0 Representation of South African "tribal" culture in soap operas : a content and audience analysis of the series Generations : The Legacy
- Authors: Onyenankeya, Oluwayemisi Mary
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Television criticism Mass media and culture Mass media--Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Communication
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15430 , vital:40407
- Description: Commercial media entertainment offerings in South Africa especially mainstream soap operas, are progressively infusing dominant social values and ideas which are alien to South African tribal societies. In most of the commodified television drama series, people who hold tight to traditional beliefs and values are often characterised as traditionalists, while those who have imbibed the western defined dicta and ideology of modernity are seen as progressives. This study therefore, sought to ascertain how South African tribal language, traditional institutions, values, social norms and ancestral beliefs are portrayed through the television drama, Generations: The Legacy and what the viewers think about those constructions and the implication for cultural identity. The mixed methods approach was employed involving the administration of questionnaire to 350 participants selected through random sampling and a content analysis of 20 episodes of Generations: The Legacy. The findings suggest that Generations: The Legacy tends to portray South African tribal culture negatively (p-value > 0.05). More than half of the respondents (52percent) strongly believe such negative portrayals may erode the cultural identity of black South Africans, 68.6% were of the opinion that Generations: The Legacy gives preference to western culture as against South African tribal culture. The findings further showed that the African values and traditions represented in Generations: The Legacy do not significantly reflect the South African tribal tradition and values (p-value > 0.05). In the few occasions that African traditional values are represented Generations: The Legacy, they tend to be portrayed as old fashioned (p-value > 0.05), and inferior and backward (p-value > 0.05). In addition, the findings indicate that Generations: The Legacy is a vehicle for promoting dominant culture. Nearly, 59percent of the respondents stated that watching Generations: The Legacy affect the way they view South African tribal culture, while 59.1percent indicated that watching Generations: The Legacy has somehow affected their perception of their own cultural identity. In all, participants rated the representation of South African tribal culture as poor. The study concludes that while South African tribal culture is increasingly finding expression on mainstream soap opera, tribal South African values and beliefs are often depicted as old-fashioned, and inimical to modernisation, and individual’s freedom.
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A critical assessment of the performance management system and its effect on service delivery : a case study of the Eastern Cape Department of Education
- Authors: Nela, Nobelungu Diana
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Performance--Management Performance standards--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15133 , vital:40189
- Description: The study focused on a critical assessment of the performance management system and its impact on service delivery: a case study of the Eastern Cape Department of Education, South Africa. Significantly poor performance by the department is also experienced in different areas of the establishment. The theory employed is the Balanced Score Card. A Balanced Score Card is a strategic performance management tool in the form of a semi-structured report supported by tested design methods and tools that can be used by managers to keep track of execution of activities by the staff within their control. The research approach that was used in the study was a mixed method, which is a combination of the quantitative and qualitative methods. Mixed method is chosen because of its strength of drawing on both qualitative and quantitative research and minimizing the limitations of both approaches. The data collected was categorised into themes and it is from these themes and / or patterns that the main findings of the research study were formulated for the qualitative part of the research study. Quantitative data was analysed using inferential statistics and the interview guide was transcribed. Analytic induction was used as a method to analyse qualitative data. For interview guide semi – structured interview guide was used to study principal’s views and for the inferential statistics. For quantitative aspect of the questionnaire data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Three instruments were employed to collect data in the study, the questionnaire, semi-structured interview and document analysis. The research showed that the training failed to teach what successful performance is, as expected, among others. The study also indicated that EMS PMDS is not assessing employees’ performance accurately. The results showed that no discussion on ways of improving performance is made where performance has not met minimum standards. The study recommends education and adequate training of departmental employees as well as monitoring and evaluation of the process.
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A longitudinal investigation into employability : student transition and experiences from tertiary education into the labour market
- Authors: Harry, Tinashe Timothy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employability Graduate students Labor market
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11053 , vital:37015
- Description: Orientation: Several policies have been formulated by the government to redress the inequalities of apartheid. However, the policies have not yielded any positive results as many graduates from Historically Disadvantaged Institutes (HDIs) continue to struggle in the open labour market as compared to graduates from Historically Advantaged Institutes (HAIs). This has been mainly attributed to the legacy of apartheid in several previous studies. As a result, most of these previously disadvantaged individuals (mostly Black Africans) struggle to make the transition from higher education into the world of work. Research Purpose: This study thus explores the journeys of these Black African students from HDIs to understand the transition and experiences from tertiary education into the labour market. Further, the research sought to understand how these transitions and experiences manifest in a context of high unemployment. Finally, the resolution tactics used by students in such a context are given attention. Research approach, design and method: A longitudinal qualitative approach was deemed appropriate for the study as the aim was to understand the changes that occurred over time. The data was collected over a two-year period. A narrative inquiry was utilized as it allowed the participants to share their perceptions without limitations. A total of 30 participants partook in the study. The participants were selected using a purposive sampling to ensure the right participants were involved in the study. The main criteria for selection to participate was that the participants had to be enrolled with a HDI. Main findings: The narratives of the participants led to the formulation of six main themes that were regarded as affecting the transitions and experiences of the Black graduates from HDIs; namely, (1) socio-economic background, (2) education system, (3) labour market experiences, (4) geographical location, (5) social capital and (6) student resolutions to the challenges of employability. A previously disadvantaged background resulted in the participants being recipients of poor education quality, no social networks or information to navigate the labour market and limited access to the labour market due to secluded residential areas. Subsequently, most participants were unable to take responsibility of enhancing their own employability. Contribution: It is not the sole responsibility of the higher education institutes to produce employable graduates, but it's a process that should also involve government, students and employers. As long as the social inequality remains an issue in the country all the efforts to improve employability and transition into the open labour market will be in vain. Furthermore, employers must work together with higher education institutes by offering programs such as internships and career expos to enhance the employability of the graduates. A Graduate Transition Model (GTM) is suggested based on the findings of this research.
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A model for retention-to-graduation of undergraduate nursing students at universities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Nkutu, Nonyaniso Trustina
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Universities and colleges--South Africa--Eastern Cape College students--South Africa--Eastern Cape Nursing students--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15946 , vital:40566
- Description: The retention of nursing students in the undergraduate programme in universities is a global concern for the health care system, because of the low rate of nurse graduates. The strategies for retention for nursing students in undergraduate programmes in South African universities arguably have limited success in curbing failure to graduate. The failure to graduate rate of nursing students is a global phenomenon, where for example in 2009, the rate of failure to graduate in the United States of America was 30%. However, countries like Jamaica and Australia reported good retention rates through the use of various successful initiatives, such as student bursaries, student loans, scholarships and academic assistance. Previous studies in South Africa have showed that the incidence of nursing students’ failure to graduate rate is an ongoing challenge since the 1960s. Further, research has found that, despite the high annual enrolment of students into universities, only few nursing students graduate on time, while others fail to graduate. This phenomenon affects the rendering and quality of services to patients and clients in the health care facilities. When students fail to graduate from the programme, patients and clients get deprived of the services they would have got, had the students completed and graduated from the programme. On the other hand, the students themselves get frustrated due to the failure to complete the programme. Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs) also share in the disappointment and the loss of even one student who fails to graduate, because it is their obligation to graduate more nurses. Previous studies have sought to understand why students fail to complete their studies, and many factors have been identified. Therefore, there is need to further understand the factors associated with nursing student failure to complete their programme in different contexts such as South Africa. It is for this reason that the aim of this study was to develop a model for retention of nursing students in order to facilitate progression towards graduation in the undergraduate programme at the universities in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study endeavoured to answer the following research questions: What are the factors associated with retention-to-graduation of nursing students from the undergraduate nursing programme in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa? What are the strategies to enhance retention to graduation of nursing students in universities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa? What conceptual framework can be developed for retention-to-graduation of nursing students from the undergraduate programme in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa? What model could be developed for retention-to-graduation of nursing students from the undergraduate nursing programme in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa? What guidelines should be formulated for the implementation of the model for retention-to-graduation of nursing students from the undergraduate nursing programme in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa? To answer these questions, quantitative research approach with a descriptive, contextual and theory generation design was used. The study was conducted in four phases. Phase 1 used deductive concept identification to describe factors and strategies to enhance retention –to-graduation of nursing students in the undergraduate nursing programme. Phase 2 used inductive concept analysis for the development of a conceptual framework. In phase 3 reasoning strategies (inductive, deductive, derivation, synthesis and analysis) informed by data as well as the literature were used in order to generate a theory for model development. In phase 4, the guidelines for developing a preliminary model were formulated for theory implementation. The study setting was in the Eastern Cape universities, within faculties of Health Sciences. The researcher adapted Jeffreys’ Nursing Undergraduate Retention and Success (NURS) 2012 model as a data collecting instrument, which was pilot tested for reliability and validity. Permission to utilize the model was obtained. The targeted population was full time nursing students in the undergraduate nursing programme. A multistage stratified random sample from first year to fourth year level was used. The inclusion criterion was based on one being full time nursing student, aged between 18 and 50 years and from the Eastern Cape Province universities. Student nurses in colleges and part-time students were excluded from this study. The study adhered to research ethics and procedures by for example obtaining ethical clearance from the ethics committee of the University of Fort Hare and the other two selected universities. The ethical components were met: The Ethical clearance based on the following aspects: written consent to undertake the study; approval from the two of the selected universities; and permission to conduct a pilot study from the University of Fort Hare. Permission was also sought and obtained from Quality Assurance Unit in the Eastern Cape Province, in Bisho. The principle of beneficence; respect for human dignity; the right to self-determination based on the ethical principle of respect for persons; the principle of self-determination; the principle of justice, the right to fair treatment, the right to privacy, the right to informed consent were all considered. Data analysis was done through Statistical Analysis Systems (SAS) version 9.3 for quantitative data and Atlas Ti was used to analyse and quantify the open-ended section of the questionnaire. The results showed multidimensional factors associated with retention-to-graduation of the nursing students in the undergraduate programme. Strategies to enhance retention –to graduation were also indicated although there was no one perfect example since they were not evaluated for effectiveness. A retention-to-graduation model for nursing students in the undergraduate nursing programme was developed based on the results.
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A model of support for divorced professional nurses in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Murray, Daphne
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Divorce counseling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Divorce -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Employees -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10028 , vital:35293
- Description: The purpose of this research study was to develop a support model for divorced professional nurses in the health-care facilities of the Department of Health, Eastern Cape, with guidelines to operationalise the model. Divorce is a process with psychological as well as social implications, and with a series of economic causes it also has implications in terms of the society and culture in which individuals operate. The main causes for divorce are adultery and domestic violence, especially against women and children (Lurea, 2011:99). A need for support from managers in the health-care facilities of the Department of Health, Eastern Cape during the process of divorce was identified by divorced professional nurses, since a lack of support and all the negativity that encompasses divorce could lead to severe depression, which will later have a negative effect on work performance (Abdul Kadir & Bifulco, 2010:858). The literature in this field of study, along with experience, indicates that it is imperative for divorced professional nurses to be supported in the workplace to help them to cope emotionally with their work demands, as prescribed by the South African Nursing Council. An explorative, descriptive and contextual qualitative design with theory generation was used to achieve the purpose of the study. Snowball sampling was employed to select participants, namely divorced professional nurses who were unknown to the researcher. A sample of 21 divorced professional nurses who work in health-care facilities in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape participated in the study. Data was collected by means of individual face-face interviews with divorced professional nurses. The interviews continued until data saturation was reached. Field notes supplemented data that could not be portrayed by audio-taped interviews, such as non- verbal communication in observed interactions. Data analysis was done using Tesch’s approach to open coding in qualitative research. Themes, categories and sub-categories emerged from the data analysis and were fully discussed, becoming fundamental units in the development of the conceptual framework as well as in the model. The researcher did a thorough literature review to conceptualise the identified concepts on which the model was based. The description and evaluation of the model, along with guidelines to operationalise the model, were done in accordance with the method described by Chinn and Kramer (2011:197). The justification of the research, the limitations, and the recommendations for operationalisation of the model of support for divorced professional nurses working in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality of the Department of Health, Eastern Cape Province, and South Africa were indicated accordingly.
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A programme of academic support for students at the public nursing college of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa
- Authors: Senti, Nomandithini Innocent
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nursing -- Study and teaching Nursing -- Study and teaching -- Simulation methods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10997 , vital:36128
- Description: A comprehensive academic support at the public nursing college is important. Despite this, there is no such support in public nursing colleges in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The aim of the study was to develop an academic support programme for students in order to improve their success in Higher Education. The study endeavoured to answer the following questions: What are the academic support needs of students at the public nursing college in the Eastern Cape of South Africa? What conceptual framework can be developed for the academic support programme of students? What academic support programme can be developed for students at the public nursing college? What guidelines can be developed for implementation of academic support programme of students? The objectives were: to describe academic support needs of students at the public nursing college in the eastern Cape Province of South Africa; to develop a conceptual framework for the academic support programme for students at the public nursing college in the Eastern Cape of South Africa; to develop an academic support programme for students at the public nursing college in the Eastern Cape in south Africa and lastly to describe guidelines for implementation and evaluation of the academic support programme. The research design used in this study was quantitative, qualitative, descriptive, evaluative, and theory generation. The study was conducted according to four phases. Phase one focussed on academic supports needs of the student. Phase two focussed on development of conceptual framework for the students at the public nursing college in Eastern Cape Province. Phase three focussed on the development of the academic support programme for the students, whereas phase four focussed on description of guidelines for implementation and evaluation of the academic support programme. The population of the study consisted of students undergoing training in a four-year programme at the Public Nursing College. The target population was the students in the same programme from level one to level four of training. The sampling technique used was a probability sampling with multi-stage and cluster sampling techniques being utilized. The total sample was n=333 participants. A quantitative self-developed questionnaire was used to collect empirical data. The questionnaire consisted of eight sections. Descriptive data was analysed using Statistic Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the descriptive data collected in phase one. Concept analysis and identification were done through the utilisation of exploratory factor analysis. The conceptual framework for the academic support programme was identified through the analysed factors. Fifteen factors were derived from the descriptive data. The conceptual framework of the academic support programme discussed in Chapter 5 was used also in the development of the academic support programme. It is in this chapter that assumptions, context, stakeholders, process, outcome, dynamics and, lastly, the recipient were discussed, along with a description of the programme. The programme was evaluated in accordance with the criteria for programme evaluation. The recommendations brought forward for the academic support programme were: The guidelines have to be tested for the implementation of the programme; benchmarking should be done to compare with other institutions of higher learning regarding their academic support programmes; an academic brochure regarding academic support must be available in the college and should be given to students on arrival as part of a package; and neutral researcher should conduct the same research in the same college.
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A qualitative assessment of the achievement of gender equality under education for all (EFA) goals : study of Lagos State, Nigeria
- Authors: Adeleke, Adawi Adeola
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sex discrimination in education -- Nigeria Sexism in education -- Nigeria Educational equalization -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Education
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9500 , vital:34357
- Description: The importance of education cannot be overemphasized. Education has been identified as the most critical instrument for empowering individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills, which can give them access to productive employment. Also, the future of a country is based on the quality of education acquired by its citizens which helps in transforming it from pre-literate to contemporary nationhood. Many international treaties and initiatives in the world have made special provisions for education as a duty of every government which must be given to every citizen as of right, irrespective of gender or social class. Amongst these international initiatives is the Education for All (EFA) Goals, a time-bound global movement towards the provision of education for every one led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are six goals in all. This study investigated one of the EFA goals, the goal 5. The aim of the study was a qualitative assessment of the achievement of gender equality goal under the Education for All (EFA) goals, a study of Lagos State, Nigeria. The theoretical framework of the study is informed by the Social Justice Theory and the Social Justice Praxis Theory. Scholarly works and literatures on girl-child education, gender and education, and gender balancing in education were reviewed. The study followed qualitative research approach which utilizes an interpretive research paradigm that provides a collective voice from the participants. The research area was purposively selected as Lagos State being a former capital of Nigeria and still the commercial nerve centre of the nation. Although it is the smallest state in Nigeria in term of size, it remains the most populous in the country with a projected population of 20,546,999 (13.5percent Nigeria’s total population). A sample of 16 participants were purposively selected because they were the officers directly in charge of the implementation government policies on education in the State. The data was collected through in-depth recorded interview sessions and secondary data were sourced through official documents downloaded online and from Lagos State Ministry of Education. Based on the thematic analysis of the data collected, the study found out that the State government had established policies and measures to provide qualitative education for all the citizens on a non-discriminatory basis. Thus, the goal of gender parity in terms of enrollment of boys and girls has been relatively achieved in the state. However, there were still some challenges of equality in the learning process and outcome. The study therefore recommends that schools should be made attractive and conducive as possible to assist the educational attainment of any student. This could be achieved by promoting positive values and attitudes towards education, all the stakeholders in the education sector must be involved in the business of running the school. There should also be a form of resourcing and expansion of the school facilities through the Public - Private Partnership in education.
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Active learning strategies used by teachers during English reading comprehension lessons in six selected primary schools in Nigeria
- Authors: Adepoju, Adetokunboh Abayomi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education, Primary -- Nigeria Learning strategies -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8485 , vital:32838
- Description: Reading is an integral part of education from which one gets access to information. Unfortunately, reading ability among primary school pupils, the foundation level of education, is at its lowest ebb. These pupils when they get to secondary schools eventually fail external examinations-a situation which according to National Examination Council, is caused by inappropriate teaching methods. Consequent upon this, this study assessed active learning strategies used by teacher during English reading comprehension lessons in six selected primary schools in Nigeria. The main research question was: How do teachers employ active learning strategies in teaching English reading comprehension? The study adopted qualitative approach and case study design. With the use of purposive sampling technique to select six head teachers, six primary VI teachers, two members of the School Basic Committee, the Director Local Government Education Authority and six focus groups. The study used interviews, documents and focus group interview as research instruments to collect data. Data were analysed based on interpretivism paradigm which interpreted participants’ views according to the word view of the participants. The study found out that teachers have good knowledge of active learning strategies and use them in teaching English reading comprehension lessons but are faced with some daunting challenges such as non-availability of instructional materials, lack of library, lack of qualified teachers and lack of time. The study concluded that students fail woefully in English reading comprehension because teachers do not use appropriate teaching techniques. The study recommend that teachers must use active learning strategies effectively and more often during English reading comprehension, more time should be allocated for English reading comprehension, effective use of instructional materials should be considered and the government should employ specialist teachers to teach English reading comprehension.
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An appraisal of the role of cash and in-kind transfers in addressing urban household food insecurity in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Ndlovu, Sibonokuhle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Transfer payments--Zimbabwe Food supply--Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Social Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15155 , vital:40191
- Description: This thesis examines the role of cash and in-kind transfers in alleviating urban household food insecurity in Makokoba and Njube townships in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. This assessment focuses on understanding the extent to which these transfers improve poor household access to food. The implications of cash and in-kind transfers on household dietary diversification are also examined. The thesis also scrutinises factors that deter the effectiveness of these transfers in addressing urban household food insecurity in the two townships. The study is guided by the Entitlement Approach (Sen, 1981) and Household Livelihood Security Framework (Frankenberger et al., 1995). The study combined qualitative and quantitative research methods in gathering and analysing data. Semi structured in-depth interviews, questionnaires, and key informant interviews were used to collect primary data. The thesis finds that cash and in-kind transfers have not significantly alleviated urban household food insecurity in Makokoba and Njube townships. As a result households receiving these transfers have not meaningfully improved their food consumption behaviours. Households continued to experience food insecurity characterised by skipping meals and eating small portions. Most households prioritised non-food expenditures and this has resulted in expending a small proportion of their cash transfers on purchasing inadequate food items. Both transfers have not meaningfully played a complementary role in enabling poor households to access a variety of food groups necessary for diversifying diets. The thesis also finds that a legion of factors deter the effectiveness of cash transfers in these townships. These include irregular distributions, low cash transfer value, incomplete food baskets, weak targeting mechanisms, less flexible implementation processes, automatic deletion of households from beneficiary database and duration of programmes. This thesis recommends redesigning of these cash and in-kind transfer programmes to effectively alleviate urban household food insecurity.
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An assessment of the effect of implementation of performance management system on organizational performance : a case of selected public organizations in Tanzania
- Authors: Nduye, Jacob Gabriel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Personnel management Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10573 , vital:35609
- Description: Tanzanians continue to demand improved performances and better-quality services from public organizations and the government at large. Since independence in 1961, the Tanzanian government continued to undertake a restructuring of different policies, laws and regulations in public services to improve performances and service delivery. Among the results of the restructuring was introduction of Performance Management System(PMS) across public organizations. The system meant to address and redress not only the concerns of the public on improved performances and better services, but also inculcate performance-oriented culture and accountability for results. Despite such efforts by the government, some of the problems existed before the introduction of PMS such as among others weak incentives and accountabilities, and management skills continue to impede issues of improved performance and service delivery in public organizations. It is from this context that the researcher was encouraged to research on issues of performance management system, highlighting specific areas of its effectiveness to improve performance, motivational factors, use of performance appraisal results on different decisions-making and factors for underperformances which affect organizational performances in public organizations. This study employed a mixed method research design involving both quantitative and qualitative strategies. For the qualitative strategy, data were gathered using in-depth interviews and document reviews; and for the quantitative strategy, questionnaires were used in which the relationship of different variables for the study were statistically analyzed using the SPSS Version 22. In the overall, the study evidences show a strong pressure of support at government level in terms of formulating policies, laws and regulations to back up performance management system to improve performance quality service delivery, but there is less support in public organizations levels. It became clear that many problems still make PMS effectiveness not pragmatic: Political interferences to management of public organizations, government bureaucratic procedures in amendments of outdated laws, inflexible scheme of services important for rewards and incentives and the use of manual voting system for good performances are among problems that the study identified. Furthermore, evidences have shown that a top-down management approach bottlenecks the overall implementation of performance enhancing tools for performance management system effectiveness. There is lack of workers’ participation and ownership of tools such as, strategic plans, client service charters and open performance reviews and appraisal system and the general system, and thus becoming hard to implement it in the public organizations. The study suggests practical initiatives by the government to establish highly strict quality service delivery satisfaction tracking system to allow both employees and citizens to evaluate internal and external performances of the public organizations. The findings upheld vulnerability of PMS to improve performance and service delivery, and therefore more attention and adherence to principles of performance management and laws that are biting to issues of underperformances are imperative.
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An assessment of the implementation of small, medium and micro enterprise strategy : a case of Amathole Municipality
- Authors: Oyelana, Akeem Adewale
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Small business--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15171 , vital:40193
- Description: The implementation of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) strategy are not well understood and have rarely been addressed all nationally. The objectives of this study are, therefore, to establish a base level of understanding in order to assess the implementation of SMME strategy used by the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) Local Economic Development (LED) managers in disseminating information; analyse the structure for implementing SMME strategy used by the ADM LED managers; examine the challenges confronting the ADM LED managers in implementing SMME strategy; examine the skills needed by the ADM LED managers to adequately formulate and implement SMME strategy; and make recommendations to the municipality on how best the implementation of SMME strategy can support growth and development in the ADM. The study used a qualitative research design that involves a systematic review of documents. Data was collected through the review and analysis of available existing documents. Data analysis included using the documentary analysis derived from the journals, and books as well as reviewing the various data analysis done in relation to an assessment of the implementation of SMME strategy: A Case of Amathole District Municipality. Findings from previous literature revealed that there are constraints faced by the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) Local Economic Development (LED) Managers in implementing SMME strategy. The study confirmed some of the operational challenges were due to incompetency among the municipal managers, and lack of clear understanding of the implementation of SMME strategy used to support grow and development of SMME in the Amathole District. This study provides effective solutions to the identified challenges and impact as well as strategies to be adopted in order to alleviate poverty and provide job opportunities to the local communities. The implications of the findings are that unless the barriers named above are resolved, poverty and unemployment will continues escalating, communities will continue receiving and experiencing poor service delivery in the ADM and thus, would undoubtedly lead to poor economic growth and development. Management of the municipality must ensure that qualified ADM Managers are permanently employed and allowed to partake in the implementation of SMME strategy and community participation should be well encouraged as well as embarking on effective implementation of SMME strategy that would create an enabling and conducive environment for the small firm enterprises.
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An assessment study of the role of life orientation teachers in promoting career guidance and counselling of secondary school learners in the Vhembe district of Limpopo province, South Africa
- Authors: Dama, Nkhangweleni Gloria
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Counseling in secondary education -- South Africa -- Limpopo Life skills -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9577 , vital:34794
- Description: The study sought to assess the role of Life Orientation teachers in promoting Career Guidance and Counselling for learners in secondary schools, and to establish strategies that can be implemented to improve their practice. The study followed a qualitative approach with case-study research design. The population consisted of Life Orientation teachers and learners from secondary schools. Purposive sampling was used to select 18 Life Orientation teachers who are teaching the subject in six secondary schools. A total number of 12 learners from Grade 10- 12 were selected to participate in the study. The study employed three data collection instruments; namely, one-on-one interviews, focus group discussions and questaviews. Data were categorised into themes, analysed and discussed accordingly. A number of findings emanated from the study. Life Orientation teachers understand their role but despite their understanding of such roles, they lack the necessary skills to fully equip learners with relevant knowledge so that they are able to choose careers that match with their subjects of specialization. The study revealed that Life Orientation teachers experience challenges, lack of training, lack of support by different stakeholders, the negative attitude towards the subject by both learners and Life Orientation teachers, the shortage of Life Orientation teachers, the subject is not valued like other subjects, poor parental involvement by parents and constant rotation of Life Orientation teachers. As a result, learners were not fully equipped in terms of knowledge and skills to choose the right subjects for specific careers and instead, some relied on their intuition while others relied on their peers. The study recommended that the Department of the Basic Education should appoint competent staff to address the unique academic/educational, psycho-social and career/vocational problems faced by learners in school, and for them to train the Life Orientation teachers as well. The subject should be taught by permanently by qualified teachers without being shifted to other subjects and to ensure that such teachers gain experience in the subject. This would add status and value to the subject.
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An evaluation of state assisted human settlement development model: a case study of Duncan village and Reeston human settlement project in Buffalo city metropolitan municipality in the Eastern Cape.
- Authors: Mthembu,Bhekisisa Jacob
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Human settlements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13764 , vital:39709
- Description: This study undertook an extensive evaluation of state assisted Human Settlement development, with specific vigor on the case study of Reeston Human Settlement project in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape. This was motivated by a number of factors such as satisfaction issues in the area of Human settlements and the issues that continue to hinder the effective delivery of houses such as availability of land, the willingness of the beneficial to relocate to the allocated houses. South Africa is in its 24 years of democratic dispensation, the human settlements continue to be the thorn in a flesh in the government effectiveness. The existing legislation on the housing development serves as the cornerstone of development, housing theories also continue to be the guiding principles under which the development can flourish if followed to the latter. It is evident that, the democratic government in the country has delivered millions of houses to the beneficiaries, thus restoring dignity to many. However, there has been significant backlog of over 2.1 million houses. This is based on the housing waiting list available with the various Local Municipalities and the respective provinces department is Human Settlements. The objectives of the study was taken into consideration in ensuring congruence with the study aim. The objectives are stated below is to evaluate the application of Human settlement programmes, policy imperatives, implementation and practice in South Africa by means of the case study of the Reeston project in the Eastern Cape. The following objectives are set for the study: To analyse the policy and institutional framework guiding the establishment of state-assisted human settlement projects in the country. To analyse the level of execution in the selected human settlement projects in the Buffalo City Metropolitan area reflected the policy and institutional framework for the establishment of state-assisted human settlements. v To ascertain the beneficiaries’ narratives about the projects (and the overarching policy/institutional framework), and what socio-cultural and/or economic factors, if any, mediate those narratives. To detail the socio-economic conditions and livelihood strategies of Reeston Human settlements residents. The study took the combined method of research, being the qualitative and quantitative research method. The choice of a research approach is guided among others by three main aspects: the research problem, the researcher’s experience and the audience at whom the research is directed. A mixed approach method has been employed for this study, because as several authors confirm, this is how to get the best out of both the qualitative and quantitative approaches. The evaluation took the analysis of the Duncan Village, looking at the transition from the informal settlements to the Reeston Housing development in the Eastern Cape Province. Respondents were visited in their places of comfort where they were able to express themselves so that the researcher can be able to retrieve more information in this regard. The findings of the research revealed the level of satisfaction, dwelling attributes, neighborhood issues, environmental issues for consideration in the housing development as a form of dwelling. The study contributes significantly to the body of knowledge as it provides solution to the provision of housing development in South Africa, especially the Duncan Village as a prime site for development for Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The study presents a new model for developing houses in the informal settlements without relocating the beneficiaries from their area of comfort. A sustainable housing development to the need of the people will be the one that is re4sponsive to the findings of this study, these are: satisfaction with the government services rendered in the area, the surroundings in the dwellings and most importantly the environmental considerations
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An intervention study for low risk pregnant women and high risk pregnant women with GDM in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Vellem, Nonceba Mercy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Diabetes in pregnancy -- South Africa Nursing services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Administration Pregnancy -- Complications
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9723 , vital:34891
- Description: Low risk and high risk pregnant women (HRPW) with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) who practise sedentary life style are at risk of overweight and obesity that predispose to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The purpose of the study is to describe the effectiveness of an intervention strategy of modified diet and planned physical activity implemented amongst low-risk and high-risk pregnant women with GDM in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Quantitative experimental intervention design and stratified random sampling was used for drawing a sample of low-risk and high risk pregnant women with GDM. A sample size 291 of LRPW and n=34 HRPW were eligible for the study. The sample frame of the study was taken from the registers of the CHCs, Frere Hospital and Cecilia Makiwane Hospital (CMH). Questionnaires were used to collect data from the low and high risk pregnant with GDM. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation) were used for categorical variables. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The total analysed of LRPW were n=135 and HRPW n=34 all in control group due to miscarriages, phone loss and relocation. LRPW had some risk factors of overweight (6.2 percent), obesity (15.5 percent), family history of diabetes (16.5 percent). HRPW also had overweight and obesity of (14.7 percent) and family history of (26.4 percent) as the Pvalue was statistically significant of weight was 001, MUAC Pvalue of 000 and Pvalue of BMI 000. There were alarming abnormalities of urinalysis of protein, glucose, leucocytes and blood in urine. The LRPW and HRPW had consumption of high content of carbohydrates, vegetables, fats and low in fruit, vegetables and fibre diet. Both LRPW and HRPW were also interested on the education about modified diet benefits (95.1 percent) and modified diet programs networks (87.5 percent). The barriers showed that LRPW and HRPW were low motivation (90 percent) minimal knowledge and benefits of modified diet (93 percent) and socio-cultural issues (86 percent). The majority of participants both LRPW and HRPW showed the interest in the planned physical activity benefits especially frequent education (96.9 percent) and encouragement of social support networks (90.2 percent) and convenient location (89.4 percent). But the HRPW had lower engagement than the LRPW in planned physical activity and is associated with risk of GDM. Although pregnant women were faced with fatigue and low energy (98.6 percent), as pregnancy progresses, minimum information regarding benefits of planned physical activity (87.6 percent) and the socio-cultural influence (77.8 percent). The recommendations are education on frequent use of modified diet and planned physical activity that is available, less economical and within their context. Frequent screening of all pregnant women during pregnancy of BMI, MUAC and weight and educate accordingly. The availability of dietician and physical activity speciality is needed.
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Anthropogenic effects on sustainability of fish biodiversity in Tyume River, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Kinya, Jane Njeri
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Fishes--Behavior Fishes--Physiology Biotic communities
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Zoology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11740 , vital:39102
- Description: To determine the anthropogenic effects on the sustainability of fish biodiversity in Tyhume River, a mixture of ecological, economic and institutional parameters were used. To measure ecological parameters, 10 study sites were selected to represent varying intensities of anthropogenic effects on habitat, to represent typical river zones, and to correspond with historical survey sites for trend analysis. In these study sites, habitat characteristics that represent geomorphology (habitat quantity), water quality and ‘alien’ (non–native) fishes were used to determine anthropogenic effects on habitat and fish assemblage. The measured geomorphology characteristics included current velocity, wetted width and depth. The water quality characteristics used were temperature, pH and conductivity. To determine the effects of native and non-native on indigenous fish species in situ, electro fishing was used in riffles, small pools and runs; as well, in situ seine-netting was done in pools. The riches of river fish species was measured, using numbers abundance and longitudinal distribution indices. It was established that only 11percent of the Tyhume River habitat was relatively near natural, while 89percent exhibited anthropogenic habitat modification. Three major sources ofanthropogenic modification on habitat were identified. The major contributor of anthropogenic effects was Binfield Park Dam which accounted for 43percent of modification. The second source of anthropogenic effects on habitat was Alice urban area where storm water runoff accounted for 28percent of modification. Agricultural and livestock grazing, the third anthropogenic effect, accounted for 18percent of modification. The Eastern Cape Rocky, Sandelia bainsii Castelnau, 1861 and Border Barb, Barbus trevelyani Günther, 1868, exhibited reduced distribution. B. trevelyani longitudinal distribution was less than 25 km along the river continuum, with sporadic presence in the sandy foothills. S. bainsii was not found in the Lowland Zone, while previously this species extended from the mountainous zone to the confluence of the Tyhume and Keiskamma Rivers in the Lowland Zone. These indices supported the homogenization theory, as reflected by increased dissimilarity for two indigenous fish species, S. bainsii and B. trevelyani, among study sites. S. bainsii was previously distributed from source to confluence, while B. trevelyani recorded a 50percent decline at the study site below the Binfield Park Dam. To assign economic value to ecosystem services and assess post Rio-institutional parameters two hypothetical scenarios were developed from the ecological survey; one depicting current conditions and another depicting improved ecosystem services. Using a structured interview questionnaire, five ecosystem services in need of restoration were described to respondents. Applying the contingent valuation method respondents were asked a dichotomous choice question on willingness to pay (WTP). Results of the economic study from 209 personal interviews revealed, individuals were willing to pay an additional R 32.00 on their monthly water bill or R 384.00 annually. Generalizing this to 2 829 households living in the Alice and Ntselamanzi urban areas, a total value of R 1 086 336 would be realized annually. This was equivalent to the Nkonkobe Municipality annual budget for storm water management in Alice urban area. Costs/benefits revealed a positive net present value (NPV) = 1, which, in line with economic theory, meant gainers were able to compensate losers The institutional part of the economic survey sought to determine the effects of post Rio Earth Summit institutional measures on sustainable management of Tyhume River fish assemblage. A desk review of Rio Declaration and three South African statutes were used namely; Constitution Act 108 of 1996 (South African Constitution 1996); the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act No. 10 of 2004 (NEMBA 2004), the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) No. 107 of 1998 (NEMA 1998), and the National Water Act No. 36 of 1998 (NWA 1998). The Institutional and Analytic Development (IAD) Framework, coupled with requirements for sustainability of Multiple Use Resource Domains were used for the analysis. De Jure, the statutes had internationalization of environmental costs through “polluter pays principle”, while sustainable use was the overarching goal. De facto, the community participation, a requisite of post Rio measures, was low; however 89percent of community respondents were willing to join an environmental conservation group. This, coupled with the fact that 77percent of those interviewed supported the establishment of a Tyhume River Restoration Fund, provided scope for a broad based community participation framework This study contributes to sustainable use of Tyhume River and other lotic systems by generating information on the link between anthropogenic effects on fish biodiversity, economic value of ecosystems services and institutional mechanisms.
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Application of health belief model in developing contextual guidelines for adherence to antiretroviral treatment among adolescents and youths in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality District, East London, South Africa
- Authors: Mayeye, Bulelwa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: HIV-positive children--Treatment--Management AIDS (Disease) in adolescence HIV-positive youth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15572 , vital:40472
- Description: Background: Adhering to the treatment instructions for a long-term illness poses a great challenge to the client especially adolescents and youths. In public health centers it is observed that most adolescents and youths on Ante Retroviral Treatment (ART) do not continue taking ART and do not honor their Art related scheduled appointments at the clinic. An increase loss to follow up among these cohorts is noticeable in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality district. Inconsistent adherence to ART may result in the development of resistance mutations. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to develop and describe context – specific antiretroviral treatment guidelines based on the biomedical, cognitive and psychosocial needs of the adolescents and youths at the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality district. Methodology: The study was conducted in two phases, phase one consisted of quantitative and qualitative approaches. For phase one an explanatory sequential mixed method of quantitative and qualitative designs was employed. The study was guided by Health Belief Model. The target population were adolescents and youths receiving ART from the selected health facilities in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality District in the Province of the Eastern Cape. Participants were chosen based on purposive sampling. A convenience sample of 206 adolescents and youths between the ages of 14 to 24 attending ARV clinics were approached. Ethical considerations, that is, the rights of all the participants were honoured. Data was collected using self administered questionnaires followed by semi-structured interview where face to face interviews were conducted. Reliability validity and trustworthiness of the research was ensured. Quantitative data was analysed through descriptive statistics. For qualitative approach transcrips were coded thematically. In Phase 2, context – specific antiretroviral treatment guidelines were developed to promote adherence to ART by adolescents and youths of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality district. Results: About 35percent of the participants indicated low adherence, 31percent for moderate adherence and 34percent for high adherence. A strong correlation between interpersonal relationship and adherence (p = 0.008), a correlation between aspect of care related to clinic and adherence (p = 0.028), a significant correlation between social support and adherence to ART (p = 0.006) and a significant relationship between self- efficacy and adherence to ART (p = 0.000) were obtained. No correlation between demographic status and adherence except for race. Results from the interviews revealed that barriers to adherence were more evident than enabling factors. Recommendations: Health service providers should strengthen ART adherence programmes for adolescents and youths by applying principles as they appear in the context – based guidelines.
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Appraisal of wastewater final effluents and river water as reservoirs of cholera and non-cholera causing vibrio species : case study of the Amatole and OR Tambo District Municipalities
- Authors: Nontongana, Nolonwabo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Vibrio -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Vibrio cholerae Disease Reservoirs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Microbiology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9929 , vital:35146
- Description: Vibrio infections remain a serious threat to public health. In the last decade, Vibrio disease outbreaks have created a painful awareness of the personal, economic, societal, and public health costs associated with the impact of inadequately treated wastewater effluents. This study was therefore designed to assess the occurrence of cholera and non-cholera causing Vibrio species in the final effluents of wastewater treatment plants and river waters in the Amatole (BT WWTP) and OR Tambo District municipalities (MT WWTP and QN River) of the Eastern Cape Province. Samples were collected monthly from December 2016 to November 2017 from the final effluent, 500 meters upstream and downstream of the discharge points and analysed for physicochemical parameters, Vibrio pathogens prevalence and their antibiogram characteristics using both culture-based and molecular techniques. Samples were collected aseptically using sterile 1L glass bottles containing 0.5 ml of sterile sodium thiosulphate solution and transported on ice to the laboratory for analyses within 6hrs of collection. The membrane filtration method was used for enumeration of presumptive Vibrio densities on thiosulfate citrate bile salt (TCBS) agar plates. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was then used to confirm the identities of the presumptive Vibrio species using the species-specific primers. The confirmed isolates were further subjected to molecular characterization to confirm their respective pathotypes. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by the standard disc diffusion method recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. The recovered Vibrio species were tested against a panel of 17 antibiotics. Physicochemical parameters measured include pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, salinity, turbidity, total dissolved solid (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chlorine (only for BT WWTP). Unacceptably high levels of the assayed parameters were observed in many cases for TDS (66 - 879 mg/l), turbidity (2.0 -722.33 NTU) and DO (2.5 – 9.7 mg/l) as well as chlorine (0.2 – 3.2 mg/L). Presumptive Vibrio densities varied from 2.91 to 3.91 log10 CFU/100 ml and 2.67 to 3.18 log CFU/100ml, for BT WWTP and MT WWTP respectively. The densities for the QN River ranged between 2.51 to 3.99 log10 CFU/100mL. Out of 720 presumptive isolates recovered, 619 (86 percent) were found to be positive for the Vibrio genus. Molecular confirmation of the presumptive Vibrio species revealed the presence of V. fluvialis (16), V. vulnificus (12), V aliginolyticus (9), V. parahaemolyticus (37) and V. cholerae (5) isolates were confirmed. The susceptibility against 17 different antibiotics by the recovered species were examined. V. cholerae was notably resistant against nalidixic acid (3) and Ampicilin (2), all the V. vulnificus isolates were resistant against ampicillin (16), V. fluvialis showed resistance against ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid, all (9) isolates for V. alginolyticus were resistant against ampicillin. V. parahaemolyticus showed resistance against cefutoxime (16), cefuxime (8) and ampicillin (13). The recovery of Vibrio in the discharged effluents throughout the sampling period even in adequately disinfected effluents is not acceptable considering that Vibrio are pathogenic bacteria. The findings of this study underline the need for constant monitoring of the physicochemical and microbiological qualities of discharged effluents and might also be suggestive for a review of the disinfection methods used at the treatment works as this might pose adverse health risk to the communities which still rely heavily on these surface waters.
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Assessing the Contribution of SMMEs to Job creation in the Eastern Cape South Africa
- Authors: Mbambo, William Bongile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD ( Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13675 , vital:39690
- Description: Job creation through support to Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) is one of the South African government’s priorities in the Eastern Cape Vision 2030 Provincial Development Plan, to overcome the chronic unemployment situation faced by millions of South Africans. The Eastern Cape Province is amongst one of the areas challenged by high levels of unemployment in South Africa. In order to assess whether SMMEs had the capacity to create employment opportunities in the Eastern Cape Province. This study investigate on how SMMEs plans to provide employment opportunities, also examine whether SMMEs has created any employment opportunities thus far in the Eastern Cape Province. The study used David Birch (1979 and 1981) Kerr, Wittenberg and Arrow (2013), theories to assess whether SMMEs had the capacity to create employment opportunities in the Province. The study adopted a mixed methods approach in order to assess SMMEs as a tool for employment creation in its various dimensions. The results of the study reveal that Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises do not necessarily generate substantial employment. Therefore, the study recommends that the government should provide more financial support for SMMEs, organize entrepreneurship workshops, seminars and training workshops, which could improve their business operating skills as well as provide easy access to loans.
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Assessment of the human health implications of climate variability in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Orimoloye, Israel Ropo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Geography
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10113 , vital:35346
- Description: Impacts associated with climate variability and extreme heat are already obvious in varying degrees and expected to be disruptive in the near future across the globe especially in the urban regions. Urban areas have distinctive features that leave their residents and properties vulnerable to extreme climate events. Global temperatures continue to change, reaching new levels almost every year for the past two decades. However, even though the causes are debated it is evident that climate variability is real. Climate variability and disaster risk are threats to human health that adversely reinforce each other. Better knowledge on the association between climate change, variability and extreme weather-related illness is needed and can aid strategies to reduce vulnerabilities. The impacts of climate variability on the health of residents in East London (EL) area in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa were explored through four interdependent research segments. The first section examined the climate variability and urban surface thermal characteristics implication on human health using Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. Remote sensing was used to assess the Land Surface Temperature (LST) and estimated Radiation (R) of East London area from Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) images for 1986, 1996, 2006 as well as from Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) for 2016 spanning a period of 30 years. Rapid urbanization and land cover changes in this area have contributed significantly to this drastic change in the natural land surface characteristics (increased land surface temperature and surface solar radiation). For instance, vegetation cover declined by about 358.812km2 while built-up areas increased by 175.473km2 during this period which correlates with the area thermal characteristics changes. Radiation levels also increased over the years with values exceeding the global solar radiation index. Exposure to increased surface radiation poses risks of heat stroke, skin cancer and heart disease to the local population. Consequently, this study provides pertinent information on human health sustainability and epidemiological case management. The second part explored past temperature and humidity trends (1986-2016) and projects future trends (2017-2030). The historical data of meteorological variables were obtained from the archives of the South African Weather Service and analyzed using the ordinary least square regression model in GRETL (GNU Regression Econometric and Time-series Library) statistical software. This study discovered a local consistency between models and the observations add to existing knowledge and this is crucial in knowing the shifts in climatic change as well as recognizing variability and its conflicting effects on human health, environment, agriculture, ecological sustainability and socioeconomic status in the region. The third segment assessed the potential impacts of climate variability on health using existing heat indices during the study period. The results demonstrated that in East London from 1986 to 2016 during summer and autumn (December to May) of various years exceeded high heat index values. It is obvious that summer and autumn months are more vulnerable to heat extreme and humidex. The humidex and Heat Index (HI) increased annually by 0.03percent and 0.9percent respectively throughout the study period. The increment in the various indices showed highly significant ill-health and environmental impacts on humans especially with prolonged exposure. The last segment appraised the association between climatic elements and epidemiological incidences of the study area between 2012 and 2016. The epidemiology incidences data were obtained from the archives of the Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in East London area and National Tertiary Service Grant (NTSG) database for the period. The results have showed that there exists significant effects of climate variability on the health of East London residents and these have been identified to have negative impacts on health of the people in the area. This study also revealed noticeable impacts of extreme heat on human health and a positive correlation between meteorological components (HI and temperature) and epidemiological cases (cardiovascular, skin cancer and diarrhea) during the study period.
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Assessment of the impact of land use practices on vegetation , soil and carbon-nitrogen sequestration potential in Mopane rangelands of Central Northern Namibia
- Authors: Kahumba, Absalom
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rural development Land use Land tenure
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Pasture Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11718 , vital:39100
- Description: This study was conducted in Ogongo district, situated in Omusati Region of the central northern Namibia. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of land use practices on 1) vegetation distribution and status; 2) soil properties; 3) carbon-nitrogen sequestration potential, and 4) investigate the indigenous pastoralists’ knowledge and perceptions on livestock production, rangeland degradation and its indicators in three villages (Omaandi, Epukunoyana and Oshitutuma) in Mopane savannah rangelands of central northern Namibia. For vegetation and soil assessment, three grazing land management systems (communal, game reserve and cattle ranch) were identified adjacent to each other. In each grazing system, three sites (for game reserve and cattle ranch, these were camps) were selected. In each site, three belt transects of 50 m x 5 m2 were marked to record vegetation and soil data as well as to collect vegetation samples for analysis. Grass species composition was recorded using step point methods from 250 points per belt transect. A total of five 0.25 m2 quadrats were randomly laid within each 250 m2 belt transect to record the herbaceous plant density, tuft diameter, tuft distance and biomass. All woody plants in the belt transect (250 m2) were measured and recorded for species plant height and canopy diameters. Three soil samples per belt transect were collected at the time of forage sampling down to a depth of 20 cm using a soil auger. Soil and plant samples were analysed for macro and micro minerals, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, carbon-nitrogen ratios, and carbon and nitrogen isotopes. For bulk density, soil samples were collected using soil core samplers. In the social study, a total of 90 households were randomly selected from three villages and a total of 48 elders were purposefully selected based on the age, time spent in the village and livestock ownership. A combination of structured and semi-structured questionnaires were used to gather household information, while a structured questionnaire and open ended discussion were used to interview elders on the constraints of livestock production, rangeland degradation related issues and their consequences on livelihood. Field vegetation and soil data were analyzed using a General Linear Model (GLM) in SAS (2007), whereas the social data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 (2014). A total of 23 grass species were identified in all three land management systems, of which 48% were perennials and the remaining 52% were annuals. Aristida meridionalis dominated the game reserve and the ranch, whereas Eragrostis trichophora was dominant in all land management systems. Forbs occurred commonly in the game reserve and the ranch, but were dominant in the communal areas. The abundance of A. meridionalis responded significantly (P < 0.001) to land management systems with the game reserve showing remarkably greater abundance than the ranch. In summer, the abundance of E. trichophora was high (P < 0.001) in the game reserve followed by the communal and ranch sites, whereas in winter, the species had still greater abundance in the game reserve followed by the ranch. In summer, the mean grass density was greatest (P < 0.001) in the game reserve and least in the communal lands, but vice versa for the tuft distance. In summer, the average distance between tufts showed great variations (P < 0.001) with the communal areas having greater values than the ranch and game reserve. In winter, both the game reserve and the ranch showed records of similar grass tuft density and distance between tufts, whereas these values were nil for communal areas, because, there were no grasses recorded. Herbaceous plant dry matter was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in the game reserve followed by the ranch and the least in the communal areas. Results on biomass showed remarkably higher values (P < 0.001) in summer than winter in all land management systems. The total woody plant density was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the ranch (542 TE ha-1) than the game reserve (449 TE ha-1) and communal area (324 TE ha-1). However, percentage of canopy cover did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between the three land management systems. Woody plant density of height classes were significantly different (P < 0.05) between three land management systems. The abundance of seedlings, saplings and young shrubs were significantly greater (P < 0.05) in the ranch than the game reserve and communal area. The mature trees had a significantly greater density (P < 0.05) in the game reserve than the ranch and communal area. Soil analysis results showed that Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), Manganese (Mn) and Copper (Cu) had similar (P > 0.05) concentrations in soils obtained from all land management systems in both seasons. Soil Calcium (Ca) levels showed differences between land management systems in winter only being greater (P < 0.001) in the game reserve than the ranch and the communal lands. Soil Phosphorus (P) and Iron (Fe) also showed variations between land management systems in winter being significantly greater (P < 0.001) in the ranch than the other land management systems. The concentration of soil K differed between the two seasons in soils collected from the ranch and the communal lands, being greater (P < 0.001) in winter than summer seasons. Soil Zinc (Zn) also showed differences between land management systems in summer being greater (P < 0.001) in the game reserve than in the ranch and communal land. Seasonal variations were observed in soil P level of samples collected from the ranch being greater (P < 0.001) in winter than summer season. The concentration of soil Zn was higher (P < 0.001) in the soil collected from the game reserve and the ranch in summer than winter season. Woody forage analysis results showed that browse samples harvested from the ranch had greater (P < 0.001) Nitrogen (N) level than the other land management systems in both seasons. The browse samples harvested from the game reserve had greater (P < 0.001) Ca level than the other land management systems in winter season only. The level of P showed variations (P < 0.05) between land management systems in samples harvested during winter only being greater (P < 0.001) in samples from the ranch than the other land management systems. Similarly, browse harvested during winter showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in K levels being lowest in samples collected from game reserves, where the Ca level was greatest. Browse samples collected from the communal land and the ranch had the lowest Mg levels in summer and winter seasons, respectively. In all management systems, browse harvested during summer had greater (P < 0.001) N and P levels than those harvested in winter, and the reverse holds true for K and Ca levels. Browse samples harvested during winter had greater (P < 0.001) Mn levels in samples from the communal area and game reserve than the ranch, but in summer, the game reserve had higher Mn level than the other two sites. Browse samples harvested during winter only showed differences (P < 0.05) in Cu and Zn levels being greatest (P < 0.001) in samples collected from ranch and game reserves. In all management systems, browse samples harvested during winter had greater (P < 0.001) Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu (except for the game reserve and communal land) levels than those harvested in summer. Herbaceous analysis results showed that samples harvested in summer from the game reserve and ranch had greater (P < 0.001) TOC levels than the communal area, but in winter, samples from the game reserve and ranch had similar TOC levels, except for communal areas that had no herbaceous vegetation. Herbaceous samples harvested in winter from the ranch had greater (P < 0.001) TN levels than the game reserve, and that made the C:N ratio higher (P < 0.001) in the game reserve. Woody foliar samples harvested in winter from the game reserve and communal lands had greater (P < 0.001) TOC than the ranch. Values on C:N ratio showed that in winter, the communal and ranch had greater (P < 0.001) C:N than the game reserve, but in summer, the ranch had higher (P < 0.001) C:N than the game reserve and communal area. The vegetation TOC (kg ha-1) showed the order of the game reserve > ranch > communal area and the trend was similar in both seasons. In summer, the game reserve had the greatest (P < 0.001) TN (kg ha-1) followed by the ranch and the lowest in the communal area, but in winter the game reserve and ranch had similar and higher (P < 0.001) TN (kg ha-1) than the communal areas. In summer, both the game reserve and ranch recorded greater (P < 0.001) herbaceous δ13C and lowest δ15N than the communal area, but in winter, the game reserve had higher (P < 0.001) δ13C than the ranch, though both the game reserve and ranch had similar (P > 0.001) δ15N values. In summer, both the communal and ranch had slightly higher (P < 0.001) woody foliar δ13C than the game reserve, but in winter the ranch had greater (P < 0.001) δ13C than game reserve and communal areas. Woody foliar samples harvested from the ranch showed variations (P < 0.05) in δ15N between seasons being higher (P < 0.001) in summer than winter. The TOC was greatest in summer, in soils collected from the game reserve followed by the ranch and least in the communal land, but in winter, the lowest TOC was recorded in soils collected from the ranch. The soil C:N ratio varied between land management systems in soils collected during summer only being greater (P < 0.001) in the game and ranch than the communal area. The soil TOC (kg ha-1) and TN (kg ha-1) did not show (P > 0.05) differences between land management systems. Soil δ13C level was remarkably (P < 0.05) affected by land management systems, but did not interact with seasons. In both seasons, the communal land had slightly higher (P < 0.001) δ13C level than the other two land management systems. In both seasons, δ15N levels showed great differences (P < 0.001) between land management systems, with highest soil δ15N levels observed in the communal area than the ranch and game reserve. Results on social survey showed that the majority of the interviewed households in Omaandi (63percent), Oshitutuma (53percent) and Epukunoyana (50percent) were female headed families and the remaining were male headed. The mean population of goats and cattle were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Omaandi and Epukunoyana than in Oshitutuma village, respectively. In this study, household respondents in all villages indicated that all livestock species were primarily kept for wealth status and provision of meat for consumption. Respondents in all villages also indicated that lack of grazing lands and shortage of feed were the primary constraints of livestock production followed by water scarcity and recurring droughts. Elder respondents in all villages perceived overgrazing and climate change as the primary cause of rangeland degradation. Elder interviewees in Omaandi and Oshitutuma villages regarded low grass cover and dominance of poor quality grass (Epukunoyana only) as the primary vegetation indicators of rangeland degradation. The animal related indicators such as stunted animal body as a result of mineral deficiency, high livestock mortality, emaciated body and animals traveling long distance for grazing and water (Oshitutuma only) were regarded in all villages as the primary livestock related indicators of rangeland degradation. Elders from Epukunoyana village ranked low rainfall, high soil and atmospheric temperatures as the primary climate related indicators of rangeland degradation, although in Omaandi and Oshitutuma, high soil and atmospheric temperatures were considered as the primary climate related indicators of rangeland degradation. Based on the findings, this study concludes that land management systems had great influences on the distribution and production of herbaceous and woody vegetation in summer and winter seasons. This study also observed that land management systems interacted strongly with season to influence most vegetation and soil variables. Lastly, based on the study findings, the study concludes that all three communal rangelands are degraded and degradation led to a gradual declining trend in the livestock population over the past 10 to 20 years in the communal areas as a result of feed shortage.
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