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
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015355
- 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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- Date Issued: 2014
Preparation and characterisation of nanocomposites of biomass and montmorillonite clay for use as biofuels
- Authors: Nyamutswa, Lavern Tendayi
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11345 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019779
- Description: The aim of the study was to prepare composites of clay and biomass which burn longer than unmodified biomass. Montmorillonite clay was converted to mono-ionic clay by ion exchange with sodium using sodium chloride solution. The mono-ionic clay was organically modified with an organic surfactant, methyl triphenyl phosphonium bromide. Nanocomposites were then prepared by combining the modified forms of the clay with sawdust. The three forms of clay used for the formation of composites were unmodified montmorillonite, mono-ionic montmorillonite and organically modified montmorillonite. The solution blending method was used to make the nanocomposites. FT-IR and XRD analysis showed that organic surfactant increases the interlayer space of the clay since it is bulkier than the inorganic cations that are naturally present in the interlayer space of montmorillonite. The combination of clay and sawdust resulted in the formation of exfoliated nanocomposites as shown by the absence of peaks in the low 2 theta angle in the x-ray diffraction data of the nanocomposite. The nanocomposite which was made from sawdust and 1% organically modified clay showed the best results in terms of burning time and thermal stability, as well as giving a calorific value closest to unmodified sawdust and the least amount of residue.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The effect of real exchange rate volatility on export performance: evidence from South Africa (2000-2011)
- Authors: Chamunorwa, Wilson
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11499 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018600 , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa
- Description: The effect of real exchange rate volatility on export performance: evidence from South Africa (2000-2011) This study sought to investigate the relationship between exchange rate volatility and export performance in South Africa. The main objective of the study was to examine the impact of exchange rate volatility on export performance in South Africa. This relationship was examined using GARCH methods. Exports were regressed against real effective exchange rate, trade openness and capacity utilisation. The research aimed to establish whether exchange rate volatility impacts negatively on export performance in the manner suggested by the econometric model. The result obtained showed that exchange rate volatility had a significantly negative effect on South African exports in the period 2000-2011.
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- Date Issued: 2014
An appraisal of Human Resource Management Practices in the Ministry of Public Service, Central Equatoria State, South Sudan
- Authors: Maka, Mustafa Fataki Kila
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11705 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015203
- Description: The primary objective was to assess Human Resource Management Practices in the Ministry of Public Service, Central Equatoria State-South Sudan. The objectives of the study were: Identify the key Practices used by the Ministry of Public Service in human resources management in Central Equatoria State. It also sought to establish the challenges faced by the Ministry of Public Service in human resources management practices in Central Equatoria State and to identify employees‟ perceptions on human resources management practices in Ministry of the Public Service in Central Equatoria State and lastly, to determine how and to what extent the Ministry of the Public Service can further improve on human resources management practices in Central Equatoria State. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methodology of data collection. Interviews and questionnaires were used as qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection respectively. The study used twenty five (25) respondents starting from Director General, Department of Administration and Finance, Department of General List of Clerks, Department of Establishments, Department of Pensions, Department of Budgets, and Department of Labour. The results revealed that; the human resource management practices by Ministry of Public Service in Central Equatoria State in the different departments need to ensure efficient and effective human resource management practices reforms, and the recommendations were put forward to assist the public civil servants in different human resource departments in the State.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Implementing Supply Chain Management: a case study of the Department of Roads and Public Works - Eastern Cape 2010-2012
- Authors: Dlova, Vukile
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11682 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013549
- Description: Supply Chain Management was introduced in 2003 to government departments, municipalities and public entities as means of transforming public sector procurement practices. In some public institutions compliance with the regulatory framework has been limited to mere establishment of Supply Chain Management Units. Some of these units are not compliant with the National Treasury guidelines and are not properly staffed with personnel with the required skills and qualifications. Staff employed in Supply Chain Management units are either not provided with the required training in order to fulfill their employment obligations or do not see self-development in Supply Chain Management as of great importance. Supply Chain Management Policies do not evolve from within the institutions but more copies of the guidelines provided by the National Treasury. Staff do not get involved in policy development processes. This is a non-conclusive case study of the Eastern Cape Department of Roads of Public Works which is aimed at establishing the extent the department has complied with prescribed guidelines pertaining to establishment of Supply Chain Management, training of personnel and the development of policies and procedures on Supply Chain Management.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Role of women in achieving food security in South Africa: a case of rural Mbashe Local Municipality
- Authors: Mgwali, N N
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Women in rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women in agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11200 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007486 , Women in rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women in agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Description: This dissertation has attempted to investigate the involvement of women in rural areas ofthe Mbashe local municipality. This was investigated to find out if the government foodse curity programs in rural areas have been designed to address the issue of women empowerment in irrigated farming, how involved women are in terms of farm decision making and management. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic parameters, Irrigation and water use information, production information and market and marketing information. A total of 69 structured questionnaires were administered to identify gender roles in irrigated farming with special emphasis to the roles played by women in farm decision making and management in Ngxakaxha Administrative Area of Mbashe local municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Own food production has been found to be the main food acquisition strategy in rural areas; people involved in it farm for their own consumption and then sell the remaining produce. About 80 % of the farmers practise irrigated agriculture with or without the use of a formal irrigation system provided and managed by government departments. Descriptive statistics were generated using the Statistical Package for Social sciences (SPSS). Subsequently, the data were subjected to inferential analysis using the binomial logistic regression model. The perceptions influencing the predictor variable were defined and tested using the binomial logistic regression model. The statistically significant independent variables, at the level 5% significant level are as follows; area and the number of years in farming. At the 10% significant level; the total number of bags sold and the total amount received (revenue). Basically the area is negatively correlated with irrigation and own production in rural areas. The household head is the one that determines household own production. The number of years involvement in farming determine their experience in farming and the amount of yield he / she will get. Major constraints to sustainable irrigation, as revealed by the analysis, were lack of funding for the projects in terms of an rrigation system, lack of a source of water, lack of new information and workshops. Women were found to be fully involved in irrigated farming nowadays, but training is needed for both men and women in rural areas for their production and irrigation to be sustainable over time. It has been concluded that there are programmes which have been designed and are driven by the women and a number of these programmes are also addressing the issues of gender equality in rural areas.
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- Date Issued: 2013