Resilience and sustainable reintegration of female survivors of human trafficking in Harare, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Kusemwa, Tapfumanei
- Date: 2024-11
- Subjects: Human trafficking victims -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Psychic trauma -- Social aspects , Psychic trauma -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29695 , vital:78872
- Description: The study explored the resilience and sustainable reintegration of female survivors of human trafficking who were repatriated to into their original communities in Zimbabwe. To achieve its goals the study had three objectives and the goals were, a) explore the individual (intrinsic) factors that promote development of psychosocial long-term resilience traits among reintegrated female survivors of human trafficking; b) determine the available community level factors (including indigenous knowledge systems) that support and influence the successful sustainable reintegration of female survivors of human trafficking and, c) assess the extent to which predefined national level post traumatic support policies, action plans, and initiatives for survivors predict and promote sustainable resilience among reintegrated survivors. The exploration was guided by the Resilience Theory. This theory offers a useful lens through which the issue was studied within the qualitative research methodology. Semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and observations were used to collect data. Twenty (20) survivors of trafficking were interviewed in addition ro twenty (20) survivors if human trafficking were interviewed for the study and divided as follows: ten (10) relatives and or acquaintances of the victims at community level, and ten (10) key informants drawn from technical persons in government and other independent organisations working in the areas of human trafficking. The victims of human trafficking were selected using the information power model while the key informants were selected using purposive sampling. Data gathered were analysed using the thematic analysis. Findings from the study indicate that resilience is a process rather than a fixed attribute of a given person. Some individuals show resilience across a wide range of circumstances and outcomes; however, it cannot be assumed that the same features and circumstances can be protective and lead to resilience in light of all risks faced during human trafficking. To survive and be able to continue with their lives and in the end realise sustainable livelihoods, there are intrinsic or individual factors that promote the development of psychosocial long-term resilience among survivors of human trafficking. The study recommends that there is need for more improved legislation and government led efforts in helping the survivors. This can be achieved through the adoption of a Trafficking in Persons Case Management System proposed in this study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2025
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kusemwa, Tapfumanei
- Date: 2024-11
- Subjects: Human trafficking victims -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Psychic trauma -- Social aspects , Psychic trauma -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29695 , vital:78872
- Description: The study explored the resilience and sustainable reintegration of female survivors of human trafficking who were repatriated to into their original communities in Zimbabwe. To achieve its goals the study had three objectives and the goals were, a) explore the individual (intrinsic) factors that promote development of psychosocial long-term resilience traits among reintegrated female survivors of human trafficking; b) determine the available community level factors (including indigenous knowledge systems) that support and influence the successful sustainable reintegration of female survivors of human trafficking and, c) assess the extent to which predefined national level post traumatic support policies, action plans, and initiatives for survivors predict and promote sustainable resilience among reintegrated survivors. The exploration was guided by the Resilience Theory. This theory offers a useful lens through which the issue was studied within the qualitative research methodology. Semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and observations were used to collect data. Twenty (20) survivors of trafficking were interviewed in addition ro twenty (20) survivors if human trafficking were interviewed for the study and divided as follows: ten (10) relatives and or acquaintances of the victims at community level, and ten (10) key informants drawn from technical persons in government and other independent organisations working in the areas of human trafficking. The victims of human trafficking were selected using the information power model while the key informants were selected using purposive sampling. Data gathered were analysed using the thematic analysis. Findings from the study indicate that resilience is a process rather than a fixed attribute of a given person. Some individuals show resilience across a wide range of circumstances and outcomes; however, it cannot be assumed that the same features and circumstances can be protective and lead to resilience in light of all risks faced during human trafficking. To survive and be able to continue with their lives and in the end realise sustainable livelihoods, there are intrinsic or individual factors that promote the development of psychosocial long-term resilience among survivors of human trafficking. The study recommends that there is need for more improved legislation and government led efforts in helping the survivors. This can be achieved through the adoption of a Trafficking in Persons Case Management System proposed in this study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2025
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Sustainable solid waste management in municipalities: experiences of selected settlements in Engcobo Local Municipality
- Nqwitha, Musa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1143-4149
- Authors: Nqwitha, Musa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1143-4149
- Date: 2024-10
- Subjects: Refuse and refuse disposal -- South Africa , Municipal government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29521 , vital:77974
- Description: South Africa has a variety of regulations on the provision of solid waste management services in municipalities as a result of the apartheid legacy. Nonetheless, discrepancies in waste management services persist despite new laws, legislative reforms and strategies. Those who live in marginalised and impoverished communities are the most susceptible and severely affected by improper waste management. This demonstrates a lack of integrated and sustainable waste management systems. This study aims to recommend a sustainable solid waste management system in Engcobo Local Municipality. More specifically, this study provides a sustainable and long-term waste management system for municipal solid waste (MSW) management in South African municipalities. Improving municipal solid waste management is essential for integrated and long-term management efficiency. Effective MSW management is critical, given the high generation rate and the capacity to decrease environmental consequences, depletion and contamination. To address the research issues, the study used a qualitative case study research design and an inductive research technique based on naturalistic interpretive research philosophy. Data was gathered through focus group discussions, documents, and semi-structured interviews. Considering this study is based on the interpretivism paradigm and qualitative research technique, the researcher employed nonprobability sampling. The sample size was n=35 participants who participated in semistructured interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic data analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings revealed that there have been gains in the management of sustainable waste. The municipality is experimenting with novel approaches to deal with the problem of solid waste, particularly in remote locations where people's trash is difficult to pick up and collect. Residents' views toward waste management have changed since few individuals attend the ‘General Mbizo’ on waste where the municipality speaks with citizens about waste and the economic rewards associated with effective waste management. Though it was shown that some participants in focus groups still need more information on waste management, there is a need for thorough educational initiatives on sanitation management, not particularly waste but water, waste and sanitation. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nqwitha, Musa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1143-4149
- Date: 2024-10
- Subjects: Refuse and refuse disposal -- South Africa , Municipal government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29521 , vital:77974
- Description: South Africa has a variety of regulations on the provision of solid waste management services in municipalities as a result of the apartheid legacy. Nonetheless, discrepancies in waste management services persist despite new laws, legislative reforms and strategies. Those who live in marginalised and impoverished communities are the most susceptible and severely affected by improper waste management. This demonstrates a lack of integrated and sustainable waste management systems. This study aims to recommend a sustainable solid waste management system in Engcobo Local Municipality. More specifically, this study provides a sustainable and long-term waste management system for municipal solid waste (MSW) management in South African municipalities. Improving municipal solid waste management is essential for integrated and long-term management efficiency. Effective MSW management is critical, given the high generation rate and the capacity to decrease environmental consequences, depletion and contamination. To address the research issues, the study used a qualitative case study research design and an inductive research technique based on naturalistic interpretive research philosophy. Data was gathered through focus group discussions, documents, and semi-structured interviews. Considering this study is based on the interpretivism paradigm and qualitative research technique, the researcher employed nonprobability sampling. The sample size was n=35 participants who participated in semistructured interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic data analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings revealed that there have been gains in the management of sustainable waste. The municipality is experimenting with novel approaches to deal with the problem of solid waste, particularly in remote locations where people's trash is difficult to pick up and collect. Residents' views toward waste management have changed since few individuals attend the ‘General Mbizo’ on waste where the municipality speaks with citizens about waste and the economic rewards associated with effective waste management. Though it was shown that some participants in focus groups still need more information on waste management, there is a need for thorough educational initiatives on sanitation management, not particularly waste but water, waste and sanitation. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2024
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Water-use efficiency Decision Support System for irrigation in smallholder farms using machine learning
- Authors: Mndela, Yonela
- Date: 2024-09
- Subjects: Irrigation farming , Agriculture--Economic aspects , Agricultural development projects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29933 , vital:79207
- Description: Small-scale farmers in arid and semi-arid regions rely mostly on irrigation to boost agricultural production and reduce dependency on unpredictable rainfall. However, due to poor farming knowledge, the efficiency of irrigation in these farms is low as crops are irrigated equally across the entire field without considering spatial variations in crop water requirements. This study was aimed at devising irrigation scheduling for various small-scale crops cabbage, sweet potato, maize, garlic, Florida broadleaf mustard, Solanum Retroflexum, green beans, sugar beans and spinach in the Mutale River catchment, based on changes in crop water status obtained from the regression models generated from the association between remotely sensed data and field data. Remotely sensed data in the form of unmanned aerial vehicle UAV imagery was used as the base from which crop spectral signatures and spatial patterns in water content were obtained. Endmember spectral analysis was performed to analyse spectral patterns of the crops. The Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index GNDVI, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NDVI, Normalized Difference Red edge NDRE, and Optimized Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index OSAVI were generated from the UAV imagery to serve as the base from which crops were characterized, and spatial patterns in water content were observed. Field survey method was carried out on the various crop plots to acquire leaf water content data fresh weight, turgid weight, and dry weight. The stratified random sampling method was used to select crops from which leaf samples would be extracted for measurements, based on crop type and growth stage. The measured leaf water content data was used to compute the Relative Water Content RWC which was used as an indication of water content in the crops. Field based RWC was used to observe spatial patterns in crop water content, as well as calibration and validation of crop water content empirical models retrieved from the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle UAV imagery. The Levene’s k-comparison test was performed to determine the spatial patterns in crop water content. A simple linear regression technique was employed to determine the nature and significance of the association of field based RWC and spectral vegetation indices. The linear regressions with the highest coefficient of determination r2 were used for modelling crop water content using spectral vegetation indices maps as the explanatory variable in the models. The time series regression technique was employed to simulate water changes across the crop types in the study area. The endmember spectral analysis results revealed variations in the spectral reflectance patterns of crops across the UAV spectral channels. A slight difference in spectral reflectance was noted across Solanum Retroflexum, green beans, sweet potato, pepper, maize, and sugar beans, as they all exhibited low and high reflectance in the red and near infrared channels, respectively. The spectral patterns of peas and cabbage were relatively easy to distinguish from the other crops because they exhibited high reflectance in the red-edge and green channels, respectively. The analysis of the spectral vegetation maps revealed that GNDVI, NDVI, NDRE, and OSAVI can be used to observe spatial variability of water content across various crops. In this study, the healthier plants were identified by a higher spectral index value (closer to +1) while unhealthy plants showed lower values closer to -1. The linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between GNDVI and water content of sweet potato, maize, sugar beans, and Florida broadleaf mustard, with r2 values of 0.948, 0.995, 0.978, and 0.953, respectively. NDVI revealed a strong association with water content of Solanum Retroflexum, pepper, and cabbage, with the r2 values of 0.949, 0.956, and 0.995, respectively. NDRE, on the other hand, revealed a strong relationship with water content in peas and green beans, with r2 values of 0.961, and 0.974, respectively. OSAVI was observed to be the least sensitive spectral index to water content across the surveyed crop types. The remotely sensed models produced in this study revealed that, RWC can be successfully predicted from UAV imagery. Time series regression revealed a gradual decrease in water content with an increase in the number of days for all the surveyed crops. The simulations revealed that Solanum Retroflexum, sweet potato, maize, sugar beans, and Florida Broadleaf Mustard reached their respective wilting points at day four after irrigation, implying that irrigation of these crops should be scheduled after every four 4 days basis. Peas, green beans, pepper, and cabbage reached their respective wilting points at day five after irrigation, implying that irrigation of these crops should be scheduled after every five days. The results of this study revealed that, with the current irrigation scheduling interval of seven days in the study area, the crops are subjected to water stress which has a huge impact on the quality and yield of the crops. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mndela, Yonela
- Date: 2024-09
- Subjects: Irrigation farming , Agriculture--Economic aspects , Agricultural development projects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29933 , vital:79207
- Description: Small-scale farmers in arid and semi-arid regions rely mostly on irrigation to boost agricultural production and reduce dependency on unpredictable rainfall. However, due to poor farming knowledge, the efficiency of irrigation in these farms is low as crops are irrigated equally across the entire field without considering spatial variations in crop water requirements. This study was aimed at devising irrigation scheduling for various small-scale crops cabbage, sweet potato, maize, garlic, Florida broadleaf mustard, Solanum Retroflexum, green beans, sugar beans and spinach in the Mutale River catchment, based on changes in crop water status obtained from the regression models generated from the association between remotely sensed data and field data. Remotely sensed data in the form of unmanned aerial vehicle UAV imagery was used as the base from which crop spectral signatures and spatial patterns in water content were obtained. Endmember spectral analysis was performed to analyse spectral patterns of the crops. The Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index GNDVI, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NDVI, Normalized Difference Red edge NDRE, and Optimized Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index OSAVI were generated from the UAV imagery to serve as the base from which crops were characterized, and spatial patterns in water content were observed. Field survey method was carried out on the various crop plots to acquire leaf water content data fresh weight, turgid weight, and dry weight. The stratified random sampling method was used to select crops from which leaf samples would be extracted for measurements, based on crop type and growth stage. The measured leaf water content data was used to compute the Relative Water Content RWC which was used as an indication of water content in the crops. Field based RWC was used to observe spatial patterns in crop water content, as well as calibration and validation of crop water content empirical models retrieved from the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle UAV imagery. The Levene’s k-comparison test was performed to determine the spatial patterns in crop water content. A simple linear regression technique was employed to determine the nature and significance of the association of field based RWC and spectral vegetation indices. The linear regressions with the highest coefficient of determination r2 were used for modelling crop water content using spectral vegetation indices maps as the explanatory variable in the models. The time series regression technique was employed to simulate water changes across the crop types in the study area. The endmember spectral analysis results revealed variations in the spectral reflectance patterns of crops across the UAV spectral channels. A slight difference in spectral reflectance was noted across Solanum Retroflexum, green beans, sweet potato, pepper, maize, and sugar beans, as they all exhibited low and high reflectance in the red and near infrared channels, respectively. The spectral patterns of peas and cabbage were relatively easy to distinguish from the other crops because they exhibited high reflectance in the red-edge and green channels, respectively. The analysis of the spectral vegetation maps revealed that GNDVI, NDVI, NDRE, and OSAVI can be used to observe spatial variability of water content across various crops. In this study, the healthier plants were identified by a higher spectral index value (closer to +1) while unhealthy plants showed lower values closer to -1. The linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between GNDVI and water content of sweet potato, maize, sugar beans, and Florida broadleaf mustard, with r2 values of 0.948, 0.995, 0.978, and 0.953, respectively. NDVI revealed a strong association with water content of Solanum Retroflexum, pepper, and cabbage, with the r2 values of 0.949, 0.956, and 0.995, respectively. NDRE, on the other hand, revealed a strong relationship with water content in peas and green beans, with r2 values of 0.961, and 0.974, respectively. OSAVI was observed to be the least sensitive spectral index to water content across the surveyed crop types. The remotely sensed models produced in this study revealed that, RWC can be successfully predicted from UAV imagery. Time series regression revealed a gradual decrease in water content with an increase in the number of days for all the surveyed crops. The simulations revealed that Solanum Retroflexum, sweet potato, maize, sugar beans, and Florida Broadleaf Mustard reached their respective wilting points at day four after irrigation, implying that irrigation of these crops should be scheduled after every four 4 days basis. Peas, green beans, pepper, and cabbage reached their respective wilting points at day five after irrigation, implying that irrigation of these crops should be scheduled after every five days. The results of this study revealed that, with the current irrigation scheduling interval of seven days in the study area, the crops are subjected to water stress which has a huge impact on the quality and yield of the crops. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
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Lived experiences of Gay traditional healers in the Amathole District Municipality
- Plaatjie, Nontsikelelo Margaret
- Authors: Plaatjie, Nontsikelelo Margaret
- Date: 2024-06
- Subjects: Healers -- South Africa , Gender identity -- South Africa , Ancestor worship --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29089 , vital:76626
- Description: The primary goal of this study was to explore the lived experiences of gay traditional healers in the Amathole District Municipality. The study focused on traditional healers who are diviners and work as cause investigators (amagqirha emvumisa).The study used qualitative research methodology and employed Interpretative phenomenological analysis research design to examine the lived experiences of gay traditional diviners.This study was based on Cass’ identity formation theory as its overarching theoretical framework and specifically on sexual identity formation with a focus on LGBTQI plus. The sample consisted of five participants recruited through the snowball sampling technique. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews. The researcher was acquainted with three of the participants and each of them brought an interview-ready subject with them. All participants were gay traditional diviners with credentials and practice in their own settings. The analysis of the research study revealed that gay traditional healers experienced multifaceted aspects. These aspects includes those coming from social factors like family background. The findings indicated that factors such as parental neglect and lack of financial support for the training needs of gay traditional healers had a negative impact. However it became clear from the findings that negative attitudes starting from participants’s upbringing, training and practice caused confusion, sadness but ultimately self acceptance. Furthermore, the research study revealed a need for awareness campaigns on traditional healing, as well as on the choice of sexual orientation. Lack of knowledge of policies and laws concerning homosexuality and traditional healing revealed the amount of work that remains to be done in our society. The researcher recommends that for future studies, more research on legislation with regards to traditional healers and gay people be undertaken. Also the researcher recommends involvement traditional medical practitioner policy decision makers. , Thesis (MPsych) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Plaatjie, Nontsikelelo Margaret
- Date: 2024-06
- Subjects: Healers -- South Africa , Gender identity -- South Africa , Ancestor worship --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29089 , vital:76626
- Description: The primary goal of this study was to explore the lived experiences of gay traditional healers in the Amathole District Municipality. The study focused on traditional healers who are diviners and work as cause investigators (amagqirha emvumisa).The study used qualitative research methodology and employed Interpretative phenomenological analysis research design to examine the lived experiences of gay traditional diviners.This study was based on Cass’ identity formation theory as its overarching theoretical framework and specifically on sexual identity formation with a focus on LGBTQI plus. The sample consisted of five participants recruited through the snowball sampling technique. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews. The researcher was acquainted with three of the participants and each of them brought an interview-ready subject with them. All participants were gay traditional diviners with credentials and practice in their own settings. The analysis of the research study revealed that gay traditional healers experienced multifaceted aspects. These aspects includes those coming from social factors like family background. The findings indicated that factors such as parental neglect and lack of financial support for the training needs of gay traditional healers had a negative impact. However it became clear from the findings that negative attitudes starting from participants’s upbringing, training and practice caused confusion, sadness but ultimately self acceptance. Furthermore, the research study revealed a need for awareness campaigns on traditional healing, as well as on the choice of sexual orientation. Lack of knowledge of policies and laws concerning homosexuality and traditional healing revealed the amount of work that remains to be done in our society. The researcher recommends that for future studies, more research on legislation with regards to traditional healers and gay people be undertaken. Also the researcher recommends involvement traditional medical practitioner policy decision makers. , Thesis (MPsych) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
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The psychosocial experiences of adolescents living with absent fathers in selected schools in Keiskammahoek, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Qengwa, Luvuyo https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2600-6473
- Authors: Qengwa, Luvuyo https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2600-6473
- Date: 2024-05
- Subjects: Social case work with teenagers -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Absentee fathers -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29754 , vital:78909
- Description: Globally the majority of adolescents are living without their biological fathers and throughout the African continent South Africa appears as the country with a high percentage of absent fathers with Black adolescents being the most affected. The study demonstrated multiple aspects that resulted in fathers being absent and showed figures of absent fathers in different ethnic groups in South Africa. This investigation was designed to gain the psychosocial experiences of adolescents living with absent fathers in selected schools in Keiskammahoek Eastern Cape South Africa. A qualitative approach non probability and purposive sampling were employed. A total of 24 participants were selected which were 10 adolescent girls 10 adolescent boys and four social workers. Face to face and semi structured interviews were conducted for data collection from adolescents in different secondary schools and social workers from the Department of Social Development in Keiskammahoek. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyse acquired data from the adolescents and social workers. The findings revealed that the father s absence imposes several challenges on Adolescents however the social work interventions help to curb some of the challenges which include anti social behaviours in adolescents. Services such as PEIP ILP and Emotional support rendered by social workers play a huge role in adolescents living with absent fathers. It is recommended that families need to engage adolescents in open talks about their absent fatherhood while healthcare practitioners and social workers need to provide sex education to adolescents. The establishment of sports and recreation programmes in communities is necessary to decrease substance use and criminal behaviour in adolescents. The entire research was guided by the Attachment theory. , Thesis (MSci Soc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Qengwa, Luvuyo https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2600-6473
- Date: 2024-05
- Subjects: Social case work with teenagers -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Absentee fathers -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29754 , vital:78909
- Description: Globally the majority of adolescents are living without their biological fathers and throughout the African continent South Africa appears as the country with a high percentage of absent fathers with Black adolescents being the most affected. The study demonstrated multiple aspects that resulted in fathers being absent and showed figures of absent fathers in different ethnic groups in South Africa. This investigation was designed to gain the psychosocial experiences of adolescents living with absent fathers in selected schools in Keiskammahoek Eastern Cape South Africa. A qualitative approach non probability and purposive sampling were employed. A total of 24 participants were selected which were 10 adolescent girls 10 adolescent boys and four social workers. Face to face and semi structured interviews were conducted for data collection from adolescents in different secondary schools and social workers from the Department of Social Development in Keiskammahoek. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyse acquired data from the adolescents and social workers. The findings revealed that the father s absence imposes several challenges on Adolescents however the social work interventions help to curb some of the challenges which include anti social behaviours in adolescents. Services such as PEIP ILP and Emotional support rendered by social workers play a huge role in adolescents living with absent fathers. It is recommended that families need to engage adolescents in open talks about their absent fatherhood while healthcare practitioners and social workers need to provide sex education to adolescents. The establishment of sports and recreation programmes in communities is necessary to decrease substance use and criminal behaviour in adolescents. The entire research was guided by the Attachment theory. , Thesis (MSci Soc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
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Optimization of automatic speech recognition under noisy environment using machine learning techniques
- Authors: Yamkela, Melane
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Automatic speech recognition , Speech processing systems , Computational linguistics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29954 , vital:79216
- Description: Speech recognition technology is a fascinating field that enables machines to comprehend and interpret human speech. It allows users to interact with computers, smartphones, and other devices, using spoken commands rather than traditional input methods, like typing. Speech recognition systems analyse audio input, typically in the form of spoken words or phrases, and convert them into text or commands that computers can understand. The journey of speech recognition technology has been remarkable, evolving from simple command-based systems to advanced natural language processing algorithms capable of understanding context, accents, and even emotions. While speech recognition has made significant strides, challenges persist, particularly in accurately handling noisy environments and distinguishing between similarsounding words. This study aimed at developing an optimal automatic speech recognition system under a noisy environment, using machine learning techniques. In addition, the study aimed at evaluating the performance of the developed system. Speech recognition methodology involves several key steps to accurately transform verbal words into written commands or text, such as - Audio Input, Preprocessing, Feature Extraction, Acoustic Modeling, and Language Modeling. The model was developed using Google Collab and TensorFlow, an open-source machinelearning platform. This model used a transformer-hugging face, which is a pre-trained model. Transformers deploy convolutional neural networks that were trained with data collected by Facebook wac2 vec. For evaluation, the model made use of a confusion matrix, precision and accuracy metrics; the model was tested on real-time data and good results were achieved. Evaluation is continuing to observe the model's performance under different noisy backgrounds. This research adds to the corpus of knowledge, particularly in the field of speech recognition and for future work, the study will seek to use large live data and also investigate the error rate. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Yamkela, Melane
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Automatic speech recognition , Speech processing systems , Computational linguistics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29954 , vital:79216
- Description: Speech recognition technology is a fascinating field that enables machines to comprehend and interpret human speech. It allows users to interact with computers, smartphones, and other devices, using spoken commands rather than traditional input methods, like typing. Speech recognition systems analyse audio input, typically in the form of spoken words or phrases, and convert them into text or commands that computers can understand. The journey of speech recognition technology has been remarkable, evolving from simple command-based systems to advanced natural language processing algorithms capable of understanding context, accents, and even emotions. While speech recognition has made significant strides, challenges persist, particularly in accurately handling noisy environments and distinguishing between similarsounding words. This study aimed at developing an optimal automatic speech recognition system under a noisy environment, using machine learning techniques. In addition, the study aimed at evaluating the performance of the developed system. Speech recognition methodology involves several key steps to accurately transform verbal words into written commands or text, such as - Audio Input, Preprocessing, Feature Extraction, Acoustic Modeling, and Language Modeling. The model was developed using Google Collab and TensorFlow, an open-source machinelearning platform. This model used a transformer-hugging face, which is a pre-trained model. Transformers deploy convolutional neural networks that were trained with data collected by Facebook wac2 vec. For evaluation, the model made use of a confusion matrix, precision and accuracy metrics; the model was tested on real-time data and good results were achieved. Evaluation is continuing to observe the model's performance under different noisy backgrounds. This research adds to the corpus of knowledge, particularly in the field of speech recognition and for future work, the study will seek to use large live data and also investigate the error rate. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
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A hybrid optimisation model for water quality prediction using Naive Bayes and SMO algorithms:: The bagging technique
- Authors: Mcedani, Lazola Asadumodwa
- Date: 2024-03
- Subjects: Water quality , Learning classifier systems , Time-series analysis--Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29911 , vital:79189
- Description: This study comprehensively evaluates machine learning classifiers to predict water quality using time-series data. The objective is to identify the most effective classifiers, assess the influence of reconfigurations on their performance, and construct a hybrid model using the superior classifiers. Additionally, the study seeks to ascertain the most suitable ensemble technique. The methodology incorporates the knowledge discovery in databases KDD process and scrutinises 56 classifiers available in WEKA. The investigation reveals support vector machine optimisation SMO and Naive Bayes as the leading classifiers, with 74.37 percent and 70.01 percent prediction accuracies, respectively. Performance enhancements were observed following reconfigurations, with the refined SMO model achieving an accuracy of 79.9827 percent on a novel unseen dataset and the adjusted Naive Bayes model reaching 78.3784 percent. The hybrid model, which amalgamates Naive Bayes and SMO, exhibited improved accuracy without compromising efficiency. Bagging was identified as the most influential ensemble technique, delivering the highest accuracy and overall model efficacy. Bagging achieves a prediction accuracy of 86.4865 percent, surpassing the best-performing base model. It also demonstrates a Kappa statistic of 0.7628, indicating substantial agreement with the ground truth, along with an impressive F-measure of 0.859 and other notable metrics, highlighting its robust performance across various evaluation criteria. This study contributes to developing water quality prediction models, providing valuable insights for researchers and practitioners, and enabling more informed decision-making in environmental management, public health, and resource allocation. The research advances algorithm design, optimises techniques, and pioneers novel hybrid models while offering a robust evaluation framework to compare the performance of various classifiers and ensemble techniques. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mcedani, Lazola Asadumodwa
- Date: 2024-03
- Subjects: Water quality , Learning classifier systems , Time-series analysis--Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29911 , vital:79189
- Description: This study comprehensively evaluates machine learning classifiers to predict water quality using time-series data. The objective is to identify the most effective classifiers, assess the influence of reconfigurations on their performance, and construct a hybrid model using the superior classifiers. Additionally, the study seeks to ascertain the most suitable ensemble technique. The methodology incorporates the knowledge discovery in databases KDD process and scrutinises 56 classifiers available in WEKA. The investigation reveals support vector machine optimisation SMO and Naive Bayes as the leading classifiers, with 74.37 percent and 70.01 percent prediction accuracies, respectively. Performance enhancements were observed following reconfigurations, with the refined SMO model achieving an accuracy of 79.9827 percent on a novel unseen dataset and the adjusted Naive Bayes model reaching 78.3784 percent. The hybrid model, which amalgamates Naive Bayes and SMO, exhibited improved accuracy without compromising efficiency. Bagging was identified as the most influential ensemble technique, delivering the highest accuracy and overall model efficacy. Bagging achieves a prediction accuracy of 86.4865 percent, surpassing the best-performing base model. It also demonstrates a Kappa statistic of 0.7628, indicating substantial agreement with the ground truth, along with an impressive F-measure of 0.859 and other notable metrics, highlighting its robust performance across various evaluation criteria. This study contributes to developing water quality prediction models, providing valuable insights for researchers and practitioners, and enabling more informed decision-making in environmental management, public health, and resource allocation. The research advances algorithm design, optimises techniques, and pioneers novel hybrid models while offering a robust evaluation framework to compare the performance of various classifiers and ensemble techniques. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
Communal land use management and socio-spatial planning in Mooiplaas, South Africa
- Eglin, Ronald Arthur https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3983-709X
- Authors: Eglin, Ronald Arthur https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3983-709X
- Date: 2024-02
- Subjects: Land use -- Planning -- South Africa , Land use--Planning -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Land use, Rural -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29684 , vital:78871
- Description: This study explores, for the first time in southern Africa, the possibility of using a pattern language as part of a more adaptive planning process where decisions to change land use are made by municipalities and communities taking into account the extent to which these decisions respond to the ever-changing context. The objective was firstly to identify what socio-spatial planning principles (presented as a patterns) the community use and would like to use to guide communal land use, secondly to evaluate how effective land use management has been in determining land use activities, and thirdly to explore how a pattern language could be used to guide land use change decisions. Using a qualitative research methodology, 67 semi-structured individual and key informant interviews as well as three focus group discussions were conducted in two villages within the Mooiplaas communal land area. The main findings indicate that the current informal procedures for managing land use change by the community’s leadership is increasingly ineffective in guiding land use decisions in ways that prioritise environmental protection and promote economic and social development. However, using visioning and needs analysis techniques, the study demonstrates that a community can develop a pattern language that reflects a comprehensive vision for their area. This pattern language can then be expressed as local spatial development principles in the municipality’s Spatial Development Framework. Additionally, as part of its Land Use Scheme regulations, the municipality can establish natural, intensive agricultural, and settlement overlay zones, overlaid on an underlining extensive agricultural base zone. Anyone wanting to use land for any purpose not provided for in these zones has to submit a land use change application and the authorising structures are required to use the local spatial development principles to help inform them as to whether to approve the application or not. The study advances a new understanding of the pattern language as an expression of a community’s vision for a particular area and demonstrates how a pattern language planning approach could work in a communal land area in South Africa within the context of existing spatial planning legislation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2025
- Full Text:
- Authors: Eglin, Ronald Arthur https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3983-709X
- Date: 2024-02
- Subjects: Land use -- Planning -- South Africa , Land use--Planning -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Land use, Rural -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29684 , vital:78871
- Description: This study explores, for the first time in southern Africa, the possibility of using a pattern language as part of a more adaptive planning process where decisions to change land use are made by municipalities and communities taking into account the extent to which these decisions respond to the ever-changing context. The objective was firstly to identify what socio-spatial planning principles (presented as a patterns) the community use and would like to use to guide communal land use, secondly to evaluate how effective land use management has been in determining land use activities, and thirdly to explore how a pattern language could be used to guide land use change decisions. Using a qualitative research methodology, 67 semi-structured individual and key informant interviews as well as three focus group discussions were conducted in two villages within the Mooiplaas communal land area. The main findings indicate that the current informal procedures for managing land use change by the community’s leadership is increasingly ineffective in guiding land use decisions in ways that prioritise environmental protection and promote economic and social development. However, using visioning and needs analysis techniques, the study demonstrates that a community can develop a pattern language that reflects a comprehensive vision for their area. This pattern language can then be expressed as local spatial development principles in the municipality’s Spatial Development Framework. Additionally, as part of its Land Use Scheme regulations, the municipality can establish natural, intensive agricultural, and settlement overlay zones, overlaid on an underlining extensive agricultural base zone. Anyone wanting to use land for any purpose not provided for in these zones has to submit a land use change application and the authorising structures are required to use the local spatial development principles to help inform them as to whether to approve the application or not. The study advances a new understanding of the pattern language as an expression of a community’s vision for a particular area and demonstrates how a pattern language planning approach could work in a communal land area in South Africa within the context of existing spatial planning legislation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2025
- Full Text:
The psychosocial experiences of women and children associated with development induced internal displacement caused by the Tokwe-Mukosi Dam project, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Kufakunesu, Robert
- Date: 2024-02
- Subjects: Displacement (Psychology) , Human behavior , Displacement behavior in humans
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29867 , vital:79028
- Description: Many development projects have resulted in the displacement of whole communities in Zimbabwe in recent decades. Most of these displacements have translated into extreme disadvantages for women and children. Previous research has largely focused on the economic, humanitarian, and human rights issues without segregating the psychosocial experiences women and children face owing to displacements. This study examined the legal frameworks, both international and municipal, that govern the internal displacement of people for development. The socio-political context in which development-based displacements take place in Zimbabwe was also examined. Viewed through the Human Security Approach and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, this study also covered the insecurities and the psychosocial challenges that women and children experienced because of development induced displacements. The non-probability sampling method and the purposive sampling technique were employed in this study. The qualitative data gathered through Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews were used to explore the experiences of women and children associated with project-based displacement caused by the Tokwe-Mukosi Dam project. The findings of the study indicated that women and children experienced loss of property, land, social networks, identity, a sense of community, impoverishment, and were subjected to resettlement without adequate compensation. To the women and children, project-based development had negative psychosocial implications. Women and children were further exposed, alienated, and disenfranchised from social amenities needed for human development and growth. From these findings the study concludes that the largely colonial policy in displacement and resettlement violates human rights and further disadvantages women in their need to participate in development. There is therefore need for engendered policies in the displacement and resettlement to ensure the protection and assistance of women and children and whole communities. Social Workers and other humanitarian players need to play major roles. In advocating social amenities and facilitating just compensation and psychosocial wellbeing of the displaced women and children. Healthy relationships with host communities should be forged by Social Workers and all stakeholders to ensure smooth resettlement of the displaced. , Thesis (MSci Soc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kufakunesu, Robert
- Date: 2024-02
- Subjects: Displacement (Psychology) , Human behavior , Displacement behavior in humans
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29867 , vital:79028
- Description: Many development projects have resulted in the displacement of whole communities in Zimbabwe in recent decades. Most of these displacements have translated into extreme disadvantages for women and children. Previous research has largely focused on the economic, humanitarian, and human rights issues without segregating the psychosocial experiences women and children face owing to displacements. This study examined the legal frameworks, both international and municipal, that govern the internal displacement of people for development. The socio-political context in which development-based displacements take place in Zimbabwe was also examined. Viewed through the Human Security Approach and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, this study also covered the insecurities and the psychosocial challenges that women and children experienced because of development induced displacements. The non-probability sampling method and the purposive sampling technique were employed in this study. The qualitative data gathered through Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews were used to explore the experiences of women and children associated with project-based displacement caused by the Tokwe-Mukosi Dam project. The findings of the study indicated that women and children experienced loss of property, land, social networks, identity, a sense of community, impoverishment, and were subjected to resettlement without adequate compensation. To the women and children, project-based development had negative psychosocial implications. Women and children were further exposed, alienated, and disenfranchised from social amenities needed for human development and growth. From these findings the study concludes that the largely colonial policy in displacement and resettlement violates human rights and further disadvantages women in their need to participate in development. There is therefore need for engendered policies in the displacement and resettlement to ensure the protection and assistance of women and children and whole communities. Social Workers and other humanitarian players need to play major roles. In advocating social amenities and facilitating just compensation and psychosocial wellbeing of the displaced women and children. Healthy relationships with host communities should be forged by Social Workers and all stakeholders to ensure smooth resettlement of the displaced. , Thesis (MSci Soc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
A longitudinal study on the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 genome in wastewaters from typical urban and peri - urban communities in the Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Ngqwala, Balisa
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) , SARS-CoV-2 disease , SARS coronavirus 2 disease
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29888 , vital:79184
- Description: The global health system and economy has been convulsed by the origin of Severe Acute respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 SARS-CoV-2 infections which causes Coronavirus disease 2019 COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 infections has become a recent global health concern, with drastic increase of illnesses and mortality cases. COVID- 19 originated in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province in the People’s Republic of China, nonetheless, the diseases had spread to over 229 countries to date. COVID-19 clinical spectrum varies from mild fulminant pneumonia with acute respiratory distress to asymptomatic or mild respiratory infection or multi-organ failure resulting in death. Over 691 million cases with approximately 6.9 million fatalities have been recorded due to COVID-19 globally. The main route of transmission of this disease is reported to be respiratory droplets from an infected individual. However, previous studies demonstrate the presence of the virus in faces and urine as SARS-CoV-2 RNA fragments have been detected in wastewater and river waters around the world. The focal aim of this study was to profile and compare the incidence of SARS-COV-2 genomes in wastewater samples obtained from wastewater treatment facilities located in typical urban and peri-urban communities within the Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Raw wastewater (influent) samples were collected by the grab sampling technique on a weekly basis for a period of 12 months sampling regime. Ribonucleic Acids were extracted from the collected wastewater WW samples, using the commercial QIAGEN Powersoil Total RNA Extraction kit, following the manufacturer’s guideline. The extracted RNA samples were further profiled for the presence and quantity of SARS-COV-2 genomes from the collected wastewate samples by Quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction qRT-PCR technique. The findings of this study revealed the prevalence of SARS-COV-2 genomes from the raw wastewater samples across the urban and peri-urban study sites with the concentrations that ranged from 0.22 × 103 to 17.60 × 103 genome copies per millilitre GC/mL. Furthermore, various environmental matrices were utilized in the present study to estimate the potential health risk to plant operators associated with the exposure toSARS-CoV-2 viral particles using the quantitative microbiological risk assessment QMRA model. Different exposure scenarios were employed for the QMRA model and the findings indicate a probability of infection ranging from 0.93 percent to 37.81 percent across the study sites. Overall, the findings obtained in the current study highlight the bothersome concerns that reveal sewage systems as a transmission pathway for the dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 genomes in the environment. Therefore, this study accentuates the need for continued surveillance and constant environmental monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 other microbial pathogens through the wastewater based epidemiological model to timeously detect and recognize possible infections at a community level. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ngqwala, Balisa
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) , SARS-CoV-2 disease , SARS coronavirus 2 disease
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29888 , vital:79184
- Description: The global health system and economy has been convulsed by the origin of Severe Acute respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 SARS-CoV-2 infections which causes Coronavirus disease 2019 COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 infections has become a recent global health concern, with drastic increase of illnesses and mortality cases. COVID- 19 originated in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province in the People’s Republic of China, nonetheless, the diseases had spread to over 229 countries to date. COVID-19 clinical spectrum varies from mild fulminant pneumonia with acute respiratory distress to asymptomatic or mild respiratory infection or multi-organ failure resulting in death. Over 691 million cases with approximately 6.9 million fatalities have been recorded due to COVID-19 globally. The main route of transmission of this disease is reported to be respiratory droplets from an infected individual. However, previous studies demonstrate the presence of the virus in faces and urine as SARS-CoV-2 RNA fragments have been detected in wastewater and river waters around the world. The focal aim of this study was to profile and compare the incidence of SARS-COV-2 genomes in wastewater samples obtained from wastewater treatment facilities located in typical urban and peri-urban communities within the Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Raw wastewater (influent) samples were collected by the grab sampling technique on a weekly basis for a period of 12 months sampling regime. Ribonucleic Acids were extracted from the collected wastewater WW samples, using the commercial QIAGEN Powersoil Total RNA Extraction kit, following the manufacturer’s guideline. The extracted RNA samples were further profiled for the presence and quantity of SARS-COV-2 genomes from the collected wastewate samples by Quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction qRT-PCR technique. The findings of this study revealed the prevalence of SARS-COV-2 genomes from the raw wastewater samples across the urban and peri-urban study sites with the concentrations that ranged from 0.22 × 103 to 17.60 × 103 genome copies per millilitre GC/mL. Furthermore, various environmental matrices were utilized in the present study to estimate the potential health risk to plant operators associated with the exposure toSARS-CoV-2 viral particles using the quantitative microbiological risk assessment QMRA model. Different exposure scenarios were employed for the QMRA model and the findings indicate a probability of infection ranging from 0.93 percent to 37.81 percent across the study sites. Overall, the findings obtained in the current study highlight the bothersome concerns that reveal sewage systems as a transmission pathway for the dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 genomes in the environment. Therefore, this study accentuates the need for continued surveillance and constant environmental monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 other microbial pathogens through the wastewater based epidemiological model to timeously detect and recognize possible infections at a community level. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2024
- Full Text:
Exploring the ramifications of ineffective social work services rendered to the survivors of domestic violence in Duncan Village Township, East London in Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mnqonywa, Simangele
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: Family violence -- Public Opinion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Victims of family violence -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Family social work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29837 , vital:78927
- Description: Domestic violence is a global phenomenon that affects various communities regardless of status this may be caused by different reasons including different socioeconomic factors. Women experience and suffer from domestic violence in different ways however this affects not only survivors of domestic violence but also children who witness domestic violence in their households. As much as this issue is known worldwide most survivors of domestic violence still receive ineffective intervention from social workers and that leads to more issues faced by survivors of domestic violence. As such the study aimed to explore the ramifications of ineffective social work services rendered to the survivors of domestic violence in Duncan Village East London in the Eastern Cape. The study adopted the qualitative research method the interpretive paradigm was used to gain an in depth understanding of the experiences of different participants on the same topic and a phenomenological research design was used in the study. Survivors of domestic violence and social workers were the target population of the study which consisted of thirteen participants nine survivors of domestic violence and four social workers that were selected using purposive sampling. The initial number of participants was fifteen which included ten survivors of domestic violence and five social workers however due to the limitations of the study it ended up being the total of fifteen. Data was collected face to face with the aid of a semi structured interview guide. The researcher used interpretive phenomenological analysis to analyse the data. The findings of the study revealed that most survivors of domestic violence from Duncan Village have limited knowledge about the available Victim Empowerment Programme VEP in their area this makes it hard for them to access help because they do not know where to seek help. Many survivors of domestic violence experience revictimisation because they continue to stay with their perpetrators as they do not have any place to run to. Duncan Village lacks shelters to keep survivors of domestic violence and children. There is a lack of programmes like awareness campaigns to assist the community with all the issues around domestic violence and Gender Based Violence. The study concluded that social work services are ineffective in a way that social workers are unable to provide some basics needs or primary assistance like awareness campaigns to the community members unethical conduct by social workers lack of accountability and unprofessionalism and this affects the survivors of domestic violence. The ineffectiveness may be caused by different factors for example lack of resources and other factors that hinder the performance of social workers. All this results in people losing hope and expectations from social workers and their services the continuation of domestic violence the disturbance in the normal functioning of the survivor behaviour and wellbeing. Based on the conclusion it is recommended that the state should pay attention and invest in intervening on the issue of domestic violence in every community equally no community should be overlooked. Every town should have shelters that keep survivors of domestic violence and children more especially in townships that are known for high crime rates including domestic violence. The Department of Social Development should provide efficient resources and ensure the safety of social workers during community service deliveries. Awareness campaigns and VEP must be made visible to the community members and become programmes that are run regularly. Social workers must be trained and regularly assessed. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mnqonywa, Simangele
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: Family violence -- Public Opinion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Victims of family violence -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Family social work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29837 , vital:78927
- Description: Domestic violence is a global phenomenon that affects various communities regardless of status this may be caused by different reasons including different socioeconomic factors. Women experience and suffer from domestic violence in different ways however this affects not only survivors of domestic violence but also children who witness domestic violence in their households. As much as this issue is known worldwide most survivors of domestic violence still receive ineffective intervention from social workers and that leads to more issues faced by survivors of domestic violence. As such the study aimed to explore the ramifications of ineffective social work services rendered to the survivors of domestic violence in Duncan Village East London in the Eastern Cape. The study adopted the qualitative research method the interpretive paradigm was used to gain an in depth understanding of the experiences of different participants on the same topic and a phenomenological research design was used in the study. Survivors of domestic violence and social workers were the target population of the study which consisted of thirteen participants nine survivors of domestic violence and four social workers that were selected using purposive sampling. The initial number of participants was fifteen which included ten survivors of domestic violence and five social workers however due to the limitations of the study it ended up being the total of fifteen. Data was collected face to face with the aid of a semi structured interview guide. The researcher used interpretive phenomenological analysis to analyse the data. The findings of the study revealed that most survivors of domestic violence from Duncan Village have limited knowledge about the available Victim Empowerment Programme VEP in their area this makes it hard for them to access help because they do not know where to seek help. Many survivors of domestic violence experience revictimisation because they continue to stay with their perpetrators as they do not have any place to run to. Duncan Village lacks shelters to keep survivors of domestic violence and children. There is a lack of programmes like awareness campaigns to assist the community with all the issues around domestic violence and Gender Based Violence. The study concluded that social work services are ineffective in a way that social workers are unable to provide some basics needs or primary assistance like awareness campaigns to the community members unethical conduct by social workers lack of accountability and unprofessionalism and this affects the survivors of domestic violence. The ineffectiveness may be caused by different factors for example lack of resources and other factors that hinder the performance of social workers. All this results in people losing hope and expectations from social workers and their services the continuation of domestic violence the disturbance in the normal functioning of the survivor behaviour and wellbeing. Based on the conclusion it is recommended that the state should pay attention and invest in intervening on the issue of domestic violence in every community equally no community should be overlooked. Every town should have shelters that keep survivors of domestic violence and children more especially in townships that are known for high crime rates including domestic violence. The Department of Social Development should provide efficient resources and ensure the safety of social workers during community service deliveries. Awareness campaigns and VEP must be made visible to the community members and become programmes that are run regularly. Social workers must be trained and regularly assessed. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
Fanon’s political ethics of intersubjectivity in Postcolonial African governance and citizenship
- Authors: Ogunsakin, S S
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: Political ethics , Postcolonialism , Black nationalism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29878 , vital:79034
- Description: This dissertation investigates failures in postcolonial African governance and citizenship that sustain subjective and structural aspects of Black alienation, which continue to undermine critical agency and limit genuine spaces for the emancipation for postcolonial Black citizens even in the absence of direct and explicit repression. Drawing primarily on the phenomenological insights of Frantz Fanon and Jean-Paul Sartre into intersubjective alienation, and on contemporary analyses of postcoloniality, in the work of Achille Mbembe, Lewis Gordon, and Tseney Serequeberhan, I consider normative grounds of possibility for postcolonial Black dis-alienation, which are relevant for contexts of self-subjectification and indirect oppression, given the alienation that is engendered by structural violence, which Fanon ascribes to colonial displacements that continue to pose potential drawbacks to a vibrant postcolonial African society. Despite divergences in their accounts of postcolonial Black alienation and the construction of possible alternatives for Black freedom, I identify complementary analyses of postcoloniality in the work of Mbembe, Gordon, and Serequeberhan. All three theorists employ Fanon’s psycho-existential phenomenology of postcolonial Black alienation as a foundation for a working model of implicit, subjective, and social conditions that undermine genuine Black freedom. I argue that Serequeberhan’s hermeneutic alternative, grounded in the historico-cultural context and situatedness of Black experience, provides useful insights into the possibility of overcoming Black alienation through trans-cultural intersubjectivity and radical openness, while he departicularize solutions to the contextualized Black problems he identified. At the same time, I argue that, while Gordon redeploys Fanon’s sociogenic phenomenology to critique postcolonial Black alienation, his position remains trapped in the polarities of North South coloniality and American racial dynamics, which precludes understanding of novel configurations of power and subjectivity in postcolonial Africa. In his account of postcolonial Black alienation, Mbembe describes a distinctive situation of deficient intersubjectivity resulting from failures of postcolonial African governance systems that are characterized by autocratic leadership and further complicated by a self-defeating public complicity, wherein Black citizens reproduce their own oppression. Despite the lack of potential emancipatory clues, I argue that Mbembe’s conception of convivial politics and mutual zombification provides a compelling account of postcolonial Black alienation and self-subjectification, revealing distinctive oppressive relations marked not only by violence and alienation exclusive to dominant ruling forces, but also by social complicity and reciprocity. To respond to these challenges, I argue that Fanon’s prescient account of Black dis-alienation and practices in the context of psychiatric medicine sets out implicit complementary sources of normative political practices on the basis of which we can develop an emancipatory ethics of intersubjectivity, which suggests a nonviolent pathway to emancipatory social transformation in postcolonial African governance and citizenship, by which the Black citizen may emancipate herself from alienating conditions of oppression evident in features of structural governmentality, and in the continual reproduction of self-subjectification in the postcolony, which Mbembe describes. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ogunsakin, S S
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: Political ethics , Postcolonialism , Black nationalism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29878 , vital:79034
- Description: This dissertation investigates failures in postcolonial African governance and citizenship that sustain subjective and structural aspects of Black alienation, which continue to undermine critical agency and limit genuine spaces for the emancipation for postcolonial Black citizens even in the absence of direct and explicit repression. Drawing primarily on the phenomenological insights of Frantz Fanon and Jean-Paul Sartre into intersubjective alienation, and on contemporary analyses of postcoloniality, in the work of Achille Mbembe, Lewis Gordon, and Tseney Serequeberhan, I consider normative grounds of possibility for postcolonial Black dis-alienation, which are relevant for contexts of self-subjectification and indirect oppression, given the alienation that is engendered by structural violence, which Fanon ascribes to colonial displacements that continue to pose potential drawbacks to a vibrant postcolonial African society. Despite divergences in their accounts of postcolonial Black alienation and the construction of possible alternatives for Black freedom, I identify complementary analyses of postcoloniality in the work of Mbembe, Gordon, and Serequeberhan. All three theorists employ Fanon’s psycho-existential phenomenology of postcolonial Black alienation as a foundation for a working model of implicit, subjective, and social conditions that undermine genuine Black freedom. I argue that Serequeberhan’s hermeneutic alternative, grounded in the historico-cultural context and situatedness of Black experience, provides useful insights into the possibility of overcoming Black alienation through trans-cultural intersubjectivity and radical openness, while he departicularize solutions to the contextualized Black problems he identified. At the same time, I argue that, while Gordon redeploys Fanon’s sociogenic phenomenology to critique postcolonial Black alienation, his position remains trapped in the polarities of North South coloniality and American racial dynamics, which precludes understanding of novel configurations of power and subjectivity in postcolonial Africa. In his account of postcolonial Black alienation, Mbembe describes a distinctive situation of deficient intersubjectivity resulting from failures of postcolonial African governance systems that are characterized by autocratic leadership and further complicated by a self-defeating public complicity, wherein Black citizens reproduce their own oppression. Despite the lack of potential emancipatory clues, I argue that Mbembe’s conception of convivial politics and mutual zombification provides a compelling account of postcolonial Black alienation and self-subjectification, revealing distinctive oppressive relations marked not only by violence and alienation exclusive to dominant ruling forces, but also by social complicity and reciprocity. To respond to these challenges, I argue that Fanon’s prescient account of Black dis-alienation and practices in the context of psychiatric medicine sets out implicit complementary sources of normative political practices on the basis of which we can develop an emancipatory ethics of intersubjectivity, which suggests a nonviolent pathway to emancipatory social transformation in postcolonial African governance and citizenship, by which the Black citizen may emancipate herself from alienating conditions of oppression evident in features of structural governmentality, and in the continual reproduction of self-subjectification in the postcolony, which Mbembe describes. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
Parental influence on adolescents’ emotional intelligence: a systematic review
- Authors: Timms, Damian R
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: Emotional intelligence , Parent and child , Developmental therapy for children
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29728 , vital:78877
- Description: Emotional intelligence is a factor that may significantly determine the ease or difficulty experienced throughout one’s navigation of life. This study aimed to investigate the influence of various parental factors, the parent-child relationship, and parenting styles on the development of adolescent emotional intelligence. A systematic review was conducted of journal articles focusing on the parental influence on adolescent emotional intelligence. The articles were obtained from database searches and from perusing the intext references within the articles. Appropriate studies were identified using predetermined inclusion criteria and only those who met the inclusion criteria were included in the systematic review. This review found that parents significantly influence the development of their children’s emotional intelligence and that children’s emotional intelligence can be influenced by intervention strategies. The study further highlights the need for intervention aimed at either parents or their children. Interventions aimed at parents intend to improve the parentchild relationship and parenting style while interventions aimed at children can be implemented into the school curriculum, to enhance their emotional skills. Parental intervention can prevent lower levels of emotional intelligence in children, whereas interventions directed at children can increase their emotional intelligence. , Thesis (MSoc Sci -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Timms, Damian R
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: Emotional intelligence , Parent and child , Developmental therapy for children
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29728 , vital:78877
- Description: Emotional intelligence is a factor that may significantly determine the ease or difficulty experienced throughout one’s navigation of life. This study aimed to investigate the influence of various parental factors, the parent-child relationship, and parenting styles on the development of adolescent emotional intelligence. A systematic review was conducted of journal articles focusing on the parental influence on adolescent emotional intelligence. The articles were obtained from database searches and from perusing the intext references within the articles. Appropriate studies were identified using predetermined inclusion criteria and only those who met the inclusion criteria were included in the systematic review. This review found that parents significantly influence the development of their children’s emotional intelligence and that children’s emotional intelligence can be influenced by intervention strategies. The study further highlights the need for intervention aimed at either parents or their children. Interventions aimed at parents intend to improve the parentchild relationship and parenting style while interventions aimed at children can be implemented into the school curriculum, to enhance their emotional skills. Parental intervention can prevent lower levels of emotional intelligence in children, whereas interventions directed at children can increase their emotional intelligence. , Thesis (MSoc Sci -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
The effectiveness of the national disability policy in promoting The rights of students with disabilities in selected institutions of higher learning in Raymond Mhlaba, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Munjanja, Emeldah Chiyevo
- Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29818 , vital:78924
- Description: The South African government has implemented several legislations to promote the full inclusion and participation of students with disabilities in higher education institutions. However despite these efforts students with disabilities still face obstacles. Therefore this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the National Disability Policy in promoting the rights of students with disabilities in selected institutions of higher learning in Raymond Mhlaba Eastern Cape South Africa. The study utilised a qualitative approach and employed an instrumental case study design. Fifteen students with disabilities and five staff members who work with students with disabilities were interviewed using a semi structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The findings of the study revealed some participants acknowledged that the policy is effective whereas some expressed doubts and highlighted challenges still confronting disabled students. The study recommends that the government review the policy and institutions ought to provide training for their staff on policy implementation. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Munjanja, Emeldah Chiyevo
- Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29818 , vital:78924
- Description: The South African government has implemented several legislations to promote the full inclusion and participation of students with disabilities in higher education institutions. However despite these efforts students with disabilities still face obstacles. Therefore this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the National Disability Policy in promoting the rights of students with disabilities in selected institutions of higher learning in Raymond Mhlaba Eastern Cape South Africa. The study utilised a qualitative approach and employed an instrumental case study design. Fifteen students with disabilities and five staff members who work with students with disabilities were interviewed using a semi structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The findings of the study revealed some participants acknowledged that the policy is effective whereas some expressed doubts and highlighted challenges still confronting disabled students. The study recommends that the government review the policy and institutions ought to provide training for their staff on policy implementation. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
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The rise of 'violent Non-State actors’ in South Africa: an analysis of the Taxi industry in the Eastern Cape Province
- Mato, Myalezo https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5905-5390
- Authors: Mato, Myalezo https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5905-5390
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: Taxicabs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transportation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Taxicabs -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29717 , vital:78874
- Description: This study investigated the rise of ‘violent-non state actors’ in South Africa, with specific focus on the taxi industry in the Eastern Cape Province. Contemporary South Africa has been a playground for violent non-state actors often evidenced by sporadic service delivery protests and gun violence in public spaces. Many authors attribute these to the failure of the state to provide public services such as security, water, employment, etc. Amongst these non-state actors, are taxi associations called mother-bodies. The deregulation of the taxi industry by the then apartheid government in 1987 resulted in the exponential inflow of previously oppressed black people into the taxi industry, which had now become the most accessible form of informal business for previously disadvantaged people. This resulted in the formation of many mother-bodies that subsequently became ‘law unto themselves’ due to the absence of formal state regulation amongst other things. Since then, violent conflicts amongst these mother-bodies have become the order of the day. The study sought to determine the commuter’s perspectives about the taxi industry and violence in the Eastern Cape Province, to determine ways in which the taxi industry has challenged the monopoly of the state over the legitimate use of force and to explore the reasons why taxi violence has largely gone unchecked by the state. Part of the key findings of the study were that there is a general sense of fear and insecurity amongst commuters especially female commuters who use taxis. Various cases of sexual assault, intimidation and psychological traumas caused by exposure to violence amongst commuters have been reported. It has also been determined that in order to effectively challenge the monopoly of the state over the legitimate use force, some taxi operators have resorted to the use of self-created laws to intimidate their competitors, use of mafia-like tactics, extortion and coercion amongst other things in order to impose monopoly over some lucrative routes, individuals and associations. In resolving some of these challenges, the study inter alia recommends for the formalization of the taxi industry by government, which will result in the subsidisation of the industry. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mato, Myalezo https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5905-5390
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: Taxicabs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transportation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Taxicabs -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29717 , vital:78874
- Description: This study investigated the rise of ‘violent-non state actors’ in South Africa, with specific focus on the taxi industry in the Eastern Cape Province. Contemporary South Africa has been a playground for violent non-state actors often evidenced by sporadic service delivery protests and gun violence in public spaces. Many authors attribute these to the failure of the state to provide public services such as security, water, employment, etc. Amongst these non-state actors, are taxi associations called mother-bodies. The deregulation of the taxi industry by the then apartheid government in 1987 resulted in the exponential inflow of previously oppressed black people into the taxi industry, which had now become the most accessible form of informal business for previously disadvantaged people. This resulted in the formation of many mother-bodies that subsequently became ‘law unto themselves’ due to the absence of formal state regulation amongst other things. Since then, violent conflicts amongst these mother-bodies have become the order of the day. The study sought to determine the commuter’s perspectives about the taxi industry and violence in the Eastern Cape Province, to determine ways in which the taxi industry has challenged the monopoly of the state over the legitimate use of force and to explore the reasons why taxi violence has largely gone unchecked by the state. Part of the key findings of the study were that there is a general sense of fear and insecurity amongst commuters especially female commuters who use taxis. Various cases of sexual assault, intimidation and psychological traumas caused by exposure to violence amongst commuters have been reported. It has also been determined that in order to effectively challenge the monopoly of the state over the legitimate use force, some taxi operators have resorted to the use of self-created laws to intimidate their competitors, use of mafia-like tactics, extortion and coercion amongst other things in order to impose monopoly over some lucrative routes, individuals and associations. In resolving some of these challenges, the study inter alia recommends for the formalization of the taxi industry by government, which will result in the subsidisation of the industry. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
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Communities and ‘protected places’: an examination of participatory conservation in the Addo Elephant Park
- Authors: Handi, Nontle
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Conservation , Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa) , Wilderness areas
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29768 , vital:78911
- Description: Despite South African governments and institutional players push for local populations to contribute to environmental issues which is typically achieved through programs such as community based natural resource management CBNRM the feasibility of this push remains in doubt. Nonetheless even if there are supportive structures for community based natural resources one of the issues with many emerging environmental concerns in South Africa is that some of the challenges faced are of national scope. For example issues such as soil erosion water pollution deforestation and contamination of ground water systems are so widespread that local solutions based on community participation cannot adequately address these challenges. The primary goal of this research was to investigate community based environmental conservation within protected areas and how it affects the livelihoods of communities near Addo Elephant Park. The study had four objectives examine the nature of local participation in environmental conservation around Addo Elephant Park determine the extent to which local communities around Addo Elephant Park are capacitated to engage in community based environmental conservation determine the effects of local participation in environmental conservation on the livelihoods of communities around Addo Elephant Park and investigate policy options. FGDs and in depth interviews were used to collect data from local community members ward councillors traditional leaders traditional healers park manager and government officials. The study used a qualitative approach to data collection and analysis. It should be noted that the data was analyzed using thematic analyses. According to the findings of the study local communities engage in participatory conservation through CBNRM government programs and isolated individual participation. The study also discovered that through Integrated Environmental Management IEM local x communities are equipped to engage in community based environmental conservation. The study also concluded that the effects of local participation in environmental conservation on livelihoods include increased community and household income educational enhancement community health and environmental sustainability. Finally the study made two policy recommendations to improve community environment conservation in Addo Elephant Park implement sustainable land use policies and promote the use of renewable energy sources. The framework for sustainable livelihoods served as the studys foundation. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Handi, Nontle
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Conservation , Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa) , Wilderness areas
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29768 , vital:78911
- Description: Despite South African governments and institutional players push for local populations to contribute to environmental issues which is typically achieved through programs such as community based natural resource management CBNRM the feasibility of this push remains in doubt. Nonetheless even if there are supportive structures for community based natural resources one of the issues with many emerging environmental concerns in South Africa is that some of the challenges faced are of national scope. For example issues such as soil erosion water pollution deforestation and contamination of ground water systems are so widespread that local solutions based on community participation cannot adequately address these challenges. The primary goal of this research was to investigate community based environmental conservation within protected areas and how it affects the livelihoods of communities near Addo Elephant Park. The study had four objectives examine the nature of local participation in environmental conservation around Addo Elephant Park determine the extent to which local communities around Addo Elephant Park are capacitated to engage in community based environmental conservation determine the effects of local participation in environmental conservation on the livelihoods of communities around Addo Elephant Park and investigate policy options. FGDs and in depth interviews were used to collect data from local community members ward councillors traditional leaders traditional healers park manager and government officials. The study used a qualitative approach to data collection and analysis. It should be noted that the data was analyzed using thematic analyses. According to the findings of the study local communities engage in participatory conservation through CBNRM government programs and isolated individual participation. The study also discovered that through Integrated Environmental Management IEM local x communities are equipped to engage in community based environmental conservation. The study also concluded that the effects of local participation in environmental conservation on livelihoods include increased community and household income educational enhancement community health and environmental sustainability. Finally the study made two policy recommendations to improve community environment conservation in Addo Elephant Park implement sustainable land use policies and promote the use of renewable energy sources. The framework for sustainable livelihoods served as the studys foundation. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
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Exploring the social construction of masculine identity as it relates to rape in the Buffalo City Municipality
- Matshikwe, Noluthando https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0439-0766
- Authors: Matshikwe, Noluthando https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0439-0766
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Masculinity , Gender identity , Sex role
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28595 , vital:74454
- Description: In South Africa, rape is a pandemic that is persistent and pervasive in unprecedented amounts. The construction of masculinity is understood to be a contributing factor to the rape pandemic in the country, as its construction focuses on power, dominance, and control of the less masculine individual. This study explored the social construction of masculine identity related to rape in the Buffalo City Municipality. The study sample consisted of a mixed-gendered focus group interview of eight participants (four males and four females). In addition, the study utilised six individual virtual interviews (three males and three females) who were all students at a local university. When analysing the data received from the participants, the study adopted Willig’s six stages of Foucauldian discourse analysis outlined in her book “Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology” (2008, p. 118). The Foucauldian discourse analysis utilised in this study allowed for answering research questions through direct analysis of the extracts selected for this study. The results of this study indicated that masculinity is a socially constructed phenomenon synonymous with dominance and power. Hegemonic masculinity was constructed as synonymous with manhood, resulting in an individual being entitled to social privileges. Subordinate subjects were constructed as vulnerable to the expression of these qualities by being dominated, controlled, and raped. This construction of masculinity continues to construct robust and powerless subjects, where the powerless subject is subjected to the hegemonic male power, dominance, and control, creating an imbalance of social power and an unjust social hierarchy of. The construction of masculinity is linked with the rape pandemic faced by the country, as it constructs hegemonic forms of masculinity associated with domination and violation of other members of society, through sexual assault. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Matshikwe, Noluthando https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0439-0766
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Masculinity , Gender identity , Sex role
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28595 , vital:74454
- Description: In South Africa, rape is a pandemic that is persistent and pervasive in unprecedented amounts. The construction of masculinity is understood to be a contributing factor to the rape pandemic in the country, as its construction focuses on power, dominance, and control of the less masculine individual. This study explored the social construction of masculine identity related to rape in the Buffalo City Municipality. The study sample consisted of a mixed-gendered focus group interview of eight participants (four males and four females). In addition, the study utilised six individual virtual interviews (three males and three females) who were all students at a local university. When analysing the data received from the participants, the study adopted Willig’s six stages of Foucauldian discourse analysis outlined in her book “Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology” (2008, p. 118). The Foucauldian discourse analysis utilised in this study allowed for answering research questions through direct analysis of the extracts selected for this study. The results of this study indicated that masculinity is a socially constructed phenomenon synonymous with dominance and power. Hegemonic masculinity was constructed as synonymous with manhood, resulting in an individual being entitled to social privileges. Subordinate subjects were constructed as vulnerable to the expression of these qualities by being dominated, controlled, and raped. This construction of masculinity continues to construct robust and powerless subjects, where the powerless subject is subjected to the hegemonic male power, dominance, and control, creating an imbalance of social power and an unjust social hierarchy of. The construction of masculinity is linked with the rape pandemic faced by the country, as it constructs hegemonic forms of masculinity associated with domination and violation of other members of society, through sexual assault. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
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Implementation of the national diploma in tourism and hospitality management curriculum in two polytechnic colleges in Zimbabwe
- Ngwenya, Khanyisani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0543-4671
- Authors: Ngwenya, Khanyisani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0543-4671
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Vocational guidance , Tourism -- Vocational guidance
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28287 , vital:74165
- Description: Many countries in the world consider the tourism and hospitality industry as the leading employer with huge impact on economic growth. It has significantly contributed to their national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Several studies conducted world over affirm that tourism contributes above the global average of ten percent. In Zimbabwe, the estimated percentage has also been as high as 10percent. The Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) program aims to equip youth with critical industry-specific skills and mitigate unemployment. Despite this, literature has revealed that certain graduates struggle to secure industry positions due to a discrepancy between acquired skills and employer expectations. Consequently, some graduates accept menial roles outside the tourism sector, while the industry itself resorts to employing unqualified personnel. The reason lies in ineffective curriculum implementation approaches characterized by a lack of appropriate pedagogical methods. Identifying and implementing effective strategies ensures that graduates possess the requisite skills and competencies demanded by the industry, making their employability much easier. This study used a qualitative approach because of its exploratory, descriptive, and contextual nature. The interpretive paradigm provided participants’ views, opinions, and thoughts on the THM curriculum implementation. The multiple case study research design allowed ample freedom to dig deeper into rich empirical data by examining contemporary trends in implementing the ND3 in THM curriculum at two polytechnic colleges. Non-probability convenience sampling was used to select the two polytechnic colleges. Purposive sampling was used to select twelve (12) students, six (6) lecturers, and two (2) ITTD inspectors. Lecturers and inspectors were interviewed. Data from students was obtained through Focus group discussions. Curriculum documents were reviewed to provide true realities of the THM curriculum implementation. Content analysis was used to analyse data. Rogan and Grayson (2003) curriculum implementation theoretical framework guided the study. The study revealed that lecturers were dissatisfied due to inappropriate pedagogical strategies. A new model to bridge the theory/ practice gap in teaching was developed. The study recommended the adoption of a new and modern teaching model and fix the recruitment process by employing qualified lecturers to teach ND3 in THM students. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ngwenya, Khanyisani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0543-4671
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Vocational guidance , Tourism -- Vocational guidance
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28287 , vital:74165
- Description: Many countries in the world consider the tourism and hospitality industry as the leading employer with huge impact on economic growth. It has significantly contributed to their national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Several studies conducted world over affirm that tourism contributes above the global average of ten percent. In Zimbabwe, the estimated percentage has also been as high as 10percent. The Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) program aims to equip youth with critical industry-specific skills and mitigate unemployment. Despite this, literature has revealed that certain graduates struggle to secure industry positions due to a discrepancy between acquired skills and employer expectations. Consequently, some graduates accept menial roles outside the tourism sector, while the industry itself resorts to employing unqualified personnel. The reason lies in ineffective curriculum implementation approaches characterized by a lack of appropriate pedagogical methods. Identifying and implementing effective strategies ensures that graduates possess the requisite skills and competencies demanded by the industry, making their employability much easier. This study used a qualitative approach because of its exploratory, descriptive, and contextual nature. The interpretive paradigm provided participants’ views, opinions, and thoughts on the THM curriculum implementation. The multiple case study research design allowed ample freedom to dig deeper into rich empirical data by examining contemporary trends in implementing the ND3 in THM curriculum at two polytechnic colleges. Non-probability convenience sampling was used to select the two polytechnic colleges. Purposive sampling was used to select twelve (12) students, six (6) lecturers, and two (2) ITTD inspectors. Lecturers and inspectors were interviewed. Data from students was obtained through Focus group discussions. Curriculum documents were reviewed to provide true realities of the THM curriculum implementation. Content analysis was used to analyse data. Rogan and Grayson (2003) curriculum implementation theoretical framework guided the study. The study revealed that lecturers were dissatisfied due to inappropriate pedagogical strategies. A new model to bridge the theory/ practice gap in teaching was developed. The study recommended the adoption of a new and modern teaching model and fix the recruitment process by employing qualified lecturers to teach ND3 in THM students. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2024
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Rationalisation of magisterial districts to transform the judiciary and widen access to justice under the RSA constitution of 1996
- Authors: Skosana, Jacob
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Justice, Administration of , Law and socialism , Human rights -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28162 , vital:72777
- Description: The study examines how pre-1994 magisterial districts jurisdictions denied access to justice to many South Africans, and ongoing efforts to reverse this injustice. Delayed rationalisation of the judiciary and reform of the courts territorial jurisdiction during the apartheid era exacerbated the problem. The courts administered justice along spatial racial divide, and given the location of the courts, many black communities had to commute long distances to access justice and at a great cost and inconvenience. The Constitution of South Africa of 1996 provides not only for the right to equality before the law and equal protection and benefit of the law but also the right to access the courts and seek recourse. In a period spanning eight years from December 2014, new magisterial districts were proclaimed in all the nine provinces of South Africa. Despite this milestone and the imperative of the 1996 Constitution, the rationalisation process is still in its infancy: old legislation and judicial structures remain intact; divisions of the High Court continue to exercise jurisdictions determined for the pre-1994 constitutional dispensation. The status quo continues to perpetuate the denial of access to justice to communities especially those living in areas that hitherto formed part of the former homelands and self-governing ‘states’. The study was conducted through a desktop survey of primary and secondary material relevant to the rationalisation process. It drew lessons from the re-demarcation of municipal boundaries which, like magisterial districts, were based on racial laws and policies of the past. It also contrasted rationalisation principles in comparable jurisdictions. The findings provide a useful contribution to the ongoing effort to effect rationalisation of the court system. They also contribute to knowledge and enriches our understanding of the relationship that underpins the administration of justice in a dispensation driven by democratic, human rights and constitutional ethos. , Thesis (PhD (LLD)) -- Faculty of Law, 2024
- Full Text:
- Authors: Skosana, Jacob
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Justice, Administration of , Law and socialism , Human rights -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28162 , vital:72777
- Description: The study examines how pre-1994 magisterial districts jurisdictions denied access to justice to many South Africans, and ongoing efforts to reverse this injustice. Delayed rationalisation of the judiciary and reform of the courts territorial jurisdiction during the apartheid era exacerbated the problem. The courts administered justice along spatial racial divide, and given the location of the courts, many black communities had to commute long distances to access justice and at a great cost and inconvenience. The Constitution of South Africa of 1996 provides not only for the right to equality before the law and equal protection and benefit of the law but also the right to access the courts and seek recourse. In a period spanning eight years from December 2014, new magisterial districts were proclaimed in all the nine provinces of South Africa. Despite this milestone and the imperative of the 1996 Constitution, the rationalisation process is still in its infancy: old legislation and judicial structures remain intact; divisions of the High Court continue to exercise jurisdictions determined for the pre-1994 constitutional dispensation. The status quo continues to perpetuate the denial of access to justice to communities especially those living in areas that hitherto formed part of the former homelands and self-governing ‘states’. The study was conducted through a desktop survey of primary and secondary material relevant to the rationalisation process. It drew lessons from the re-demarcation of municipal boundaries which, like magisterial districts, were based on racial laws and policies of the past. It also contrasted rationalisation principles in comparable jurisdictions. The findings provide a useful contribution to the ongoing effort to effect rationalisation of the court system. They also contribute to knowledge and enriches our understanding of the relationship that underpins the administration of justice in a dispensation driven by democratic, human rights and constitutional ethos. , Thesis (PhD (LLD)) -- Faculty of Law, 2024
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The paradox of professional social work service delivery in a resource deprived environment: a critical assessment of the factors that promote or impede the implementation of the Batho Pele principles in Buffalo City Municipality
- Mdlankomo, Andiswa Pamella Bo
- Authors: Mdlankomo, Andiswa Pamella Bo
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Social service -- Government policy -- Buffalo City Municipality , Social service -- Societies, etc. , Human services -- Buffalo City Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29662 , vital:78869
- Description: Like all civil servants, social work professionals are mandated by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa to provide a high quality service standard to the citizens following the guidelines of the Batho Pele principles. Further, social work professionals are required to adhere to the ethical standards and guidelines stemming from community values. This study explores service delivery issues in a resource deprived environment using Moyo’s (2020) conceptual framework of power analysis, arguing for an understanding of the socio-political processes and social-political infrastructure of societies to advance the quality of life. Moyo (2020) asserts that social workers must understand the context of power in societies, as power is sustained through beliefs, values and attitudes that operate at a personal level, interpersonal, institutional and cultural levels and how social workers use power as agency for change. Using this conceptual method of seeing the use of power at an intrapersonal, interpersonally, institutional and cultural level, this study seeks to understand the roles and experiences of social work professional’s efforts in service delivery by critically assessing the factors that promote or impede the implementation of the Batho Pele principles in Buffalo City using a social work lens. The study highlights the importance of social work a profession in the context of service delivery discourse. Whilst service delivery has always centred on the issue of water and other social amenities, the main question for this study is: how do social workers deal with service delivery issues especially in a resource deprived environment? More so, the study highlights the paradox of social work service delivery at micro-, mezzo and macro levels by drawing the reader to the different approaches in social work. Furthermore, the study’s literature critically shows that the adoption of the Batho Pele by the government of South Africa was to herald a new era in the service delivery especially given the historical nature of inequities in service delivery during apartheid. However, given the lopsided resource environment, the paradoxes emerge in service delivery where on one hand social workers try to balance the address of needs of the clients and citizens as outlined in the Batho Pele principles, while also, trying to adhere to resource shortages and the requirements of their agencies. Such a paradox does not only highlight the demanding nature of the profession of social work as the literature shows but also shows the nature of environment that social workers have to contend with to advance services and improve quality of life. Social work is highly affected by the political, economic and social conditions prevailing in a country and some problems require a political and economic approach. The empowerment,resilience and social development theories were used in the study and were extended to the discussion and interpretation of findings. The study used the empowerment theory at intrapersonal level of social work, resilience theory at interpersonal level, and social development approach at institutional level and at cultural level used analysis of power. The study utilised a qualitative methodology through the adoption of the interpretive paradigm. Interviews were conducted using an interview guide. Fifteen social workers participated in the study and were selected using the purposive sampling procedure. Data analysis was done using content thematic analysis. The study’s findings indicate that few of the interviewed participants are aware of the existence of Batho Pele and out of fifteen, nine participants also indicated that they did not understand all of the principles. More so, because of lack of resources to support Batho Pele, participants reported a discharge of their duties, which reflects poorly on the BathoPele. In other words the shortage of resources reflects negatively on participants and it would appear as if they do not adhere to the principles of Batho Pele. Moreover, the study findings also show that there is political interference in service delivery and this disturbs the flow of work by social workers. The study recommends that there should be a reorientation of the public service, including social workers in South Africa so that it reflects the needs of the people. Further, a relook at the fiscal policy so that the public service can be retooled since it lacks resources which in end affects the majority of the people. There is also need to revisit the social policy and capacitate the department of social development so that it carries out its activities. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2025
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mdlankomo, Andiswa Pamella Bo
- Date: 2024-01
- Subjects: Social service -- Government policy -- Buffalo City Municipality , Social service -- Societies, etc. , Human services -- Buffalo City Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29662 , vital:78869
- Description: Like all civil servants, social work professionals are mandated by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa to provide a high quality service standard to the citizens following the guidelines of the Batho Pele principles. Further, social work professionals are required to adhere to the ethical standards and guidelines stemming from community values. This study explores service delivery issues in a resource deprived environment using Moyo’s (2020) conceptual framework of power analysis, arguing for an understanding of the socio-political processes and social-political infrastructure of societies to advance the quality of life. Moyo (2020) asserts that social workers must understand the context of power in societies, as power is sustained through beliefs, values and attitudes that operate at a personal level, interpersonal, institutional and cultural levels and how social workers use power as agency for change. Using this conceptual method of seeing the use of power at an intrapersonal, interpersonally, institutional and cultural level, this study seeks to understand the roles and experiences of social work professional’s efforts in service delivery by critically assessing the factors that promote or impede the implementation of the Batho Pele principles in Buffalo City using a social work lens. The study highlights the importance of social work a profession in the context of service delivery discourse. Whilst service delivery has always centred on the issue of water and other social amenities, the main question for this study is: how do social workers deal with service delivery issues especially in a resource deprived environment? More so, the study highlights the paradox of social work service delivery at micro-, mezzo and macro levels by drawing the reader to the different approaches in social work. Furthermore, the study’s literature critically shows that the adoption of the Batho Pele by the government of South Africa was to herald a new era in the service delivery especially given the historical nature of inequities in service delivery during apartheid. However, given the lopsided resource environment, the paradoxes emerge in service delivery where on one hand social workers try to balance the address of needs of the clients and citizens as outlined in the Batho Pele principles, while also, trying to adhere to resource shortages and the requirements of their agencies. Such a paradox does not only highlight the demanding nature of the profession of social work as the literature shows but also shows the nature of environment that social workers have to contend with to advance services and improve quality of life. Social work is highly affected by the political, economic and social conditions prevailing in a country and some problems require a political and economic approach. The empowerment,resilience and social development theories were used in the study and were extended to the discussion and interpretation of findings. The study used the empowerment theory at intrapersonal level of social work, resilience theory at interpersonal level, and social development approach at institutional level and at cultural level used analysis of power. The study utilised a qualitative methodology through the adoption of the interpretive paradigm. Interviews were conducted using an interview guide. Fifteen social workers participated in the study and were selected using the purposive sampling procedure. Data analysis was done using content thematic analysis. The study’s findings indicate that few of the interviewed participants are aware of the existence of Batho Pele and out of fifteen, nine participants also indicated that they did not understand all of the principles. More so, because of lack of resources to support Batho Pele, participants reported a discharge of their duties, which reflects poorly on the BathoPele. In other words the shortage of resources reflects negatively on participants and it would appear as if they do not adhere to the principles of Batho Pele. Moreover, the study findings also show that there is political interference in service delivery and this disturbs the flow of work by social workers. The study recommends that there should be a reorientation of the public service, including social workers in South Africa so that it reflects the needs of the people. Further, a relook at the fiscal policy so that the public service can be retooled since it lacks resources which in end affects the majority of the people. There is also need to revisit the social policy and capacitate the department of social development so that it carries out its activities. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2025
- Full Text: