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An investigation of the challenges associated with conducting home visits in rural areas, from the lenses of social workers: the case of Raymond Mhlaba Municipality - Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Nguza, Zizipho Zintle https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6559-3183
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Home-based family services http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh89005719 , Social workers http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85124114 , Sociology, Rural http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85124229
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19523 , vital:43135
  • Description: This study strove to understand the challenges encountered by social workers in conducting home visits in rural areas of the Eastern Cape in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. The intention was to achieve the following objectives; (i) establish the kind of problems that social workers attend to when conducting home visits in rural areas, (ii) investigate the challenges that social workers encounter in the provision of home visits in rural areas, (iii) establish the support services offered to the social workers by their organisations; from the lenses of both social workers and supervisors. The study employed the qualitative approach and was guided by a qualitative research design in the form of a case study. It also employed in-depth one-on-one interviews complemented by both focus group discussions and social work participants as methods of data collection. The study used non-probability sampling technique, specifically the purposive sampling of twenty five (25) social work stakeholders. The sample comprised twenty (20) social workers, both female and male participants and five (5) supervisors. Data was analysed qualitatively through content thematic data analysis which used interpretative approaches and textual presentation. The study revealed the following findings: that social workers in Raymond Mhlaba municipality dealt with an immense range of social problems such as poverty, unemployment, crime, HIV and AIDS, orphanhood, child headed households, marital discord, violence against women and children, abuse of families and persons with disability and mismanagement of social grants. The study recommends employee assistance programmes so that independent counselling and supportive services could be provided for social workers working in rural areas. Regular in-service training programmes can play a vital role in helping staff handle pressure and avoid occupational stress. , Thesis (M Soc Sc) (Social Work) -- University of Fort Hare, 2018
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  • Date Issued: 2018

An investigation of the combustion kinetics of coal-microalgae composite

  • Authors: Ejesieme, Obialo Vitus , Dugmore, Gary
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Microalgae -- Biotechnology , Biomass energy -- South Africa Coal -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34777 , vital:33447
  • Description: Coal mining and handling generate sizeable quantities of ultra-fine coal particles which are heaped as discard material. Use of the ultra-fine coal for co-firing with microalgae biomass appears to be a promising option that would improve combustion of the discard. There is no available traditional biomass binder that can be used to agglomerate, reclaim, and co-fire the discard ultra-fine coal to generate heat. In a recent research, microalgae biomass was identified as an effective natural binder for discard ultra-fine coal. Biomass is a renewable resource, and many have been co-fired on a large scale except microalgae biomass. Researchers have studied co-firing of dry mixed coal-microalgae, however, the kinetics of a wet mix of microalgae biomass and ultra-fine coal, “Coalgae®” patented recently by the Nelson Mandela University needs to be explored. The study aimed at investigating in some detail the oxidation mechanism of coal-microalgae composites. The objective is to understand the impact of microalgae on the kinetic properties of coal which will inform on the application of “Coalgae®”. It involves correlating the small and large-scale combustion properties that will establish the co-firing option on an industrial scenario. The goal is to utilize all grades of discard ultra-fine resource using microalgae biomass as binder and a renewable component which enhances the combustion of coal to supply heat and electricity. The use of microalgae for fuel preparation and upgrading is on the increase due to its high growth potential, reactivity, and ability to store energy more than other biomasses. This research hypothesized that blending of discard ultra-fine coal with live microalgae biomass would improve the kinetic properties of the coal more than expected from linear combination of the dry materials. Thermogravimetric combustion of “Coalgae®” was studied under non-isothermal conditions from 40 °C to 900°C at a heating rate of 15 °C/min and air flow rate of 20 ml/min. The thermogravimetric combustion properties i.e. small-scale was related to the large-scale, John Thompson’s fixed-bed reactor under the above condition. Thermal profiles were transformed into a differential function to reveal overlapped combustion events. The Coat-Redferns kinetic model was applied on the non-de-Ejesieme, O.V. PhD Chemistry (Research), Nelson Mandela Univ. Email: ejevit@yahoo.com , s211266744@live.nmmu.ac.za convoluted reactions set to obtain some of kinetic parameters. The Fraser-Suzuki equation was used to de-convolute the overlapped combustion. Then, rate law combined with Arrhenius equation was used to derive the activation energy E a and pre-exponential factor A, while the integral form of solid states reaction model, g (∝) was applied to deduce the oxidation mechanism. The composite formed a strong and partly renewable blend under controlled temperature conditions, unlike assorted dried biomass mixed with coal. Microalgae biomass upgraded the fuel and kinetics properties of ultra-fine coal more than what was expected from a linear combination. It released heat that promoted the oxidation mechanism of the discard coal. The main effect is that the “Coalgae®” is significantly (p = 0.0570) more reactive than the coal. The co-firing approach is partly renewable and contributes to the utilization of high and low-quality available discard ultra-fine coal. It advances the combustion of coal resources and reduces carbon dioxide, CO2 emission attributed to global warming as well as preserves the natural biomass sources. The combustion of “Coalgae® “will improve economy, environment, and health, heat, and electricity supply to the society.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

An investigation of the correlation of mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial DNA methylation, mitochondrial network topology and adipogenesis in the human adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal stem cell model

  • Authors: Kadye, Rose
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62637 , vital:28222
  • Description: Expected release date-April 2019
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  • Date Issued: 2018

An investigation of the informal market value chain for prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Ntsonge, Sinazo
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Opuntia ficus-indica -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Alien plants -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Women heads of households -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Poor -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Sustainable Livelihoods Framework
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62894 , vital:28308
  • Description: The use of alien plant species as part of the livelihood resources of poor people raises conflicts with national legislation, which views these plants as threats to native plant biodiversity. However, there is also increasing body of literature on the contribution that some of these plants make to the livelihoods of poor people. The level of significance of some alien plant species to livelihoods is mostly highlighted in the case of female market participants who are in a position of household headship. Since most African cultures dictate the role of females as solely being that of homemaker while males are assigned the role household headship and breadwinner, women often find themselves having to shoulder the household responsibilities when the household head is no longer there. This was the case in the Nelson Mandela Bay informal prickly pear market that this study sought to investigate. Even though there were also male participants in the prickly pear market, the majority of participants in the market were female who also mentioned they were the sole breadwinner for their households. This study investigated the economic contribution that the prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) informal market makes to the livelihoods of people living in the Nelson Mandela Bay. The significance of the market’s contribution to their livelihoods was examined through using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework. The study revealed that although the prickly pear income was largely supplementary due to it being available for only three months of the year, the income was a safety net resource for the market participants who had limited access to other sources of income. The results also highlighted the reasons people were engaging in the informal prickly pear market. The main reason that was mentioned was unemployment. Through a livelihoods analysis using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, it was revealed that the other factors that were contributing to their unemployment were low levels of education, low levels of marketable skills, and old age. The study revealed through calculations of the estimated economic value of each market activity the potential of the prickly pear to be used as a poverty fighting tool. Although the results of this study only highlight the economic value of the prickly pear to people in a small area compared to the rest of the province and the country, the informal market’s significance still presents a strong case for the establishment of an agroprocessing industry, which would support the production of value-added products. Since the largest populations of the prickly pear in Uitenhage are currently under effective control by the cochineal species, promotion of its economic value instead of eradicating it without considering its value to the livelihoods of the people in the market could also ensure that its populations are kept under control. Job creation in the agroprocessing industry would not only improve the livelihoods of those involved in the market, but would also feed into the national economy instead of taking from it via the costs incurred during clearing.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

An investigation of the leadership practices and organizational culture at a private Christian school

  • Authors: Babu, Bithun
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Church schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership , Corporate culture
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62155 , vital:28133
  • Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate the leadership practices and organizational culture at a private Christian school in the Eastern Cape. A preliminary review of leadership literature suggested that traces of servant leadership may be apparent at the organization. Thus servant leadership will form a key focus area for exploration in this study. An analysis of this nature can make one aware of the influence leadership has in shaping the organizational culture of an institution. This in turn can be used to inform the future thinking around leadership efforts with respect to culture formation within an organization. The issue was addressed by consulting various articles to view the issue from different perspectives. The school served as a vehicle to explore the tenets of leadership and organizational culture. The study will take the form of a descriptive quantitative study. It was concluded that leadership plays a significant role in establishing the culture at an organization. However, leadership is not the only factor that shapes the organizational culture of an institution. The beliefs and values of the organization also has a role in shaping the overall culture and identity of an organization.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

An investigation of the movement of sediment through the Noordhoek headland bypass dunefield system at Cape Recife, South Africa

  • Authors: Goosen, Gerrit Pieter
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Sedimentation and deposition , Fluvial geomorphology Geomorphology Sand dunes -- Environmental aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22101 , vital:29840
  • Description: A detailed study of the movement of sediment across the Cape Recife headland via the Noordhoek headland bypass dunefield was conducted. The Noordhoek HBD is important because of the environmental impacts anticipated on the sewerage works, settling ponds, and road to the Cape Recife lighthouse situated in the migration path of the dunefield to the ENE of its active boundary. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the movement of sediment in and through the Noordhoek HBD system. This study has provided sand transportation and dune migration rates by making use of various dune monitoring techniques. In doing so, useful predictions have been made as to when the settling ponds and the road to the lighthouse will be inundated. An indication has also been given as to how much sand moves through the system. Some key findings from this research included: the net migration direction of the Noordhoek HBD was found to be towards the east-north-east; the wind environment at the study area was classified as a high energy wind environment; this study has highlighted that various climatic factors such as rainfall and temperature influence the movement of sediment through dune systems; sediment transport was found to be directly related to the source area and topography; the central zone of the dunefield proved to be a groundwater recharge zone for the western and eastern zones; and the leading lobes of the migrating Noordhoek dunefield are gradually covering stabilising vegetation by pulses of dunes moving through. In this study, it was calculated that presently a total volume of about 26 000 m3 of sand is migrating into the vegetation at the leading lobes annually. If the Noordhoek HBD is left to run its natural course and migrate across the Cape Recife headland to the downwind beach, an approximate volume of 26 000 m3 of sand could be supplied to the downwind beach by this system. In doing so, it has the potential to play a role in replenishing some of the sand to Port Elizabeth’s eroded southern beaches via a natural process.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

An investigation of the teaching of reading in isiXhosa in three Grade 1 classrooms in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Magadla, Noluthando
  • Date: 2018
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63408 , vital:28408
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  • Date Issued: 2018

An Investigation of victims' perspectives of "Ukuthwala" practice :a case study of Mbizana Local Municipality

  • Authors: Voyi, Ziyanda
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Forced marriage -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Girls -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Crimes againts Child abuse -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10361 , vital:35441
  • Description: This research was an investigation of victims’ perspectives of ukuthwala practice in Mbizana Local Municipality. The aim of the study was to describe the consequences and experiences of ukuthwala practice relating to infringement of Human Rights, to identify the modus operandi men use to abduct (thwala) these victims, to investigate the reasons that hinder victims from reporting the practice to the police officials and to investigate programs that can be implemented to prevent the ukuthwala practice. This study focused on victims’ perspectives of ukuthwala practice, which seemed to be on the rise in Mbizana Local Municipality. The study used the feminist theory and the social exchange theory. The study is qualitative in nature and it employed the exploratory research design. The study collected data from married and divorced females aged between 16 and 45 years, who were residing in Mbizana Local Municipality at the time of the study and who were also victims of ukuthwala practice. The study used snowball non-probability sampling. In non-probability sampling, the chances of selecting a particular individual are not known. The study collected data using semi-structured in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The research findings show that there are a number of women and girls in Mbizana Local municipality who are in forced marriages. The study also found that the practice of ukuthwala (forced marriage) is still practiced in rural areas of Mbizana Local Municipality and victims face many challenges in these marriages. The findings reveal that girls as young as twelve years are forced to marry older men, in some cases with the consent of their parents or guardians. Most victims are unaware that the ukuthwala practice is illegal. Those who are aware are afraid to disappoint their families. The findings of the study also show that community members are keen help stop the ukuthwala practice. The study shows the important for the relevant government stakeholders to intervene. The study recommends that government departments and community members should work hand in hand in order to fight the issue of ukuthwala practice in the municipality.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

An investigation study on the effectiveness of Community Policing Forums in Sephokong Local Council Leribe in Lesotho

  • Authors: Tlhakana, Motlalepula W
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Community policing Police
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Criminology)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16430 , vital:40719
  • Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the role of Community Policing Forums (CPFs) in Sephokong village in the Leribe District of Lesotho. The objectives of this study were; to describe the participation of the community members in the Community Policing Forums; to identify the participation of CPFs in the community; to identify challenges faced by Community Policing Forums in Sephokong Local Council Leribe District in Lesotho; to identify the purpose of the Community Policing Forums in Sephokong in Lesotho; to establish the strengths of the CPFs in doing their work; and to determine the needs of the CPFs to enable them to do their work. The research methodology used in the study is the qualitative type. The major findings of the study revealed that CPFs, which were trained by the Lesotho Mounted Police Services (LMPS), was beneficial to the communities because they were equipped with skills and knowledge that they used to protect the villagers and their property. The social status of the villagers was also enhanced by the presence of the CPFs, in that they were capable of discussing their differences amicably and brought them to the chief or the police station for further deliberations if some members were not satisfied. Also study findings indicated that a lot of criminal activities could have taken place without the work of CPFs in the village since they were the only trained people to do the patrolling at night, which deterred the criminals. The chiefs, in particular, benefited from the CPFs’ work when they reported cases, arrested criminals and assisted in mobilizing the villagers for a meeting at the chief’s court. All in all, the CPFs unified the people, protected the pastures, going between the chief and the LMPS and they followed after the stolen (stock) animals and rescued them from the hands of thieves even though they were not paid by members of the community or LMPS. v | Page Lastly the Police officers pointed out that they provide trainings to CPFs members in different villages as to serve the community members in their different vicinities. While CPFs help them to arrest the suspects for them and provide them with enough information for investigations. Hence their presence in the villages plays solve the matters easily, and during operations they work together with CPFs as police officer and that enables them to give evidence in the courts of laws.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

An overview of absence without leave, sick absence and absconding in the local government sector

  • Authors: Kalawe, Thozama Mavis
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor) , Local government -- South Africa Civil service -- Labor productivity -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30430 , vital:30943
  • Description: The treatise will investigate, examine and determine how the three types of absenteeism affects the local government sector, the impact absenteeism has on service delivery. The study will examine how the employers and employees are protected by legislation when confronted with absenteeism. The three types of absenteeism, namely absence without leave, desertion and abuse of sick leave can be considered as misconduct which may result in termination of contract of employment. The treatise will unpack these three types of absenteeism in relation to the provisions applicable in South African legislation, policies and collective agreements of the local government. A comparison of the local government policies with public, and private sector will be considered. The case study of local government will be provided wherein the basic services that are provided by local government will be discussed to give a better understanding of how these three types of absenteeism impact on the delivery of such services. Recommendation will be provided regarding research findings and conclusion drawn from literature review.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Analysing the role of enterprise and supplier development within Mercedes Benz South Africa in improving their B-BBEE scorecard

  • Authors: Silinga, Zukiswa
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa , Blacks -- South Africa -- Economic conditions , Employee empowerment -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic policy
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23208 , vital:30455
  • Description: This research is born out of the realisation of the unique challenges that the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy required from the private sector in South Africa, with Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) being one of the components of the B-BBEE’s economic empowerment strategy. Over the years, the B-BBEE’s role has been one of ensuring that economic empowerment of historically disadvantaged individuals was addressed. The role of the B-BBEE policy is described as the framework that targets the reform of the economy, reduction of poverty and inequality and empowerment of those individuals that were historically disadvantaged (Patel & Graham, 2012, p. 194). The automotive industry is South Africa’s most important and largest sector, making a great contribution to the country’s GDP. It is responsible for the employment of many people in the country, including employment in the component manufacturers and tyre industry. With these linkages throughout the economy, the government has identified the automotive industry as a vital growth sector. Government is certain that this sector will address one of the major challenges for economic growth in South Africa, which is unemployment. In the year 2015, the B-BBEE Act was amended with new compliance requirements and this changed the B-BBEE rating of Mercedes Benz South Africa (MBSA), resulting in a reduction of the company’s rating. The changes to the standard, particularly the ownership component, resulted in challenges for multinational companies such as MBSA, and an opportunity to improve the rating was identified in the ESD component sector. If these new compliance requirements were not addressed by MBSA, a predictable reduction in B-BBEE status would occur, resulting in a loss of business with government and provision of government incentives. The objective of this research study was to analyse the role that ESD plays within MBSA in improving their B-BBEE scorecard, as part of its overall B-BBEE strategy. This study was sculpted on the concept that the role of ESD at MBSA is related to (a) preferential procurement, (b) skills transfer, and (c) mentoring and a detailed literature review was conducted for these variables as well as for ESD. In testing the above research objective, the researcher utilised statistical analysis methods to reach a conclusion with regard to the relationship of ESD to these variables. A positivistic research paradigm (quantitative) was selected in order to test the objective by using hypothesis testing. An empirical study was undertaken by means of a survey with a questionnaire utilised as a data collecting tool and distributed using the supplier database of MBSA. The aim of the questionnaire was to validate the outcomes obtained from the theoretical overview. Out of a sample of 116 respondents employed at the suppliers, only 92 responses were received, thus representing a 79% response rate, which is considered acceptable. The key findings of the study indicated that preferential procurement, skills development and mentoring play a significant role in the promotion of ESD. Preferential procurement indicated a stronger association than the other variables, and thus it was recommended that MBSA place importance on this variable. Based on these findings, recommendations were made to the management of MBSA in an effort to improve the ESD component of the B-BBEE score of the company. As a way of addressing some of the challenges automotive manufacturers face, suggestions for future research were made.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Analysis of the human HSP70-HSP90 organising protein (HOP) gene - characterisation of the promoter and identification of a novel isoform

  • Authors: Mattison, Stacey
  • Date: 2018
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62821 , vital:28296
  • Description: Expected release date-April 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Analysis of the reliability for the 132/66/22 KV distribution network within Eskom’s Eastern Cape operating unit

  • Authors: Pantshwa, Athini
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Electric power transmission -- Reliability , Electric power distribution Electric power Electric power systems
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34722 , vital:33429
  • Description: A stable and reliable electrical power supply system is an inevitable pre-requisite for the technological and economic growth of any nation. Due to this, utilities must strive and ensure that the customer’s reliability requirements are met and that the regulators requirements are satisfied at the lowest possible cost. It is known fact around the world that 90% of the customer service interruptions are caused due to failure in distribution system. Therefore, it is worth considering reliability assessments as it provides an opportunity to incorporate the cost or losses incurred by the utilities customer because of power failure. This must be considered in the planning and operating practices. The system modelling and simulation study is carried out on one of the district’s distribution system which consists of 132 kV, 66 kV and 22 kV network in Aliwal North Sector ECOU. The reliability assessment is done on the 22, 66 and 132 kV system to assess the performance of the present system and predictive reliability analysis for the future system considering load growth and system expansion. The alternative which gives low SAIDI, SAIFI and minimum breakeven costs is being assessed and considered. The reliability of 132 kV system could be further improved by constructing a new 132 kV line from a different source of supply and connecting with line coming from another district (reserve) at reasonable break-even cost. The decision base could be further improved by having Aliwal North Sector context interruption cost. However, the historical data which may be used in Aliwal North Sector to acquire interruption costs from the customers are being proposed. The focus should be on improving the power quality on constrained networks first, then the reliability. Therefore, for the Aliwal North power system network it is imperative that Eskom invest on the reliability of this network. This dissertation also analysed load reflected economic benefit versus performance expectations that should be optimized through achieving a balance between network performance (SAIDI) improvement, and total life cycle cost (to Eskom as well as the economy). Reliability analysis conducted in this dissertation used Aliwal North power system network as a case study; the results proved that the system is vulnerable to faults, planned and unplanned outages. Reliability evaluation studies were conducted on the system using DigSilent software in conjunction with FME. These two models gave accurate results with acceptable variance in most indices except for the ENS where the variance was quite significant. It can be concluded that DigSilent results are the most accurate results in all three reliability evaluation scenarios for the Aliwal North Power System, best interpretation being that of DigSilent.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Analysis of the role of unions in health services delivery at Uitenhage district hospital

  • Authors: Tshamase, Nozibele Yvonne
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Public health Health services accessibility Labor unions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12348 , vital:39255
  • Description: Purpose: According to Khan and Khan (2011:56), a trade union is an organization of employee tasked with activities which include negotiating on behalf of their members for “pay and conditions of employment”. Several authors have purported that these roles extend beyond ensuring not only that the rights of workers are not violated and that their working environment complies with health and safety standards, but also that unions may have an effect on management practices, generally and specifically, on efficiencies and performance (Zulu, 2009; McGuire, 2011; & Dhliwayo, 2012). Health care workers including professionals are organised by the unions in a bid to influence social and economic reforms in the South African democracy. The main aim of this study was to examine the role of public sector unions and how they exercise their functions in delivery of health services Method: A qualitative research method based on phenomenological and case approaches was applied. Semi-structured interviews with open ended questions were used to prompt discussions. Documents were used to obtain complementary data. Senior managers, middle managers, union/employee representatives and employees who are members of the unions in the district hospital of Nelson Mandela Bay health district constituted the target population. Purposive non-probability sampling, which was the preferred method for this study, yielded 16 participants. Results Analysis followed Creswell’s thematic analysis involving coding responses categorising them and identifying themes. This followed repeated and thorough listening to the recorded interviews and transcribing. Themes identified were organisational functioning in line with the service delivery context; worker’s rights protection; negotiating better service conditions; implementing legislation, policies and resolutions; union-management interaction; engaging in strikes and impact on services delivery. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study found that the presence of unions in health care services was necessary because there are various categories of employees – working class – whose interests must be served. The role of the unions leaned heavily towards protection of the rights of the workers. As far as the observation of legislation is concerned, the unions demonstrated knowledge of the legislation applicable to the health care personnel, that is, the BCEA, the LRA and the PSA. The study found that unions were a hindrance to health services delivery in their quest to exercise voice monopoly. The unions tended to exert undue influence on management resulting in lack of discipline and dereliction of duty. The strike actions compromised quality of health care and the rights of citizens to access health care. There was no active participation nor positive contributions in committees where advancement of service delivery standards were deliberated and promoted. Recommendations included training of shop stewards; capacitation and training of managers, and development and communication of departmental labour relations policies.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Analysis of the security and reliability of packet transmission in Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) : a case study of Malicious Packet drop attack

  • Authors: Adeniji, Victor Oluwatobiloba
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Wireless communication systems Mobile communication systems
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Computer Science
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17450 , vital:40969
  • Description: Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) are known for possessing good attributes such as low up-front cost, easy network maintenance, and reliable service coverage. This has largely made them to be adopted in various areas such as; school campus networks, community networking, pervasive healthcare, office and home automation, emergency rescue operations and ubiquitous wireless networks. The routing nodes are equipped with self-organized and self-configuring capabilities. The routing mechanisms of WMNs depend on the collaboration of all participating nodes for reliable network performance. However, it has been noted that most routing algorithms proposed for WMNs in the last few years are designed with the assumption that all the participating nodes will collaboratively be involved in relaying the data packets originated from a source to a multi-hop destination. Such design approach exposes WMNs to vulnerability such as malicious packet drop attack. Therefore, it is imperative to design and implement secure and reliable packet routing mechanisms to mitigate this type of attack. While there are works that have attempted to implement secure routing approach, the findings in this research unearthed that further research works are required to improve the existing secure routing in order to provide more secure and reliable packet transmission in WMNs, in the event of denial of service (DoS) attacks such black hole malicious pack drop attack. This study further presents an analysis of the impact of the black hole malicious packet drop attack with other influential factors in WMNs. In the study, NS-3 simulator was used with AODV as the routing protocol. The results show that the packet delivery ratio and throughput of WMN under attack decreases sharply as compared to WMN free from attack.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Analysis of VAT compliance challenges in municipalities

  • Authors: Nkonzombi, Linda
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Value-added tax -- South Africa , Income tax -- South Africa Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Taxation -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33429 , vital:32864
  • Description: The study was carried out to identify challenges that municipalities have with becoming Value Added Tax (‘VAT’) compliant. This study has been prompted by the ongoing findings reported by the Auditor General (‘AG’) in its audit reports. The increasing demand on the services of tax consultants also suggests that municipalities are having challenges in independently fulfilling their tax obligations. It was found that municipalities are often challenged with the application of the following VAT sections: The VAT apportionment methodology, section 8(27) dealing with unallocated payments, VAT reconciliations and claiming of VAT on invalid documentation and where VAT credits are denied. The main causes of non-compliance were identified as complexity of the tax laws, interpretation issues, behavioural attitude, lack of technical expertise within municipalities, and the fact that VAT is a self-assessed tax. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that all municipalities should be required to have a designated tax team to handle the tax matters of a municipality. The municipalities’ governing body, South African Local Government Association (‘SALGA’), should consider introducing penalties to non-VAT compliant municipalities. SARS should establish ‘customer relationships’ with the municipalities.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Antecedents and outcomes of service encounters in the restaurant industry in Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Mukucha, Paul
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Consumer behavior , Hospitality industry -- Zimbabwe -- Management Management -- Zimbabwe
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32949 , vital:32479
  • Description: This study aimed to determine the antecedents and outcomes of service encounter experiences of patrons in the restaurant industry in Zimbabwe. In addition, the study aimed to test the strength of the relationships between service encounter experiences and the selected antecedents, and outcomes. Service encounter experiences were investigated to contribute to the success of restaurants in Zimbabwe. The study presented literature on the restaurant industry in Zimbabwe. The literature explored the types of restaurant businesses that are operating in Zimbabwe, the contribution of the restaurant industry to the national economy, the attractiveness of the restaurant industry and the market structure of the restaurant industry. The literature also revealed that the restaurant industry immensely contributes to the national economy of Zimbabwe through employment creation and statutory payments. It was further revealed that the restaurant industry in Zimbabwe is attractive because there are little entry and exit barriers, and there is some degree of differentiation of service delivery. The contemporary issues that affect the restaurant industry in Zimbabwe cut across several macro business factors, and were identified as political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental factors. Theories and literature were considered, and the study extensively presented content related to the postulated relationships among the study’s variables, namely the specified antecedents of service encounter experiences which are the variables service contact levels, ambience factors, service delivery quality, and typology of patrons; and the selected outcomes of service encounter experiences, namely patronage retention, re-patronage retention, and patronage loyalty. A synthesis of how all the study constructs are interrelated, culminating with the proposed conceptual model, were presented. The proposed conceptual model that captures service encounter experiences and its possible antecedents and outcomes, depicted a series of hypotheses. The hypotheses presented were developed by using extant theoretical and empirical literature. The study further presented the research methodology, and the results of this study. This explanatory study followed a quantitative survey research design and 400 restaurant patrons in Zimbabwe were respondents to the study’s questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were calculated. In addition, using exploratory factor analyses results, the conceptual framework was updated, and further inferential statistics were computed. These statistics included a reliability analysis, correlation analysis and regression analyses to statistically test the proposed relationships. The empirical results revealed that all the postulated independent variables, except the variable service contact levels, are positively and significantly related to the patrons’ service encounter experiences. Furthermore, the study revealed that the patrons’ service encounter experiences significantly influence two specified dependent variables namely re-patronage intention and patronage loyalty. Patronage retention, which was one of the hypothesised outcomes of service encounter experiences, was eliminated from the proposed conceptual model during the measurement scale validation phase as almost all of its items loaded onto the patronage loyalty factor. This suggested the absence of a conceptual distinction between patronage retention and patronage loyalty. The study concluded that the levels of the patrons’ service encounter experiences in the restaurant industry in Zimbabwe are high as a result of higher levels of the postulated antecedents such as ambience factors, service delivery quality and typology of patrons. However, the levels of contact in restaurants did not have any significant impact on the patrons’ service encounter experiences. The study also concluded that eliciting pleasant service encounter experiences generates higher levels of re-patronage retention and patronage loyalty. The conclusions generated in this study subsequently led to a number of recommendations for restaurants in Zimbabwe. The study also contributed by either closing or clarifying many research gaps as well as by developing a hypothetical model and measuring instrument. This study was the first to show how ambience factors, service quality delivery and the typology of patrons, based on their personality traits, could positively influence the service encounter experiences of Zimbabwean restaurants’ patrons. Furthermore, the study confirms that in the restaurant industry, the patronage retention construct is conceptually the same as the patronage loyalty construct. Moreover, restaurant businesses must exploit the differences in their patrons’ dispositions in order to enhance service encounter experiences through providing differentiated service offerings.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

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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  • Date Issued: 2018

Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogenic Escherichia Coli Isolated from Rooftop Rainwater-Harvesting Tanks in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Malema, Mokaba Shirley , Abia, Akebe Luther King , Tandlich, Roman , Zuma, Bonga , Kahinda, Jean-Marc Mwenge , Ubomba-Jaswa, Eunice
  • Date: 2018
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71729 , vital:29931 , https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15050892
  • Description: Although many developing countries use harvested rainwater (HRW) for drinking and other household purposes, its quality is seldom monitored. Continuous assessment of the microbial quality of HRW would ensure the safety of users of such water. The current study investigated the prevalence of pathogenic Escherichia coli strains and their antimicrobial resistance patterns in HRW tanks in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Rainwater samples were collected weekly between June and September 2016 from 11 tanks in various areas of the province. Enumeration of E. coli was performed using the Colilert®18/Quanti-Tray® 2000 method. E. coli isolates were obtained and screened for their virulence potentials using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and subsequently tested for antibiotic resistance using the disc-diffusion method against 11 antibiotics. The pathotype most detected was the neonatal meningitis E. coli (NMEC) (ibeA 28%) while pathotype enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) was not detected. The highest resistance of the E. coli isolates was observed against Cephalothin (76%). All tested pathotypes were susceptible to Gentamicin, and 52% demonstrated multiple-antibiotic resistance (MAR). The results of the current study are of public health concern since the use of untreated harvested rainwater for potable purposes may pose a risk of transmission of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant E. coli.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

AP-MOVPE growth and characterisation of GaSb/GaAs quantum dots

  • Authors: Tile, Ngcali
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Quantum theory , Quantum electronics Quantum dots Semiconductors
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36716 , vital:34047
  • Description: GaSb/GaAs quantum dots (QD) were grown by atmospheric pressure (AP) metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) using triethylgallium (TEGa), tertiarybutylarsine (tBAs) and trimethylantimony (TMSb) as gallium (Ga), arsenic (As) and (Sb) sources, respectively. The effect of AP-MOVPE growth parameters on the formation of GaSb QD structures on GaAs was studied. The formation of small, coherent GaSb dots on GaAs improved with decreasing V/III ratios, which were controlled through changing either the TMSb/TEGa ratio at a constant growth temperature or changing the growth temperature at a constant TMSb/TEGa ratio. The maximum effective V/III ratio for dot formation was 0.175. The dot density was more sensitive to growth time than to source mole fraction in the reactor, since time determines the amount of deposited material. The dot density increased with increasing growth time, while the shape and size of the dots were more sensitive to the source vapour mole fraction, which controls the growth rate. Lower mole fractions resulted in smaller sized dots with a more uniform distribution compared to higher mole fractions. Dome-shaped dots with densities as high as 4×1010 cm-2, average base length of 35 nm and average height of 5 nm were achieved. Capping of GaSb QDs at high temperatures caused flattening and the formation of a thin, inhomogeneous GaSb layer inside GaAs. No obvious QD photoluminescence (PL) peak was detected for these samples. A two stage process for capping the dots (involving growth of a low temperature GaAs cap, followed by a high temperature cap) led to the retention of the dot-like features in/on a wetting layer (WL) of GaSb and distinct PL peaks for both the QDs and WL. An increase in excitation power during PL measurements for this particular sample caused the QD and WL peaks to shift to higher energies. This is attributed to electrostatic band bending, leading to triangular potential wells, typical for type II band alignment between GaAs and strained GaSb. Variable temperature PL measurements showed the decrease in the intensity of the WL peak to be faster than that of the QD peak as the measurement temperature increased. A detailed high resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis was performed to study the morphology and chemical interaction between GaAs and GaSb regions for capped GaSb/GaAs QDs. The capped dots had dimensions similar to those of uncapped dots and had a higher concentration of Sb at their center, with the periphery being intermixed with GaAs. Measurement of lattice strain performed inside these dots revealed the strain to be distributed inhomogenously throughout the dot area. The effect of GaAs host matrix on excitonic behaviour in AP-MOVPE grown GaSb/GaAs quantum dots was investigated. Room temperature (RT) PL emission was achieved from a single layer of quantum dots by controlling the GaAs host matrix growth temperature. These samples were prepared using a GaSb dot growth temperature of 530 °C, followed by growth of a thin GaAs ‘cold’ cap, before depositing the final part of the GaAs capping layer at either 550 °C, 600 °C or 650 °C. PL measurements at 10 K revealed QD emission peaks for all the samples at around 1.1 eV. However, variable temperature PL revealed different thermal quenching rates of the emission, with the rates of quenching reduced with increasing GaAs growth temperature. This was ascribed to reduced defect densities in GaAs grown at higher temperature, which resulted in QD emission even at RT. This RT emission peaked at approximately 1 eV. The hole localisation energy determined for these samples at RT was approximately 470 meV.
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  • Date Issued: 2018
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