Between"culture" and "Cruelty"narratives of widows on land dispossession in Gqadu administrative area, Mbashe Municipality , Eastern Cape
- Authors: Baleka, Zola
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Widows -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Right of property -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5083 , vital:29057
- Description: This study highlights the cultural underpinnings of specific indulgences pertaining to land ownership with reference to widowhood in the rural Eastern Cape. The study does this by examining the narratives of widows about their experiences of land dispossession in Nqadu Administrative Area. Nqadu Administrative Area is a rural community in Mbhashe Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study focuses on widows’ experiences relating to the cultural practices of the community regarding land ownership. A qualitative, case study design was adopted. To uncover the widows’ narratives, the study utilised in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, with a sample of 50 widows. Further empirical data were obtained from four members of the municipal Land Committees, two Ward Councillors, four Traditional Leaders and two officials from the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, using in-depth and key informant interviews. The study found that widows were vulnerable to land ownership violations and dispossessions, and that these violations were perpetrated by community members, particularly relatives of deceased husbands. Low levels of education and fear of antagonising clan relatives played a vital role in preventing widows from fighting for their legal rights. The failure of widows to fight for their rights increased their chances of being heavily exposed to dispossession of their land rights. Cultural practices within the communities catalysed abusive practices against widows, particularly against those whose marriage was not ‘recognised’ due to various stated reasons. The study also revealed that widows who had married as second wives and those who did not bear children experienced egregious abuses. Another finding was that men from Nqadu Administrative Area were given priority during the allocation of land, based on cultural and traditional practices, and were given land of their own choice depending on availability. The study thus highlights the impact of cultural practices and the ways in which these became instruments of gender abuse, despite the existence of laws designed to prevent specific social cruelties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Baleka, Zola
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Widows -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Right of property -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5083 , vital:29057
- Description: This study highlights the cultural underpinnings of specific indulgences pertaining to land ownership with reference to widowhood in the rural Eastern Cape. The study does this by examining the narratives of widows about their experiences of land dispossession in Nqadu Administrative Area. Nqadu Administrative Area is a rural community in Mbhashe Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study focuses on widows’ experiences relating to the cultural practices of the community regarding land ownership. A qualitative, case study design was adopted. To uncover the widows’ narratives, the study utilised in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, with a sample of 50 widows. Further empirical data were obtained from four members of the municipal Land Committees, two Ward Councillors, four Traditional Leaders and two officials from the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, using in-depth and key informant interviews. The study found that widows were vulnerable to land ownership violations and dispossessions, and that these violations were perpetrated by community members, particularly relatives of deceased husbands. Low levels of education and fear of antagonising clan relatives played a vital role in preventing widows from fighting for their legal rights. The failure of widows to fight for their rights increased their chances of being heavily exposed to dispossession of their land rights. Cultural practices within the communities catalysed abusive practices against widows, particularly against those whose marriage was not ‘recognised’ due to various stated reasons. The study also revealed that widows who had married as second wives and those who did not bear children experienced egregious abuses. Another finding was that men from Nqadu Administrative Area were given priority during the allocation of land, based on cultural and traditional practices, and were given land of their own choice depending on availability. The study thus highlights the impact of cultural practices and the ways in which these became instruments of gender abuse, despite the existence of laws designed to prevent specific social cruelties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Beyond commercial design: a critique of design and graphic design writings in Emigre and Dot Dot Dot magazines
- Authors: Muir, Margot
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Graphic design (Typography) Graphic arts Magazine design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12436 , vital:27066
- Description: Graphic design faces the contradictions of commercial intent and social relevance. This study explores the contribution of criticism, in two independent, seminal graphic design magazines, towards shifting the dominant preferences of graphic design from a purely commercial pursuit to a human-centred practice. Emigre magazine (c.1984 - 2005) and Dot Dot Dot magazine (c.2000 - 2010) are recognised for their critical intent and within them are emerging critical issues that suggest a potential niche for graphic design beyond consumerism and commerce. In the discipline of graphic design, designers define what it is to be human (and thus equally the realities of dehumanisation) in very particular ways (Rose, 2001:135; Freire, 1993:43). Graphic design has a history of commercial practice. This commercial history continues to define its identity and reinforce a particular body of knowledge. Graphic design criticism, however, is an inventive voice that has the potential to contribute to change. Both Emigre and Dot Dot Dot were representative of a “constructive marginality” (Bennett, 1993:64), drawing from their own set of references and awareness of graphic design’s potential to inform their identities, instead of looking to established definitions of practice to do so. This analysis explores how they anticipated a modern conception of graphic design that has become part of a recently adopted (2015) and more widely embedded discourse. This discourse involves critical design that interrogates multiculturalism, interdisciplinarity, environmental sustainability, social and political agency, and speculative futures. Graphic design engages social institutions and practices that denote social constructions of difference and inequality, and is never neutral. Any work, any representation of ideology, is at once individual and discursive at the level of social, cultural and political formations. The critical issues evident in Emigre and Dot Dot Dot, with the exception of an absence of speculative futures, anticipate a more humanising perspective in graphic design. They invite critique and the potential for change that is relevant to the surrounding world, as a counter to commercial self-interest.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Muir, Margot
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Graphic design (Typography) Graphic arts Magazine design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12436 , vital:27066
- Description: Graphic design faces the contradictions of commercial intent and social relevance. This study explores the contribution of criticism, in two independent, seminal graphic design magazines, towards shifting the dominant preferences of graphic design from a purely commercial pursuit to a human-centred practice. Emigre magazine (c.1984 - 2005) and Dot Dot Dot magazine (c.2000 - 2010) are recognised for their critical intent and within them are emerging critical issues that suggest a potential niche for graphic design beyond consumerism and commerce. In the discipline of graphic design, designers define what it is to be human (and thus equally the realities of dehumanisation) in very particular ways (Rose, 2001:135; Freire, 1993:43). Graphic design has a history of commercial practice. This commercial history continues to define its identity and reinforce a particular body of knowledge. Graphic design criticism, however, is an inventive voice that has the potential to contribute to change. Both Emigre and Dot Dot Dot were representative of a “constructive marginality” (Bennett, 1993:64), drawing from their own set of references and awareness of graphic design’s potential to inform their identities, instead of looking to established definitions of practice to do so. This analysis explores how they anticipated a modern conception of graphic design that has become part of a recently adopted (2015) and more widely embedded discourse. This discourse involves critical design that interrogates multiculturalism, interdisciplinarity, environmental sustainability, social and political agency, and speculative futures. Graphic design engages social institutions and practices that denote social constructions of difference and inequality, and is never neutral. Any work, any representation of ideology, is at once individual and discursive at the level of social, cultural and political formations. The critical issues evident in Emigre and Dot Dot Dot, with the exception of an absence of speculative futures, anticipate a more humanising perspective in graphic design. They invite critique and the potential for change that is relevant to the surrounding world, as a counter to commercial self-interest.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Bio-prospecting a Soil Metagenomic Library for Carbohydrate Active Esterases
- Authors: Shezi, Ntombifuthi
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4172 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021266
- Description: Lignocellulosic biomass is a promising renewable resource on earth. Plant biomass contains fermentable sugars and other moieties that can be converted to biofuels or other chemicals. Enzymatic hydrolysis of these biopolymers is significant in the liberation of sugars for fermentation into desired products. Owing to its complex structure, synergistic action of enzymes is required for its degradation. Enzymes that are involved in biomass degradation include cellulases, hemicellulases and the accessory enzymes acetyl xylan esterases and ferulic acid esterases. Ferulic acid esterases (FAEs, EC 3.1.1.73), represent a subclass of carboxylester hydrolases (EC 3.1.1.-) that catalyse the release of hydroxycinnamic acids (such as ferulic acid, p-coumaric, ferulic, sinapic and caffeic acid) that are generally found esterified to polysaccharides, such as arabinoxylans. Hydroxycinnamic acids have widespread potential applications due to their antimicrobial, photoprotectant and antioxidant properties, as well as their use as flavour precursors. Therefore, this interesting group of FAEs has a potentially wide variety of applications in agriculture, food and pharmaceutical industries. In the search for novel biocatalysts, metagenomics is considered as an alternative approach to conventional microbe screening, therefore, searching for novel biocatalysts from a soil metagenome that harbours a unique diversity of biocatalyst is significant. The aim of this study was to extract DNA from soil associated with cattle manure and construct a soil metagenomic library using a fosmid based plasmid vector and subsequently functionally screen for ferulic acid esterases using ethyl ferulate as a model substrate. A total of 59 recombinant fosmids conferring ferulic acid esterase phenotypes were identified (Hit rate 1:3122) and the two fosmids that consistently showed high FAE activities were selected for further study. Following nucleotide sequencing and translational analysis, two fae encoding open reading frames (FAE9 and FAE27) of approximately 274 and 322 aa, respectively, were identified. The amino acid sequence of the two ORFs contained a classical conserved esterase/lipase G-x-S-x-G sequence motif. The two genes (fae9 and fae27) were successfully expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and the purified enzymes exhibited respective temperature optima of 50 °C and 40 °C, and respective pH optima of 6.0 and 7.0. Further biochemical characterisation showed that FAE9 and FAE27 have high substrate specificity, following the fact that EFA is the preferred substrate for FAE9 (kcat/Km value of 128 s−1.mM-1) and also the preferred substrate for FAE27 (kcat/Km value of 137 s−1.mM-1). This work proves that soil is a valuable environmental source for novel esterase screening through functional based metagenomic approach. Therefore, this method may be used to screen for other valuable enzymes from environmental sources using inexpensive natural sources to encourage the screening of specific enzymes. Biochemistry of the two isolated enzymes makes these enzymes to be useful in industrial applications due to broad substrate activity that could replace the specialised enzymes to complete plant biomass degradation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Shezi, Ntombifuthi
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4172 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021266
- Description: Lignocellulosic biomass is a promising renewable resource on earth. Plant biomass contains fermentable sugars and other moieties that can be converted to biofuels or other chemicals. Enzymatic hydrolysis of these biopolymers is significant in the liberation of sugars for fermentation into desired products. Owing to its complex structure, synergistic action of enzymes is required for its degradation. Enzymes that are involved in biomass degradation include cellulases, hemicellulases and the accessory enzymes acetyl xylan esterases and ferulic acid esterases. Ferulic acid esterases (FAEs, EC 3.1.1.73), represent a subclass of carboxylester hydrolases (EC 3.1.1.-) that catalyse the release of hydroxycinnamic acids (such as ferulic acid, p-coumaric, ferulic, sinapic and caffeic acid) that are generally found esterified to polysaccharides, such as arabinoxylans. Hydroxycinnamic acids have widespread potential applications due to their antimicrobial, photoprotectant and antioxidant properties, as well as their use as flavour precursors. Therefore, this interesting group of FAEs has a potentially wide variety of applications in agriculture, food and pharmaceutical industries. In the search for novel biocatalysts, metagenomics is considered as an alternative approach to conventional microbe screening, therefore, searching for novel biocatalysts from a soil metagenome that harbours a unique diversity of biocatalyst is significant. The aim of this study was to extract DNA from soil associated with cattle manure and construct a soil metagenomic library using a fosmid based plasmid vector and subsequently functionally screen for ferulic acid esterases using ethyl ferulate as a model substrate. A total of 59 recombinant fosmids conferring ferulic acid esterase phenotypes were identified (Hit rate 1:3122) and the two fosmids that consistently showed high FAE activities were selected for further study. Following nucleotide sequencing and translational analysis, two fae encoding open reading frames (FAE9 and FAE27) of approximately 274 and 322 aa, respectively, were identified. The amino acid sequence of the two ORFs contained a classical conserved esterase/lipase G-x-S-x-G sequence motif. The two genes (fae9 and fae27) were successfully expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and the purified enzymes exhibited respective temperature optima of 50 °C and 40 °C, and respective pH optima of 6.0 and 7.0. Further biochemical characterisation showed that FAE9 and FAE27 have high substrate specificity, following the fact that EFA is the preferred substrate for FAE9 (kcat/Km value of 128 s−1.mM-1) and also the preferred substrate for FAE27 (kcat/Km value of 137 s−1.mM-1). This work proves that soil is a valuable environmental source for novel esterase screening through functional based metagenomic approach. Therefore, this method may be used to screen for other valuable enzymes from environmental sources using inexpensive natural sources to encourage the screening of specific enzymes. Biochemistry of the two isolated enzymes makes these enzymes to be useful in industrial applications due to broad substrate activity that could replace the specialised enzymes to complete plant biomass degradation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Biocomposites from polyfurfuryl alcohol reinforced with microfibres and nanocellulose from flax fibres and maize stalks
- Mtibe, Asanda, Linganiso, Linda
- Authors: Mtibe, Asanda , Linganiso, Linda
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Textile chemistry Textile chemicals Cellulose -- Chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12175 , vital:27041
- Description: This study is aimed at extracting cellulose and nanocelluloses (cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibres (CNFs)) from maize stalks and flax fibres. Both flax fibres and maize stalks are composed of cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose and extractives. The extraction of cellulose involves the removal of lignin, hemicellulose and extractives. The presence of these components in plant fibres hinders the extraction of cellulose and nanocelluloses. Prior to extraction of cellulose, the different concentrations (1 wt.%, 1.5 wt.% and 2 wt.%) of NaOH were optimised. However, chemical compositions and XRD results revealed that the treatment of flax fibres with 1.5 wt.% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) gives optimum results and this concentration was further selected for the extraction of cellulose. Cellulose was extracted by chemical treatments (sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium chlorite (NaClO2) and potassium hydroxide (KOH)) and a combination of chemical treatments and mechanical process (supermass colloider). The materials obtained after each treatment stage during the extraction process were characterised by different characterisation techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results from the aforementioned characterisation techniques confirmed that cellulose was successfully extracted from flax fibres and maize stalks. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were extracted by sulphuric acid hydrolysis accompanied with ultra-sonication from cellulose obtained from flax fibres and maize stalks. The extracted CNCs were rod-like material with diameters and lengths in nanoscale and microscale, respectively. On the other hand, cellulose nanofibres (CNFs) were extracted by mechanical process (supermass colloider). The extracted CNFs were web-like material with diameters and lengths in nanoscale and microscale, respectively. The dimensions of nanocelluloses were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Their dispersion was investigated by light polarised microscopy. The extracted nanocelluloses and cellulose were used to produce nanopapers and micropaper. Nanopapers mimic the traditional paper, the only difference of the nanopapers is that they are produced from high aspect ratio nanomaterials. Both nanopapers and micropapers were prepared by solvent evaporating method. Their thermal, optical and mechanical properties were investigated and compared. The mechanical and thermal properties of nanopapers produced from CNFs were better than those produced from CNCs and micropapers. On the other hand, nanopapers produced from CNCs were more transparent in comparison to nanopapers produced from CNFs and micropapers. Cellulosic fibres have attracted a considerable attention in composite materials due to their high tensile strength and tensile modulus. This study is focused on the development of biocomposites of polyfurfuryl alcohol (PFA) by in-situ polymerisation in the presence of acid catalyst (p-toluene sulphonic acid). Biocomposites were produced by reinforcing PFA with flax fibres (untreated and treated), nanoparticles and CNCs. The biocomposites reinforced with CNCs and flax fibres showed an improvement in mechanical, thermal and thermo-mechanical properties. On the other hand, biocomposites reinforced with nanoparticles obtained from treated maize stalks showed an improvement in mechanical and thermal properties while biocomposites reinforced with nanoparticles obtained from untreated maize stalks showed lower mechanical properties and decreased thermal stability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mtibe, Asanda , Linganiso, Linda
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Textile chemistry Textile chemicals Cellulose -- Chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12175 , vital:27041
- Description: This study is aimed at extracting cellulose and nanocelluloses (cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibres (CNFs)) from maize stalks and flax fibres. Both flax fibres and maize stalks are composed of cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose and extractives. The extraction of cellulose involves the removal of lignin, hemicellulose and extractives. The presence of these components in plant fibres hinders the extraction of cellulose and nanocelluloses. Prior to extraction of cellulose, the different concentrations (1 wt.%, 1.5 wt.% and 2 wt.%) of NaOH were optimised. However, chemical compositions and XRD results revealed that the treatment of flax fibres with 1.5 wt.% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) gives optimum results and this concentration was further selected for the extraction of cellulose. Cellulose was extracted by chemical treatments (sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium chlorite (NaClO2) and potassium hydroxide (KOH)) and a combination of chemical treatments and mechanical process (supermass colloider). The materials obtained after each treatment stage during the extraction process were characterised by different characterisation techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results from the aforementioned characterisation techniques confirmed that cellulose was successfully extracted from flax fibres and maize stalks. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were extracted by sulphuric acid hydrolysis accompanied with ultra-sonication from cellulose obtained from flax fibres and maize stalks. The extracted CNCs were rod-like material with diameters and lengths in nanoscale and microscale, respectively. On the other hand, cellulose nanofibres (CNFs) were extracted by mechanical process (supermass colloider). The extracted CNFs were web-like material with diameters and lengths in nanoscale and microscale, respectively. The dimensions of nanocelluloses were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Their dispersion was investigated by light polarised microscopy. The extracted nanocelluloses and cellulose were used to produce nanopapers and micropaper. Nanopapers mimic the traditional paper, the only difference of the nanopapers is that they are produced from high aspect ratio nanomaterials. Both nanopapers and micropapers were prepared by solvent evaporating method. Their thermal, optical and mechanical properties were investigated and compared. The mechanical and thermal properties of nanopapers produced from CNFs were better than those produced from CNCs and micropapers. On the other hand, nanopapers produced from CNCs were more transparent in comparison to nanopapers produced from CNFs and micropapers. Cellulosic fibres have attracted a considerable attention in composite materials due to their high tensile strength and tensile modulus. This study is focused on the development of biocomposites of polyfurfuryl alcohol (PFA) by in-situ polymerisation in the presence of acid catalyst (p-toluene sulphonic acid). Biocomposites were produced by reinforcing PFA with flax fibres (untreated and treated), nanoparticles and CNCs. The biocomposites reinforced with CNCs and flax fibres showed an improvement in mechanical, thermal and thermo-mechanical properties. On the other hand, biocomposites reinforced with nanoparticles obtained from treated maize stalks showed an improvement in mechanical and thermal properties while biocomposites reinforced with nanoparticles obtained from untreated maize stalks showed lower mechanical properties and decreased thermal stability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Biofuels and rural development: A case study of the Mapfura-Makhura Incubator and small-scale farmers in the Limpopo Province
- Authors: Mothupi, Frans Makwena
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1488 , vital:20062
- Description: The primary objective of the study is to examine the livelihood impact of biofuel production on small-scale rural farmers participating in the MMI project in the local districts in Limpopo province. The study is theoretically underpinned by the sustainable livelihoods framework which provides a nuanced analysis of the complex nature of poverty and livelihoods. The framework was used to examine how MMI as a structure with its own processes (incubator model) plays a role in creating a means for farmers to have more access to livelihood assets which would help them achieve improved livelihoods outcome. The findings of this study reflect what has already been articulated in literature about small-scale biofuel projects. This study shows that MMI’s incubator plays an important role for 73% of the farmers to access all of the livelihood assets and ultimately improving their farm income and food security. Furthermore, 90% of the participants admitted to have received support from MMI in a number of ways. This includes the provision of farming inputs, labour and access to markets in addition to training, mentoring and coaching. The study also found that despite the overwhelming support, both MMI and farmers face a number of challenges. Farmers still lack adequate farming inputs, transport, access to markets and vulnerability to natural disasters. MMI faces challenges in raising funds to provide inputs to all their incubatees and lack of adequate mechanization. Lack of transportation affects both farmers and MMI in that farmers find it difficult to access MMI service. In the same light, MMI has found it difficult to reach farmers for post-incubation, coaching and mentoring or delivering inputs; this can be challenging and a costly process. MMI’s biofuel production project has the capability for improving rural livelihoods through agriculture. The study concludes by recommending that MMI should improve its own capacity in order for them to better the lives of the farmers they assist. This study is significant for contributing to a field which has received less academic and research attention in South Africa. Its scholarly contribution will enhance the existing body of knowledge on biofuels and rural development in South Africa
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mothupi, Frans Makwena
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1488 , vital:20062
- Description: The primary objective of the study is to examine the livelihood impact of biofuel production on small-scale rural farmers participating in the MMI project in the local districts in Limpopo province. The study is theoretically underpinned by the sustainable livelihoods framework which provides a nuanced analysis of the complex nature of poverty and livelihoods. The framework was used to examine how MMI as a structure with its own processes (incubator model) plays a role in creating a means for farmers to have more access to livelihood assets which would help them achieve improved livelihoods outcome. The findings of this study reflect what has already been articulated in literature about small-scale biofuel projects. This study shows that MMI’s incubator plays an important role for 73% of the farmers to access all of the livelihood assets and ultimately improving their farm income and food security. Furthermore, 90% of the participants admitted to have received support from MMI in a number of ways. This includes the provision of farming inputs, labour and access to markets in addition to training, mentoring and coaching. The study also found that despite the overwhelming support, both MMI and farmers face a number of challenges. Farmers still lack adequate farming inputs, transport, access to markets and vulnerability to natural disasters. MMI faces challenges in raising funds to provide inputs to all their incubatees and lack of adequate mechanization. Lack of transportation affects both farmers and MMI in that farmers find it difficult to access MMI service. In the same light, MMI has found it difficult to reach farmers for post-incubation, coaching and mentoring or delivering inputs; this can be challenging and a costly process. MMI’s biofuel production project has the capability for improving rural livelihoods through agriculture. The study concludes by recommending that MMI should improve its own capacity in order for them to better the lives of the farmers they assist. This study is significant for contributing to a field which has received less academic and research attention in South Africa. Its scholarly contribution will enhance the existing body of knowledge on biofuels and rural development in South Africa
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Biological activities of selected South African medicinal plants traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections
- Mathobela, Kegomoditswe Prudence
- Authors: Mathobela, Kegomoditswe Prudence
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Urinary tract infections -- Treatment , Anti-infective agents -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8059 , vital:24715
- Description: Plants have been an important part of medicine and since the existence of human beings; they have been used to cure a variety of ailments such as diarrhoea, wounds and sexually transmitted diseases. Far from being out-dated, the use of traditional medicinal plants plays a significant role in drug discovery and remains a source of medicine still used by many South Africans. Diseases of the urinary tract can be treated using traditional medicinal plants. Although most cases of urinary tract infections (UTIs) are acute and uncomplicated, a few cases do become chronic and complicated. Resistance of pathogens causing UTIs to antibiotics normally used for treatment is one of the reasons for infections developing into the chronic and complicated state. In this study, medicinal plants indigenous to South Africa and traditionally used to treat UTIs were investigated in vitro for antimicrobial activities against UTI-causing pathogens. The plants investigated were Bulbine latifolia, Eucomis autumnalis, Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Trichilia dregeana. American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) microbial strains together with clinical strains were tested against distilled water, methanol and acetone extracts of the plants. The microbial strains included Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The agar well diffusion method was used to screen for antimicrobial activity; the microtiter dilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration; and thin layer chromatography fingerprints to separate the mixtures of the extracts and determine the number of active compounds. The study also investigated the scientific rationale for the traditional use of plant combinations to treat diseases. Three plant combinations (1:1) were investigated for potential interactive properties, which were identified through the sum of the fractional inhibitory concentration index (ΣFIC) calculations. The plant combinations studied were Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Bulbine latifolia; Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Eucomis autumnalis; and Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Trichilia dregeana. In the study, more activity was observed in the microtiter dilution method as compared to the agar well diffusion method. This was true in both the studies of the plants independently and the combination studies. The independent plants displayed noteworthy MIC values (≤ 2 mg/ml) against E. coli, Kleb. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. The plant combinations studied did not show any synergistic interactions (ΣFIC ≤ 0.5). Only non-interactive (ΣFIC >1.0 - ≤4.0) and additive (ΣFIC >0.5-1.0) interactions were observed. The study contributes to the on-going investigation of antimicrobial activities of medicinal plants and highlights the need for further investigations on the synergistic interactions of the medicinal plants used in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mathobela, Kegomoditswe Prudence
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Urinary tract infections -- Treatment , Anti-infective agents -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8059 , vital:24715
- Description: Plants have been an important part of medicine and since the existence of human beings; they have been used to cure a variety of ailments such as diarrhoea, wounds and sexually transmitted diseases. Far from being out-dated, the use of traditional medicinal plants plays a significant role in drug discovery and remains a source of medicine still used by many South Africans. Diseases of the urinary tract can be treated using traditional medicinal plants. Although most cases of urinary tract infections (UTIs) are acute and uncomplicated, a few cases do become chronic and complicated. Resistance of pathogens causing UTIs to antibiotics normally used for treatment is one of the reasons for infections developing into the chronic and complicated state. In this study, medicinal plants indigenous to South Africa and traditionally used to treat UTIs were investigated in vitro for antimicrobial activities against UTI-causing pathogens. The plants investigated were Bulbine latifolia, Eucomis autumnalis, Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Trichilia dregeana. American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) microbial strains together with clinical strains were tested against distilled water, methanol and acetone extracts of the plants. The microbial strains included Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The agar well diffusion method was used to screen for antimicrobial activity; the microtiter dilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration; and thin layer chromatography fingerprints to separate the mixtures of the extracts and determine the number of active compounds. The study also investigated the scientific rationale for the traditional use of plant combinations to treat diseases. Three plant combinations (1:1) were investigated for potential interactive properties, which were identified through the sum of the fractional inhibitory concentration index (ΣFIC) calculations. The plant combinations studied were Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Bulbine latifolia; Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Eucomis autumnalis; and Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Trichilia dregeana. In the study, more activity was observed in the microtiter dilution method as compared to the agar well diffusion method. This was true in both the studies of the plants independently and the combination studies. The independent plants displayed noteworthy MIC values (≤ 2 mg/ml) against E. coli, Kleb. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. The plant combinations studied did not show any synergistic interactions (ΣFIC ≤ 0.5). Only non-interactive (ΣFIC >1.0 - ≤4.0) and additive (ΣFIC >0.5-1.0) interactions were observed. The study contributes to the on-going investigation of antimicrobial activities of medicinal plants and highlights the need for further investigations on the synergistic interactions of the medicinal plants used in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Biology and ecology of Glossogobius callidus (Smith 1937) in irrigation impoundments in the Sundays River Valley of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mofu, Lubabalo
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1136 , vital:20023
- Description: The River Goby Glossogobius callidus (Smith, 1937) is a native abundant fish in both freshwater and estuarine habitats in the Cape Fold Ecoregion, yet little information is available on its life-history. This study aims to contribute to knowledge on the age and growth, reproductive biology and the diet and feeding habits of G. callidus in irrigation impoundments. Glossogobius callidus was sampled monthly from August 2013 till March 2015; from the irrigation ponds in the Sundays River Valley, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. To determine sex, gonads were visually assessed under a dissecting microscope to confirm the sex based on the shape of the urogenital papillae. Fish were then dissected to confirm sex and gonads were categorised into five macroscopic stages which were histologically validated. Microscopic stages of gonadal development were discerned based on nuclear and cytoplasmic characteristics of the oocyte or sperm. Ovaries and sperms were assigned stages based on the most advanced type of oocyte present. In total 2054 fishes ranging in length from 21.1 mm to 137.2 mm TL were sampled. The sex ratio (1.1 males: 1 females) did not differ from unity (x2 = 0.027, df = 1, p = 0.87). Length at 50% maturity (Lm) was 70 mm TL females and 72 mm TL for males. Spawning season was mid-spring and mid-summer and mean ± S.D absolute fecundity was estimated at 1028.2 ± 131.7 ova/fish. Relative fecundity (number of vitellogenic oocytes per gram of eviscerated fish mass) were estimated at 50 ± 18 ova/fish gram. Otoliths from 560 fish were used for ageing. Growth zone deposition rate was validated using edge analysis. As a unimodal periodic regression model best described the temporal proportion of opaque zone deposition on the edge of otoliths over a one-year period, growth zone deposition rate was validated as annual. The oldest female fish was a 4-year old 84.4 mm TL fish and the oldest male was a 7-year old 100.5 mm TL fish. The length-at-age for the entire population of 560 G. callidus provided von Bertalanffy parameters of Lt = 92 (1 - e -0.58(t + 0.4)) mm TL for the entire population, Lt = 70 (1 - e -1.8 (t + 0.06)) mm TL for males and Lt = 65 (1 - e -1.8 (t + 0.05)) mm TL for females. Converting length at maturity to age at maturity demonstrated that G. callidus attained maturity at an age of 2-years. Growth performance described using the phi-prime index showed that G. callidus had lower growth performance compared to the invasive Neogobius melanostomus. Using age structure, natural mortality was estimated at 1.31 yr-1 using catch curve analysis. Diet of G. callidus comprised of ten taxonomic groups. Among these, aquatic invertebrates were the most diverse group but while relative contribution of the dietary components varied across all size classes and seasons, the key prey items were consistently found in all size classes. These were Diptera, Hemiptera, Trichoptera, Odonata, Cladocera, Copepoda, Hydracarina, Amphipoda, Crustacea, and Mollusca. While dietary differences were observed between the size classes and throughout the seasons, G. callidus can be regarded as a generalist feeder preying on an array of different species. Given its abundance and diet, I suggest that G. callidus contribute considerably to the invertebrate predation pressure in these artificial aquatic environments in an arid region. In summary, medium fecundity, fast growth, moderate maturity, and a generalist feeding behaviour demonstrate that G. callidus is an equilibrium life strategist. In comparison with other species, the life-history traits of G. callidus from irrigation impoundments resemble those of other freshwater goby species, some of which are global invaders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mofu, Lubabalo
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1136 , vital:20023
- Description: The River Goby Glossogobius callidus (Smith, 1937) is a native abundant fish in both freshwater and estuarine habitats in the Cape Fold Ecoregion, yet little information is available on its life-history. This study aims to contribute to knowledge on the age and growth, reproductive biology and the diet and feeding habits of G. callidus in irrigation impoundments. Glossogobius callidus was sampled monthly from August 2013 till March 2015; from the irrigation ponds in the Sundays River Valley, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. To determine sex, gonads were visually assessed under a dissecting microscope to confirm the sex based on the shape of the urogenital papillae. Fish were then dissected to confirm sex and gonads were categorised into five macroscopic stages which were histologically validated. Microscopic stages of gonadal development were discerned based on nuclear and cytoplasmic characteristics of the oocyte or sperm. Ovaries and sperms were assigned stages based on the most advanced type of oocyte present. In total 2054 fishes ranging in length from 21.1 mm to 137.2 mm TL were sampled. The sex ratio (1.1 males: 1 females) did not differ from unity (x2 = 0.027, df = 1, p = 0.87). Length at 50% maturity (Lm) was 70 mm TL females and 72 mm TL for males. Spawning season was mid-spring and mid-summer and mean ± S.D absolute fecundity was estimated at 1028.2 ± 131.7 ova/fish. Relative fecundity (number of vitellogenic oocytes per gram of eviscerated fish mass) were estimated at 50 ± 18 ova/fish gram. Otoliths from 560 fish were used for ageing. Growth zone deposition rate was validated using edge analysis. As a unimodal periodic regression model best described the temporal proportion of opaque zone deposition on the edge of otoliths over a one-year period, growth zone deposition rate was validated as annual. The oldest female fish was a 4-year old 84.4 mm TL fish and the oldest male was a 7-year old 100.5 mm TL fish. The length-at-age for the entire population of 560 G. callidus provided von Bertalanffy parameters of Lt = 92 (1 - e -0.58(t + 0.4)) mm TL for the entire population, Lt = 70 (1 - e -1.8 (t + 0.06)) mm TL for males and Lt = 65 (1 - e -1.8 (t + 0.05)) mm TL for females. Converting length at maturity to age at maturity demonstrated that G. callidus attained maturity at an age of 2-years. Growth performance described using the phi-prime index showed that G. callidus had lower growth performance compared to the invasive Neogobius melanostomus. Using age structure, natural mortality was estimated at 1.31 yr-1 using catch curve analysis. Diet of G. callidus comprised of ten taxonomic groups. Among these, aquatic invertebrates were the most diverse group but while relative contribution of the dietary components varied across all size classes and seasons, the key prey items were consistently found in all size classes. These were Diptera, Hemiptera, Trichoptera, Odonata, Cladocera, Copepoda, Hydracarina, Amphipoda, Crustacea, and Mollusca. While dietary differences were observed between the size classes and throughout the seasons, G. callidus can be regarded as a generalist feeder preying on an array of different species. Given its abundance and diet, I suggest that G. callidus contribute considerably to the invertebrate predation pressure in these artificial aquatic environments in an arid region. In summary, medium fecundity, fast growth, moderate maturity, and a generalist feeding behaviour demonstrate that G. callidus is an equilibrium life strategist. In comparison with other species, the life-history traits of G. callidus from irrigation impoundments resemble those of other freshwater goby species, some of which are global invaders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
bones & flesh
- Authors: Hammerton, Kerry
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:6009 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021221
- Description: My collection encompasses personal relationships, intimacy, and the erotic, as well as more narrative poems grounded in landscapes, including urban and internal landscapes. Some were written in conversation with other poems or pieces of prose such as the stories of Noy Holland. I use free verse forms influenced by various prose poems as well as by the musical/tonal forms of poets such as Lorca. Other styles and influences include the darkness and directness of Spanish poetry particularly Rafael Alberti (esp. his book Concerning the Angels); and the confident and reflective style of Romanian poet Nina Cassian.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Hammerton, Kerry
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:6009 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021221
- Description: My collection encompasses personal relationships, intimacy, and the erotic, as well as more narrative poems grounded in landscapes, including urban and internal landscapes. Some were written in conversation with other poems or pieces of prose such as the stories of Noy Holland. I use free verse forms influenced by various prose poems as well as by the musical/tonal forms of poets such as Lorca. Other styles and influences include the darkness and directness of Spanish poetry particularly Rafael Alberti (esp. his book Concerning the Angels); and the confident and reflective style of Romanian poet Nina Cassian.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Borderline hospitality: homestays as a commercial hospitality development project in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape
- Von Lengeling, Volkher Heinrich Christoph
- Authors: Von Lengeling, Volkher Heinrich Christoph
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/706 , vital:19983
- Description: This study started as an anthropological investigation of commercial hospitality from the point of view of the hands-on host. The chosen case study for this investigation was the Kwam eMakana Government Initiated Poverty Alleviation Project which offered homestays in the townships of Grahamstown East since 2004. Homestays are the most intimate form of commercial hospitality, one step removed from non-commercial or social hospitality. Even at the homestay level there is a conceptual conflict between poverty and (Westernized) commercial hospitality, however, Kwam homes are more middle class than poor. Later the investigation revealed the deeper-seated form of poverty of the Kwam participants being (almost) illiterate. Kwam was a development project like many others, in which huge amounts of money were spent in the name of the project but very little of the benefits reached the intended beneficiaries. Thus, as fieldwork ensued, the emphasis of research migrated from an empirical study of homestay hospitality, to actively assist with the struggle of the Kwam hostesses to maintain the project and gain autonomy for themselves. This study was from the outset reflexive, as the host’s point of view could technically only be presented by auto-ethnography. Then the investigation shifted to a form of engaged anthropology far exceeding advocacy as it is usually understood. The presentation of this can be called radical reflexivity, while it is simultaneously an ethnographical account in the sense of anthropology ‘at home’. It also implied, besides ethical concerns, revisiting literary sensibilities, such as the use of a third person narrative for the reflexive account. To conceptualize the development process of both Kwam and the research interventions Bourdieu’s ‘totality of capital’ (in which the strands of economic, symbolic, cultural and social capitals intertwine) proved most useful. By assessing the various capitals the development of the project and the power struggles central to it can be understood. This study confirms that long-term anthropological investigation is best suited to the study of development projects, if not necessary for real development to be effected. Reflexivity and ethnography are complementary methods to reveal truths which under certain research circumstances may have been very difficult or even impossible to research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Von Lengeling, Volkher Heinrich Christoph
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/706 , vital:19983
- Description: This study started as an anthropological investigation of commercial hospitality from the point of view of the hands-on host. The chosen case study for this investigation was the Kwam eMakana Government Initiated Poverty Alleviation Project which offered homestays in the townships of Grahamstown East since 2004. Homestays are the most intimate form of commercial hospitality, one step removed from non-commercial or social hospitality. Even at the homestay level there is a conceptual conflict between poverty and (Westernized) commercial hospitality, however, Kwam homes are more middle class than poor. Later the investigation revealed the deeper-seated form of poverty of the Kwam participants being (almost) illiterate. Kwam was a development project like many others, in which huge amounts of money were spent in the name of the project but very little of the benefits reached the intended beneficiaries. Thus, as fieldwork ensued, the emphasis of research migrated from an empirical study of homestay hospitality, to actively assist with the struggle of the Kwam hostesses to maintain the project and gain autonomy for themselves. This study was from the outset reflexive, as the host’s point of view could technically only be presented by auto-ethnography. Then the investigation shifted to a form of engaged anthropology far exceeding advocacy as it is usually understood. The presentation of this can be called radical reflexivity, while it is simultaneously an ethnographical account in the sense of anthropology ‘at home’. It also implied, besides ethical concerns, revisiting literary sensibilities, such as the use of a third person narrative for the reflexive account. To conceptualize the development process of both Kwam and the research interventions Bourdieu’s ‘totality of capital’ (in which the strands of economic, symbolic, cultural and social capitals intertwine) proved most useful. By assessing the various capitals the development of the project and the power struggles central to it can be understood. This study confirms that long-term anthropological investigation is best suited to the study of development projects, if not necessary for real development to be effected. Reflexivity and ethnography are complementary methods to reveal truths which under certain research circumstances may have been very difficult or even impossible to research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Brain-based learning and music education
- Authors: Viljoen, Jacobus Frederick
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Music -- Instruction and study , Cognitive learning , Music teachers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7359 , vital:21336
- Description: In the theoretical framework he highlights further implications of the Brain-based theory, which are (1) the importance of early development in children, (2) the importance of attention in class, (3) the inclusion of physical education in the learning process and (4) the value of an enriched learning environment. Furthermore, the researcher explores the types of stress found in the ordinary classroom as well as specific types of stress habitual to the music classroom, while also presenting possible solutions to these types of stress using the Brain-based learning theory. In chapter four, the researcher draws on the theoretical framework presented in the study to devise a Brain-based model for the music class. The study concludes with a summary of the literature and a brief concluding statement to music educators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Viljoen, Jacobus Frederick
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Music -- Instruction and study , Cognitive learning , Music teachers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7359 , vital:21336
- Description: In the theoretical framework he highlights further implications of the Brain-based theory, which are (1) the importance of early development in children, (2) the importance of attention in class, (3) the inclusion of physical education in the learning process and (4) the value of an enriched learning environment. Furthermore, the researcher explores the types of stress found in the ordinary classroom as well as specific types of stress habitual to the music classroom, while also presenting possible solutions to these types of stress using the Brain-based learning theory. In chapter four, the researcher draws on the theoretical framework presented in the study to devise a Brain-based model for the music class. The study concludes with a summary of the literature and a brief concluding statement to music educators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Build-Operate and Transfer (BOT) as a method of private provisioning of public infrastructure
- Authors: Madungandaba, Ruth Tshweu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) , Build-operate-transfer (Public contracts) , Public goods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8425 , vital:26355
- Description: BOT scheme method of public infrastructure provisioning by the private sector is one of the most popular PPP methods which in most cases is applied as an automatic choice without performing feasibility studies. It helps the governments to provide infrastructure and services with minimal impact on the governmental budget while allowing it to leverage the latest technology and efficient managerial skill that resides with the private sector. The study that was conducted revealed that BOT scheme has a potential of being the best modality of if applied properly. This modality has a potential of creating a breeding group for corruption at the same time. It also revealed that the application of due processes will not necessarily deter corruption, lack of and exclusion of important stakeholders such as the citizens. The findings of the study revealed that the ruling party in the government can abuse its power in pursuit of its own mission which will not necessarily be in the interest of the public or the other political parties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Madungandaba, Ruth Tshweu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) , Build-operate-transfer (Public contracts) , Public goods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8425 , vital:26355
- Description: BOT scheme method of public infrastructure provisioning by the private sector is one of the most popular PPP methods which in most cases is applied as an automatic choice without performing feasibility studies. It helps the governments to provide infrastructure and services with minimal impact on the governmental budget while allowing it to leverage the latest technology and efficient managerial skill that resides with the private sector. The study that was conducted revealed that BOT scheme has a potential of being the best modality of if applied properly. This modality has a potential of creating a breeding group for corruption at the same time. It also revealed that the application of due processes will not necessarily deter corruption, lack of and exclusion of important stakeholders such as the citizens. The findings of the study revealed that the ruling party in the government can abuse its power in pursuit of its own mission which will not necessarily be in the interest of the public or the other political parties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Building capacity for green, just and sustainable futures – a new knowledge field requiring transformative research methodology
- Rosenberg, Eureta, Ramsarup, Presha, Gumede, Sibusisiwe, Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Authors: Rosenberg, Eureta , Ramsarup, Presha , Gumede, Sibusisiwe , Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa , Renewable energy sources , Climatic changes , Clean energy
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59613 , vital:27631 , http://joe.ukzn.ac.za/Libraries/No_65_2016/JoE_complete.sflb.ashx
- Description: Education has contributed to a society-wide awareness of environmental issues, and we are increasingly confronted with the need for new ways to generate energy, save water and reduce pollution. Thus new forms of work are emerging and government, employers and educators need to know what ‘green’ skills South Africa needs and has. This creates a new demand for ‘green skills’ research. We propose that this new knowledge field – like some other educational fields – requires a transformative approach to research methodology. In conducting reviews of existing research, we found that a transformative approach requires a reframing of key concepts commonly used in researching work and learning; multi-layered, mixed method studies; researching within and across diverse knowledge fields including non-traditional fields; and both newly configured national platforms and new conceptual frameworks to help us integrate coherently across these. Critical realism is presented as a helpful underpinning for such conceptual frameworks, and implications for how universities prepare educational researchers are flagged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Rosenberg, Eureta , Ramsarup, Presha , Gumede, Sibusisiwe , Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa , Renewable energy sources , Climatic changes , Clean energy
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59613 , vital:27631 , http://joe.ukzn.ac.za/Libraries/No_65_2016/JoE_complete.sflb.ashx
- Description: Education has contributed to a society-wide awareness of environmental issues, and we are increasingly confronted with the need for new ways to generate energy, save water and reduce pollution. Thus new forms of work are emerging and government, employers and educators need to know what ‘green’ skills South Africa needs and has. This creates a new demand for ‘green skills’ research. We propose that this new knowledge field – like some other educational fields – requires a transformative approach to research methodology. In conducting reviews of existing research, we found that a transformative approach requires a reframing of key concepts commonly used in researching work and learning; multi-layered, mixed method studies; researching within and across diverse knowledge fields including non-traditional fields; and both newly configured national platforms and new conceptual frameworks to help us integrate coherently across these. Critical realism is presented as a helpful underpinning for such conceptual frameworks, and implications for how universities prepare educational researchers are flagged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Building communities through re-blocking in the city of Cape Town
- Authors: Connacher, Jayde
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Squatter settlements -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Housing -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3499 , vital:20436
- Description: This study uses the re-blocking policy adopted by the City of Cape Town to explore an alternative approach to the housing backlog crisis in South Africa. The two re-blocking projects examined in Mshini Wam and Kuku Town illustrate the benefits of re-blocking and the challenges that were overcome in both of these informal settlements. This study is descriptive in nature and explores the challenges that informal settlements present not only for their inhabitants, but also the impact these challenges have on the city itself. The re-blocking policy is explored as a potential approach to addressing these issues and how the in situ upgrading approach to informal settlements is an improved and sustainable approach for South Africa. Key findings suggest that the Re-blocking Policy can potentially address the challenges that informal settlements present and it could serve as a sustainable housing model for improving service delivery to informal settlements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Connacher, Jayde
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Squatter settlements -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Housing -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3499 , vital:20436
- Description: This study uses the re-blocking policy adopted by the City of Cape Town to explore an alternative approach to the housing backlog crisis in South Africa. The two re-blocking projects examined in Mshini Wam and Kuku Town illustrate the benefits of re-blocking and the challenges that were overcome in both of these informal settlements. This study is descriptive in nature and explores the challenges that informal settlements present not only for their inhabitants, but also the impact these challenges have on the city itself. The re-blocking policy is explored as a potential approach to addressing these issues and how the in situ upgrading approach to informal settlements is an improved and sustainable approach for South Africa. Key findings suggest that the Re-blocking Policy can potentially address the challenges that informal settlements present and it could serve as a sustainable housing model for improving service delivery to informal settlements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Business ethics in Ugandan small and medium-sized enterprises
- Authors: Mayanja, Jamiah
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business ethics -- Uganda , Small business -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8521 , vital:26400
- Description: SMEs have been acknowledged by governments globally as a prime source of economic growth and development. In Africa there has been a noticeable increase in the number of SME establishments. In Uganda, SMEs are the most popular business choice and play a major role in the national economy. Although SMEs significant economic contributions are generally acknowledged, being ethical and successful has become a challenge, as many SMEs in Uganda have not fully adopted and integrated ethics into their business strategies. Understanding the reasons for the increased unethical behaviour in SMEs is central to their continued business success. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the factors that influence ethical business conduct in Ugandan SMEs. From a comprehensive literature review, three main independent variables (staff-, business- and external environment factors) were identified as variables influencing ethical business conduct (dependent variable) of SMEs. A hypothetical model was developed to determine whether the independent variables have an influence on the dependent variable. Twelve hypotheses were formulated to test the relationships between three staff factors, five business factors, four external environment factors and ethical business conduct. The study sought the perceptions of SME owners or managers in the Kampala District and utilised the quantitative research paradigm. A survey was conducted with the aid of a structured self-administered questionnaire distributed by three fieldworkers. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling was utilised. The final sample comprised 384 respondents. The validity of the measuring instrument was ascertained by using exploratory factor analysis. The Cronbach‟s alpha values for reliability were calculated for each of the factors identified during the exploratory factor analysis. A total of ten valid and reliable factors were retained. Pearson product-moment correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to test the correlation and statistical significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent and dependent variables. One statistically significant relationship was found between the staff factors (employee attitude) and ethical business conduct. Two statistically significant relationships were found between the business factors (knowledge acquisition and management practices) and ethical business conduct. Three statistically significant relationships were found between the external environment factors (legal requirements, industry norm and media power) and ethical business conduct. External environmental factors seem to have a greater influence on SME ethical business conduct in Uganda. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was used to identify if significant relationships exist between the eight demographic variables and seven reliable and valid independent variables. Furthermore, post-hoc Scheffé tests identified where the significant differences occurred between the different categories. Cohen‟s d-values were calculated in order to assess the practical significance of the mean scores. A total of twelve practical significant relationships were identified. SME owners or managers should consider employing staff with the right attitude to uphold sound ethical business values. They should implement ethical management practices to promote ethical business conduct amongst employees and ensure that employees are made aware of what is regarded as acceptable ethical business behaviour. SME owners or managers should adhere to legal requirements and industry norms to be known as businesses exhibiting ethical behaviour and utilise media to instil and guide ethical values in employees. Lastly, they must pay attention to the role that demographical variables such as: gender, level of education, current employment status, number of years in business and number of employees, play in behaving ethically in business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mayanja, Jamiah
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business ethics -- Uganda , Small business -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8521 , vital:26400
- Description: SMEs have been acknowledged by governments globally as a prime source of economic growth and development. In Africa there has been a noticeable increase in the number of SME establishments. In Uganda, SMEs are the most popular business choice and play a major role in the national economy. Although SMEs significant economic contributions are generally acknowledged, being ethical and successful has become a challenge, as many SMEs in Uganda have not fully adopted and integrated ethics into their business strategies. Understanding the reasons for the increased unethical behaviour in SMEs is central to their continued business success. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the factors that influence ethical business conduct in Ugandan SMEs. From a comprehensive literature review, three main independent variables (staff-, business- and external environment factors) were identified as variables influencing ethical business conduct (dependent variable) of SMEs. A hypothetical model was developed to determine whether the independent variables have an influence on the dependent variable. Twelve hypotheses were formulated to test the relationships between three staff factors, five business factors, four external environment factors and ethical business conduct. The study sought the perceptions of SME owners or managers in the Kampala District and utilised the quantitative research paradigm. A survey was conducted with the aid of a structured self-administered questionnaire distributed by three fieldworkers. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling was utilised. The final sample comprised 384 respondents. The validity of the measuring instrument was ascertained by using exploratory factor analysis. The Cronbach‟s alpha values for reliability were calculated for each of the factors identified during the exploratory factor analysis. A total of ten valid and reliable factors were retained. Pearson product-moment correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to test the correlation and statistical significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent and dependent variables. One statistically significant relationship was found between the staff factors (employee attitude) and ethical business conduct. Two statistically significant relationships were found between the business factors (knowledge acquisition and management practices) and ethical business conduct. Three statistically significant relationships were found between the external environment factors (legal requirements, industry norm and media power) and ethical business conduct. External environmental factors seem to have a greater influence on SME ethical business conduct in Uganda. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was used to identify if significant relationships exist between the eight demographic variables and seven reliable and valid independent variables. Furthermore, post-hoc Scheffé tests identified where the significant differences occurred between the different categories. Cohen‟s d-values were calculated in order to assess the practical significance of the mean scores. A total of twelve practical significant relationships were identified. SME owners or managers should consider employing staff with the right attitude to uphold sound ethical business values. They should implement ethical management practices to promote ethical business conduct amongst employees and ensure that employees are made aware of what is regarded as acceptable ethical business behaviour. SME owners or managers should adhere to legal requirements and industry norms to be known as businesses exhibiting ethical behaviour and utilise media to instil and guide ethical values in employees. Lastly, they must pay attention to the role that demographical variables such as: gender, level of education, current employment status, number of years in business and number of employees, play in behaving ethically in business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Business problems facing potential emerging contractors in CIDB grades 5 to 7
- Pretorius, Albertus Johannes Hendrik
- Authors: Pretorius, Albertus Johannes Hendrik
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Building trades , Project management , Construction industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3459 , vital:20432
- Description: Considering the vital part which the construction industry plays in the economy of South Africa, as well as the objectives of the reconstruction and development thereof, the failure of contractors, despite all the interventions to identify and eradicate the root of the problem, is a matter of great concern. In November 2000, the Construction Industry Development Board Act (2000) was promulgated which led to the inception of the cidb with a mandate to implement an integrated strategy for the reconstruction, growth and development of the construction industry. The matter of contractor development has been widely studied and investigated since the inception of the cidb in 2000. However, the purpose of this study was to focus on the business problems faced by Grade 5 to 7 CE / GB Potential Emerging Contractors, with regard to construction organisations that make the move from small to medium businesses. The intention was to contribute to the successful transition from small to medium businesses by means of structured initiatives. In order to achieve this, a new business strategy must be adopted. It was therefore necessary to extensively consider the surface and core competencies required for making the transition. Liquidity problems that the transition entails were explored, as well as contractor misconceptions with regard to contractor development. In the course of the study, unethical practices and entitlement issues experienced in the built environment and the effect of this on contractor success were explored. The study aimed to recommend a structured framework for co-ordination between assistance, mentorship, contractor needs, client departments, cidb NCDP best practice guidelines and the most important of all, self-empowerment. This study further endeavoured to find possible solutions regarding the assistance requirements, as well as self-empowering objectives for emerging contractors taking the challenging step from small to medium business and by implication, becoming sustainable contractor enterprises in Grades 6 to 8. Political imperatives need to be weighed against the high unemployment rate. The Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) indicates that there are not enough sustainable contracting opportunities to allocate to Contractor Development Programmes (CDPs). This is aggravated by the tendency that too many hopeful aspirant entrepreneurs, lacking construction surface and core competencies, are seeing the built environment as an easy industry to enter. Just less than 50% of cidb registered contractors exited the register of active contractors during the last ten years ending 2nd quarter 2015. 45% exited during the last five years. This indicates that there is a serious sustainability problem in the built environment. Considering the GFCF contractor opportunities there are too many cidb registered contractors. However, enterprise failure is not only an Emerging Contractor (EC) problem, but occurs across the board. A dangerous notion that the large national construction firms should no longer qualify for public contracts can have disastrous implications for an already embattled industry. Large national firms are the trend setters in the built environment, which coach the much needed construction surface and core competencies. If upgrading is the measure of success the current CDP statistics do not confirm that the strategic objectives of the National Contractor Development Programme (NCDP) are being achieved. All contractors, including black owned contractors, are faring substantially better than their EC counterparts participating in CDPs. Upgrading should carry less weight and sustainability and high performance should become the focus. A serious lack of construction surface and core competencies was identified. If contractor development is the objective the structure of the cidb grading system should be reviewed. It is recommended that the broad CDP hierarchical structure should streamlined and partly privatised to focus on the core strategic objective of contractor development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Pretorius, Albertus Johannes Hendrik
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Building trades , Project management , Construction industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3459 , vital:20432
- Description: Considering the vital part which the construction industry plays in the economy of South Africa, as well as the objectives of the reconstruction and development thereof, the failure of contractors, despite all the interventions to identify and eradicate the root of the problem, is a matter of great concern. In November 2000, the Construction Industry Development Board Act (2000) was promulgated which led to the inception of the cidb with a mandate to implement an integrated strategy for the reconstruction, growth and development of the construction industry. The matter of contractor development has been widely studied and investigated since the inception of the cidb in 2000. However, the purpose of this study was to focus on the business problems faced by Grade 5 to 7 CE / GB Potential Emerging Contractors, with regard to construction organisations that make the move from small to medium businesses. The intention was to contribute to the successful transition from small to medium businesses by means of structured initiatives. In order to achieve this, a new business strategy must be adopted. It was therefore necessary to extensively consider the surface and core competencies required for making the transition. Liquidity problems that the transition entails were explored, as well as contractor misconceptions with regard to contractor development. In the course of the study, unethical practices and entitlement issues experienced in the built environment and the effect of this on contractor success were explored. The study aimed to recommend a structured framework for co-ordination between assistance, mentorship, contractor needs, client departments, cidb NCDP best practice guidelines and the most important of all, self-empowerment. This study further endeavoured to find possible solutions regarding the assistance requirements, as well as self-empowering objectives for emerging contractors taking the challenging step from small to medium business and by implication, becoming sustainable contractor enterprises in Grades 6 to 8. Political imperatives need to be weighed against the high unemployment rate. The Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) indicates that there are not enough sustainable contracting opportunities to allocate to Contractor Development Programmes (CDPs). This is aggravated by the tendency that too many hopeful aspirant entrepreneurs, lacking construction surface and core competencies, are seeing the built environment as an easy industry to enter. Just less than 50% of cidb registered contractors exited the register of active contractors during the last ten years ending 2nd quarter 2015. 45% exited during the last five years. This indicates that there is a serious sustainability problem in the built environment. Considering the GFCF contractor opportunities there are too many cidb registered contractors. However, enterprise failure is not only an Emerging Contractor (EC) problem, but occurs across the board. A dangerous notion that the large national construction firms should no longer qualify for public contracts can have disastrous implications for an already embattled industry. Large national firms are the trend setters in the built environment, which coach the much needed construction surface and core competencies. If upgrading is the measure of success the current CDP statistics do not confirm that the strategic objectives of the National Contractor Development Programme (NCDP) are being achieved. All contractors, including black owned contractors, are faring substantially better than their EC counterparts participating in CDPs. Upgrading should carry less weight and sustainability and high performance should become the focus. A serious lack of construction surface and core competencies was identified. If contractor development is the objective the structure of the cidb grading system should be reviewed. It is recommended that the broad CDP hierarchical structure should streamlined and partly privatised to focus on the core strategic objective of contractor development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Case Studies for UNECCC, UNESCO and CEE The COPART Climate Train
- Authors: McGarry, Dylan K
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/391120 , vital:68622 , xlink:href="https://eeasa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/EEASA-Bullitin-2016_18-July-issue-42.pdf"
- Description: To create a listening and educational platform that used various disciplines to understand the impact of Climate Change across South Africa. The objective was to create a multigenre educational space for citizens of South Africa as a means to participate in Climate discussions as an alternative to the COP17 negotiations held in South Africa at the time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: McGarry, Dylan K
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/391120 , vital:68622 , xlink:href="https://eeasa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/EEASA-Bullitin-2016_18-July-issue-42.pdf"
- Description: To create a listening and educational platform that used various disciplines to understand the impact of Climate Change across South Africa. The objective was to create a multigenre educational space for citizens of South Africa as a means to participate in Climate discussions as an alternative to the COP17 negotiations held in South Africa at the time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Catering for children with special education needs in the provision of early childhood development programme in Zimbabwe : towards a holistic and inclusive framework
- Authors: Chinhara, Henry
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Children with disabilities -- Education -- Zimbabwe Special education -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3055 , vital:28244
- Description: The study investigated how primary schools in Chiredzi District in Zimbabwe, cater for ECD “A” and “B” children with special education needs. A mixed method design located in the pragmatism paradigm was used to carry out the study. Post-positivist is an interactive process which produced in-depth, detailed, rich data from personal perspectives and experiences that resulted in realistic understanding of phenomenon, interpreted through the social and cultural context of respondents’ lives. By adopting quantitative and qualitative approaches, the researcher was able to ensure a high level of reliability in the collected data, at the same time obtaining comprehensive information on how primary schools attaching preschool classes in Chiredzi district cater for ECD “A” and “B” children with special education needs. Purposive sampling and cluster sampling procedures were used to solicit information from ECD teachers, school heads, parents, the District Education Team, NGOs and critical government ministries through semi-structured questionnaires, face-t-face interviews, focus group discussions, observations and document analysis. The study established that, while the government carries out its mandate of providing social services to learners with special education needs, they are incapacitated due to lack of resources. The majority of schools are not providing adequate health facilities for learners with special education needs. Furthermore, most schools are not providing nutritional supplementation to vulnerable learners, situations which deprive the learners with the much needed opportunity to grow and develop to the anticipated potential. In addition, the study noted that, ECD “A” and “B” children with special education needs enrolled in classes attached to primary schools do not access Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) or Cash Transfers to alleviate the children that are in need. It came out that such a situation impacts on learners’ attendance and subsequently their learning outcomes. Regardless of the stipulations by international treaties on the nature of inclusive education, the study established that, the education system has not yet modified curriculum to accommodate learners with diversified forms of special education needs. The situation is made worse by the fact that, heads of schools, and teachers are not adequately trained to handle learners with special education needs in early childhood development programmes. In addition, schools face the challenge of scarcity of learning resources that support ECD learners with special education needs which seriously impact on the growth and development of young learners at this critical stage of their development. Regardless of the essence of continuous professional development programs, in schools whose purpose is to redress the professional gap in schools, the study found that the CPD are doing very little to transform the mind-set of teachers. The study concluded that learners with special education needs are not benefiting from the current inclusive education programme. The study recommends that following; Stakeholders work together to promote the health and nutritional needs including other social services of ECD learners in classes attached to primary schools. There be a national teacher in-service programme for those teachers deployed in schools, to equip them with the desired skills, and knowledge to handle learners with special education needs, especially at this critical stage of their development. Teachers’ Colleges redesign their curriculum to address inclusive education in schools. Teachers’ Colleges need to empower new graduates with skills and knowledge to handle children with special education needs in schools. Policy makers to advocate for redesigning the curriculum to include children with special education needs to ensure availability of resources in inclusive schools to alleviate the challenges faced by these children. Those policy makers should advocate for a way to ensure that all children with special education be enrolled in mainstream schools. Thus, the study proposed an alternative, holistic, and inclusive education model for schools attaching ECD “A” and “B”
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Chinhara, Henry
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Children with disabilities -- Education -- Zimbabwe Special education -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3055 , vital:28244
- Description: The study investigated how primary schools in Chiredzi District in Zimbabwe, cater for ECD “A” and “B” children with special education needs. A mixed method design located in the pragmatism paradigm was used to carry out the study. Post-positivist is an interactive process which produced in-depth, detailed, rich data from personal perspectives and experiences that resulted in realistic understanding of phenomenon, interpreted through the social and cultural context of respondents’ lives. By adopting quantitative and qualitative approaches, the researcher was able to ensure a high level of reliability in the collected data, at the same time obtaining comprehensive information on how primary schools attaching preschool classes in Chiredzi district cater for ECD “A” and “B” children with special education needs. Purposive sampling and cluster sampling procedures were used to solicit information from ECD teachers, school heads, parents, the District Education Team, NGOs and critical government ministries through semi-structured questionnaires, face-t-face interviews, focus group discussions, observations and document analysis. The study established that, while the government carries out its mandate of providing social services to learners with special education needs, they are incapacitated due to lack of resources. The majority of schools are not providing adequate health facilities for learners with special education needs. Furthermore, most schools are not providing nutritional supplementation to vulnerable learners, situations which deprive the learners with the much needed opportunity to grow and develop to the anticipated potential. In addition, the study noted that, ECD “A” and “B” children with special education needs enrolled in classes attached to primary schools do not access Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) or Cash Transfers to alleviate the children that are in need. It came out that such a situation impacts on learners’ attendance and subsequently their learning outcomes. Regardless of the stipulations by international treaties on the nature of inclusive education, the study established that, the education system has not yet modified curriculum to accommodate learners with diversified forms of special education needs. The situation is made worse by the fact that, heads of schools, and teachers are not adequately trained to handle learners with special education needs in early childhood development programmes. In addition, schools face the challenge of scarcity of learning resources that support ECD learners with special education needs which seriously impact on the growth and development of young learners at this critical stage of their development. Regardless of the essence of continuous professional development programs, in schools whose purpose is to redress the professional gap in schools, the study found that the CPD are doing very little to transform the mind-set of teachers. The study concluded that learners with special education needs are not benefiting from the current inclusive education programme. The study recommends that following; Stakeholders work together to promote the health and nutritional needs including other social services of ECD learners in classes attached to primary schools. There be a national teacher in-service programme for those teachers deployed in schools, to equip them with the desired skills, and knowledge to handle learners with special education needs, especially at this critical stage of their development. Teachers’ Colleges redesign their curriculum to address inclusive education in schools. Teachers’ Colleges need to empower new graduates with skills and knowledge to handle children with special education needs in schools. Policy makers to advocate for redesigning the curriculum to include children with special education needs to ensure availability of resources in inclusive schools to alleviate the challenges faced by these children. Those policy makers should advocate for a way to ensure that all children with special education be enrolled in mainstream schools. Thus, the study proposed an alternative, holistic, and inclusive education model for schools attaching ECD “A” and “B”
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Causes of staff turnover in selected departments: province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Khelekethe, Eric Phathisile
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee retention -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8836 , vital:26434
- Description: This research focused on the impact of staff turnover in selected departments of the Province of the Eastern Cape Province. High staff turnover rate may jeopardise efforts to attain organisational objectives. In addition, `when an organisation loses a critical employee, there is a negative impact, on innovation; consistency in providing service to guests may be jeopardised, and major delays in the delivery of services to customers may occur. The research design used in this study contained elements of both the quantitative and qualitative approaches, which allowed the researcher to use structured questionnaires in data collection, on which space was provided for comments. This study was influenced and shaped by the concerns raised by a number of General Managers in the course of various provincial meetings. The main purpose of this research was to identify retention strategies that could be used by selected departments to reduce the turnover of their talented staff. The research also investigated methods to retain knowledge within departments that could possibly be lost due to a high turnover rate among talented staff. The first step used to resolve the issues discussed above was to conduct a full literature study. The literature study sought to reveal what characteristics were required in the departments that ensured that staff would be happy in those departments and remain there for a long time. The literature study also covered what knowledge management methods could be used in managing valuable knowledge. Secondly, the views of current staff and management of the selected departments on staff and knowledge management strategies were solicited in an empirical study, which involved the completion of structured questionnaires. It is the researcher’s aim that this study will, firstly, contribute to the existing body of knowledge of staff turnover and that the Provincial Departments will take into cognisance the problems that lead to employee turnover. Secondly, that it will contribute to an improvement in employee working conditions in various Provincial Government departments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Khelekethe, Eric Phathisile
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee retention -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8836 , vital:26434
- Description: This research focused on the impact of staff turnover in selected departments of the Province of the Eastern Cape Province. High staff turnover rate may jeopardise efforts to attain organisational objectives. In addition, `when an organisation loses a critical employee, there is a negative impact, on innovation; consistency in providing service to guests may be jeopardised, and major delays in the delivery of services to customers may occur. The research design used in this study contained elements of both the quantitative and qualitative approaches, which allowed the researcher to use structured questionnaires in data collection, on which space was provided for comments. This study was influenced and shaped by the concerns raised by a number of General Managers in the course of various provincial meetings. The main purpose of this research was to identify retention strategies that could be used by selected departments to reduce the turnover of their talented staff. The research also investigated methods to retain knowledge within departments that could possibly be lost due to a high turnover rate among talented staff. The first step used to resolve the issues discussed above was to conduct a full literature study. The literature study sought to reveal what characteristics were required in the departments that ensured that staff would be happy in those departments and remain there for a long time. The literature study also covered what knowledge management methods could be used in managing valuable knowledge. Secondly, the views of current staff and management of the selected departments on staff and knowledge management strategies were solicited in an empirical study, which involved the completion of structured questionnaires. It is the researcher’s aim that this study will, firstly, contribute to the existing body of knowledge of staff turnover and that the Provincial Departments will take into cognisance the problems that lead to employee turnover. Secondly, that it will contribute to an improvement in employee working conditions in various Provincial Government departments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Challenges faced by professional nurses in implementing the six Ministerial priority standards of care in a Health care institution in O R Tambo Region in the Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Kula, Nokuseni
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Health care standards -- Hospital
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Cur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/699 , vital:27770
- Description: The objective of this research study was to describe and explore challenges faced by professional nurses in implementing six ministerial priority standards of care in selected units of an identified institution in O.R. Tambo region. Nurses are trained and employed to provide nursing care to patients according to scope of practice set by their statutory body (South African Nursing Council). Setting of standards forms part of quality improvement in nursing care and standards need to be monitored and evaluated (Muller 2006:206). In South Africa, the Minister of Health has identified six priority areas to fast-track improvement and ensure quality in health services. These priority areas are as follows: attitudes and values of health workers, cleanliness of the facility, waiting times, patient safety and security, infection prevention and control, and availability of medicines (National Health Plan: Strategic plan 2010/2013). Standard of nursing care in OR Tambo region according to available statistics, is lower than the expected ministerial standards, regardless of continued monitoring and evaluation. Staff attitudes is an ongoing problem, long queues, linen shortages, low standards of cleanliness as well as shortage of medication remain a challenge in health care institutions. This study is a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory, and contextual study that explored challenges faced by professional nurses in implementing the six ministerial priority standards of care. A purposive sampling of 10 professional nurses, meeting the selection criteria was utilised. In depth, semi structured interviews were used as a method of data collection. A digital voice recorder was used to record the interviews and consent from participants was obtained. Ethical considerations were adhered to. The interview question was: “What challenges are you facing in implementing expected standards of care with reference to the six ministerial priority standards of care?” Data was analysed using content thematic analysis approach. An independent coder with a Master’s degree and studying towards a doctorate helped with coding the results of the interviews. The Theory for Health Promotion in nursing as propounded by Botes (2006) was used to analyse the findings. The approach used was based on the external environment and its dimensions – social, physical and intellectual. v The findings of the research revealed the following themes: Lack of resources, demotivation of nurses, attitude of nurses, lack of monitoring and evaluation, environment and overcrowding, lack of patient safety, negligence, availability of policy and procedure manuals, and incompetency of health care professionals. The findings of this study revealed that nurses faced many challenges with regard to improving the standard of nursing care. According to Botes (2006), the purpose of nursing research is functional by nature, it provides guidelines for practice. Therefore in this study, a description of guidelines to improve nursing care has been done. Trustworthiness of the findings was ensured by utilising Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness. Limitations of the research are highlighted and recommendations for further and related studies are made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Kula, Nokuseni
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Health care standards -- Hospital
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Cur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/699 , vital:27770
- Description: The objective of this research study was to describe and explore challenges faced by professional nurses in implementing six ministerial priority standards of care in selected units of an identified institution in O.R. Tambo region. Nurses are trained and employed to provide nursing care to patients according to scope of practice set by their statutory body (South African Nursing Council). Setting of standards forms part of quality improvement in nursing care and standards need to be monitored and evaluated (Muller 2006:206). In South Africa, the Minister of Health has identified six priority areas to fast-track improvement and ensure quality in health services. These priority areas are as follows: attitudes and values of health workers, cleanliness of the facility, waiting times, patient safety and security, infection prevention and control, and availability of medicines (National Health Plan: Strategic plan 2010/2013). Standard of nursing care in OR Tambo region according to available statistics, is lower than the expected ministerial standards, regardless of continued monitoring and evaluation. Staff attitudes is an ongoing problem, long queues, linen shortages, low standards of cleanliness as well as shortage of medication remain a challenge in health care institutions. This study is a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory, and contextual study that explored challenges faced by professional nurses in implementing the six ministerial priority standards of care. A purposive sampling of 10 professional nurses, meeting the selection criteria was utilised. In depth, semi structured interviews were used as a method of data collection. A digital voice recorder was used to record the interviews and consent from participants was obtained. Ethical considerations were adhered to. The interview question was: “What challenges are you facing in implementing expected standards of care with reference to the six ministerial priority standards of care?” Data was analysed using content thematic analysis approach. An independent coder with a Master’s degree and studying towards a doctorate helped with coding the results of the interviews. The Theory for Health Promotion in nursing as propounded by Botes (2006) was used to analyse the findings. The approach used was based on the external environment and its dimensions – social, physical and intellectual. v The findings of the research revealed the following themes: Lack of resources, demotivation of nurses, attitude of nurses, lack of monitoring and evaluation, environment and overcrowding, lack of patient safety, negligence, availability of policy and procedure manuals, and incompetency of health care professionals. The findings of this study revealed that nurses faced many challenges with regard to improving the standard of nursing care. According to Botes (2006), the purpose of nursing research is functional by nature, it provides guidelines for practice. Therefore in this study, a description of guidelines to improve nursing care has been done. Trustworthiness of the findings was ensured by utilising Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness. Limitations of the research are highlighted and recommendations for further and related studies are made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Challenges facing the teaching and learning of accounting in Secondary Schools of the Mthatha Education District
- Authors: Susani, Mongezi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Teaching and learning -- Accounting Secondary education -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/494 , vital:27278
- Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the challenges facing the teaching and learning of Accounting in secondary schools of the Mthatha education district. There are 69 secondary schools that offer Accounting in the Mthatha education district. In order to attain the objectives and fulfil the aim of the study, the researcher used the qualitative research approach, both in collecting and analysing the data. The case study design was used to describe and access the phenomenon of challenges facing the teaching and learning of Accounting in the Mthatha education district. Convenience sampling method was used to select twelve Accounting teachers from six different secondary schools in the Mthatha education district. Face-to-face in-depth interviews and non-participant observation were used to collect the data. Themes were drawn from the responses of the participants and these were analysed. The study revealed the following factors as challenges facing the teaching and learning of Accounting in secondary schools of the Mthatha education district: Teachers had professional qualifications in teaching, but fewer of them had Accounting as subject of their specialisation. Frequency of workshops was identified as a challenge by interviewed teachers. The study revealed that teachers are unfamiliar with the content to teach, and as a result, they are unable to develop the learner guides. The study found that teachers are using insufficient LTSM to teach Accounting. Instructional strategies used by teachers for teaching and learning of Accounting affected the process of teaching and learning of this subject. Redeployment is a challenge that affects the capacity of schools in the teaching and learning of Accounting. The study also revealed that there is a lack of parental involvement and support in the education of their children, which negatively affects the teaching and learning of Accounting. Limited commitment from teachers and learners was also revealed as one of the challenges in teaching and learning Accounting. The researcher made recommendations towards mitigating the effects of the challenges in teaching and learning of Accounting.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Susani, Mongezi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Teaching and learning -- Accounting Secondary education -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/494 , vital:27278
- Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the challenges facing the teaching and learning of Accounting in secondary schools of the Mthatha education district. There are 69 secondary schools that offer Accounting in the Mthatha education district. In order to attain the objectives and fulfil the aim of the study, the researcher used the qualitative research approach, both in collecting and analysing the data. The case study design was used to describe and access the phenomenon of challenges facing the teaching and learning of Accounting in the Mthatha education district. Convenience sampling method was used to select twelve Accounting teachers from six different secondary schools in the Mthatha education district. Face-to-face in-depth interviews and non-participant observation were used to collect the data. Themes were drawn from the responses of the participants and these were analysed. The study revealed the following factors as challenges facing the teaching and learning of Accounting in secondary schools of the Mthatha education district: Teachers had professional qualifications in teaching, but fewer of them had Accounting as subject of their specialisation. Frequency of workshops was identified as a challenge by interviewed teachers. The study revealed that teachers are unfamiliar with the content to teach, and as a result, they are unable to develop the learner guides. The study found that teachers are using insufficient LTSM to teach Accounting. Instructional strategies used by teachers for teaching and learning of Accounting affected the process of teaching and learning of this subject. Redeployment is a challenge that affects the capacity of schools in the teaching and learning of Accounting. The study also revealed that there is a lack of parental involvement and support in the education of their children, which negatively affects the teaching and learning of Accounting. Limited commitment from teachers and learners was also revealed as one of the challenges in teaching and learning Accounting. The researcher made recommendations towards mitigating the effects of the challenges in teaching and learning of Accounting.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016