Job characteristics and organisational citizenship behaviour among employees in a previously disadvantaged South African university
- Authors: Yawethe, Thozama
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Organizational behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18952 , vital:43002
- Description: This study examined job characteristics and organisational citizenship behaviour among employees in a previously disadvantaged South African University. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 149 randomly selected participants. A 5-point Likert scale job characteristics survey by Hackman and Oldham (1975) was used to measure job characteristics while, a 5-point Likert scale by Lee and Allen (2002) on organisational citizenship behaviour was used to measure employee’s organisational citizenship behaviour. Different statistical techniques such as Spearman rho correlation technique and Regression analysis were used to analyse data. The results showed that task significance, skills variety, autonomy and feedback are significantly positively related to organisational citizenship behaviour. There was a non-significant negative relationship between task identity and organisational citizenship behaviour. A combination of two or more job characteristics dimensions were found to report a higher proportion of variance in organisational citizenship behaviour than any one job characteristic separately. The study, thus, recommends that managers must design employees’ jobs or tasks that are more meaningful to stimulate the display of organisational citizenship behaviour. Initiatives that stimulate the use of a variety of skills, promotes feedback, promote task significance and autonomy were suggested as solutions to stimulate the display of OCB. The prevalence of such dimensions on one’s job increase motivation and satisfaction therefore contributing positively towards organisational citizenship behaviour.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Yawethe, Thozama
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Organizational behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18952 , vital:43002
- Description: This study examined job characteristics and organisational citizenship behaviour among employees in a previously disadvantaged South African University. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 149 randomly selected participants. A 5-point Likert scale job characteristics survey by Hackman and Oldham (1975) was used to measure job characteristics while, a 5-point Likert scale by Lee and Allen (2002) on organisational citizenship behaviour was used to measure employee’s organisational citizenship behaviour. Different statistical techniques such as Spearman rho correlation technique and Regression analysis were used to analyse data. The results showed that task significance, skills variety, autonomy and feedback are significantly positively related to organisational citizenship behaviour. There was a non-significant negative relationship between task identity and organisational citizenship behaviour. A combination of two or more job characteristics dimensions were found to report a higher proportion of variance in organisational citizenship behaviour than any one job characteristic separately. The study, thus, recommends that managers must design employees’ jobs or tasks that are more meaningful to stimulate the display of organisational citizenship behaviour. Initiatives that stimulate the use of a variety of skills, promotes feedback, promote task significance and autonomy were suggested as solutions to stimulate the display of OCB. The prevalence of such dimensions on one’s job increase motivation and satisfaction therefore contributing positively towards organisational citizenship behaviour.
- Full Text:
A Model for Intrusion Detection in IoT using Machine Learning
- Authors: Nkala, Junior Ruddy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Internet of things
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science )
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17180 , vital:40863
- Description: The Internet of Things is an open and comprehensive global network of intelligent objects that have the capacity to auto-organize, share information, data and resources. There are currently over a billion devices connected to the Internet, and this number increases by the day. While these devices make our life easier, safer and healthier, they are expanding the number of attack targets vulnerable to cyber-attacks from potential hackers and malicious software. Therefore, protecting these devices from adversaries and unauthorized access and modification is very important. The purpose of this study is to develop a secure lightweight intrusion and anomaly detection model for IoT to help detect threats in the environment. We propose the use of data mining and machine learning algorithms as a classification technique for detecting abnormal or malicious traffic transmitted between devices due to potential attacks such as DoS, Man-In-Middle and Flooding attacks at the application level. This study makes use of two robust machine learning algorithms, namely the C4.5 Decision Trees and K-means clustering to develop an anomaly detection model. MATLAB Math Simulator was used for implementation. The study conducts a series of experiments in detecting abnormal data and normal data in a dataset that contains gas concentration readings from a number of sensors deployed in an Italian city over a year. Thereafter we examined the classification performance in terms of accuracy of our proposed anomaly detection model. Results drawn from the experiments conducted indicate that the size of the training sample improves classification ability of the proposed model. Our findings noted that the choice of discretization algorithm does matter in the quest for optimal classification performance. The proposed model proved accurate in detecting anomalies in IoT, and classifying between normal and abnormal data. The proposed model has a classification accuracy of 96.51% which proved to be higher compared to other algorithms such as the Naïve Bayes. The model proved to be lightweight and efficient in-terms of being faster at training and testing as compared to Artificial Neural Networks. The conclusions drawn from this research are a perspective from a novice machine learning researcher with valuable recommendations that ensure optimal classification of normal and abnormal IoT data.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nkala, Junior Ruddy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Internet of things
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science )
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17180 , vital:40863
- Description: The Internet of Things is an open and comprehensive global network of intelligent objects that have the capacity to auto-organize, share information, data and resources. There are currently over a billion devices connected to the Internet, and this number increases by the day. While these devices make our life easier, safer and healthier, they are expanding the number of attack targets vulnerable to cyber-attacks from potential hackers and malicious software. Therefore, protecting these devices from adversaries and unauthorized access and modification is very important. The purpose of this study is to develop a secure lightweight intrusion and anomaly detection model for IoT to help detect threats in the environment. We propose the use of data mining and machine learning algorithms as a classification technique for detecting abnormal or malicious traffic transmitted between devices due to potential attacks such as DoS, Man-In-Middle and Flooding attacks at the application level. This study makes use of two robust machine learning algorithms, namely the C4.5 Decision Trees and K-means clustering to develop an anomaly detection model. MATLAB Math Simulator was used for implementation. The study conducts a series of experiments in detecting abnormal data and normal data in a dataset that contains gas concentration readings from a number of sensors deployed in an Italian city over a year. Thereafter we examined the classification performance in terms of accuracy of our proposed anomaly detection model. Results drawn from the experiments conducted indicate that the size of the training sample improves classification ability of the proposed model. Our findings noted that the choice of discretization algorithm does matter in the quest for optimal classification performance. The proposed model proved accurate in detecting anomalies in IoT, and classifying between normal and abnormal data. The proposed model has a classification accuracy of 96.51% which proved to be higher compared to other algorithms such as the Naïve Bayes. The model proved to be lightweight and efficient in-terms of being faster at training and testing as compared to Artificial Neural Networks. The conclusions drawn from this research are a perspective from a novice machine learning researcher with valuable recommendations that ensure optimal classification of normal and abnormal IoT data.
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An investigation of Raymond Mhlaba municipality indigent policy on water service delivery: a case study of free basic water policy (FBWP) in selected areas of Golf Course and Bhofolo.
- Authors: Ncube, Mary Silibaziso
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Community development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Development Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16974 , vital:40799
- Description: The study was looking at the Free Basic Water policy (FBWP) in the Eastern Cape which was introduced in July 2001 in South Africa. FBWP was introduced to all provinces, however people living in rural areas, poor areas and villages are still suffering from lack of clean and safe drinking water. People lack adequate supplies of water and this creates conditions under which the diseases thrive. The researcher used mixed research methodology which comprises of qualitative (interview) and quantitative (questionnaire) approaches. The reason for the use of mixed methodology was to get adequate information both from the municipality (the provider of water) and the residents (the receivers of the services provided by the municipality) in order to assess how the unreliable water provision affect residents and the challenges being faced by the municipality in providing water. The findings of the study are that both people under Golf course and Bhofolo have little knowledge about FBW and most of the residents are unable to pay their water bills. Residents in the two research areas suffer from medical problems due to unreliable water provision. The study is therefore, of view that South Africa needs to prioritise improvement of access to water in rural areas, poor areas and villages. There is a need to educate people about FBW and on how to save water.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ncube, Mary Silibaziso
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Community development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Development Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16974 , vital:40799
- Description: The study was looking at the Free Basic Water policy (FBWP) in the Eastern Cape which was introduced in July 2001 in South Africa. FBWP was introduced to all provinces, however people living in rural areas, poor areas and villages are still suffering from lack of clean and safe drinking water. People lack adequate supplies of water and this creates conditions under which the diseases thrive. The researcher used mixed research methodology which comprises of qualitative (interview) and quantitative (questionnaire) approaches. The reason for the use of mixed methodology was to get adequate information both from the municipality (the provider of water) and the residents (the receivers of the services provided by the municipality) in order to assess how the unreliable water provision affect residents and the challenges being faced by the municipality in providing water. The findings of the study are that both people under Golf course and Bhofolo have little knowledge about FBW and most of the residents are unable to pay their water bills. Residents in the two research areas suffer from medical problems due to unreliable water provision. The study is therefore, of view that South Africa needs to prioritise improvement of access to water in rural areas, poor areas and villages. There is a need to educate people about FBW and on how to save water.
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The state and local government joint account system and performance of local government councils in Nigeria: a case study of Awgu local council of Enugu state (1999-2016)
- Authors: Okafor, Chukwuemeka
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Local finance --Nigeria Local government-- Nigeria Intergovernmental fiscal relations|
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13917 , vital:39727
- Description: The State and Local Government Joint Account system was introduced in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with the basic aim of pooling all the financial allocations due to the various local government councils from the Federation Account for onward distribution by the states to the local councils. This is to ensure that the state governments effectively control and monitor expenditure by the executives of the local government councils and also to ensure that the funds are properly allocated to various areas of need. This provision is contained in Section 162 (5) of the Constitution which states that “the amount standing to the credit of local government councils in the Federation Account shall also be allocated to the states for the benefit of their local government councils on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly”. Section 162 (7) also states that “each state shall pay to local government councils in its area of jurisdiction such proportion of its total revenue on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly”. However, this arrangement has not worked well as state governments continue to manipulate the joint account through illegal deductions, misappropriations, deliberate delays in disbursement and in failure to remit their 10% of internally generated revenue as stipulated in the Constitution. This study examines the State and Local Government Joint Account system in relation to the fiscal autonomy of local government councils and the impact of the joint account system on public service delivery at Awgu Local Government Council. The study used the qualitative methodology design with focus on case-study approach. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected through interviews from stakeholders in the joint account system and secondary data collected from relevant textual sources. The study findings show that this relationship affects the fiscal autonomy of local councils and result in cases of illegal deductions, withholding of funds, refusal to remit statutory 10% of total revenue of states to local councils. In Awgu Local Government from 1999-2016, more than N3billion was withheld and this amounts to a deficit of about 22.5%. This has negatively affected the volume of service delivery to the various communities. Based on these findings, the study recommends for a constitutional review to strengthen the local government system to effectively function as the third tier of government in line with the “Guidelines for1976 Local Government Reforms”. The study also recommends the abolishing of the joint account system and granting local councils full fiscal autonomy. This is the desideratum for enhanced service delivery at Awgu Local Government and other local council areas of Enugu State.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Okafor, Chukwuemeka
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Local finance --Nigeria Local government-- Nigeria Intergovernmental fiscal relations|
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13917 , vital:39727
- Description: The State and Local Government Joint Account system was introduced in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with the basic aim of pooling all the financial allocations due to the various local government councils from the Federation Account for onward distribution by the states to the local councils. This is to ensure that the state governments effectively control and monitor expenditure by the executives of the local government councils and also to ensure that the funds are properly allocated to various areas of need. This provision is contained in Section 162 (5) of the Constitution which states that “the amount standing to the credit of local government councils in the Federation Account shall also be allocated to the states for the benefit of their local government councils on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly”. Section 162 (7) also states that “each state shall pay to local government councils in its area of jurisdiction such proportion of its total revenue on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly”. However, this arrangement has not worked well as state governments continue to manipulate the joint account through illegal deductions, misappropriations, deliberate delays in disbursement and in failure to remit their 10% of internally generated revenue as stipulated in the Constitution. This study examines the State and Local Government Joint Account system in relation to the fiscal autonomy of local government councils and the impact of the joint account system on public service delivery at Awgu Local Government Council. The study used the qualitative methodology design with focus on case-study approach. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected through interviews from stakeholders in the joint account system and secondary data collected from relevant textual sources. The study findings show that this relationship affects the fiscal autonomy of local councils and result in cases of illegal deductions, withholding of funds, refusal to remit statutory 10% of total revenue of states to local councils. In Awgu Local Government from 1999-2016, more than N3billion was withheld and this amounts to a deficit of about 22.5%. This has negatively affected the volume of service delivery to the various communities. Based on these findings, the study recommends for a constitutional review to strengthen the local government system to effectively function as the third tier of government in line with the “Guidelines for1976 Local Government Reforms”. The study also recommends the abolishing of the joint account system and granting local councils full fiscal autonomy. This is the desideratum for enhanced service delivery at Awgu Local Government and other local council areas of Enugu State.
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Contributing factors to academic success of children in foster care in Mount Fletcher, Eastern Cape
- Dladlama, Phumeza Buyiswa Lungelwa
- Authors: Dladlama, Phumeza Buyiswa Lungelwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Foster children--Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Social Work
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15111 , vital:40184
- Description: The researcher explored the contributing factors which lead to academic success of children in foster care in Mount Fletcher, Eastern Cape. Children in foster care are highly to drop out of school compared to their peers, and there are children in foster care who are academic successful despite the obstacle of foster care placement. The research study focused on the positive outcomes of children in foster care placements and the support structures that contributed to their academic success. Family support, school support, community support, religious support, professional support systems, resilience and protective factors were measured as the most prominent contributing factors that lead to academic success of children in foster care. The importance of a strong educational background for children in foster care cannot be overstated as the experiences of success that a child has in school can positively affect their psychological functioning well into adulthood. It was revealed that, although there are challenges, environmental disadvantages and stress that can lead to behavioural and psychological problems amongst children in foster care, there are children who overcome the difficulties to become well-adjusted adults. The study made use of Person Centred Approach as theoretical framework. The Person Centred Approach was relevant to the study as it uses the basic core conditions and propositions for positive therapeutic change and that it enables the participants’ establishment of congruence with organismic experiences. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The sample was made up of 12 persons who exited foster care system and matriculated. The findings of the study revealed that, among the above listed contributing factors, family support, school support, community support and religious support were the most significant factors which contributed to the academic success of the participants. No significant relationship was found between the participants’ academic success and professional support. The study further revealed that a large number of children in foster care were cared for by their relatives, especially maternal grandparents. Due to the mentioned findings, it was recommended that the child placed in foster care placement from the age of 12 years, must be involved in the placement as there could be relatives whom the child is attached to. The social services professionals should play their role in supporting the children in foster care placements through proper monitoring of foster care placement and not to monitor the placement only during extension of foster care placement. Each government department has a role in moulding the child’s life and rendering support services.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dladlama, Phumeza Buyiswa Lungelwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Foster children--Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Social Work
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15111 , vital:40184
- Description: The researcher explored the contributing factors which lead to academic success of children in foster care in Mount Fletcher, Eastern Cape. Children in foster care are highly to drop out of school compared to their peers, and there are children in foster care who are academic successful despite the obstacle of foster care placement. The research study focused on the positive outcomes of children in foster care placements and the support structures that contributed to their academic success. Family support, school support, community support, religious support, professional support systems, resilience and protective factors were measured as the most prominent contributing factors that lead to academic success of children in foster care. The importance of a strong educational background for children in foster care cannot be overstated as the experiences of success that a child has in school can positively affect their psychological functioning well into adulthood. It was revealed that, although there are challenges, environmental disadvantages and stress that can lead to behavioural and psychological problems amongst children in foster care, there are children who overcome the difficulties to become well-adjusted adults. The study made use of Person Centred Approach as theoretical framework. The Person Centred Approach was relevant to the study as it uses the basic core conditions and propositions for positive therapeutic change and that it enables the participants’ establishment of congruence with organismic experiences. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The sample was made up of 12 persons who exited foster care system and matriculated. The findings of the study revealed that, among the above listed contributing factors, family support, school support, community support and religious support were the most significant factors which contributed to the academic success of the participants. No significant relationship was found between the participants’ academic success and professional support. The study further revealed that a large number of children in foster care were cared for by their relatives, especially maternal grandparents. Due to the mentioned findings, it was recommended that the child placed in foster care placement from the age of 12 years, must be involved in the placement as there could be relatives whom the child is attached to. The social services professionals should play their role in supporting the children in foster care placements through proper monitoring of foster care placement and not to monitor the placement only during extension of foster care placement. Each government department has a role in moulding the child’s life and rendering support services.
- Full Text:
A situational survey of Siyazondla homestead food production proogramme and food security, poverty alleviation in selected communities of Nkonkobe Local Municipality of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Phezisa, Bulelani
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2392 , vital:27795
- Description: People living in rural areas are continually losing their value, dignity, ubuntu and rural nature of livelihood. Agriculture in these areas characterises the nature of rural livelihood. Traditionally, people living in rural areas were highly dependent on their production from gardens for food, income (barter exchange), and other social activities. Nowadays, that motive and interest is no longer operating at its full potential, so to revive that history and nature, household (homestead) production, certain programmes were introduced to greatly improved the standard of living of the poor, and it has proved to have an impact as it has generated income, and created food stability and employment through the project. Home gardens are there and can be used as the method and the strategy toward improvement and development of the people around the world, more especial to developing countries. Certain programmes that are initiated for acting against the challenges faced by rural people have failed to materialise and operate on their fully potential. The Siyazondla homestead food production programme is the one of the programmes practiced by the government of South Africa to act against such challenges, affecting especially poor people. This study was aimed at assessing the role of Siyazondla homestead food production programme in food security and poverty alleviation in selected communities of Nkonkobe local municipality of the Eastern Cape. It took the form of a case study in Msobomvu, Ngcothoyi and Binfield locations. The Nkonkobe local municipality is demarcated into five major areas: Middledrift, Alice, Seymour, Fort Beaufort and Balfour. The study sample was collected from beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the Siyazondla programme. The sample size was 90 respondents, from which in one area, a 15 beneficiaries and anticipated non- beneficiaries were targeted. The target sample from each village was collected from 15 beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Many farmers from the study area benefited from the programme, though a limited number was targeted. Therefore, a probability sampling was applied and employed, where there were more than required number of beneficiaries of the programme and anticipated beneficiaries of the programme. The study was effectively and efficiently carried out and achieved with the use of personal interviewing of the recipients by use of questionnaires. The study was analysed by a computerised programme of analyses called SPSS v.2.1 and excel. The objectives of the study based on food security, poverty alleviation and reduction, and also improving nutritious status. The finding of the research clearly indicates the outcome of the programme on livelihood basis of the beneficiaries. Some of the objectives of the programme were achieved, such as food security and nutritious levels, whilst other objectives had shortcomings. The finding of the study also shows that programme, though had original benefits but also there are the anticipated and probable benefits of the programme Siyazondla, such as income, skill of farming, improving social status, and there are some possibilities when the programme is properly implemented. Though the majority of people are concentrated in rural areas, the programme on its own had shortcoming to meet needs of the whole population, as food insecurity, unemployment and poverty are taking its course. The programme on its own had shortcoming such as lack of adequate resource and as results, very few people benefited from the programme. Another shortcoming of the programme is the effectiveness of agricultural extension personnel to certain aspect such as marketing of farmers produce and proper monitoring and evaluation of the programme. Therefore, in the long run programmes of this nature are promising, there will be some development and improvement toward growth and better standards of livelihood. It is through this study that had to assess the structure, procedure, strategies implemented of the programme and impact of the programme to both beneficiaries and anticipated beneficiaries of the programme.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Phezisa, Bulelani
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2392 , vital:27795
- Description: People living in rural areas are continually losing their value, dignity, ubuntu and rural nature of livelihood. Agriculture in these areas characterises the nature of rural livelihood. Traditionally, people living in rural areas were highly dependent on their production from gardens for food, income (barter exchange), and other social activities. Nowadays, that motive and interest is no longer operating at its full potential, so to revive that history and nature, household (homestead) production, certain programmes were introduced to greatly improved the standard of living of the poor, and it has proved to have an impact as it has generated income, and created food stability and employment through the project. Home gardens are there and can be used as the method and the strategy toward improvement and development of the people around the world, more especial to developing countries. Certain programmes that are initiated for acting against the challenges faced by rural people have failed to materialise and operate on their fully potential. The Siyazondla homestead food production programme is the one of the programmes practiced by the government of South Africa to act against such challenges, affecting especially poor people. This study was aimed at assessing the role of Siyazondla homestead food production programme in food security and poverty alleviation in selected communities of Nkonkobe local municipality of the Eastern Cape. It took the form of a case study in Msobomvu, Ngcothoyi and Binfield locations. The Nkonkobe local municipality is demarcated into five major areas: Middledrift, Alice, Seymour, Fort Beaufort and Balfour. The study sample was collected from beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the Siyazondla programme. The sample size was 90 respondents, from which in one area, a 15 beneficiaries and anticipated non- beneficiaries were targeted. The target sample from each village was collected from 15 beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Many farmers from the study area benefited from the programme, though a limited number was targeted. Therefore, a probability sampling was applied and employed, where there were more than required number of beneficiaries of the programme and anticipated beneficiaries of the programme. The study was effectively and efficiently carried out and achieved with the use of personal interviewing of the recipients by use of questionnaires. The study was analysed by a computerised programme of analyses called SPSS v.2.1 and excel. The objectives of the study based on food security, poverty alleviation and reduction, and also improving nutritious status. The finding of the research clearly indicates the outcome of the programme on livelihood basis of the beneficiaries. Some of the objectives of the programme were achieved, such as food security and nutritious levels, whilst other objectives had shortcomings. The finding of the study also shows that programme, though had original benefits but also there are the anticipated and probable benefits of the programme Siyazondla, such as income, skill of farming, improving social status, and there are some possibilities when the programme is properly implemented. Though the majority of people are concentrated in rural areas, the programme on its own had shortcoming to meet needs of the whole population, as food insecurity, unemployment and poverty are taking its course. The programme on its own had shortcoming such as lack of adequate resource and as results, very few people benefited from the programme. Another shortcoming of the programme is the effectiveness of agricultural extension personnel to certain aspect such as marketing of farmers produce and proper monitoring and evaluation of the programme. Therefore, in the long run programmes of this nature are promising, there will be some development and improvement toward growth and better standards of livelihood. It is through this study that had to assess the structure, procedure, strategies implemented of the programme and impact of the programme to both beneficiaries and anticipated beneficiaries of the programme.
- Full Text:
Assessment of rangeland condition and evaluation of farmers' perception in Njwaxa and Mbizana communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Ngcofe, Odwa Armstrong
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13259 , vital:39627
- Description: This study was conducted to determine of rangeland condition in terms of botanical composition, soil nutrient composition, and also to evaluate farmers’ perception on rangeland condition and degradation in two communal villages Njwaxa and Mbizana in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa in 2014. A Structured questionnaire consisting of close and open-ended questions was used to investigate farmers’ perceptions on range condition, land degradation, and their causes. Fifty households with livestock were randomly selected in two communal areas of Middledrift (i.e. Njwaxa and Mbizana). Respondents of 21 years and above were selected. For assessment of range condition three homogeneous vegetation units (HVU) were demarcated in all study sites, namely slope; valley and toplands were demarcated and sub-divided into four 100m x 50m replicates. In each replicate, four 100m transects were laid parallel to each other 25m apart 1m2 quadrant was systematically located four times along each transect for herbaceous vegetation and soil sampling. The step point method was employed to determine herbaceous species composition and basal cover. A 400m2 belt transect was used to determine woody vegetation composition, density and tree equivalents in each HVU. The germination method was employed for soil seed bank composition and plant density. The soil micro and macro nutrients (N, P, K OC, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu and Mn) and pH were also analyzed The majority of the respondents were between the ages of 51-60 years. Most of the farmers had more cattle (38percent) than goats (32percent) and sheep (30percent). Livestock numbers were perceived to have declined over the previous 20 years by the majority of respondents (96percent). The respondents indicated that their rangelands were mainly used for browsing (1.37), fire wood (2.01), building and fencing (2.63) and medical purposes (3.66). All the respondents indicated that their rangelands were highly degraded. Sheet erosion (50percent) was perceived to be the major type of soil erosion indicator mentioned by the farmers, followed by gully erosion (29percent) and rill erosion (21percent). The rangeland was dominated by Increaser II (pioneer) (63.2 percent) grass species followed by Decreaser (mesophytes) species (26.3percent). Digitaria eriantha in the valley (53.5 percent) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than both in the top (10.5percent) and sloppy areas (33.5percent) at Njwaxa communal rangeland, the abundance of D. eriantha was significantly higher (p<0.05) than top and valley in Mbizana communal rangeland. The results showed that soil seed banks were dominated by perennials, followed by annuals and biennial species being least abundant. The dominant forb Jamebrittenia c.f. albanesis was significantly higher (p<0.05) in both slopes (6.65percent) and toplands (7.34percent) than in the valley (3.15). The second most dominant species Puesdognaphalium undulata was significantly higher (p<0.05) in topland areas (6percent) than in valley bottom (3.8percent) and sloppy areas (4.3percent). The results of soil nutrients revealed no significant differences (p>0.05) in the concentration of OC, Ca, and Mg between the communities and seasons. Phosphorus (P) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in winter (concentrations) in most of the sites, except the top sites of Mbizana where summer concentration of P was significantly higher than winter. Potassium (K) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in summer than in winter in most of the HVUs, except the topland areas of Njwaxa and Mbizana sloppy areas where there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the concentration of K. Soil pH did not display any significant differences (p>0.05) between communities and sites. The mean soil pH recorded in this study was 5.4 implying the soils of Njwaxa and Mbizana communities were acidic. It is evident that communal farmers are well aware of their rangeland condition, changes occurring in their rangelands, their causes and are capable of suggesting some solutions in controlling the declining condition of the rangelands. This study has shown the importance of engaging farmers’ inputs in range assessment since those are people bearing the consequences of rangeland degradation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ngcofe, Odwa Armstrong
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13259 , vital:39627
- Description: This study was conducted to determine of rangeland condition in terms of botanical composition, soil nutrient composition, and also to evaluate farmers’ perception on rangeland condition and degradation in two communal villages Njwaxa and Mbizana in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa in 2014. A Structured questionnaire consisting of close and open-ended questions was used to investigate farmers’ perceptions on range condition, land degradation, and their causes. Fifty households with livestock were randomly selected in two communal areas of Middledrift (i.e. Njwaxa and Mbizana). Respondents of 21 years and above were selected. For assessment of range condition three homogeneous vegetation units (HVU) were demarcated in all study sites, namely slope; valley and toplands were demarcated and sub-divided into four 100m x 50m replicates. In each replicate, four 100m transects were laid parallel to each other 25m apart 1m2 quadrant was systematically located four times along each transect for herbaceous vegetation and soil sampling. The step point method was employed to determine herbaceous species composition and basal cover. A 400m2 belt transect was used to determine woody vegetation composition, density and tree equivalents in each HVU. The germination method was employed for soil seed bank composition and plant density. The soil micro and macro nutrients (N, P, K OC, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu and Mn) and pH were also analyzed The majority of the respondents were between the ages of 51-60 years. Most of the farmers had more cattle (38percent) than goats (32percent) and sheep (30percent). Livestock numbers were perceived to have declined over the previous 20 years by the majority of respondents (96percent). The respondents indicated that their rangelands were mainly used for browsing (1.37), fire wood (2.01), building and fencing (2.63) and medical purposes (3.66). All the respondents indicated that their rangelands were highly degraded. Sheet erosion (50percent) was perceived to be the major type of soil erosion indicator mentioned by the farmers, followed by gully erosion (29percent) and rill erosion (21percent). The rangeland was dominated by Increaser II (pioneer) (63.2 percent) grass species followed by Decreaser (mesophytes) species (26.3percent). Digitaria eriantha in the valley (53.5 percent) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than both in the top (10.5percent) and sloppy areas (33.5percent) at Njwaxa communal rangeland, the abundance of D. eriantha was significantly higher (p<0.05) than top and valley in Mbizana communal rangeland. The results showed that soil seed banks were dominated by perennials, followed by annuals and biennial species being least abundant. The dominant forb Jamebrittenia c.f. albanesis was significantly higher (p<0.05) in both slopes (6.65percent) and toplands (7.34percent) than in the valley (3.15). The second most dominant species Puesdognaphalium undulata was significantly higher (p<0.05) in topland areas (6percent) than in valley bottom (3.8percent) and sloppy areas (4.3percent). The results of soil nutrients revealed no significant differences (p>0.05) in the concentration of OC, Ca, and Mg between the communities and seasons. Phosphorus (P) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in winter (concentrations) in most of the sites, except the top sites of Mbizana where summer concentration of P was significantly higher than winter. Potassium (K) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in summer than in winter in most of the HVUs, except the topland areas of Njwaxa and Mbizana sloppy areas where there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the concentration of K. Soil pH did not display any significant differences (p>0.05) between communities and sites. The mean soil pH recorded in this study was 5.4 implying the soils of Njwaxa and Mbizana communities were acidic. It is evident that communal farmers are well aware of their rangeland condition, changes occurring in their rangelands, their causes and are capable of suggesting some solutions in controlling the declining condition of the rangelands. This study has shown the importance of engaging farmers’ inputs in range assessment since those are people bearing the consequences of rangeland degradation.
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The role of South Africa as a hegemonic' power in the maintenance of peace and stability in the SADC region
- Authors: Sibanda, Nkosiyaphi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community Peace-building -- South Africa Conflict management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6491 , vital:29824
- Description: This study investigates South Africa’s role as a hegemonic power in maintaining peace and stability in the SADC region. Using qualitative and secondary data supplemented with primary data, the study examines not only South Africa’s hegemonic role in the SADC region but also the challenges and critiques of South Africa’s hegemonic role in the region. The study implores the hegemonic stability theory and explores the features that qualify South Africa to be a regional hegemonic power. These include South Africa’s economic power, military power and strategic location. This study reveals that South Africa’s role in maintaining peace and stability in the region is informed by its foreign policy and its pursuit of national interest and protection of its borders. The study also found out that the motive behind South Africa being active in peacekeeping missions is that it avoids being surrounded by failed states which might have spillover effects into its territorial boundaries. The study notes that there are numerous shortcomings which taint South Africa’s hegemonic status. They include violent protests, xenophobia, racism, crime and corruption. The study recommends that South Africa needs to be proactive in solving the challenges within its domestic terrain as these shortcomings taint its hegemonic status.
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- Authors: Sibanda, Nkosiyaphi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community Peace-building -- South Africa Conflict management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6491 , vital:29824
- Description: This study investigates South Africa’s role as a hegemonic power in maintaining peace and stability in the SADC region. Using qualitative and secondary data supplemented with primary data, the study examines not only South Africa’s hegemonic role in the SADC region but also the challenges and critiques of South Africa’s hegemonic role in the region. The study implores the hegemonic stability theory and explores the features that qualify South Africa to be a regional hegemonic power. These include South Africa’s economic power, military power and strategic location. This study reveals that South Africa’s role in maintaining peace and stability in the region is informed by its foreign policy and its pursuit of national interest and protection of its borders. The study also found out that the motive behind South Africa being active in peacekeeping missions is that it avoids being surrounded by failed states which might have spillover effects into its territorial boundaries. The study notes that there are numerous shortcomings which taint South Africa’s hegemonic status. They include violent protests, xenophobia, racism, crime and corruption. The study recommends that South Africa needs to be proactive in solving the challenges within its domestic terrain as these shortcomings taint its hegemonic status.
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Exploring the effects of domestic violence in the psychosocial development of children : the case of Mlungisi Township in Queenstown
- Authors: Ntsumpa, SL
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Family violence Abused children--South Africa Children and violence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Social Work
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17338 , vital:40957
- Description: The main aim of the study was to explore the effects of domestic violence in the psychosocial development of children at Mlungisi Township, Chris Hani District in Queenstown – Eastern Cape Province. The specific objectives of the study were: to investigate the effect domestic violence has on the psychosocial development of children; to assess the behavior of the children subjected to domestic violence; and to examine challenges that children are facing due to domestic violence; and to examine the support provided by professionals (Social works, community worker, educator, South African Police and Justice System) to children who are victims of domestic violence. The study adopted a qualitative research paradigm and non-probability sampling methodology in the form of purposive sampling technique. The study‟s sample size comprised of 20 participants, 7 male children between the ages of 9 and 16, and 8 female children between the ages of 9 and 16 on in-depth one-on-one interviews. Five children withdrew from the study because they became emotional and were reluctant to participate. The study also comprised of 5 participants in a focus group which composed of various professionals from government departments such as: Department of Social Development, Department of Education, South African Police Services, Lukhanji Municipality and Justice Official who are directly working with children. The research instrument used was an interview guide with open ended questions. The study findings include the following: effects of domestic violence on the psychosocial development of children; challenges faced by children due to domestic violence; behaviors of children subjected to domestic violence; support services; efficiency and effectiveness of services rendered to the children; and improvement of services rendered to the victims by government officials. The study recommendations were: more studies on domestic violence specifically on children as victims should be done; policy regarding domestic violence needs to be reviewed and in order to accommodate children; there should be policies that focus solemnly to children who happen to be victims of domestic violence not domestic violence in general; and government departments and other relevant stakeholder should be strengthened or even develop new intervention strategies to ensure effectiveness in curbing domestic violence.
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- Authors: Ntsumpa, SL
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Family violence Abused children--South Africa Children and violence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Social Work
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17338 , vital:40957
- Description: The main aim of the study was to explore the effects of domestic violence in the psychosocial development of children at Mlungisi Township, Chris Hani District in Queenstown – Eastern Cape Province. The specific objectives of the study were: to investigate the effect domestic violence has on the psychosocial development of children; to assess the behavior of the children subjected to domestic violence; and to examine challenges that children are facing due to domestic violence; and to examine the support provided by professionals (Social works, community worker, educator, South African Police and Justice System) to children who are victims of domestic violence. The study adopted a qualitative research paradigm and non-probability sampling methodology in the form of purposive sampling technique. The study‟s sample size comprised of 20 participants, 7 male children between the ages of 9 and 16, and 8 female children between the ages of 9 and 16 on in-depth one-on-one interviews. Five children withdrew from the study because they became emotional and were reluctant to participate. The study also comprised of 5 participants in a focus group which composed of various professionals from government departments such as: Department of Social Development, Department of Education, South African Police Services, Lukhanji Municipality and Justice Official who are directly working with children. The research instrument used was an interview guide with open ended questions. The study findings include the following: effects of domestic violence on the psychosocial development of children; challenges faced by children due to domestic violence; behaviors of children subjected to domestic violence; support services; efficiency and effectiveness of services rendered to the children; and improvement of services rendered to the victims by government officials. The study recommendations were: more studies on domestic violence specifically on children as victims should be done; policy regarding domestic violence needs to be reviewed and in order to accommodate children; there should be policies that focus solemnly to children who happen to be victims of domestic violence not domestic violence in general; and government departments and other relevant stakeholder should be strengthened or even develop new intervention strategies to ensure effectiveness in curbing domestic violence.
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Implementation of Domestic Violence Act No 116 of 1998 in South Africa: a case study of two townships in Nkonkobe Municipality District Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Mesatywa, Nontando Jennifer
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Human rights , Feminist theory , Domestic Violence Act No 116 1998 -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (Human Rights)
- Identifier: vital:11107 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/192 , Human rights , Feminist theory , Domestic Violence Act No 116 1998 -- South Africa
- Description: This is an exploratory study on the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act No 116 of 1998 in South Africa. It is a case study of two townships in the Nkonkobe Municipality District, Eastern Cape Province. The study was conducted at Ntselamanzi and Upper Qhumashe townships in Nkonkobe Municipality District, Eastern Cape. Since this is a qualitative exploratory study, in-depth interviews were conducted on a sample of ten women in abusive relationships and focus group interviews were conducted on five service providers for a triangulation. A study of related literature focused on African women in battered relationships. An African women’s perspective on the experiences of abuse have been explored. Gender based radical feminist views were discussed and legislations and conventions were analyzed from a human rights perspective. The implementation of the Domestic Violence Act and the role of service providers were also looked into. The findings suggest that African women experience abuse in partner relationships. They sustain grievous bodily harm, psychological, emotional and financial abuse. The patriarchy system, alcohol abuse, infidelity, traditional practices and failure to maintain children have been cited as some of the reasons. The social networks and service providers assisted these women to some extent. However, there is need for ethnic sensitive interdisciplinary training approach on African communities on the Act and a legal system that is accessible to rural women in order to curb further abuse. Various recommendations have been put forward. The study indicated a need for ethnic sensitive empowerment programs for the abused, rehabilitative programs that take into cognizance human rights violations of these women and the abusers, and effective legal remedies to prohibit women abuse.
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- Authors: Mesatywa, Nontando Jennifer
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Human rights , Feminist theory , Domestic Violence Act No 116 1998 -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (Human Rights)
- Identifier: vital:11107 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/192 , Human rights , Feminist theory , Domestic Violence Act No 116 1998 -- South Africa
- Description: This is an exploratory study on the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act No 116 of 1998 in South Africa. It is a case study of two townships in the Nkonkobe Municipality District, Eastern Cape Province. The study was conducted at Ntselamanzi and Upper Qhumashe townships in Nkonkobe Municipality District, Eastern Cape. Since this is a qualitative exploratory study, in-depth interviews were conducted on a sample of ten women in abusive relationships and focus group interviews were conducted on five service providers for a triangulation. A study of related literature focused on African women in battered relationships. An African women’s perspective on the experiences of abuse have been explored. Gender based radical feminist views were discussed and legislations and conventions were analyzed from a human rights perspective. The implementation of the Domestic Violence Act and the role of service providers were also looked into. The findings suggest that African women experience abuse in partner relationships. They sustain grievous bodily harm, psychological, emotional and financial abuse. The patriarchy system, alcohol abuse, infidelity, traditional practices and failure to maintain children have been cited as some of the reasons. The social networks and service providers assisted these women to some extent. However, there is need for ethnic sensitive interdisciplinary training approach on African communities on the Act and a legal system that is accessible to rural women in order to curb further abuse. Various recommendations have been put forward. The study indicated a need for ethnic sensitive empowerment programs for the abused, rehabilitative programs that take into cognizance human rights violations of these women and the abusers, and effective legal remedies to prohibit women abuse.
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