Development of health promotion guidelines for weight management among primary health care nurses in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Monakali, Sizeka
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Health promotion Body weight -- Regulation Obesity -- prevention and control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10006 , vital:35285
- Description: Overweight and obesity have become significant public health threats both globally and in South Africa. PHC professional nurses are first contact to patients and the community as well as key stakeholders in the management and education of obese patients. However, anecdotal evidence seems to question their suitability as good models of the advocated healthy lifestyle behaviours and weight management, as overweight and obesity is also prevalent among the professional nurses. This study examines the prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity among PHC professional nurses in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province of South Africa. This was a workplace, cross-sectional study involving 203 PHC professional nurses conveniently selected across 41 PHC facilities in EC, South Africa. A WHO STEP wise questionnaire was used to collect demographic and behavioural data. Anthropometric (weight, height and waist circumference [WC]) measurements were taken following a standard protocol. Overweight and obesity was defined as a BMI of 25-29.9kgm-2, and BMI ≥ 30kgm-2, respectively. Seventy six percent of the nurses were obese. An additional 18 percent were overweight. Age, gender, marital status, duration of practice, alcohol use and smoking were significantly associated with obesity. There was no association between physical activity and obesity. After adjusting for confounders, only age more than 30 years (OR=5.2, 95 percentCI=1.6-16.4) and not using alcohol (OR= 4.0 95 percentCI= 1.7-9.1) were significant and independent predictors of obesity among the nurses. In conclusion is an alarmingly high prevalence of obesity among primary healthcare professional nurses in Eastern Cape, South Africa. This shows that PHC professional nurses in EC are not good models of the healthy behaviours, judge be BMI indicator, if they do advocates for healthy weight management to patients. This constitutes a future risk for an increased prevalence of chronic diseases and a handicapped healthcare workforce. There is a need to implement measures to promote healthy lifestyle behaviour and weight management among professional nurses in this setting.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Monakali, Sizeka
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Health promotion Body weight -- Regulation Obesity -- prevention and control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10006 , vital:35285
- Description: Overweight and obesity have become significant public health threats both globally and in South Africa. PHC professional nurses are first contact to patients and the community as well as key stakeholders in the management and education of obese patients. However, anecdotal evidence seems to question their suitability as good models of the advocated healthy lifestyle behaviours and weight management, as overweight and obesity is also prevalent among the professional nurses. This study examines the prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity among PHC professional nurses in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province of South Africa. This was a workplace, cross-sectional study involving 203 PHC professional nurses conveniently selected across 41 PHC facilities in EC, South Africa. A WHO STEP wise questionnaire was used to collect demographic and behavioural data. Anthropometric (weight, height and waist circumference [WC]) measurements were taken following a standard protocol. Overweight and obesity was defined as a BMI of 25-29.9kgm-2, and BMI ≥ 30kgm-2, respectively. Seventy six percent of the nurses were obese. An additional 18 percent were overweight. Age, gender, marital status, duration of practice, alcohol use and smoking were significantly associated with obesity. There was no association between physical activity and obesity. After adjusting for confounders, only age more than 30 years (OR=5.2, 95 percentCI=1.6-16.4) and not using alcohol (OR= 4.0 95 percentCI= 1.7-9.1) were significant and independent predictors of obesity among the nurses. In conclusion is an alarmingly high prevalence of obesity among primary healthcare professional nurses in Eastern Cape, South Africa. This shows that PHC professional nurses in EC are not good models of the healthy behaviours, judge be BMI indicator, if they do advocates for healthy weight management to patients. This constitutes a future risk for an increased prevalence of chronic diseases and a handicapped healthcare workforce. There is a need to implement measures to promote healthy lifestyle behaviour and weight management among professional nurses in this setting.
- Full Text:
Evaluation of pharmacological properties and anti-neoplastic potentials of pelargonium iquinans and opuntia stricta extracts using acute leukemia cell lines
- Authors: Izuegbuna, Ogochukwu Osita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Pelargoniums Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Sc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10372 , vital:35442
- Description: Leukaemia like other cancers is a public health issue, and coupled with the issue of drug resistance, toxicity and refractory disease novel treatments both as definitive and supportive care become necessary. The dissertation was designed to evaluate two medicinal plants (Opuntia stricta and Pelargonium inquinans) and their antineoplastic potentials. The phytochemicals analyses were done using standard methods with three different solvents (acetone, aqueous and ethanol). Vitamins analyses was also done using standard methods. The result revealed that vitamin A,C and E were present in the plants. Cell based anti-inflammatory activity were carried out using RAW264.7 macrophages cell, and COX-2 and NO expression as inflammatory markers. Cell based cytotoxicity and antineoplastic activity was investigated using RAW 264.7 macrophages cell, U937 and Jurkat cells. The results of the phytochemical analyses using GC/MS showed that phenols, flavonoids, flavonol, tannin, proanthocyanidin, saponin, alkaloids and phytate were present in these plants. In vitro antioxidant activity was carried out using nitric oxide (NO), alpha, alpha-diphenyl- β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), phosphomolybdenum activity, and iron reducing power (FRAP) techniques. The results of the antioxidant activity showed both plants had antioxidant properties that can be attributed to the phytochemical and vitamins contents. The results showed that both plants had anti-inflammatory properties which can also be attributed to their phytochemicals. The GC-MS analysis of the essential oils of both plants showed the presence of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, fatty acids, and esters. The results showed that O. stricta extracts have mild cytotoxicity, while P. inquinans have strong cytotoxicity. The cell cycle analysis showed Pelargonium inquinans extracts induced G0/G1 phase arrest and cleaved caspase-3. This study has shown the antineoplastic potential of P. inquinans which may be attributed to some phytochemicals in it such as carophyllene, humulene, beta myrcene and beta pinene.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Izuegbuna, Ogochukwu Osita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Pelargoniums Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Sc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10372 , vital:35442
- Description: Leukaemia like other cancers is a public health issue, and coupled with the issue of drug resistance, toxicity and refractory disease novel treatments both as definitive and supportive care become necessary. The dissertation was designed to evaluate two medicinal plants (Opuntia stricta and Pelargonium inquinans) and their antineoplastic potentials. The phytochemicals analyses were done using standard methods with three different solvents (acetone, aqueous and ethanol). Vitamins analyses was also done using standard methods. The result revealed that vitamin A,C and E were present in the plants. Cell based anti-inflammatory activity were carried out using RAW264.7 macrophages cell, and COX-2 and NO expression as inflammatory markers. Cell based cytotoxicity and antineoplastic activity was investigated using RAW 264.7 macrophages cell, U937 and Jurkat cells. The results of the phytochemical analyses using GC/MS showed that phenols, flavonoids, flavonol, tannin, proanthocyanidin, saponin, alkaloids and phytate were present in these plants. In vitro antioxidant activity was carried out using nitric oxide (NO), alpha, alpha-diphenyl- β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), phosphomolybdenum activity, and iron reducing power (FRAP) techniques. The results of the antioxidant activity showed both plants had antioxidant properties that can be attributed to the phytochemical and vitamins contents. The results showed that both plants had anti-inflammatory properties which can also be attributed to their phytochemicals. The GC-MS analysis of the essential oils of both plants showed the presence of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, fatty acids, and esters. The results showed that O. stricta extracts have mild cytotoxicity, while P. inquinans have strong cytotoxicity. The cell cycle analysis showed Pelargonium inquinans extracts induced G0/G1 phase arrest and cleaved caspase-3. This study has shown the antineoplastic potential of P. inquinans which may be attributed to some phytochemicals in it such as carophyllene, humulene, beta myrcene and beta pinene.
- Full Text:
Spatial and seasonal variations of water quality determinants and pollutants as fitness-for-use and compliance assessments of the Mzimvubu catchment water resources for the proposed Mzimvubu Water Project, South Africa
- Authors: Mutingwende, Nhamo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Water quality -- South Africa Water quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9308 , vital:34320
- Description: The Department of Water Affairs as of late reported plans to build two substantial stockpiling dams in the Mzimvubu Catchment. The Mzimvubu stream basin is probably one of most prominent and undeveloped basin in South Africa. This is notwithstanding high yearly rainfall, high ecological status, high tourism potential, and appropriateness for afforestation, dryland/rainfed and water system agribusiness. Hence, the Department of Water Affairs researched the capability of building a multipurpose dam in the Mzimvubu catchment to catalyse financial and social improvement. The proposed dam will be based on the Tsitsa River. Often, scientific studies related to dam construction concentrate more on discovering the most, in fact, accessible place to construct it, than on the long haul socio-natural issues that come in its preparation. The water quality of the Tsitsa River, its tributaries and the underground drinking water sources within the Mzimvubu catchment are most likely to change once the dam wall is completed. Surface water resources are susceptible to chemical, physical, microbiological contamination and the so-called emerging pollutants either, through human or natural activities. A comprehensive baseline study on the water quality of the Mzimvubu water resources regarding traces of emerging pollutants and water quality determinants (physical, chemical and microbial) pre-dam construction is therefore essential. The objective of the water quality section of this study was to perform an in-depth analysis of water quality in the study area to form a baseline for future studies on how the built dam may affect these. The approach was to assess the spatial and seasonal variations of the pollutants (pharmaceuticals and pesticides) and water quality determinants for all water sources most likely to be affected by the development of the dam. The fitness-for-use and compliance assessments were conducted to assess if the current water resources are fit-for-use for various categories of use and if they comply with various water quality standards and guidelines as determined by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. Department of Water Affairs and Forestry is the overseer of South Africa's water assets, and its central goal is to keep up the fitness-for-use of water on a sustained basis. Water samples (500ml) were collected from sixteen (16) sample points, ranging from the proposed mouth of the dam to the N2 bridge point of the Tsitsa River. Points were selected where the Tsitsa River was accessible using the dam project development roads or where tributaries to the Tsitsa River were accessible using dam development roads. Taps/groundwater sources were sampled from the five selected villages. Monthly samples were collected upstream and downstream of the proposed dam wall, from June 2015 to April 2017.Seventeen (17) water quality indices were therefore analysed at sixteen sampling sites, over a two year period. The AB SCIEX TripleTOF™5600 LC/MS/MS was used to screen for pharmaceutical and pesticide pollutants. All the water quality indices were analysed using the AL400 Aqua lytic photometer, and the microbial analysis was done using the Rand Water Method Number 1.2.2.09.1 for enumerating the amount of E. coli and coliforms in the water samples (Rand Water, 2010f). The South African Water Quality Guidelines, Volumes 1 to 7 (DWS, 1996a-g) were used to assess the fitness-for-use of the water sources. To confirm the compliance of the water resources to various standards and guidelines, the water quality data were assessed against international and national guidelines and standards i.e. the WHO guideline, South African water quality guidelines (domestic, irrigation, livestock and watering, aquaculture, and aquatic ecosystems), and the SANS: 241 (2015) standard for drinking water. Non-parametric statistics were utilised to ascertain the changeability, which is a measure of how water quality may vary after some time. With non-parametric insights, the interquartile extent, which lies between the 25th and the 75th percentile, was utilised to depict inconstancy. The median value (50th percentile) was used as an indication of the central tendency or average. The 90th percentile was included as it can be used to assess the frequency of excursions into higher and possibly unacceptable water quality conditions. 3D Sigma plot was used to graphical present the spatial and seasonal variations of water quality indices and emerging pollutants against their concentrations. Fundamental statistical properties and correlations of water quality variables from the Tsitsa River, Tsitsa River tributaries and the drinking water sources were examined using SAS descriptive statistics. The water quality was determined to be of relatively sound quality, based on the comparison with guidelines and standards for the various intended uses, even though some of the water quality determinants were non-compliant and were “unacceptable” regarding fitness for purpose. The water quality of the Ntabalenga dam would most probably be affected by natural influences (for example rainfall, weathering and geological composition) and anthropogenic factors through non-point source pollution from agriculture activities, human settlements (pit latrines and open defecation) as well as industrial activities in the Maclear and Tsolo towns (wastewater treatments plants effluent, hospital effluent). The Tsitsa River had the highest number of non-compliances, especially to the World Health Organisation and Department of Water and Sanitation aquaculture guidelines. Therefore, the Tsitsa River’s water quality would be a significant factor that could compromise the water quality of the water collected in the dam. The human settlement conditions and agricultural inputs seem to be the factors contributing most to contamination of the surface water of the catchment area. The lack of sanitation systems and facilities means that community members have to use the bush and rivers for ablutions, thus contributing to microbial contamination of the environment. The direct application of manure and fertilisers on the fields by farmers further exacerbates microbial contamination and high nutrient inputs into the environment as observed in elevated microbial and phosphate contaminants during the study period. The data obtained from the analysis of pesticides and pharmaceuticals confirmed the contamination of the drinking water sources, the Tsitsa River and its tributaries with pesticides and pharmaceuticals through non-point source pollution. The origins of these pharmaceutical contaminants were identified as the pit latrines, open defecation and wastewater treatment plant effluent, while agricultural application of pesticides was identified as the source of pesticides in surface waters. If not monitored closely, the presence of these emerging pollutants will negatively affect the quality of the dam water both at spatial and temporal scales once the dam wall is completed. Pit latrines and wastewater treatment plants are a significant source of non-point source pollution. The results of this study will add to the ongoing efforts on water quality remediation by recording the spatial and seasonal variations in water quality across various water sources within the study area. The study also provides a baseline for future water quality fitness-for-use and compliance assessments. By these findings and conclusions, it is recommended that a long-term continuous monitoring programme be implemented, especially in areas where increased agricultural activities have been observed. Monitoring should be implemented for the Tsitsa River, its tributaries, and selected drinking water sources which showed the highest number of non-compliances and microbial contamination. All anthropogenic activities in the catchment areas of these sources, both upstream and downstream of the proposed dam wall, must be monitored and strictly managed to prevent and mitigate their possible impacts. Specific emphasis should be placed on agricultural development, which should be controlled to ensure sustainable livestock and cropping practises. Sanitation facilities, systems and community programmes should be put in place to minimise microbial contamination. It would be beneficial for the Department of Water and Sanitation office responsible for the Mzimvubu water resources to establish a central database for all information concerning the water quality of their water resources including the findings in this report. The database must be freely accessible to the residents of the Mzimvubu catchment.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mutingwende, Nhamo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Water quality -- South Africa Water quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9308 , vital:34320
- Description: The Department of Water Affairs as of late reported plans to build two substantial stockpiling dams in the Mzimvubu Catchment. The Mzimvubu stream basin is probably one of most prominent and undeveloped basin in South Africa. This is notwithstanding high yearly rainfall, high ecological status, high tourism potential, and appropriateness for afforestation, dryland/rainfed and water system agribusiness. Hence, the Department of Water Affairs researched the capability of building a multipurpose dam in the Mzimvubu catchment to catalyse financial and social improvement. The proposed dam will be based on the Tsitsa River. Often, scientific studies related to dam construction concentrate more on discovering the most, in fact, accessible place to construct it, than on the long haul socio-natural issues that come in its preparation. The water quality of the Tsitsa River, its tributaries and the underground drinking water sources within the Mzimvubu catchment are most likely to change once the dam wall is completed. Surface water resources are susceptible to chemical, physical, microbiological contamination and the so-called emerging pollutants either, through human or natural activities. A comprehensive baseline study on the water quality of the Mzimvubu water resources regarding traces of emerging pollutants and water quality determinants (physical, chemical and microbial) pre-dam construction is therefore essential. The objective of the water quality section of this study was to perform an in-depth analysis of water quality in the study area to form a baseline for future studies on how the built dam may affect these. The approach was to assess the spatial and seasonal variations of the pollutants (pharmaceuticals and pesticides) and water quality determinants for all water sources most likely to be affected by the development of the dam. The fitness-for-use and compliance assessments were conducted to assess if the current water resources are fit-for-use for various categories of use and if they comply with various water quality standards and guidelines as determined by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. Department of Water Affairs and Forestry is the overseer of South Africa's water assets, and its central goal is to keep up the fitness-for-use of water on a sustained basis. Water samples (500ml) were collected from sixteen (16) sample points, ranging from the proposed mouth of the dam to the N2 bridge point of the Tsitsa River. Points were selected where the Tsitsa River was accessible using the dam project development roads or where tributaries to the Tsitsa River were accessible using dam development roads. Taps/groundwater sources were sampled from the five selected villages. Monthly samples were collected upstream and downstream of the proposed dam wall, from June 2015 to April 2017.Seventeen (17) water quality indices were therefore analysed at sixteen sampling sites, over a two year period. The AB SCIEX TripleTOF™5600 LC/MS/MS was used to screen for pharmaceutical and pesticide pollutants. All the water quality indices were analysed using the AL400 Aqua lytic photometer, and the microbial analysis was done using the Rand Water Method Number 1.2.2.09.1 for enumerating the amount of E. coli and coliforms in the water samples (Rand Water, 2010f). The South African Water Quality Guidelines, Volumes 1 to 7 (DWS, 1996a-g) were used to assess the fitness-for-use of the water sources. To confirm the compliance of the water resources to various standards and guidelines, the water quality data were assessed against international and national guidelines and standards i.e. the WHO guideline, South African water quality guidelines (domestic, irrigation, livestock and watering, aquaculture, and aquatic ecosystems), and the SANS: 241 (2015) standard for drinking water. Non-parametric statistics were utilised to ascertain the changeability, which is a measure of how water quality may vary after some time. With non-parametric insights, the interquartile extent, which lies between the 25th and the 75th percentile, was utilised to depict inconstancy. The median value (50th percentile) was used as an indication of the central tendency or average. The 90th percentile was included as it can be used to assess the frequency of excursions into higher and possibly unacceptable water quality conditions. 3D Sigma plot was used to graphical present the spatial and seasonal variations of water quality indices and emerging pollutants against their concentrations. Fundamental statistical properties and correlations of water quality variables from the Tsitsa River, Tsitsa River tributaries and the drinking water sources were examined using SAS descriptive statistics. The water quality was determined to be of relatively sound quality, based on the comparison with guidelines and standards for the various intended uses, even though some of the water quality determinants were non-compliant and were “unacceptable” regarding fitness for purpose. The water quality of the Ntabalenga dam would most probably be affected by natural influences (for example rainfall, weathering and geological composition) and anthropogenic factors through non-point source pollution from agriculture activities, human settlements (pit latrines and open defecation) as well as industrial activities in the Maclear and Tsolo towns (wastewater treatments plants effluent, hospital effluent). The Tsitsa River had the highest number of non-compliances, especially to the World Health Organisation and Department of Water and Sanitation aquaculture guidelines. Therefore, the Tsitsa River’s water quality would be a significant factor that could compromise the water quality of the water collected in the dam. The human settlement conditions and agricultural inputs seem to be the factors contributing most to contamination of the surface water of the catchment area. The lack of sanitation systems and facilities means that community members have to use the bush and rivers for ablutions, thus contributing to microbial contamination of the environment. The direct application of manure and fertilisers on the fields by farmers further exacerbates microbial contamination and high nutrient inputs into the environment as observed in elevated microbial and phosphate contaminants during the study period. The data obtained from the analysis of pesticides and pharmaceuticals confirmed the contamination of the drinking water sources, the Tsitsa River and its tributaries with pesticides and pharmaceuticals through non-point source pollution. The origins of these pharmaceutical contaminants were identified as the pit latrines, open defecation and wastewater treatment plant effluent, while agricultural application of pesticides was identified as the source of pesticides in surface waters. If not monitored closely, the presence of these emerging pollutants will negatively affect the quality of the dam water both at spatial and temporal scales once the dam wall is completed. Pit latrines and wastewater treatment plants are a significant source of non-point source pollution. The results of this study will add to the ongoing efforts on water quality remediation by recording the spatial and seasonal variations in water quality across various water sources within the study area. The study also provides a baseline for future water quality fitness-for-use and compliance assessments. By these findings and conclusions, it is recommended that a long-term continuous monitoring programme be implemented, especially in areas where increased agricultural activities have been observed. Monitoring should be implemented for the Tsitsa River, its tributaries, and selected drinking water sources which showed the highest number of non-compliances and microbial contamination. All anthropogenic activities in the catchment areas of these sources, both upstream and downstream of the proposed dam wall, must be monitored and strictly managed to prevent and mitigate their possible impacts. Specific emphasis should be placed on agricultural development, which should be controlled to ensure sustainable livestock and cropping practises. Sanitation facilities, systems and community programmes should be put in place to minimise microbial contamination. It would be beneficial for the Department of Water and Sanitation office responsible for the Mzimvubu water resources to establish a central database for all information concerning the water quality of their water resources including the findings in this report. The database must be freely accessible to the residents of the Mzimvubu catchment.
- Full Text:
Assessing the role of the community radio stations in facilitating development : a case study of Forte FM in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Mawokomayi, Betina
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Radio in community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community radio -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5462 , vital:29259
- Description: Community radio stations play an important role in the development of their communities. Forte FM is a community radio station located at University of Fort Hare Alice campus and was established to facilitate development in communities within the Amathole district municipality. Alice, a small rural town under Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, is one of the communities under the coverage of Forte FM. This study assessed the role that Forte FM plays in facilitating the development of Alice community. The study adopted a mixed method design in which questionnaires and interviews were used to collect primary data. The study findings show that although Forte FM is faced with serious financial challenges, it contributes to the development of Alice in various ways which includes providing the community with agricultural information, health information, promoting local culture, equipping the community with skills, promote local artists and sports personnel and educational programmes. The findings also revealed that the community is involved in the management of some aspects of the station’s operations through a board which is elected annually by the community itself. The results indicate that the radio station involve some community members in programming as experts on some topics or as people who have experienced an ordeal so they could share their experiences and advice other people how to manage similar situations. However, there is need to involve the community in the whole production process. The respondents’ attributed poor levels of community participation in programming to insufficient funds. The study recommends that Forte FM should lobby members of the community to fund the production of programmes since the station belongs to the community. This will enhance the sense of community ownership towards the radio station.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mawokomayi, Betina
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Radio in community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community radio -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5462 , vital:29259
- Description: Community radio stations play an important role in the development of their communities. Forte FM is a community radio station located at University of Fort Hare Alice campus and was established to facilitate development in communities within the Amathole district municipality. Alice, a small rural town under Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, is one of the communities under the coverage of Forte FM. This study assessed the role that Forte FM plays in facilitating the development of Alice community. The study adopted a mixed method design in which questionnaires and interviews were used to collect primary data. The study findings show that although Forte FM is faced with serious financial challenges, it contributes to the development of Alice in various ways which includes providing the community with agricultural information, health information, promoting local culture, equipping the community with skills, promote local artists and sports personnel and educational programmes. The findings also revealed that the community is involved in the management of some aspects of the station’s operations through a board which is elected annually by the community itself. The results indicate that the radio station involve some community members in programming as experts on some topics or as people who have experienced an ordeal so they could share their experiences and advice other people how to manage similar situations. However, there is need to involve the community in the whole production process. The respondents’ attributed poor levels of community participation in programming to insufficient funds. The study recommends that Forte FM should lobby members of the community to fund the production of programmes since the station belongs to the community. This will enhance the sense of community ownership towards the radio station.
- Full Text:
Cost and return analysis of smallholder organic crop farms in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
- Authors: Akharume, Celestine Ohi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Profit -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organic farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13730 , vital:39703
- Description: Agriculture remains an influential sector in South Africa in terms of its contributions to economic development and poverty reduction, notably in the rural areas. These include providing sufficient and affordable food for the constantly increasing population, providing cheap food for the developing industrial labor force, providing employment and livelihoods and supplying raw materials to the country’s rising domestic industrial sector. Despite phenomenal progress in integrating smallholder farmers into the mainstream economy since democratic reforms in the country, deteriorating soil quality through poor agricultural practices, land erosion, acidification and concerns about production and productivity and compliance with food safety standards are beginning to loom high. Hence, organic farming is identified as one of the sustainable approaches to farming. It is also believed to guarantee substantial net gains and to promote sustainable natural resource management with the possibility of enhancing overall agricultural productivity. Notwithstanding, organic farming is still being perceived negatively in South Africa and there is shortage of empirical studies which focus on cost and return of smallholder organic crop farms. It is in this regard that the study therefore seeks to analyze cost and return of smallholder organic crop farms in the Eastern Cape Province to contribute to knowledge on the relative economic advantages of organic agriculture at the smallholder sector. Specifically, the study profiled the socioeconomic characteristics of smallholder organic crop farmers, determined costs and returns, and estimated profitability and factors that constrain profitability of the smallholder organic crop farms. The research design used in this study was cross-sectional where data were collected at a single point in time. A multi- stage random sampling technique was used to obtain primary data from one hundred and sixty smallholder organic crop farmers (160) with the aid of structured questionnaires. Primary data were collected on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, variable costs and fixed costs, and returns from the organic crop farms. Data collected were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and the descriptive and inferential statistics involved were mean, frequency proportion, gross margin and net income analysis as well as OLS regression analysis. The results of the descriptive analysis showed that the proportions of women involved in organic crop farming were higher than that of men and many of the farmers cultivated on less than 1.0ha. The analysis of the data also showed that smallholder organic crop farms are undoubtedly profitable farm business, with attractive net farm income and lower production costs. The findings further affirmed that factors such as household size, gender, farming experience, number of years in school, farm size, source of labor and access to credit affect profitability and net farm income. Therefore, government is advised to encourage the practice of organic farming by giving short-term loans to smallholder farmers, to enable them invest more in their organic crop farms. There is also need for government to organize workshops and lectures, educating and enlightening individual smallholder organic crop farmers on modern organic farming techniques to enhance profitability of smallholder organic crop farms.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Akharume, Celestine Ohi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Profit -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organic farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13730 , vital:39703
- Description: Agriculture remains an influential sector in South Africa in terms of its contributions to economic development and poverty reduction, notably in the rural areas. These include providing sufficient and affordable food for the constantly increasing population, providing cheap food for the developing industrial labor force, providing employment and livelihoods and supplying raw materials to the country’s rising domestic industrial sector. Despite phenomenal progress in integrating smallholder farmers into the mainstream economy since democratic reforms in the country, deteriorating soil quality through poor agricultural practices, land erosion, acidification and concerns about production and productivity and compliance with food safety standards are beginning to loom high. Hence, organic farming is identified as one of the sustainable approaches to farming. It is also believed to guarantee substantial net gains and to promote sustainable natural resource management with the possibility of enhancing overall agricultural productivity. Notwithstanding, organic farming is still being perceived negatively in South Africa and there is shortage of empirical studies which focus on cost and return of smallholder organic crop farms. It is in this regard that the study therefore seeks to analyze cost and return of smallholder organic crop farms in the Eastern Cape Province to contribute to knowledge on the relative economic advantages of organic agriculture at the smallholder sector. Specifically, the study profiled the socioeconomic characteristics of smallholder organic crop farmers, determined costs and returns, and estimated profitability and factors that constrain profitability of the smallholder organic crop farms. The research design used in this study was cross-sectional where data were collected at a single point in time. A multi- stage random sampling technique was used to obtain primary data from one hundred and sixty smallholder organic crop farmers (160) with the aid of structured questionnaires. Primary data were collected on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, variable costs and fixed costs, and returns from the organic crop farms. Data collected were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and the descriptive and inferential statistics involved were mean, frequency proportion, gross margin and net income analysis as well as OLS regression analysis. The results of the descriptive analysis showed that the proportions of women involved in organic crop farming were higher than that of men and many of the farmers cultivated on less than 1.0ha. The analysis of the data also showed that smallholder organic crop farms are undoubtedly profitable farm business, with attractive net farm income and lower production costs. The findings further affirmed that factors such as household size, gender, farming experience, number of years in school, farm size, source of labor and access to credit affect profitability and net farm income. Therefore, government is advised to encourage the practice of organic farming by giving short-term loans to smallholder farmers, to enable them invest more in their organic crop farms. There is also need for government to organize workshops and lectures, educating and enlightening individual smallholder organic crop farmers on modern organic farming techniques to enhance profitability of smallholder organic crop farms.
- Full Text:
Stratigraphy and sedimentology of the Msikaba formation in KwaZulu Natal South Coast, South Africa
- Authors: Busakwe, Nolukholo Sinovuyo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Geology, Stratigraphic Sedimentology -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2501 , vital:27877
- Description: The Msikaba Formation is a Late Devonian fluvial and marine succession which outcrops from Hibberdene to Port Edward along the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The Formation is composed of brownish conglomerate at the bottom and white-greyish quartz arenite sequence in the middle and mixed quartz-arenite with feldspathic sandstone in the upper sequence. Previous studies put more emphasis on the correlation of Msikaba Formation with the Natal Group and Cape Supergroup, whereas this study revised the stratigraphy, and also put new insight on the petrography, sedimentary facies, depositional environments and diagenesis of the Formation. The total stratigraphic section attains a thickness of 184 m at Margate area and 186 m at Port Edward area. The stratigraphy of Msikaba Formation is well exposed on the outcrops along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. The stratigraphy is subdivided into 4 new members along Margate to Shelly beach section; namely Manaba Member, Uvongo Member, Mhlangeni Member and Shelly Beach Member from bottom upward. Twelve sedimentary facies were identified and the sedimentary facies were integrated into 4 facies association: Facies association 1 (Gmm+Sm) represents braided fluvial deposits, Facies association 2 (Gcm+St+Sp+Sl+Shb) represents tidal channel and tidal flat deposit, Facies association 3 (St+Sp+Sr+Sl) is result of shallow marine deposit and Facies association 4 (Sp+Sl+St+Sm) is a mixed marine and fluvial deposit. Each facies association represents a specific stratigraphic unit and were deposited in a specific sedimentary environment. Grain size analysis was conducted on seventeen thin sections and 500 grains were counted from each thin section. The sandstone grain size parameters of mean, sorting, skewness and kurtosis fell under the average of 0.75, 0.78, 0.4 and 1.2φ respectively. The results show that most of the grain size are coarse to medium grained throughout the study areas and sorting of the sandstones are moderate to poorly sorted. The cumulative frequency diagrams and bivariate plots show positive skewness and negative kurtosis, which indicate a high hydrodynamic environment. Modal composition analysis and petrography studies show that detrital components of the Msikaba Formation are dominated by monocrystalline quartz, feldspar (mostly K-feldspar) and lithic fragments of igneous and metamorphic rocks. The sandstones could be classified as quartz arenite, sub-arkosic sandstone and feldspathic litharenite; and the provenance analysis indicates that the sandstones were derived from craton interior, recycled or quartzose recycled sources which may derived from weathering and erosion of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Diagenetic processes of the Msikaba Formation have been passed through early, mid- and late diagenetic stages. Cementation, mineral conversion and compaction affect early diagenetic stage; authigenic minerals, quartz and feldspar overgrowth are presented in mid-diagenetic stage, whereas recrystallization, replacement, deformation and dissolution have been strongly affected late diagenetic stage. Microscopy, XRD and SEM-EDX studies have identified five types of cements including smectite clay, kaolinite, hematite, quartz and feldspar cements. Quartz cement, pore-filling and pore-lining clay are the major type of cements in the Msikaba Formation. Based on the lithology, sedimentary structure and facies variations, the Manaba Member was most probably deposited in a braided fluvial environment, the Uvongo Member was deposited in a tidal channel environment, the Mhlangeni Member was formed in shallow marine storm-influenced environment, whereas the Shelly Beach Member was represented mixed marine and fluvial environment. The sequence stratigraphy of Msikaba Formation constitutes a transgressive sequence from Manaba Member to Uvongo Member, whereas it ended as a regressive sequence from Mhlangeni Member to Shelly beach Member. The Msikaba Formation shows major differences with the Natal Group and Table Mountain Group (Cape Supergroup) in the lithology, stratigraphic sequence, sedimentary structures, facies system, palaeocurrent styles, fossil contents and depositional environments, which demonstrate that they are not the equivalent stratigraphic unit. Therefore, the Msikaba Formation is a separate, younger stratigraphic unit, and cannot correlate with the Natal Group and Table Mountain Group as suggested by previous researchers.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Busakwe, Nolukholo Sinovuyo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Geology, Stratigraphic Sedimentology -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2501 , vital:27877
- Description: The Msikaba Formation is a Late Devonian fluvial and marine succession which outcrops from Hibberdene to Port Edward along the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The Formation is composed of brownish conglomerate at the bottom and white-greyish quartz arenite sequence in the middle and mixed quartz-arenite with feldspathic sandstone in the upper sequence. Previous studies put more emphasis on the correlation of Msikaba Formation with the Natal Group and Cape Supergroup, whereas this study revised the stratigraphy, and also put new insight on the petrography, sedimentary facies, depositional environments and diagenesis of the Formation. The total stratigraphic section attains a thickness of 184 m at Margate area and 186 m at Port Edward area. The stratigraphy of Msikaba Formation is well exposed on the outcrops along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. The stratigraphy is subdivided into 4 new members along Margate to Shelly beach section; namely Manaba Member, Uvongo Member, Mhlangeni Member and Shelly Beach Member from bottom upward. Twelve sedimentary facies were identified and the sedimentary facies were integrated into 4 facies association: Facies association 1 (Gmm+Sm) represents braided fluvial deposits, Facies association 2 (Gcm+St+Sp+Sl+Shb) represents tidal channel and tidal flat deposit, Facies association 3 (St+Sp+Sr+Sl) is result of shallow marine deposit and Facies association 4 (Sp+Sl+St+Sm) is a mixed marine and fluvial deposit. Each facies association represents a specific stratigraphic unit and were deposited in a specific sedimentary environment. Grain size analysis was conducted on seventeen thin sections and 500 grains were counted from each thin section. The sandstone grain size parameters of mean, sorting, skewness and kurtosis fell under the average of 0.75, 0.78, 0.4 and 1.2φ respectively. The results show that most of the grain size are coarse to medium grained throughout the study areas and sorting of the sandstones are moderate to poorly sorted. The cumulative frequency diagrams and bivariate plots show positive skewness and negative kurtosis, which indicate a high hydrodynamic environment. Modal composition analysis and petrography studies show that detrital components of the Msikaba Formation are dominated by monocrystalline quartz, feldspar (mostly K-feldspar) and lithic fragments of igneous and metamorphic rocks. The sandstones could be classified as quartz arenite, sub-arkosic sandstone and feldspathic litharenite; and the provenance analysis indicates that the sandstones were derived from craton interior, recycled or quartzose recycled sources which may derived from weathering and erosion of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Diagenetic processes of the Msikaba Formation have been passed through early, mid- and late diagenetic stages. Cementation, mineral conversion and compaction affect early diagenetic stage; authigenic minerals, quartz and feldspar overgrowth are presented in mid-diagenetic stage, whereas recrystallization, replacement, deformation and dissolution have been strongly affected late diagenetic stage. Microscopy, XRD and SEM-EDX studies have identified five types of cements including smectite clay, kaolinite, hematite, quartz and feldspar cements. Quartz cement, pore-filling and pore-lining clay are the major type of cements in the Msikaba Formation. Based on the lithology, sedimentary structure and facies variations, the Manaba Member was most probably deposited in a braided fluvial environment, the Uvongo Member was deposited in a tidal channel environment, the Mhlangeni Member was formed in shallow marine storm-influenced environment, whereas the Shelly Beach Member was represented mixed marine and fluvial environment. The sequence stratigraphy of Msikaba Formation constitutes a transgressive sequence from Manaba Member to Uvongo Member, whereas it ended as a regressive sequence from Mhlangeni Member to Shelly beach Member. The Msikaba Formation shows major differences with the Natal Group and Table Mountain Group (Cape Supergroup) in the lithology, stratigraphic sequence, sedimentary structures, facies system, palaeocurrent styles, fossil contents and depositional environments, which demonstrate that they are not the equivalent stratigraphic unit. Therefore, the Msikaba Formation is a separate, younger stratigraphic unit, and cannot correlate with the Natal Group and Table Mountain Group as suggested by previous researchers.
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The relationship between religion/spirituality and the general psychological well-being of the institutionalized elderly population in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Walton, Karen Lynn
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Psychology, Religious Psychology and religion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5708 , vital:29366
- Description: Psychological well-being has a number of known benefits and is important for the quality of life of the elderly in particular. South Africa can be considered a religious country with the majority of citizens identifying with some religious orientation. The elderly are considered to be a more religious segment of the population, leading to a quantitative exploratory study being undertaken in order to ascertain whether a correlation exists between psychological well-being and religiosity/spirituality in the elderly institutionalised population of South Africa. The General Psychological Well-Being Scale and ASPIRES was administered to a convenience sample of 336 participants in the Eastern Cape Province. A significant but weak positive correlation was found between the variables of psychological well-being and religiosity. A difference was also found between White and African participants’ level of psychological well-being. An ANOVA was performed on the demographic information collected from participants. It was found that higher levels of education and access to private medical care were associated with higher levels of psychological well-being. A regression analysis was also performed on the data. It was found that although religiosity/spirituality does account for some of the variance, there were still a large number of other factors that influence psychological well-being in the elderly that were not captured in this study. Limitations of the study are that the results can’t be generalised to elderly residing at home. All of the participants also lived in urban areas and so differences may be found with rural elderly. Some further directions for research are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Walton, Karen Lynn
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Psychology, Religious Psychology and religion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5708 , vital:29366
- Description: Psychological well-being has a number of known benefits and is important for the quality of life of the elderly in particular. South Africa can be considered a religious country with the majority of citizens identifying with some religious orientation. The elderly are considered to be a more religious segment of the population, leading to a quantitative exploratory study being undertaken in order to ascertain whether a correlation exists between psychological well-being and religiosity/spirituality in the elderly institutionalised population of South Africa. The General Psychological Well-Being Scale and ASPIRES was administered to a convenience sample of 336 participants in the Eastern Cape Province. A significant but weak positive correlation was found between the variables of psychological well-being and religiosity. A difference was also found between White and African participants’ level of psychological well-being. An ANOVA was performed on the demographic information collected from participants. It was found that higher levels of education and access to private medical care were associated with higher levels of psychological well-being. A regression analysis was also performed on the data. It was found that although religiosity/spirituality does account for some of the variance, there were still a large number of other factors that influence psychological well-being in the elderly that were not captured in this study. Limitations of the study are that the results can’t be generalised to elderly residing at home. All of the participants also lived in urban areas and so differences may be found with rural elderly. Some further directions for research are discussed.
- Full Text:
Impact of translucent water-based acrylic paint on the thermal performance of a low cost house
- Authors: Overen, Ochuko Kelvin
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Physics)
- Identifier: vital:11598 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019777
- Description: Insulation materials are selected based on their R-value, which is a measure of the thermal resistance of a material. Therefore, the higher the R-value of a material, the better its thermal insulation performance. There are two major groups of insulation materials: bulk and reflective insulation (or combine bulk and reflective). Bulk insulation is design to resist heat transfer due to conduction and convection. Reflective insulation resists radiant heat flow due to its high reflectivity and low emissivity. Insulation materials are not restricted to these materials only. Other low thermal conductive materials can be used as long as the primary aim of thermal insulation, which is increasing thermal resistance, is achieved. Hence, the aim of the project is to investigate the insulation ability of Translucent Water-based Acrylic Paint (TWAP) on the thermal performance of Low Cost Housing (LCH). To achieve the aim of the study, the inner surfaces of the external walls of LCH was coated with TWAP. Before the inner surfaces of the external walls were coated, the following techniques were used to characterised the paint; Scanning Electron Microscopy/ Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) and IR thermography. SEM/EDX was adapted to view the surface morphology and to detect the elemental composition responsible for the thermal resistance of the TWAP. FTIR spectroscopy was used to determine the functional group and organic molecular composition of the paint. The heat resistance of TWAP was analyzed using IR thermography technique. A low cost house located in the Golf Course settlement in Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa under the Nkonkobe Municipality Eastern Cape was used as a case study in this research. The house is facing geographical N16°E, It comprises a bedroom, toilet and an open plan living room and kitchen. The house has a floor dimension of 7.20 m x 5.70 m, giving an approximate area of 41 m2. The roof is made of galvanized corrugated iron sheets with no ceiling or any form of roof insulation. The walls of the buildings are made of the M6 (0.39 m 0.19 m x 0.14 m) hollow concrete blocks, with no plaster or insulation. The following meteorological parameters were measured: temperature, relative humidity, solar irradiance, wind speed and wind direction. Eleven type-K thermocouples were used to measure the indoor temperature, inner and outer surfaces temperature of the building walls. Two sets of HMP50 humidity sensors were used to measure the indoor and outdoor relative humidity as well as the ambient temperature. The indoor temperature and relative humidity were measured at a height of 1.80 m so as to have good indoor parameter variation patterns that are not influenced by the roof temperature. The outdoor relative humidity sensor together with a 03001 wind sentry anemometer/vane and Li-Cor pyranometer were installed at a height of 0.44 m above the roof of the building. Wind speed and direction were measured by the 03001 wind sentry anemometer/vane, while solar radiation was measured by the Li-Cor pyranometer. The entire set of sensors was connected to a CR1000 data logger from which data are stored and retrieved following a setup program.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Overen, Ochuko Kelvin
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Physics)
- Identifier: vital:11598 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019777
- Description: Insulation materials are selected based on their R-value, which is a measure of the thermal resistance of a material. Therefore, the higher the R-value of a material, the better its thermal insulation performance. There are two major groups of insulation materials: bulk and reflective insulation (or combine bulk and reflective). Bulk insulation is design to resist heat transfer due to conduction and convection. Reflective insulation resists radiant heat flow due to its high reflectivity and low emissivity. Insulation materials are not restricted to these materials only. Other low thermal conductive materials can be used as long as the primary aim of thermal insulation, which is increasing thermal resistance, is achieved. Hence, the aim of the project is to investigate the insulation ability of Translucent Water-based Acrylic Paint (TWAP) on the thermal performance of Low Cost Housing (LCH). To achieve the aim of the study, the inner surfaces of the external walls of LCH was coated with TWAP. Before the inner surfaces of the external walls were coated, the following techniques were used to characterised the paint; Scanning Electron Microscopy/ Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) and IR thermography. SEM/EDX was adapted to view the surface morphology and to detect the elemental composition responsible for the thermal resistance of the TWAP. FTIR spectroscopy was used to determine the functional group and organic molecular composition of the paint. The heat resistance of TWAP was analyzed using IR thermography technique. A low cost house located in the Golf Course settlement in Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa under the Nkonkobe Municipality Eastern Cape was used as a case study in this research. The house is facing geographical N16°E, It comprises a bedroom, toilet and an open plan living room and kitchen. The house has a floor dimension of 7.20 m x 5.70 m, giving an approximate area of 41 m2. The roof is made of galvanized corrugated iron sheets with no ceiling or any form of roof insulation. The walls of the buildings are made of the M6 (0.39 m 0.19 m x 0.14 m) hollow concrete blocks, with no plaster or insulation. The following meteorological parameters were measured: temperature, relative humidity, solar irradiance, wind speed and wind direction. Eleven type-K thermocouples were used to measure the indoor temperature, inner and outer surfaces temperature of the building walls. Two sets of HMP50 humidity sensors were used to measure the indoor and outdoor relative humidity as well as the ambient temperature. The indoor temperature and relative humidity were measured at a height of 1.80 m so as to have good indoor parameter variation patterns that are not influenced by the roof temperature. The outdoor relative humidity sensor together with a 03001 wind sentry anemometer/vane and Li-Cor pyranometer were installed at a height of 0.44 m above the roof of the building. Wind speed and direction were measured by the 03001 wind sentry anemometer/vane, while solar radiation was measured by the Li-Cor pyranometer. The entire set of sensors was connected to a CR1000 data logger from which data are stored and retrieved following a setup program.
- Full Text:
The impact of organizational culture of employees' behaviour within tertiary institutions in the Eastern Cape region
- Authors: Ntontela, Zintle Asiyena
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Attitudes , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11546 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/219 , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Attitudes , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: According to Nel, van Dyk, Haasbroek, Schultz, Sono and Werner (2004:19), organizational culture is simply the manner in which things are done in an organization. It is also known as the personality of the organization. Irrespective of what is called, the culture of the organization develops overtime, and employees are often not even aware of its existence. Organizational culture is, however, of particular importance to management because it helps them understand how employees feel about their work. Culture involves general assumptions about the manner in which work should be done, appropriate goals for the organization as a whole and for departments within the organization, and personal goals for employees. It is particularly the latter that makes the nature of the psychological contract of special importance in the pursuit of organizational success. It is represented by formal goals, structures, policy and communication. Shaw (1997:15) agrees with Nel et al (2004) that organizational culture composes of the shared values which are important concerns and goals shared by people in the organization that tend to influence the behaviour of the employees. These values persist overtime even with changes in group membership. In the light of the above literature, I’m conducting a research for a masters’ degree in Industrial Psychology at the University of Fort Hare, the topic being “The impact of organizational culture on employees’ behaviour within tertiary institutions in the Eastern Cape Region”. This study seeks to investigate: 1) Determine the extent of influence of organizational culture on employees’ behaviour. 2) Identify how management enforces such a culture into the workplace. 3) Determine the significance of creating organizational culture and its implementation. This questionnaire was designed, in this regard, by the researcher to assess the above mentioned objectives. This questionnaire was distributed to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and the University of Fort Hare.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntontela, Zintle Asiyena
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Attitudes , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11546 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/219 , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Attitudes , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: According to Nel, van Dyk, Haasbroek, Schultz, Sono and Werner (2004:19), organizational culture is simply the manner in which things are done in an organization. It is also known as the personality of the organization. Irrespective of what is called, the culture of the organization develops overtime, and employees are often not even aware of its existence. Organizational culture is, however, of particular importance to management because it helps them understand how employees feel about their work. Culture involves general assumptions about the manner in which work should be done, appropriate goals for the organization as a whole and for departments within the organization, and personal goals for employees. It is particularly the latter that makes the nature of the psychological contract of special importance in the pursuit of organizational success. It is represented by formal goals, structures, policy and communication. Shaw (1997:15) agrees with Nel et al (2004) that organizational culture composes of the shared values which are important concerns and goals shared by people in the organization that tend to influence the behaviour of the employees. These values persist overtime even with changes in group membership. In the light of the above literature, I’m conducting a research for a masters’ degree in Industrial Psychology at the University of Fort Hare, the topic being “The impact of organizational culture on employees’ behaviour within tertiary institutions in the Eastern Cape Region”. This study seeks to investigate: 1) Determine the extent of influence of organizational culture on employees’ behaviour. 2) Identify how management enforces such a culture into the workplace. 3) Determine the significance of creating organizational culture and its implementation. This questionnaire was designed, in this regard, by the researcher to assess the above mentioned objectives. This questionnaire was distributed to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and the University of Fort Hare.
- Full Text:
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