The effect of perceived organisational support and organisational commitment on turnover intention among academic staff at the University of Fort Hare
- Authors: Xabiso Ngabase
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee competitive behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee empowerment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee morale -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11555 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007110 , Employee assistance programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee competitive behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee empowerment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee morale -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Perceived organisational support and organisational commitment plays a vital role in determining turnover intention. When employees feel that their organisation supports them levels of commitment can increase. Thus, employees feel more obligated because of favourable benefits such as organisational effectiveness and reduced turnover. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect perceived organisational support and organisational commitment have on turnover intention. The study followed a descriptive survey method. A questionnaire, measured on a Likert Scale was used to collect data from respondents. The sample comprised 98 academic staff at the University of Fort Hare and the response rate was 56.6 percent. The results indicated that perceived organisational support and organisational commitment are negatively and significantly related to turnover intention. The study also revealed perceived organisational support and organisational commitment on turnover intention did not account for a higher variance when put together, however moderate variance was found. Perceived organisational support in this study was identified as the most effective predictor of turnover intention. In addition to managerial implications and limitations of the study, direction for future research is also suggested at the end of this study. The findings of this study will help in terms of understanding the state of organisational commitment of academics and its relationship with their intentions to leave.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Xabiso Ngabase
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee competitive behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee empowerment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee morale -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11555 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007110 , Employee assistance programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee competitive behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee empowerment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee morale -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Perceived organisational support and organisational commitment plays a vital role in determining turnover intention. When employees feel that their organisation supports them levels of commitment can increase. Thus, employees feel more obligated because of favourable benefits such as organisational effectiveness and reduced turnover. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect perceived organisational support and organisational commitment have on turnover intention. The study followed a descriptive survey method. A questionnaire, measured on a Likert Scale was used to collect data from respondents. The sample comprised 98 academic staff at the University of Fort Hare and the response rate was 56.6 percent. The results indicated that perceived organisational support and organisational commitment are negatively and significantly related to turnover intention. The study also revealed perceived organisational support and organisational commitment on turnover intention did not account for a higher variance when put together, however moderate variance was found. Perceived organisational support in this study was identified as the most effective predictor of turnover intention. In addition to managerial implications and limitations of the study, direction for future research is also suggested at the end of this study. The findings of this study will help in terms of understanding the state of organisational commitment of academics and its relationship with their intentions to leave.
- Full Text:
The effectiveness of social support mechanisms provided to HIV and AIDS opharns: the case of Tembisa child and family welfare society, Gauteng
- Authors: Khumalo, Princess Sengeziwe
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Child welfare -- South Africa -- Gauteng -- Case studies , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Children of AIDS patients -- Services for South Africa -- Gauteng , AIDS (Disease)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11761 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005633 , Child welfare -- South Africa -- Gauteng -- Case studies , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Children of AIDS patients -- Services for South Africa -- Gauteng , AIDS (Disease)
- Description: The study was aimed at investigating the effectiveness of social support mechanisms provided to HIV and AIDS orphans in Tembisa, Gauteng Province. An interview guide was designed and it guided the in-depth interviews with HIV and AIDS affected and infected orphans. In addition, a focus group was run with the social workers and the children‟s caregivers. Empirical findings gathered were based on the qualitative information from the participants. The findings indicated that social support systems were effective although there were various challenges facing their smooth running. Firstly social support provided to orphans is mainly provided by caregivers, social workers, schools and the government. Secondly for some, the support is not entirely enough to help them cope with life. The minority of the orphans indicated that they were not even aware that they were orphaned. The study therefore recommends that social workers and caregivers be trained on how to be effective social support systems for HIV and AIDS orphans. Furthermore psycho-social support groups need to be more informational and inclusive of HIV and AIDS orphans.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Khumalo, Princess Sengeziwe
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Child welfare -- South Africa -- Gauteng -- Case studies , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Children of AIDS patients -- Services for South Africa -- Gauteng , AIDS (Disease)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11761 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005633 , Child welfare -- South Africa -- Gauteng -- Case studies , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Children of AIDS patients -- Services for South Africa -- Gauteng , AIDS (Disease)
- Description: The study was aimed at investigating the effectiveness of social support mechanisms provided to HIV and AIDS orphans in Tembisa, Gauteng Province. An interview guide was designed and it guided the in-depth interviews with HIV and AIDS affected and infected orphans. In addition, a focus group was run with the social workers and the children‟s caregivers. Empirical findings gathered were based on the qualitative information from the participants. The findings indicated that social support systems were effective although there were various challenges facing their smooth running. Firstly social support provided to orphans is mainly provided by caregivers, social workers, schools and the government. Secondly for some, the support is not entirely enough to help them cope with life. The minority of the orphans indicated that they were not even aware that they were orphaned. The study therefore recommends that social workers and caregivers be trained on how to be effective social support systems for HIV and AIDS orphans. Furthermore psycho-social support groups need to be more informational and inclusive of HIV and AIDS orphans.
- Full Text:
The Effects of Gender Based Violence on Children: A Case Study of Zimunya Community of Mutare District in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chindoti, Mwanyara Beatrice
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Violence -- Zimbabwe -- Psychological aspects , Children and violence -- Zimbabwe , Social work with juvenile delinquents -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11769 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015382 , Violence -- Zimbabwe -- Psychological aspects , Children and violence -- Zimbabwe , Social work with juvenile delinquents -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This study investigated the effects of gender based violence on children in the Zimunya community of Mutare in Zimbabwe. A qualitative approach was used to gather data, thus thirty children from thirty households from three wards were interviewed and three focus groups were conducted with women from the three wards of Zimunya. The outcomes of the research reveal that gender based violence have negative effects on children who are affected physically, socially, emotionally and psychologically. In other words, gender based violence impacts negatively on the development of the affected children. In the areas under study, domestic violence was identified as the most prevalent types of violence experienced by children in these communities. This is in spite of the fact that there are many services that are provided to protect children and their mothers from violent situations. The role played by support service groups cannot be undermined as they contributed to the reduction of violence in some homes. It is thus concluded that, in as much as services are provided by both government and non-government organizations to the victims of violence, many affected people were not utilizing them fully. Additionally, some research participants showed a certain level of confusion in distinguishing between services provided for children from those provided for women. This study therefore recommends that awareness campaigns should be carried out in many communities in Zimbabwe so as to inform women and children about the availability support services, what they are meant for and for whom. Additionally, the gender violence topic should also be introduced in primary and secondary school syllabuses of Zimbabwe so as to make all children aware of their rights and responsibilities as they grow up.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chindoti, Mwanyara Beatrice
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Violence -- Zimbabwe -- Psychological aspects , Children and violence -- Zimbabwe , Social work with juvenile delinquents -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11769 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015382 , Violence -- Zimbabwe -- Psychological aspects , Children and violence -- Zimbabwe , Social work with juvenile delinquents -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This study investigated the effects of gender based violence on children in the Zimunya community of Mutare in Zimbabwe. A qualitative approach was used to gather data, thus thirty children from thirty households from three wards were interviewed and three focus groups were conducted with women from the three wards of Zimunya. The outcomes of the research reveal that gender based violence have negative effects on children who are affected physically, socially, emotionally and psychologically. In other words, gender based violence impacts negatively on the development of the affected children. In the areas under study, domestic violence was identified as the most prevalent types of violence experienced by children in these communities. This is in spite of the fact that there are many services that are provided to protect children and their mothers from violent situations. The role played by support service groups cannot be undermined as they contributed to the reduction of violence in some homes. It is thus concluded that, in as much as services are provided by both government and non-government organizations to the victims of violence, many affected people were not utilizing them fully. Additionally, some research participants showed a certain level of confusion in distinguishing between services provided for children from those provided for women. This study therefore recommends that awareness campaigns should be carried out in many communities in Zimbabwe so as to inform women and children about the availability support services, what they are meant for and for whom. Additionally, the gender violence topic should also be introduced in primary and secondary school syllabuses of Zimbabwe so as to make all children aware of their rights and responsibilities as they grow up.
- Full Text:
The efficacy of coordinating role of the state ministry of cabinet affairs: a case study - Jonglei State, South Sudan
- Authors: Nathan, Alice Tiyo
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11651 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006973
- Description: The research attempts to investigate the effectiveness of coordination in the State Ministry of Cabinet Affairs (SMCA), Jonglei State government, South Sudan. The objectives of the study were to identify coordination functions of the state Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, challenges and its role in promoting ethics and good governance in service delivery in Jonglei State. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected from a sample of twenty one respondents which included the State Deputy Governor, Directors of SMCA and Secretariat through questionnaires and interviews. This explored the functions; roles; and its organizational hierarchy which promotes ethical delivery of services and good governance. The study further discusses the levels of the implementation processes and the possible challenges facing SMCA. The results of the study reveal that the SMCA lacks qualified staff, unclear job descriptions and as a result it impinges on coordination and implementation of strategic plans and service delivery within the directorates. The study therefore recommends that for effective and efficient service delivery in promoting ethics and good governance, training of the human resource, recruitment of competent staff, clear job descriptions, regular performance appraisal and effective communication among others are paramount. The study further recommends that gender equality and equity should be addressed in order to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the community.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nathan, Alice Tiyo
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11651 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006973
- Description: The research attempts to investigate the effectiveness of coordination in the State Ministry of Cabinet Affairs (SMCA), Jonglei State government, South Sudan. The objectives of the study were to identify coordination functions of the state Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, challenges and its role in promoting ethics and good governance in service delivery in Jonglei State. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected from a sample of twenty one respondents which included the State Deputy Governor, Directors of SMCA and Secretariat through questionnaires and interviews. This explored the functions; roles; and its organizational hierarchy which promotes ethical delivery of services and good governance. The study further discusses the levels of the implementation processes and the possible challenges facing SMCA. The results of the study reveal that the SMCA lacks qualified staff, unclear job descriptions and as a result it impinges on coordination and implementation of strategic plans and service delivery within the directorates. The study therefore recommends that for effective and efficient service delivery in promoting ethics and good governance, training of the human resource, recruitment of competent staff, clear job descriptions, regular performance appraisal and effective communication among others are paramount. The study further recommends that gender equality and equity should be addressed in order to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the community.
- Full Text:
The impact of a budget deficit on transport infrastructure investment in South Africa
- Authors: Nanto, Aphiwe
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Budget deficits -- South Africa , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa , Transportation -- South Africa , Debts, Public -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11478 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015245 , Budget deficits -- South Africa , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa , Transportation -- South Africa , Debts, Public -- South Africa
- Description: Persistent government budget deficits and government debt have become major concerns in both developed and developing countries. This study investigates the impact of a budget deficit on transport infrastructure investment in South Africa. Quarterly time series data, covering the period 1990q1- 2009q4, was used in this project. The study tests for stationarity using the Augmented Dickey- Fuller and Phillips Perron; it tests for cointegration using the Johansen (1991, 1995) methodology. A vector error correction model is used as an estimation technique. The results of this study show that a budget deficit has a negative impact on transport infrastructure investment in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nanto, Aphiwe
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Budget deficits -- South Africa , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa , Transportation -- South Africa , Debts, Public -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11478 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015245 , Budget deficits -- South Africa , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa , Transportation -- South Africa , Debts, Public -- South Africa
- Description: Persistent government budget deficits and government debt have become major concerns in both developed and developing countries. This study investigates the impact of a budget deficit on transport infrastructure investment in South Africa. Quarterly time series data, covering the period 1990q1- 2009q4, was used in this project. The study tests for stationarity using the Augmented Dickey- Fuller and Phillips Perron; it tests for cointegration using the Johansen (1991, 1995) methodology. A vector error correction model is used as an estimation technique. The results of this study show that a budget deficit has a negative impact on transport infrastructure investment in South Africa.
- Full Text:
The impact of alcohol on the sexual behaviour of adolescent males in Nkonkobe municipality
- Authors: Takatshana, Sinovuyo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Risk-taking (Psychology) in adolescence , Teenagers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teenagers -- Sexual behaviour -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Alcohol use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teenagers -- Alcohol use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Sexual behaviour -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Alcoholism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Psych)
- Identifier: vital:11612 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005986 , Risk-taking (Psychology) in adolescence , Teenagers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teenagers -- Sexual behaviour -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Alcohol use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teenagers -- Alcohol use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Sexual behaviour -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Alcoholism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The study aimed at investigating the impact of alcohol on the sexual behaviour of male adolescents, with the purpose of establishing whether a relationship exists between alcohol use and risky sexual behaviour (i.e. multiple partners, unprotected, and unplanned sex) by adolescent males. Data was collected by means of an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. The sample consisted of 176 male high school learners, aged between 14 and 25, from one school in the Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape Province. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to obtain data analyses which included descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation (with specific reference to Chi-square analysis), and all procedures were performed at 0.05 level of significance with 95% Confidence Interval. A relationship between alcohol use and risky sexual behaviour was found to exist. A statistically significant correlation was found in support of the alcohol/risky sex hypothesis. Another significant finding was the increase noted in safer sex practises among adolescents. Finally, the findings were correlated to implications.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Takatshana, Sinovuyo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Risk-taking (Psychology) in adolescence , Teenagers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teenagers -- Sexual behaviour -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Alcohol use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teenagers -- Alcohol use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Sexual behaviour -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Alcoholism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Psych)
- Identifier: vital:11612 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005986 , Risk-taking (Psychology) in adolescence , Teenagers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teenagers -- Sexual behaviour -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Alcohol use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teenagers -- Alcohol use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Sexual behaviour -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Alcoholism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The study aimed at investigating the impact of alcohol on the sexual behaviour of male adolescents, with the purpose of establishing whether a relationship exists between alcohol use and risky sexual behaviour (i.e. multiple partners, unprotected, and unplanned sex) by adolescent males. Data was collected by means of an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. The sample consisted of 176 male high school learners, aged between 14 and 25, from one school in the Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape Province. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to obtain data analyses which included descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation (with specific reference to Chi-square analysis), and all procedures were performed at 0.05 level of significance with 95% Confidence Interval. A relationship between alcohol use and risky sexual behaviour was found to exist. A statistically significant correlation was found in support of the alcohol/risky sex hypothesis. Another significant finding was the increase noted in safer sex practises among adolescents. Finally, the findings were correlated to implications.
- Full Text:
The impact of budget deficits on economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Mrwebo, Luzuko T
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11481 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015284
- Description: The study examines the impact of budget deficits on economic growth in South Africa. The review of the results from theoretical and empirical studies has shown that budget deficits in the most have a negative impact on GDP growth. The Johansen cointegration test has shown evidence that there is cointegration between the GDP growth and its determinants. The tests indicated the presence of cointegration which led to the estimation of VECM. The measure for the long run relationship was between GDP growth and its determinants such as, budget deficits, domestic activities, government debt, and trade openness. The co-integration and vector error correction modelling techniques were applied to South African data between 1990 to 2012 period. This study at hand indicated that government budget deficits have a long run negative effect on economic growth, but the impact shown from the results of this study is very low.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mrwebo, Luzuko T
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11481 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015284
- Description: The study examines the impact of budget deficits on economic growth in South Africa. The review of the results from theoretical and empirical studies has shown that budget deficits in the most have a negative impact on GDP growth. The Johansen cointegration test has shown evidence that there is cointegration between the GDP growth and its determinants. The tests indicated the presence of cointegration which led to the estimation of VECM. The measure for the long run relationship was between GDP growth and its determinants such as, budget deficits, domestic activities, government debt, and trade openness. The co-integration and vector error correction modelling techniques were applied to South African data between 1990 to 2012 period. This study at hand indicated that government budget deficits have a long run negative effect on economic growth, but the impact shown from the results of this study is very low.
- Full Text:
The impact of donor-funded community empowerment projects on poverty alleviation: a case of selected projects in Chiredzi district of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mundau, Mulwayini
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Non-governmental organizations -- Zimbabwe , Economic assistance -- Zimbabwe , Community development -- Zimbabwe , Donor-advised funds -- Zimbabwe -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11762 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005637 , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Non-governmental organizations -- Zimbabwe , Economic assistance -- Zimbabwe , Community development -- Zimbabwe , Donor-advised funds -- Zimbabwe -- Case studies
- Description: The aim of the study was to carry out an investigation into the impact of donor-funded community empowerment projects on poverty alleviation. The data for this study were from the use of triangulation method of data collection which enhanced the assessment of the impact of donor funded community empowerment projects on poverty alleviation with specific focus on selected projects in the Chiredzi district of Zimbabwe. The findings of the study show the need for adoption of empowerment inclined practices by the local NGOs. There is need for community involvement in decision making, project ownership, and clear lines of communication with the NGOs, among others. However the findings also show the strength in linking project members with relevant institutions, and training, in order to ensure sustainability of community projects in ensuring community empowerment towards poverty eradication.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mundau, Mulwayini
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Non-governmental organizations -- Zimbabwe , Economic assistance -- Zimbabwe , Community development -- Zimbabwe , Donor-advised funds -- Zimbabwe -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11762 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005637 , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Non-governmental organizations -- Zimbabwe , Economic assistance -- Zimbabwe , Community development -- Zimbabwe , Donor-advised funds -- Zimbabwe -- Case studies
- Description: The aim of the study was to carry out an investigation into the impact of donor-funded community empowerment projects on poverty alleviation. The data for this study were from the use of triangulation method of data collection which enhanced the assessment of the impact of donor funded community empowerment projects on poverty alleviation with specific focus on selected projects in the Chiredzi district of Zimbabwe. The findings of the study show the need for adoption of empowerment inclined practices by the local NGOs. There is need for community involvement in decision making, project ownership, and clear lines of communication with the NGOs, among others. However the findings also show the strength in linking project members with relevant institutions, and training, in order to ensure sustainability of community projects in ensuring community empowerment towards poverty eradication.
- Full Text:
The impact of economic growth on unemployment in South Africa: 1994 -2012
- Authors: Handson, Banda
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/884 , vital:26506
- Description: One of the most pressing problems facing the South African economy is unemployment, which has been erratic over the past few years. This study examined the impact of economic growth on unemployment, using quarterly time series data for South Africa for the period 1994 to 2012. Johansen Co-integration reflected that there is stable and one significant long run relationship between unemployment and the explanatory variables that is economic growth (GDP), budget deficit (BUG), real effective exchange rate (REER) and labour productivity (LP). The study utilized Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to determine the effects of macroeconomic variables thus REER, LP, GDP and BUG on unemployment in South Africa. The results of VECM indicated that LP has a negative long run impact on unemployment whilst GDP, BUG and REER have positive impact. The study resulted in the following policy recommendation: South African government should re-direct its spending towards activities that directly and indirectly promote creation of employment and decent jobs; a conducive environment and flexible labour market policies or legislations without impediments to employment creation should be created; and lastly government should prioritise industries that promote labour intensive. All this will help in absorbing large pools of the unemployed population thereby reducing unemployment in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Handson, Banda
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/884 , vital:26506
- Description: One of the most pressing problems facing the South African economy is unemployment, which has been erratic over the past few years. This study examined the impact of economic growth on unemployment, using quarterly time series data for South Africa for the period 1994 to 2012. Johansen Co-integration reflected that there is stable and one significant long run relationship between unemployment and the explanatory variables that is economic growth (GDP), budget deficit (BUG), real effective exchange rate (REER) and labour productivity (LP). The study utilized Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to determine the effects of macroeconomic variables thus REER, LP, GDP and BUG on unemployment in South Africa. The results of VECM indicated that LP has a negative long run impact on unemployment whilst GDP, BUG and REER have positive impact. The study resulted in the following policy recommendation: South African government should re-direct its spending towards activities that directly and indirectly promote creation of employment and decent jobs; a conducive environment and flexible labour market policies or legislations without impediments to employment creation should be created; and lastly government should prioritise industries that promote labour intensive. All this will help in absorbing large pools of the unemployed population thereby reducing unemployment in South Africa.
- Full Text:
The impact of farmer support programmes on market access of small holder farmers in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces
- Authors: Mpuzu, Misery Sikelwa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Traditional farming -- South Africa , Family farms -- South Africa , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa , Food security -- South Africa , Food -- Safety measures , Farms, Small -- South Africa , Technological innovations -- South Africa , Export marketing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11197 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007140 , Traditional farming -- South Africa , Family farms -- South Africa , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa , Food security -- South Africa , Food -- Safety measures , Farms, Small -- South Africa , Technological innovations -- South Africa , Export marketing -- South Africa
- Description: Most smallholder farmers in South Africa are characterized by poor resources such as land, labour and capital while they play an important role in poverty alleviation especially in poor rural areas. Smallholder farmers are increasingly recognized because of their contribution to household food security. The world markets are increasingly being integrated due to globalization and liberalization. As a result, smallholder farmers are facing increasing market competition, not only in international markets but in local markets as well. However, smallholder farmers often face a number of barriers to accessing these markets arising in part from the tightening of food safety and quality standards requiring compliance with phytosanitary and sanitary standards and growing power of supply chain integration. Furthermore, the viability of these smallholder producers is constrained by institutional obstacles which include lack of access to information, high marketing and transaction costs and low quality and lack of critical volume in the absence of bulking up arrangements, etc. These barriers have contributed to the exclusion of smallholder/small-scale farmers from formal markets. In order to address these obstacles and speed up the pace of agrarian reform many support schemes (farmer support programmes) are now being designed to specifically address market access and value chain issues through unique co-innovation arrangements to improve the farmer’s access to profitable international chains. A number of farmer support programmes (FSP) have been implemented in South Africa to reduce the risk of a lack of capacity and a lack of economic and/or financial experience in smallholder farms. Intervention measures have been instituted to these smallholder farmers to assist them to move out of poverty through agricultural production. The aim of this study was to understand the roles played by farmer support programmes in addressing income and welfare levels and sustainability of smallholder farmers in South Africa. Eighty nine (89) farmers were interviewed for this study and almost half (49%) of them received support from various organizations while 51% of the sampled farmers did not receive any support. The study was designed to compare the two groups between the treated and control group to assess the impact of these programmes.Using a Tobit and Propensity Score Matching technique, potential diffusion effects were eliminated between farmers supported by Farmer Support Programmes and farmers that did not belong to support services. The latter was selected from comparable communities with no agricultural support services. Findings from the Tobit regression and propensity score matching are consistent across the two methods, suggesting that being a member of any agricultural support programme has a significant positive impact on income and welfare of smallholder farmers.Farmer Support Programmes and collective marketing activities such as the collection and sale of members’ products appear to have a significant and positive impact on smallholder welfare of those farmers engaged in them. In the second analysis the study tested the types of arrangements that farmers would adopt to market their produce. From the results it was established that those farmers who were supported by institutional arrangements or FSP had better access to markets than those farmers who operated as individuals. Marginal effects are used to show the degree to which farmers chose a particular marketing channel or institutional arrangement that these farmers take when trying to access better paying markets. Then the final analysis is on factors that determine the extent to which collective action contribute to farmers’ income and market access. A number of variables (age, distance to the market, region the farmers are located) were evaluated using the multinomial regression model. Empirical results suggest that among South African cooperatives, those established in KwaZulu-Natal and partly in the Eastern Cape and upon the voluntary initiative of farmers are more sustainable and have access to better paying markets both locally and internationally than the other areas. The results also show that NGO-supported cooperatives have a longer life span than Government controlled cooperatives.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mpuzu, Misery Sikelwa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Traditional farming -- South Africa , Family farms -- South Africa , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa , Food security -- South Africa , Food -- Safety measures , Farms, Small -- South Africa , Technological innovations -- South Africa , Export marketing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11197 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007140 , Traditional farming -- South Africa , Family farms -- South Africa , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa , Food security -- South Africa , Food -- Safety measures , Farms, Small -- South Africa , Technological innovations -- South Africa , Export marketing -- South Africa
- Description: Most smallholder farmers in South Africa are characterized by poor resources such as land, labour and capital while they play an important role in poverty alleviation especially in poor rural areas. Smallholder farmers are increasingly recognized because of their contribution to household food security. The world markets are increasingly being integrated due to globalization and liberalization. As a result, smallholder farmers are facing increasing market competition, not only in international markets but in local markets as well. However, smallholder farmers often face a number of barriers to accessing these markets arising in part from the tightening of food safety and quality standards requiring compliance with phytosanitary and sanitary standards and growing power of supply chain integration. Furthermore, the viability of these smallholder producers is constrained by institutional obstacles which include lack of access to information, high marketing and transaction costs and low quality and lack of critical volume in the absence of bulking up arrangements, etc. These barriers have contributed to the exclusion of smallholder/small-scale farmers from formal markets. In order to address these obstacles and speed up the pace of agrarian reform many support schemes (farmer support programmes) are now being designed to specifically address market access and value chain issues through unique co-innovation arrangements to improve the farmer’s access to profitable international chains. A number of farmer support programmes (FSP) have been implemented in South Africa to reduce the risk of a lack of capacity and a lack of economic and/or financial experience in smallholder farms. Intervention measures have been instituted to these smallholder farmers to assist them to move out of poverty through agricultural production. The aim of this study was to understand the roles played by farmer support programmes in addressing income and welfare levels and sustainability of smallholder farmers in South Africa. Eighty nine (89) farmers were interviewed for this study and almost half (49%) of them received support from various organizations while 51% of the sampled farmers did not receive any support. The study was designed to compare the two groups between the treated and control group to assess the impact of these programmes.Using a Tobit and Propensity Score Matching technique, potential diffusion effects were eliminated between farmers supported by Farmer Support Programmes and farmers that did not belong to support services. The latter was selected from comparable communities with no agricultural support services. Findings from the Tobit regression and propensity score matching are consistent across the two methods, suggesting that being a member of any agricultural support programme has a significant positive impact on income and welfare of smallholder farmers.Farmer Support Programmes and collective marketing activities such as the collection and sale of members’ products appear to have a significant and positive impact on smallholder welfare of those farmers engaged in them. In the second analysis the study tested the types of arrangements that farmers would adopt to market their produce. From the results it was established that those farmers who were supported by institutional arrangements or FSP had better access to markets than those farmers who operated as individuals. Marginal effects are used to show the degree to which farmers chose a particular marketing channel or institutional arrangement that these farmers take when trying to access better paying markets. Then the final analysis is on factors that determine the extent to which collective action contribute to farmers’ income and market access. A number of variables (age, distance to the market, region the farmers are located) were evaluated using the multinomial regression model. Empirical results suggest that among South African cooperatives, those established in KwaZulu-Natal and partly in the Eastern Cape and upon the voluntary initiative of farmers are more sustainable and have access to better paying markets both locally and internationally than the other areas. The results also show that NGO-supported cooperatives have a longer life span than Government controlled cooperatives.
- Full Text:
The impact of fatal road accidents on the South African economy (1997-2011)
- Authors: Siswana, Babalwa
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11475 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013591
- Description: The purpose of the study is to examine the impact of fatal road accidents on the South African economy. The study used quarterly time series data for the period 1997 to 2011. A Johansen cointegration and vector error correction model (VCEM) was used to determine the impact of fatal road accidents on the South African economy. The explanatory variables in this study are labour productivity, real interest rates, unemployment and real exchange rates. Results from this study revealed that fatal road accidents have negatively impacted on the economic growth in South Africa while labour productivity, real interest rates, unemployment and real exchange rates have a positive long-run impact on economic growth in South Africa. This study recommends that road safety measures must be intensified in South Africa in order to maximize the benefits of economic growth. Keywords: Economic growth, fatal road accidents, South Africa
- Full Text:
- Authors: Siswana, Babalwa
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11475 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013591
- Description: The purpose of the study is to examine the impact of fatal road accidents on the South African economy. The study used quarterly time series data for the period 1997 to 2011. A Johansen cointegration and vector error correction model (VCEM) was used to determine the impact of fatal road accidents on the South African economy. The explanatory variables in this study are labour productivity, real interest rates, unemployment and real exchange rates. Results from this study revealed that fatal road accidents have negatively impacted on the economic growth in South Africa while labour productivity, real interest rates, unemployment and real exchange rates have a positive long-run impact on economic growth in South Africa. This study recommends that road safety measures must be intensified in South Africa in order to maximize the benefits of economic growth. Keywords: Economic growth, fatal road accidents, South Africa
- Full Text:
The impact of foreign debt on economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Shayanewako, V B
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Debts, External -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Government spending policy -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11477 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015140 , Debts, External -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Government spending policy -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Description: This study analyses the economic impact between foreign debt and economic growth in South Africa. By fitting a production function model to annual data for the period 1980-2011, the study examines the dynamic effect of debt service, capital stock and labour force on the economic growth of the country. By following Cunningham (1993), it has identified the long-run and short-run causal relationships among the included variables. The results indicate that the debt servicing burden has a negative effect on the productivity of labour and capital, and thereby affect economic growth adversely. The results also illustrate that the debt service ratio tends to negatively affect GDP and the rate of economic growth in the long-run, which, in turn, reduces the ability of the country to service its debt. Similarly, the estimated error correction term shows the existence of a significant long-run causal relationship among the specified variables. Overall, the results suggest the existence of short-run and long-run causal relationships running from debt service to GDP.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Shayanewako, V B
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Debts, External -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Government spending policy -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11477 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015140 , Debts, External -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Government spending policy -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Description: This study analyses the economic impact between foreign debt and economic growth in South Africa. By fitting a production function model to annual data for the period 1980-2011, the study examines the dynamic effect of debt service, capital stock and labour force on the economic growth of the country. By following Cunningham (1993), it has identified the long-run and short-run causal relationships among the included variables. The results indicate that the debt servicing burden has a negative effect on the productivity of labour and capital, and thereby affect economic growth adversely. The results also illustrate that the debt service ratio tends to negatively affect GDP and the rate of economic growth in the long-run, which, in turn, reduces the ability of the country to service its debt. Similarly, the estimated error correction term shows the existence of a significant long-run causal relationship among the specified variables. Overall, the results suggest the existence of short-run and long-run causal relationships running from debt service to GDP.
- Full Text:
The impact of oil price volatility on economic growth in South Africa: a cointegration approach
- Authors: Matekenya, Weliswa
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/876 , vital:26505
- Description: Oil is an essential commodity in the South African economy and a source of energy that is used for electricity generation, heating, and cooking. It is vital for the transportation system on which the very livelihood of the economy depends. 14% of South African primary energy needs are met by oil while 95% of crude oil is imported, primarily, from Saudi Arabia and Iran. This study investigates the impact of oil price volatility on economic growth in South Africa from 1994Q1-2010Q4. The study employs the VECM and shows that there exists both a long run and short run relationship between the following variables: crude oil price, GDP, gross fixed investment, real interest rate and real exchange rate. In a long-run analysis there is a positive relationship between oil price and GDP while there is negative relationship in the short-run. The study also shows that, as an oil importing country, South Africa‟s economic growth depends on imported oil which makes the country vulnerable to oil price shocks. Based on the findings of this study it is recommended that policy interventions should include both monetary and fiscal policies. It is in this regard that promoting a regional integration in order to reduce oil dependence, by optimizing electricity supplies across the region, is essential. This will improve efficiency and, owing to economies of scale, lower generation costs.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Matekenya, Weliswa
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/876 , vital:26505
- Description: Oil is an essential commodity in the South African economy and a source of energy that is used for electricity generation, heating, and cooking. It is vital for the transportation system on which the very livelihood of the economy depends. 14% of South African primary energy needs are met by oil while 95% of crude oil is imported, primarily, from Saudi Arabia and Iran. This study investigates the impact of oil price volatility on economic growth in South Africa from 1994Q1-2010Q4. The study employs the VECM and shows that there exists both a long run and short run relationship between the following variables: crude oil price, GDP, gross fixed investment, real interest rate and real exchange rate. In a long-run analysis there is a positive relationship between oil price and GDP while there is negative relationship in the short-run. The study also shows that, as an oil importing country, South Africa‟s economic growth depends on imported oil which makes the country vulnerable to oil price shocks. Based on the findings of this study it is recommended that policy interventions should include both monetary and fiscal policies. It is in this regard that promoting a regional integration in order to reduce oil dependence, by optimizing electricity supplies across the region, is essential. This will improve efficiency and, owing to economies of scale, lower generation costs.
- Full Text:
The impact of stock market development on economic growth: evidence from South Africa
- Authors: Vacu, Nomfundo Portia
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Stocks -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Stock market development , Economic growth , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11655 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006983 , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Stocks -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Stock market development , Economic growth , South Africa
- Description: The main objective of this study is to examine the long run relationship between stock market development and economic growth in the case of South Africa. The study used quarterly data covering the period from 1990Q1 to 2010Q4. To empirically test the link between the two variables, the study used the Johnson’s cointegration approach and Granger causality so as to test the direction of the relationship. The Vector Error Correction Model was also employed to capture both short run and long run dynamics. Generally, the results reveal that a long run relationship exists between the two variables and the causality flows from economic growth to stock market development. Also, the extent to which of stock market development impacts on growth is statistically weak.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Vacu, Nomfundo Portia
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Stocks -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Stock market development , Economic growth , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11655 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006983 , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Stocks -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Stock market development , Economic growth , South Africa
- Description: The main objective of this study is to examine the long run relationship between stock market development and economic growth in the case of South Africa. The study used quarterly data covering the period from 1990Q1 to 2010Q4. To empirically test the link between the two variables, the study used the Johnson’s cointegration approach and Granger causality so as to test the direction of the relationship. The Vector Error Correction Model was also employed to capture both short run and long run dynamics. Generally, the results reveal that a long run relationship exists between the two variables and the causality flows from economic growth to stock market development. Also, the extent to which of stock market development impacts on growth is statistically weak.
- Full Text:
The Impact of the common law and legislation on African indigenous laws of marriage in Zimbabwe and South Africa
- Authors: Gwarinda, T A
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , LLD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1421 , vital:26554
- Description: The study sought to examine the development of customary law, primarily focusing on the extent to which the true African marriage has been preserved by its incorporation in, and regulation by legislation and the constitutions of Zimbabwe and South Africa. Today, colonial legislation has either been repealed or revised. However, evidence persists suggesting the inclusion of western principles within frameworks governing African marriages such as the Customary Marriages Act and the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act of post-independence Zimbabwe and South Africa respectively. To understand the true purpose of custom, the study initially investigates the classical customary law position drawing deeper insights into the main features of the African marriage. From an African perspective, the research revealed whether legislation satisfactorily dealt with aspects such as registration of customary marriages, determination of minority and capacity to marry, payment of bride wealth, grounds for divorce, proprietary consequences of marriage during and after termination of marriage by death or divorce and women’s rights to communal land tenure and immovable property among others. Apart from legislation it became imperative to determine the role of constitutionalism and human rights law in the regulation and preservation of custom. A comparative study was motivated not only because Zimbabwe and South Africa share a border but also because migration between the two countries in the past decade due to various socio-economic forces has led to inter-marriages and cultural diversity. In addition, historically, both jurisdictions have Roman-Dutch law as the basis for the formation of their legal systems. The methodology remained largely a qualitative type research based on documentary analysis. Several findings emerged among which was the fact that, women in traditional African marriages had property rights contrary to popular belief however they continue to be most disadvantaged when it comes to having real rights in ownership of communal land. The African marriage generally sought to preserve marriage more than its western counterpart, the civil marriage. Legislation was the main vehicle for attaching customary law to western principles of law thus losing its intended purpose. Other findings were that polygamy and widow inheritance are prevalent and continue to face condemnation in today’s society; constitutionalism and international human rights law do not readily find acceptance among traditionalists; bride wealth payments persist among rural and urban folk alike and continue to symbolise a marriage between respective parties and their families; and spouses omit to register customary marriages mainly because bride wealth payments adequately legitimise their unions. Initiation ceremonies persist among some ethnic groups particularly the South African Xhosa who have adhered to circumcision for boys as determining their capacity to marry. The study concludes by making recommendations that could assist in harmonising customary law and common law. These include educational initiatives; advocacy and advice giving; regulation of unregistered customary marriages; improving access to justice; eradication of child marriages; improving the status of rural women; and constitutional reform. It is hoped that these recommendations will bridge the gap between customary law and western law as we endeavour to determine the future of the African marriage in a contemporary traditional context.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gwarinda, T A
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , LLD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1421 , vital:26554
- Description: The study sought to examine the development of customary law, primarily focusing on the extent to which the true African marriage has been preserved by its incorporation in, and regulation by legislation and the constitutions of Zimbabwe and South Africa. Today, colonial legislation has either been repealed or revised. However, evidence persists suggesting the inclusion of western principles within frameworks governing African marriages such as the Customary Marriages Act and the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act of post-independence Zimbabwe and South Africa respectively. To understand the true purpose of custom, the study initially investigates the classical customary law position drawing deeper insights into the main features of the African marriage. From an African perspective, the research revealed whether legislation satisfactorily dealt with aspects such as registration of customary marriages, determination of minority and capacity to marry, payment of bride wealth, grounds for divorce, proprietary consequences of marriage during and after termination of marriage by death or divorce and women’s rights to communal land tenure and immovable property among others. Apart from legislation it became imperative to determine the role of constitutionalism and human rights law in the regulation and preservation of custom. A comparative study was motivated not only because Zimbabwe and South Africa share a border but also because migration between the two countries in the past decade due to various socio-economic forces has led to inter-marriages and cultural diversity. In addition, historically, both jurisdictions have Roman-Dutch law as the basis for the formation of their legal systems. The methodology remained largely a qualitative type research based on documentary analysis. Several findings emerged among which was the fact that, women in traditional African marriages had property rights contrary to popular belief however they continue to be most disadvantaged when it comes to having real rights in ownership of communal land. The African marriage generally sought to preserve marriage more than its western counterpart, the civil marriage. Legislation was the main vehicle for attaching customary law to western principles of law thus losing its intended purpose. Other findings were that polygamy and widow inheritance are prevalent and continue to face condemnation in today’s society; constitutionalism and international human rights law do not readily find acceptance among traditionalists; bride wealth payments persist among rural and urban folk alike and continue to symbolise a marriage between respective parties and their families; and spouses omit to register customary marriages mainly because bride wealth payments adequately legitimise their unions. Initiation ceremonies persist among some ethnic groups particularly the South African Xhosa who have adhered to circumcision for boys as determining their capacity to marry. The study concludes by making recommendations that could assist in harmonising customary law and common law. These include educational initiatives; advocacy and advice giving; regulation of unregistered customary marriages; improving access to justice; eradication of child marriages; improving the status of rural women; and constitutional reform. It is hoped that these recommendations will bridge the gap between customary law and western law as we endeavour to determine the future of the African marriage in a contemporary traditional context.
- Full Text:
The nature of China’s role in development of Africa: the case of Zambia and Zimbabwe
- Authors: Hogwe, Fortune
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11445 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015048
- Description: China’s economic involvement in Africa has increased rapidly over the past decade. China’s involvement in Africa has become one of the controversial topics in the development literature. The background of the study is that Sino-African relations can be grouped into two phases thus: past relations and contemporary relations. The study notes that past relations are different from contemporary relations because while the former are mainly characterised by solidarity, the latter are mainly categorized by economic relations. The study is a historical narrative of China’s economic involvement and the impact in Africa over the past decade. The study draws its arguments from the myths which label Chinese resurgence into Africa as neo-colonialism and that China’s reinvigorated interest in Africa is entirely based upon its own economic pursuits since it has developed into an economic powerhouse over the past decade. Additionally, it has been reported that China disregard good governance in Africa by engaging African governments which are corrupt and which possess poor track human rights. In order to determine if China is pushed into Africa by its economic pursuits and whether China disregards good governance, the study uses two case studies thus: Zimbabwe and Zambia. Zimbabwe one the one hand represents a pariah state, which is viewed as corrupt and a nation which has a poor record of human rights while Zambia, on the other hand represents illiberal regimes and democratic regimes with commodity based economies. The research discovered that China’s economic involvement in Africa presents both opportunities and challenges for African countries. In some instances, China has aided GDP growth in some African countries while in some instances, it has increased unemployment. In conclusion, the study also discovered that China does not involve itself in African domestic affairs hence it has been criticised for encouraging corruption and abusing of human rights.However, the study notes that these issues are mainly domestic hence Africans are entirely to be blamed for such practices, not China.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hogwe, Fortune
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11445 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015048
- Description: China’s economic involvement in Africa has increased rapidly over the past decade. China’s involvement in Africa has become one of the controversial topics in the development literature. The background of the study is that Sino-African relations can be grouped into two phases thus: past relations and contemporary relations. The study notes that past relations are different from contemporary relations because while the former are mainly characterised by solidarity, the latter are mainly categorized by economic relations. The study is a historical narrative of China’s economic involvement and the impact in Africa over the past decade. The study draws its arguments from the myths which label Chinese resurgence into Africa as neo-colonialism and that China’s reinvigorated interest in Africa is entirely based upon its own economic pursuits since it has developed into an economic powerhouse over the past decade. Additionally, it has been reported that China disregard good governance in Africa by engaging African governments which are corrupt and which possess poor track human rights. In order to determine if China is pushed into Africa by its economic pursuits and whether China disregards good governance, the study uses two case studies thus: Zimbabwe and Zambia. Zimbabwe one the one hand represents a pariah state, which is viewed as corrupt and a nation which has a poor record of human rights while Zambia, on the other hand represents illiberal regimes and democratic regimes with commodity based economies. The research discovered that China’s economic involvement in Africa presents both opportunities and challenges for African countries. In some instances, China has aided GDP growth in some African countries while in some instances, it has increased unemployment. In conclusion, the study also discovered that China does not involve itself in African domestic affairs hence it has been criticised for encouraging corruption and abusing of human rights.However, the study notes that these issues are mainly domestic hence Africans are entirely to be blamed for such practices, not China.
- Full Text:
The perception of the effectiveness of sexual education as a means of reducing pregnancies in the Blue Crane Route municipality
- Authors: Hendricks, Eleanor Alvira
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sexual abstinence , Youth -- Sexual behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11771 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015435 , Sexual abstinence , Youth -- Sexual behavior
- Description: Adolescent pregnancy among students across South Africa is a growing concern. The high incidence of dropping out of school results in greatly diminished chances of success and independence for many. Sex education forms part of the life orientation curriculum, and it has been put in place by the Department of Education as a measure to reduce the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy. Parents of adolescents play a vital role in educating their children on sexual matters, secondary to that is community educations on sexual matters in aid of uplifting communities. The aim of the study was to explore the perception of how effective sex education could be a means of reducing pregnancies in the Blue Crane Route Municipality. To achieve this aim, three objectives and three research questions were articulated. The objectives were to explore the course content of life orientation provided to adolescents, to investigate by questioning adolescents concerning the importance of life orientation in their lives and to examine the factors responsible for the escalation of adolescent pregnancies in the municipality. The research questions were: How adequate was the course content of life orientation in helping adolescents in their sexual lives? How useful was life orientation to adolescent girls? What are the factors that increase the incidence of adolescent pregnancies in the municipality? Qualitative data was obtained through semi-structured interviews; focus group discussions were conducted with students, social workers and life orientation educators and observations made by them were recorded. Data was analysed thematically and was supported by relevant literature. The findings revealed that sex education is not effective in reducing pregnancies in the Blue Crane Route Municipality. The figures for adolescent pregnancy in schools have increased since 2007, when sex education was introduced as part of the life orientation curriculum. Accordingly, it is recommended that the Department of Education should re-evaluate the curriculum and appoint educators who are sufficiently trained in life orientation to make learners properly aware of the consequences of unwanted pregnancies.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hendricks, Eleanor Alvira
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sexual abstinence , Youth -- Sexual behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11771 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015435 , Sexual abstinence , Youth -- Sexual behavior
- Description: Adolescent pregnancy among students across South Africa is a growing concern. The high incidence of dropping out of school results in greatly diminished chances of success and independence for many. Sex education forms part of the life orientation curriculum, and it has been put in place by the Department of Education as a measure to reduce the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy. Parents of adolescents play a vital role in educating their children on sexual matters, secondary to that is community educations on sexual matters in aid of uplifting communities. The aim of the study was to explore the perception of how effective sex education could be a means of reducing pregnancies in the Blue Crane Route Municipality. To achieve this aim, three objectives and three research questions were articulated. The objectives were to explore the course content of life orientation provided to adolescents, to investigate by questioning adolescents concerning the importance of life orientation in their lives and to examine the factors responsible for the escalation of adolescent pregnancies in the municipality. The research questions were: How adequate was the course content of life orientation in helping adolescents in their sexual lives? How useful was life orientation to adolescent girls? What are the factors that increase the incidence of adolescent pregnancies in the municipality? Qualitative data was obtained through semi-structured interviews; focus group discussions were conducted with students, social workers and life orientation educators and observations made by them were recorded. Data was analysed thematically and was supported by relevant literature. The findings revealed that sex education is not effective in reducing pregnancies in the Blue Crane Route Municipality. The figures for adolescent pregnancy in schools have increased since 2007, when sex education was introduced as part of the life orientation curriculum. Accordingly, it is recommended that the Department of Education should re-evaluate the curriculum and appoint educators who are sufficiently trained in life orientation to make learners properly aware of the consequences of unwanted pregnancies.
- Full Text:
The perceptions of 2nd year bridging course students regarding mentoring at private nursing colleges in Eastern Cape
- Authors: Pillay, Thriscilla
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016157
- Description: Nursing faces many challenges today, such as an international shortageof nurses and high medico-legal risks. One way of becoming a professional nurse is to complete a diploma course called the Bridging Course at a private nursing college. This is a two-year diploma course that is controlled by the South African Nursing Council (SANC), Regulation 683. This course allows enrolled nurses to further their studies to become a professional nurse, thus becoming an independent practitioner. These Bridging Course students need to do mentoring as part of their training so as to socialise them into the requirements for the role they will fulfil as a professional nurse and assist them to attain the competencies needed to function independently after the training phase. The various prescribed competencies that the Bridging Course student nurse needs to complete are clinical, co-ordination and management competencies. Clinical competencies equip them to perform and teach all nursing duties and co-ordination competencies ensure smooth, effective running of a ward. Then there are management competencies to be able to meet the vision, mission and philosophy of the unit and to have control from an or Nursing faces many challenges today, such as an international shortage of nurses and high medico-legal risks. One way of becoming a professional nurse is to complete a diploma course called the Bridging Course at a private nursing college. This is a two-year diploma course that is controlled by the South African Nursing Council (SANC), Regulation 683. This course allows enrolled nurses to further their studies to become a professional nurse, thus becoming an independent practitioner. These Bridging Course students need to do mentoring as part of their training so as to socialise them into the requirements for the role they will fulfil as a professional nurse and assist them to attain the competencies needed to function independently after the training phase. The various prescribed competencies that the Bridging Course student nurse needs to complete are clinical, co-ordination and management competencies. Clinical competencies equip them to perform and teach all nursing duties and co-ordination competencies ensure smooth, effective running of a ward. Then there are management competencies to be able to meet the vision, mission and philosophy of the unit and to have control from an organisational, human resource and business perspective. Research studies have discovered higher retention and graduation rates to be one of the positive outcomes of the mentoring process; also that mentoring solidifies people as leaders (Seekoe, 2011:15). Due to the international shortage of professional nurses, effective mentoring is much needed. This will allow the professional nurses to be able to perform competently in all expected areas. Having competent, qualified professional nurses may help to reduce medico-legal risks and restore the public’s trust in the nursing profession. Despite extensive research on mentoring, there is little research on the Bridging Course student nurse’s perceptions regarding mentoring, ganisational, human resource and business perspective. Research studies have discovered higher retention and graduation rates to be one of the positive outcomes of the mentoring process; also that mentoring solidifies people as leaders (Seekoe, 2011:15). Due to the international shortage of professional nurses, effective mentoring is much needed. This will allow the professional nurses to be able to perform competently in all expected areas. Having competent, qualified professional nurses may help to reduce medico-legal risks and restore the public’s trust in the nursing profession. Despite extensive research on mentoring, there is little research on the Bridging Course student nurse’s perceptions regarding mentoring.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Pillay, Thriscilla
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016157
- Description: Nursing faces many challenges today, such as an international shortageof nurses and high medico-legal risks. One way of becoming a professional nurse is to complete a diploma course called the Bridging Course at a private nursing college. This is a two-year diploma course that is controlled by the South African Nursing Council (SANC), Regulation 683. This course allows enrolled nurses to further their studies to become a professional nurse, thus becoming an independent practitioner. These Bridging Course students need to do mentoring as part of their training so as to socialise them into the requirements for the role they will fulfil as a professional nurse and assist them to attain the competencies needed to function independently after the training phase. The various prescribed competencies that the Bridging Course student nurse needs to complete are clinical, co-ordination and management competencies. Clinical competencies equip them to perform and teach all nursing duties and co-ordination competencies ensure smooth, effective running of a ward. Then there are management competencies to be able to meet the vision, mission and philosophy of the unit and to have control from an or Nursing faces many challenges today, such as an international shortage of nurses and high medico-legal risks. One way of becoming a professional nurse is to complete a diploma course called the Bridging Course at a private nursing college. This is a two-year diploma course that is controlled by the South African Nursing Council (SANC), Regulation 683. This course allows enrolled nurses to further their studies to become a professional nurse, thus becoming an independent practitioner. These Bridging Course students need to do mentoring as part of their training so as to socialise them into the requirements for the role they will fulfil as a professional nurse and assist them to attain the competencies needed to function independently after the training phase. The various prescribed competencies that the Bridging Course student nurse needs to complete are clinical, co-ordination and management competencies. Clinical competencies equip them to perform and teach all nursing duties and co-ordination competencies ensure smooth, effective running of a ward. Then there are management competencies to be able to meet the vision, mission and philosophy of the unit and to have control from an organisational, human resource and business perspective. Research studies have discovered higher retention and graduation rates to be one of the positive outcomes of the mentoring process; also that mentoring solidifies people as leaders (Seekoe, 2011:15). Due to the international shortage of professional nurses, effective mentoring is much needed. This will allow the professional nurses to be able to perform competently in all expected areas. Having competent, qualified professional nurses may help to reduce medico-legal risks and restore the public’s trust in the nursing profession. Despite extensive research on mentoring, there is little research on the Bridging Course student nurse’s perceptions regarding mentoring, ganisational, human resource and business perspective. Research studies have discovered higher retention and graduation rates to be one of the positive outcomes of the mentoring process; also that mentoring solidifies people as leaders (Seekoe, 2011:15). Due to the international shortage of professional nurses, effective mentoring is much needed. This will allow the professional nurses to be able to perform competently in all expected areas. Having competent, qualified professional nurses may help to reduce medico-legal risks and restore the public’s trust in the nursing profession. Despite extensive research on mentoring, there is little research on the Bridging Course student nurse’s perceptions regarding mentoring.
- Full Text:
The re-invention of the Integrated Quality Management System towards continuous quality improvement: a case study of four primary schools in the Buffalo City Metropolitan area
- Authors: Pylman, Johannes Nicholas
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1410 , vital:26553
- Description: Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS) consists of three policies, namely; the Developmental Appraisal System; Whole School Evaluation and Performance Management System, designed to foster a culture of continuous improvement in schools. However research has cast doubt on the integration of the three policies. It has been argued that the implementation of the three policies is fragmented, with diverse goals, multiple purposes, values that are at variance, and conflicting expectations, causing tension between personal needs and improvement needs. The aim of this study is to understand how IQMS practices and systems promote continuous improvement. This was a case study of four primary schools located in different contexts in East London District. In-depth interviews were conducted on a total of 12 participants across all the schools. There were three main findings. First, IQMS is understood and practised as an external intervention. It appears not to have been internalised as a quality management system. Second, the participants were ambivalent about the IQMS practices as enablers and as barriers of continuous improvement. A fair amount of educators did not view IQMS as daunting as some had portrayed it. Third, There were blurred lines between what participants recognised as systems and the actual practices in the implementation of the three IQMS policies . There was no evidence of systemic thinking on the part of practitioners. As far as the IQMS systems and practices are concerned, no direct mention of evaluation variables or paradigms can be found, making it somehow complex for educators to distinguish between identifiable systems and practices. Finally, the external and internal quality assurance practices seemed to have been subsumed under managerial imperatives of compliance and accountability. Educators revealed that they merely undertake the process as they are compelled to do so as an expectation or requirement by the Department of Education. Given the above findings it can be concluded that and if continuous improvement is to be achieved through the IQMS strategy, there is a need to re-invent it such that , embedded in its systems and structures is a culture of continuous improvement. The reconfiguration of IQMS should look for mechanisms for integrating the three policies. The study recommends, for practice there should be a balance between professional development of educators and managerial imperatives that demand compliance and accountability. Further study must be undertaken to unravel the three IQMS policies.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Pylman, Johannes Nicholas
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1410 , vital:26553
- Description: Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS) consists of three policies, namely; the Developmental Appraisal System; Whole School Evaluation and Performance Management System, designed to foster a culture of continuous improvement in schools. However research has cast doubt on the integration of the three policies. It has been argued that the implementation of the three policies is fragmented, with diverse goals, multiple purposes, values that are at variance, and conflicting expectations, causing tension between personal needs and improvement needs. The aim of this study is to understand how IQMS practices and systems promote continuous improvement. This was a case study of four primary schools located in different contexts in East London District. In-depth interviews were conducted on a total of 12 participants across all the schools. There were three main findings. First, IQMS is understood and practised as an external intervention. It appears not to have been internalised as a quality management system. Second, the participants were ambivalent about the IQMS practices as enablers and as barriers of continuous improvement. A fair amount of educators did not view IQMS as daunting as some had portrayed it. Third, There were blurred lines between what participants recognised as systems and the actual practices in the implementation of the three IQMS policies . There was no evidence of systemic thinking on the part of practitioners. As far as the IQMS systems and practices are concerned, no direct mention of evaluation variables or paradigms can be found, making it somehow complex for educators to distinguish between identifiable systems and practices. Finally, the external and internal quality assurance practices seemed to have been subsumed under managerial imperatives of compliance and accountability. Educators revealed that they merely undertake the process as they are compelled to do so as an expectation or requirement by the Department of Education. Given the above findings it can be concluded that and if continuous improvement is to be achieved through the IQMS strategy, there is a need to re-invent it such that , embedded in its systems and structures is a culture of continuous improvement. The reconfiguration of IQMS should look for mechanisms for integrating the three policies. The study recommends, for practice there should be a balance between professional development of educators and managerial imperatives that demand compliance and accountability. Further study must be undertaken to unravel the three IQMS policies.
- Full Text:
The role of agriculture towards poverty alleviation in poor households in Zimbabwe: the case of Harare Province
- Authors: Ncube, Silobukhosi Princess
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects , Poverty -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Poor -- Zimbabwe -- Harare
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc.Sc (Developmental Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3099 , vital:28261
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate the role played by urban agriculture (UA) in alleviating poverty in poor and low income households of Harare. It further examined the factors that confront the practice. The study was conducted after a realisation that despite not receiving much support from city by- laws, poor and low income households of Harare continue to engage in agricultural activities yearly. The desk research method was used to acquire information from a vast of secondary data sources. The secondary sources which were qualitative in nature provided the research with broad literature on urban agriculture and poverty in Harare, Zimbabwe and the world at large. However, a case study research design was employed whereby an in-depth analysis of the topic focused on poor and low income farmers of Harare Province. Literature reviewed and analysed was organised into themes and categories that portrayed urban agriculture as a crucial tool for alleviating poverty. It was also viewed as a tool that can be used as a sustainable livelihood. Despite other factors affecting the performance of urban farmers, lack of clear policies and city by- laws that guide agriculture in the study area proved to be a huge hindrance. Therefore, to achieve sustainable livelihoods and reduce poverty, the research suggested that instead of different pieces of city by- laws governing the practice in Harare and Zimbabwe there is need for one clear urban agriculture policy. It was concluded that the government and city authorities remain the key to unlocking UA‟s full potential by providing formal support to the practice by organising formulation of an inclusive urban agriculture policy that will be understood by every citizen.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ncube, Silobukhosi Princess
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects , Poverty -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Poor -- Zimbabwe -- Harare
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc.Sc (Developmental Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3099 , vital:28261
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate the role played by urban agriculture (UA) in alleviating poverty in poor and low income households of Harare. It further examined the factors that confront the practice. The study was conducted after a realisation that despite not receiving much support from city by- laws, poor and low income households of Harare continue to engage in agricultural activities yearly. The desk research method was used to acquire information from a vast of secondary data sources. The secondary sources which were qualitative in nature provided the research with broad literature on urban agriculture and poverty in Harare, Zimbabwe and the world at large. However, a case study research design was employed whereby an in-depth analysis of the topic focused on poor and low income farmers of Harare Province. Literature reviewed and analysed was organised into themes and categories that portrayed urban agriculture as a crucial tool for alleviating poverty. It was also viewed as a tool that can be used as a sustainable livelihood. Despite other factors affecting the performance of urban farmers, lack of clear policies and city by- laws that guide agriculture in the study area proved to be a huge hindrance. Therefore, to achieve sustainable livelihoods and reduce poverty, the research suggested that instead of different pieces of city by- laws governing the practice in Harare and Zimbabwe there is need for one clear urban agriculture policy. It was concluded that the government and city authorities remain the key to unlocking UA‟s full potential by providing formal support to the practice by organising formulation of an inclusive urban agriculture policy that will be understood by every citizen.
- Full Text: