithm design, optimises techniques, and pioneers novel hybrid models while offering a robust evaluation framework to compare the performance of various classifiers and ensemble techniques. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mcedani, Lazola Asadumodwa
- Date: 2024-03
- Subjects: Water quality , Learning classifier systems , Time-series analysis--Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29911 , vital:79189
- Description: This study comprehensively evaluates machine learning classifiers to predict water quality using time-series data. The objective is to identify the most effective classifiers, assess the influence of reconfigurations on their performance, and construct a hybrid model using the superior classifiers. Additionally, the study seeks to ascertain the most suitable ensemble technique. The methodology incorporates the knowledge discovery in databases KDD process and scrutinises 56 classifiers available in WEKA. The investigation reveals support vector machine optimisation SMO and Naive Bayes as the leading classifiers, with 74.37 percent and 70.01 percent prediction accuracies, respectively. Performance enhancements were observed following reconfigurations, with the refined SMO model achieving an accuracy of 79.9827 percent on a novel unseen dataset and the adjusted Naive Bayes model reaching 78.3784 percent. The hybrid model, which amalgamates Naive Bayes and SMO, exhibited improved accuracy without compromising efficiency. Bagging was identified as the most influential ensemble technique, delivering the highest accuracy and overall model efficacy. Bagging achieves a prediction accuracy of 86.4865 percent, surpassing the best-performing base model. It also demonstrates a Kappa statistic of 0.7628, indicating substantial agreement with the ground truth, along with an impressive F-measure of 0.859 and other notable metrics, highlighting its robust performance across various evaluation criteria. This study contributes to developing water quality prediction models, providing valuable insights for researchers and practitioners, and enabling more informed decision-making in environmental management, public health, and resource allocation. The research advances algorithm design, optimises techniques, and pioneers novel hybrid models while offering a robust evaluation framework to compare the performance of various classifiers and ensemble techniques. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
Communal land use management and socio-spatial planning in Mooiplaas, South Africa
- Eglin, Ronald Arthur https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3983-709X
- Authors: Eglin, Ronald Arthur https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3983-709X
- Date: 2024-02
- Subjects: Land use -- Planning -- South Africa , Land use--Planning -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Land use, Rural -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29684 , vital:78871
- Description: This study explores, for the first time in southern Africa, the possibility of using a pattern language as part of a more adaptive planning process where decisions to change land use are made by municipalities and communities taking into account the extent to which these decisions respond to the ever-changing context. The objective was firstly to identify what socio-spatial planning principles (presented as a patterns) the community use and would like to use to guide communal land use, secondly to evaluate how effective land use management has been in determining land use activities, and thirdly to explore how a pattern language could be used to guide land use change decisions. Using a qualitative research methodology, 67 semi-structured individual and key informant interviews as well as three focus group discussions were conducted in two villages within the Mooiplaas communal land area. The main findings indicate that the current informal procedures for managing land use change by the community’s leadership is increasingly ineffective in guiding land use decisions in ways that prioritise environmental protection and promote economic and social development. However, using visioning and needs analysis techniques, the study demonstrates that a community can develop a pattern language that reflects a comprehensive vision for their area. This pattern language can then be expressed as local spatial development principles in the municipality’s Spatial Development Framework. Additionally, as part of its Land Use Scheme regulations, the municipality can establish natural, intensive agricultural, and settlement overlay zones, overlaid on an underlining extensive agricultural base zone. Anyone wanting to use land for any purpose not provided for in these zones has to submit a land use change application and the authorising structures are required to use the local spatial development principles to help inform them as to whether to approve the application or not. The study advances a new understanding of the pattern language as an expression of a community’s vision for a particular area and demonstrates how a pattern language planning approach could work in a communal land area in South Africa within the context of existing spatial planning legislation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2025
- Full Text:
- Authors: Eglin, Ronald Arthur https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3983-709X
- Date: 2024-02
- Subjects: Land use -- Planning -- South Africa , Land use--Planning -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Land use, Rural -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29684 , vital:78871
- Description: This study explores, for the first time in southern Africa, the possibility of using a pattern language as part of a more adaptive planning process where decisions to change land use are made by municipalities and communities taking into account the extent to which these decisions respond to the ever-changing context. The objective was firstly to identify what socio-spatial planning principles (presented as a patterns) the community use and would like to use to guide communal land use, secondly to evaluate how effective land use management has been in determining land use activities, and thirdly to explore how a pattern language could be used to guide land use change decisions. Using a qualitative research methodology, 67 semi-structured individual and key informant interviews as well as three focus group discussions were conducted in two villages within the Mooiplaas communal land area. The main findings indicate that the current informal procedures for managing land use change by the community’s leadership is increasingly ineffective in guiding land use decisions in ways that prioritise environmental protection and promote economic and social development. However, using visioning and needs analysis techniques, the study demonstrates that a community can develop a pattern language that reflects a comprehensive vision for their area. This pattern language can then be expressed as local spatial development principles in the municipality’s Spatial Development Framework. Additionally, as part of its Land Use Scheme regulations, the municipality can establish natural, intensive agricultural, and settlement overlay zones, overlaid on an underlining extensive agricultural base zone. Anyone wanting to use land for any purpose not provided for in these zones has to submit a land use change application and the authorising structures are required to use the local spatial development principles to help inform them as to whether to approve the application or not. The study advances a new understanding of the pattern language as an expression of a community’s vision for a particular area and demonstrates how a pattern language planning approach could work in a communal land area in South Africa within the context of existing spatial planning legislation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2025
- Full Text:
Exploring the ramifications of ineffective social work services rendered to the survivors of domestic violence in Duncan Village Township, East London in Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mnqonywa, Simangele
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: Family violence -- Public Opinion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Victims of family violence -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Family social work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29837 , vital:78927
- Description: Domestic violence is a global phenomenon that affects various communities regardless of status this may be caused by different reasons including different socioeconomic factors. Women experience and suffer from domestic violence in different ways however this affects not only survivors of domestic violence but also children who witness domestic violence in their households. As much as this issue is known worldwide most survivors of domestic violence still receive ineffective intervention from social workers and that leads to more issues faced by survivors of domestic violence. As such the study aimed to explore the ramifications of ineffective social work services rendered to the survivors of domestic violence in Duncan Village East London in the Eastern Cape. The study adopted the qualitative research method the interpretive paradigm was used to gain an in depth understanding of the experiences of different participants on the same topic and a phenomenological research design was used in the study. Survivors of domestic violence and social workers were the target population of the study which consisted of thirteen participants nine survivors of domestic violence and four social workers that were selected using purposive sampling. The initial number of participants was fifteen which included ten survivors of domestic violence and five social workers however due to the limitations of the study it ended up being the total of fifteen. Data was collected face to face with the aid of a semi structured interview guide. The researcher used interpretive phenomenological analysis to analyse the data. The findings of the study revealed that most survivors of domestic violence from Duncan Village have limited knowledge about the available Victim Empowerment Programme VEP in their area this makes it hard for them to access help because they do not know where to seek help. Many survivors of domestic violence experience revictimisation because they continue to stay with their perpetrators as they do not have any place to run to. Duncan Village lacks shelters to keep survivors of domestic violence and children. There is a lack of programmes like awareness campaigns to assist the community with all the issues around domestic violence and Gender Based Violence. The study concluded that social work services are ineffective in a way that social workers are unable to provide some basics needs or primary assistance like awareness campaigns to the community members unethical conduct by social workers lack of accountability and unprofessionalism and this affects the survivors of domestic violence. The ineffectiveness may be caused by different factors for example lack of resources and other factors that hinder the performance of social workers. All this results in people losing hope and expectations from social workers and their services the continuation of domestic violence the disturbance in the normal functioning of the survivor behaviour and wellbeing. Based on the conclusion it is recommended that the state should pay attention and invest in intervening on the issue of domestic violence in every community equally no community should be overlooked. Every town should have shelters that keep survivors of domestic violence and children more especially in townships that are known for high crime rates including domestic violence. The Department of Social Development should provide efficient resources and ensure the safety of social workers during community service deliveries. Awareness campaigns and VEP must be made visible to the community members and become programmes that are run regularly. Social workers must be trained and regularly assessed. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mnqonywa, Simangele
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: Family violence -- Public Opinion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Victims of family violence -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Family social work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29837 , vital:78927
- Description: Domestic violence is a global phenomenon that affects various communities regardless of status this may be caused by different reasons including different socioeconomic factors. Women experience and suffer from domestic violence in different ways however this affects not only survivors of domestic violence but also children who witness domestic violence in their households. As much as this issue is known worldwide most survivors of domestic violence still receive ineffective intervention from social workers and that leads to more issues faced by survivors of domestic violence. As such the study aimed to explore the ramifications of ineffective social work services rendered to the survivors of domestic violence in Duncan Village East London in the Eastern Cape. The study adopted the qualitative research method the interpretive paradigm was used to gain an in depth understanding of the experiences of different participants on the same topic and a phenomenological research design was used in the study. Survivors of domestic violence and social workers were the target population of the study which consisted of thirteen participants nine survivors of domestic violence and four social workers that were selected using purposive sampling. The initial number of participants was fifteen which included ten survivors of domestic violence and five social workers however due to the limitations of the study it ended up being the total of fifteen. Data was collected face to face with the aid of a semi structured interview guide. The researcher used interpretive phenomenological analysis to analyse the data. The findings of the study revealed that most survivors of domestic violence from Duncan Village have limited knowledge about the available Victim Empowerment Programme VEP in their area this makes it hard for them to access help because they do not know where to seek help. Many survivors of domestic violence experience revictimisation because they continue to stay with their perpetrators as they do not have any place to run to. Duncan Village lacks shelters to keep survivors of domestic violence and children. There is a lack of programmes like awareness campaigns to assist the community with all the issues around domestic violence and Gender Based Violence. The study concluded that social work services are ineffective in a way that social workers are unable to provide some basics needs or primary assistance like awareness campaigns to the community members unethical conduct by social workers lack of accountability and unprofessionalism and this affects the survivors of domestic violence. The ineffectiveness may be caused by different factors for example lack of resources and other factors that hinder the performance of social workers. All this results in people losing hope and expectations from social workers and their services the continuation of domestic violence the disturbance in the normal functioning of the survivor behaviour and wellbeing. Based on the conclusion it is recommended that the state should pay attention and invest in intervening on the issue of domestic violence in every community equally no community should be overlooked. Every town should have shelters that keep survivors of domestic violence and children more especially in townships that are known for high crime rates including domestic violence. The Department of Social Development should provide efficient resources and ensure the safety of social workers during community service deliveries. Awareness campaigns and VEP must be made visible to the community members and become programmes that are run regularly. Social workers must be trained and regularly assessed. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
Parental influence on adolescents’ emotional intelligence: a systematic review
- Authors: Timms, Damian R
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: Emotional intelligence , Parent and child , Developmental therapy for children
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29728 , vital:78877
- Description: Emotional intelligence is a factor that may significantly determine the ease or difficulty experienced throughout one’s navigation of life. This study aimed to investigate the influence of various parental factors, the parent-child relationship, and parenting styles on the development of adolescent emotional intelligence. A systematic review was conducted of journal articles focusing on the parental influence on adolescent emotional intelligence. The articles were obtained from database searches and from perusing the intext references within the articles. Appropriate studies were identified using predetermined inclusion criteria and only those who met the inclusion criteria were included in the systematic review. This review found that parents significantly influence the development of their children’s emotional intelligence and that children’s emotional intelligence can be influenced by intervention strategies. The study further highlights the need for intervention aimed at either parents or their children. Interventions aimed at parents intend to improve the parentchild relationship and parenting style while interventions aimed at children can be implemented into the school curriculum, to enhance their emotional skills. Parental intervention can prevent lower levels of emotional intelligence in children, whereas interventions directed at children can increase their emotional intelligence. , Thesis (MSoc Sci -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Timms, Damian R
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: Emotional intelligence , Parent and child , Developmental therapy for children
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29728 , vital:78877
- Description: Emotional intelligence is a factor that may significantly determine the ease or difficulty experienced throughout one’s navigation of life. This study aimed to investigate the influence of various parental factors, the parent-child relationship, and parenting styles on the development of adolescent emotional intelligence. A systematic review was conducted of journal articles focusing on the parental influence on adolescent emotional intelligence. The articles were obtained from database searches and from perusing the intext references within the articles. Appropriate studies were identified using predetermined inclusion criteria and only those who met the inclusion criteria were included in the systematic review. This review found that parents significantly influence the development of their children’s emotional intelligence and that children’s emotional intelligence can be influenced by intervention strategies. The study further highlights the need for intervention aimed at either parents or their children. Interventions aimed at parents intend to improve the parentchild relationship and parenting style while interventions aimed at children can be implemented into the school curriculum, to enhance their emotional skills. Parental intervention can prevent lower levels of emotional intelligence in children, whereas interventions directed at children can increase their emotional intelligence. , Thesis (MSoc Sci -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
The rise of 'violent Non-State actors’ in South Africa: an analysis of the Taxi industry in the Eastern Cape Province
- Mato, Myalezo https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5905-5390
- Authors: Mato, Myalezo https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5905-5390
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: Taxicabs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transportation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Taxicabs -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29717 , vital:78874
- Description: This study investigated the rise of ‘violent-non state actors’ in South Africa, with specific focus on the taxi industry in the Eastern Cape Province. Contemporary South Africa has been a playground for violent non-state actors often evidenced by sporadic service delivery protests and gun violence in public spaces. Many authors attribute these to the failure of the state to provide public services such as security, water, employment, etc. Amongst these non-state actors, are taxi associations called mother-bodies. The deregulation of the taxi industry by the then apartheid government in 1987 resulted in the exponential inflow of previously oppressed black people into the taxi industry, which had now become the most accessible form of informal business for previously disadvantaged people. This resulted in the formation of many mother-bodies that subsequently became ‘law unto themselves’ due to the absence of formal state regulation amongst other things. Since then, violent conflicts amongst these mother-bodies have become the order of the day. The study sought to determine the commuter’s perspectives about the taxi industry and violence in the Eastern Cape Province, to determine ways in which the taxi industry has challenged the monopoly of the state over the legitimate use of force and to explore the reasons why taxi violence has largely gone unchecked by the state. Part of the key findings of the study were that there is a general sense of fear and insecurity amongst commuters especially female commuters who use taxis. Various cases of sexual assault, intimidation and psychological traumas caused by exposure to violence amongst commuters have been reported. It has also been determined that in order to effectively challenge the monopoly of the state over the legitimate use force, some taxi operators have resorted to the use of self-created laws to intimidate their competitors, use of mafia-like tactics, extortion and coercion amongst other things in order to impose monopoly over some lucrative routes, individuals and associations. In resolving some of these challenges, the study inter alia recommends for the formalization of the taxi industry by government, which will result in the subsidisation of the industry. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mato, Myalezo https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5905-5390
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: Taxicabs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transportation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Taxicabs -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29717 , vital:78874
- Description: This study investigated the rise of ‘violent-non state actors’ in South Africa, with specific focus on the taxi industry in the Eastern Cape Province. Contemporary South Africa has been a playground for violent non-state actors often evidenced by sporadic service delivery protests and gun violence in public spaces. Many authors attribute these to the failure of the state to provide public services such as security, water, employment, etc. Amongst these non-state actors, are taxi associations called mother-bodies. The deregulation of the taxi industry by the then apartheid government in 1987 resulted in the exponential inflow of previously oppressed black people into the taxi industry, which had now become the most accessible form of informal business for previously disadvantaged people. This resulted in the formation of many mother-bodies that subsequently became ‘law unto themselves’ due to the absence of formal state regulation amongst other things. Since then, violent conflicts amongst these mother-bodies have become the order of the day. The study sought to determine the commuter’s perspectives about the taxi industry and violence in the Eastern Cape Province, to determine ways in which the taxi industry has challenged the monopoly of the state over the legitimate use of force and to explore the reasons why taxi violence has largely gone unchecked by the state. Part of the key findings of the study were that there is a general sense of fear and insecurity amongst commuters especially female commuters who use taxis. Various cases of sexual assault, intimidation and psychological traumas caused by exposure to violence amongst commuters have been reported. It has also been determined that in order to effectively challenge the monopoly of the state over the legitimate use force, some taxi operators have resorted to the use of self-created laws to intimidate their competitors, use of mafia-like tactics, extortion and coercion amongst other things in order to impose monopoly over some lucrative routes, individuals and associations. In resolving some of these challenges, the study inter alia recommends for the formalization of the taxi industry by government, which will result in the subsidisation of the industry. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
Communities and ‘protected places’: an examination of participatory conservation in the Addo Elephant Park
- Authors: Handi, Nontle
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Conservation , Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa) , Wilderness areas
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29768 , vital:78911
- Description: Despite South African governments and institutional players push for local populations to contribute to environmental issues which is typically achieved through programs such as community based natural resource management CBNRM the feasibility of this push remains in doubt. Nonetheless even if there are supportive structures for community based natural resources one of the issues with many emerging environmental concerns in South Africa is that some of the challenges faced are of national scope. For example issues such as soil erosion water pollution deforestation and contamination of ground water systems are so widespread that local solutions based on community participation cannot adequately address these challenges. The primary goal of this research was to investigate community based environmental conservation within protected areas and how it affects the livelihoods of communities near Addo Elephant Park. The study had four objectives examine the nature of local participation in environmental conservation around Addo Elephant Park determine the extent to which local communities around Addo Elephant Park are capacitated to engage in community based environmental conservation determine the effects of local participation in environmental conservation on the livelihoods of communities around Addo Elephant Park and investigate policy options. FGDs and in depth interviews were used to collect data from local community members ward councillors traditional leaders traditional healers park manager and government officials. The study used a qualitative approach to data collection and analysis. It should be noted that the data was analyzed using thematic analyses. According to the findings of the study local communities engage in participatory conservation through CBNRM government programs and isolated individual participation. The study also discovered that through Integrated Environmental Management IEM local x communities are equipped to engage in community based environmental conservation. The study also concluded that the effects of local participation in environmental conservation on livelihoods include increased community and household income educational enhancement community health and environmental sustainability. Finally the study made two policy recommendations to improve community environment conservation in Addo Elephant Park implement sustainable land use policies and promote the use of renewable energy sources. The framework for sustainable livelihoods served as the studys foundation. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Handi, Nontle
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Conservation , Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa) , Wilderness areas
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29768 , vital:78911
- Description: Despite South African governments and institutional players push for local populations to contribute to environmental issues which is typically achieved through programs such as community based natural resource management CBNRM the feasibility of this push remains in doubt. Nonetheless even if there are supportive structures for community based natural resources one of the issues with many emerging environmental concerns in South Africa is that some of the challenges faced are of national scope. For example issues such as soil erosion water pollution deforestation and contamination of ground water systems are so widespread that local solutions based on community participation cannot adequately address these challenges. The primary goal of this research was to investigate community based environmental conservation within protected areas and how it affects the livelihoods of communities near Addo Elephant Park. The study had four objectives examine the nature of local participation in environmental conservation around Addo Elephant Park determine the extent to which local communities around Addo Elephant Park are capacitated to engage in community based environmental conservation determine the effects of local participation in environmental conservation on the livelihoods of communities around Addo Elephant Park and investigate policy options. FGDs and in depth interviews were used to collect data from local community members ward councillors traditional leaders traditional healers park manager and government officials. The study used a qualitative approach to data collection and analysis. It should be noted that the data was analyzed using thematic analyses. According to the findings of the study local communities engage in participatory conservation through CBNRM government programs and isolated individual participation. The study also discovered that through Integrated Environmental Management IEM local x communities are equipped to engage in community based environmental conservation. The study also concluded that the effects of local participation in environmental conservation on livelihoods include increased community and household income educational enhancement community health and environmental sustainability. Finally the study made two policy recommendations to improve community environment conservation in Addo Elephant Park implement sustainable land use policies and promote the use of renewable energy sources. The framework for sustainable livelihoods served as the studys foundation. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
Emotional intelligence as a moderator of the relationship between work overload and organisational commitment among nurses at a public hospital in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mdekazi, Ayanda Arnold
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Emotional intelligence -- Eastern Cape , Absenteeism (Labor) -- Eastern Cape , Organizational commitment -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29977 , vital:79881
- Description: In turn to better understand the relationship between work overload WO along with organisational commitment OC amongst nurses working in a government hospital in Queenstown Eastern Cape South Africa this study absorbed on the mediating role of emotional intelligence EI. Many employees generally report work overload regardless of whether it is a private or public organisation context. The stressful working conditions caused by work overload can lead to many negative organisational concerning absenteeism mental and physical health emotional burnout as well as employees not being committed to the organisation. Therefore it is paramount for any organisation but more specifically the South African public health sector to know how to assist their employees in managing work overload high stress levels and employee turnover that they experience. The study utilised a quantitative methodology and data were gathered via a standardized self administered questionnaire. With the help of SPSS version 27 and AMOS descriptive statistics were employed to evaluate the data and correlational analysis including the basic linear regression analysis as well as the multi linear regression models. The findings showed a substantial inverse association between organisational commitment and task overload. EI and OC were discovered to be strongly correlated. Additionally this paper uncovered a detrimental correlation among EI and WO. The parameter approximations of the data demonstrate that the interface term does not significantly affect the model 3 equals 0.038 t equals 0.401 p equals 0.690 95 percent CI 0.149 0.224 demonstrating that emotional intelligence does not modify the connection between work overload and organisational commitment. The study flaws were emphasised and recommendations for more research were offered. There were also recommendations made about the management implications. The administration of the hospital under the investigation may also use the study recommendations to reduce organisational commitment and control work overload. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mdekazi, Ayanda Arnold
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Emotional intelligence -- Eastern Cape , Absenteeism (Labor) -- Eastern Cape , Organizational commitment -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29977 , vital:79881
- Description: In turn to better understand the relationship between work overload WO along with organisational commitment OC amongst nurses working in a government hospital in Queenstown Eastern Cape South Africa this study absorbed on the mediating role of emotional intelligence EI. Many employees generally report work overload regardless of whether it is a private or public organisation context. The stressful working conditions caused by work overload can lead to many negative organisational concerning absenteeism mental and physical health emotional burnout as well as employees not being committed to the organisation. Therefore it is paramount for any organisation but more specifically the South African public health sector to know how to assist their employees in managing work overload high stress levels and employee turnover that they experience. The study utilised a quantitative methodology and data were gathered via a standardized self administered questionnaire. With the help of SPSS version 27 and AMOS descriptive statistics were employed to evaluate the data and correlational analysis including the basic linear regression analysis as well as the multi linear regression models. The findings showed a substantial inverse association between organisational commitment and task overload. EI and OC were discovered to be strongly correlated. Additionally this paper uncovered a detrimental correlation among EI and WO. The parameter approximations of the data demonstrate that the interface term does not significantly affect the model 3 equals 0.038 t equals 0.401 p equals 0.690 95 percent CI 0.149 0.224 demonstrating that emotional intelligence does not modify the connection between work overload and organisational commitment. The study flaws were emphasised and recommendations for more research were offered. There were also recommendations made about the management implications. The administration of the hospital under the investigation may also use the study recommendations to reduce organisational commitment and control work overload. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2024
- Full Text:
Exploring the social construction of masculine identity as it relates to rape in the Buffalo City Municipality
- Matshikwe, Noluthando https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0439-0766
- Authors: Matshikwe, Noluthando https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0439-0766
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Masculinity , Gender identity , Sex role
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28595 , vital:74454
- Description: In South Africa, rape is a pandemic that is persistent and pervasive in unprecedented amounts. The construction of masculinity is understood to be a contributing factor to the rape pandemic in the country, as its construction focuses on power, dominance, and control of the less masculine individual. This study explored the social construction of masculine identity related to rape in the Buffalo City Municipality. The study sample consisted of a mixed-gendered focus group interview of eight participants (four males and four females). In addition, the study utilised six individual virtual interviews (three males and three females) who were all students at a local university. When analysing the data received from the participants, the study adopted Willig’s six stages of Foucauldian discourse analysis outlined in her book “Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology” (2008, p. 118). The Foucauldian discourse analysis utilised in this study allowed for answering research questions through direct analysis of the extracts selected for this study. The results of this study indicated that masculinity is a socially constructed phenomenon synonymous with dominance and power. Hegemonic masculinity was constructed as synonymous with manhood, resulting in an individual being entitled to social privileges. Subordinate subjects were constructed as vulnerable to the expression of these qualities by being dominated, controlled, and raped. This construction of masculinity continues to construct robust and powerless subjects, where the powerless subject is subjected to the hegemonic male power, dominance, and control, creating an imbalance of social power and an unjust social hierarchy of. The construction of masculinity is linked with the rape pandemic faced by the country, as it constructs hegemonic forms of masculinity associated with domination and violation of other members of society, through sexual assault. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Matshikwe, Noluthando https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0439-0766
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Masculinity , Gender identity , Sex role
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28595 , vital:74454
- Description: In South Africa, rape is a pandemic that is persistent and pervasive in unprecedented amounts. The construction of masculinity is understood to be a contributing factor to the rape pandemic in the country, as its construction focuses on power, dominance, and control of the less masculine individual. This study explored the social construction of masculine identity related to rape in the Buffalo City Municipality. The study sample consisted of a mixed-gendered focus group interview of eight participants (four males and four females). In addition, the study utilised six individual virtual interviews (three males and three females) who were all students at a local university. When analysing the data received from the participants, the study adopted Willig’s six stages of Foucauldian discourse analysis outlined in her book “Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology” (2008, p. 118). The Foucauldian discourse analysis utilised in this study allowed for answering research questions through direct analysis of the extracts selected for this study. The results of this study indicated that masculinity is a socially constructed phenomenon synonymous with dominance and power. Hegemonic masculinity was constructed as synonymous with manhood, resulting in an individual being entitled to social privileges. Subordinate subjects were constructed as vulnerable to the expression of these qualities by being dominated, controlled, and raped. This construction of masculinity continues to construct robust and powerless subjects, where the powerless subject is subjected to the hegemonic male power, dominance, and control, creating an imbalance of social power and an unjust social hierarchy of. The construction of masculinity is linked with the rape pandemic faced by the country, as it constructs hegemonic forms of masculinity associated with domination and violation of other members of society, through sexual assault. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
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Implementation of the national diploma in tourism and hospitality management curriculum in two polytechnic colleges in Zimbabwe
- Ngwenya, Khanyisani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0543-4671
- Authors: Ngwenya, Khanyisani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0543-4671
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Vocational guidance , Tourism -- Vocational guidance
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28287 , vital:74165
- Description: Many countries in the world consider the tourism and hospitality industry as the leading employer with huge impact on economic growth. It has significantly contributed to their national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Several studies conducted world over affirm that tourism contributes above the global average of ten percent. In Zimbabwe, the estimated percentage has also been as high as 10percent. The Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) program aims to equip youth with critical industry-specific skills and mitigate unemployment. Despite this, literature has revealed that certain graduates struggle to secure industry positions due to a discrepancy between acquired skills and employer expectations. Consequently, some graduates accept menial roles outside the tourism sector, while the industry itself resorts to employing unqualified personnel. The reason lies in ineffective curriculum implementation approaches characterized by a lack of appropriate pedagogical methods. Identifying and implementing effective strategies ensures that graduates possess the requisite skills and competencies demanded by the industry, making their employability much easier. This study used a qualitative approach because of its exploratory, descriptive, and contextual nature. The interpretive paradigm provided participants’ views, opinions, and thoughts on the THM curriculum implementation. The multiple case study research design allowed ample freedom to dig deeper into rich empirical data by examining contemporary trends in implementing the ND3 in THM curriculum at two polytechnic colleges. Non-probability convenience sampling was used to select the two polytechnic colleges. Purposive sampling was used to select twelve (12) students, six (6) lecturers, and two (2) ITTD inspectors. Lecturers and inspectors were interviewed. Data from students was obtained through Focus group discussions. Curriculum documents were reviewed to provide true realities of the THM curriculum implementation. Content analysis was used to analyse data. Rogan and Grayson (2003) curriculum implementation theoretical framework guided the study. The study revealed that lecturers were dissatisfied due to inappropriate pedagogical strategies. A new model to bridge the theory/ practice gap in teaching was developed. The study recommended the adoption of a new and modern teaching model and fix the recruitment process by employing qualified lecturers to teach ND3 in THM students. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2024
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- Authors: Ngwenya, Khanyisani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0543-4671
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Vocational guidance , Tourism -- Vocational guidance
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28287 , vital:74165
- Description: Many countries in the world consider the tourism and hospitality industry as the leading employer with huge impact on economic growth. It has significantly contributed to their national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Several studies conducted world over affirm that tourism contributes above the global average of ten percent. In Zimbabwe, the estimated percentage has also been as high as 10percent. The Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) program aims to equip youth with critical industry-specific skills and mitigate unemployment. Despite this, literature has revealed that certain graduates struggle to secure industry positions due to a discrepancy between acquired skills and employer expectations. Consequently, some graduates accept menial roles outside the tourism sector, while the industry itself resorts to employing unqualified personnel. The reason lies in ineffective curriculum implementation approaches characterized by a lack of appropriate pedagogical methods. Identifying and implementing effective strategies ensures that graduates possess the requisite skills and competencies demanded by the industry, making their employability much easier. This study used a qualitative approach because of its exploratory, descriptive, and contextual nature. The interpretive paradigm provided participants’ views, opinions, and thoughts on the THM curriculum implementation. The multiple case study research design allowed ample freedom to dig deeper into rich empirical data by examining contemporary trends in implementing the ND3 in THM curriculum at two polytechnic colleges. Non-probability convenience sampling was used to select the two polytechnic colleges. Purposive sampling was used to select twelve (12) students, six (6) lecturers, and two (2) ITTD inspectors. Lecturers and inspectors were interviewed. Data from students was obtained through Focus group discussions. Curriculum documents were reviewed to provide true realities of the THM curriculum implementation. Content analysis was used to analyse data. Rogan and Grayson (2003) curriculum implementation theoretical framework guided the study. The study revealed that lecturers were dissatisfied due to inappropriate pedagogical strategies. A new model to bridge the theory/ practice gap in teaching was developed. The study recommended the adoption of a new and modern teaching model and fix the recruitment process by employing qualified lecturers to teach ND3 in THM students. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2024
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Rationalisation of magisterial districts to transform the judiciary and widen access to justice under the RSA constitution of 1996
- Authors: Skosana, Jacob
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Justice, Administration of , Law and socialism , Human rights -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28162 , vital:72777
- Description: The study examines how pre-1994 magisterial districts jurisdictions denied access to justice to many South Africans, and ongoing efforts to reverse this injustice. Delayed rationalisation of the judiciary and reform of the courts territorial jurisdiction during the apartheid era exacerbated the problem. The courts administered justice along spatial racial divide, and given the location of the courts, many black communities had to commute long distances to access justice and at a great cost and inconvenience. The Constitution of South Africa of 1996 provides not only for the right to equality before the law and equal protection and benefit of the law but also the right to access the courts and seek recourse. In a period spanning eight years from December 2014, new magisterial districts were proclaimed in all the nine provinces of South Africa. Despite this milestone and the imperative of the 1996 Constitution, the rationalisation process is still in its infancy: old legislation and judicial structures remain intact; divisions of the High Court continue to exercise jurisdictions determined for the pre-1994 constitutional dispensation. The status quo continues to perpetuate the denial of access to justice to communities especially those living in areas that hitherto formed part of the former homelands and self-governing ‘states’. The study was conducted through a desktop survey of primary and secondary material relevant to the rationalisation process. It drew lessons from the re-demarcation of municipal boundaries which, like magisterial districts, were based on racial laws and policies of the past. It also contrasted rationalisation principles in comparable jurisdictions. The findings provide a useful contribution to the ongoing effort to effect rationalisation of the court system. They also contribute to knowledge and enriches our understanding of the relationship that underpins the administration of justice in a dispensation driven by democratic, human rights and constitutional ethos. , Thesis (PhD (LLD)) -- Faculty of Law, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Skosana, Jacob
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Justice, Administration of , Law and socialism , Human rights -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28162 , vital:72777
- Description: The study examines how pre-1994 magisterial districts jurisdictions denied access to justice to many South Africans, and ongoing efforts to reverse this injustice. Delayed rationalisation of the judiciary and reform of the courts territorial jurisdiction during the apartheid era exacerbated the problem. The courts administered justice along spatial racial divide, and given the location of the courts, many black communities had to commute long distances to access justice and at a great cost and inconvenience. The Constitution of South Africa of 1996 provides not only for the right to equality before the law and equal protection and benefit of the law but also the right to access the courts and seek recourse. In a period spanning eight years from December 2014, new magisterial districts were proclaimed in all the nine provinces of South Africa. Despite this milestone and the imperative of the 1996 Constitution, the rationalisation process is still in its infancy: old legislation and judicial structures remain intact; divisions of the High Court continue to exercise jurisdictions determined for the pre-1994 constitutional dispensation. The status quo continues to perpetuate the denial of access to justice to communities especially those living in areas that hitherto formed part of the former homelands and self-governing ‘states’. The study was conducted through a desktop survey of primary and secondary material relevant to the rationalisation process. It drew lessons from the re-demarcation of municipal boundaries which, like magisterial districts, were based on racial laws and policies of the past. It also contrasted rationalisation principles in comparable jurisdictions. The findings provide a useful contribution to the ongoing effort to effect rationalisation of the court system. They also contribute to knowledge and enriches our understanding of the relationship that underpins the administration of justice in a dispensation driven by democratic, human rights and constitutional ethos. , Thesis (PhD (LLD)) -- Faculty of Law, 2024
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The paradox of professional social work service delivery in a resource deprived environment: a critical assessment of the factors that promote or impede the implementation of the Batho Pele principles in Buffalo City Municipality
- Mdlankomo, Andiswa Pamella Bo
- Authors: Mdlankomo, Andiswa Pamella Bo
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Social service -- Government policy -- Buffalo City Municipality , Social service -- Societies, etc. , Human services -- Buffalo City Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29662 , vital:78869
- Description: Like all civil servants, social work professionals are mandated by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa to provide a high quality service standard to the citizens following the guidelines of the Batho Pele principles. Further, social work professionals are required to adhere to the ethical standards and guidelines stemming from community values. This study explores service delivery issues in a resource deprived environment using Moyo’s (2020) conceptual framework of power analysis, arguing for an understanding of the socio-political processes and social-political infrastructure of societies to advance the quality of life. Moyo (2020) asserts that social workers must understand the context of power in societies, as power is sustained through beliefs, values and attitudes that operate at a personal level, interpersonal, institutional and cultural levels and how social workers use power as agency for change. Using this conceptual method of seeing the use of power at an intrapersonal, interpersonally, institutional and cultural level, this study seeks to understand the roles and experiences of social work professional’s efforts in service delivery by critically assessing the factors that promote or impede the implementation of the Batho Pele principles in Buffalo City using a social work lens. The study highlights the importance of social work a profession in the context of service delivery discourse. Whilst service delivery has always centred on the issue of water and other social amenities, the main question for this study is: how do social workers deal with service delivery issues especially in a resource deprived environment? More so, the study highlights the paradox of social work service delivery at micro-, mezzo and macro levels by drawing the reader to the different approaches in social work. Furthermore, the study’s literature critically shows that the adoption of the Batho Pele by the government of South Africa was to herald a new era in the service delivery especially given the historical nature of inequities in service delivery during apartheid. However, given the lopsided resource environment, the paradoxes emerge in service delivery where on one hand social workers try to balance the address of needs of the clients and citizens as outlined in the Batho Pele principles, while also, trying to adhere to resource shortages and the requirements of their agencies. Such a paradox does not only highlight the demanding nature of the profession of social work as the literature shows but also shows the nature of environment that social workers have to contend with to advance services and improve quality of life. Social work is highly affected by the political, economic and social conditions prevailing in a country and some problems require a political and economic approach. The empowerment,resilience and social development theories were used in the study and were extended to the discussion and interpretation of findings. The study used the empowerment theory at intrapersonal level of social work, resilience theory at interpersonal level, and social development approach at institutional level and at cultural level used analysis of power. The study utilised a qualitative methodology through the adoption of the interpretive paradigm. Interviews were conducted using an interview guide. Fifteen social workers participated in the study and were selected using the purposive sampling procedure. Data analysis was done using content thematic analysis. The study’s findings indicate that few of the interviewed participants are aware of the existence of Batho Pele and out of fifteen, nine participants also indicated that they did not understand all of the principles. More so, because of lack of resources to support Batho Pele, participants reported a discharge of their duties, which reflects poorly on the BathoPele. In other words the shortage of resources reflects negatively on participants and it would appear as if they do not adhere to the principles of Batho Pele. Moreover, the study findings also show that there is political interference in service delivery and this disturbs the flow of work by social workers. The study recommends that there should be a reorientation of the public service, including social workers in South Africa so that it reflects the needs of the people. Further, a relook at the fiscal policy so that the public service can be retooled since it lacks resources which in end affects the majority of the people. There is also need to revisit the social policy and capacitate the department of social development so that it carries out its activities. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2025
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mdlankomo, Andiswa Pamella Bo
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Social service -- Government policy -- Buffalo City Municipality , Social service -- Societies, etc. , Human services -- Buffalo City Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29662 , vital:78869
- Description: Like all civil servants, social work professionals are mandated by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa to provide a high quality service standard to the citizens following the guidelines of the Batho Pele principles. Further, social work professionals are required to adhere to the ethical standards and guidelines stemming from community values. This study explores service delivery issues in a resource deprived environment using Moyo’s (2020) conceptual framework of power analysis, arguing for an understanding of the socio-political processes and social-political infrastructure of societies to advance the quality of life. Moyo (2020) asserts that social workers must understand the context of power in societies, as power is sustained through beliefs, values and attitudes that operate at a personal level, interpersonal, institutional and cultural levels and how social workers use power as agency for change. Using this conceptual method of seeing the use of power at an intrapersonal, interpersonally, institutional and cultural level, this study seeks to understand the roles and experiences of social work professional’s efforts in service delivery by critically assessing the factors that promote or impede the implementation of the Batho Pele principles in Buffalo City using a social work lens. The study highlights the importance of social work a profession in the context of service delivery discourse. Whilst service delivery has always centred on the issue of water and other social amenities, the main question for this study is: how do social workers deal with service delivery issues especially in a resource deprived environment? More so, the study highlights the paradox of social work service delivery at micro-, mezzo and macro levels by drawing the reader to the different approaches in social work. Furthermore, the study’s literature critically shows that the adoption of the Batho Pele by the government of South Africa was to herald a new era in the service delivery especially given the historical nature of inequities in service delivery during apartheid. However, given the lopsided resource environment, the paradoxes emerge in service delivery where on one hand social workers try to balance the address of needs of the clients and citizens as outlined in the Batho Pele principles, while also, trying to adhere to resource shortages and the requirements of their agencies. Such a paradox does not only highlight the demanding nature of the profession of social work as the literature shows but also shows the nature of environment that social workers have to contend with to advance services and improve quality of life. Social work is highly affected by the political, economic and social conditions prevailing in a country and some problems require a political and economic approach. The empowerment,resilience and social development theories were used in the study and were extended to the discussion and interpretation of findings. The study used the empowerment theory at intrapersonal level of social work, resilience theory at interpersonal level, and social development approach at institutional level and at cultural level used analysis of power. The study utilised a qualitative methodology through the adoption of the interpretive paradigm. Interviews were conducted using an interview guide. Fifteen social workers participated in the study and were selected using the purposive sampling procedure. Data analysis was done using content thematic analysis. The study’s findings indicate that few of the interviewed participants are aware of the existence of Batho Pele and out of fifteen, nine participants also indicated that they did not understand all of the principles. More so, because of lack of resources to support Batho Pele, participants reported a discharge of their duties, which reflects poorly on the BathoPele. In other words the shortage of resources reflects negatively on participants and it would appear as if they do not adhere to the principles of Batho Pele. Moreover, the study findings also show that there is political interference in service delivery and this disturbs the flow of work by social workers. The study recommends that there should be a reorientation of the public service, including social workers in South Africa so that it reflects the needs of the people. Further, a relook at the fiscal policy so that the public service can be retooled since it lacks resources which in end affects the majority of the people. There is also need to revisit the social policy and capacitate the department of social development so that it carries out its activities. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2025
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Strategies used by the female principals to manage learner discipline in selected primary schools in the Buffalo City Education District
- Authors: Manyika, T
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Women school principals , Complex organizations , School management and organization -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28277 , vital:74098
- Description: School safety is regarded as one of the key drivers of quality teaching and learning. There is however evidence that schools worldwide experience violence and learner disruptive behaviours. The South African education system is amongst other areas, focusing on gender equity in leadership and management positions. Hence this paper explored the strategies used by female principals to manage learner discipline in selected primary schools in the Buffalo City Education District. The Complexity Leadership Theory underpinned the study in conjunction with the Intersectionality theory. Complexity Leadership Theory emphasises the identification and exploration of strategies and behaviour that nurture creativity, learning, and adaptability in the organisation. Data were collected from fourteen participants ranging from female principals, HOD and Vice Principals. Interpretive qualitative and descriptive case study design was used. Data were collected through the use of one-on-one semi-structured interviews, and document review was the second research instrument used in this study. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data and all ethical issues were observed. The participation of participants was voluntary, and anonymity was guaranteed. Some of the major findings were the participants’ use of their gender (female) as a resource in administering discipline, and their awareness and consciousness of the vulnerability of the school context. Parental involvement, community involvement and closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera systems aided the participants in maintaining learner discipline. Rewarding learners for good behaviour or good work habits (behaviourism) was discouraged due to its inability to intrinsically motivate learners to behave and accomplish goals. Instead, it was reported to be a form of a bribery system which teaches learners to work hard to receive something. The findings suggested that tertiary institutions introduce mandatory counselling courses to equip prospective teachers with necessary skills to effectively deal with issues of learner discipline in schools. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Manyika, T
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Women school principals , Complex organizations , School management and organization -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28277 , vital:74098
- Description: School safety is regarded as one of the key drivers of quality teaching and learning. There is however evidence that schools worldwide experience violence and learner disruptive behaviours. The South African education system is amongst other areas, focusing on gender equity in leadership and management positions. Hence this paper explored the strategies used by female principals to manage learner discipline in selected primary schools in the Buffalo City Education District. The Complexity Leadership Theory underpinned the study in conjunction with the Intersectionality theory. Complexity Leadership Theory emphasises the identification and exploration of strategies and behaviour that nurture creativity, learning, and adaptability in the organisation. Data were collected from fourteen participants ranging from female principals, HOD and Vice Principals. Interpretive qualitative and descriptive case study design was used. Data were collected through the use of one-on-one semi-structured interviews, and document review was the second research instrument used in this study. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data and all ethical issues were observed. The participation of participants was voluntary, and anonymity was guaranteed. Some of the major findings were the participants’ use of their gender (female) as a resource in administering discipline, and their awareness and consciousness of the vulnerability of the school context. Parental involvement, community involvement and closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera systems aided the participants in maintaining learner discipline. Rewarding learners for good behaviour or good work habits (behaviourism) was discouraged due to its inability to intrinsically motivate learners to behave and accomplish goals. Instead, it was reported to be a form of a bribery system which teaches learners to work hard to receive something. The findings suggested that tertiary institutions introduce mandatory counselling courses to equip prospective teachers with necessary skills to effectively deal with issues of learner discipline in schools. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
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The effect of entrepreneurial competencies on the performance of small micro and medium enterprises in or Tambo District, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Senzeni, Phumlani
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28960 , vital:75577
- Description: The Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) remain the key competitor in the development of the economy growth of the country. The SMME sector is the key driver to the national economy of countries, as it creates job opportunities, reduce poverty, supports household income, and improve the people’s standard of living. However, the rate at which SMMEs fail to succeed results in non-performance and business closure, and this is alarming and require attention. The reasons for this failure can emanate from a number of reasons, such as lack of entrepreneurial competencies, managerial skills, lack of intellectual personnel, low entrepreneurial culture and obstacles that hinder access to resources and market. Therefore, in this study the researcher examined the effect of entrepreneurial competencies on the performance of SMMEs in OR Tambo District, Eastern Cape. The researcher adopted quantitative research approach. The research data was collected using Google Forms survey method. The emails containing the link to access the instrument were sent to a sample of 399 SMMEs in the OR Tambo District. The response rate of 74%, which is 294 was attained. Thus, the findings of the study discovered that entrepreneurial competencies have significant effect on the performance of SMMEs. The study further found that entrepreneurial competencies “opportunity recognition, creative-problem solving, resource leveraging, and business networking” had a low degree of association with business performance although they are statistically significant to business performance. The self-efficacy was found with a high degree of association with business performance and statistically significant with the achievement of positive beta and low p-value which indicated a strong association to performance. The study made conclusions that entrepreneurial competencies have positive effect on the performance of SMMEs. Therefore, it was concluded that performing and successful SMMEs in the regions means employment opportunities in the country because they require human resources to do operational services and render services. The government and policymakers are encouraged to work together to form and strengthen development programs to assist SMMEs to grow the production capacity, operations and become productive. The SMMEs owners/managers and practitioners on skills development are encouraged to relook and strengthen entrepreneurial competencies that contribute to productivity and performance. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Senzeni, Phumlani
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28960 , vital:75577
- Description: The Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) remain the key competitor in the development of the economy growth of the country. The SMME sector is the key driver to the national economy of countries, as it creates job opportunities, reduce poverty, supports household income, and improve the people’s standard of living. However, the rate at which SMMEs fail to succeed results in non-performance and business closure, and this is alarming and require attention. The reasons for this failure can emanate from a number of reasons, such as lack of entrepreneurial competencies, managerial skills, lack of intellectual personnel, low entrepreneurial culture and obstacles that hinder access to resources and market. Therefore, in this study the researcher examined the effect of entrepreneurial competencies on the performance of SMMEs in OR Tambo District, Eastern Cape. The researcher adopted quantitative research approach. The research data was collected using Google Forms survey method. The emails containing the link to access the instrument were sent to a sample of 399 SMMEs in the OR Tambo District. The response rate of 74%, which is 294 was attained. Thus, the findings of the study discovered that entrepreneurial competencies have significant effect on the performance of SMMEs. The study further found that entrepreneurial competencies “opportunity recognition, creative-problem solving, resource leveraging, and business networking” had a low degree of association with business performance although they are statistically significant to business performance. The self-efficacy was found with a high degree of association with business performance and statistically significant with the achievement of positive beta and low p-value which indicated a strong association to performance. The study made conclusions that entrepreneurial competencies have positive effect on the performance of SMMEs. Therefore, it was concluded that performing and successful SMMEs in the regions means employment opportunities in the country because they require human resources to do operational services and render services. The government and policymakers are encouraged to work together to form and strengthen development programs to assist SMMEs to grow the production capacity, operations and become productive. The SMMEs owners/managers and practitioners on skills development are encouraged to relook and strengthen entrepreneurial competencies that contribute to productivity and performance. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
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The right to self-determination as a tool to entrench democracy as a system of governance in Nigeria
- Authors: Aniekwe, Chizoba C
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Self-determination, National , Human rights -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29944 , vital:79212
- Description: The study undertaken provides a synopsis of the historical evolution of the concepts of right to self-determination other inter-dependent human rights, and modern African states. It reinforced that the right to self-determination is an inherent right that is universal in its application and interdependent, interrelated, and indivisible with other human rights. The study examines how the historical foundation of modern African states which emanated from the Berlin Conference organized by Europeans did not take the common heritage of mankind and other humanistic values which are a priori in human beings before the advent of the concept of human rights into consideration during the formation of African states such as Nigeria, South Africa, and others. That situation culminated in agitation for the right to self-determination within the context of decolonization. This is despite the espousing of the right by both Western and African philosophies. The study examines how the right to self-determination played and continues to play a pivotal role as an instrument of state legitimation and remedial justice even outside the context of decolonization. The outcome of agitations and legitimate resistance in the decolonization context did not cure the effect of the defective historical foundations in Nigeria. This is due to alien domination, exploitation, and oppression through structural violence and unfounded reliance on legal constructs or concepts such as uti-possidetis and territorial integrity. It resulted in the use of a façade of democracy to create sham unanimity among the people. Considering that democracy is indispensable for human rights. The study examines the connection between democracy and the right to self-determination. Also, it discusses the role of the constitution in reinforcing this connection, the impacts of the deprivation of the right to selfdetermination, and proffered solutions. Thus, it concludes by finding that the right to selfdetermination can be used as a tool to cure historical defects and entrench democracy as a system of governance in Nigeria and makes recommendations. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Law, 2023
- Full Text:
The right to self-determination as a tool to entrench democracy as a system of governance in Nigeria
- Authors: Aniekwe, Chizoba C
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Self-determination, National , Human rights -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29944 , vital:79212
- Description: The study undertaken provides a synopsis of the historical evolution of the concepts of right to self-determination other inter-dependent human rights, and modern African states. It reinforced that the right to self-determination is an inherent right that is universal in its application and interdependent, interrelated, and indivisible with other human rights. The study examines how the historical foundation of modern African states which emanated from the Berlin Conference organized by Europeans did not take the common heritage of mankind and other humanistic values which are a priori in human beings before the advent of the concept of human rights into consideration during the formation of African states such as Nigeria, South Africa, and others. That situation culminated in agitation for the right to self-determination within the context of decolonization. This is despite the espousing of the right by both Western and African philosophies. The study examines how the right to self-determination played and continues to play a pivotal role as an instrument of state legitimation and remedial justice even outside the context of decolonization. The outcome of agitations and legitimate resistance in the decolonization context did not cure the effect of the defective historical foundations in Nigeria. This is due to alien domination, exploitation, and oppression through structural violence and unfounded reliance on legal constructs or concepts such as uti-possidetis and territorial integrity. It resulted in the use of a façade of democracy to create sham unanimity among the people. Considering that democracy is indispensable for human rights. The study examines the connection between democracy and the right to self-determination. Also, it discusses the role of the constitution in reinforcing this connection, the impacts of the deprivation of the right to selfdetermination, and proffered solutions. Thus, it concludes by finding that the right to selfdetermination can be used as a tool to cure historical defects and entrench democracy as a system of governance in Nigeria and makes recommendations. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Law, 2023
- Full Text: