A strategy to motivate continued instructor usage of learning management systems (LMSS) in higher learning institutions of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Siwela, Ndukuyenkosi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Web-based instruction , Computer systems Organizational learning -- Zimbabwe Internet in education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47259 , vital:39837
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop a strategy to motivate continued usage of Learning Management Systems in higher learning institutions of Zimbabwe. A related goal was to identify unique challenges experienced by instructors in their use of LMSs. The use of LMSs is now global and has been fairly successful in developed countries even though past research shows that instructors tend to discontinue usage over a period of time. Whereas most LMSs research is carried in the context of the developed world, the candidate demonstrates that Vantankesh's IS Success Model and Davis' Technology Acceptance Model can be successfully replicated into the developing world on condition that local environment is taken into context. The results showed that LMSs in Zimbabwe higher learning institutions hold a promise of success even though challenges exist. The findings have wider implications on the need to invest in neccessary infrustructure and future predictions on learner interests. The study demonstrates that shared success can be achieved if the local conditions are taken into context when developing a strategy to motivate instructor continued LMS usage. The study holds the practical implication that institutions can motivate instructors to continue with usage of LMSs to deliver quality output in their daily duties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Siwela, Ndukuyenkosi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Web-based instruction , Computer systems Organizational learning -- Zimbabwe Internet in education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47259 , vital:39837
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop a strategy to motivate continued usage of Learning Management Systems in higher learning institutions of Zimbabwe. A related goal was to identify unique challenges experienced by instructors in their use of LMSs. The use of LMSs is now global and has been fairly successful in developed countries even though past research shows that instructors tend to discontinue usage over a period of time. Whereas most LMSs research is carried in the context of the developed world, the candidate demonstrates that Vantankesh's IS Success Model and Davis' Technology Acceptance Model can be successfully replicated into the developing world on condition that local environment is taken into context. The results showed that LMSs in Zimbabwe higher learning institutions hold a promise of success even though challenges exist. The findings have wider implications on the need to invest in neccessary infrustructure and future predictions on learner interests. The study demonstrates that shared success can be achieved if the local conditions are taken into context when developing a strategy to motivate instructor continued LMS usage. The study holds the practical implication that institutions can motivate instructors to continue with usage of LMSs to deliver quality output in their daily duties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Exploring gender roles in traditional healing practice at selected areas of Buffalo City Municipality Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Gqibithole,Zizipho
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Healers Healing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18107 , vital:42233
- Description: The purpose of the study was to explore the gender roles in traditional healing practice at selected areas of Buffalo City Municipality. A qualitative method was used to explore and identify gender roles in traditional healing practice. Purposive sampling was used to select thirty traditional healers, both males and females. In depth interviews and focus group discussions were also used to collect data and an interview guide was used to conduct interviews with participants. Thematic analysis and open coding were used in identifying themes. The results were: there are different roles ascribed for both male and female traditional healers. Those roles may lead to stereotypes and the stereotypes may have negative effects to the traditional healers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Gqibithole,Zizipho
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Healers Healing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18107 , vital:42233
- Description: The purpose of the study was to explore the gender roles in traditional healing practice at selected areas of Buffalo City Municipality. A qualitative method was used to explore and identify gender roles in traditional healing practice. Purposive sampling was used to select thirty traditional healers, both males and females. In depth interviews and focus group discussions were also used to collect data and an interview guide was used to conduct interviews with participants. Thematic analysis and open coding were used in identifying themes. The results were: there are different roles ascribed for both male and female traditional healers. Those roles may lead to stereotypes and the stereotypes may have negative effects to the traditional healers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The construction and positioning of pregnant learners within contemporary South African legislation and policy
- Authors: Naidoo, Tashmin
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Pregnant teenagers Educational law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16517 , vital:40727
- Description: In South Africa, nearly a third of women have children before they reach the age of 20, and basic education is compulsory until the age of 16. Many learners within the South African context continue to attend school until they are at least 20. Of all those teenage girls who fall pregnant, it is estimated that only around a third stay in school during their pregnancy and return following childbirth, with the highest return rate among those in Grade 12. As a result the government is committed to enforcing legislation and policy that protects and allows for pregnant learners to exercise their rights. The rationale of the study focuses on the fact that, rights-based documents are often at odds with the hierarchical spaces within schools. In practice, teachers and school managers continue to have the power to exclude pregnant learners. Although there is excellent legislation and progressive policy, these documents do not address the larger ideological landscape that impacts on the successful implementation of policy. Often policy is contradictory, ambiguous and draws on very conservative discourse. The aims of this study were to analyze the positioning of the pregnant learner within legislation and policy. A qualitative framework utilizing positioning theory was adopted in order to understand how the pregnant learner is positioned and constructed within relevant policy and legislation. This was accomplished by critically analyzing the discourses used within policy in order to tease out various themes or discourses, for example the pregnant learner as an ‘unfit mother’, as responsible, or as rights bearing etc. This was done in order to understand how the pregnant learner is positioned and what the implications of this positioning impose upon her life. The analysis suggests that pregnant learners are positioned as shifting ‘subjects’ in order to achieve very specific aims. The study established that their rights are not always absolute but contingent on other factors, that she is positioned as transitional, vulnerable, and rights-bearing and expected to be responsible. It is recommended that these policies be amended through a process of engagement with teachers and school management in order to ensure the rights of pregnant learners in schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Naidoo, Tashmin
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Pregnant teenagers Educational law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16517 , vital:40727
- Description: In South Africa, nearly a third of women have children before they reach the age of 20, and basic education is compulsory until the age of 16. Many learners within the South African context continue to attend school until they are at least 20. Of all those teenage girls who fall pregnant, it is estimated that only around a third stay in school during their pregnancy and return following childbirth, with the highest return rate among those in Grade 12. As a result the government is committed to enforcing legislation and policy that protects and allows for pregnant learners to exercise their rights. The rationale of the study focuses on the fact that, rights-based documents are often at odds with the hierarchical spaces within schools. In practice, teachers and school managers continue to have the power to exclude pregnant learners. Although there is excellent legislation and progressive policy, these documents do not address the larger ideological landscape that impacts on the successful implementation of policy. Often policy is contradictory, ambiguous and draws on very conservative discourse. The aims of this study were to analyze the positioning of the pregnant learner within legislation and policy. A qualitative framework utilizing positioning theory was adopted in order to understand how the pregnant learner is positioned and constructed within relevant policy and legislation. This was accomplished by critically analyzing the discourses used within policy in order to tease out various themes or discourses, for example the pregnant learner as an ‘unfit mother’, as responsible, or as rights bearing etc. This was done in order to understand how the pregnant learner is positioned and what the implications of this positioning impose upon her life. The analysis suggests that pregnant learners are positioned as shifting ‘subjects’ in order to achieve very specific aims. The study established that their rights are not always absolute but contingent on other factors, that she is positioned as transitional, vulnerable, and rights-bearing and expected to be responsible. It is recommended that these policies be amended through a process of engagement with teachers and school management in order to ensure the rights of pregnant learners in schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Appraisal of wastewater final effluents and river water as reservoirs of cholera and non-cholera causing vibrio species : case study of the Amatole and OR Tambo District Municipalities
- Authors: Nontongana, Nolonwabo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Vibrio -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Vibrio cholerae Disease Reservoirs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Microbiology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9929 , vital:35146
- Description: Vibrio infections remain a serious threat to public health. In the last decade, Vibrio disease outbreaks have created a painful awareness of the personal, economic, societal, and public health costs associated with the impact of inadequately treated wastewater effluents. This study was therefore designed to assess the occurrence of cholera and non-cholera causing Vibrio species in the final effluents of wastewater treatment plants and river waters in the Amatole (BT WWTP) and OR Tambo District municipalities (MT WWTP and QN River) of the Eastern Cape Province. Samples were collected monthly from December 2016 to November 2017 from the final effluent, 500 meters upstream and downstream of the discharge points and analysed for physicochemical parameters, Vibrio pathogens prevalence and their antibiogram characteristics using both culture-based and molecular techniques. Samples were collected aseptically using sterile 1L glass bottles containing 0.5 ml of sterile sodium thiosulphate solution and transported on ice to the laboratory for analyses within 6hrs of collection. The membrane filtration method was used for enumeration of presumptive Vibrio densities on thiosulfate citrate bile salt (TCBS) agar plates. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was then used to confirm the identities of the presumptive Vibrio species using the species-specific primers. The confirmed isolates were further subjected to molecular characterization to confirm their respective pathotypes. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by the standard disc diffusion method recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. The recovered Vibrio species were tested against a panel of 17 antibiotics. Physicochemical parameters measured include pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, salinity, turbidity, total dissolved solid (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chlorine (only for BT WWTP). Unacceptably high levels of the assayed parameters were observed in many cases for TDS (66 - 879 mg/l), turbidity (2.0 -722.33 NTU) and DO (2.5 – 9.7 mg/l) as well as chlorine (0.2 – 3.2 mg/L). Presumptive Vibrio densities varied from 2.91 to 3.91 log10 CFU/100 ml and 2.67 to 3.18 log CFU/100ml, for BT WWTP and MT WWTP respectively. The densities for the QN River ranged between 2.51 to 3.99 log10 CFU/100mL. Out of 720 presumptive isolates recovered, 619 (86 percent) were found to be positive for the Vibrio genus. Molecular confirmation of the presumptive Vibrio species revealed the presence of V. fluvialis (16), V. vulnificus (12), V aliginolyticus (9), V. parahaemolyticus (37) and V. cholerae (5) isolates were confirmed. The susceptibility against 17 different antibiotics by the recovered species were examined. V. cholerae was notably resistant against nalidixic acid (3) and Ampicilin (2), all the V. vulnificus isolates were resistant against ampicillin (16), V. fluvialis showed resistance against ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid, all (9) isolates for V. alginolyticus were resistant against ampicillin. V. parahaemolyticus showed resistance against cefutoxime (16), cefuxime (8) and ampicillin (13). The recovery of Vibrio in the discharged effluents throughout the sampling period even in adequately disinfected effluents is not acceptable considering that Vibrio are pathogenic bacteria. The findings of this study underline the need for constant monitoring of the physicochemical and microbiological qualities of discharged effluents and might also be suggestive for a review of the disinfection methods used at the treatment works as this might pose adverse health risk to the communities which still rely heavily on these surface waters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nontongana, Nolonwabo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Vibrio -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Vibrio cholerae Disease Reservoirs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Microbiology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9929 , vital:35146
- Description: Vibrio infections remain a serious threat to public health. In the last decade, Vibrio disease outbreaks have created a painful awareness of the personal, economic, societal, and public health costs associated with the impact of inadequately treated wastewater effluents. This study was therefore designed to assess the occurrence of cholera and non-cholera causing Vibrio species in the final effluents of wastewater treatment plants and river waters in the Amatole (BT WWTP) and OR Tambo District municipalities (MT WWTP and QN River) of the Eastern Cape Province. Samples were collected monthly from December 2016 to November 2017 from the final effluent, 500 meters upstream and downstream of the discharge points and analysed for physicochemical parameters, Vibrio pathogens prevalence and their antibiogram characteristics using both culture-based and molecular techniques. Samples were collected aseptically using sterile 1L glass bottles containing 0.5 ml of sterile sodium thiosulphate solution and transported on ice to the laboratory for analyses within 6hrs of collection. The membrane filtration method was used for enumeration of presumptive Vibrio densities on thiosulfate citrate bile salt (TCBS) agar plates. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was then used to confirm the identities of the presumptive Vibrio species using the species-specific primers. The confirmed isolates were further subjected to molecular characterization to confirm their respective pathotypes. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by the standard disc diffusion method recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. The recovered Vibrio species were tested against a panel of 17 antibiotics. Physicochemical parameters measured include pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, salinity, turbidity, total dissolved solid (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chlorine (only for BT WWTP). Unacceptably high levels of the assayed parameters were observed in many cases for TDS (66 - 879 mg/l), turbidity (2.0 -722.33 NTU) and DO (2.5 – 9.7 mg/l) as well as chlorine (0.2 – 3.2 mg/L). Presumptive Vibrio densities varied from 2.91 to 3.91 log10 CFU/100 ml and 2.67 to 3.18 log CFU/100ml, for BT WWTP and MT WWTP respectively. The densities for the QN River ranged between 2.51 to 3.99 log10 CFU/100mL. Out of 720 presumptive isolates recovered, 619 (86 percent) were found to be positive for the Vibrio genus. Molecular confirmation of the presumptive Vibrio species revealed the presence of V. fluvialis (16), V. vulnificus (12), V aliginolyticus (9), V. parahaemolyticus (37) and V. cholerae (5) isolates were confirmed. The susceptibility against 17 different antibiotics by the recovered species were examined. V. cholerae was notably resistant against nalidixic acid (3) and Ampicilin (2), all the V. vulnificus isolates were resistant against ampicillin (16), V. fluvialis showed resistance against ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid, all (9) isolates for V. alginolyticus were resistant against ampicillin. V. parahaemolyticus showed resistance against cefutoxime (16), cefuxime (8) and ampicillin (13). The recovery of Vibrio in the discharged effluents throughout the sampling period even in adequately disinfected effluents is not acceptable considering that Vibrio are pathogenic bacteria. The findings of this study underline the need for constant monitoring of the physicochemical and microbiological qualities of discharged effluents and might also be suggestive for a review of the disinfection methods used at the treatment works as this might pose adverse health risk to the communities which still rely heavily on these surface waters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Factors affecting patient perceptions of service delivery in Postmasburg Hospital in the Z.F. McGawu District, Northern Cape Province, South Africa
- Rakumakoe, Jacob Mogapi Chocky
- Authors: Rakumakoe, Jacob Mogapi Chocky
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public health -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Medical care -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Health services accessibility
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17805 , vital:41262
- Description: Background: There is a requirement to provide proper and safe quality service to patients, hence a view from patients was deemed important as it can help the hospital to improve services rendered to them. There were two Provincial assessments done on National Core Standards in Postmasburg Hospital (overall scores were 32percent in 2013 and 48percent in 2014) and on both occasions, the Hospital failed to comply with the assessments and the implication were a suspected negative impact on the Hospital service delivery. The repercussions could be that the hospital might not be certified or not funded through National Health Insurance following a national assessment if the status quo remains. Aim: The aim of the study was to describe the factors affecting patients’ perceptions of service delivery in order to inform health policy decisions to improve service delivery. Methodology: A quantitative descriptive design was used to collect data on 133 adult patients admitted for a minimum of three days in the different hospital wards. Participants were administered a structured pre-tested questionnaire to collect data relating to their employment status, the number of hospital admissions and the reason for hospital admission. Results: About 41.4percent of participants were neutral or not sure whether the nurses/doctors came often to the ward where they were admitted. The majority (51.9percent) were neutral or not sure whether the quality of food in the hospital was good; 53.4percent expressed uncertainty concerning the adequacy of benches/chairs in the hospital for patients to sit while waiting to be seen by the health worker; and 55.6percent participants were neural or not sure whether the ward/room had enough space for consulting. Asked whether the hospital was user-friendly to disabled persons, 53.4percent participants were not sure. About 43.6percent participants expressed uncertainty regarding the registration satisfactory nature of the procedures in the hospital; the water cleanliness for patients in the hospital (42.1percent); whether their privacy was respected by all the staff within the hospital (51.9percent); permission to be examined and treated (51.1percent); the nurse/doctor who treated them being polite (53.4percent); and the nurse/doctor who treated them being able to answer all their questions about their illness (56.8percent). On whether they will visit the hospital again, 49.6percent participants were uncertain. The majority (69.7percent) agreed that all prescribed medicine was available in the hospital; the staff explained to them on how to use the medicine/pills (67percent); and they were told on how to store their pills/medication (47percent). Gender, education and employment status of the participants affect exactly one dimension each. Females, those with secondary education and employed were more satisfied on the respective dimensions. Conclusion: Patient involvement is an essential feature in healthcare services. Patients influence outcome quality through compliance, defining the right symptoms and physically experiencing treatment. Patient perceptions and satisfaction with service delivery is a multi-dimensional concept that should be studied by operationalising it within its context. Consequently, a conceptual model to understand and measure patient perception and satisfaction of service delivery and care quality in hospital health care services is proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Rakumakoe, Jacob Mogapi Chocky
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public health -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Medical care -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Health services accessibility
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17805 , vital:41262
- Description: Background: There is a requirement to provide proper and safe quality service to patients, hence a view from patients was deemed important as it can help the hospital to improve services rendered to them. There were two Provincial assessments done on National Core Standards in Postmasburg Hospital (overall scores were 32percent in 2013 and 48percent in 2014) and on both occasions, the Hospital failed to comply with the assessments and the implication were a suspected negative impact on the Hospital service delivery. The repercussions could be that the hospital might not be certified or not funded through National Health Insurance following a national assessment if the status quo remains. Aim: The aim of the study was to describe the factors affecting patients’ perceptions of service delivery in order to inform health policy decisions to improve service delivery. Methodology: A quantitative descriptive design was used to collect data on 133 adult patients admitted for a minimum of three days in the different hospital wards. Participants were administered a structured pre-tested questionnaire to collect data relating to their employment status, the number of hospital admissions and the reason for hospital admission. Results: About 41.4percent of participants were neutral or not sure whether the nurses/doctors came often to the ward where they were admitted. The majority (51.9percent) were neutral or not sure whether the quality of food in the hospital was good; 53.4percent expressed uncertainty concerning the adequacy of benches/chairs in the hospital for patients to sit while waiting to be seen by the health worker; and 55.6percent participants were neural or not sure whether the ward/room had enough space for consulting. Asked whether the hospital was user-friendly to disabled persons, 53.4percent participants were not sure. About 43.6percent participants expressed uncertainty regarding the registration satisfactory nature of the procedures in the hospital; the water cleanliness for patients in the hospital (42.1percent); whether their privacy was respected by all the staff within the hospital (51.9percent); permission to be examined and treated (51.1percent); the nurse/doctor who treated them being polite (53.4percent); and the nurse/doctor who treated them being able to answer all their questions about their illness (56.8percent). On whether they will visit the hospital again, 49.6percent participants were uncertain. The majority (69.7percent) agreed that all prescribed medicine was available in the hospital; the staff explained to them on how to use the medicine/pills (67percent); and they were told on how to store their pills/medication (47percent). Gender, education and employment status of the participants affect exactly one dimension each. Females, those with secondary education and employed were more satisfied on the respective dimensions. Conclusion: Patient involvement is an essential feature in healthcare services. Patients influence outcome quality through compliance, defining the right symptoms and physically experiencing treatment. Patient perceptions and satisfaction with service delivery is a multi-dimensional concept that should be studied by operationalising it within its context. Consequently, a conceptual model to understand and measure patient perception and satisfaction of service delivery and care quality in hospital health care services is proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Secrets that kill : reflections on violation of cultural rights enshrined in the constitution and human rights through traditional circumcision
- Authors: Mlisa, Lily Rose Nomfundo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Human rights--South Africa Circumcision Circumcision--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11150 , vital:37176
- Description: The study was based on four research objectives: (1) to identify philosophy, psychology, cultural reasons behind the harsh and traumatic experiences of young Xhosa boys and their mothers during ukwaluka (male circumcision) as a mark for transition to manhood; (2) to review perceptions concerning the role of mothers during the male circumcision (MC) process (3) identify cultural and psycho-social construction and meaning of MC and (4) to explore recommended possible strategies on managing MC-related traumas and deaths in the Sub-Saharan region and Eastern Cape Province in particular. Desktop literature review methodology was followed. An in depth literature review was conducted on diverse website search engines using a set of inclusion criteria. Published articles from 1995 to 2015 were selected. Thematic content analysis was used to categorise and interpret emerging themes from the reviewed articles as aligned to set research objectives. Results revealed diverse philosophical and cultural perceptions around MC, its construction and meaning among different cultures whether circumcising or non-circumcising cultures. In addition, various reasons are laid out for the harsh treatment given to initiates in different settings. Results also indicated that the MC is no longer a secret due to social media profuse publications about it. The impact of education and health care benefits around medical male circumcision (MMC) has influenced women from both non-circumcising and circumcising cultures to accept it. It is recommended that MC should continue under strict observation of prescribed protocols to lessen or prevent malpractices in the process. MMC is also highly recommended. In addition, the government and traditional leaders have to continue to conduct capacity building of traditional surgeons, prospective initiates and initiates including nurses and family members about crucial protocols and health matters around MC. Finally, results recommend best practices that could be learnt from other circumcising cultures to restore the respect of MC in the Eastern Cape, as well as inclusion of women in the MC process management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mlisa, Lily Rose Nomfundo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Human rights--South Africa Circumcision Circumcision--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11150 , vital:37176
- Description: The study was based on four research objectives: (1) to identify philosophy, psychology, cultural reasons behind the harsh and traumatic experiences of young Xhosa boys and their mothers during ukwaluka (male circumcision) as a mark for transition to manhood; (2) to review perceptions concerning the role of mothers during the male circumcision (MC) process (3) identify cultural and psycho-social construction and meaning of MC and (4) to explore recommended possible strategies on managing MC-related traumas and deaths in the Sub-Saharan region and Eastern Cape Province in particular. Desktop literature review methodology was followed. An in depth literature review was conducted on diverse website search engines using a set of inclusion criteria. Published articles from 1995 to 2015 were selected. Thematic content analysis was used to categorise and interpret emerging themes from the reviewed articles as aligned to set research objectives. Results revealed diverse philosophical and cultural perceptions around MC, its construction and meaning among different cultures whether circumcising or non-circumcising cultures. In addition, various reasons are laid out for the harsh treatment given to initiates in different settings. Results also indicated that the MC is no longer a secret due to social media profuse publications about it. The impact of education and health care benefits around medical male circumcision (MMC) has influenced women from both non-circumcising and circumcising cultures to accept it. It is recommended that MC should continue under strict observation of prescribed protocols to lessen or prevent malpractices in the process. MMC is also highly recommended. In addition, the government and traditional leaders have to continue to conduct capacity building of traditional surgeons, prospective initiates and initiates including nurses and family members about crucial protocols and health matters around MC. Finally, results recommend best practices that could be learnt from other circumcising cultures to restore the respect of MC in the Eastern Cape, as well as inclusion of women in the MC process management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The right of access to information as a means to empower citizens to participate in democratic processes : a case study of Zwelitsha, King Williams Town
- Authors: Ngcuka, Simtembile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Freedom of information Freedom of information -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , (MPhil)Human Rights
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10839 , vital:35858
- Description: The Republic of South Africa is embedded from a society that has been beleaguered. Apartheid laws were used to treat people unequally, based on race, gander, ethnic group, background, colour, belief, culture and language. These laws prohibited association of people from different races and groups. The education system was also used to instil inferiority to disadvantaged people. This system promoted a culture of secrecy and unresponsive government. The new Constitution of the Republic of South Africa was adopted in 1996. This Constitution promotes democracy and equality amongst citizens of this country. It was also adopted to bridge injustices of the past. Democracy is about allowing every citizen to participate in the processes which are meant for the development of the country. The new Constitution provided that every citizen is equal; this means every citizen must enjoy equal human Rights. This includes the Right to participate in democratic processes which are taking place. Studies show that the Right of Access to Information empowers people to participate in democratic processes. This study examines the exercise in section 32 of the Republic of South Africa Constitution (1996), by Zwelitsha community as means to empower people in participating in democratic processes taking place in their community. This Right is reinforced by Promotion of Access to Information Act No. 2 of 2000 (PAIA). The research reveals that the community of Zwelitsha is not exercising this Right which often leads to violation of other Rights. The exercise of the Right of Access to Information increases awareness and knowledge of other existing Rights, and how they can be realised and defended. The recommendations in the study underscore the need to promote the Right of Access to Information as a means to empower citizens to participate in the democratic processes in their community. This study will take the community a step closer to reaching equality. It will also educate the community of the need and importance of exercising the Right of Access to Information. It will assist the community to be able to protect other Rights. An informed community is an empowered community that can also hold the state to account.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ngcuka, Simtembile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Freedom of information Freedom of information -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , (MPhil)Human Rights
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10839 , vital:35858
- Description: The Republic of South Africa is embedded from a society that has been beleaguered. Apartheid laws were used to treat people unequally, based on race, gander, ethnic group, background, colour, belief, culture and language. These laws prohibited association of people from different races and groups. The education system was also used to instil inferiority to disadvantaged people. This system promoted a culture of secrecy and unresponsive government. The new Constitution of the Republic of South Africa was adopted in 1996. This Constitution promotes democracy and equality amongst citizens of this country. It was also adopted to bridge injustices of the past. Democracy is about allowing every citizen to participate in the processes which are meant for the development of the country. The new Constitution provided that every citizen is equal; this means every citizen must enjoy equal human Rights. This includes the Right to participate in democratic processes which are taking place. Studies show that the Right of Access to Information empowers people to participate in democratic processes. This study examines the exercise in section 32 of the Republic of South Africa Constitution (1996), by Zwelitsha community as means to empower people in participating in democratic processes taking place in their community. This Right is reinforced by Promotion of Access to Information Act No. 2 of 2000 (PAIA). The research reveals that the community of Zwelitsha is not exercising this Right which often leads to violation of other Rights. The exercise of the Right of Access to Information increases awareness and knowledge of other existing Rights, and how they can be realised and defended. The recommendations in the study underscore the need to promote the Right of Access to Information as a means to empower citizens to participate in the democratic processes in their community. This study will take the community a step closer to reaching equality. It will also educate the community of the need and importance of exercising the Right of Access to Information. It will assist the community to be able to protect other Rights. An informed community is an empowered community that can also hold the state to account.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The impact of oil price variability on the exchange rate in South Africa
- Authors: Ngonisa, Phillip
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Foreign exchange -- South Africa -- Econometric models Petroleum products -- Prices -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8261 , vital:32108
- Description: Economic theory asserts that exchange rate is a critical variable in the performance of exports and the economy at large. Equally important are variables that affect the exchange rate. In particular, economies that rely on commodity exports are vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices. Price volatility of such commodities can lead to significant fluctuations in exchange rates, a phenomenon referred to as commodity currencies. South Africa‘s currency has fluctuated significantly since 1994. Anecdotal evidence suggests that commodity prices may have a significant effect. Of interest is fluctuations in the oil prices, which in themselves have fluctuated greatly over the same period. This study uses a GARCH(1.1) model to investigate the impact of oil price variability on the South African exchange rate by employing the monthly data for a period spanning from January 1994 to December 2014. The results show that oil price variability affects both the level and volatility of the exchange rate. Informal evidence suggests that sovereign credit ratings are an important factor affecting the South African rand. This is supported by the results of this study. Accordingly, both variables carry important information for markets and policy makers at large.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ngonisa, Phillip
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Foreign exchange -- South Africa -- Econometric models Petroleum products -- Prices -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8261 , vital:32108
- Description: Economic theory asserts that exchange rate is a critical variable in the performance of exports and the economy at large. Equally important are variables that affect the exchange rate. In particular, economies that rely on commodity exports are vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices. Price volatility of such commodities can lead to significant fluctuations in exchange rates, a phenomenon referred to as commodity currencies. South Africa‘s currency has fluctuated significantly since 1994. Anecdotal evidence suggests that commodity prices may have a significant effect. Of interest is fluctuations in the oil prices, which in themselves have fluctuated greatly over the same period. This study uses a GARCH(1.1) model to investigate the impact of oil price variability on the South African exchange rate by employing the monthly data for a period spanning from January 1994 to December 2014. The results show that oil price variability affects both the level and volatility of the exchange rate. Informal evidence suggests that sovereign credit ratings are an important factor affecting the South African rand. This is supported by the results of this study. Accordingly, both variables carry important information for markets and policy makers at large.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
An investigation into literacy development in Grade 4 English and isiXhosa home language textbooks : a comparative study
- Authors: Fulani, Ntombekhaya Cynthia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Progress in International Reading Literacy Study , Literacy -- South Africa , Textbooks -- South Africa -- Criticism, Textual , English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) , Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Elementary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2055 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018914
- Description: The 2006 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) painted a gloomy picture of South African literacy when South Africa came last out of 40 countries. It was from this background that my study set out to investigate two English and two isiXhosa grade 4 home language textbooks with their accompanying teachers’ guides from two publishing houses, together with the home language curriculum documents for English and Xhosa because they are an important component in literacy development. It is important to emphasise that this study examined textbooks, not how teachers mediate such textbooks in their classrooms. In other words, my focus was on the textbooks themselves, and it was primarily through textual analysis of this stable, readily available data that I have been able to compare and analyse the potential they offer learners and teachers to achieve the literacy goals prescribed by the curriculum. The study also investigated the likelihood of differential attainment for learners as a result of using these textbooks. This was done by looking at whether the textbooks were in line with the literacy outcomes for English and isiXhosa home languages. It also looked at the kind of reader/writer envisaged in the selected textbooks and the level of challenge the selected textbooks offer and how, if at all, learners are encouraged to be critical readers and writers. The findings of the study were that the English and isiXhosa textbooks of each publishing house envisaged different learners. The English textbooks envisaged a cosmopolitan learner who has greater access to academic literacy. While the isiXhosa textbooks envisaged a parochial learner who has less access to academic literacy compared to the English learner
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Fulani, Ntombekhaya Cynthia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Progress in International Reading Literacy Study , Literacy -- South Africa , Textbooks -- South Africa -- Criticism, Textual , English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) , Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Elementary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2055 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018914
- Description: The 2006 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) painted a gloomy picture of South African literacy when South Africa came last out of 40 countries. It was from this background that my study set out to investigate two English and two isiXhosa grade 4 home language textbooks with their accompanying teachers’ guides from two publishing houses, together with the home language curriculum documents for English and Xhosa because they are an important component in literacy development. It is important to emphasise that this study examined textbooks, not how teachers mediate such textbooks in their classrooms. In other words, my focus was on the textbooks themselves, and it was primarily through textual analysis of this stable, readily available data that I have been able to compare and analyse the potential they offer learners and teachers to achieve the literacy goals prescribed by the curriculum. The study also investigated the likelihood of differential attainment for learners as a result of using these textbooks. This was done by looking at whether the textbooks were in line with the literacy outcomes for English and isiXhosa home languages. It also looked at the kind of reader/writer envisaged in the selected textbooks and the level of challenge the selected textbooks offer and how, if at all, learners are encouraged to be critical readers and writers. The findings of the study were that the English and isiXhosa textbooks of each publishing house envisaged different learners. The English textbooks envisaged a cosmopolitan learner who has greater access to academic literacy. While the isiXhosa textbooks envisaged a parochial learner who has less access to academic literacy compared to the English learner
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Experiences of women recently diagnosed with HIV
- Authors: Jurie, Khuselwa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: HIV-positive women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Stigma (Social psychology) , HIV (Viruses) -- Diagnosis , AIDS (Disease) in women -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3259 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017882
- Description: The focus of this study is on the experiences of a small sample of local women who have been recently diagnosed with HIV. The aim of the research was to give these women an opportunity to express their first-hand, personal accounts of living with HIV. Five isiXhosa-speaking women were recruited and interviewed. These accounts were collected and analysed within in the methodological framework of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, a qualitative approach that is becoming increasingly popular in the broad fields of health and clinical psychology. Data was analysed for meaningful units, which were interpreted inductively and hermeneutically, and categorised into super-ordinate themes. Five themes within the participants’ experiences of living with HIV were identified: (1) experiences of diagnosis, (2) experiences of stigma, (3) social support, (4) coping strategies, and (5) HIV as one of many assaults to self. Implicated in these experiences are the ways in which these women have appraised themselves and their situation after an HIV-positive diagnosis, appraisals that are shaped by HIV-related stigma. A variety of negative emotional reactions are common following the diagnosis, often compounded by the direct experiences of HIV-related stigma. Women in the study adopted different kinds of coping strategies based on the resources and social support available to them. Also significant is that for these women who had typically endured a variety of traumatic life events, a positive diagnosis was simply one of many life challenges
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Jurie, Khuselwa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: HIV-positive women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Stigma (Social psychology) , HIV (Viruses) -- Diagnosis , AIDS (Disease) in women -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3259 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017882
- Description: The focus of this study is on the experiences of a small sample of local women who have been recently diagnosed with HIV. The aim of the research was to give these women an opportunity to express their first-hand, personal accounts of living with HIV. Five isiXhosa-speaking women were recruited and interviewed. These accounts were collected and analysed within in the methodological framework of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, a qualitative approach that is becoming increasingly popular in the broad fields of health and clinical psychology. Data was analysed for meaningful units, which were interpreted inductively and hermeneutically, and categorised into super-ordinate themes. Five themes within the participants’ experiences of living with HIV were identified: (1) experiences of diagnosis, (2) experiences of stigma, (3) social support, (4) coping strategies, and (5) HIV as one of many assaults to self. Implicated in these experiences are the ways in which these women have appraised themselves and their situation after an HIV-positive diagnosis, appraisals that are shaped by HIV-related stigma. A variety of negative emotional reactions are common following the diagnosis, often compounded by the direct experiences of HIV-related stigma. Women in the study adopted different kinds of coping strategies based on the resources and social support available to them. Also significant is that for these women who had typically endured a variety of traumatic life events, a positive diagnosis was simply one of many life challenges
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
A critical analysis of the practical man principle in Commissioner for Inland Revenue v Lever Brothers and Unilever Ltd
- Authors: Grenville, David Paul
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Unilever (Firm) , South African Revenue Service , Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Cases , Income tax -- South Africa -- Cases , Business enterprises -- Taxation -- South Africa , Law -- South Africa -- Philosophy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:909 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013238
- Description: This research studies the practical person principle as it was introduced in the case of Commissioner for Inland Revenue v Lever Brothers and Unilever Ltd 1946 AD 441. In its time the Lever Brothers case was a seminal judgment in South Africa’s tax jurisprudence and the practical person principle was a decisive criterion for the determination of source of income. The primary goal of this research was a critical analysis the practical man principle. This involved an analysis of the extent to which this principle requires judges to adopt a criterion that is too flexible for legitimate judicial decision-making. The extent to which the practical person principle creates a clash between a philosophical approach to law and an approach that is based on common sense or practicality was also debated. Finally, it was considered whether adopting a philosophical approach to determining the source of income could overcome the problems associated with the practical approach. A doctrinal methodology was applied to the documentary data consisting of the South African and Australian Income Tax Acts, South African and other case law, historical records and the writings of scholars. From the critical analysis of the practical person principle it was concluded that the anthropomorphised form of the principle gives rise to several problems that may be overcome by looking to the underlying operation of the principle. Further analysis of this operation, however, revealed deeper problems in that the principle undermines the doctrine of judicial precedent, legal certainty and the rule of law. Accordingly a practical approach to determining the source of income is undesirable and unconstitutional. Further research was conducted into the relative merits of a philosophical approach to determining source of income and it was argued that such an approach could provide a more desirable solution to determining source of income as well as approaching legal problems more generally.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Grenville, David Paul
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Unilever (Firm) , South African Revenue Service , Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Cases , Income tax -- South Africa -- Cases , Business enterprises -- Taxation -- South Africa , Law -- South Africa -- Philosophy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:909 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013238
- Description: This research studies the practical person principle as it was introduced in the case of Commissioner for Inland Revenue v Lever Brothers and Unilever Ltd 1946 AD 441. In its time the Lever Brothers case was a seminal judgment in South Africa’s tax jurisprudence and the practical person principle was a decisive criterion for the determination of source of income. The primary goal of this research was a critical analysis the practical man principle. This involved an analysis of the extent to which this principle requires judges to adopt a criterion that is too flexible for legitimate judicial decision-making. The extent to which the practical person principle creates a clash between a philosophical approach to law and an approach that is based on common sense or practicality was also debated. Finally, it was considered whether adopting a philosophical approach to determining the source of income could overcome the problems associated with the practical approach. A doctrinal methodology was applied to the documentary data consisting of the South African and Australian Income Tax Acts, South African and other case law, historical records and the writings of scholars. From the critical analysis of the practical person principle it was concluded that the anthropomorphised form of the principle gives rise to several problems that may be overcome by looking to the underlying operation of the principle. Further analysis of this operation, however, revealed deeper problems in that the principle undermines the doctrine of judicial precedent, legal certainty and the rule of law. Accordingly a practical approach to determining the source of income is undesirable and unconstitutional. Further research was conducted into the relative merits of a philosophical approach to determining source of income and it was argued that such an approach could provide a more desirable solution to determining source of income as well as approaching legal problems more generally.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Refugium : an exploration through landscapes of liminality
- Authors: Kaplan, Luke
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:20985 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5890
- Description: Loosely following a narrative form and structure, this thesis begins, in chapter one, by considering people who occupy a peripheral position in - or on the fringe of - society. In so doing, it analyses the dichotomy created between centre and periphery, the line between qualities or features that are set up as different or opposed. The chapter begins by contextualising my own engagement with the themes and narratives dealt with. It then looks at the representation and significance of historical and cultural characters such as the tramp and the wanderer, the medieval wildman and the outcast, the madman and the prophet, and relates this to some extent to my own narrative. The dichotomy between culture and nature is thus examined here. The paper then moves on, in chapter two, to examine concerns around landscape, and considers how we engage or separate ourselves from it. The theme of walking is examined closely from an experiential, phenomenological standpoint, especially as an activity which allows greater connection to, and engagement with, the landscape. The relationship between landscape, place, and identity is also explored, looking at how identity is interwoven with connection to place, and, broadly, what this might mean for displaced people. These discussions and ideas are then brought to bear again on my personal narrative. In chapter three I explore again the separation between dichotomous concepts as looked at in chapter one; I examine the separations between, and within, people, as well as between people and their environment. Here, however, the line of separation is explored not as an impermeable barrier, but as a liminal space of potential and possibility. With this in mind I look at sacred or liminal places within the landscape, as well as the idea of the sublime. I also consider the camera from this perspective, and finally present my own exhibition and body of work, reviewing it in the light of the narratives and themes explored through the thesis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Kaplan, Luke
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:20985 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5890
- Description: Loosely following a narrative form and structure, this thesis begins, in chapter one, by considering people who occupy a peripheral position in - or on the fringe of - society. In so doing, it analyses the dichotomy created between centre and periphery, the line between qualities or features that are set up as different or opposed. The chapter begins by contextualising my own engagement with the themes and narratives dealt with. It then looks at the representation and significance of historical and cultural characters such as the tramp and the wanderer, the medieval wildman and the outcast, the madman and the prophet, and relates this to some extent to my own narrative. The dichotomy between culture and nature is thus examined here. The paper then moves on, in chapter two, to examine concerns around landscape, and considers how we engage or separate ourselves from it. The theme of walking is examined closely from an experiential, phenomenological standpoint, especially as an activity which allows greater connection to, and engagement with, the landscape. The relationship between landscape, place, and identity is also explored, looking at how identity is interwoven with connection to place, and, broadly, what this might mean for displaced people. These discussions and ideas are then brought to bear again on my personal narrative. In chapter three I explore again the separation between dichotomous concepts as looked at in chapter one; I examine the separations between, and within, people, as well as between people and their environment. Here, however, the line of separation is explored not as an impermeable barrier, but as a liminal space of potential and possibility. With this in mind I look at sacred or liminal places within the landscape, as well as the idea of the sublime. I also consider the camera from this perspective, and finally present my own exhibition and body of work, reviewing it in the light of the narratives and themes explored through the thesis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Employees' experience of job satisfaction within a successful organisation
- Authors: Milne, Claire
- Date: 2013-06-03
- Subjects: Employee motivation Job satisfaction Employees -- Rating of Performance standards Management -- Employee participation Organizational effectiveness Organizational behavior Employees -- Psychology Wages -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3159 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007639
- Description: In the present organisational climate characterised by intense competition, the success of an organisation is increasingly dependent on its employees' expertise and knowledge (Carrel, Elbert, Hatfield, Grobler, Marx & Van der Schyf, 1997). Employees need to be motivated to contribute to the organisation's goals, for their knowledge and expertise to benefit an organisation (Lawler III, 1994). Organisations need to foster a situation in which employees have a positive attitude towards work and are able to benefit personally through directing their effort towards organisational goals. (Robbins, 2000) This study focuses on an organisation that has managed to link job satisfaction with organisational gain, and explores the link between these two subjects. A case study of a South African mining operation is reported on, and examined in-depth. The mine, a successful operation in terms of productivity, is recognised by its holding company as exemplary and is competing with the best base metal producers in the world. The research was conducted in two stages. The first stage consisted of 20 semi-structured individual interviews. Ten employees were selected from both the lower employee-levels and the higher employee-levels. The individual interviews focused on the experience of working at the mine with particular reference to interpersonal dynamics, job satisfaction, leadership style, and reward systems. During the second stage of the research, focus groups were conducted with two groups of seven employees each, one group from the lower-levels and one from the higher-levels. The focus groups aimed at obtaining a deeper understanding of the issues that emerged from the individual interviews. Grounded theory analysis was used during both the first, and second phase of the study. The results indicated that the mine's employees experience a high level fulfilment of higher-order needs, and that this experience is a reaction to the mine's performance enhancing culture. It is further shown that the same factors that create job satisfaction, when applied in excess, or in certain circumstances may lead to dissatisfaction within the same context.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Milne, Claire
- Date: 2013-06-03
- Subjects: Employee motivation Job satisfaction Employees -- Rating of Performance standards Management -- Employee participation Organizational effectiveness Organizational behavior Employees -- Psychology Wages -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3159 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007639
- Description: In the present organisational climate characterised by intense competition, the success of an organisation is increasingly dependent on its employees' expertise and knowledge (Carrel, Elbert, Hatfield, Grobler, Marx & Van der Schyf, 1997). Employees need to be motivated to contribute to the organisation's goals, for their knowledge and expertise to benefit an organisation (Lawler III, 1994). Organisations need to foster a situation in which employees have a positive attitude towards work and are able to benefit personally through directing their effort towards organisational goals. (Robbins, 2000) This study focuses on an organisation that has managed to link job satisfaction with organisational gain, and explores the link between these two subjects. A case study of a South African mining operation is reported on, and examined in-depth. The mine, a successful operation in terms of productivity, is recognised by its holding company as exemplary and is competing with the best base metal producers in the world. The research was conducted in two stages. The first stage consisted of 20 semi-structured individual interviews. Ten employees were selected from both the lower employee-levels and the higher employee-levels. The individual interviews focused on the experience of working at the mine with particular reference to interpersonal dynamics, job satisfaction, leadership style, and reward systems. During the second stage of the research, focus groups were conducted with two groups of seven employees each, one group from the lower-levels and one from the higher-levels. The focus groups aimed at obtaining a deeper understanding of the issues that emerged from the individual interviews. Grounded theory analysis was used during both the first, and second phase of the study. The results indicated that the mine's employees experience a high level fulfilment of higher-order needs, and that this experience is a reaction to the mine's performance enhancing culture. It is further shown that the same factors that create job satisfaction, when applied in excess, or in certain circumstances may lead to dissatisfaction within the same context.
- Full Text:
Exploring the role of an education non-governmental organisation's contribution towards fighting HIV/AIDS: a case study of South African partners
- Authors: Chiguvare, Admire D
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Prevention , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9219 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020870
- Description: The problem this research seeks to address concerns related to the role allocated and strategies implemented by HIV and AIDS education NGOs, in mitigating the impact of HIV and AIDS in Nelson Mandela Bay. The problem is approached as a development challenge and examples are drawn from the undertakings of South African Partners (SAP), an NGO operating in the education field. The study adopted qualitative research, relative unstructured interviews, direct observation and literature review as methods of data collection. The study further identified specific roles that education NGOs play in response to HIV/AIDS and delineated the strategies that HIV and AIDS education NGOs employ in responding to HIV/AIDS. The research found that HIV/AIDS education NGOs have become important channels through which people affected and living with HIV/AIDS participate in development, share their experience and access information and resources. Further noted was that HIV/AIDS results in a diminished workforce and a higher allocation of state funds to public healthcare. The research findings showed that an education NGO in a prison context serves to mobilise the prison community and sensitise it to HIV and AIDS issues. This, through its addressing of the needs and causes of HIV infections in prison. SAP aid recipients were found to be satisfied for the most part, with the service rendered them by the education NGO. The study found that HIV prevention educational sessions were quite effective in disseminating HIV and AIDS basic information and that SAP achieves their goals through their training of facilitators who employ the STEPS curriculum. The trained facilitators facilitate group discussions, distribute condoms and lubricants through partnerships, and solicit behavioural change through the use of theatre to disseminate HIV prevention information. Key recommendations of the study are that HIV and AIDS education NGOs must integrate poverty reduction interventions in their activities and that further, they would do better to form coalitions in order to strengthen their capacity to sustain their activities and manage partnerships. Education NGOs should form partnerships that provide social protection. Ruther recommended is that education NGOs should further their curriculum in consideration for sexual preferences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Chiguvare, Admire D
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Prevention , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9219 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020870
- Description: The problem this research seeks to address concerns related to the role allocated and strategies implemented by HIV and AIDS education NGOs, in mitigating the impact of HIV and AIDS in Nelson Mandela Bay. The problem is approached as a development challenge and examples are drawn from the undertakings of South African Partners (SAP), an NGO operating in the education field. The study adopted qualitative research, relative unstructured interviews, direct observation and literature review as methods of data collection. The study further identified specific roles that education NGOs play in response to HIV/AIDS and delineated the strategies that HIV and AIDS education NGOs employ in responding to HIV/AIDS. The research found that HIV/AIDS education NGOs have become important channels through which people affected and living with HIV/AIDS participate in development, share their experience and access information and resources. Further noted was that HIV/AIDS results in a diminished workforce and a higher allocation of state funds to public healthcare. The research findings showed that an education NGO in a prison context serves to mobilise the prison community and sensitise it to HIV and AIDS issues. This, through its addressing of the needs and causes of HIV infections in prison. SAP aid recipients were found to be satisfied for the most part, with the service rendered them by the education NGO. The study found that HIV prevention educational sessions were quite effective in disseminating HIV and AIDS basic information and that SAP achieves their goals through their training of facilitators who employ the STEPS curriculum. The trained facilitators facilitate group discussions, distribute condoms and lubricants through partnerships, and solicit behavioural change through the use of theatre to disseminate HIV prevention information. Key recommendations of the study are that HIV and AIDS education NGOs must integrate poverty reduction interventions in their activities and that further, they would do better to form coalitions in order to strengthen their capacity to sustain their activities and manage partnerships. Education NGOs should form partnerships that provide social protection. Ruther recommended is that education NGOs should further their curriculum in consideration for sexual preferences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Freedom of the press, or the infringement of the right to privacy?: media coverage of President Kgalema Motlanthe from October 2008 to April 2009 in three newspapers
- Authors: Gamlashe, Thembinkosi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Freedom of the press , Privacy, Right of , Press law , Data protection -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8402 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010118 , Freedom of the press , Privacy, Right of , Press law , Data protection -- Law and legislation
- Description: The researcher attempts to assess in which respect the privacy of former President Kgalema Motlanthe may have been invaded during his presidency, in view of journalistic ethics and press codes currently in effect. The study will explore media practices based on media freedom at the time of publication, and assess whether this freedom is understood to suggest the infringement of the right to privacy in the coverage of the private lives of politicians in the media. This study will therefore examine a sample of articles from the Sunday Times, City Press and Mail and Guardian, covering former President Kgalema Motlanthe’s public behaviour that related to his private life, assess which aspects of his demeanour became the subject of media coverage, and correlate such reporting trends with fluctuations in his political career. The researcher will focus on the period when Kgalema Motlanthe was at the helm as the Head of State – from October 2008 to April 2009, and consider particularly the trends in the sampled press reports regarding his private life. The study furthermore examines some of the legislative and normative changes that affected the media in South Africa after democratisation, to correlate the trends observed in the press coverage with legislation. This further serves to identify possible gray areas that arise from reporting on the freedom of the press and may lead to the invasion of privacy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Gamlashe, Thembinkosi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Freedom of the press , Privacy, Right of , Press law , Data protection -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8402 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010118 , Freedom of the press , Privacy, Right of , Press law , Data protection -- Law and legislation
- Description: The researcher attempts to assess in which respect the privacy of former President Kgalema Motlanthe may have been invaded during his presidency, in view of journalistic ethics and press codes currently in effect. The study will explore media practices based on media freedom at the time of publication, and assess whether this freedom is understood to suggest the infringement of the right to privacy in the coverage of the private lives of politicians in the media. This study will therefore examine a sample of articles from the Sunday Times, City Press and Mail and Guardian, covering former President Kgalema Motlanthe’s public behaviour that related to his private life, assess which aspects of his demeanour became the subject of media coverage, and correlate such reporting trends with fluctuations in his political career. The researcher will focus on the period when Kgalema Motlanthe was at the helm as the Head of State – from October 2008 to April 2009, and consider particularly the trends in the sampled press reports regarding his private life. The study furthermore examines some of the legislative and normative changes that affected the media in South Africa after democratisation, to correlate the trends observed in the press coverage with legislation. This further serves to identify possible gray areas that arise from reporting on the freedom of the press and may lead to the invasion of privacy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An exploration of organisational communication within Algoa Bus Company, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Ndwalaza, Tsepo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Communication in organizations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Interpersonal relations , Customer services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8487 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012358 , Communication in organizations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Interpersonal relations , Customer services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The study explored organizational communication at Algoa Bus Company (ABC) in Port Elizabeth. The exploration exercise was based on flows of communication at ABC. This research project captured the four flows of communication as they colour relations within the company. The four flows of communication are, namely: upward communication which refers to messages that flow from subordinates to superiors, downward communication flow which refers to communication directed to the lower levels of hierarchy by higher levels, horizontal communication flow which refers to communication amongst people who are at the same level of authority and diagonal communication flow refers to communication across the organisational levels. The study also explored the structure of such communication processes and from a normative point of view, it does expose weaknesses though.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ndwalaza, Tsepo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Communication in organizations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Interpersonal relations , Customer services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8487 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012358 , Communication in organizations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Interpersonal relations , Customer services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The study explored organizational communication at Algoa Bus Company (ABC) in Port Elizabeth. The exploration exercise was based on flows of communication at ABC. This research project captured the four flows of communication as they colour relations within the company. The four flows of communication are, namely: upward communication which refers to messages that flow from subordinates to superiors, downward communication flow which refers to communication directed to the lower levels of hierarchy by higher levels, horizontal communication flow which refers to communication amongst people who are at the same level of authority and diagonal communication flow refers to communication across the organisational levels. The study also explored the structure of such communication processes and from a normative point of view, it does expose weaknesses though.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The relationship between financial development and manufacturing sector growth: evidence from Southern African Customs Union countries
- Authors: Moshabesha, Mosili
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Economic development -- Case studies -- Africa, Southern Entrepreneurship -- Case studies -- Africa, Southern Southern African Customs Union
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:990 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002725
- Description: Extensive research has been done on the relationship between financial development (FD) and growth (with the main focus on economic growth). Theoretical models and most of the conclusions reached stipulate that the development of a financial system is one of the essential ingredients for economic growth. A developed financial system is able to provide financial services efficiently to the real sector. This study examines the relationship between FD and manufacturing sector growth of the SACU countries. The study first reviews the theoretical and empirical literature of FD and growth (economic and manufacturing sector). This gives a full understanding of the topic before attempting to empirically study it. It also helps in the selection process of the model and variables to be employed in the study. A balanced panel for four SACU countries, namely Botswana, Lesotho, RSA and Swaziland, for the period 1976 to 2008 was estimated using Zellner‟s Seemingly Unrelated Regression Estimation (SURE) method. Namibia was omitted because of limited data. The SURE model was selected because it performs better than ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation of individual equations in cases where the countries studied can be affected by similar external shocks because they are in the same economic region and also have country specific structural differences which could affect their economic growth. Two measures of FD were used: credit to the private sector provided by commercial banks (FIC) and the ratio of liquid liabilities of commercial banks to GDP (LL). Manufacturing sector growth was measured by manufacturing value added to GDP. The results of the relationship between manufacturing growth and FD were very weak across the countries. The model that used FIC performed better, there was a negative significant relationship found in RSA and Swaziland, while with the model that used LL, all the countries gave an insignificant relationship. The results for Swaziland were very consistent with the past findings of the relationship between FD and economic growth in the country (for example Aziakpono (2005a)). This may be because of the high share of the manufacturing sector in GDP. Theory suggests that a well-developed financial system will have a positive impact on growth, but this was not the case in RSA and Botswana, where in some cases FD had a negative impact on the growth of the sector. The analysis of the countries‟ manufacturing sector development shows that the sector plays an important role in the economies of the SACU countries, especially in terms of employment and exports. The coefficients of trade openness are generally positive, though not significant in some cases. The other control variables gave mixed results across the counties and across the models. Based on the findings, the countries have to develop strategies that will improve entrepreneurial skills. Also the financial development in the small SACU countries is essential in order for all the sectors in the economy to benefit from the financial sector and in turn increase economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Moshabesha, Mosili
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Economic development -- Case studies -- Africa, Southern Entrepreneurship -- Case studies -- Africa, Southern Southern African Customs Union
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:990 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002725
- Description: Extensive research has been done on the relationship between financial development (FD) and growth (with the main focus on economic growth). Theoretical models and most of the conclusions reached stipulate that the development of a financial system is one of the essential ingredients for economic growth. A developed financial system is able to provide financial services efficiently to the real sector. This study examines the relationship between FD and manufacturing sector growth of the SACU countries. The study first reviews the theoretical and empirical literature of FD and growth (economic and manufacturing sector). This gives a full understanding of the topic before attempting to empirically study it. It also helps in the selection process of the model and variables to be employed in the study. A balanced panel for four SACU countries, namely Botswana, Lesotho, RSA and Swaziland, for the period 1976 to 2008 was estimated using Zellner‟s Seemingly Unrelated Regression Estimation (SURE) method. Namibia was omitted because of limited data. The SURE model was selected because it performs better than ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation of individual equations in cases where the countries studied can be affected by similar external shocks because they are in the same economic region and also have country specific structural differences which could affect their economic growth. Two measures of FD were used: credit to the private sector provided by commercial banks (FIC) and the ratio of liquid liabilities of commercial banks to GDP (LL). Manufacturing sector growth was measured by manufacturing value added to GDP. The results of the relationship between manufacturing growth and FD were very weak across the countries. The model that used FIC performed better, there was a negative significant relationship found in RSA and Swaziland, while with the model that used LL, all the countries gave an insignificant relationship. The results for Swaziland were very consistent with the past findings of the relationship between FD and economic growth in the country (for example Aziakpono (2005a)). This may be because of the high share of the manufacturing sector in GDP. Theory suggests that a well-developed financial system will have a positive impact on growth, but this was not the case in RSA and Botswana, where in some cases FD had a negative impact on the growth of the sector. The analysis of the countries‟ manufacturing sector development shows that the sector plays an important role in the economies of the SACU countries, especially in terms of employment and exports. The coefficients of trade openness are generally positive, though not significant in some cases. The other control variables gave mixed results across the counties and across the models. Based on the findings, the countries have to develop strategies that will improve entrepreneurial skills. Also the financial development in the small SACU countries is essential in order for all the sectors in the economy to benefit from the financial sector and in turn increase economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Gains derived from illegal activities :an analysis of the taxation consequences
- Mtshawulana, Lungiswa Bukeka
- Authors: Mtshawulana, Lungiswa Bukeka
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:886 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001640
- Description: Income Tax in South Africa is levied in terms of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 on taxable income, which, by definition, is arrived at by deducting from "gross income" receipts and accruals that are exempt from tax as well as deductions and allowances provided for in the Act. The Income Tax Act provides no guidance with regard to the taxation of illegal activities, except to prohibit the deduction of expenditure incurred in paying fines or in relation to corrupt activities, as defined. An analysis of the taxation of income derived from theft, fraud and prostitution and the deductibility of expenses relating to that income, is the question addressed in this thesis. In this thesis, an analysis was made of relevant case law in relation to the provisions of the Income Tax Act in an attempt to provide clarity. A brief comparison was also macie of American, United Kingdom and South African tax law. Similarities were found between the American, United Kingdom and South African tax regimes in relation to the taxation of income, but there appeared to be more certainty in America and the United Kingdom in relation to the deduction of expenses. The thesis concludes that recent case decisions have provided certainty in relation to income from illegal activities, but the tax status of the deduction of expenses remains uncertain.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mtshawulana, Lungiswa Bukeka
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:886 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001640
- Description: Income Tax in South Africa is levied in terms of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 on taxable income, which, by definition, is arrived at by deducting from "gross income" receipts and accruals that are exempt from tax as well as deductions and allowances provided for in the Act. The Income Tax Act provides no guidance with regard to the taxation of illegal activities, except to prohibit the deduction of expenditure incurred in paying fines or in relation to corrupt activities, as defined. An analysis of the taxation of income derived from theft, fraud and prostitution and the deductibility of expenses relating to that income, is the question addressed in this thesis. In this thesis, an analysis was made of relevant case law in relation to the provisions of the Income Tax Act in an attempt to provide clarity. A brief comparison was also macie of American, United Kingdom and South African tax law. Similarities were found between the American, United Kingdom and South African tax regimes in relation to the taxation of income, but there appeared to be more certainty in America and the United Kingdom in relation to the deduction of expenses. The thesis concludes that recent case decisions have provided certainty in relation to income from illegal activities, but the tax status of the deduction of expenses remains uncertain.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
A comparison between the South African "source rules" in relation to income tax and the "permanent establishment rules" as contained in double taxation agreements
- Authors: Fourie, Leonie
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Income tax -- South Africa , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Double taxation -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:905 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008203
- Description: South Africa's right to tax the income of a non-resident is determined in terms of the South African "source rules" established by court decisions in relation to the imposition of tax in terms of the Income Tax Act. Unless a non-resident's income is captured by the South African "source rules" (on the basis that hi slits income is derived from a South African source), South Africa would have no right to tax such income, even if such non-resident creates a permanent establishment in South Africa by performing business activities within South Africa which could be considered essential (but not dominant) in nature. In such scenario the activities performed by the non-resident in South Africa may utilise the natural resources and the infrastructure of South Africa, but the South African fiscus would be deprived of the right to any tax revenues attributable to the income produced partly by such activities within South Africa. The South African "source rules" refer only to the main or dominant activities giving rise to the income for the purpose of determining the source of such income (and accordingly the right to tax such income). On the other hand, the "permanent establishment rules" as set out under the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Model Tax Convention on Income and on Capital refer to all the taxpayer's essential business activities for the purpose of determining whether or not such activities create a pennanent establishment. The result of the narrow nature of the South African "source rules" is that, under certain circumstances, the South African fiscus would not necessarily be granted the right to tax all income produced partly within South Africa. The research demonstrated that incorporating the principles underlying the "pennanent establishment rules" into South African legislation would be a reasonable and logical solution to the problem of detennining the source of income. In so doing, the South African "source rules" would determine the source of income, and consequently South Africa's taxing rights, with reference to the essential business activities giving rise to such income. In such case South Africa would be afforded the right to tax the income of a non-resident in the event that it performs any of its essential business activities within South Africa, albeit not the dominant or main activities giving rise to the income.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Fourie, Leonie
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Income tax -- South Africa , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Double taxation -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:905 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008203
- Description: South Africa's right to tax the income of a non-resident is determined in terms of the South African "source rules" established by court decisions in relation to the imposition of tax in terms of the Income Tax Act. Unless a non-resident's income is captured by the South African "source rules" (on the basis that hi slits income is derived from a South African source), South Africa would have no right to tax such income, even if such non-resident creates a permanent establishment in South Africa by performing business activities within South Africa which could be considered essential (but not dominant) in nature. In such scenario the activities performed by the non-resident in South Africa may utilise the natural resources and the infrastructure of South Africa, but the South African fiscus would be deprived of the right to any tax revenues attributable to the income produced partly by such activities within South Africa. The South African "source rules" refer only to the main or dominant activities giving rise to the income for the purpose of determining the source of such income (and accordingly the right to tax such income). On the other hand, the "permanent establishment rules" as set out under the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Model Tax Convention on Income and on Capital refer to all the taxpayer's essential business activities for the purpose of determining whether or not such activities create a pennanent establishment. The result of the narrow nature of the South African "source rules" is that, under certain circumstances, the South African fiscus would not necessarily be granted the right to tax all income produced partly within South Africa. The research demonstrated that incorporating the principles underlying the "pennanent establishment rules" into South African legislation would be a reasonable and logical solution to the problem of detennining the source of income. In so doing, the South African "source rules" would determine the source of income, and consequently South Africa's taxing rights, with reference to the essential business activities giving rise to such income. In such case South Africa would be afforded the right to tax the income of a non-resident in the event that it performs any of its essential business activities within South Africa, albeit not the dominant or main activities giving rise to the income.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Corporeal identification in selected works by Berni Searle
- Authors: Taggart, Emma
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Searle, Berni Lacan, Jacques, 1901-1981 -- Criticism and interpretation Merleau-Ponty, Maurice, 1908-1961 -- Criticism and interpretation Women artists -- South Africa Body art -- South Africa Self-portraits
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2434 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004576
- Description: Through a detailed analysis of a selection of works produced between 1999 and 2003 by the South African artist Berni Searle, this thesis explores the need to theorise a corporeal viewer in the process of interpreting art works. Such an approach is particularly necessary when dealing with an artist such as Searle because her work, which deals predominantly with the theme of identity, appeals not only to conceptual but also to experiential and corporeal understandings of identity. Searle incorporates the viewer into an experience of her own identity through a physical identification that the viewer feels in relation to her work. For viewers this means that they are made aware of how their own identity in the moment of interpretation is contingent on visual, mental and physical components. In order to develop this argument the work of psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan and the phenomenologist Maurice Merleau-Ponty is drawn on. These two theorists are very useful for an argument of this nature because both interpret identity as a construction involving an enfolding between the mind and, via the act of vision, the body of the subject. Through an inclusion of the corporeal element in interpretation, this thesis also offers a critique of interpretive theories that would reduce analysis to an interaction between eye and mind by analyzing how the viewer's body participates in the act of looking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Taggart, Emma
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Searle, Berni Lacan, Jacques, 1901-1981 -- Criticism and interpretation Merleau-Ponty, Maurice, 1908-1961 -- Criticism and interpretation Women artists -- South Africa Body art -- South Africa Self-portraits
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2434 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004576
- Description: Through a detailed analysis of a selection of works produced between 1999 and 2003 by the South African artist Berni Searle, this thesis explores the need to theorise a corporeal viewer in the process of interpreting art works. Such an approach is particularly necessary when dealing with an artist such as Searle because her work, which deals predominantly with the theme of identity, appeals not only to conceptual but also to experiential and corporeal understandings of identity. Searle incorporates the viewer into an experience of her own identity through a physical identification that the viewer feels in relation to her work. For viewers this means that they are made aware of how their own identity in the moment of interpretation is contingent on visual, mental and physical components. In order to develop this argument the work of psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan and the phenomenologist Maurice Merleau-Ponty is drawn on. These two theorists are very useful for an argument of this nature because both interpret identity as a construction involving an enfolding between the mind and, via the act of vision, the body of the subject. Through an inclusion of the corporeal element in interpretation, this thesis also offers a critique of interpretive theories that would reduce analysis to an interaction between eye and mind by analyzing how the viewer's body participates in the act of looking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008