An assessment of the child support grant as a poverty alleviation intervention in South Africa: the case of Mdantsane township in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mase, Blossom Bukelwa
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Child support -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child welfare -- South Africa , Child support -- Government policy -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Children -- Services for -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11412 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/299 , Child support -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child welfare -- South Africa , Child support -- Government policy -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Children -- Services for -- South Africa
- Description: There were different kinds of imbalances that were created by the past regime in which race and colour were determining factors in terms of access to state welfare. The State Maintance Grant was one of the state welfare interventions where African women did not even know how or where to access the grant. When the Child Support Grant was introduced in 1998 it gave hope to the vulnerable section of the society, the children. The CSG is one of the poverty alleviation programs introduced by the government to target the poverty stricken children of South Africa. This is a means tested program which not all children are to benefit but a certain portion of the society. There are special conditions attached to the grant which require to be fulfilled. These conditions require the child to be fed, clothed, immunized, school needs be paid, and have proper accommodation. This study made use of the Mdantsane Township which is 25 km away from East London city centre as a case study to determine whether the CSG has managed to achieve its objective of relieving poverty among children, given the conditions of poverty and unemployment in Mdantsane. The findings of this study indicate that the people of Mdantsane are still in poverty and the most affected sections remain the children. The respondents indicate that the people are unemployed as a result the CSG seems to be the source of livelihood in these households leaving the children at a disadvantage as the grant is intended for x their own needs. Therefore there is a need to investigate whether the CSG has any impact on the lives of these children. Also since Eastern Cape is known to be one of the poorest provinces, it is important to investigate whether the CSG has become the source of livelihood in some households.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Mase, Blossom Bukelwa
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Child support -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child welfare -- South Africa , Child support -- Government policy -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Children -- Services for -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11412 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/299 , Child support -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child welfare -- South Africa , Child support -- Government policy -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Children -- Services for -- South Africa
- Description: There were different kinds of imbalances that were created by the past regime in which race and colour were determining factors in terms of access to state welfare. The State Maintance Grant was one of the state welfare interventions where African women did not even know how or where to access the grant. When the Child Support Grant was introduced in 1998 it gave hope to the vulnerable section of the society, the children. The CSG is one of the poverty alleviation programs introduced by the government to target the poverty stricken children of South Africa. This is a means tested program which not all children are to benefit but a certain portion of the society. There are special conditions attached to the grant which require to be fulfilled. These conditions require the child to be fed, clothed, immunized, school needs be paid, and have proper accommodation. This study made use of the Mdantsane Township which is 25 km away from East London city centre as a case study to determine whether the CSG has managed to achieve its objective of relieving poverty among children, given the conditions of poverty and unemployment in Mdantsane. The findings of this study indicate that the people of Mdantsane are still in poverty and the most affected sections remain the children. The respondents indicate that the people are unemployed as a result the CSG seems to be the source of livelihood in these households leaving the children at a disadvantage as the grant is intended for x their own needs. Therefore there is a need to investigate whether the CSG has any impact on the lives of these children. Also since Eastern Cape is known to be one of the poorest provinces, it is important to investigate whether the CSG has become the source of livelihood in some households.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An assessment of the companion modelling approach in a context of negotiating water allocation strategies : the case of the Kat River Valley, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Gumede, Felicity Hlengiwe
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Water supply -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley -- Management , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Integrated water development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4820 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005494 , Water supply -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley -- Management , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Integrated water development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley
- Description: This Masters research took place in the Kat River Valley in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The Kat River Valley is a semi-rural catchment that covers an area of approximately 1700km² and is characterized by a complicated history of dispossession and resettlement. Farming is the main activity that is practiced in the area. This includes the farming of citrus at a commercial scale, rangeland stock farming and small-scale vegetable farming. The economy of the catchment is enhanced mostly by commercial citrus farming, which consumes by far the largest amount of water in the river through irrigation. Water allocation is a burning issue among water users in the catchment and needs to be negotiated taking into consideration social, economic and environment impacts. The aim of this study is to describe, discuss and evaluate the Companion Modelling (ComMod) approach, which used a simulation model and a role-playing game related to the model in order to facilitate and develop negotiating skills as well as build capacity in decision-making amongst local stakeholders for water resource management in the Kat River Valley. The ComMod approach, developed by a group of Companion Modellers, is a community-based science approach that emerged in the 1990s. The ComMod approach is used in order to facilitate collective learning, negotiation and institutional innovation in dealing with resource management complexities faced by rural communities. Through ComMod, the model (KatAWARE) and its related role-playing game was developed by having the contact with local stakeholders. The information to feed the model and the role-playing game came from informal interviews, surveys, geographic information systems (GIS), workshops and focus groups. The use of workshops in the implementation of ComMod was a success. Results show that (1) new knowledge was acquired, which allowed stakeholders to have a broad understanding of a catchment system. (2) Awareness was created about complex systems and enabled stakeholders to see an individual action into to the broader system. (3) Strong interrelationships were fostered amongst different water users, which allowed stakeholders to share their view points. The ComMod process was however associated with a number of limitations, many of which resulted from the constraints that were imposed by the socio-economic background of the study area. Nevertheless, the outcome of the study shows that the ComMod process was useful in helping the Kat River Water Users Association (KRWUA) stakeholders develop negotiating skills regarding water allocation strategies for the development of the Catchment Management Plan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Gumede, Felicity Hlengiwe
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Water supply -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley -- Management , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Integrated water development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4820 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005494 , Water supply -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley -- Management , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Integrated water development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley
- Description: This Masters research took place in the Kat River Valley in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The Kat River Valley is a semi-rural catchment that covers an area of approximately 1700km² and is characterized by a complicated history of dispossession and resettlement. Farming is the main activity that is practiced in the area. This includes the farming of citrus at a commercial scale, rangeland stock farming and small-scale vegetable farming. The economy of the catchment is enhanced mostly by commercial citrus farming, which consumes by far the largest amount of water in the river through irrigation. Water allocation is a burning issue among water users in the catchment and needs to be negotiated taking into consideration social, economic and environment impacts. The aim of this study is to describe, discuss and evaluate the Companion Modelling (ComMod) approach, which used a simulation model and a role-playing game related to the model in order to facilitate and develop negotiating skills as well as build capacity in decision-making amongst local stakeholders for water resource management in the Kat River Valley. The ComMod approach, developed by a group of Companion Modellers, is a community-based science approach that emerged in the 1990s. The ComMod approach is used in order to facilitate collective learning, negotiation and institutional innovation in dealing with resource management complexities faced by rural communities. Through ComMod, the model (KatAWARE) and its related role-playing game was developed by having the contact with local stakeholders. The information to feed the model and the role-playing game came from informal interviews, surveys, geographic information systems (GIS), workshops and focus groups. The use of workshops in the implementation of ComMod was a success. Results show that (1) new knowledge was acquired, which allowed stakeholders to have a broad understanding of a catchment system. (2) Awareness was created about complex systems and enabled stakeholders to see an individual action into to the broader system. (3) Strong interrelationships were fostered amongst different water users, which allowed stakeholders to share their view points. The ComMod process was however associated with a number of limitations, many of which resulted from the constraints that were imposed by the socio-economic background of the study area. Nevertheless, the outcome of the study shows that the ComMod process was useful in helping the Kat River Water Users Association (KRWUA) stakeholders develop negotiating skills regarding water allocation strategies for the development of the Catchment Management Plan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An assessment of the role of ward committees in public participation with reference to the Kouga local municipality
- Authors: Simanga, Linda
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8230 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/858 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Republic of South Africa became a democratic country in 1994 after the historic democratic elections. This year also marks the year when South Africa’s first democratic parliament was convened. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act (no. 108 of 1996) was enacted in 1996. This Constitution provides for the creation of the three spheres of government, namely, the national level, which deals with matters of national importance, the provincial level, which deals with matters of provincial importance, and the local level which deals with matters of local importance. Section 152(1) (e) of the above-mentioned Constitution stipulates that the object of local government, amongst others, is to ensure the involvement of communities and community organizations in the matters of local governance. Section 73 of the Municipal Structures Act (no.117 of 1998) also requires municipalities to establish ward committees in a manner that seeks to enhance participatory democracy at the local level. Municipalities are established in terms of Section 12 of the Municipal Structures Act (no. 117 of 1998), wherein Members of Executive Councils (MEC’s) may, by notice in the Provincial Gazette, establish a municipality in each municipal area which the Demarcation Board demarcates in the province in terms of the Municipal Demarcation Act (no. 27 of 1998). Sections 7 and 8 of the Municipal Structures Act (no. 117 of 1998) further stipulate the categories of municipalities as A, B and C. Category A is a metropolitan municipality with wards and ward committees. B is a local municipality characterized by the existence of wards and ward committees to enhance public participation. C is a district municipality, whose responsibility is to support local municipalities within its area of jurisdiction so that they are self sufficient and can manage their own affairs. This study focuses on the Kouga Local Municipality, which is a Category B Municipality as promulgated by the then MEC for Housing, Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Honourable MEC S. Kwelita in the Provincial Gazette (Gazette No. 1537) dated 23 May 2006. The scenario above indicates that in the Kouga Local Municipality, ward committees are supposed to play a critical role in public participation. The study seeks to assess their role and to establish whether or not the ward committee system is effective in this regard. It is common knowledge that, whilst various pieces of legislation are clear in terms of what the role of ward committees should be, the question remains whether there is any adherence in municipalities to ensure that they fulfill their role in public participation, and hence the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Simanga, Linda
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8230 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/858 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Republic of South Africa became a democratic country in 1994 after the historic democratic elections. This year also marks the year when South Africa’s first democratic parliament was convened. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act (no. 108 of 1996) was enacted in 1996. This Constitution provides for the creation of the three spheres of government, namely, the national level, which deals with matters of national importance, the provincial level, which deals with matters of provincial importance, and the local level which deals with matters of local importance. Section 152(1) (e) of the above-mentioned Constitution stipulates that the object of local government, amongst others, is to ensure the involvement of communities and community organizations in the matters of local governance. Section 73 of the Municipal Structures Act (no.117 of 1998) also requires municipalities to establish ward committees in a manner that seeks to enhance participatory democracy at the local level. Municipalities are established in terms of Section 12 of the Municipal Structures Act (no. 117 of 1998), wherein Members of Executive Councils (MEC’s) may, by notice in the Provincial Gazette, establish a municipality in each municipal area which the Demarcation Board demarcates in the province in terms of the Municipal Demarcation Act (no. 27 of 1998). Sections 7 and 8 of the Municipal Structures Act (no. 117 of 1998) further stipulate the categories of municipalities as A, B and C. Category A is a metropolitan municipality with wards and ward committees. B is a local municipality characterized by the existence of wards and ward committees to enhance public participation. C is a district municipality, whose responsibility is to support local municipalities within its area of jurisdiction so that they are self sufficient and can manage their own affairs. This study focuses on the Kouga Local Municipality, which is a Category B Municipality as promulgated by the then MEC for Housing, Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Honourable MEC S. Kwelita in the Provincial Gazette (Gazette No. 1537) dated 23 May 2006. The scenario above indicates that in the Kouga Local Municipality, ward committees are supposed to play a critical role in public participation. The study seeks to assess their role and to establish whether or not the ward committee system is effective in this regard. It is common knowledge that, whilst various pieces of legislation are clear in terms of what the role of ward committees should be, the question remains whether there is any adherence in municipalities to ensure that they fulfill their role in public participation, and hence the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An assessment of the service quality expectations and perceptions of the patients of Awali Hospital in the Kingdom of Bahrain
- Authors: Luke, Gary Joseph
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Awali Hospital Hospitals, Proprietary -- Bahrain Hospital care -- Quality control -- Bahrain Hospital care -- Evaluation -- Bahrain Customer services -- Rating of -- Bahrain Quality assurance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:730 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003850
- Description: The quality of service from a hospital is the number one factor that will either turn a customer/patient away or make one for life. More and more hospitals are competing for greater shares in the market and customer-driven quality management is becoming the preferred method for improving their performance. Awali hospital is a private hospital in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It is a small 35-bed hospital that offers private medical services to the public. The hospital was originally built to serve the Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) refinery workers but later opened its doors to the public. With the introduction of private patients came higher expectations of quality and higher demands on the overall services. A number of service quality shortfalls were identified over the years but never identified quantitatively by a patient evaluation survey. An English and Arabic version of the questionnaire based on SERVQUAL (Zeithaml, Parasuraman and Berry, 1988) was developed and placed in Awali hospital to test these service quality shortfalls. This study intends to evaluate these areas by answering questions about the relevant areas of service provided by the hospital. It measured patient satisfaction by looking at human aspects of service (responsiveness, reliability, empathy and assurance) with only one factor of the instrument being devoted to the non-human aspect of care rendered (tangibles). The SERVQUAL instrument has five dimensions that were measured by 21 pairs of item statements. One statement from each pair reflects perceptions, the other expectations. Measurement was accomplished by subtracting expectation from perceptions resulting in a service quality score. Positive or zero scores would reflect ideal or adequate service quality offered by the hospital. A negative score would be indicative of a service experience that did not meet customer expectations. Using the SERVQUAL questionnaire provided, quantifiable reasoning to the research questions in each dimension could be obtained so that precision, objectivity and rigour replaced hunches, experience and intuition as a means of investigating problem areas. Customers were first asked to supply some additional demographic information, for example gender, number of hospital visits, nationality, patient type (Bapco worker, general practitioner referred or private) and type of visit (inpatient, outpatient or both). They werethen asked to rate the hospital service on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from Strongly Agree (7) to Strongly Disagree (1). At the end of the questionnaire was space to write open comments. In total 600 paper questionnaires were distributed in the hospital, 300 English and 300 Arabic. Another 150 electronic questionnaires via emails were sent to refinery workers. Of the total 750 questionnaires distributed 162 were returned of which 156 (or 21.6%) could be statistically analysed. The empirical data results showed that the perception scores were significantly different at the p < 0.05 level from expectation scores. All the service quality differences (SQ=P-E) were negatively scored. This indicated that patients were not satisfied in all five dimensions of services offered by the hospital. Of the five dimensions responsiveness had the largest difference with assurance and reliability following with no significant differences between them. The demographic information revealed some interesting differences between the groups. Of all the demographic groups the most significant differences were between groups, “patient types” and “types of visit”, which showed differences between private patients and refinery workers and patients who used the hospital only as an outpatient and patients who used both services, outpatient and inpatient. In terms of the managerial implications, it was recommended that Awali hospital look to closing Gaps 1-4 of the SERVQUAL gap model which would result in closing the consumer gap, Gap 5. A process model for continuous measurement and improvement of service quality was recommended that looks at asking questions about how the hospital is performing. By adopting some of the recommendations identified in the research questions, Awali hospital could improve their quality of service, and as a consequence, their customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Luke, Gary Joseph
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Awali Hospital Hospitals, Proprietary -- Bahrain Hospital care -- Quality control -- Bahrain Hospital care -- Evaluation -- Bahrain Customer services -- Rating of -- Bahrain Quality assurance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:730 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003850
- Description: The quality of service from a hospital is the number one factor that will either turn a customer/patient away or make one for life. More and more hospitals are competing for greater shares in the market and customer-driven quality management is becoming the preferred method for improving their performance. Awali hospital is a private hospital in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It is a small 35-bed hospital that offers private medical services to the public. The hospital was originally built to serve the Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) refinery workers but later opened its doors to the public. With the introduction of private patients came higher expectations of quality and higher demands on the overall services. A number of service quality shortfalls were identified over the years but never identified quantitatively by a patient evaluation survey. An English and Arabic version of the questionnaire based on SERVQUAL (Zeithaml, Parasuraman and Berry, 1988) was developed and placed in Awali hospital to test these service quality shortfalls. This study intends to evaluate these areas by answering questions about the relevant areas of service provided by the hospital. It measured patient satisfaction by looking at human aspects of service (responsiveness, reliability, empathy and assurance) with only one factor of the instrument being devoted to the non-human aspect of care rendered (tangibles). The SERVQUAL instrument has five dimensions that were measured by 21 pairs of item statements. One statement from each pair reflects perceptions, the other expectations. Measurement was accomplished by subtracting expectation from perceptions resulting in a service quality score. Positive or zero scores would reflect ideal or adequate service quality offered by the hospital. A negative score would be indicative of a service experience that did not meet customer expectations. Using the SERVQUAL questionnaire provided, quantifiable reasoning to the research questions in each dimension could be obtained so that precision, objectivity and rigour replaced hunches, experience and intuition as a means of investigating problem areas. Customers were first asked to supply some additional demographic information, for example gender, number of hospital visits, nationality, patient type (Bapco worker, general practitioner referred or private) and type of visit (inpatient, outpatient or both). They werethen asked to rate the hospital service on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from Strongly Agree (7) to Strongly Disagree (1). At the end of the questionnaire was space to write open comments. In total 600 paper questionnaires were distributed in the hospital, 300 English and 300 Arabic. Another 150 electronic questionnaires via emails were sent to refinery workers. Of the total 750 questionnaires distributed 162 were returned of which 156 (or 21.6%) could be statistically analysed. The empirical data results showed that the perception scores were significantly different at the p < 0.05 level from expectation scores. All the service quality differences (SQ=P-E) were negatively scored. This indicated that patients were not satisfied in all five dimensions of services offered by the hospital. Of the five dimensions responsiveness had the largest difference with assurance and reliability following with no significant differences between them. The demographic information revealed some interesting differences between the groups. Of all the demographic groups the most significant differences were between groups, “patient types” and “types of visit”, which showed differences between private patients and refinery workers and patients who used the hospital only as an outpatient and patients who used both services, outpatient and inpatient. In terms of the managerial implications, it was recommended that Awali hospital look to closing Gaps 1-4 of the SERVQUAL gap model which would result in closing the consumer gap, Gap 5. A process model for continuous measurement and improvement of service quality was recommended that looks at asking questions about how the hospital is performing. By adopting some of the recommendations identified in the research questions, Awali hospital could improve their quality of service, and as a consequence, their customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An economic evaluation of waste telecommunication cable disposal in South Africa : a case study
- Authors: Lottering, Tony
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Recycling (Waste, etc.) -- South Africa , Refuse and refuse disposal -- South Africa , Telecommunication -- Equipment and supplies -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8993 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/808 , Recycling (Waste, etc.) -- South Africa , Refuse and refuse disposal -- South Africa , Telecommunication -- Equipment and supplies -- Environmental aspects
- Description: South African manufacturers, including those who produce electrical and telecommunication cables, are required by the National Waste Management Strategy (NWMS) (drawn up by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT)), to carry out waste management in a coordinated and controlled manner. It is also becoming more difficult for South African companies, who produce for export markets, to conduct business internationally if they do not have some form of environmental management system in place. While there will always be scrap generated in any manufacturing environment, the aim is, first and foremost, to reduce this to acceptable levels and, secondly, to dispose of all scrap produced in a socially responsible manner. This study focuses attention on waste management, in the form of recycling, in the cable manufacturing industry. The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to examine the economic case, by means of a cost-benefit analysis, for the establishment and operation of a telecommunication cable waste recycling plant for the purpose of recycling copper conductor; second, to examine the economic feasibility, by means of a cost-benefit analysis, of extending the existing facility in order to accommodate the recycling of the plastic fraction contained in the cable waste. A specific cost-benefit stream was generated over a project period of 20 years for both CBAs. In both CBAs costs and benefits were categorised as being either primary or secondary. The primary costs and benefits for both CBAs were all financial in nature and were valued using market prices. The secondary costs of establishing and operating a cable waste recycling plant for recycling the copper conductor included effluent costs and noise pollution costs. The secondary benefits, on the other hand, included the creation of downstream industries. The secondary costs of extending an existing cable waste recycling plant, so as to accommodate the recycling of the plastic component of cable waste, included costs related to the generation of greenhouse gases and asthma. The secondary benefits, conversely, included the increase in house prices due to the reduction of landfilling of the plastic component of cable waste. The determination of increased house prices due to landfill avoidance was carried out using the hedonic pricing method (HPM). The hypothesis was that house values would increase the further removed they were from the landfill site. Applying regression analysis to the derived hedonic pricing (HP) function showed that there is a definite correlation between the two. Properties positioned two kilometres from a landfill site in New Brighton Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, were found to have higher values than those positioned adjacent to the site. From the cost-benefit streams, net benefits were calculated for each CBA and discounted to present values in order to provide a standard of comparison. The social discount rate used in this study to calculate the present values reflected a combination of the social opportunity costs of capital and the social time preference rate. The rate used was calculated as the average annual rate between 2000 and 2005 and amounted to 6.72 percent. It was derived from a combination of the opportunity costs of government borrowings, household consumption borrowings and return on savings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Lottering, Tony
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Recycling (Waste, etc.) -- South Africa , Refuse and refuse disposal -- South Africa , Telecommunication -- Equipment and supplies -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8993 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/808 , Recycling (Waste, etc.) -- South Africa , Refuse and refuse disposal -- South Africa , Telecommunication -- Equipment and supplies -- Environmental aspects
- Description: South African manufacturers, including those who produce electrical and telecommunication cables, are required by the National Waste Management Strategy (NWMS) (drawn up by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT)), to carry out waste management in a coordinated and controlled manner. It is also becoming more difficult for South African companies, who produce for export markets, to conduct business internationally if they do not have some form of environmental management system in place. While there will always be scrap generated in any manufacturing environment, the aim is, first and foremost, to reduce this to acceptable levels and, secondly, to dispose of all scrap produced in a socially responsible manner. This study focuses attention on waste management, in the form of recycling, in the cable manufacturing industry. The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to examine the economic case, by means of a cost-benefit analysis, for the establishment and operation of a telecommunication cable waste recycling plant for the purpose of recycling copper conductor; second, to examine the economic feasibility, by means of a cost-benefit analysis, of extending the existing facility in order to accommodate the recycling of the plastic fraction contained in the cable waste. A specific cost-benefit stream was generated over a project period of 20 years for both CBAs. In both CBAs costs and benefits were categorised as being either primary or secondary. The primary costs and benefits for both CBAs were all financial in nature and were valued using market prices. The secondary costs of establishing and operating a cable waste recycling plant for recycling the copper conductor included effluent costs and noise pollution costs. The secondary benefits, on the other hand, included the creation of downstream industries. The secondary costs of extending an existing cable waste recycling plant, so as to accommodate the recycling of the plastic component of cable waste, included costs related to the generation of greenhouse gases and asthma. The secondary benefits, conversely, included the increase in house prices due to the reduction of landfilling of the plastic component of cable waste. The determination of increased house prices due to landfill avoidance was carried out using the hedonic pricing method (HPM). The hypothesis was that house values would increase the further removed they were from the landfill site. Applying regression analysis to the derived hedonic pricing (HP) function showed that there is a definite correlation between the two. Properties positioned two kilometres from a landfill site in New Brighton Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, were found to have higher values than those positioned adjacent to the site. From the cost-benefit streams, net benefits were calculated for each CBA and discounted to present values in order to provide a standard of comparison. The social discount rate used in this study to calculate the present values reflected a combination of the social opportunity costs of capital and the social time preference rate. The rate used was calculated as the average annual rate between 2000 and 2005 and amounted to 6.72 percent. It was derived from a combination of the opportunity costs of government borrowings, household consumption borrowings and return on savings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An empirical analysis of the determinants and growth of South African exports
- Authors: Choga, Ireen
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Exports -- South Africa -- History , Export marketing -- South Africa , International trade -- South Africa , Exports -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11452 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/198 , Exports -- South Africa -- History , Export marketing -- South Africa , International trade -- South Africa , Exports -- South Africa
- Description: Exports have considerable effects on economic growth, employment and trade so it is crucial to understand the factors that are responsible for their variation. This study analyses the fundamental determinants of exports using annual South African data covering the period 1980 to 2006. It initially provides an overview of the South African export structure and export growth. A review of theoretical determinants is then specified. The study tests for stationarity and cointegration using the Johansen (1991, 1995) methodology. A vector error correction model is run to provide robust determinant variables on exports. The following variables which have been found to have a long run relationship with exports include: the domestic price of exports, real effective exchange rate, trade openness, foreign income and price of inputs (cost of production). The estimate of the speed of adjustment coefficient found in this study indicates that about 96% of the variation in exports from its equilibrium level is corrected within one year. The results that have emerged from this analysis corroborate the theoretical predictions and are also supported by previous researchers or studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Choga, Ireen
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Exports -- South Africa -- History , Export marketing -- South Africa , International trade -- South Africa , Exports -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11452 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/198 , Exports -- South Africa -- History , Export marketing -- South Africa , International trade -- South Africa , Exports -- South Africa
- Description: Exports have considerable effects on economic growth, employment and trade so it is crucial to understand the factors that are responsible for their variation. This study analyses the fundamental determinants of exports using annual South African data covering the period 1980 to 2006. It initially provides an overview of the South African export structure and export growth. A review of theoretical determinants is then specified. The study tests for stationarity and cointegration using the Johansen (1991, 1995) methodology. A vector error correction model is run to provide robust determinant variables on exports. The following variables which have been found to have a long run relationship with exports include: the domestic price of exports, real effective exchange rate, trade openness, foreign income and price of inputs (cost of production). The estimate of the speed of adjustment coefficient found in this study indicates that about 96% of the variation in exports from its equilibrium level is corrected within one year. The results that have emerged from this analysis corroborate the theoretical predictions and are also supported by previous researchers or studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An empirical analysis of the long-run comovement, dynamic returns linkages and volatility transmission between the world major and the South African stock markets
- Authors: Chinzara, Zivanemoyo
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Globalization -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , International economic relations , Portfolio management -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:970 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002704 , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Globalization -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , International economic relations , Portfolio management -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa
- Description: The international linkages of stock markets have important implications for cost of capital and portfolio diversification. Recent trends in globalization, financial liberalization and financial innovation raises questions with regard to whether African stock markets are being integrated into world equity markets. This study examines the extent to which the South African (SA) equity market is integrated into the world equity markets using daily data for the period 1995-2007. The study is divided into three main parts, each looking at the different ways in which integration can be considered. The first investigates whether there is long run comovement between the SA and the major global equity markets. Both bivariate and multivariate Johansen (1988) and Johansen and Juselius (1990) cointegration approaches were utilised. Vector Error Correction Models (VECMs) are then estimated for portfolios which show evidence of cointegration. The second part analyses returns linkages using the Vector Autoregressive (VAR), block exogeneity, impulse response and variance decomposition. The third part examines the behaviour of volatility and volatility linkages among the stock markets. Firstly volatility is analysed using the GARCH, EGARCH and GJR GARCH. Simultaneously, the hypothesis that investors receive a premium for investing in more risky stock markets is explored using the GARCH-in mean. The long term trend of volatility is also examined. Volatility linkages are then analysed using the VAR, block exogeneity, impulse response and variance decomposition. The first part established that no bivariate cointegration exists between the SA and any of the stock markets being studied, implying that pairwise portfolio diversification is potentially worthwhile for SA portfolio managers. However, multivariate cointegration exists for some portfolios, with the US, UK, Germany and SA showing evidence of error correction for some of these portfolios. Findings on return linkages is that there are significant returns linkages among the markets, with the US and SA being the most exogenous and most endogenous respectively. Findings regarding volatility are that the volatility in all the markets is inherently asymmetric and that except for the US there is no risk premium in any of the markets. The long term trend of volatility in all the stock markets was found to be relatively stable. The final finding was that significant volatility linkages exist among the markets, with the US being the most exogenous and SA and China showing evidence of bidirectional linkages. Overall, except for volatility linkages, the integration of SA into the global equity markets is still quite low. Thus, both SA and international investors can capitalise on this portfolio diversification potential. On the other hand, policy makers should capitalise on this and make policies that will attract the much needed foreign investors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Chinzara, Zivanemoyo
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Globalization -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , International economic relations , Portfolio management -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:970 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002704 , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Globalization -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , International economic relations , Portfolio management -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa
- Description: The international linkages of stock markets have important implications for cost of capital and portfolio diversification. Recent trends in globalization, financial liberalization and financial innovation raises questions with regard to whether African stock markets are being integrated into world equity markets. This study examines the extent to which the South African (SA) equity market is integrated into the world equity markets using daily data for the period 1995-2007. The study is divided into three main parts, each looking at the different ways in which integration can be considered. The first investigates whether there is long run comovement between the SA and the major global equity markets. Both bivariate and multivariate Johansen (1988) and Johansen and Juselius (1990) cointegration approaches were utilised. Vector Error Correction Models (VECMs) are then estimated for portfolios which show evidence of cointegration. The second part analyses returns linkages using the Vector Autoregressive (VAR), block exogeneity, impulse response and variance decomposition. The third part examines the behaviour of volatility and volatility linkages among the stock markets. Firstly volatility is analysed using the GARCH, EGARCH and GJR GARCH. Simultaneously, the hypothesis that investors receive a premium for investing in more risky stock markets is explored using the GARCH-in mean. The long term trend of volatility is also examined. Volatility linkages are then analysed using the VAR, block exogeneity, impulse response and variance decomposition. The first part established that no bivariate cointegration exists between the SA and any of the stock markets being studied, implying that pairwise portfolio diversification is potentially worthwhile for SA portfolio managers. However, multivariate cointegration exists for some portfolios, with the US, UK, Germany and SA showing evidence of error correction for some of these portfolios. Findings on return linkages is that there are significant returns linkages among the markets, with the US and SA being the most exogenous and most endogenous respectively. Findings regarding volatility are that the volatility in all the markets is inherently asymmetric and that except for the US there is no risk premium in any of the markets. The long term trend of volatility in all the stock markets was found to be relatively stable. The final finding was that significant volatility linkages exist among the markets, with the US being the most exogenous and SA and China showing evidence of bidirectional linkages. Overall, except for volatility linkages, the integration of SA into the global equity markets is still quite low. Thus, both SA and international investors can capitalise on this portfolio diversification potential. On the other hand, policy makers should capitalise on this and make policies that will attract the much needed foreign investors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An empirical investigation into the factors affecting the performance of small and medium enterprises in the manufacturing sector of Harare, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Zindiye, Stanislous
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Zimbabwe , Government business enterprises -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11319 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/128 , Business enterprises -- Zimbabwe , Government business enterprises -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This research investigates the factors that affect the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector of Harare, Zimbabwe. To achieve this objective, the research hypothesised that a lack of skilled human resources contributes to the poor performance of SMEs in the manufacturing sector of Harare, Zimbabwe. The research further hypothesized that poor management skills such as human resources, financial management, general management, production management and marketing management result in the poor performance of SMEs in the manufacturing sector of Harare, Zimbabwe. A research proposition was also stated which stipulated that the current hyperinflation environment affects the profitability of SMEs in the manufacturing sector of Harare in terms of profitability. This study is important because SMEs, despite their contributions to the Zimbabwean economy, have not been given due attention as the research of performance has been biased towards large enterprises. The results indicate that managerial aspects which are in short supply have negative effects on the performance of SMEs in the manufacturing sector. The results also indicate that the high rate of inflation and other economic factors such as foreign currency shortage, interest rate and exchange rate affect their performance negatively. Lastly, the study recommends that SMEs, the Zimbabwean government and other supporting institutions such Empretec, ILO and SEDCO take measures to ensure the survival, growth and development of this sector which has the potential to steer the economy. These measures are expected to improve the managerial skills in the SME sector and consequently result in improved performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Zindiye, Stanislous
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Zimbabwe , Government business enterprises -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11319 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/128 , Business enterprises -- Zimbabwe , Government business enterprises -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This research investigates the factors that affect the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector of Harare, Zimbabwe. To achieve this objective, the research hypothesised that a lack of skilled human resources contributes to the poor performance of SMEs in the manufacturing sector of Harare, Zimbabwe. The research further hypothesized that poor management skills such as human resources, financial management, general management, production management and marketing management result in the poor performance of SMEs in the manufacturing sector of Harare, Zimbabwe. A research proposition was also stated which stipulated that the current hyperinflation environment affects the profitability of SMEs in the manufacturing sector of Harare in terms of profitability. This study is important because SMEs, despite their contributions to the Zimbabwean economy, have not been given due attention as the research of performance has been biased towards large enterprises. The results indicate that managerial aspects which are in short supply have negative effects on the performance of SMEs in the manufacturing sector. The results also indicate that the high rate of inflation and other economic factors such as foreign currency shortage, interest rate and exchange rate affect their performance negatively. Lastly, the study recommends that SMEs, the Zimbabwean government and other supporting institutions such Empretec, ILO and SEDCO take measures to ensure the survival, growth and development of this sector which has the potential to steer the economy. These measures are expected to improve the managerial skills in the SME sector and consequently result in improved performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An evaluation of how dividend policies impact on the share value of selected companies
- Authors: Barman, Graham Paul
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Dividends , Corporations -- Valuation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8976 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/806 , Dividends , Corporations -- Valuation
- Description: Wealth maximisation for shareholders is a combination of dividend payouts and an increase in share price. Management, as custodians of shareholder interest, should therefore consciously work towards influencing the share price favourably. The purpose of this study is to examine and analyse, through an empirical study, dividend policy and the effect, if any, it has on the value of shares by conducting a survey among financial managers to measure their views regarding dividends and share value and to either validate or disprove the academic explanation of the practice of paying dividends.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Barman, Graham Paul
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Dividends , Corporations -- Valuation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8976 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/806 , Dividends , Corporations -- Valuation
- Description: Wealth maximisation for shareholders is a combination of dividend payouts and an increase in share price. Management, as custodians of shareholder interest, should therefore consciously work towards influencing the share price favourably. The purpose of this study is to examine and analyse, through an empirical study, dividend policy and the effect, if any, it has on the value of shares by conducting a survey among financial managers to measure their views regarding dividends and share value and to either validate or disprove the academic explanation of the practice of paying dividends.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An evaluation of personnel provision policy in selected public secondary schools in the Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Peter, Zola Witness
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Selection and appointment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers' unions -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11632 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/213 , Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Selection and appointment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers' unions -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Description: The Eastern Cape Department of Education has a constitutional and legislative mandate to provide quality public education in all public schools within the province. The commitment to improve also involves ensuring effective educator personnel provisioning in public secondary xii schools. However, despite various legislative and policy measures relating to educator personnel provisioning, serious concerns have been raised. There have been concerns over the shortage of educators. There are concerns over the lack of suitably qualified educators, especially in Mathematics and Science subjects. Disparities have been noted between legislative and policy directives with regard to educator personnel provisioning and the expectations of educators based on the realities in public secondary schools. The complications and challenges thereof have called upon for the appraisal of educator provisioning. The objective of the study is to describe and explain the nature and place of personnel provisioning in public secondary schools. Thereafter, evaluate its application at selected public secondary schools in the Eastern Cape Province. The basic intention is to prove that the educator personnel provision policy implementation in public schools needs to be examined and possibly changed for effective results. Basically, personnel provisioning is the first step in the personnel process. It is classified into: Human resources determination; and the Filling of posts The process of filling public personnel posts involves recruitment, selection, appointment, placement, transfer and promotion. In evaluating personnel provisioning policy in public secondary schools, a research study has to be conducted. As an integral part of scope of study, the survey area includes public secondary schools, provincial department offices and educator union/association offices. The questionnaire is used as the appropriate data collection instrument for this survey. The total population for the study are provincial department officials, public secondary school principals, school governing body chairpersons and educator unions/associations. xiii When data was analysed and interpreted, there were various significant findings. The respondents’ demographic details provided a significant insight into the study and its findings. They ensured divergence of opinions and understanding of the personnel provisioning. Regarding human resources determination and the filling of posts in public secondary schools, it was found that there are challenges in terms of the employment of suitably qualified educators. These include among other issues educator dissatisfaction and lack of effective procedures in the filling of posts. This also results in educator shortage in public secondary schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Peter, Zola Witness
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Selection and appointment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers' unions -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11632 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/213 , Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Selection and appointment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers' unions -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Description: The Eastern Cape Department of Education has a constitutional and legislative mandate to provide quality public education in all public schools within the province. The commitment to improve also involves ensuring effective educator personnel provisioning in public secondary xii schools. However, despite various legislative and policy measures relating to educator personnel provisioning, serious concerns have been raised. There have been concerns over the shortage of educators. There are concerns over the lack of suitably qualified educators, especially in Mathematics and Science subjects. Disparities have been noted between legislative and policy directives with regard to educator personnel provisioning and the expectations of educators based on the realities in public secondary schools. The complications and challenges thereof have called upon for the appraisal of educator provisioning. The objective of the study is to describe and explain the nature and place of personnel provisioning in public secondary schools. Thereafter, evaluate its application at selected public secondary schools in the Eastern Cape Province. The basic intention is to prove that the educator personnel provision policy implementation in public schools needs to be examined and possibly changed for effective results. Basically, personnel provisioning is the first step in the personnel process. It is classified into: Human resources determination; and the Filling of posts The process of filling public personnel posts involves recruitment, selection, appointment, placement, transfer and promotion. In evaluating personnel provisioning policy in public secondary schools, a research study has to be conducted. As an integral part of scope of study, the survey area includes public secondary schools, provincial department offices and educator union/association offices. The questionnaire is used as the appropriate data collection instrument for this survey. The total population for the study are provincial department officials, public secondary school principals, school governing body chairpersons and educator unions/associations. xiii When data was analysed and interpreted, there were various significant findings. The respondents’ demographic details provided a significant insight into the study and its findings. They ensured divergence of opinions and understanding of the personnel provisioning. Regarding human resources determination and the filling of posts in public secondary schools, it was found that there are challenges in terms of the employment of suitably qualified educators. These include among other issues educator dissatisfaction and lack of effective procedures in the filling of posts. This also results in educator shortage in public secondary schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An evaluation of product quality and consumer satisfaction in the FMCG market : Pick 'n Pay hypermarket, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Hallam, Edward James
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Quality of products -- Management , Quality of products -- Evaluation , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9364 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/974 , Quality of products -- Management , Quality of products -- Evaluation , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: In an intensely competitive retail market, keeping consumers satisfied has never been more important than currently. Retailers need to understand how to satisfy their customers in order to enhance their appeal and increase consumer loyalty. Globally people’s lifestyles are changing rapidly. Advances in technology, more flexi-time of customers, and the many other social and economic changes affecting family and home life are some of the reasons why, specifically in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, it is important to act fast to service customers. In South Africa, there is indication of strong competition between the most dominant firms’ in the FMCG market, which include Pick ‘n Pay Holdings Limited (23.8 percent), Shoprite Holdings Limited (23.8 percent), the Spar Group Limited (14.9 percent), and Woolworths Holdings Limited (9.0 percent). As a result, it is unmistakable that in order for FMCG firms to grow and survive in the constantly changing, and competitive retail environment of South Africa, they must have a clear understanding of consumer’s expectations, as well as their actual shopping experiences. As stated, service quality for retailers of FMCG is of utmost importance to their level of success and ability to successfully cater for the market’s needs. Closely linked to this, is the focus of this study, namely to investigate consumers’ perceived levels of product quality, as well as the overall level of satisfaction experienced by customers. The purpose of this analytical research project is twofold: Firstly, to empirically test the hypothetical model and the associated hypotheses (as phrased in Section 1.4) by using confirmatory statistical techniques. Secondly, based on the findings of the research, to craft appropriate retail marketing strategies within the FMCG market that are suitable for implementation to address potential mismatches (gaps) of perceived product quality and consumers’ satisfaction. By the crafting of appropriate retail strategies, the potential to develop the FMCG industry in South Africa will be enhanced. Given the purpose and nature of the research in question, a positivistic research paradigm was adopted. The utilization of a Likert seven-point scale enabled primary data to be sourced from 301 consumers’ (respondents), who shared their perceptions on the expectations and actual experiences about the product quality of FMCG in South Africa. The statistical analysis of quantitative data comprised seven distinct phases. Firstly, the data was subjected to a confirmatory factor analysis to validate the measurement model by assessing the construct (convergent, discriminant and nomological) validity of the pre-specified (predicted) factors. Secondly, the reliability (internal consistency) of the research instrument was assessed by means of Cronbach alpha reliability coefficients. This phase was followed by a multiple linear regression analyses which were used to test the impact of independent variables on the intervening variable. In order to test the second set of hypotheses (null and alternative hypotheses dealing with consumers’ expected product quality and their actual experiences) matched paired t-tests were utilized. Additionally, mean scores and relative percentage ratings on consumers’ expected and perceived product quality levels were also calculated and interpreted. Finally, bivariate linear regression analyses were used to test the third set of hypotheses (impact of consumers perceived product quality on consumers overall level of satisfaction). The findings of the multiple linear regression analyses required that the hypothetical model be reconstructed. Two variables were removed from the hypothetical model, namely, ‘South African culture’ and ‘service promises’. The findings of the matched pair t-tests show that significant statistical differences do exist between the ‘expectations’ and ‘actual experiences’ of consumers’ perceived product quality to support the hypothesis H3.A, namely: “There are no perceived differences between consumers’ expectations and their perceptions (actual experience) of product quality”. Besides the matched pair t-tests, further descriptive statistical analyses were also performed to assess the magnitude of the “gap” between expectations and actual experiences of consumers on South African FMCG product quality, such as the values for Cohen’s d and relative percentage ratings. The findings reveal that the consumers’ were not completely satisfied with their actual experiences. Three sets of conclusions and recommendations were identified for this research. Firstly, conclusions emanating from secondary sources on product quality and consumers’ satisfaction literature were provided, such as consumer satisfaction is seen more as a psychological state, which reveals an overall feeling of consumers’ purchase and consumption experience with FMCG. Secondly, the conclusions linked to the interpretation of the empirical findings revealed significant statistical differences between the expectations and perceptions (actual experiences) of consumers’ on perceived product quality. Finally, recommendations on relevant FMCG retail marketing strategies can be grouped into five domains: To build customer-led firms which adhere to the principles of true marketing orientation where the focus is on consumers and their needs and wants. Identify and clearly define the FMCG market in South Africa which comprises different market segments that are of great importance for the retail firms. The decision on a proper positioning strategy entails the choice of the target market segments, which will determine where and how the FMCG firm competes and the choice of differential advantages. Retailers should apply suitable marketing strategies to benefit optimally from their FMCG retail marketing strategies. A sound feedback system is a necessary component in the strategic marketing plan to obtain proper feedback that would contribute to the “management by exception” principle. It further will facilitate performance evaluation of product quality and service delivery, as well as and enable corrective actions to be taken in the case of deviations from the norm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Hallam, Edward James
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Quality of products -- Management , Quality of products -- Evaluation , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9364 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/974 , Quality of products -- Management , Quality of products -- Evaluation , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: In an intensely competitive retail market, keeping consumers satisfied has never been more important than currently. Retailers need to understand how to satisfy their customers in order to enhance their appeal and increase consumer loyalty. Globally people’s lifestyles are changing rapidly. Advances in technology, more flexi-time of customers, and the many other social and economic changes affecting family and home life are some of the reasons why, specifically in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, it is important to act fast to service customers. In South Africa, there is indication of strong competition between the most dominant firms’ in the FMCG market, which include Pick ‘n Pay Holdings Limited (23.8 percent), Shoprite Holdings Limited (23.8 percent), the Spar Group Limited (14.9 percent), and Woolworths Holdings Limited (9.0 percent). As a result, it is unmistakable that in order for FMCG firms to grow and survive in the constantly changing, and competitive retail environment of South Africa, they must have a clear understanding of consumer’s expectations, as well as their actual shopping experiences. As stated, service quality for retailers of FMCG is of utmost importance to their level of success and ability to successfully cater for the market’s needs. Closely linked to this, is the focus of this study, namely to investigate consumers’ perceived levels of product quality, as well as the overall level of satisfaction experienced by customers. The purpose of this analytical research project is twofold: Firstly, to empirically test the hypothetical model and the associated hypotheses (as phrased in Section 1.4) by using confirmatory statistical techniques. Secondly, based on the findings of the research, to craft appropriate retail marketing strategies within the FMCG market that are suitable for implementation to address potential mismatches (gaps) of perceived product quality and consumers’ satisfaction. By the crafting of appropriate retail strategies, the potential to develop the FMCG industry in South Africa will be enhanced. Given the purpose and nature of the research in question, a positivistic research paradigm was adopted. The utilization of a Likert seven-point scale enabled primary data to be sourced from 301 consumers’ (respondents), who shared their perceptions on the expectations and actual experiences about the product quality of FMCG in South Africa. The statistical analysis of quantitative data comprised seven distinct phases. Firstly, the data was subjected to a confirmatory factor analysis to validate the measurement model by assessing the construct (convergent, discriminant and nomological) validity of the pre-specified (predicted) factors. Secondly, the reliability (internal consistency) of the research instrument was assessed by means of Cronbach alpha reliability coefficients. This phase was followed by a multiple linear regression analyses which were used to test the impact of independent variables on the intervening variable. In order to test the second set of hypotheses (null and alternative hypotheses dealing with consumers’ expected product quality and their actual experiences) matched paired t-tests were utilized. Additionally, mean scores and relative percentage ratings on consumers’ expected and perceived product quality levels were also calculated and interpreted. Finally, bivariate linear regression analyses were used to test the third set of hypotheses (impact of consumers perceived product quality on consumers overall level of satisfaction). The findings of the multiple linear regression analyses required that the hypothetical model be reconstructed. Two variables were removed from the hypothetical model, namely, ‘South African culture’ and ‘service promises’. The findings of the matched pair t-tests show that significant statistical differences do exist between the ‘expectations’ and ‘actual experiences’ of consumers’ perceived product quality to support the hypothesis H3.A, namely: “There are no perceived differences between consumers’ expectations and their perceptions (actual experience) of product quality”. Besides the matched pair t-tests, further descriptive statistical analyses were also performed to assess the magnitude of the “gap” between expectations and actual experiences of consumers on South African FMCG product quality, such as the values for Cohen’s d and relative percentage ratings. The findings reveal that the consumers’ were not completely satisfied with their actual experiences. Three sets of conclusions and recommendations were identified for this research. Firstly, conclusions emanating from secondary sources on product quality and consumers’ satisfaction literature were provided, such as consumer satisfaction is seen more as a psychological state, which reveals an overall feeling of consumers’ purchase and consumption experience with FMCG. Secondly, the conclusions linked to the interpretation of the empirical findings revealed significant statistical differences between the expectations and perceptions (actual experiences) of consumers’ on perceived product quality. Finally, recommendations on relevant FMCG retail marketing strategies can be grouped into five domains: To build customer-led firms which adhere to the principles of true marketing orientation where the focus is on consumers and their needs and wants. Identify and clearly define the FMCG market in South Africa which comprises different market segments that are of great importance for the retail firms. The decision on a proper positioning strategy entails the choice of the target market segments, which will determine where and how the FMCG firm competes and the choice of differential advantages. Retailers should apply suitable marketing strategies to benefit optimally from their FMCG retail marketing strategies. A sound feedback system is a necessary component in the strategic marketing plan to obtain proper feedback that would contribute to the “management by exception” principle. It further will facilitate performance evaluation of product quality and service delivery, as well as and enable corrective actions to be taken in the case of deviations from the norm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An Evaluation Of Scan-Detection Algorithms In Network Intrusion Detection Systems
- Barnett, Richard J, Irwin, Barry V W
- Authors: Barnett, Richard J , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/428701 , vital:72530 , https://digifors.cs.up.ac.za/issa/2008/Proceedings/Research/29.pdf
- Description: Network Intrusion Detection Systems are becoming more prevalent as devices to protect a network. However, the methods they use for some forms of detection are flawed. This paper builds upon existing research by van Riel and Irwin which illustrated these flaws in Snort and Bro's scan-detection engines. Indeed, it has been ascertained that a number of different scanning techniques are not identified by either Snort or Bro. This paper highlights current research into the improvement of these scan detection algorithms and presents insight into how this re-search is being conducted at Rhodes University. This research will im-prove on the scan detection engines in Snort and Bro, permitting them to be used in a production environment without fear of succumbing to the false negative problem which currently exists.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Barnett, Richard J , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/428701 , vital:72530 , https://digifors.cs.up.ac.za/issa/2008/Proceedings/Research/29.pdf
- Description: Network Intrusion Detection Systems are becoming more prevalent as devices to protect a network. However, the methods they use for some forms of detection are flawed. This paper builds upon existing research by van Riel and Irwin which illustrated these flaws in Snort and Bro's scan-detection engines. Indeed, it has been ascertained that a number of different scanning techniques are not identified by either Snort or Bro. This paper highlights current research into the improvement of these scan detection algorithms and presents insight into how this re-search is being conducted at Rhodes University. This research will im-prove on the scan detection engines in Snort and Bro, permitting them to be used in a production environment without fear of succumbing to the false negative problem which currently exists.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An evaluation of the assessment criteria of the Unit Standard 115789
- Authors: Danster, Franscesca Olivia
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Education -- Standards -- South Africa , Accreditation (Education) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8366 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1215 , Education -- Standards -- South Africa , Accreditation (Education) -- South Africa
- Description: This study investigates the assessment criteria of Unit Standard 115789: Communication Studies and Language. In general unit standards are registered, standardised statements of expected education and training outcomes including assessment criteria and other regulatory information required by training providers and assessors to train and assess learners under the Skills Development Act of 1998. However, it was found that many training providers and assessors share the view that in the case of Unit Standard 115789, among others, the assessment criteria and their descriptors are generic, vague and non-context specific to the extent that trainers and assessors have difficulty in developing appropriate and reliable assessment tools and instruments that allow them to adhere to the basic principles of assessment, namely transparency, validity, reliability, consistency, practicability, fairness, flexibility and usability. The main concern of the study is that learners will be declared communicatively competent individuals in a variety of professional and industrial environments when in fact they are not. The study traces the origins and development processes of Unit Standard 115789 in order to gain a clearer understanding of the problems experienced by training providers and assessors in the implementation of the assessment criteria. It then proposes a set of guidelines that will assist training providers and assessors to make the assessment criteria more accessible and the assessment processes more reliable, valid and consistent. Finally, it makes a number of recommendations to ensure that the problems of implementation of Unit Standard 115789 currently experienced by training providers and assessors are alleviated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Danster, Franscesca Olivia
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Education -- Standards -- South Africa , Accreditation (Education) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8366 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1215 , Education -- Standards -- South Africa , Accreditation (Education) -- South Africa
- Description: This study investigates the assessment criteria of Unit Standard 115789: Communication Studies and Language. In general unit standards are registered, standardised statements of expected education and training outcomes including assessment criteria and other regulatory information required by training providers and assessors to train and assess learners under the Skills Development Act of 1998. However, it was found that many training providers and assessors share the view that in the case of Unit Standard 115789, among others, the assessment criteria and their descriptors are generic, vague and non-context specific to the extent that trainers and assessors have difficulty in developing appropriate and reliable assessment tools and instruments that allow them to adhere to the basic principles of assessment, namely transparency, validity, reliability, consistency, practicability, fairness, flexibility and usability. The main concern of the study is that learners will be declared communicatively competent individuals in a variety of professional and industrial environments when in fact they are not. The study traces the origins and development processes of Unit Standard 115789 in order to gain a clearer understanding of the problems experienced by training providers and assessors in the implementation of the assessment criteria. It then proposes a set of guidelines that will assist training providers and assessors to make the assessment criteria more accessible and the assessment processes more reliable, valid and consistent. Finally, it makes a number of recommendations to ensure that the problems of implementation of Unit Standard 115789 currently experienced by training providers and assessors are alleviated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An evaluation of the constitutionality of the common law crime of criminal defamation
- Authors: Fischer, Carl Frederich
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Libel and slander -- South Africa , Common law -- Evaluation , Criminal law -- South Africa , Criminal procedure -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10171 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/749 , Libel and slander -- South Africa , Common law -- Evaluation , Criminal law -- South Africa , Criminal procedure -- South Africa
- Description: The challenge in the law of defamation lies in finding the appropriate balance between the two competing rights of freedom of expression and an unimpaired reputation. From Roman and Roman-Dutch law into the modern era, criminal and civil defamation have been very closely linked. The elements and defences are substantially alike. There were several calls prior to 1994 for the abrogation of criminal defamation. Now that the right to an unimpaired reputation, as part of the right to human dignity, and the right to freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed, quo vadis the crime of criminal defamation? The Supreme Court of Appeal has recently granted a petition for leave to appeal against convictions for criminal defamation on this very point: is the offence constitutional. Due to the paucity of criminal defamation precedent, the copious civil law precedent concerning civil defamation must be analysed to determine what view the Supreme Court of Appeal will adopt. Prior to 1994 the right to an unimpaired reputation has trumped freedom of expression. Since then, the two leading decisions by the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court have ameliorated this situation slightly, according freedom of expression more weight. Claiming the previous common law position was incorrect, they claim the present common law position is constitutionally sound. Thus the Constitution has in essence had no effect to date upon the balancing of competing rights in the law of defamation. Both courts have erred in according the right to freedom of expression too little weight. This may be due to three judicial errors. Firstly, they have under-appreciated that the values of dignity, equality and freedom fortify and are fortified by the right to freedom of expression. Aspects of dignity such as self-actualisation, self-governance and an acceptance that humans have intrinsic worth are heavily reliant on freedom of expression, particularly political expression. Secondly, while political expression lies at the core of freedom of expression, reputation lies nearer the periphery of the right to dignity. Rights at the core ought to trump competing but peripheral rights. Thirdly, erroneous statements are inevitable in free debate. Unless they too are protected, unacceptable self-censorship occurs. The correct approach is as a matter of policy, particularly regarding political expression, to balance the competing rights with one’s thumb on the free expression side of the scales. This seems the trend of the European Court of Human Rights in recent cases In Canada, an offence punishing libel made intentionally but without knowledge of its falsity was recently ruled unconstitutional. On the other hand, another offence punishing libel made with knowledge it was false, videlicet punishing the intentional publication of defamatory lies, was ruled constitutional. Criminal defamation clearly infringes upon the right to freedom of expression. For this infringement to pass constitutional muster it must be reasonable and justifiable in an open and democratic society. It fails the limitation test due to the lack of proportionality between its objective in protecting the right to an unimpaired reputation and the harm it does to the right to expression. There are three reasons: firstly the “chilling effect” of imprisonment, over and above pecuniary damages, unacceptably stifles free debate. Secondly, it may punish even the truth, yet protect a falsehood, since the truth per se is not a defence. An undeserved reputation is thus more highly valued than the publication of that truth. Finally there is a well-developed civil remedy that adequately protects the right to reputation of aggrieved persons. In the appeal concerning the constitutionality of the common law offence of criminal defamation, the Supreme Court of Appeal ought to find it unconstitutional.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Fischer, Carl Frederich
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Libel and slander -- South Africa , Common law -- Evaluation , Criminal law -- South Africa , Criminal procedure -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10171 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/749 , Libel and slander -- South Africa , Common law -- Evaluation , Criminal law -- South Africa , Criminal procedure -- South Africa
- Description: The challenge in the law of defamation lies in finding the appropriate balance between the two competing rights of freedom of expression and an unimpaired reputation. From Roman and Roman-Dutch law into the modern era, criminal and civil defamation have been very closely linked. The elements and defences are substantially alike. There were several calls prior to 1994 for the abrogation of criminal defamation. Now that the right to an unimpaired reputation, as part of the right to human dignity, and the right to freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed, quo vadis the crime of criminal defamation? The Supreme Court of Appeal has recently granted a petition for leave to appeal against convictions for criminal defamation on this very point: is the offence constitutional. Due to the paucity of criminal defamation precedent, the copious civil law precedent concerning civil defamation must be analysed to determine what view the Supreme Court of Appeal will adopt. Prior to 1994 the right to an unimpaired reputation has trumped freedom of expression. Since then, the two leading decisions by the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court have ameliorated this situation slightly, according freedom of expression more weight. Claiming the previous common law position was incorrect, they claim the present common law position is constitutionally sound. Thus the Constitution has in essence had no effect to date upon the balancing of competing rights in the law of defamation. Both courts have erred in according the right to freedom of expression too little weight. This may be due to three judicial errors. Firstly, they have under-appreciated that the values of dignity, equality and freedom fortify and are fortified by the right to freedom of expression. Aspects of dignity such as self-actualisation, self-governance and an acceptance that humans have intrinsic worth are heavily reliant on freedom of expression, particularly political expression. Secondly, while political expression lies at the core of freedom of expression, reputation lies nearer the periphery of the right to dignity. Rights at the core ought to trump competing but peripheral rights. Thirdly, erroneous statements are inevitable in free debate. Unless they too are protected, unacceptable self-censorship occurs. The correct approach is as a matter of policy, particularly regarding political expression, to balance the competing rights with one’s thumb on the free expression side of the scales. This seems the trend of the European Court of Human Rights in recent cases In Canada, an offence punishing libel made intentionally but without knowledge of its falsity was recently ruled unconstitutional. On the other hand, another offence punishing libel made with knowledge it was false, videlicet punishing the intentional publication of defamatory lies, was ruled constitutional. Criminal defamation clearly infringes upon the right to freedom of expression. For this infringement to pass constitutional muster it must be reasonable and justifiable in an open and democratic society. It fails the limitation test due to the lack of proportionality between its objective in protecting the right to an unimpaired reputation and the harm it does to the right to expression. There are three reasons: firstly the “chilling effect” of imprisonment, over and above pecuniary damages, unacceptably stifles free debate. Secondly, it may punish even the truth, yet protect a falsehood, since the truth per se is not a defence. An undeserved reputation is thus more highly valued than the publication of that truth. Finally there is a well-developed civil remedy that adequately protects the right to reputation of aggrieved persons. In the appeal concerning the constitutionality of the common law offence of criminal defamation, the Supreme Court of Appeal ought to find it unconstitutional.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An evaluation of the dispute resolution mechanisms of conciliation and arbitration
- Authors: Ndimurwimo, Leah Alexis
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa , Mediation and conciliation, Industrial -- South Africa , Arbitration and award -- South Africa , Grievance procedures -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10206 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/753 , Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa , Mediation and conciliation, Industrial -- South Africa , Arbitration and award -- South Africa , Grievance procedures -- South Africa
- Description: South African labour laws have undergone tremendous amendments before and after independence. This paper focuses on the development after independence, therefore section 34 of the Constitution of 1996, provisions of the Labour Relations Act of 1995 and other laws which deal with labour matters and regulate the labour relations and disputes in the country will be considered. The labour laws in South Africa provide inter alia for the dispute resolution mechanisms, the manner on which disputes should be handled by different organs which are empowered to do so. My focus will be to see how alternative disputes resolution processes of conciliation and arbitration in the Eastern Cape Province aim to transform the South African and global labour market by promoting an integrated simple, quick but efficient and inexpensive dispute settlement services in order to reduce the back log of cases, maintain labour peace, promote democracy at workplace with the view of advancing economic and social justice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Ndimurwimo, Leah Alexis
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa , Mediation and conciliation, Industrial -- South Africa , Arbitration and award -- South Africa , Grievance procedures -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10206 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/753 , Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa , Mediation and conciliation, Industrial -- South Africa , Arbitration and award -- South Africa , Grievance procedures -- South Africa
- Description: South African labour laws have undergone tremendous amendments before and after independence. This paper focuses on the development after independence, therefore section 34 of the Constitution of 1996, provisions of the Labour Relations Act of 1995 and other laws which deal with labour matters and regulate the labour relations and disputes in the country will be considered. The labour laws in South Africa provide inter alia for the dispute resolution mechanisms, the manner on which disputes should be handled by different organs which are empowered to do so. My focus will be to see how alternative disputes resolution processes of conciliation and arbitration in the Eastern Cape Province aim to transform the South African and global labour market by promoting an integrated simple, quick but efficient and inexpensive dispute settlement services in order to reduce the back log of cases, maintain labour peace, promote democracy at workplace with the view of advancing economic and social justice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An evaluation of the implementation of the new history curriculum
- Authors: Mgandela, Luthando Loveth
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Curriculum planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , History -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Curriculum evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9516 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1031 , Curriculum planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , History -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Curriculum evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation of the new History curriculum at Grade 10 level of Further Education and Training band in the Qumbu district of the Eastern Cape Province. The focus of the study was on evaluating: (a) the extent to which the new History curriculum was implemented as intended; (b) concerns harboured by History educators in relation to the new History curriculum; and the (c) degree of support undertaken by principals in the implementation of the new History curriculum. A review of literature related to the implementation, evaluation and support in curriculum implementation was done. It was the basis for establishing a theoretical framework. The approach used in the study was the survey method. Data was gathered by means of a Stages of Concern (SoC) questionnaire and principal intervention questionnaire. The sample was made up of 15 educators from 15 high schools. The findings indicate that History educators have intense concerns about the new History curriculum. Also, the data shows that principals provide support during the implementation of the new History curriculum. However, the data indicates an occurrence of a disjuncture. It seems that there is no correlation between the intensity of educator concerns and the degree of support undertaken by the principals. It is acknowledged that due to the limitations of this study, further studies on curriculum implementation should be done. It should encapsulate the use of an interview schedule and observation method of data gathering. It is recommended that principals should be trained by the Eastern Cape Department of Education by using stages of concern as the diagnostic tool of evaluating the degree of curriculum implementation. Principals should undertake to provide relevant and effective support to educators during curriculum implementation. Support should be provided according to the findings of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Mgandela, Luthando Loveth
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Curriculum planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , History -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Curriculum evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9516 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1031 , Curriculum planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , History -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Curriculum evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation of the new History curriculum at Grade 10 level of Further Education and Training band in the Qumbu district of the Eastern Cape Province. The focus of the study was on evaluating: (a) the extent to which the new History curriculum was implemented as intended; (b) concerns harboured by History educators in relation to the new History curriculum; and the (c) degree of support undertaken by principals in the implementation of the new History curriculum. A review of literature related to the implementation, evaluation and support in curriculum implementation was done. It was the basis for establishing a theoretical framework. The approach used in the study was the survey method. Data was gathered by means of a Stages of Concern (SoC) questionnaire and principal intervention questionnaire. The sample was made up of 15 educators from 15 high schools. The findings indicate that History educators have intense concerns about the new History curriculum. Also, the data shows that principals provide support during the implementation of the new History curriculum. However, the data indicates an occurrence of a disjuncture. It seems that there is no correlation between the intensity of educator concerns and the degree of support undertaken by the principals. It is acknowledged that due to the limitations of this study, further studies on curriculum implementation should be done. It should encapsulate the use of an interview schedule and observation method of data gathering. It is recommended that principals should be trained by the Eastern Cape Department of Education by using stages of concern as the diagnostic tool of evaluating the degree of curriculum implementation. Principals should undertake to provide relevant and effective support to educators during curriculum implementation. Support should be provided according to the findings of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An evaluation of the implementation of the preferential procurement policy framework act (No 5 of 2000) with reference to selected municipalities in the province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Nano, Nandipha
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Government purchasing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8216 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1019 , Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Government purchasing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Background and Rationale: South Africa is in its second decade of democracy. Since the introduction of democracy in 1994, the South African government and its citizens are making strides into overhauling the country to make it one of the best habitable countries in the world. All these changes are accompanied by challenges regarding the types of resources required to accomplish this when delivering services to the communities. In order for the government to accomplish this, systems and procedures which are supported by legislation and operational frameworks should be developed, implemented, monitored and reviewed when necessary. Legislation which has been developed to guide and regulate public procurement includes the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act 5 of 2000). The previous procurement approaches had various fallacies. For example, there was no accountability, no transparency, no equitable distribution of economic resources and no supporting structures to oversee the process. The government then realised the need for having an integrated approach towards public acquisition of goods and services. The public service should operate in an environment where there will be fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and value for money in procurement. 2 The objective of the Preferential Procurement Policy Act (Act 5 of 2000) is to give effect to section 217(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996). Section 217 (3) stipulates that national legislation must prescribe a framework within which the procurement policy may be implemented. Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act 5 of 2000) aims at redressing the past racial imbalances, where race and gender were used to control productive resources. In order to address the shortfalls of the previous systems which failed to provide equal competition opportunities to all the people of South Africa, the mandate, as stipulated in the amended Section 217 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996), has been implemented. This section calls on government and organs of the state to apply a preference point system to enhance and give preference to the historically disadvantaged individuals or designated groups, who in the past, were victims of unfair discrimination on the basis of race, gender or disability. The Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act 5 of 2000) and its related regulations and systems emanate from Section 217 (3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, (Act 108 of 1996). The government has, since 1995, started engaging in a number of initiatives with the purpose of restructuring the procurement. One of the initiatives was the development of the Green Paper on Public Sector Procurement Reform in South Africa in 1997. This paper is a discussion document which contains various proposals aimed at achieving the objectives of good governance, developing and utilising the country’s human resources potential to the full, and encouraging a well-developed and competitive business sector (http://www.info.gov.za/greenpapers/1997/publicproc.htm). 3 Subsequent to the Green Paper on Public Sector Procurement Reform the government published the Preferential Procurement Regulations in 2001, in terms of Section 5 of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework. The government’s aim was to elicit contributions and discussions from role- players and interested parties. These inputs are crucial in a country that is committed to democracy. It can be deduced that the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework is a tool that is intended to provide direction and guidance to public officials when they engage in the acquisition of goods and services whilst giving leverage and preference to those who have been victims of the past imbalances. There is a perception that business opportunities favour individuals and businesses that are well established and the emerging business owners are marginalised. The reforms in the procurement processes that have been put in place are intended to ensure that there is equality, transparency and accountability in the allocation of business opportunities. Preference has to be afforded to the previously marginalised people to play a role in the public sector procurement and enhance income generation. The aims of the Preferential Procurement will be defeated if there are no systems to control and monitor the engagement of historically disadvantaged individuals. The affirming of such business owners should be viewed as a tool for the distribution of wealth, job creation and a poverty alleviation strategy from the side of government. The rationale for the research, therefore, is to establish whether the historically disadvantaged individuals’ lives are improving and bringing about sustainable economic development in their lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Nano, Nandipha
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Government purchasing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8216 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1019 , Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Government purchasing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Background and Rationale: South Africa is in its second decade of democracy. Since the introduction of democracy in 1994, the South African government and its citizens are making strides into overhauling the country to make it one of the best habitable countries in the world. All these changes are accompanied by challenges regarding the types of resources required to accomplish this when delivering services to the communities. In order for the government to accomplish this, systems and procedures which are supported by legislation and operational frameworks should be developed, implemented, monitored and reviewed when necessary. Legislation which has been developed to guide and regulate public procurement includes the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act 5 of 2000). The previous procurement approaches had various fallacies. For example, there was no accountability, no transparency, no equitable distribution of economic resources and no supporting structures to oversee the process. The government then realised the need for having an integrated approach towards public acquisition of goods and services. The public service should operate in an environment where there will be fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and value for money in procurement. 2 The objective of the Preferential Procurement Policy Act (Act 5 of 2000) is to give effect to section 217(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996). Section 217 (3) stipulates that national legislation must prescribe a framework within which the procurement policy may be implemented. Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act 5 of 2000) aims at redressing the past racial imbalances, where race and gender were used to control productive resources. In order to address the shortfalls of the previous systems which failed to provide equal competition opportunities to all the people of South Africa, the mandate, as stipulated in the amended Section 217 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996), has been implemented. This section calls on government and organs of the state to apply a preference point system to enhance and give preference to the historically disadvantaged individuals or designated groups, who in the past, were victims of unfair discrimination on the basis of race, gender or disability. The Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act 5 of 2000) and its related regulations and systems emanate from Section 217 (3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, (Act 108 of 1996). The government has, since 1995, started engaging in a number of initiatives with the purpose of restructuring the procurement. One of the initiatives was the development of the Green Paper on Public Sector Procurement Reform in South Africa in 1997. This paper is a discussion document which contains various proposals aimed at achieving the objectives of good governance, developing and utilising the country’s human resources potential to the full, and encouraging a well-developed and competitive business sector (http://www.info.gov.za/greenpapers/1997/publicproc.htm). 3 Subsequent to the Green Paper on Public Sector Procurement Reform the government published the Preferential Procurement Regulations in 2001, in terms of Section 5 of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework. The government’s aim was to elicit contributions and discussions from role- players and interested parties. These inputs are crucial in a country that is committed to democracy. It can be deduced that the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework is a tool that is intended to provide direction and guidance to public officials when they engage in the acquisition of goods and services whilst giving leverage and preference to those who have been victims of the past imbalances. There is a perception that business opportunities favour individuals and businesses that are well established and the emerging business owners are marginalised. The reforms in the procurement processes that have been put in place are intended to ensure that there is equality, transparency and accountability in the allocation of business opportunities. Preference has to be afforded to the previously marginalised people to play a role in the public sector procurement and enhance income generation. The aims of the Preferential Procurement will be defeated if there are no systems to control and monitor the engagement of historically disadvantaged individuals. The affirming of such business owners should be viewed as a tool for the distribution of wealth, job creation and a poverty alleviation strategy from the side of government. The rationale for the research, therefore, is to establish whether the historically disadvantaged individuals’ lives are improving and bringing about sustainable economic development in their lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An evaluation of the national curriculum statement policy in the education of youth with disabilities in South Africa, the case of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Sonqayi, Zandile Hillary
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth with disabilities -- Education , Learning disabled youth -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Curriculum evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Curriculum planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11418 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/298 , Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth with disabilities -- Education , Learning disabled youth -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Curriculum evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Curriculum planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: What initiated this research was the need for the assessment of the National Curriculum Statement policy implementation. This was brought about by the observation that there was a general complaint in the province that educators are struggling with the implementation processes. It would seem that at the formulation of this policy the schools for learners with disabilities were not considered. The main objective of this study, is therefore, to assess the implementation of the NCS policy in relation to the principle of inclusivity regarding learners with disabilities in schools. This has been achieved through finding out how educators are coping in a situation where they are expected to improvise learning and assessment methodologies to cater for a large variety of disabilities of which they are not trained to work with. This study used two techniques, face to face interviews with the subject advisors in the districts as well as with the educators at the schools. Questionnaires were used in the case of managers at school and district levels. Qualitative research was used to accumulate sufficient data to lead to the understanding of the problems that are encountered at different levels. In terms of the findings, most of the respondents pointed out that the policy does not adequately cater for the needs of both the learners and the educators of the special schools. They further mentioned that the outcomes according to the policy do not stipulate what is expected of the learners with barriers to learning due to their disability conditions. According to the responses of the different categories of participants, it became clear that the implementation of the NCS policy is not very successful due to a wide variety of problems that are encountered by the implementers. The main complained about problem is the need for the adaptation of the curriculum to accommodate the learners with disabilities. Furthermore, there is a dire need for the implementers to make reference to all the disabilities found at these schools so as to deal with their situation accordingly. The NCS policy promises change for the better, however the necessary ramifications related to its implementation need to be successfully managed and dealt with properly. This has implications on areas of concern, mainly the training of educators on mastering the implementation and assessment processes which are key to meaningful education. Considering that inclusivity is about change of attitude and behaviour as well as teaching and learning methodologies, it becomes difficult for these changes to materialise if and when inclusivity is not applied properly at the schools for learners with disabilities. The effectiveness of inclusivity depends on the consideration of all the factors that would lead to a healthy environment in the case of these schools. This would mean putting of all the relevant structures in place as well as encouraging team work at all levels, from the educators, management and the community. The district officials should always avail themselves for monitoring and supporting services at these schools. The findings of this study, may contribute to the asking of many questions. This may lead to further debates which may give rise to the need for further research on many aspects that have come up in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Sonqayi, Zandile Hillary
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth with disabilities -- Education , Learning disabled youth -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Curriculum evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Curriculum planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11418 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/298 , Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth with disabilities -- Education , Learning disabled youth -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Curriculum evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Curriculum planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: What initiated this research was the need for the assessment of the National Curriculum Statement policy implementation. This was brought about by the observation that there was a general complaint in the province that educators are struggling with the implementation processes. It would seem that at the formulation of this policy the schools for learners with disabilities were not considered. The main objective of this study, is therefore, to assess the implementation of the NCS policy in relation to the principle of inclusivity regarding learners with disabilities in schools. This has been achieved through finding out how educators are coping in a situation where they are expected to improvise learning and assessment methodologies to cater for a large variety of disabilities of which they are not trained to work with. This study used two techniques, face to face interviews with the subject advisors in the districts as well as with the educators at the schools. Questionnaires were used in the case of managers at school and district levels. Qualitative research was used to accumulate sufficient data to lead to the understanding of the problems that are encountered at different levels. In terms of the findings, most of the respondents pointed out that the policy does not adequately cater for the needs of both the learners and the educators of the special schools. They further mentioned that the outcomes according to the policy do not stipulate what is expected of the learners with barriers to learning due to their disability conditions. According to the responses of the different categories of participants, it became clear that the implementation of the NCS policy is not very successful due to a wide variety of problems that are encountered by the implementers. The main complained about problem is the need for the adaptation of the curriculum to accommodate the learners with disabilities. Furthermore, there is a dire need for the implementers to make reference to all the disabilities found at these schools so as to deal with their situation accordingly. The NCS policy promises change for the better, however the necessary ramifications related to its implementation need to be successfully managed and dealt with properly. This has implications on areas of concern, mainly the training of educators on mastering the implementation and assessment processes which are key to meaningful education. Considering that inclusivity is about change of attitude and behaviour as well as teaching and learning methodologies, it becomes difficult for these changes to materialise if and when inclusivity is not applied properly at the schools for learners with disabilities. The effectiveness of inclusivity depends on the consideration of all the factors that would lead to a healthy environment in the case of these schools. This would mean putting of all the relevant structures in place as well as encouraging team work at all levels, from the educators, management and the community. The district officials should always avail themselves for monitoring and supporting services at these schools. The findings of this study, may contribute to the asking of many questions. This may lead to further debates which may give rise to the need for further research on many aspects that have come up in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An evaluation of the process and impact of outsourcing information technology (IT) services by Eastern Cape Treasury Department (ECTD) to the State Information Technology Agency (SITA)
- Authors: Mdlokovi, Lulama Reuben
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: State Information Technology Agency (South Africa) Administrative agencies -- South Africa Information technology -- Management Technology -- Information services Information services industry Telecommunication Value-added networks (Computer networks)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:743 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003864
- Description: The aim of this research is to evaluate the process and impact of outsourcing information technology (IT) services of Eastern Cape Treasury Department (ECTD) to State Information Technology Agency (SITA). This research study has been prompted by the fact that the South African Government through the National Department of Public Service and Administration has established SITA with a sole purpose of improving service delivery by all national, provincial and local government departments. The researcher’s concern is whether the relationship between SITA and these departments is working or not. The research paradigm adopted is a constructivist approach and the ontological position adopted assumed multiple realities. The research method used in this study is the evaluation research method. Key to the research procedure was the fact that four senior officials were interviewed using audio recording, where in two were each chosen from SITA and ECTD. The researcher used document analysis and interviews as a means of collecting data. Separate open-ended questions for SITA and ECTD were structured in such a way that it would be easy to extract themes describing the details of a particular question. The researcher made use of thematic analysis. The theory drive-code development process was key in the research analysis. ECTD outsourced to SITA the following IT services, namely, provision or maintenance of a private telecommunication network (PTN) or a value-added network (VAN); transversal information systems and its data-processing or associated services; training in IT/IS; application software development; maintenance services for IT software or infrastructure; data-processing or associated services for specific IT applications or systems such as website development; and IT support. The interviewed officials from ECTD contend that they used the SCM Guide and SITA ACT when pursuing IT outsourcing for projects such as those listed above. One of the key projects outsourced to SITA is the IFMS, which is a project programme of the National Treasury Department working closely with provinces (e.g. ECTD), National Department of Public Service and Administration (NDPSA) and SITA. The IFMS project has been implemented following the SCM guidelines. The key SCM Guide components are demand, acquisition, logistics, and disposal management. The engagement model used by SITA to guide them on the process of engaging in an IT outsourcing relationship has, according to the officials interviewed, been a success. SITA uses a standard contract wherein other specific contracts receive minor adjustments. The impact of IT outsourcing has shown increases in customer satisfaction improvement, transformation of government procurement and provisioning practices, appointment of Consultants, interpretation of the Preferential Procurement Policy, promotion of the consistent application of Best Practices, information systems security environment, and improving service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Mdlokovi, Lulama Reuben
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: State Information Technology Agency (South Africa) Administrative agencies -- South Africa Information technology -- Management Technology -- Information services Information services industry Telecommunication Value-added networks (Computer networks)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:743 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003864
- Description: The aim of this research is to evaluate the process and impact of outsourcing information technology (IT) services of Eastern Cape Treasury Department (ECTD) to State Information Technology Agency (SITA). This research study has been prompted by the fact that the South African Government through the National Department of Public Service and Administration has established SITA with a sole purpose of improving service delivery by all national, provincial and local government departments. The researcher’s concern is whether the relationship between SITA and these departments is working or not. The research paradigm adopted is a constructivist approach and the ontological position adopted assumed multiple realities. The research method used in this study is the evaluation research method. Key to the research procedure was the fact that four senior officials were interviewed using audio recording, where in two were each chosen from SITA and ECTD. The researcher used document analysis and interviews as a means of collecting data. Separate open-ended questions for SITA and ECTD were structured in such a way that it would be easy to extract themes describing the details of a particular question. The researcher made use of thematic analysis. The theory drive-code development process was key in the research analysis. ECTD outsourced to SITA the following IT services, namely, provision or maintenance of a private telecommunication network (PTN) or a value-added network (VAN); transversal information systems and its data-processing or associated services; training in IT/IS; application software development; maintenance services for IT software or infrastructure; data-processing or associated services for specific IT applications or systems such as website development; and IT support. The interviewed officials from ECTD contend that they used the SCM Guide and SITA ACT when pursuing IT outsourcing for projects such as those listed above. One of the key projects outsourced to SITA is the IFMS, which is a project programme of the National Treasury Department working closely with provinces (e.g. ECTD), National Department of Public Service and Administration (NDPSA) and SITA. The IFMS project has been implemented following the SCM guidelines. The key SCM Guide components are demand, acquisition, logistics, and disposal management. The engagement model used by SITA to guide them on the process of engaging in an IT outsourcing relationship has, according to the officials interviewed, been a success. SITA uses a standard contract wherein other specific contracts receive minor adjustments. The impact of IT outsourcing has shown increases in customer satisfaction improvement, transformation of government procurement and provisioning practices, appointment of Consultants, interpretation of the Preferential Procurement Policy, promotion of the consistent application of Best Practices, information systems security environment, and improving service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An evaluation of the questions posed to child witnesses in court to determine whether they are developmentally appropriate
- Authors: Erasmus, Ronell
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Child witnesses -- South Africa , Law -- Language
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10267 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/747 , Child witnesses -- South Africa , Law -- Language
- Description: Children are often required to testify viva voce in criminal trials. The question arises whether children understand what is communicated to them during their testimony in court. In the courtroom, the witness serves as a source of information. In child abuse cases in particular, the meaningful participation of the child in court proceedings is crucial due to the fact that the child is often the key witness, or the only witness, for the prosecution. The proper evaluation of the child’s evidence, however, requires that all role-players involved in the judicial process have a sound knowledge of those aspects which deal with child psychology, especially the cognitive and language abilities of children who testify. The procedure that is followed in court is not understood by the ordinary lay person, even less by children, and the language used is formalistic and very specialized. Legal language in general often contains cognitively and linguistically inappropriate questions which prevent children from relating their stories. Furthermore their responses do not sufficiently reflect their knowledge and experience of the incident of alleged sexual assault. Court language creates serious problems for children and accordingly prevents them from being effective witnesses and taking part in the judicial process in a meaningful way. The researcher, in her capacity as a Regional Court Magistrate, realized that children have limited understanding of the criminal trial process and often become secondary victims as a result of a system that does not acknowledge their cognitive and linguistic developmental levels. The purpose of this research was therefore to test the validity of the following hypotheses: • During the examination of children in a criminal trial developmentally and linguistically inappropriate questions are posed to them; and This results in ineffective communication. Eight court transcripts of criminal cases heard in the regional courts of the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga by different presiding officers were chosen at random. These transcripts were analyzed and evaluated in order to determine whether questions posed to children when they testify are cognitively and linguistically appropriate. Each question in each of the eight transcripts was numbered and analyzed. The findings of the analysis were categorized in terms of whether they were cognitively and linguistically inappropriate questions. It was clear that the majority of questions put to the child witnesses were cognitively and linguistically inappropriate. It is evident from the evaluation that the manner in which the children’s evidence in court was presented and the way in which they were questioned created a communication barrier which placed a distorted version of events before the court. It is therefore recommended that full account be taken of the cognitive and language capabilities of each particular child in order to elicit reliable information during the child’s testimony. It is of the utmost importance that questioning be conducted in such a fashion so as to ensure that the child witness understands not only the content of the questions, but also what answers or responses are expected from them. At present, acknowledgement of linguistic and cognitive developmental appropriateness, concern and comprehension for the psychology of the child witness are ignored at best, and totally exploited at worst. This lack of knowledge about child development impacts adversely upon the child’s credibility in court. To elevate and enhance the credibility of children, it is of the utmost importance for society in general and court role-players in particular to appreciate the various stages and faces of child development. The main recommendation is that court role-players should make a paradigm shift and children, including victims of sexual assault, should be given the opportunity to tell their own stories in their own language supported by other methods of communication. In evaluating any possible changes, it is necessary to adopt and develop a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach based on scientific principles. A specialized system is required to deal with children in the criminal justice system and innovative methods to achieve this are necessary. There is a strong need to change or adjust the present manner in which the criminal justice system accommodates child witnesses. Such a change or adjustment will be in the best interests of children as envisaged in section 28 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Erasmus, Ronell
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Child witnesses -- South Africa , Law -- Language
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10267 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/747 , Child witnesses -- South Africa , Law -- Language
- Description: Children are often required to testify viva voce in criminal trials. The question arises whether children understand what is communicated to them during their testimony in court. In the courtroom, the witness serves as a source of information. In child abuse cases in particular, the meaningful participation of the child in court proceedings is crucial due to the fact that the child is often the key witness, or the only witness, for the prosecution. The proper evaluation of the child’s evidence, however, requires that all role-players involved in the judicial process have a sound knowledge of those aspects which deal with child psychology, especially the cognitive and language abilities of children who testify. The procedure that is followed in court is not understood by the ordinary lay person, even less by children, and the language used is formalistic and very specialized. Legal language in general often contains cognitively and linguistically inappropriate questions which prevent children from relating their stories. Furthermore their responses do not sufficiently reflect their knowledge and experience of the incident of alleged sexual assault. Court language creates serious problems for children and accordingly prevents them from being effective witnesses and taking part in the judicial process in a meaningful way. The researcher, in her capacity as a Regional Court Magistrate, realized that children have limited understanding of the criminal trial process and often become secondary victims as a result of a system that does not acknowledge their cognitive and linguistic developmental levels. The purpose of this research was therefore to test the validity of the following hypotheses: • During the examination of children in a criminal trial developmentally and linguistically inappropriate questions are posed to them; and This results in ineffective communication. Eight court transcripts of criminal cases heard in the regional courts of the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga by different presiding officers were chosen at random. These transcripts were analyzed and evaluated in order to determine whether questions posed to children when they testify are cognitively and linguistically appropriate. Each question in each of the eight transcripts was numbered and analyzed. The findings of the analysis were categorized in terms of whether they were cognitively and linguistically inappropriate questions. It was clear that the majority of questions put to the child witnesses were cognitively and linguistically inappropriate. It is evident from the evaluation that the manner in which the children’s evidence in court was presented and the way in which they were questioned created a communication barrier which placed a distorted version of events before the court. It is therefore recommended that full account be taken of the cognitive and language capabilities of each particular child in order to elicit reliable information during the child’s testimony. It is of the utmost importance that questioning be conducted in such a fashion so as to ensure that the child witness understands not only the content of the questions, but also what answers or responses are expected from them. At present, acknowledgement of linguistic and cognitive developmental appropriateness, concern and comprehension for the psychology of the child witness are ignored at best, and totally exploited at worst. This lack of knowledge about child development impacts adversely upon the child’s credibility in court. To elevate and enhance the credibility of children, it is of the utmost importance for society in general and court role-players in particular to appreciate the various stages and faces of child development. The main recommendation is that court role-players should make a paradigm shift and children, including victims of sexual assault, should be given the opportunity to tell their own stories in their own language supported by other methods of communication. In evaluating any possible changes, it is necessary to adopt and develop a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach based on scientific principles. A specialized system is required to deal with children in the criminal justice system and innovative methods to achieve this are necessary. There is a strong need to change or adjust the present manner in which the criminal justice system accommodates child witnesses. Such a change or adjustment will be in the best interests of children as envisaged in section 28 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008