Budget Deficits, the Savings Gap and Current Account Deficits in the Southern African Development Community
- Authors: Kopeledi, Alyssa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Budget deficits -- South Africa Accounts current
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12392 , vital:39259
- Description: This study examines the validity of the triple deficit hypothesis for a selected number of SADC countries, utilising secondary annual data for the period 1996-2018. Based on previous studies and theory, current account deficit was chosen as the dependent variable and budget deficit and the savings gap as the independent variables. The study makes use of both first generation and second-generation unit root tests to examine the time series properties of the data. The empirical results show that the data is integrated of different orders. Kao, Pedroni and Westerlund cointegration tests were carried out to examine the long-term relationship between the variables of interest. The empirical results revealed that there is a long-term relationship between current account deficit, budget deficit s and the savings gap. The long-run model under the Autoregressive Distributed Lag test revealed that, a positive and significant relationship exists between budget deficit and current account deficit at a significance level of 10% and a negative and insignificant relationship exists between savings gap and current account deficit in the long run. This suggests that an improvement in the current account balance in SADC countries requires fiscal stringency
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“A criminological study on the effectiveness of Environmental Design towards crime prevention: A case study of Thohoyandou Central Business District under Thulamela Local Municipality in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
- Authors: Muvhango, Khathutshelo Moses
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Crime prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18209 , vital:42242
- Description: The main aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of Environmental Design as method of Crime Prevention. It was carried out in Thohoyandou Central Business District under Thulamela Local Municipality in Vhembe District in Limpopo Province. The qualitative research approach, with non-probability sampling methods, was used in this study. Semi-structured interviews were used as data collection instruments in this study. The study employed thematic data analysis method to generate the findings from the data collected. In this study the researcher used the situational crime theory and the crime pattern theory. The study revealed many challenges hindering the effectiveness of Environmental Design as crime prevention method in Thulamela Local Municipality. The researcher discovered that most of the people are ignorant of where surveillance systems can be found. The study further concludes that though security/help was near, there was need for more police officers within the CBD of Thohoyandou. The areas also need more police posts, bumps and police patrols. Unnecessary security features hinder movement and relaxation.
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A phenomenological study on the experiences of adults, in Nongoma KwaZulu Natal who headed households in their childhood
- Authors: Buthelezi, Nondumiso
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Orphanages Households
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17652 , vital:41132
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of adults who headed households in their childhood. The phenomenon of child-headed households is intricate and multidimensional. Not only does it have implications on the family system, it also impacts on the community and has insightful consequences for the welfare of children, as well as the realisation of their rights. The rationale for the study was to explore the phenomena of child-headed households from a reflective perspective, from previous child headers of households. In order to carry out this aim, the researcher utilised the systems theory, kinship theory, as well as the African philosophy of Ubuntu to anchor the study. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used as a qualitative research methodology in this study. Data was generated through in-depth semi-structured interviews with the four purposively selected participants. The interviews with the participants were recorded and further transcribed verbatim. The IPA data analysis, as set out by Jonathan Smith, was applied manually to the transcribed extracts. The findings of the study indicated that headers of child households face challenges related to psychological well-being, emotional well-being as well as educational difficulties. It is recommended that government strengthen policies that will support and protect children who are heading families
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An explanatory study on perceptions of factors influencing muthi killings in Butterworth, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Belu, Sinovuyo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Murder
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16386 , vital:40715
- Description: This study is premised on explaining perceptions of Nkcunkcuzo and Tholenicommunity members towards factors influencing muthi killings in Butterworth, Eastern Cape (E.C.). The villagers of the two selected areas have recently experienced number of incidents. It is against this background that this study sought to establish the explanations by soliciting direct experiences of community members on incidences of muthi killings.A plethora of research projects have been previously conducted to understand this phenomenon with the Criminal Justice System (CJS) having its own perspective regarding the muthi killings. However, the researcher deemed it imperative to have explanations of community members’ perceptions of the related factors thereof. The objectives that guided this study mainly included: (1) to establish the explanations of Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo community members on the factors that influence muthi murders, (2) to determine why people in Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo commit muthi murders and (3) to illustrate the medus operandi of muthi murderers in Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo. The qualitative research methodology was employed in the study. Purposive sampling was used in the selection of selected participants and respondents of this study and data was collected through self-administered questionnaires and conducted interviews by the researcher. This study established that it is rich people and politicians who are most probably reasons for incidents of muthi murders in Etholeni and in Nkcunkcuzo. Business people want to accumulate their wealth and get rich using muthi. The belief behind this is that when muthi is mixed with human body parts it is bound to be strong eventually attracting more people (customers) to the businesses owned by these people. Ultimately this leads to profit accumulation. On the other hand, the involvement of politicians in the incidents of muthi killings is mainly associated with maintaining political power by remaining as centres of preference to the community members. The participants have echoed the same sentiments on the factors that influence muthi murders in Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo villages, Butterworth in the Eastern Cape. vi Finally, this study recommended as follows: The Etholeni and Nkcunkcuzo community leaders must work hand in hand with the government to establish centres where children, older persons and people with disabilities, particularly those who are without people to protect them, can be institutionalised in order to guarantee their safety; The chiefs of Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzomust collaborate with the social service professionals in order to address the issues of mistrust among community members through community development programs; The community policing forums of Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo must be capacitated and their knowledge strengthened by the criminal justice agencies on muthi murders to avoid confusion about muthi murders with other different types of murders; The government of South Africa must formulate an elementary social curriculum on muthi killings in order to educate the villagers on the muthi killings from a criminal justice point of view; The legislative framework must be reviewed in order to impose harsher sentences to the muthi murderers and the accomplices thereof; There must be social welfare organizations in Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo villages in order to take care of those children that have lost their care-givers due to muthi killings; The traditional leaders of Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo must formulate a charter for community norms and standards to circumvent the use and selling of drugs in the concerned communities/villages. More research projects must be funded in order to get a full understanding of the causes of muthi killings and to provide a word of scientific reason to the criminal justice system, particularly as it relates to muthi killings in South Africa. Key words: Muthi, Muthi murders/killings, rituals, Modus Operandi (MO), Victims
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Financial liberalization and financial instability in the selected SADC member countries
- Authors: Cele, Nolungelo Mercy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Finance Financial crises Finance -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8978 , vital:34179
- Description: The study examined the impact of financial liberalization on financial instability in selected SADC member countries namely South Africa, Tanzania, Madagascar and Botswana for the period 1970-2012. The Panel data methodology was adopted to establish the relationship between the two variables. Impaired loans were used to capture financial instability and financial reforms to capture the level of financial liberalization. Credit to the private sector, government expenditure, GDP and inflation were utilised as control variables The empirical findings reveal that financial liberalization leads to financial instability. The financial reforms were found to be positively related with the impaired loans ratio in almost all the specifications. It was also found that financial instability intensifies when the global financial crisis is taken into consideration. This suggests that financial liberalization can therefore be another source of financial instability in the SADC countries. The empirical results imply that policy makers should focus on reforms that give due share to the regulations rather than just simply liberalizing the financial sector.
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An exploration of curriculum reforms in public schools in the Eastern Cape Province : a case study of Umtata District (1994-2014)
- Authors: Daniel, Nokonwaba
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Curriculum change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9132 , vital:34271
- Description: This research explores the effectiveness of curriculum reforms in Public schools in the Eastern Cape Province with specific reference to a case study of Umtata District (1994- 2014). The study was accomplished using the qualitative research method in which the views of 20 participants comprising of principals and teachers were explored about: How effective are the curriculum changes brought about by the democratic system of government in the South African education system? Which factors are limiting the effectiveness of the implementation of curriculum reforms in the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province? What are the effects of curriculum reforms on the performance of the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province? Which strategies can the Eastern Cape Department of Education adopt to improve the effectiveness of the curriculum reforms in the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province? Findings that some of the curriculum changes brought about by the Democratic System of Government in the South African Education System were associated with review and change of the language used in education and learning, technology, computer education and data handling. From this analysis of the interview findings, it is evident that curriculum reviews and change not only influenced the change of language policy in the South African education system to support diversity and multiculturalism, but also new technologies and science in teaching and learning. Even though it was evident from the responses of most of the teachers that enormous successes have been achieved, it also emerged from the findings that there have also been challenges and impediments. It emerged from the analysis of the interview findings that some of the factors limiting the effectiveness of curriculum effectiveness in the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province are associated with lack of resources, lack of skills, lack of text books, poor review and modifications of the syllabus, and poor consultation and involvement of relevant stakeholders. However, findings still revealed that as much as there are some limitations, the curriculum reviews and change undertaken since the 1994 democratic dispensation significantly influenced the improvement of the performance of the contemporary South African public education system. The analysis of the interview findings revealed the effects of curriculum reforms on the performance of the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province to be associated with improved pass rates, improved performance in science and data handling, and improved responsiveness to changing needs and demands of the contemporary world. Considering the findings of this study, it is argued that the directors in the Eastern Cape Department of Education must evaluate the decision to apply the following strategies to influence improvement of the successful implementation of the curriculum. Such strategies would involve situational analysis, curriculum and syllabus development, investment in relevant key success factors (skills, technology & infrastructure), teaching and learning methods, and measuring and improving. Future studies can still explore and develop a framework for measuring and improving the implementation of curriculum reform.
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Contribution of home gardens to rural household income in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Alaka, Kolawole O
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Gardens Food security Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8176 , vital:31826
- Description: For decades, home gardens have proved to be significant to rural inhabitants by providing a wide range of useful products such as fruits, vegetables and medicine, but there is lack of quantitative information on its benefits and its contributions to income of rural household. The main objective of this study is to investigate contributions of home garden to income of rural household in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, formerly Nkonkobe Local Municipality of Eastern Cape Province South Africa. The stratified random sampling method was applied in order to choose a sample of 160 household that were interviewed by means of semi-structured questionnaires. The study was conducted among 80 households engaging in home gardens and 80 non- participating households in the study area. Frequencies and mean were used to describe the general characteristics of the households as well as ownership patterns of home gardens. In order to determine the factors that influence home gardens ownership binary logistic regression model was used. The overall model show that level of education, total household income and access to land significantly affects ownership of the home garden positively. Social grant has the highest contributions to total household income for both category while income generated from home garden has the second largest share to total household income, this show that the majority of rural households in the study area rely on social grant as their source of income. Cabbage, spinach, potatoes and carrots were the dominant crops in home gardens. In view of research findings, there is still a wide room for further improvement in home gardens practises in study area. Contrary to expectations, home gardens have the potential to improve livelihood significantly if the rural households take the necessary steps to make the production more sustainable. Based on research findings several policy proposals are suggested. These include investment in agricultural programmes that will empower the rural households like Massive food projects, Siyazondla and related home garden initiatives. Home garden is the major source of food and income generation in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. Therefore, government should provide sufficient credit facilities, extension services together with marketing arrangement in the area.
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Perceptions of adolescents regarding induced abortion in two public hospitals in East London, South Africa
- Authors: Sidloyi, Nozitulele
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Abortion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teenage pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teenagers -- Sexual behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4428 , vital:28339
- Description: Adolescent pregnancy is a concern worldwide and has risen at an alarming rate in South African societies. Many teenage pregnancies end up being aborted. Despite the availability of contraceptives free of charge in public institutions, unintended pregnancies among adolescents still persist. These unintended pregnancies result in a high rate of induced abortion, both safe and unsafe. The study was conducted to explore and describe the perceptions of adolescents regarding induced abortion in two public hospitals in East London, South Africa. This was a qualitative, phenomenological research study to explore the perceptions of adolescents regarding the induced abortion. Participants were purposively selected to participate in the study. Data were collected by means of individual interviews using interview guide in order to allow the participants to express their perceptions freely because of the sensitivity of the issue. Data were collected until saturation was reached. Saturation was reached after 24 participants were interviewed by the researcher. Data analysis used Tech’s (1990) steps as outlined by Creswell (2014:198). Themes, categories, and subcategories were identified following the data analysis. All adolescents admitted having consensual unprotected sex. Engagement in early sexual behaviour by the adolescents was evident as their sexual debut was between the ages of fifteen and sixteen years. Adolescents emphasised that they had abortions because they had no choice. Adolescents cited poor-socio economic status as their main reason for having abortions. Some findings were that adolescent men were against abortion and they had to be persuaded by their female counter parts. A recurrent factor in the results was the infrequent use of contraceptives, including condoms by the adolescents. This indicated that adolescents practised unsafe sex, with little or no regard for sexual transmitted diseases including Human Immune Deficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV and AIDS). The results also indicated poor treatment by the nursing staff at the family planning clinics. This poor treatment resulted in adolescents not attending family planning clinics. This led to adolescents using abortion as the only method of contraception. Shortage of staff was a contributing factor to the poor treatment of adolescents in the family planning clinics. Adolescents cited that contraception at the clinics is not prioritised. The participants suggested that they should be reminded when to come to the clinic for family planning. Perceptions of reasons for adolescents choosing induced abortion ranges from psychosocial to socio-economic reasons. The knowledge of participants of what was happening to them and what they were doing seemed adequate. The perceptions of the adolescents regarding induced abortion were that abortion is wrong, against their morals as they are Christians; they use abortion because they have no choice due to their poor socio-economic status. The strategies to reduce the unintended pregnancy through the proper management of the contraception programmes, including the change in negative attitudes of health care providers in the family planning clinics could yield positive results.
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The relationship between selected body composition components and self-efficacy among 12-14 year old rural adolescents in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Nkopo, Mandisi, S
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Child development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Children -- Growth Body composition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4536 , vital:28403
- Description: Body composition changes drastically in both males and females during the adolescent years. The changes may have a negative effect on their physical health as well as psychological well-being, with respect to attributes such as self-efficacy. Being either overweight or obese during adolescence has social, economic and psychological consequences, which include low self-efficacy. However, very few international studies and not a single South African study could be found which measured the relationship of anthropometric body composition components, general self-efficacy levels and actual measured body size among adolescents, particularly among rural adolescents. Consequently, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between anthropometric body composition components and self efficacy, by conducting a comparison of self-efficacy levels among normal, overweight and obese 12 to 14-year-old rural adolescents in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The sample consisted of boys (n=49) and girls (n=43) between the ages of 12 and 14 years. The body composition components were body weight, stature, body mass index, sum of 3 skinfolds, percentage body fat and hip-to-waist ratio. The sample was also classified into normal, overweight and obese groups, according to body mass index. A self-administered Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C) which was developed by Muris (2001) was used to measure general self-efficacy. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, the Pearson correlation matrix and Cohen's effect size for significance (Cohen, 1992) and a Mann-Whitney U Test was used to determine statistical differences. Significance was set at p<0.05. Only 17 percent of the participants in the research sample were found to be overweight or obese. Only emotional self-efficacy showed significant (p=0.02) differences between the participants who were classified as having normal weights and the group which comprised the overweight and the obese groups. Overweight and obese boys and girls still had very high levels of self-efficacy, although their body mass index scores were high. Boys scored higher in social self-efficacy and girls in academic self-efficacy. Only girls presented significantly high correlations between body mass index and emotional self-efficacy (r=0.33, p=0.02), total self-efficacy and hip-to-waist ratio (r=0.44, p=0.00), social self-efficacy and hip-towaist ratio (r=0.39, p=0.01) and emotional self-efficacy and hip-to-waist ratio (r=0.33, p=0.02), while boys presented them only with respect to body weight (r=0.31, p=0.02) and stature (r=0.39, p=0.00). The results suggest that a positive relationship exists between body composition, in terms of hip-to-waist ratio, weight and stature, and self-efficacy among South African rural adolescents. However, girls presented significantly strong and positive correlations between hip-to-waist ratio and self-efficacy, whereas boys presented significant, strong and positive correlations between body weight, stature and self-efficacy. Only emotional self-efficacy showed significant differences between normal weight and overweight or obese South African rural adolescents. It seems likely that cultural beliefs may exert an influence on the psychosocial perceptions of adolescents in relation to body size, consequently affecting self efficacy levels.
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An analysis of the South African common law defence of moderate and reasonable child chastisement
- Authors: Maqhosha, Noluthando
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Common law Corporal punishment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5447 , vital:29248
- Description: The study sought to analyse the South African common law defence of moderate and reasonable child chastisement. Regarded by those with religious and cultural beliefs as a way of instilling child discipline, child chastisement has been a centre of contestation in recent years. Constitutionally, children have rights to care, dignity and protection. Thus, child chastisement infringes upon these rights. However, regardless of its intentions, child chastisement has an effect of inflicting pain onto its victims thereby infringing on their rights to human dignity, equality and protection. It can also lead to unintended consequences such as injury or death to its victims. Subjecting children to this cruel, inhuman and degrading action affects the development of children and sometimes haunts them at a later stage in life. In addition, child chastisement lacks the measure of determining whether it is moderate or severe, thereby making it prone to abuse or misuse. The study used a qualitative research paradigm, where data was collected from existing documents and analysed towards understanding child chastisement and finding sustainable ways of improving child welfare in the home or in society. The study also analysed the legal framework on child welfare and chastisement globally, regionally and locally. Instruments such as the UNCRC, ACRWC and the UDHR have a clear stance abolishing child chastisement. The study established that, despite the existence of global instruments promoting child care and protection, the common law defence of corporal punishment in the home and society remains a loophole that needs closing and enactment of laws that outlaws it completely.
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An analysis of the South African common law defence of moderate and reasonable child chastisement
- Authors: Maqhosha, Noluthando
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Common law Common law -- South Africa -- Cases Corporal punishment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (Human Rights)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2556 , vital:27894
- Description: The study sought to analyse the South African common law defence of moderate and reasonable child chastisement. Regarded by those with religious and cultural beliefs as a way of instilling child discipline, child chastisement has been a centre of contestation in recent years. Constitutionally, children have rights to care, dignity and protection. Thus, child chastisement infringes upon these rights. However, regardless of its intentions, child chastisement has an effect of inflicting pain onto its victims thereby infringing on their rights to human dignity, equality and protection. It can also lead to unintended consequences such as injury or death to its victims. Subjecting children to this cruel, inhuman and degrading action affects the development of children and sometimes haunts them at a later stage in life. In addition, child chastisement lacks the measure of determining whether it is moderate or severe, thereby making it prone to abuse or misuse. The study used a qualitative research paradigm, where data was collected from existing documents and analysed towards understanding child chastisement and finding sustainable ways of improving child welfare in the home or in society. The study also analysed the legal framework on child welfare and chastisement globally, regionally and locally. Instruments such as the UNCRC, ACRWC and the UDHR have a clear stance abolishing child chastisement. The study established that, despite the existence of global instruments promoting child care and protection, the common law defence of corporal punishment in the home and society remains a loophole that needs closing and enactment of laws that outlaws it completely.
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Bush encroachment in the semi-arid communal grazing lands of Eastern Cape and farmer's perception of causes and livelihood impacts
- Authors: Libala, Notiswa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Communal rangelands--South Africa--Eastern Cape Grazing--South Africa--Eastern Cape egetation management--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Pasture Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11817 , vital:39109
- Description: The study was conducted in two communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape Province (Thorn and Mixed bush veld). The objective of the study was to investigate 1) the historical trends of bush encroachment, causes and impacts based on indigenous knowledge and perceptions of the communal people in two savannah vegetation types and 2) to determine the density and cover of woody species in the grazing areas. In each veld type, two villages were selected purposefully. A total of 120 households who own livestock were randomly selected from the four communal areas and a total of 48 elders were selected to provide information on bush encroachment and rangeland condition. For woody density and cover, grazing areas surrounding two homesteads (settlements) were selected from each communal rangeland, Two long transects radiating in the opposite direction from each homestead were established. The woody vegetation survey was conducted at 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 and 900m distance from each homestead. In each distance, 3 (10 m x 10 m) quadrates were laid to record individual woody plant species, the height, basal stem and canopy diameters. Woody species were classified into seedlings (>0 - 1 m), saplings (>1 - 1.5 m), young shrubs (>1.5 - 2.0 m), mature shrubs (>2 - 3.0 m) and mature trees (>3.0 m). The average household size in of goat was higher than that of other livestock species. A total of 40 woody plant species were identified in all study areas. Acacia karoo, Coddia rudis and Scutia myrtina were the most dominant woody species in all study areas. Most of the woody plant species had the highest abundance in the height class >0 - 1 m. The average total woody plant density in Thorn bush and Mixed bush were 3461 and 2416 number ha-1, respectively. In conclusion both study areas were highly encroached and it was also perceived by elder from both areas that bush encroachment is a problem in the rangelands.
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Film as an agent of cultural transmission : a study of Nollywood films
- Authors: Onyenankeya, Oluwayemisi Mary
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Video recordings--Social aspects--Nigeria Motion pictures--Africa, West Digital video--Production and direction--Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Communication
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11685 , vital:39096
- Description: The popularity and viewership of Nollywood films have expanded across African countries as well as European and American cities especially those with considerable Diaspora population. This appears to underscore the assumption that Nollywood films not only project or transmit the embedded Nigerian cultural values to audience members but also actually make appreciable impression on those audience members. This study sought to ascertain the role of Nollywood film in the transference of Nigerian cultural heritage across other cultures using students at the University of Fort Hare as a case study. This study sought to determine if audience members learn, imbibe or manifest any behavioural tendencies that can be ascribed to the influence of watching Nollywood films. Specifically the study sought to establish the aspect of Nigerian culture that Nollywood films transmit to audience members. The survey research method was used while data was analysed using descriptive statistics. In all, 400 questionnaires were distributed while 370 were returned. Results show that students who were exposed to Nollywood film could mimic some common Nigerian expressions and exclamations. A small percentage of viewers could actually speak a smattering of some Nigerian language while a few have bought or made dresses in the pattern of what they saw in the films. It could be concluded that Nollywood films do exert significant influence on the viewers in the University of Fort Hare.
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A critical analysis of the implementation of essential service clause of labour relations act by unions : a case study of the Eastern Cape administration
- Authors: Nokele, Thobile Dumile
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation--South Africa Contracting out--Law and legislation--South Africa Labor unions--Law and legislation--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17349 , vital:40958
- Description: Strikes are prohibited in essential services workplace yet they take place on a regular basis. There seems to be no way to curb strikes despite the fact that they should not be happening at all in the essential services as they are designated as such. The rationale behind the prohibition of strikes in essential services is that the communities are adversely affected as they are dependent on these services. Whilst the constitution of the land grants the right to strike, it also limits the right to strike to the designated workplaces which are essential to the communities. The reason to limit the right to strike in these work places is to ensure that the people do not experience hardship during the strike action. However the opposite happens as the people always suffer whenever a general strike takes place. They would be denied access to public hospitals and receive no medication as there would be no one attending them. The strikes in municipality would mean no clear water and electricity for the people. The Labour Relations Act is also clear on the essential services. The question then is why are the strikes allowed to take place in essential services. Why the law is not implemented to ensure that people have access to their constitutional right to service? The other question would be what is done to address the strike in essential services especially with labour organizations which should be aware of the implications in terms of legislation. The research therefore focuses on strikes in essential service and the hardship that caused especially to the poor who are dependent on these services. The literature shows that the constitution read with Labour Relations Act has laid down the framework to the deal with conflict in essential services as well as structures for engagement. Some findings from the research indicate that the workers do not understand the implications of strikes in essential services as well as for the communities. The recommendation would be to work-shop the workers on the implications of strikes in essential services as well as especial arrangements applicable.
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Exploration of indigenous knowledge and practices of the relatives of mental health care users regarding management of mental disorders in Malawi
- Authors: Kavalo, Yasinta
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11933 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021333 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020173
- Description: Exploration of indigenous knowledge and practices of the relatives of mental health care users regarding the management of mental disorders. This study was conducted to explore the management of mental disorders amongst the indigenous people of the Dedza District in Malawi. The government of Malawi declared public mental health services to be free of charge, as a strategy to reduce the burden of disease to the country. Yet despite the free health care services, the indigenous people of Malawi did not take advantage of these free mental health care services, as they regarded them to be culturally incongruent. Instead they used traditional healing systems for mental disorders and consulted the Western health systems only when the traditional systems had failed, the mental health condition had become worse and the mental health care user had become unmanageable. This study was then conducted to explore what the Malawians regarded as culturally sensitive public mental health services. Method: A qualitative phenomenological research approach was adopted to explore the views of the relatives of mental health care users about culturally sensitive public mental health care services. A purposeful sampling method was used to select information rich participants amongst the relatives of mental health care users of indigenous Malawian origin. An unstructured interview guide was used to gather data through face to face interviews. Saturation of data was reached after interviewing fifteen (15) relatives. The verbatim transcribed data from the participants were content analyzed to identify the themes, categories and subcategories. Themes that emerged were: community beliefs; perceived causes, delayed decision making and health system factors. viii Findings: The community beliefs about the management of mental disorders were on traditional and religious health systems. The traditional healers were consulted in cases where mental illness was believed to be caused by witchcraft and spiritual healers were consulted where mental illness was believed to be caused by ancestral wrath. Even such consultations were delayed as the decisions on the type of healer to be used to manage the mental health care user, had to come from the extended family members. These processes took place during the acute phase of the mental illness and thus explain the delays in consulting with the Western mental health care systems. Such delays had a potential to contribute to the chronicity and the related complications of the illness. The Western health care services were only consulted when the indigenous healing systems were unsuccessful. Yet even the western healing systems were not the best option due to the negative and disrespectful attitudes of health care professionals, the impersonal nature of services, the use of foreign language and delays in service delivery. The recommendations were that the results of this study should be used as guidelines to develop strategies for culturally congruent mental health care services to the indigenous Malawians as the development of the strategies was beyond the scope of this study. The focus of the guidelines to ensure the development of evidence-based nursing practices in rendering culturally congruent mental health services to the indigenous Malawians. Firstly, there should be an integration of both the Western and the traditional healing systems to ensure a holistic patient centered approach to the care of the indigenous people of Malawi; secondly to use the nursing process phases, starting with the assessment, the formulation of the nursing diagnosis, the expected outcomes, the development and implementation of the nursing interventions and the discharge ix plans to incorporate the belief systems of the indigenous Malawians as identified in this study.
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The interaction between the stock market and macroeconomic variables in South Africa
- Authors: Ntshangase, Khanyisa
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11491 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018271
- Description: This study investigates the interaction between stock market and macroeconomic variables in South Africa. Apart from the stock market being a channel to raise capital, another important role of the stock market is to provide correct valuation of stocks and promote efficient allocation of capital. This is important given the great need of investment capital in a country such as South Africa. Utilising quarterly data for the period from 1994 to 2012, the study employs the Johansen cointegration test and the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to analyse the relationship between these important variables due to the simultaneous nature of the relationship between the variables. Empirical results indicate that all the variables have a significant relationship with the stock market. The findings in this study suggest that it is important to achieve macroeconomic equilibrium in South Africa because any disequilibrium in macroeconomics feeds into the stock market and it is likely to affect investor decision making and hence access to capital by companies listed on the stock exchange.
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Building a semantic web-based e-health component for a multipurpose communication centre
- Authors: Hlungulu, Bulumko
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet in medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Telecommunication in medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Health -- Computer network resources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11380 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/374 , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet in medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Telecommunication in medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Health -- Computer network resources
- Description: Rural communities have limited access to health information which is made available on the internet. This is due to poor infrastructure (i.e., lack of clinics or Internet access) and that gives them problems in accessing information within the domain of health. The availability of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in a rural community can provide the community with a number of beneficial solutions to their problems as they maximize the potential of knowledge sharing and delivery. This research seeks to make use of ICTs deployed in the community of Dwesa, in order to contribute to improving the health standards of the community. It seeks to accomplish this by carrying out an investigation and literature review with the aim of understanding health knowledge sharing dynamics in the context of marginalized communities. The knowledge acquired will then be used in the development and implementation of a semantic web-based e-Health portal as part of the Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL) project. This portal will share and deliver western medical knowledge, traditional knowledge and indigenous knowledge. This research seeks to make use of a combination of Free and/or Open Sources Software in developing the portal to make it affordable to the community.
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The impact of exchange rate volatility on manufacturing production : a case study of South Africa
- Authors: Dube, Ziphozethu
- Date: 20
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa Manufacturing industries -- South Africa Industrial productivity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8294 , vital:32193
- Description: The study examined the impact of exchange rate volatility on manufacturing production for the period of 1994 - 2015 in South Africa. The study evaluated the literature on exchange rate volatility and manufacturing production which was conducted and resulted into specification of an empirical model. The Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) was employed towards deducing the relationship of exchange rate volatility and manufacturing production. This study made use of monthly data to examine the relationship of exchange rate volatility and manufacturing production. However, the data frequency selected, ensured an adequate number of observations and results revealed that exchange rate volatility has a negative relationship with manufacturing production in the long run, nonetheless considering South Africa as an export economy the results were consistent with Ayinde (2014) who found that this relationship is seen to exist. A positive relationship was noted within the short run period. The unstable business environment in South Africa has been worsened by the political climate and unstable policies that has a ripple effect. Due to this aspect the study recommended the need for stabilizer policies for monetary, fiscal, trade and exchange rate management. The government should properly manage the exchange rate and design suitable policies that will reduce the deviation of the exchange rate thereby encourage production. Exchange rate stability is viewed to be key for export-oriented manufacturing sectors in a macroeconomic environment. The South African economy has felt such heaviness of political unrest and polices that do not result in stability. It would be key for policymakers to be vigilant and implement such measures to get the economy ticking in the right direction.
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