The role played by business development services providers (BDSs) in improving access to finance by start-up SMEs in the Buffalo City Municipality
- Authors: Musara, Mazanai
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Small business -- Finance , New business enterprises , Business enterprises -- Finance , Corporations -- Finance , Small business marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11315 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/359 , Small business -- Finance , New business enterprises , Business enterprises -- Finance , Corporations -- Finance , Small business marketing
- Description: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are very important to employment creation, poverty alleviation and the sustainable economic development of a nation. Encouraging SMEs, especially start-ups is crucial for sustainable economic growth. However, the failure rate of start-up SMEs in South Africa is one of the highest in the world. In reviewing the literature of the causes of the failure of start-up SMEs, access to finance emerged as a prime challenge. Start-up SMEs find it very difficult to obtain external finance from commercial banks and venture capitalists. The national and provincial governments in South Africa have realised that access to finance is a major constraint to the growth and survival of start-up SMEs and have put in place certain measures to improve access to finance by start-up SMEs. One of the primary measures put in place by government to improve access to finance by start-up SMEs is the provision of Business Development Service by some government agencies. This research investigates the role of Business Development Services Providers (BDSs) in improving access to finance for start-up SMEs. Questions arise as to why the failure rate of start-up SMEs is high in South Africa despite all these government measures aimed at assisting start-ups to access finance. Empirical research was conducted to investigate the role of BDS in improving access to finance by start-up SMEs. The instrument used for data collection was the self-administered questionnaire. The statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, T-test, ANOVA, correlation and regression analysis. The Cronbach‟s alpha was used as a measure of reliability. The results of the study revealed that: Access to finance is still a major problem hindering the survival of start-up SMEs. There is a lack of awareness of BDS providers and their services by the majority of start-up SMEs. There is a significant positive relationship between the use of BDS by start-up SMEs and success in accessing finance. Start-up SMEs that are aware of BDS do make use of the services. The results suggest that BDS are important to improving access to finance by start-up SMEs. However, there is a need to build awareness and encourage the use of BDS by start-up SMEs to improve their access to finance and ultimately increase their chances of survival.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Musara, Mazanai
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Small business -- Finance , New business enterprises , Business enterprises -- Finance , Corporations -- Finance , Small business marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11315 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/359 , Small business -- Finance , New business enterprises , Business enterprises -- Finance , Corporations -- Finance , Small business marketing
- Description: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are very important to employment creation, poverty alleviation and the sustainable economic development of a nation. Encouraging SMEs, especially start-ups is crucial for sustainable economic growth. However, the failure rate of start-up SMEs in South Africa is one of the highest in the world. In reviewing the literature of the causes of the failure of start-up SMEs, access to finance emerged as a prime challenge. Start-up SMEs find it very difficult to obtain external finance from commercial banks and venture capitalists. The national and provincial governments in South Africa have realised that access to finance is a major constraint to the growth and survival of start-up SMEs and have put in place certain measures to improve access to finance by start-up SMEs. One of the primary measures put in place by government to improve access to finance by start-up SMEs is the provision of Business Development Service by some government agencies. This research investigates the role of Business Development Services Providers (BDSs) in improving access to finance for start-up SMEs. Questions arise as to why the failure rate of start-up SMEs is high in South Africa despite all these government measures aimed at assisting start-ups to access finance. Empirical research was conducted to investigate the role of BDS in improving access to finance by start-up SMEs. The instrument used for data collection was the self-administered questionnaire. The statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, T-test, ANOVA, correlation and regression analysis. The Cronbach‟s alpha was used as a measure of reliability. The results of the study revealed that: Access to finance is still a major problem hindering the survival of start-up SMEs. There is a lack of awareness of BDS providers and their services by the majority of start-up SMEs. There is a significant positive relationship between the use of BDS by start-up SMEs and success in accessing finance. Start-up SMEs that are aware of BDS do make use of the services. The results suggest that BDS are important to improving access to finance by start-up SMEs. However, there is a need to build awareness and encourage the use of BDS by start-up SMEs to improve their access to finance and ultimately increase their chances of survival.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The strategic role of SARS customs on trade facilitation and regional integration in SADC
- Authors: Dlamini, Thenjiwe Olga
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: South African Revenue Service -- Planning , Strategic planning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8646 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1394 , South African Revenue Service -- Planning , Strategic planning -- South Africa
- Description: The objective of this study is to determine the best SARS customs strategy that can be implemented as a tool to assist the facilitation of trade and Regional integration in SADC Region because the process of integration is facing many challenges. A literature review of scholarly literature was conducted on regional integration of SADC that offered an international perspective on the experiences of other countries who have undergone similar experiences of integration and trade facilitation. With a historical background of Regional integration with the demonstration of SARS customs strategy that can be adopted to facilitate the process of trade and regional integration and, proposed future model and strategic plans to achieve the future goals. Research methodology and design was done through the combination of the four research types classification in their order of sophistication except the predictive research. These are namely exploratory, descriptive, and analytical or explanatory researches and include deductive research. The compilation of data through questionnaires was employed. The findings discussed in Chapter Five indicate that there are some gains that can be achieved by SADC members through free trade agreement. Recommendation from the study is that progression towards deeper integration requires the participation of the stakeholder and ownership at national level. The national and regional institutions require good governance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Dlamini, Thenjiwe Olga
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: South African Revenue Service -- Planning , Strategic planning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8646 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1394 , South African Revenue Service -- Planning , Strategic planning -- South Africa
- Description: The objective of this study is to determine the best SARS customs strategy that can be implemented as a tool to assist the facilitation of trade and Regional integration in SADC Region because the process of integration is facing many challenges. A literature review of scholarly literature was conducted on regional integration of SADC that offered an international perspective on the experiences of other countries who have undergone similar experiences of integration and trade facilitation. With a historical background of Regional integration with the demonstration of SARS customs strategy that can be adopted to facilitate the process of trade and regional integration and, proposed future model and strategic plans to achieve the future goals. Research methodology and design was done through the combination of the four research types classification in their order of sophistication except the predictive research. These are namely exploratory, descriptive, and analytical or explanatory researches and include deductive research. The compilation of data through questionnaires was employed. The findings discussed in Chapter Five indicate that there are some gains that can be achieved by SADC members through free trade agreement. Recommendation from the study is that progression towards deeper integration requires the participation of the stakeholder and ownership at national level. The national and regional institutions require good governance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The study of the concept and the development of social entretpreneurial models in South Africa
- Authors: Theron, Jolene
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Social entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , Social problems -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa , South Africa -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8611 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1558 , Social entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , Social problems -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa , South Africa -- Social conditions
- Description: The study investigates the concept and development of social entrepreneurial models in South Africa to demonstrate how social business initiatives can thrive and increase their impact on quality of life. Extreme poverty and diminishing natural resources threaten the future existence of the human race. Transformative, cost-effective and sustainable solutions are necessary to address the most challenging social problems. The study explores the speculation that creation of social value naturally progressed to increase economic value. Governments and philanthropic efforts have to date, failed to offer effective solutions to social problems. Independently, no sector is able to handle the scale, cost and extent of the current social issues facing humanity. In order to address this gap the study considers the business models followed by the public, private and non-profit sectors. It then introduces the concept of social entrepreneurship and explores the use of a hybrid business model as a possible solution. It is argued that transformative, cost-effective and sustainable solutions to the most critical social problems within South Africa can only be generated once these different sectors collaborate to leverage public and private resources. The method used in approaching the study was: Identifying the need for new forms of social value creation and identifying specific ventures emerging to address these needs; Recognising the key factors enabling social entrepreneurs to accomplish ambitious task, create large social impact and influence economic value; Establishing the most predominant social problems threatening the future sustainability of society and economy in South Africa; Identifying the most strategic business model able to create transformation, sustainability and deliver both economic and social value; Establishing the guidelines, support and resources needed to strengthen social entrepreneurial behaviour and social entrepreneurial initiatives within South Africa. The objective of the study was firstly achieved through an analysis of literature related to the topic of social entrepreneurship. The literature study explored the origins of traditional entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial characteristics. It then went on to discover the concept of social entrepreneurship and made a clear definition between the different types of social entrepreneurship, separating the social entrepreneurial venture from charity and corporate social responsibility. The literature study looked further into the characteristics of a social entrepreneur, the need for new forms of social value creation, the opportunities that exist and the impact created by social entrepreneurship. The second part of the analysis strictly focussed on social entrepreneurship in South Africa and the role each sector plays in addressing social issues. The most critical social issues in South Africa were identified with emphasise on the change needed. The methodology used was the case study method. A single-case study was conducted with the Freeplay Energy Group, presenting a successful social entrepreneurial venture, serving as a good business model example for the South African environment. A qualitative approach was followed with the objective of testing theory. By comparing the theory identified in the literary review with the findings of the case study, it was possible to investigate the concept and development of social entrepreneurial models in South Africa. The conclusions demonstrate how social business initiatives can thrive and increase their impact on quality of life. The most strategic business model identified was one which integrated the public, private and non-profit sectors with social entrepreneurship. The collaboration of all the sectors with social entrepreneurship results in social value creation which gives impetus to economic value creation. The findings were documented with specific conclusions being made and offered suggestions for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Theron, Jolene
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Social entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , Social problems -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa , South Africa -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8611 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1558 , Social entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , Social problems -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa , South Africa -- Social conditions
- Description: The study investigates the concept and development of social entrepreneurial models in South Africa to demonstrate how social business initiatives can thrive and increase their impact on quality of life. Extreme poverty and diminishing natural resources threaten the future existence of the human race. Transformative, cost-effective and sustainable solutions are necessary to address the most challenging social problems. The study explores the speculation that creation of social value naturally progressed to increase economic value. Governments and philanthropic efforts have to date, failed to offer effective solutions to social problems. Independently, no sector is able to handle the scale, cost and extent of the current social issues facing humanity. In order to address this gap the study considers the business models followed by the public, private and non-profit sectors. It then introduces the concept of social entrepreneurship and explores the use of a hybrid business model as a possible solution. It is argued that transformative, cost-effective and sustainable solutions to the most critical social problems within South Africa can only be generated once these different sectors collaborate to leverage public and private resources. The method used in approaching the study was: Identifying the need for new forms of social value creation and identifying specific ventures emerging to address these needs; Recognising the key factors enabling social entrepreneurs to accomplish ambitious task, create large social impact and influence economic value; Establishing the most predominant social problems threatening the future sustainability of society and economy in South Africa; Identifying the most strategic business model able to create transformation, sustainability and deliver both economic and social value; Establishing the guidelines, support and resources needed to strengthen social entrepreneurial behaviour and social entrepreneurial initiatives within South Africa. The objective of the study was firstly achieved through an analysis of literature related to the topic of social entrepreneurship. The literature study explored the origins of traditional entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial characteristics. It then went on to discover the concept of social entrepreneurship and made a clear definition between the different types of social entrepreneurship, separating the social entrepreneurial venture from charity and corporate social responsibility. The literature study looked further into the characteristics of a social entrepreneur, the need for new forms of social value creation, the opportunities that exist and the impact created by social entrepreneurship. The second part of the analysis strictly focussed on social entrepreneurship in South Africa and the role each sector plays in addressing social issues. The most critical social issues in South Africa were identified with emphasise on the change needed. The methodology used was the case study method. A single-case study was conducted with the Freeplay Energy Group, presenting a successful social entrepreneurial venture, serving as a good business model example for the South African environment. A qualitative approach was followed with the objective of testing theory. By comparing the theory identified in the literary review with the findings of the case study, it was possible to investigate the concept and development of social entrepreneurial models in South Africa. The conclusions demonstrate how social business initiatives can thrive and increase their impact on quality of life. The most strategic business model identified was one which integrated the public, private and non-profit sectors with social entrepreneurship. The collaboration of all the sectors with social entrepreneurship results in social value creation which gives impetus to economic value creation. The findings were documented with specific conclusions being made and offered suggestions for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The taxonomy, life-history and population dynamics of blacktail, Diplodus Capensis (Perciformes: Sparidae), in southern Angola
- Authors: Richardson, Timothy John
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Diplodus -- Angola , Perciformes -- Angola , Sparidae -- Angola , Fish populations -- Angola , Fishes -- Classification -- Angola , Fisheries -- Angola
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5324 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005170 , Diplodus -- Angola , Perciformes -- Angola , Sparidae -- Angola , Fish populations -- Angola , Fishes -- Classification -- Angola , Fisheries -- Angola
- Description: The blacktail, Diplodus capensis, is an inshore sparid fish distributed from Mozambique to Angola. This species forms an important component of coastal fisheries within its distribution, one being the subsistence handline fishery in southern Angola. With this fishery being critically important to the livelihoods of local communities, a biological study and stock assessment was conducted to provide information for the management of this species in southern Angola. However, with molecular evidence suggesting that the Benguela current may have separated the southern African populations of many inshore fish species over two million years ago, a morphological, taxonomic analysis was considered necessary to first investigate whether there was evidence for allopatry in this species. A total of 46 morphometric measurements and 18 counts were carried out on specimens collected from various locations in southern Angola and South Africa. Results were analysed using multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) and the significance of clusters was tested using analysis of similarities (ANOSIM). Biological samples of D. capensis were collected monthly from an unexploited area from April 2008 to March 2009. Additional biological samples were collected from the subsistence fishers in an exploited area during May, June and December 2009. Standard biological laboratory techniques were employed for the lifehistory comparison between the exploited and unexploited area. A per-recruit analysis was conducted using the life-history parameters from both areas in order to assess the current status of the subsistence fishery and to investigate the potential short-falls of the per-recruit assessment approach. The morphometric comparison showed that there was not sufficient evidence for speciation between the southern Angolan and South African populations of D. capensis. There was, however, sufficient morphological evidence to suggest that these populations are separate stocks. This indicated that the existing reference points on which the management of the South African population is based are unsuitable for the Angolan population. Diplodus capensis in southern Angola is omnivorous, feeding predominantly on algae, barnacles and mussels. An ontogenetic shift from algae to barnacles and mussels was correlated with allometric growth patterns in their feeding apparatus. This species is a rudimentary hermaphrodite in southern Angola with peak spawning in June and July. The overall sex ratio (M: F) was 1: 4.7 in the unexploited area and 50% maturity was attained at 149.5mm FL and five years. Diplodus capensis in southern Angola exhibits very slow growth with the maximum age observed being 31 years (validated using mark recapture of chemically injected fish). Females [L(t) = 419.5(1-e⁻°·°⁴⁵⁽t⁻³·⁴ ⁾)] grew significantly faster (LRT, p < 0.05) than males [L(t) = 297.4(1-e⁻°·°⁷⁷⁽t⁻²·⁷⁾)], and females dominated the larger size classes and older age classes. In the exploited area, the length and age frequencies were severely truncated, the maximum observed age was greatly reduced (17 years) and the sex ratio was less female biased at 1: 2.2. Although there was no evidence for a physiological response to exploitation through alterations in growth or size/age at sexual maturity between the two areas, there was an increase in the proportion of small females in the exploited area, which may have been a compensatory response for the loss of large females. A combination of an underestimate of longevity, different estimates of the Von Bertalanffy growth parameters and overestimates of the natural mortality rate in the exploited population resulted in a 92% underestimate of the pristine spawner biomass-per-recruit (SBR) value. An assessment based on the actual pristine SBR estimate from the unexploited area revealed that the subsistence fishery had actually reduced D. capensis to 20% of its pristine SBR levels and highlighted the value of pre-exploitation life-history information for the application of per-recruit models. This study has shown that D. capensis in southern Angola displays life-history characteristics that render it susceptible to overexploitation, even at low levels of fishing pressure. The current lack of infrastructure and enforcement capacity in the fisheries department of Angola renders traditional linefish regulatory tools, such as size limits, bag limits and closed seasons, inappropriate. Therefore, suitably designed marine protected areas are recommended as the best management option for this species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Richardson, Timothy John
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Diplodus -- Angola , Perciformes -- Angola , Sparidae -- Angola , Fish populations -- Angola , Fishes -- Classification -- Angola , Fisheries -- Angola
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5324 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005170 , Diplodus -- Angola , Perciformes -- Angola , Sparidae -- Angola , Fish populations -- Angola , Fishes -- Classification -- Angola , Fisheries -- Angola
- Description: The blacktail, Diplodus capensis, is an inshore sparid fish distributed from Mozambique to Angola. This species forms an important component of coastal fisheries within its distribution, one being the subsistence handline fishery in southern Angola. With this fishery being critically important to the livelihoods of local communities, a biological study and stock assessment was conducted to provide information for the management of this species in southern Angola. However, with molecular evidence suggesting that the Benguela current may have separated the southern African populations of many inshore fish species over two million years ago, a morphological, taxonomic analysis was considered necessary to first investigate whether there was evidence for allopatry in this species. A total of 46 morphometric measurements and 18 counts were carried out on specimens collected from various locations in southern Angola and South Africa. Results were analysed using multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) and the significance of clusters was tested using analysis of similarities (ANOSIM). Biological samples of D. capensis were collected monthly from an unexploited area from April 2008 to March 2009. Additional biological samples were collected from the subsistence fishers in an exploited area during May, June and December 2009. Standard biological laboratory techniques were employed for the lifehistory comparison between the exploited and unexploited area. A per-recruit analysis was conducted using the life-history parameters from both areas in order to assess the current status of the subsistence fishery and to investigate the potential short-falls of the per-recruit assessment approach. The morphometric comparison showed that there was not sufficient evidence for speciation between the southern Angolan and South African populations of D. capensis. There was, however, sufficient morphological evidence to suggest that these populations are separate stocks. This indicated that the existing reference points on which the management of the South African population is based are unsuitable for the Angolan population. Diplodus capensis in southern Angola is omnivorous, feeding predominantly on algae, barnacles and mussels. An ontogenetic shift from algae to barnacles and mussels was correlated with allometric growth patterns in their feeding apparatus. This species is a rudimentary hermaphrodite in southern Angola with peak spawning in June and July. The overall sex ratio (M: F) was 1: 4.7 in the unexploited area and 50% maturity was attained at 149.5mm FL and five years. Diplodus capensis in southern Angola exhibits very slow growth with the maximum age observed being 31 years (validated using mark recapture of chemically injected fish). Females [L(t) = 419.5(1-e⁻°·°⁴⁵⁽t⁻³·⁴ ⁾)] grew significantly faster (LRT, p < 0.05) than males [L(t) = 297.4(1-e⁻°·°⁷⁷⁽t⁻²·⁷⁾)], and females dominated the larger size classes and older age classes. In the exploited area, the length and age frequencies were severely truncated, the maximum observed age was greatly reduced (17 years) and the sex ratio was less female biased at 1: 2.2. Although there was no evidence for a physiological response to exploitation through alterations in growth or size/age at sexual maturity between the two areas, there was an increase in the proportion of small females in the exploited area, which may have been a compensatory response for the loss of large females. A combination of an underestimate of longevity, different estimates of the Von Bertalanffy growth parameters and overestimates of the natural mortality rate in the exploited population resulted in a 92% underestimate of the pristine spawner biomass-per-recruit (SBR) value. An assessment based on the actual pristine SBR estimate from the unexploited area revealed that the subsistence fishery had actually reduced D. capensis to 20% of its pristine SBR levels and highlighted the value of pre-exploitation life-history information for the application of per-recruit models. This study has shown that D. capensis in southern Angola displays life-history characteristics that render it susceptible to overexploitation, even at low levels of fishing pressure. The current lack of infrastructure and enforcement capacity in the fisheries department of Angola renders traditional linefish regulatory tools, such as size limits, bag limits and closed seasons, inappropriate. Therefore, suitably designed marine protected areas are recommended as the best management option for this species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The ultrastructure and histology of the defensive epidermal glands of some marine pulmonates
- Authors: Pinchuck, Shirley Clare
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Snails -- Histology , Snails -- Physiology , Snails -- Cytology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5793 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005481 , Snails -- Histology , Snails -- Physiology , Snails -- Cytology
- Description: Histology and electron microscopy were used to describe and compare the structure of the dorso-lateral pedal defensive glands of three species of marine Basommatophora, Siphonaria capensis, S. serrata and S. gigas. All three species possessed multi-cellular glands that were larger and most abundant in S. capensis. In S. capensis and S. serrata, defensive glands were composed of two types (type I and II) of large secretory cells filled with product and some irregularly shaped support cells that surrounded a central lumen. The product of both cell types was produced by organelles confined to the bases of the cells. The entire gland was surrounded by a well developed layer of smooth muscle and collagen. Type I cells stained positively for neutral and sulphated mucins, and at the transmission electron microscope level the product had a reticulated appearance. By contrast type II gland cells stained very positively for acidic mucins and the secretory product was formed as large granular vesicles. The product from both types of cell, which appeared to be secreted by holocrine secretion, mixed in the lumen of the duct. Individuals of Siphonaria gigas had two types of lateral pedal glands, a large multi-cellular type and a tubular unicellular gland. The multi-cellular glands, which were surrounded by poorly developed muscle, contained one type of gland cell that stained for neutral and sulphated mucins only, as well as some support cells. The tubular glands contained a heterogeneous product that stained very positively for neutral and sulphated mucins. In addition two species of shell-less marine Systellommatophorans, Onchidella capensis and O. hildae, were examined. Onchidellids also posses large marginal, multi-cellular, epidermal glands that produce a repugnatorial secretion. Like the multi-cellular epidermal glands of siphonariids, those of onchidellids are surrounded by layers of smooth muscle. The muscular capsule was particularly well developed in both species of onchidellid, but more so in O. hildae. In addition, this study has shown that unlike siphonariids, muscle fibres run between the gland cells of O. capensis and O. hildae. Unlike siphonariids, onchidellids have a layer of epithelial cells lining the lumen of the gland. The well developed muscle layer and the strands of muscle running between the different gland cells indicates that the glands can be constricted to forcibly propel their secretions along the length of the duct and away from the body of the animal. Based on their product, glands of O. capensis were comprised of five different types of secretory cell and O. hildae only four. Histological and histochemical staining of the glands of showed that the secretory product is largely made up of acidic mucopolysaccharides and neutral and sulphated mucins. A single species from the order Eupulmonata, Trimusculus costatus, was examined and the glands were very different to the species from the siphonariids and onchidellids. Trimusculus costatus does not have large multi-cellular glands encapsulated in a well developed muscle layer, but based on their cell contents, three different types of large unicellular gland cell can be recognised. The glands of T. costatus gave positive results for acid, neutral and sulphated mucins, but negative results for carboxylated mucin. It is possible that the mucous secreted by T. costatus is also an anti-bacterial agent and whilst not totally eliminating bacteria may prevent the accumulation of epibionts on these sedentary limpets. The acidic or sulphated nature of the secretions may help in this role. The defensive mucous secretions of Siphonaria and Onchidella contain polypropionate derivatives, whilst the active ingredients of Trimusculus mucus have been identified as labdane diterpenes, similar to those produced by opisthobranchs. The structure of the glands thought to produce these repungnatorial secretions is very different, with the glands of T. costatus resembling those of the opisthobranchs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Pinchuck, Shirley Clare
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Snails -- Histology , Snails -- Physiology , Snails -- Cytology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5793 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005481 , Snails -- Histology , Snails -- Physiology , Snails -- Cytology
- Description: Histology and electron microscopy were used to describe and compare the structure of the dorso-lateral pedal defensive glands of three species of marine Basommatophora, Siphonaria capensis, S. serrata and S. gigas. All three species possessed multi-cellular glands that were larger and most abundant in S. capensis. In S. capensis and S. serrata, defensive glands were composed of two types (type I and II) of large secretory cells filled with product and some irregularly shaped support cells that surrounded a central lumen. The product of both cell types was produced by organelles confined to the bases of the cells. The entire gland was surrounded by a well developed layer of smooth muscle and collagen. Type I cells stained positively for neutral and sulphated mucins, and at the transmission electron microscope level the product had a reticulated appearance. By contrast type II gland cells stained very positively for acidic mucins and the secretory product was formed as large granular vesicles. The product from both types of cell, which appeared to be secreted by holocrine secretion, mixed in the lumen of the duct. Individuals of Siphonaria gigas had two types of lateral pedal glands, a large multi-cellular type and a tubular unicellular gland. The multi-cellular glands, which were surrounded by poorly developed muscle, contained one type of gland cell that stained for neutral and sulphated mucins only, as well as some support cells. The tubular glands contained a heterogeneous product that stained very positively for neutral and sulphated mucins. In addition two species of shell-less marine Systellommatophorans, Onchidella capensis and O. hildae, were examined. Onchidellids also posses large marginal, multi-cellular, epidermal glands that produce a repugnatorial secretion. Like the multi-cellular epidermal glands of siphonariids, those of onchidellids are surrounded by layers of smooth muscle. The muscular capsule was particularly well developed in both species of onchidellid, but more so in O. hildae. In addition, this study has shown that unlike siphonariids, muscle fibres run between the gland cells of O. capensis and O. hildae. Unlike siphonariids, onchidellids have a layer of epithelial cells lining the lumen of the gland. The well developed muscle layer and the strands of muscle running between the different gland cells indicates that the glands can be constricted to forcibly propel their secretions along the length of the duct and away from the body of the animal. Based on their product, glands of O. capensis were comprised of five different types of secretory cell and O. hildae only four. Histological and histochemical staining of the glands of showed that the secretory product is largely made up of acidic mucopolysaccharides and neutral and sulphated mucins. A single species from the order Eupulmonata, Trimusculus costatus, was examined and the glands were very different to the species from the siphonariids and onchidellids. Trimusculus costatus does not have large multi-cellular glands encapsulated in a well developed muscle layer, but based on their cell contents, three different types of large unicellular gland cell can be recognised. The glands of T. costatus gave positive results for acid, neutral and sulphated mucins, but negative results for carboxylated mucin. It is possible that the mucous secreted by T. costatus is also an anti-bacterial agent and whilst not totally eliminating bacteria may prevent the accumulation of epibionts on these sedentary limpets. The acidic or sulphated nature of the secretions may help in this role. The defensive mucous secretions of Siphonaria and Onchidella contain polypropionate derivatives, whilst the active ingredients of Trimusculus mucus have been identified as labdane diterpenes, similar to those produced by opisthobranchs. The structure of the glands thought to produce these repungnatorial secretions is very different, with the glands of T. costatus resembling those of the opisthobranchs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The value of a Rhodes University degree and securing employment
- Authors: Chambers, Tracy Laura
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Graduate students -- Employment Education, Higher -- South Africa Graduate students -- Employment -- South Africa Labor supply -- Effect of education on -- South Africa Economic development -- Effect of education on -- South Africa Labor market -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:769 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003890
- Description: In South Africa, reform policies and frameworks introduced since the 1994 democratic election have sought to bring about change to a highly ineffective and unfair system. In spite of all the changes which have occurred, however, there is evidence to suggest that the system is still not functioning as effectively as it might, given that a relatively large number of graduates remain unemployed in a country with a high skills shortage. This thesis aims to explore the experiences of graduates from one university, Rhodes University in the Eastern Cape, as they enter the job market. It does this through the administration of a first job destination survey administered at the 2009 Graduation Ceremonies held in Grahamstown. Analysis of the survey takes into account the idea that it is not a degree per se, or even a degree from a prestigious university which brings employment, but also the social, cultural and human capital that graduates can bring to their job search.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Chambers, Tracy Laura
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Graduate students -- Employment Education, Higher -- South Africa Graduate students -- Employment -- South Africa Labor supply -- Effect of education on -- South Africa Economic development -- Effect of education on -- South Africa Labor market -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:769 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003890
- Description: In South Africa, reform policies and frameworks introduced since the 1994 democratic election have sought to bring about change to a highly ineffective and unfair system. In spite of all the changes which have occurred, however, there is evidence to suggest that the system is still not functioning as effectively as it might, given that a relatively large number of graduates remain unemployed in a country with a high skills shortage. This thesis aims to explore the experiences of graduates from one university, Rhodes University in the Eastern Cape, as they enter the job market. It does this through the administration of a first job destination survey administered at the 2009 Graduation Ceremonies held in Grahamstown. Analysis of the survey takes into account the idea that it is not a degree per se, or even a degree from a prestigious university which brings employment, but also the social, cultural and human capital that graduates can bring to their job search.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Therapist metamorphosis : beginner and experienced psychotherapists' journeys of professional therapeutic development
- Authors: Laidlaw, Christine
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Clinical psychologists -- Training of -- South Africa , Interns (Clinical psychology) -- Training of -- South Africa , Psychotherapy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9866 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007912 , Clinical psychologists -- Training of -- South Africa , Interns (Clinical psychology) -- Training of -- South Africa , Psychotherapy -- South Africa
- Description: This research aimed to trace the development of psychologists as therapists within a South African context. Two distinct career levels were explored in relation to a competency model, a skills development model, and a developmental phase model of psychotherapists' professional development. Through purposive sampling five intern psychologists and six registered psychologists with at least seven years post-qualification client contact were selected according to the inclusion criteria of the study. Through semi-structured interviews, couched in the social constructionist position, the participants' experiences were thematically analysed. In addition, the researcher's own personal journey of developing as a psychotherapist was reflected upon. The current research study found that a number of aspects fostered the development of psychotherapists. Across the two career levels the life experiences of participants particularly featured events that were personally wounding or placed the participant in the helper role. The theoretical orientation(s) of participants were voiced as influential in their development, yet the ability to adjust their theoretical orientation to clients' needs was of overriding importance. Participants emphasised forming a strong therapeutic relationship with clients as the centrepiece of psychotherapy and depicted the therapeutic process using diverse metaphors. No key differences in use of metaphors emerged between intern and established psychologists. Catalysts for professional growth included personal therapy, "unforgettable cases", group supervision and, in the case of established psychologists, continuing professional development workshops. xiii Shifts in competency were recognised by intern psychologists as they gained more experience, namely, dissolution of naivety, a decrease in anxiety regarding their clinical work, a greater flexibility in the therapeutic process, a decreased sense of inappropriate responsibility for clients' progress, and an ongoing process of negotiating the interface of their personal and professional lives. Established psychologists spoke of having gained more confidence through their years of practice and yet experienced moments of anxiety which they found fostered humility. Limitations of the study and potential future research directions were outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Laidlaw, Christine
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Clinical psychologists -- Training of -- South Africa , Interns (Clinical psychology) -- Training of -- South Africa , Psychotherapy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9866 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007912 , Clinical psychologists -- Training of -- South Africa , Interns (Clinical psychology) -- Training of -- South Africa , Psychotherapy -- South Africa
- Description: This research aimed to trace the development of psychologists as therapists within a South African context. Two distinct career levels were explored in relation to a competency model, a skills development model, and a developmental phase model of psychotherapists' professional development. Through purposive sampling five intern psychologists and six registered psychologists with at least seven years post-qualification client contact were selected according to the inclusion criteria of the study. Through semi-structured interviews, couched in the social constructionist position, the participants' experiences were thematically analysed. In addition, the researcher's own personal journey of developing as a psychotherapist was reflected upon. The current research study found that a number of aspects fostered the development of psychotherapists. Across the two career levels the life experiences of participants particularly featured events that were personally wounding or placed the participant in the helper role. The theoretical orientation(s) of participants were voiced as influential in their development, yet the ability to adjust their theoretical orientation to clients' needs was of overriding importance. Participants emphasised forming a strong therapeutic relationship with clients as the centrepiece of psychotherapy and depicted the therapeutic process using diverse metaphors. No key differences in use of metaphors emerged between intern and established psychologists. Catalysts for professional growth included personal therapy, "unforgettable cases", group supervision and, in the case of established psychologists, continuing professional development workshops. xiii Shifts in competency were recognised by intern psychologists as they gained more experience, namely, dissolution of naivety, a decrease in anxiety regarding their clinical work, a greater flexibility in the therapeutic process, a decreased sense of inappropriate responsibility for clients' progress, and an ongoing process of negotiating the interface of their personal and professional lives. Established psychologists spoke of having gained more confidence through their years of practice and yet experienced moments of anxiety which they found fostered humility. Limitations of the study and potential future research directions were outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Three's a crowd: the process of triadic translation in a South African psychiatric institution
- Authors: Slabbert, Meggan
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Mental health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Psychiatric hospitals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Translating and interpreting -- Psychological aspects , Translating and interpreting -- Social aspects , Content analysis (Communication) , South Africa -- Languages -- Translating and interpreting , Intercultural communication -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Culture conflict -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication and culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Physician and patient -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication in medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3056 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002565 , Mental health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Psychiatric hospitals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Translating and interpreting -- Psychological aspects , Translating and interpreting -- Social aspects , Content analysis (Communication) , South Africa -- Languages -- Translating and interpreting , Intercultural communication -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Culture conflict -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication and culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Physician and patient -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication in medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Mental health care in South Africa has long been governed by inequalities (Foster & Swartz, 1997). During apartheid, those who did not speak English and Afrikaans could not access mental health services in the same way as those who did (Foster & Swartz, 1997). One main reason for this is the majority of mental health practitioners could not, and were not required to speak languages other than English and Afrikaans (Swartz, 1991). The South African mental health literature suggests that language and communication must be prioritised if there is to be an improvement in mental health care services for those individuals who do not speak English and Afrikaans (Bantjes, 1999; Drennan & Swartz, 1999; Swartz & Drennan, 2000; Swartz & MacGregor, 2002). Drawing on Prasad's (2002) interpretation of Gadamer's critical hermeneutic theory and utilising thematic networks analysis (Attride-Stirling, 2001), this study investigated the process of translated clinical assessment interviews within a psychiatric hospital in the Eastern Cape Province within South Africa. Results of the study revealed that contextual factors, issues concerning linguistic and cultural heritage, clinicians' role expectations regarding translators' role performance, as well as relational dynamics regarding individual levels of control and influence within the translation triad, all impacted on the effectiveness of communication, translation and service provision. These fmdings are supported by literature on the theory and practice of translation that identifies these issues as prominent (Robinson, 2003). Specific recommendations regarding the formalisation of translation practices within the hospital setting, as well as the familiari~ation of clinical practitioners and psychiatric nurses with the intricacies of translation processes are offered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Slabbert, Meggan
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Mental health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Psychiatric hospitals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Translating and interpreting -- Psychological aspects , Translating and interpreting -- Social aspects , Content analysis (Communication) , South Africa -- Languages -- Translating and interpreting , Intercultural communication -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Culture conflict -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication and culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Physician and patient -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication in medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3056 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002565 , Mental health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Psychiatric hospitals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Translating and interpreting -- Psychological aspects , Translating and interpreting -- Social aspects , Content analysis (Communication) , South Africa -- Languages -- Translating and interpreting , Intercultural communication -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Culture conflict -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication and culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Physician and patient -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication in medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Mental health care in South Africa has long been governed by inequalities (Foster & Swartz, 1997). During apartheid, those who did not speak English and Afrikaans could not access mental health services in the same way as those who did (Foster & Swartz, 1997). One main reason for this is the majority of mental health practitioners could not, and were not required to speak languages other than English and Afrikaans (Swartz, 1991). The South African mental health literature suggests that language and communication must be prioritised if there is to be an improvement in mental health care services for those individuals who do not speak English and Afrikaans (Bantjes, 1999; Drennan & Swartz, 1999; Swartz & Drennan, 2000; Swartz & MacGregor, 2002). Drawing on Prasad's (2002) interpretation of Gadamer's critical hermeneutic theory and utilising thematic networks analysis (Attride-Stirling, 2001), this study investigated the process of translated clinical assessment interviews within a psychiatric hospital in the Eastern Cape Province within South Africa. Results of the study revealed that contextual factors, issues concerning linguistic and cultural heritage, clinicians' role expectations regarding translators' role performance, as well as relational dynamics regarding individual levels of control and influence within the translation triad, all impacted on the effectiveness of communication, translation and service provision. These fmdings are supported by literature on the theory and practice of translation that identifies these issues as prominent (Robinson, 2003). Specific recommendations regarding the formalisation of translation practices within the hospital setting, as well as the familiari~ation of clinical practitioners and psychiatric nurses with the intricacies of translation processes are offered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Time budgets, avoidance distance scores-related behaviour and milk yield of pasture-based Jersey, Friesland and cross bred cows
- Authors: Dodzi, Madodana Sunson
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Dairy products -- Analysis , Jersey cattle , Milk yield , Dairy cattle -- Feed utilization efficiency , Dairy farming
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11817 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/474 , Dairy products -- Analysis , Jersey cattle , Milk yield , Dairy cattle -- Feed utilization efficiency , Dairy farming
- Description: Time budgets, avoidance distance scores-related behaviour and milk yield of pasture-based Jersey, Friesland and crossbred cows. by Madodana Sunson Dodzi The study was conducted at the University of Fort Hare farm to determine the time budgets, the avoidance-related behaviour variables and their relationship with milk yield in three pasturebased dairy genotypes: Jersey, Friesland and crossbreed. Twenty one clinically health dairy cows aged between 52 and 55 months, in mid lactation and comprising of seven cows from each genotype were used in the study. The time spent on different activities (grazing, lying down, standing and others) at pasture was recorded using stop watches across four seasons. The behavioural responses of the three genotypes to humans were determined by recording their avoidance distance scores (AD), exit speed (ES), pen scores (PS), pen behaviour scores (PBS), plat form scores (PLS) and the occurrence of kicking (KCK) and stepping (SPG) during milking on four consecutive days in four seasons. Time spent standing was higher (P < 0.05) for Friesland compared to Jersey and crossbred during the hot-wet season. In the cool-dry season the Jersey spent more time (P < 0.05) grazing than the other breeds. The Friesland and crossbred on the other hand devoted most of their time lying down compared to Jersey in the cool- dry season (P < 0.05). There were season differences in time spent on all activities (P < 0.05). Time spent on grazing was longest in post-rainy seasonal and lowest in hot- wet season (P < 0.05). The longest lying down period was observed in the hot-dry season and lowest in hot-wet season (P < 0.05). iii Daily milk yield Varied (P < 0.05) with genotype with the Friesland and Jersey producing higher yield than the crossbred. The highest amount was produced in hot-dry and the least in hot-wet season. Milk yield was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with lying down. Standing was negatively correlated with milk yield (P < 0.05). The Friesland had the highest avoidance distance scores (P < 0.05) and the Jersey had the lowest avoidance distance scores in all seasons. There was an association (P < 0.05) between genotype and exit speed scores, pen scores and stepping behaviour scores. The Friesland exhibited the highest exit speed scores than the other breeds. The Jersey had the lowest (P < 0.05) kicking behaviour scores. There was a relationship (r = 0.64) between avoidance distance scores and exit speed. Exit speed scores were correlated with pen score(r= 0.23). Milk yield was significant related (r= 0.17) to the occurrence of kicking behaviour. The genotypes showed different levels of sensitivity to season and milk yield was influenced by breed and season. It can be concluded that time budgets vary with season and farmers need to adopt measures that buffer the effect of season on welfare of dairy cows. It can also be concluded that avoidance distance scores differs according to genotype with Jersey being more confident to humans than other two breeds. It is therefore recommended that provision of shades or cooling mechanism should be adopted to buffer the effects of hot-wet season. Improving quality of feed during the cool-dry season may be critical for Jersey cows. Finally positive handling of the dairy cows is recommended in order to improve the welfare and milk yield of pasture based dairy cows.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Dodzi, Madodana Sunson
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Dairy products -- Analysis , Jersey cattle , Milk yield , Dairy cattle -- Feed utilization efficiency , Dairy farming
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11817 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/474 , Dairy products -- Analysis , Jersey cattle , Milk yield , Dairy cattle -- Feed utilization efficiency , Dairy farming
- Description: Time budgets, avoidance distance scores-related behaviour and milk yield of pasture-based Jersey, Friesland and crossbred cows. by Madodana Sunson Dodzi The study was conducted at the University of Fort Hare farm to determine the time budgets, the avoidance-related behaviour variables and their relationship with milk yield in three pasturebased dairy genotypes: Jersey, Friesland and crossbreed. Twenty one clinically health dairy cows aged between 52 and 55 months, in mid lactation and comprising of seven cows from each genotype were used in the study. The time spent on different activities (grazing, lying down, standing and others) at pasture was recorded using stop watches across four seasons. The behavioural responses of the three genotypes to humans were determined by recording their avoidance distance scores (AD), exit speed (ES), pen scores (PS), pen behaviour scores (PBS), plat form scores (PLS) and the occurrence of kicking (KCK) and stepping (SPG) during milking on four consecutive days in four seasons. Time spent standing was higher (P < 0.05) for Friesland compared to Jersey and crossbred during the hot-wet season. In the cool-dry season the Jersey spent more time (P < 0.05) grazing than the other breeds. The Friesland and crossbred on the other hand devoted most of their time lying down compared to Jersey in the cool- dry season (P < 0.05). There were season differences in time spent on all activities (P < 0.05). Time spent on grazing was longest in post-rainy seasonal and lowest in hot- wet season (P < 0.05). The longest lying down period was observed in the hot-dry season and lowest in hot-wet season (P < 0.05). iii Daily milk yield Varied (P < 0.05) with genotype with the Friesland and Jersey producing higher yield than the crossbred. The highest amount was produced in hot-dry and the least in hot-wet season. Milk yield was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with lying down. Standing was negatively correlated with milk yield (P < 0.05). The Friesland had the highest avoidance distance scores (P < 0.05) and the Jersey had the lowest avoidance distance scores in all seasons. There was an association (P < 0.05) between genotype and exit speed scores, pen scores and stepping behaviour scores. The Friesland exhibited the highest exit speed scores than the other breeds. The Jersey had the lowest (P < 0.05) kicking behaviour scores. There was a relationship (r = 0.64) between avoidance distance scores and exit speed. Exit speed scores were correlated with pen score(r= 0.23). Milk yield was significant related (r= 0.17) to the occurrence of kicking behaviour. The genotypes showed different levels of sensitivity to season and milk yield was influenced by breed and season. It can be concluded that time budgets vary with season and farmers need to adopt measures that buffer the effect of season on welfare of dairy cows. It can also be concluded that avoidance distance scores differs according to genotype with Jersey being more confident to humans than other two breeds. It is therefore recommended that provision of shades or cooling mechanism should be adopted to buffer the effects of hot-wet season. Improving quality of feed during the cool-dry season may be critical for Jersey cows. Finally positive handling of the dairy cows is recommended in order to improve the welfare and milk yield of pasture based dairy cows.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Time course of performance changes and fatigue markers during training for the ironman triathlon
- Authors: Joiner, Alexander Jason
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Ironman triathlons -- Training , Physical education and training -- Physiological aspects , Endurance sports -- Training , Sports -- Physiological aspects , Fatigue
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5133 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005212 , Ironman triathlons -- Training , Physical education and training -- Physiological aspects , Endurance sports -- Training , Sports -- Physiological aspects , Fatigue
- Description:
Suboptimal preparation for the Ironman triathlon can have detrimental effects on mental and physical condition. The purpose of this longitudinal investigation was to examine the relationship between a number of performance changes and fatigue markers during training for an Ironman as well as immediately after the event, in an attempt to better understand the effects of ultraendurance training. Eighteen athletes training for the Ironman; South Africa, 2009 were recruited for the study. Over the 6 month data collection period body mass, training load (TRIMP and Session x RPE methods), physiological responses (waking heart rate, postural dizziness, sleep ratings), changes in psychological state (profile of mood states - POMS), reported immunological responses (symptoms of illness), biochemical changes (salivary cortisol and alpha amylase) and performance (8 km submaximal running time trial (TT) and race day performance) were measured. These responses were compared to a control sample (n=15). Results show a significant increase (p<0.05) in training load (3899.4 ± 2517.8) four weeks prior to the event. Fatigue scores significantly increased (p<0.05) concurrently with this significant increase (p<0.05) in training. TT performance did not significantly (p<0.05) alter during the time course of training. It was however strongly correlated to training load (R2=0.85) and modestly related to race performance (R2=0.65). The signs and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) were prevalent during the training period, decreasing during the taper and race period. Large standard deviations were found within the majority of the responses. During the final two weeks of preparation, tension scores were significantly increased (p<0.05) while training load significantly decreased (p<0.05) during the final week of preparation. Cortisol increased significantly (p<0.05) immediately post race (0.507±0.15
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Joiner, Alexander Jason
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Ironman triathlons -- Training , Physical education and training -- Physiological aspects , Endurance sports -- Training , Sports -- Physiological aspects , Fatigue
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5133 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005212 , Ironman triathlons -- Training , Physical education and training -- Physiological aspects , Endurance sports -- Training , Sports -- Physiological aspects , Fatigue
- Description:
Suboptimal preparation for the Ironman triathlon can have detrimental effects on mental and physical condition. The purpose of this longitudinal investigation was to examine the relationship between a number of performance changes and fatigue markers during training for an Ironman as well as immediately after the event, in an attempt to better understand the effects of ultraendurance training. Eighteen athletes training for the Ironman; South Africa, 2009 were recruited for the study. Over the 6 month data collection period body mass, training load (TRIMP and Session x RPE methods), physiological responses (waking heart rate, postural dizziness, sleep ratings), changes in psychological state (profile of mood states - POMS), reported immunological responses (symptoms of illness), biochemical changes (salivary cortisol and alpha amylase) and performance (8 km submaximal running time trial (TT) and race day performance) were measured. These responses were compared to a control sample (n=15). Results show a significant increase (p<0.05) in training load (3899.4 ± 2517.8) four weeks prior to the event. Fatigue scores significantly increased (p<0.05) concurrently with this significant increase (p<0.05) in training. TT performance did not significantly (p<0.05) alter during the time course of training. It was however strongly correlated to training load (R2=0.85) and modestly related to race performance (R2=0.65). The signs and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) were prevalent during the training period, decreasing during the taper and race period. Large standard deviations were found within the majority of the responses. During the final two weeks of preparation, tension scores were significantly increased (p<0.05) while training load significantly decreased (p<0.05) during the final week of preparation. Cortisol increased significantly (p<0.05) immediately post race (0.507±0.15
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Towards expediting land claims: a case study of Fairview, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Tyala, Sindiswa
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Land tenure -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Right of property -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9081 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1127 , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Right of property -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: In 1994, South Africa’s political dispensation changed when the African National Congress (ANC) came into power. For most people, that meant that their aspirations and wishes would be fulfilled. The main objective of the new government was to redress past imbalances. The land question was one item on their agenda. In South Africa, land ownership has long been a source of conflict. The South African history of dispossession and forced removals and racially–skewed distribution of land resources has left Africans with a complex and difficult legacy (Christopher,1987).The issue of land had been an emotional issue affecting many people in South Africa. The struggle for land and access to land in South African history gave rise to many conflicts and loss of lives. The restitution of land rights in South Africa has been a highly contentious and emotive issue. The pain, anger and frustration of those affected by the implementation of racially based discriminatory measures of the past, cannot be denied. Confronting and redressing the anguish of the past has proven to be central to the process of reconciliation within a transformed political dispensation in South Africa (South African White Paper on Land, 1991a). The Constitution of South Africa and The Restitution of Land Rights Act (Act No. 22 of 1994) have firmly established the rights to claim restitution in accordance with the provision of justice and equity for all South Africans. During such a long process, it has been noticed in the suburb of Fairview, Port Elizabeth that some claimants ultimately received their land and compensation, some died before they received absolutely nothing and some old, poor and illiterate claimants are still struggling to claim their land or compensation. Fairview was formerly known as Baakens River Farm in 1810. It was situated far from the city centre and formed part of the Walmer Municipality. Initially, it was owned by John James Besny. In 1826 the farmer was bought by John Parkin and he later sold half 2 of it to Robert Newcombe before 1849. Robbert Newcombe named his half of the farm Fairview (Harradene, 2000). In 1933, Fairview became part of the Walmer Municipality. In 1967 Walmer became part of the Port Elizabeth Municipality. Fairview developed as a township of low density and became increasingly heterogeneous in nature. Davies (1971:10) claimed that the largest concentration of properties were owned and occupied by Coloured people, followed by Chinese, Blacks and Indians. The majority of the residents were Coloured. According to Sampson (1994), the plot sizes in Fairview were relatively large, either 0,8 ha or 0,2ha. Sampson also claimed that no business sites were distinguished, but businesses were established by the Chinese on residential plots. During the apartheid era, Fairview was one of the lands declared as a “Controlled Area”. The Group Areas Act also affected Fairview, even though the removal of the people in Fairview was not as pressing as it was to other suburbs due to its location at a relative distance from the city (Davies, 1970). As a result an increase in the Coloured population in Fairview was noticed between 1960 and 1970 as people faced eviction from central city areas such as South End. The people moved to Fairview with the hope that the area would be proclaimed a Coloured area. Unfortunately for those who ran to Fairview, people in Fairview were also removed from 1970s to other areas like New Brighton Location and other areas in Korsten. The last removal of people in Fairview took place in 1984 (Eastern Province Herald, 26 October 1996). After 1994, the introduction of the Restitution of Land Rights Act made provision for the establishment of a Commission on the Restitution of Land Rights and a Land Claims Court to adjudicate all claims lodged with the Commission as from 1 May 1998 (Land Info., 1996). Disputes with land owners over prices, validity of the claims and resistance to give away land, led to referral of some claims to the Land Claims Court. Although some research has been undertaken on Fairview, there is a vacuum of research into the problems faced by claimants in this area. The problems faced by claimants meant that some died while they were still busy with the process and some are still struggling to make a claim, and recently some were successful. 3 The focus of this study is to examine the process of the Fairview land claim, and as a recommendation, I wish to come up with suggestions for making the process easier for claimants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Tyala, Sindiswa
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Land tenure -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Right of property -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9081 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1127 , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Right of property -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: In 1994, South Africa’s political dispensation changed when the African National Congress (ANC) came into power. For most people, that meant that their aspirations and wishes would be fulfilled. The main objective of the new government was to redress past imbalances. The land question was one item on their agenda. In South Africa, land ownership has long been a source of conflict. The South African history of dispossession and forced removals and racially–skewed distribution of land resources has left Africans with a complex and difficult legacy (Christopher,1987).The issue of land had been an emotional issue affecting many people in South Africa. The struggle for land and access to land in South African history gave rise to many conflicts and loss of lives. The restitution of land rights in South Africa has been a highly contentious and emotive issue. The pain, anger and frustration of those affected by the implementation of racially based discriminatory measures of the past, cannot be denied. Confronting and redressing the anguish of the past has proven to be central to the process of reconciliation within a transformed political dispensation in South Africa (South African White Paper on Land, 1991a). The Constitution of South Africa and The Restitution of Land Rights Act (Act No. 22 of 1994) have firmly established the rights to claim restitution in accordance with the provision of justice and equity for all South Africans. During such a long process, it has been noticed in the suburb of Fairview, Port Elizabeth that some claimants ultimately received their land and compensation, some died before they received absolutely nothing and some old, poor and illiterate claimants are still struggling to claim their land or compensation. Fairview was formerly known as Baakens River Farm in 1810. It was situated far from the city centre and formed part of the Walmer Municipality. Initially, it was owned by John James Besny. In 1826 the farmer was bought by John Parkin and he later sold half 2 of it to Robert Newcombe before 1849. Robbert Newcombe named his half of the farm Fairview (Harradene, 2000). In 1933, Fairview became part of the Walmer Municipality. In 1967 Walmer became part of the Port Elizabeth Municipality. Fairview developed as a township of low density and became increasingly heterogeneous in nature. Davies (1971:10) claimed that the largest concentration of properties were owned and occupied by Coloured people, followed by Chinese, Blacks and Indians. The majority of the residents were Coloured. According to Sampson (1994), the plot sizes in Fairview were relatively large, either 0,8 ha or 0,2ha. Sampson also claimed that no business sites were distinguished, but businesses were established by the Chinese on residential plots. During the apartheid era, Fairview was one of the lands declared as a “Controlled Area”. The Group Areas Act also affected Fairview, even though the removal of the people in Fairview was not as pressing as it was to other suburbs due to its location at a relative distance from the city (Davies, 1970). As a result an increase in the Coloured population in Fairview was noticed between 1960 and 1970 as people faced eviction from central city areas such as South End. The people moved to Fairview with the hope that the area would be proclaimed a Coloured area. Unfortunately for those who ran to Fairview, people in Fairview were also removed from 1970s to other areas like New Brighton Location and other areas in Korsten. The last removal of people in Fairview took place in 1984 (Eastern Province Herald, 26 October 1996). After 1994, the introduction of the Restitution of Land Rights Act made provision for the establishment of a Commission on the Restitution of Land Rights and a Land Claims Court to adjudicate all claims lodged with the Commission as from 1 May 1998 (Land Info., 1996). Disputes with land owners over prices, validity of the claims and resistance to give away land, led to referral of some claims to the Land Claims Court. Although some research has been undertaken on Fairview, there is a vacuum of research into the problems faced by claimants in this area. The problems faced by claimants meant that some died while they were still busy with the process and some are still struggling to make a claim, and recently some were successful. 3 The focus of this study is to examine the process of the Fairview land claim, and as a recommendation, I wish to come up with suggestions for making the process easier for claimants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Trade union investment schemes: a blemish on the social movement unionism outlook of South African unions?
- Authors: Rubushe, Melikaya
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Labor unions -- South Africa , Labor unions and communism , Cosatu , Economic development -- South Africa , National Union of Mineworkers (South Africa) , Labor unions -- Finance , Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa , Investments -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003119 , Labor unions -- South Africa , Labor unions and communism , Cosatu , Economic development -- South Africa , National Union of Mineworkers (South Africa) , Labor unions -- Finance , Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa , Investments -- South Africa
- Description: South African trade unions affiliated to Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) have taken advantage of the arrival of democracy and newly found opportunities available through Black Economic Empowerment to venture into the world of business by setting up their own investment companies. The declared desire behind these ventures was to break the stranglehold of white capital on the economy and to extend participation in the economic activities of the country to previously disadvantaged communities. Using the National Union of Mineworkers and the Mineworkers’ Investment Company as case studies, this dissertation seeks to determine whether unions affiliated to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) are advancing the struggle for socialism through their investment schemes. Secondly, the dissertation determines whether, in the activities of the schemes, internal democracy is preserved and strengthened. The theoretical framework of this dissertation emerges from arguments advanced by Lenin and Gramsci on the limitations of trade unions in terms of their role in the struggle against capitalism. In addition, the argument draws on the assertions by Michels regarding the proneness of trade union leadership to adopt oligarchic tendencies in their approach to leadership. Of interest is how, according to Gramsci, trade unions are prone to accepting concessions from the capitalist system that renders them ameliorative rather than transformative. Drawing from Michels’ ‘iron law of oligarchy’, the thesis examines whether there is space for ordinary members of the unions to express views on the working of the union investment companies. By looking at the extent to which the investment initiatives of the companies mirror the preferences of the ordinary members of the unions, one can determine the level of disjuncture between the two. The study relies on data collected through interviews and documentary material. Interviews provide first-hand knowledge of how respondents experience the impact of the investment schemes. This provides a balanced analysis given that documents reflect policy stances whereas interviews provide data on whether these have the stated impact. What the study shows is a clear absence of space for ordinary members to directly influence the workings of union investment companies. It is also established that, in their current form, the schemes operate more as a perpetuation of the capitalist logic than offering an alternative system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Rubushe, Melikaya
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Labor unions -- South Africa , Labor unions and communism , Cosatu , Economic development -- South Africa , National Union of Mineworkers (South Africa) , Labor unions -- Finance , Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa , Investments -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003119 , Labor unions -- South Africa , Labor unions and communism , Cosatu , Economic development -- South Africa , National Union of Mineworkers (South Africa) , Labor unions -- Finance , Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa , Investments -- South Africa
- Description: South African trade unions affiliated to Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) have taken advantage of the arrival of democracy and newly found opportunities available through Black Economic Empowerment to venture into the world of business by setting up their own investment companies. The declared desire behind these ventures was to break the stranglehold of white capital on the economy and to extend participation in the economic activities of the country to previously disadvantaged communities. Using the National Union of Mineworkers and the Mineworkers’ Investment Company as case studies, this dissertation seeks to determine whether unions affiliated to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) are advancing the struggle for socialism through their investment schemes. Secondly, the dissertation determines whether, in the activities of the schemes, internal democracy is preserved and strengthened. The theoretical framework of this dissertation emerges from arguments advanced by Lenin and Gramsci on the limitations of trade unions in terms of their role in the struggle against capitalism. In addition, the argument draws on the assertions by Michels regarding the proneness of trade union leadership to adopt oligarchic tendencies in their approach to leadership. Of interest is how, according to Gramsci, trade unions are prone to accepting concessions from the capitalist system that renders them ameliorative rather than transformative. Drawing from Michels’ ‘iron law of oligarchy’, the thesis examines whether there is space for ordinary members of the unions to express views on the working of the union investment companies. By looking at the extent to which the investment initiatives of the companies mirror the preferences of the ordinary members of the unions, one can determine the level of disjuncture between the two. The study relies on data collected through interviews and documentary material. Interviews provide first-hand knowledge of how respondents experience the impact of the investment schemes. This provides a balanced analysis given that documents reflect policy stances whereas interviews provide data on whether these have the stated impact. What the study shows is a clear absence of space for ordinary members to directly influence the workings of union investment companies. It is also established that, in their current form, the schemes operate more as a perpetuation of the capitalist logic than offering an alternative system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Transformativity: recognising melancholic power, and renegotiating vulnerability
- Authors: Knowles, Corinne Ruth
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Transformational leadership -- South Africa Educational change -- South Africa Universities and colleges -- South Africa Sex discrimination in higher education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2789 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002999
- Description: South African universities are embedded in an unequal society. Transformation strategies and interventions in the sector attempt to address this, but arguably, the policies and practices which aim to bring about transformation are merely platforms for potential change and do not guarantee the achievement of their aspirations. This study engages with the notion of transformation in one university, looking at how an organisation for women has contributed to transformation in individuals and in the institution. It explores the idea that vulnerability is the starting point of transformation, and must be recognized and incorporated into how an organisation, institution or individual regards vulnerable groups, in order to build a more equitable society. The reframing of vulnerability is a process of acknowledging the way power works, and arguably, power’s melancholic nature and expression in society and in universities has particular challenges with regard to how vulnerable groups experience their vulnerability. If the framing of an individual as vulnerable does not also provide that individual with the conditions that shelter the vulnerability they experience, leading to a renegotiation of whom they can become, their “vulnerable” status is entrenched. The study explores ways in which an organisation for women uses its legitimized platform for renegotiating subjectivities, norms and performances, and the potential this has for transformativity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Knowles, Corinne Ruth
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Transformational leadership -- South Africa Educational change -- South Africa Universities and colleges -- South Africa Sex discrimination in higher education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2789 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002999
- Description: South African universities are embedded in an unequal society. Transformation strategies and interventions in the sector attempt to address this, but arguably, the policies and practices which aim to bring about transformation are merely platforms for potential change and do not guarantee the achievement of their aspirations. This study engages with the notion of transformation in one university, looking at how an organisation for women has contributed to transformation in individuals and in the institution. It explores the idea that vulnerability is the starting point of transformation, and must be recognized and incorporated into how an organisation, institution or individual regards vulnerable groups, in order to build a more equitable society. The reframing of vulnerability is a process of acknowledging the way power works, and arguably, power’s melancholic nature and expression in society and in universities has particular challenges with regard to how vulnerable groups experience their vulnerability. If the framing of an individual as vulnerable does not also provide that individual with the conditions that shelter the vulnerability they experience, leading to a renegotiation of whom they can become, their “vulnerable” status is entrenched. The study explores ways in which an organisation for women uses its legitimized platform for renegotiating subjectivities, norms and performances, and the potential this has for transformativity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Unethical decision-making and behaviour in the life insurance sector of South Africa
- Authors: Van Greunen, Conrad
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Insurance companies -- Corrupt pratices -- South Africa , Business ethics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9282 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1364 , Insurance companies -- Corrupt pratices -- South Africa , Business ethics -- South Africa
- Description: The public is regularly shocked by revelations of new business scandals. Nearly every sector of society is tainted by incidents of unethical behaviour. In this regard, the South African financial services industry has attracted a lot of attention, as some of the biggest scandals in recent years have occurred in this industry. With the world economy still experiencing the effects of the global recession, the last thing that institutions in the financial arena must do is engage in unethical behaviour. Immoral behaviour could damage a company's repution and lead to further financial losses. The purpose of this study was thus two-fold: firstly, to investigae the factors that influence unethical decision-making and behaviour in the local life insurance sector, and secondly to evaluate how business ethics are institutionalised at a sample of life insurance companies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Van Greunen, Conrad
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Insurance companies -- Corrupt pratices -- South Africa , Business ethics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9282 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1364 , Insurance companies -- Corrupt pratices -- South Africa , Business ethics -- South Africa
- Description: The public is regularly shocked by revelations of new business scandals. Nearly every sector of society is tainted by incidents of unethical behaviour. In this regard, the South African financial services industry has attracted a lot of attention, as some of the biggest scandals in recent years have occurred in this industry. With the world economy still experiencing the effects of the global recession, the last thing that institutions in the financial arena must do is engage in unethical behaviour. Immoral behaviour could damage a company's repution and lead to further financial losses. The purpose of this study was thus two-fold: firstly, to investigae the factors that influence unethical decision-making and behaviour in the local life insurance sector, and secondly to evaluate how business ethics are institutionalised at a sample of life insurance companies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Unfair discrimination and dismissal based on age
- Thompson, David Martin Ogilvie
- Authors: Thompson, David Martin Ogilvie
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Age discrimination in employment -- South Africa , Employees -- Dismissal of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10218 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1287 , Age discrimination in employment -- South Africa , Employees -- Dismissal of -- South Africa
- Description: Section 187(2)(b) of the Labour Relations Act sets out certain justifications for what may seem to be unfair discrimination in the workplace. The purpose of this note is to discuss the provisions of Age Discrimination, with specific focus on the rights of older employees, who have reached, what some might term, the ‘normal or agreed retirement age’. In the discuss which follows reference will be made to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa1 in order to investigate the provisions of our new democratic era, and what is said therein about discrimination, and age discrimination in particular. In our new Constitutional dispensation there have also been circumstances where certain kinds of discrimination have become accepted on society, for example Affirmative Action, and an enquiry into the difference between discrimination and differentiation will therefore also be necessary. The provisions of the Employment Equity Act,2 which deal specifically with eliminating unfair discrimination in the workplace, and the Labour Relations Act,3 which deals primarily with the rights of employees, employers and trade unions, and seeks to harmonize employer-employee relations will be discussed wherein specific reference will be made to section 187(2)(b) of the LRA. A further discussion will outline the circumstances of what is meant by dismissal in the context of age based dismissals, and whether such a dismissal is infact a dismissal and whether, within the requirements of the LRA such a dismissal, or termination of employment contract, is infact fair. Furthermore, a comparative perspective of other jurisdictions will give a more complete understanding of the issue of age-based dismissals within the current context. However, to refer to legislation and foreign decisions alone, while being of important reference, is not enough and a enquiry into our own case law will be of significant importance to determine a path of direction one can expect when faced with a question of dismissals based on mandatory retirement ages, and in particular, a dismissal which has been so executed with recourse to section 187(2)(b) of the LRA. In the various cases the reasoning and rationale behind the decision making will shed light on a seemingly unresolved area of labour law, and in reading further not only in the judgments but also in various articles, one will see that there are many arguments for and against the use of a mandatory retirement age, the most important of which will be highlighted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Thompson, David Martin Ogilvie
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Age discrimination in employment -- South Africa , Employees -- Dismissal of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10218 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1287 , Age discrimination in employment -- South Africa , Employees -- Dismissal of -- South Africa
- Description: Section 187(2)(b) of the Labour Relations Act sets out certain justifications for what may seem to be unfair discrimination in the workplace. The purpose of this note is to discuss the provisions of Age Discrimination, with specific focus on the rights of older employees, who have reached, what some might term, the ‘normal or agreed retirement age’. In the discuss which follows reference will be made to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa1 in order to investigate the provisions of our new democratic era, and what is said therein about discrimination, and age discrimination in particular. In our new Constitutional dispensation there have also been circumstances where certain kinds of discrimination have become accepted on society, for example Affirmative Action, and an enquiry into the difference between discrimination and differentiation will therefore also be necessary. The provisions of the Employment Equity Act,2 which deal specifically with eliminating unfair discrimination in the workplace, and the Labour Relations Act,3 which deals primarily with the rights of employees, employers and trade unions, and seeks to harmonize employer-employee relations will be discussed wherein specific reference will be made to section 187(2)(b) of the LRA. A further discussion will outline the circumstances of what is meant by dismissal in the context of age based dismissals, and whether such a dismissal is infact a dismissal and whether, within the requirements of the LRA such a dismissal, or termination of employment contract, is infact fair. Furthermore, a comparative perspective of other jurisdictions will give a more complete understanding of the issue of age-based dismissals within the current context. However, to refer to legislation and foreign decisions alone, while being of important reference, is not enough and a enquiry into our own case law will be of significant importance to determine a path of direction one can expect when faced with a question of dismissals based on mandatory retirement ages, and in particular, a dismissal which has been so executed with recourse to section 187(2)(b) of the LRA. In the various cases the reasoning and rationale behind the decision making will shed light on a seemingly unresolved area of labour law, and in reading further not only in the judgments but also in various articles, one will see that there are many arguments for and against the use of a mandatory retirement age, the most important of which will be highlighted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Unfallen women : negotiations of alternative feminine identities in selected writings by Olive Schreiner
- Authors: Snyman, Vicki
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Schreiner, Olive, 1855-1920 Criticism and interpretation Schreiner, Olive, 1855-1920 Story of an African farm Schreiner, Olive, 1855-1920 From man to man Schreiner, Olive, 1855-1920 Undine Feminism in literature Women and literature -- South Africa -- History South African literature (English) -- History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2214 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002257
- Description: This study constitutes an inquiry into how Olive Schreiner‟s peripheral position as a colonial woman writer enabled her rewriting of feminine identity, specifically her subversion of Victorian feminine stereotypes. I focus particular attention on three novels: The Story of an African Farm (1890), and the posthumously published From Man to Man (1926) and Undine (1929). I employ a feminist literary approach to examine how Schreiner‟s hybrid identity as a British South African enabled her revisioning of femininity. If Schreiner is situated within the context of her time, it can be demonstrated that her negotiations of feminine identity are influenced by her dual intellectual and cultural heritage. On the one hand, she can be situated within a British tradition of women‟s writing – in particular, the New Woman fiction which emerged in the late nineteenth century. On the other hand, she can be situated within a nascent South African literary tradition – and demonstrates prototypically post-colonial concerns. Schreiner‟s writing style develops out of her colonial heritage and her experiences as a woman living in a patriarchal society. The resultant voice subverts the narrative traditions of the metropolitan novel in an attempt to articulate an alternative view of femininity. I examine in detail how Schreiner undermines and subverts Victorian stereotypes, and focus particular attention on the „fallen woman‟ and the „mother-figure‟. She attempts to challenge conventional Victorian conceptions of femininity by erasing the binary between the „angel‟ and the „whore‟ in order to create a New Woman. In Undine and The Story of an African Farm the full realisation of this New Woman is deferred, since both protagonists die, but From Man to Man is more nuanced, particularly in its emphasis on economic empowerment for women. Schreiner also destabilises traditional notions of motherhood, in order to offer glimpses of an alternative maternal role. It is my contention that, in her depiction of mother-figures and (un)fallen women, Schreiner challenges stock Victorian notions of femininity and, in the process, creates a space in which new possibilities for women can be imagined and negotiated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Snyman, Vicki
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Schreiner, Olive, 1855-1920 Criticism and interpretation Schreiner, Olive, 1855-1920 Story of an African farm Schreiner, Olive, 1855-1920 From man to man Schreiner, Olive, 1855-1920 Undine Feminism in literature Women and literature -- South Africa -- History South African literature (English) -- History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2214 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002257
- Description: This study constitutes an inquiry into how Olive Schreiner‟s peripheral position as a colonial woman writer enabled her rewriting of feminine identity, specifically her subversion of Victorian feminine stereotypes. I focus particular attention on three novels: The Story of an African Farm (1890), and the posthumously published From Man to Man (1926) and Undine (1929). I employ a feminist literary approach to examine how Schreiner‟s hybrid identity as a British South African enabled her revisioning of femininity. If Schreiner is situated within the context of her time, it can be demonstrated that her negotiations of feminine identity are influenced by her dual intellectual and cultural heritage. On the one hand, she can be situated within a British tradition of women‟s writing – in particular, the New Woman fiction which emerged in the late nineteenth century. On the other hand, she can be situated within a nascent South African literary tradition – and demonstrates prototypically post-colonial concerns. Schreiner‟s writing style develops out of her colonial heritage and her experiences as a woman living in a patriarchal society. The resultant voice subverts the narrative traditions of the metropolitan novel in an attempt to articulate an alternative view of femininity. I examine in detail how Schreiner undermines and subverts Victorian stereotypes, and focus particular attention on the „fallen woman‟ and the „mother-figure‟. She attempts to challenge conventional Victorian conceptions of femininity by erasing the binary between the „angel‟ and the „whore‟ in order to create a New Woman. In Undine and The Story of an African Farm the full realisation of this New Woman is deferred, since both protagonists die, but From Man to Man is more nuanced, particularly in its emphasis on economic empowerment for women. Schreiner also destabilises traditional notions of motherhood, in order to offer glimpses of an alternative maternal role. It is my contention that, in her depiction of mother-figures and (un)fallen women, Schreiner challenges stock Victorian notions of femininity and, in the process, creates a space in which new possibilities for women can be imagined and negotiated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Unfinished business: current and past trade union leaders' perceptions of the political transition after the first decade of democracy (1994-2004) in South Africa
- Authors: Mpunzima, Kayalethu Wycliff
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Labor unions -- South Africa , Democratization -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:11001 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1284 , Labor unions -- South Africa , Democratization -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Description: The study reviews the political transition after the first decade of democracy from the trade union leaders’ perspectives. It seeks to understand whether trade union leaders see workers as having reaped benefits from their struggles. Interviews were conducted with ten current and past trade union leaders on their perceptions about the political transition. The trade union leaders that were interviewed have rich experience of combining their organisational and mobilising strength with strategies of engagement. Their involvement with trade unions can be traced back during the dark years of Apartheid. Some of them are still active members of trade unions who are deeply involved in policy formulation at national level. Others occupy influential positions in the private and public sectors. The study investigates and analyses the labour movement’s objectives, strategies and struggles from the apartheid, transition, and democratic eras and into the future. It looks at how these objectives were achieved and how the strategies were implemented. The study revealed that progress was made in the political sphere, e.g. a parliamentary office was established to ensure that workers have a voice in parliament. The study found clear evidence of influence by the labour movement in economic and labour legislation through structures like NEDLAC. In the economic arena, the study found that workers’ economic expectations were partially fulfilled. Trade union leaders attributed this to the failure of the government’s GEAR policy to create jobs. They insisted that RDP should be implemented. The study revealed evidence of serious tensions within the ANC/COSATU/SACP Alliance. The study found that the influence of the labour ally, COSATU, in the Tripartite Alliance had been curtailed. The study also found that the strength of the labour movement eroded during the first decade of democracy. The research found that the labour movement took new initiatives such as union investment companies. The research also found support for the theory that COSATU’s obsession with alliance politics was a barrier to labour unity. COSATU was not involved in the merger talks between FEDUSA and NACTU. The respondents generally felt positively about the future prospects. Respondents were mostly optimistic about the political transformation. If there was slow delivery or no delivery by the government or business, the unions vowed to take to the streets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mpunzima, Kayalethu Wycliff
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Labor unions -- South Africa , Democratization -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:11001 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1284 , Labor unions -- South Africa , Democratization -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Description: The study reviews the political transition after the first decade of democracy from the trade union leaders’ perspectives. It seeks to understand whether trade union leaders see workers as having reaped benefits from their struggles. Interviews were conducted with ten current and past trade union leaders on their perceptions about the political transition. The trade union leaders that were interviewed have rich experience of combining their organisational and mobilising strength with strategies of engagement. Their involvement with trade unions can be traced back during the dark years of Apartheid. Some of them are still active members of trade unions who are deeply involved in policy formulation at national level. Others occupy influential positions in the private and public sectors. The study investigates and analyses the labour movement’s objectives, strategies and struggles from the apartheid, transition, and democratic eras and into the future. It looks at how these objectives were achieved and how the strategies were implemented. The study revealed that progress was made in the political sphere, e.g. a parliamentary office was established to ensure that workers have a voice in parliament. The study found clear evidence of influence by the labour movement in economic and labour legislation through structures like NEDLAC. In the economic arena, the study found that workers’ economic expectations were partially fulfilled. Trade union leaders attributed this to the failure of the government’s GEAR policy to create jobs. They insisted that RDP should be implemented. The study revealed evidence of serious tensions within the ANC/COSATU/SACP Alliance. The study found that the influence of the labour ally, COSATU, in the Tripartite Alliance had been curtailed. The study also found that the strength of the labour movement eroded during the first decade of democracy. The research found that the labour movement took new initiatives such as union investment companies. The research also found support for the theory that COSATU’s obsession with alliance politics was a barrier to labour unity. COSATU was not involved in the merger talks between FEDUSA and NACTU. The respondents generally felt positively about the future prospects. Respondents were mostly optimistic about the political transformation. If there was slow delivery or no delivery by the government or business, the unions vowed to take to the streets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Unionism and public service reform in Lesotho: between legislative constraints and apathy
- Authors: Maema, Mapule
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Civil service -- Lesotho , Labor unions -- Lesotho , Civil service reform -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3306 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003094 , Civil service -- Lesotho , Labor unions -- Lesotho , Civil service reform -- Lesotho
- Description: The study focuses on Lesotho‟s Public Service. The aims of this study were to examine the factors that led to the repeal of the Public Service Act No.13 of 1995. This study looks at the legislative constraints and attitudes of civil servants towards unionisation in the Public Service. It also outlines the relevant provisions of the Public Service Act No.1 of 2005; the changes that have occurred since its inception. Findings show that the Public Service Act No.13 of 1995 was repealed in order to reform the Public Service. The Ministry of the Public Service implemented five-year strategic plans to reform the public service. Changes have occurred in the public service since the inception of the 2005 Act; however, they differ from ministry to ministry. The respondents included public officers from the Ministry of the Public Service, Ministry of Justice, Law Office, Ministry of Employment and Labour, Ministry of Planning, the Ombudsman Office, Parliament, different ministries, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Congress of the Lesotho Trade Unions (COLETU) and the Lesotho Public Service Staff Association (LEPSSA).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Maema, Mapule
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Civil service -- Lesotho , Labor unions -- Lesotho , Civil service reform -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3306 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003094 , Civil service -- Lesotho , Labor unions -- Lesotho , Civil service reform -- Lesotho
- Description: The study focuses on Lesotho‟s Public Service. The aims of this study were to examine the factors that led to the repeal of the Public Service Act No.13 of 1995. This study looks at the legislative constraints and attitudes of civil servants towards unionisation in the Public Service. It also outlines the relevant provisions of the Public Service Act No.1 of 2005; the changes that have occurred since its inception. Findings show that the Public Service Act No.13 of 1995 was repealed in order to reform the Public Service. The Ministry of the Public Service implemented five-year strategic plans to reform the public service. Changes have occurred in the public service since the inception of the 2005 Act; however, they differ from ministry to ministry. The respondents included public officers from the Ministry of the Public Service, Ministry of Justice, Law Office, Ministry of Employment and Labour, Ministry of Planning, the Ombudsman Office, Parliament, different ministries, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Congress of the Lesotho Trade Unions (COLETU) and the Lesotho Public Service Staff Association (LEPSSA).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Unionism in schools blessing or curse? : a case study of three schools in the Kavango region of Namibia
- Authors: Musore, Pontianus Vitumbo
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Teachers' unions--Namibia Namibia National Teachers' Union School management and organization--Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1809 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003695
- Description: This study investigates the role played by the Namibia National Teachers’ Union (NANTU) in school management. It examines the challenges faced by school principals in managing schools as a result of the presence of unions. In order to understand the behaviour and impact of union representatives in schools the study makes use of literature on teacher unionism, democratic, political and ambiguity management and leadership theories. Working in the interpretive orientation the study used semi-structured interviews, document analysis and focus group discussions. The research was conducted in the form of a case study involving three schools in the Kavango region of Namibia, and the data collected were dealt with according to case study principles. The study reveals that the presence of the union has several benefits for the school: for example, it advances the democratic participation of stakeholders, provides feedback to the school principal on how staff members experience his or her leadership, and offers advice on labour-related matters. It was also discovered that NANTU representatives act as mediators in conflict situations, which means that teachers can become better at managing and resolving conflict through their experience of serving on the union structures. However it was also discovered that the presence of NANTU in schools has several negative effects on schooling. For example, NANTU activities can disrupt school programmes; moreover, in some schools, neither NANTU representatives nor school principals understand their own or each other’s roles, and consequently they are always in conflict. The absence of a policy regulating the representation of NANTU in decision-making structures in schools causes the conflict to escalate. It emerged that the role of NANTU in schools is mainly determined by the leadership style of the school principal and the effectiveness of the NANTU representatives in that particular school. For example, an autocratic leadership style on the part of the school principal tends to exacerbate the conflict situation, while NANTU has been known to mobilize learners to demand the removal of school principals through class boycotts. NANTU is more concerned with defending the rights and interests of its members than any other matter affecting education. This research is likely to benefit school managers, policy makers and implementers, and NANTU structures, as it provides clarity on what both NANTU and school principals expect from one another. The study also demonstrates that school principals need to acknowledge and consider the divergent nature of the various interest groups in schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Musore, Pontianus Vitumbo
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Teachers' unions--Namibia Namibia National Teachers' Union School management and organization--Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1809 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003695
- Description: This study investigates the role played by the Namibia National Teachers’ Union (NANTU) in school management. It examines the challenges faced by school principals in managing schools as a result of the presence of unions. In order to understand the behaviour and impact of union representatives in schools the study makes use of literature on teacher unionism, democratic, political and ambiguity management and leadership theories. Working in the interpretive orientation the study used semi-structured interviews, document analysis and focus group discussions. The research was conducted in the form of a case study involving three schools in the Kavango region of Namibia, and the data collected were dealt with according to case study principles. The study reveals that the presence of the union has several benefits for the school: for example, it advances the democratic participation of stakeholders, provides feedback to the school principal on how staff members experience his or her leadership, and offers advice on labour-related matters. It was also discovered that NANTU representatives act as mediators in conflict situations, which means that teachers can become better at managing and resolving conflict through their experience of serving on the union structures. However it was also discovered that the presence of NANTU in schools has several negative effects on schooling. For example, NANTU activities can disrupt school programmes; moreover, in some schools, neither NANTU representatives nor school principals understand their own or each other’s roles, and consequently they are always in conflict. The absence of a policy regulating the representation of NANTU in decision-making structures in schools causes the conflict to escalate. It emerged that the role of NANTU in schools is mainly determined by the leadership style of the school principal and the effectiveness of the NANTU representatives in that particular school. For example, an autocratic leadership style on the part of the school principal tends to exacerbate the conflict situation, while NANTU has been known to mobilize learners to demand the removal of school principals through class boycotts. NANTU is more concerned with defending the rights and interests of its members than any other matter affecting education. This research is likely to benefit school managers, policy makers and implementers, and NANTU structures, as it provides clarity on what both NANTU and school principals expect from one another. The study also demonstrates that school principals need to acknowledge and consider the divergent nature of the various interest groups in schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Validation of high frequency propagation prediction models over Africa
- Authors: Tshisaphungo, Mpho
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Ionospheric radio wave propagation , Ionospheric radio wave propagation -- Forecasting , Radio meteorology , Radio wave propagation -- Africa , Ionosphere -- Africa -- Radio waves , Atmospheric physics -- Africa , Shortwave radio -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5553 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015239
- Description: The ionosphere is an important factor in high frequency (HF) radio propagation providing an opportunity to study ionospheric variability as well as the space weather conditions under which HF communication can take place. This thesis presents the validation of HF propagation conditions for the Ionospheric Communication Enhanced Profile Analysis and Circuit (ICEPAC) and Advanced Stand Alone Prediction System (ASAPS) models over Africa by comparing predictions with the measured data obtained from the International Beacon Project (IBP). Since these models were not developed using information on the African region, a more accurate HF propagation prediction tool is required. Two IBP transmitter stations are considered, Ruaraka, Kenya (1.24°S, 36.88°E) and Pretoria, South Africa (25.45°S, 28.10°E) with one beacon receiver station located in Hermanus, South Africa (34.27°S, 19.l2°E). The potential of these models in terms of HF propagation conditions is illustrated. An attempt to draw conclusions for future improvement of the models is also presented. Results show a low prediction accuracy for both ICEPAC and ASAPS models, although ICEPAC provided more accurate predictions for daily HF propagation conditions. This thesis suggests that the development of a new HF propagation prediction tool for the African region or the modification of one of the existing models to accommodate the African region, taking into account the importance of the African ionospheric region, should be considered as an option to ensure more accurate HF Propagation predictions over this region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Tshisaphungo, Mpho
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Ionospheric radio wave propagation , Ionospheric radio wave propagation -- Forecasting , Radio meteorology , Radio wave propagation -- Africa , Ionosphere -- Africa -- Radio waves , Atmospheric physics -- Africa , Shortwave radio -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5553 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015239
- Description: The ionosphere is an important factor in high frequency (HF) radio propagation providing an opportunity to study ionospheric variability as well as the space weather conditions under which HF communication can take place. This thesis presents the validation of HF propagation conditions for the Ionospheric Communication Enhanced Profile Analysis and Circuit (ICEPAC) and Advanced Stand Alone Prediction System (ASAPS) models over Africa by comparing predictions with the measured data obtained from the International Beacon Project (IBP). Since these models were not developed using information on the African region, a more accurate HF propagation prediction tool is required. Two IBP transmitter stations are considered, Ruaraka, Kenya (1.24°S, 36.88°E) and Pretoria, South Africa (25.45°S, 28.10°E) with one beacon receiver station located in Hermanus, South Africa (34.27°S, 19.l2°E). The potential of these models in terms of HF propagation conditions is illustrated. An attempt to draw conclusions for future improvement of the models is also presented. Results show a low prediction accuracy for both ICEPAC and ASAPS models, although ICEPAC provided more accurate predictions for daily HF propagation conditions. This thesis suggests that the development of a new HF propagation prediction tool for the African region or the modification of one of the existing models to accommodate the African region, taking into account the importance of the African ionospheric region, should be considered as an option to ensure more accurate HF Propagation predictions over this region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010