Assessing the implementation of green supply chain practices within the manufacturing sector of Gqeberha
- Authors: Davis, Ronique Lesley
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Business logistics , Business logistics -- Technological innovations , Green marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72033 , vital:79179
- Description: Manufacturing operations have been a key driver of economic growth in both South Africa and Gqeberha for decades. However, the industry’s significant transmission of greenhouse gas and emissions is a focal point for decarbonisation efforts to restrict escalating temperatures. Green supply chain practices have, therefore, emerged as a managerial ideology that assists manufacturing organisations and stakeholders in securing profits by eliminating environmental danger and enabling ecological competence. In this context, the study assessed the impact of green supply chain practices within the manufacturing sector of Gqeberha. This included establishing antecedents and outcomes of green supply chain practice implementation within the Gqeberha manufacturing sector. The study also aimed to fill the research gap and contribute to the existing body of knowledge regarding green supply chain management in the manufacturing sector of Gqeberha. The comprehensive literature review in this study included an overview of the Gqeberha manufacturing sector, theories related to green supply chain management, theoretical perspectives on GSCM and the existing studies that support the hypothesised model of this study. The empirical investigation conducted included an online and hand delivered survey questionnaire. The primary data was statistically examined in five phases: exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to test the validity of the survey; Cronbach’s alpha for reliability testing; descriptive statistics; Pearsons’s product correlation; and regression analysis. The empirical results confirmed that green supply chain management implementation can be measured in terms of two constructs, namely strategic and operational implementation of green supply chain management. Additionally, the results of the study confirmed reverse logistics as an antecedent of both operational and strategic GSCP implementation, while green product design and manufacturing (through three pillars namely green product design, green marketing, and green distribution) was confirmed as an antecedent of strategic GSCM implementation. Furthermore, the study revealed competitive advantage and sustainability as the outcomes of both strategic and operational GSCP implementation. This study makes a notable contribution throughout management and innovative and strategic practices as it provides insightful guidelines for stakeholders to understand implement and sustain GSCP strategies, while the empirical results could also be utilised by managers and organisations as a guide to formulate strategies for sustainability relating to the manufacturing industry. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Davis, Ronique Lesley
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Business logistics , Business logistics -- Technological innovations , Green marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72033 , vital:79179
- Description: Manufacturing operations have been a key driver of economic growth in both South Africa and Gqeberha for decades. However, the industry’s significant transmission of greenhouse gas and emissions is a focal point for decarbonisation efforts to restrict escalating temperatures. Green supply chain practices have, therefore, emerged as a managerial ideology that assists manufacturing organisations and stakeholders in securing profits by eliminating environmental danger and enabling ecological competence. In this context, the study assessed the impact of green supply chain practices within the manufacturing sector of Gqeberha. This included establishing antecedents and outcomes of green supply chain practice implementation within the Gqeberha manufacturing sector. The study also aimed to fill the research gap and contribute to the existing body of knowledge regarding green supply chain management in the manufacturing sector of Gqeberha. The comprehensive literature review in this study included an overview of the Gqeberha manufacturing sector, theories related to green supply chain management, theoretical perspectives on GSCM and the existing studies that support the hypothesised model of this study. The empirical investigation conducted included an online and hand delivered survey questionnaire. The primary data was statistically examined in five phases: exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to test the validity of the survey; Cronbach’s alpha for reliability testing; descriptive statistics; Pearsons’s product correlation; and regression analysis. The empirical results confirmed that green supply chain management implementation can be measured in terms of two constructs, namely strategic and operational implementation of green supply chain management. Additionally, the results of the study confirmed reverse logistics as an antecedent of both operational and strategic GSCP implementation, while green product design and manufacturing (through three pillars namely green product design, green marketing, and green distribution) was confirmed as an antecedent of strategic GSCM implementation. Furthermore, the study revealed competitive advantage and sustainability as the outcomes of both strategic and operational GSCP implementation. This study makes a notable contribution throughout management and innovative and strategic practices as it provides insightful guidelines for stakeholders to understand implement and sustain GSCP strategies, while the empirical results could also be utilised by managers and organisations as a guide to formulate strategies for sustainability relating to the manufacturing industry. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
B.Ed fourth-year primary school pre-service mathematics students’ perceived experiences of their mentoring experience with their mentor teachers during their school-based learning professional development component
- Authors: Rossouw, Shannon
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Mentoring in education , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa , Teachers -- In-service training -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71821 , vital:79136
- Description: This dissertation examines the role of mentorship in shaping the professional development of fourth-year B Ed pre-service mathematics teachers during their School-Based Learning (SBL) placements. Grounded in an expanded version of Hudson’s five-factor mentoring model, the study assesses the quality and impact of mentor-mentee interactions, illuminating how mentorship influences the growth of pre-service teachers. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative and qualitative data within a pragmatic framework. Surveys with Likert scales collected quantitative data, while qualitative insights were drawn from open-ended questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the relationship between mentor attributes—such as pedagogical knowledge, feedback, and self-efficacy—and pre-service teachers’ perceptions of mentorship. The thematic analysis further explored mentees’ lived experiences. Findings reveal that mentorship is a reciprocal and dynamic process that has a significant impact on the growth of pre-service teachers. Key themes include developmental scaffolding, collaboration, and the application of theoretical knowledge to practice. Statistical analyses highlight strong correlations between specific mentor qualities (e.g., pedagogical feedback) and mentees’ perceptions of mentorship effectiveness. However, challenges such as inconsistent feedback, limited ICT integration, and varying levels of mentor engagement were identified. To enhance mentorship, the study recommends structured mentor training, greater university oversight, and strengthened mentor-mentee relationships. It also advocates workshops and webinars to equip both mentors and mentees with practical teaching strategies. This research contributes to the field by offering an evidence-based framework for improving school-based mentorship. By addressing existing gaps, it provides actionable strategies to enhance professional development for pre-service teachers, ensuring they are better equipped to meet the demands of the teaching profession in South Africa and beyond. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Education, Research and Engagement, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Rossouw, Shannon
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Mentoring in education , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa , Teachers -- In-service training -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71821 , vital:79136
- Description: This dissertation examines the role of mentorship in shaping the professional development of fourth-year B Ed pre-service mathematics teachers during their School-Based Learning (SBL) placements. Grounded in an expanded version of Hudson’s five-factor mentoring model, the study assesses the quality and impact of mentor-mentee interactions, illuminating how mentorship influences the growth of pre-service teachers. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative and qualitative data within a pragmatic framework. Surveys with Likert scales collected quantitative data, while qualitative insights were drawn from open-ended questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the relationship between mentor attributes—such as pedagogical knowledge, feedback, and self-efficacy—and pre-service teachers’ perceptions of mentorship. The thematic analysis further explored mentees’ lived experiences. Findings reveal that mentorship is a reciprocal and dynamic process that has a significant impact on the growth of pre-service teachers. Key themes include developmental scaffolding, collaboration, and the application of theoretical knowledge to practice. Statistical analyses highlight strong correlations between specific mentor qualities (e.g., pedagogical feedback) and mentees’ perceptions of mentorship effectiveness. However, challenges such as inconsistent feedback, limited ICT integration, and varying levels of mentor engagement were identified. To enhance mentorship, the study recommends structured mentor training, greater university oversight, and strengthened mentor-mentee relationships. It also advocates workshops and webinars to equip both mentors and mentees with practical teaching strategies. This research contributes to the field by offering an evidence-based framework for improving school-based mentorship. By addressing existing gaps, it provides actionable strategies to enhance professional development for pre-service teachers, ensuring they are better equipped to meet the demands of the teaching profession in South Africa and beyond. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Education, Research and Engagement, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Coastal communities' empowerment through participation in blue tourism activities in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Runeli, Philasande Lioned
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Tourism -- Environmental aspects , Marine ecotourism , Sustainable tourism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72343 , vital:79213
- Description: The promotion and growth of blue tourism, particularly in metropolitan coastal regions such as Nelson Mandela Bay in South Africa, requires strategic tourism marketing approaches that align with local economic development goals. These strategies not only boost the region's attractiveness to tourists but also enhance local economic participation by fostering sustainable practices and supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). This study investigated the role of micro-projects and SMEs in advancing blue tourism while addressing the challenges faced by the coastal communities. Specifically, it examined how tailored tourism marketing strategies and community-focused initiatives can unlock the economic potential of blue tourism in Nelson Mandela Bay. The research adopted a constructivist paradigm and employed a qualitative methodology, featuring semi-structured interviews with diverse stakeholders, including community members and tourism industry professionals. This approach allowed for the collection of in-depth insights into the opportunities and barriers associated with blue tourism. Through this methodology, the study identified key themes around stakeholder collaboration, community engagement, and sustainable practices as the critical factors for success in this sector. The key findings revealed the importance of empowering local communities through capacity-building programs, enhancing collaboration between public and private entities, and creating targeted marketing campaigns to elevate blue tourism's profile. The study also highlights the necessity of equipping SMEs with resources and training to promote entrepreneurship and ensure their meaningful participation in tourism-driven economic growth. These recommendations are rooted in the broader objective of fostering an inclusive and sustainable blue tourism ecosystem that balances economic advancement with environmental stewardship. The study concludes by offering actionable recommendations for tourism practitioners, local businesses, and policymakers. These include developing community-driven marketing initiatives, establishing robust support structures for SMEs, and investing in skill development tailored to the blue economy. By prioritising these elements, the stakeholders can unlock long-term growth, by delivering enhanced economic benefits to coastal communities while enriching the visitor experience in Nelson Mandela Bay's unique coastal environment. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Runeli, Philasande Lioned
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Tourism -- Environmental aspects , Marine ecotourism , Sustainable tourism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72343 , vital:79213
- Description: The promotion and growth of blue tourism, particularly in metropolitan coastal regions such as Nelson Mandela Bay in South Africa, requires strategic tourism marketing approaches that align with local economic development goals. These strategies not only boost the region's attractiveness to tourists but also enhance local economic participation by fostering sustainable practices and supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). This study investigated the role of micro-projects and SMEs in advancing blue tourism while addressing the challenges faced by the coastal communities. Specifically, it examined how tailored tourism marketing strategies and community-focused initiatives can unlock the economic potential of blue tourism in Nelson Mandela Bay. The research adopted a constructivist paradigm and employed a qualitative methodology, featuring semi-structured interviews with diverse stakeholders, including community members and tourism industry professionals. This approach allowed for the collection of in-depth insights into the opportunities and barriers associated with blue tourism. Through this methodology, the study identified key themes around stakeholder collaboration, community engagement, and sustainable practices as the critical factors for success in this sector. The key findings revealed the importance of empowering local communities through capacity-building programs, enhancing collaboration between public and private entities, and creating targeted marketing campaigns to elevate blue tourism's profile. The study also highlights the necessity of equipping SMEs with resources and training to promote entrepreneurship and ensure their meaningful participation in tourism-driven economic growth. These recommendations are rooted in the broader objective of fostering an inclusive and sustainable blue tourism ecosystem that balances economic advancement with environmental stewardship. The study concludes by offering actionable recommendations for tourism practitioners, local businesses, and policymakers. These include developing community-driven marketing initiatives, establishing robust support structures for SMEs, and investing in skill development tailored to the blue economy. By prioritising these elements, the stakeholders can unlock long-term growth, by delivering enhanced economic benefits to coastal communities while enriching the visitor experience in Nelson Mandela Bay's unique coastal environment. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Customary fishing rights in South African fisheries law
- du Plessis, Anthea Christoffels
- Authors: du Plessis, Anthea Christoffels
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Indigenous people -- Fishing -- Law and legislation , Small-scale fisheries , Customary law -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: D theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72044 , vital:79180
- Description: Indigenous communities in South Africa have harvested marine resources and relied on the ocean for generations to sustain their traditional livelihoods and culture. In light thereof, it is imperative for the law to specially recognise the rights of indigenous communities. The current legal framework governing fishing rights in South Africa purports to include customary fishing rights as part of small-scale fishing rights. This must be achieved in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Constitution), which confers distinct recognition on customary law, and therefore customary rights of indigenous communities. Access to marine resources under the prevailing legal frameworks has been regulated to ensure commercial exploitation of (and recreational access to) marine living resources. In terms of the previous statutory provisions, the relevant minister was empowered to issue fishing rights by granting quotas. Further provision was made for licensing of fishing vessels such as boats and fish factories. The advancement of conservation imperatives further restricted access to marine resources, ensuring that access to marine resources remained strictly regulated by the State for commercial exploitation. Fishing rights became a business commodity taking precedence over other access rights. To achieve these objectives, the Commissions of Inquiry (Du Plessis, Diemont, Treurnicht) were tasked with proposing sustainable-use strategies for the declining marine resources and to resolve challenges in the commercial fisheries industry. While the governments of years past were busy organising and strategising how best to exploit marine resources and to maximise the industry, the legislation itself did not proscribe or expressly prohibit fishing activities or marine-resource use by indigenous coastal communities. However, the communities’ access to marine and coastal resources was nevertheless restricted owing to the cumulative discriminatory impact of apartheid-order legislation. The fishing industry was no exception to the democratic overhauling of many institutions and industries in South Africa, and was earmarked for transformation. In light of its pre-constitutional isolated and sanctioned status, South Africa was eager to restore its place as a sovereign state and as a member of the international community, by embracing the human-rights-focused norms and standards observed by the international community at large. In 2017, the erstwhile Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reported that there were more than 300 fishing communities in South Africa. Although harvesting marine resources remains a longstanding custom and expression of culture, it is trite that indigenous communities along the coast have suffered marginalisation and exclusion from legal recognition of their customary right to access marine resources. Therefore, this thesis first explores the legal obligations to recognise customary fishing rights of indigenous communities in light of international and African regional law. Secondly, it considers the recognition and protection of customary fishing rights in three foreign domestic legal systems from which South Africa can extract valuable insight. The thesis then examines the development of customary law in South Africa generally, as well as the recognition and protection of customary fishing rights under the current legal framework. Finally, the thesis proposes that a definition of customary fishing rights be included in the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998 to properly recognise and protect customary fishing rights as a distinct and sui generis category of fishing rights for customary fishing communities. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Law, School of Public Law, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: du Plessis, Anthea Christoffels
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Indigenous people -- Fishing -- Law and legislation , Small-scale fisheries , Customary law -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: D theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72044 , vital:79180
- Description: Indigenous communities in South Africa have harvested marine resources and relied on the ocean for generations to sustain their traditional livelihoods and culture. In light thereof, it is imperative for the law to specially recognise the rights of indigenous communities. The current legal framework governing fishing rights in South Africa purports to include customary fishing rights as part of small-scale fishing rights. This must be achieved in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Constitution), which confers distinct recognition on customary law, and therefore customary rights of indigenous communities. Access to marine resources under the prevailing legal frameworks has been regulated to ensure commercial exploitation of (and recreational access to) marine living resources. In terms of the previous statutory provisions, the relevant minister was empowered to issue fishing rights by granting quotas. Further provision was made for licensing of fishing vessels such as boats and fish factories. The advancement of conservation imperatives further restricted access to marine resources, ensuring that access to marine resources remained strictly regulated by the State for commercial exploitation. Fishing rights became a business commodity taking precedence over other access rights. To achieve these objectives, the Commissions of Inquiry (Du Plessis, Diemont, Treurnicht) were tasked with proposing sustainable-use strategies for the declining marine resources and to resolve challenges in the commercial fisheries industry. While the governments of years past were busy organising and strategising how best to exploit marine resources and to maximise the industry, the legislation itself did not proscribe or expressly prohibit fishing activities or marine-resource use by indigenous coastal communities. However, the communities’ access to marine and coastal resources was nevertheless restricted owing to the cumulative discriminatory impact of apartheid-order legislation. The fishing industry was no exception to the democratic overhauling of many institutions and industries in South Africa, and was earmarked for transformation. In light of its pre-constitutional isolated and sanctioned status, South Africa was eager to restore its place as a sovereign state and as a member of the international community, by embracing the human-rights-focused norms and standards observed by the international community at large. In 2017, the erstwhile Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reported that there were more than 300 fishing communities in South Africa. Although harvesting marine resources remains a longstanding custom and expression of culture, it is trite that indigenous communities along the coast have suffered marginalisation and exclusion from legal recognition of their customary right to access marine resources. Therefore, this thesis first explores the legal obligations to recognise customary fishing rights of indigenous communities in light of international and African regional law. Secondly, it considers the recognition and protection of customary fishing rights in three foreign domestic legal systems from which South Africa can extract valuable insight. The thesis then examines the development of customary law in South Africa generally, as well as the recognition and protection of customary fishing rights under the current legal framework. Finally, the thesis proposes that a definition of customary fishing rights be included in the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998 to properly recognise and protect customary fishing rights as a distinct and sui generis category of fishing rights for customary fishing communities. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Law, School of Public Law, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Disciplinary action of employees for the private consumption of cannabis
- Authors: Lokotsch, Lise-Mari Anne
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Labor discipline , Problem employees , Cannabis -- Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72101 , vital:79188
- Description: This paper examines the workplace implications of the legalisation of private cannabis use in South Africa following the landmark Constitutional Court judgment in Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development v Prince.1 The judgment has necessitated a re-evaluation of workplace policies regarding cannabis consumption, which brings to the fore the tension between workplace safety and individual rights. Through a detailed analysis of relevant case law, this treatise distils emerging principles for disciplinary action and emphasises the necessity for equitable workplace policies that uphold employees’ rights to privacy and dignity. It also addresses the regulatory gaps that persist and proposes a set of best practices in policy development which are aligned with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.2 , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Lokotsch, Lise-Mari Anne
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Labor discipline , Problem employees , Cannabis -- Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72101 , vital:79188
- Description: This paper examines the workplace implications of the legalisation of private cannabis use in South Africa following the landmark Constitutional Court judgment in Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development v Prince.1 The judgment has necessitated a re-evaluation of workplace policies regarding cannabis consumption, which brings to the fore the tension between workplace safety and individual rights. Through a detailed analysis of relevant case law, this treatise distils emerging principles for disciplinary action and emphasises the necessity for equitable workplace policies that uphold employees’ rights to privacy and dignity. It also addresses the regulatory gaps that persist and proposes a set of best practices in policy development which are aligned with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.2 , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Distributional analysis of gender gaps in wages: evidence from post-apartheid labour market series data
- Motanyane, Pulane Innocentiah
- Authors: Motanyane, Pulane Innocentiah
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Sex discrimination in employment -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Pay equity -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Wages -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73070 , vital:79329
- Description: This study’s main aim was to investigate the gender wage gap and its causes in post-apartheid South Africa, this study analysed the gender wage gap along sector and occupation by analysing how segmentation by occupation affects comparative earnings in different occupations and sectors of the workforce. The majority of studies conducted in South Africa do not analyse the female wage difference along occupation and sector. Most previous studies mainly focus only on mean aggregated level data which does not fully depict the gender salary difference. Using the Post-Apartheid Labour Market Series (PALMS), this study examined the gender wage gap during the years 1993 to 2019 and used Oaxaca Blinder decomposition and Unconditional Quantile Regressions (UQRs) to examine the gender wage gap and the potential causes.The results indicated that there is gender wage gap between males and females, thereby resulting in a raw log wage difference of 0.527. The decomposition method revealed that the endowments, or the differences in characteristics between females and males, accounted for 0.0605 of the wage gap and the remaining part of the wage disparity was caused by variations in observable traits like occupation, experience, and education. Unconditional Quantile Regression was employed to investigate the gender wage gap across various wage distribution points, and at each quantile of the distribution there was a wage gap between the males and females. The index of dissimilarity was used to measure the degree of occupational segregation between genders, and the results showed that occupational segregation remains a persistent challenge contributing to the gender wage disparities, as evidenced by the wage penalties observed across various occupational categories for women. In terms of domestic laws, the right to fair treatment should be incorporated in labour law where for any equivalent or comparable job, a lower salary cannot be determined based on a person's gender. Eliminating the gender pay gap should be one of South Africa's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the intention of advancing decent work for all. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Motanyane, Pulane Innocentiah
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Sex discrimination in employment -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Pay equity -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Wages -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73070 , vital:79329
- Description: This study’s main aim was to investigate the gender wage gap and its causes in post-apartheid South Africa, this study analysed the gender wage gap along sector and occupation by analysing how segmentation by occupation affects comparative earnings in different occupations and sectors of the workforce. The majority of studies conducted in South Africa do not analyse the female wage difference along occupation and sector. Most previous studies mainly focus only on mean aggregated level data which does not fully depict the gender salary difference. Using the Post-Apartheid Labour Market Series (PALMS), this study examined the gender wage gap during the years 1993 to 2019 and used Oaxaca Blinder decomposition and Unconditional Quantile Regressions (UQRs) to examine the gender wage gap and the potential causes.The results indicated that there is gender wage gap between males and females, thereby resulting in a raw log wage difference of 0.527. The decomposition method revealed that the endowments, or the differences in characteristics between females and males, accounted for 0.0605 of the wage gap and the remaining part of the wage disparity was caused by variations in observable traits like occupation, experience, and education. Unconditional Quantile Regression was employed to investigate the gender wage gap across various wage distribution points, and at each quantile of the distribution there was a wage gap between the males and females. The index of dissimilarity was used to measure the degree of occupational segregation between genders, and the results showed that occupational segregation remains a persistent challenge contributing to the gender wage disparities, as evidenced by the wage penalties observed across various occupational categories for women. In terms of domestic laws, the right to fair treatment should be incorporated in labour law where for any equivalent or comparable job, a lower salary cannot be determined based on a person's gender. Eliminating the gender pay gap should be one of South Africa's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the intention of advancing decent work for all. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Evaluating the role of special economic zones and SMMEs’ sustainability: a case study of Coega
- Authors: Kassim, Nadia
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Economic zoning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Coega Development Corporation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72846 , vital:79271
- Description: This research assesses the influence of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) on the sustainability of Small, Medium, and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) in the Eastern Cape. The main goal is to improve the comprehension of the role of SEZs and to identify the obstacles that hinder the growth and sustainability of SMMEs. The literature suggests that funding, skills, and management are identified as the major constraints hindering sustainability. Additionally, the study analysed the financial and administrative support provided by Coega SEZ that could enhance SMME sustainability, as well as the policies and programs that can support SMME businesses. Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) face a range of challenges that hinder their growth and sustainability, despite government efforts to support them. Among these challenges, limited financial resources stand out as one of the most significant obstacles. Without adequate capital, SMMEs struggle to scale their operations, invest in necessary technology, or hire skilled employees. This case study of the Coega SEZ in South Africa examines its impact on Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), highlighting how SMME development can drive various socio-economic benefits. The qualitative research demonstrates that by simultaneously providing access to opportunities, finance, and technical and managerial expertise, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can serve as a valuable policy tool for SMMEs, helping them overcome key challenges. The case study offers policy recommendations on how to leverage SEZs to support SMME growth and development. The study utilized a qualitative research methodology and employed a non-probability, purposive sampling technique to select a sample of fifteen participants. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The main findings indicated that small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) often lack industry knowledge and face challenges related to skills and finance. The study recommended greater support from the government and multinational companies for SMMEs, along with incentives for financial institutions that assist them. Additionally, government intervention during periods of high interest rates was suggested. The study also emphasized the importance of SMMEs enhancing their skills and diversifying their businesses. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Kassim, Nadia
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Economic zoning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Coega Development Corporation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72846 , vital:79271
- Description: This research assesses the influence of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) on the sustainability of Small, Medium, and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) in the Eastern Cape. The main goal is to improve the comprehension of the role of SEZs and to identify the obstacles that hinder the growth and sustainability of SMMEs. The literature suggests that funding, skills, and management are identified as the major constraints hindering sustainability. Additionally, the study analysed the financial and administrative support provided by Coega SEZ that could enhance SMME sustainability, as well as the policies and programs that can support SMME businesses. Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) face a range of challenges that hinder their growth and sustainability, despite government efforts to support them. Among these challenges, limited financial resources stand out as one of the most significant obstacles. Without adequate capital, SMMEs struggle to scale their operations, invest in necessary technology, or hire skilled employees. This case study of the Coega SEZ in South Africa examines its impact on Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), highlighting how SMME development can drive various socio-economic benefits. The qualitative research demonstrates that by simultaneously providing access to opportunities, finance, and technical and managerial expertise, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can serve as a valuable policy tool for SMMEs, helping them overcome key challenges. The case study offers policy recommendations on how to leverage SEZs to support SMME growth and development. The study utilized a qualitative research methodology and employed a non-probability, purposive sampling technique to select a sample of fifteen participants. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The main findings indicated that small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) often lack industry knowledge and face challenges related to skills and finance. The study recommended greater support from the government and multinational companies for SMMEs, along with incentives for financial institutions that assist them. Additionally, government intervention during periods of high interest rates was suggested. The study also emphasized the importance of SMMEs enhancing their skills and diversifying their businesses. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Exploring factors influencing the savings culture of South Africans
- Authors: Mabindla-Mlisa, Ziphozihle
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Saving and investment -- South Africa , Financial literacy -- South Africa , Finance, Personal -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72905 , vital:79276
- Description: The purpose of this study was to identify the primary factors affecting the savings behaviour of South Africans. The study concentrated on exploring South Africans' attitudes and beliefs regarding saving money, analysing the correlation between financial literacy and savings behaviour, identifying the obstacles and challenges encountered in cultivating a savings culture, and assessing how access to financial products and services influenced the savings behaviour among South Africans. In a society characterised by instant gratification and excessive consumption, cultivating a culture of saving has become increasingly essential. Access to savings can be vital during an economic crisis, as it may ultimately determine survival. South Africa, however, demonstrates a pro-consumption culture, resulting in a decline in the savings rate. The country, therefore, displays relatively lower savings levels compared to other countries, and a decrease in the household savings rate throughout the years. This research employed a quantitative methodology. This was accomplished by a survey distributed to a sample of economically active South Africans, using an electronic survey tool developed in Google Forms. A total of 468 economically active South Africans participated in the study. Through this distribution, it was evident that the respondents were predominantly composed of Black females aged 30 to 39, earning over R20,000 monthly, and possessing tertiary qualifications. The sampling methodology was both convenience and snowball sampling, non-probability techniques. The results of this study indicated that, whereas South Africans generally exhibited a favourable disposition towards saving and acknowledged its significance, they encountered considerable barriers that impeded their saving capacity. These barriers included high living costs, low-income levels, and existing debt. Furthermore, financial literacy emerged as a critical determinant, indicating a strong correlation with positive saving behaviours and attitudes. Notably, even among individuals with advanced educational backgrounds, deficiencies in financial literacy and saving practices persisted, highlighting the urgent need for targeted educational interventions. Additionally, the study emphasised the substantial impact of access to financial products on saving behaviours, suggesting that improving access could enhance overall savings outcomes. The recommendations derived from this study aim to enhance the savings culture in South Africa, addressing the country's low savings rate. Key suggestions include: Implementing financial literacy programs in schools and communities to educate individuals on budgeting, saving, and investing. Partnerships between financial institutions and non-profits could facilitate awareness and access to financial advice. Promoting positive saving attitudes through government and employer initiatives, while addressing the high cost of living with subsidies for essential goods to alleviate financial strain. Financial institutions should enhance accessibility to user-friendly financial management tools and offer affordable financial advising services. Investment houses are encouraged to simplify investment account applications and recognize traditional saving practices like stokvels to improve their credibility. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Mabindla-Mlisa, Ziphozihle
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Saving and investment -- South Africa , Financial literacy -- South Africa , Finance, Personal -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72905 , vital:79276
- Description: The purpose of this study was to identify the primary factors affecting the savings behaviour of South Africans. The study concentrated on exploring South Africans' attitudes and beliefs regarding saving money, analysing the correlation between financial literacy and savings behaviour, identifying the obstacles and challenges encountered in cultivating a savings culture, and assessing how access to financial products and services influenced the savings behaviour among South Africans. In a society characterised by instant gratification and excessive consumption, cultivating a culture of saving has become increasingly essential. Access to savings can be vital during an economic crisis, as it may ultimately determine survival. South Africa, however, demonstrates a pro-consumption culture, resulting in a decline in the savings rate. The country, therefore, displays relatively lower savings levels compared to other countries, and a decrease in the household savings rate throughout the years. This research employed a quantitative methodology. This was accomplished by a survey distributed to a sample of economically active South Africans, using an electronic survey tool developed in Google Forms. A total of 468 economically active South Africans participated in the study. Through this distribution, it was evident that the respondents were predominantly composed of Black females aged 30 to 39, earning over R20,000 monthly, and possessing tertiary qualifications. The sampling methodology was both convenience and snowball sampling, non-probability techniques. The results of this study indicated that, whereas South Africans generally exhibited a favourable disposition towards saving and acknowledged its significance, they encountered considerable barriers that impeded their saving capacity. These barriers included high living costs, low-income levels, and existing debt. Furthermore, financial literacy emerged as a critical determinant, indicating a strong correlation with positive saving behaviours and attitudes. Notably, even among individuals with advanced educational backgrounds, deficiencies in financial literacy and saving practices persisted, highlighting the urgent need for targeted educational interventions. Additionally, the study emphasised the substantial impact of access to financial products on saving behaviours, suggesting that improving access could enhance overall savings outcomes. The recommendations derived from this study aim to enhance the savings culture in South Africa, addressing the country's low savings rate. Key suggestions include: Implementing financial literacy programs in schools and communities to educate individuals on budgeting, saving, and investing. Partnerships between financial institutions and non-profits could facilitate awareness and access to financial advice. Promoting positive saving attitudes through government and employer initiatives, while addressing the high cost of living with subsidies for essential goods to alleviate financial strain. Financial institutions should enhance accessibility to user-friendly financial management tools and offer affordable financial advising services. Investment houses are encouraged to simplify investment account applications and recognize traditional saving practices like stokvels to improve their credibility. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Exploring principles for translating vulgar lexical items from English to Sepedi in literary texts and fictional films
- Authors: Maboke, Emmanuel
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Sepedi language, Vulgar -- Grammar, Historical , Translating and interpreting , Translation studies
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72309 , vital:79209
- Description: This study explores translation principles for effectively rendering vulgar lexical items from English to Sepedi, with a focus on strategies and procedures applied in literary texts and fictional films. It investigates how linguistic and cultural competence contribute to achieving functional equivalence while preserving Sepedi’s stylistic and cultural integrity. Drawing on functional equivalence and the Skopos theory, the research examines strategies such as direct and oblique methods and procedures including cultural substitution, euphemistic expression, neutralisation and semantic modulation. The study contextualises vulgarity within the Bapedi culture, where principles of mutual respect and adherence to social norms often require careful handling of offensive language. It addresses the challenges of authentically translating vulgar expressions while respecting cultural sensitivities, particularly in a globalised context where the prevalence of vulgar lexical items in media and literature continues to grow. Using a multi-case study design, the research analyses examples of vulgar lexical items in various literary genres and film subtitles. Through comparative analysis and translation with commentary it identifies shortcomings in existing translations, such as over-reliance on euphemism or neutralisation, which can dilute meaning and emotional impact. The findings highlight the importance of balancing cultural appropriateness with the source text's intended meaning to maintain its functional equivalence. This study contributes to translation studies by offering a robust framework for translating culturally sensitive content in ways that respect both the source and target cultures. It advances practical translation methodologies for subtitling, literary translation and educational materials, supporting the preservation of Sepedi and aligning with South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030 and constitutional goals of language equality. The research underscores the translator’s pivotal role in bridging linguistic and cultural divides, providing critical insights into the complexities of translating vulgar lexical items while fostering the growth and standardisation of South Africa’s indigenous languages. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Maboke, Emmanuel
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Sepedi language, Vulgar -- Grammar, Historical , Translating and interpreting , Translation studies
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72309 , vital:79209
- Description: This study explores translation principles for effectively rendering vulgar lexical items from English to Sepedi, with a focus on strategies and procedures applied in literary texts and fictional films. It investigates how linguistic and cultural competence contribute to achieving functional equivalence while preserving Sepedi’s stylistic and cultural integrity. Drawing on functional equivalence and the Skopos theory, the research examines strategies such as direct and oblique methods and procedures including cultural substitution, euphemistic expression, neutralisation and semantic modulation. The study contextualises vulgarity within the Bapedi culture, where principles of mutual respect and adherence to social norms often require careful handling of offensive language. It addresses the challenges of authentically translating vulgar expressions while respecting cultural sensitivities, particularly in a globalised context where the prevalence of vulgar lexical items in media and literature continues to grow. Using a multi-case study design, the research analyses examples of vulgar lexical items in various literary genres and film subtitles. Through comparative analysis and translation with commentary it identifies shortcomings in existing translations, such as over-reliance on euphemism or neutralisation, which can dilute meaning and emotional impact. The findings highlight the importance of balancing cultural appropriateness with the source text's intended meaning to maintain its functional equivalence. This study contributes to translation studies by offering a robust framework for translating culturally sensitive content in ways that respect both the source and target cultures. It advances practical translation methodologies for subtitling, literary translation and educational materials, supporting the preservation of Sepedi and aligning with South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030 and constitutional goals of language equality. The research underscores the translator’s pivotal role in bridging linguistic and cultural divides, providing critical insights into the complexities of translating vulgar lexical items while fostering the growth and standardisation of South Africa’s indigenous languages. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Exploring teachers’ pedagogical approaches in teaching multilingual learners in the foundation phase in ex-model c schools in Gqeberha
- Authors: Elliott-Gentry, Jamie-Lee
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Multilingualism , Multilingual education , Multilingual persons -- Education
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71656 , vital:79120
- Description: Multilingual education has always been a controversial issue in South Africa since most South Africans’ Home Languages are different from that of the language of learning and teaching (LOLT) in schools. The influx of diverse learners attending ex-Model C schools, whose Home Language is not the medium of instruction, raises the question of how these schools and teachers are supporting predominantly non-English mother tongue learners in the classroom. This study aimed to explore the pedagogical approaches that teachers use in multilingual classes with a view to understand how such learners are catered for when the LOLT is different from the learners’ Home Languages This study adopted an interpretivist paradigm, was qualitative in nature and used interviews and observation as data collection tools. The accumulated data were analysed thematically based on a study of the emerging patterns and themes. The findings, emerging from the study, indicate that although teachers embrace multilingual teaching and learning, they do not feel equipped to teach multilingual learners in their classes, and consequently use the medium of instruction, which is English, to teach these learners. This study recommends that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) should arrange more hands-on workshops for in-service teachers so that they could acquire more enhanced skills in teaching multilingual learners. Furthermore, teacher training programmes offered by universities should incorporate modules with a specific focus on how to teach multilingual learners. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Secondary School Education, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Elliott-Gentry, Jamie-Lee
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Multilingualism , Multilingual education , Multilingual persons -- Education
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71656 , vital:79120
- Description: Multilingual education has always been a controversial issue in South Africa since most South Africans’ Home Languages are different from that of the language of learning and teaching (LOLT) in schools. The influx of diverse learners attending ex-Model C schools, whose Home Language is not the medium of instruction, raises the question of how these schools and teachers are supporting predominantly non-English mother tongue learners in the classroom. This study aimed to explore the pedagogical approaches that teachers use in multilingual classes with a view to understand how such learners are catered for when the LOLT is different from the learners’ Home Languages This study adopted an interpretivist paradigm, was qualitative in nature and used interviews and observation as data collection tools. The accumulated data were analysed thematically based on a study of the emerging patterns and themes. The findings, emerging from the study, indicate that although teachers embrace multilingual teaching and learning, they do not feel equipped to teach multilingual learners in their classes, and consequently use the medium of instruction, which is English, to teach these learners. This study recommends that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) should arrange more hands-on workshops for in-service teachers so that they could acquire more enhanced skills in teaching multilingual learners. Furthermore, teacher training programmes offered by universities should incorporate modules with a specific focus on how to teach multilingual learners. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Secondary School Education, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Exploring the challenges that exist in the nonprofit organisations in South Africa
- Authors: Mc Kechniee, Mark
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Nonprofit organizations -- South Africa , Nonprofit organizations -- Management , Community-based organisations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73015 , vital:79324
- Description: This study explored the major challenges faced by nonprofit organisations (NPOs) in South Africa. Using a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with ten senior and middle managers from NPOs in the Western Cape region working in areas such as health, education, human rights, poverty reduction, and environmental causes. This study examined operational barriers impacting NPO efficacy and sustainability, as well as stakeholder interactions within the NPO value chain. The key challenges identified included financial constraints, governance and accountability issues, policy engagement difficulties, and obstacles to service delivery. The findings highlight the similarities and differences between the challenges faced by South African NPOs and those in other regions globally. Recommendations are provided to enhance the resilience and effectiveness of NPOs in addressing social issues in South Africa. This research contributes to the knowledge base of South African NPOs and offers actionable insights to help them overcome obstacles, fulfil their mandates, and strengthen their societal contributions. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Mc Kechniee, Mark
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Nonprofit organizations -- South Africa , Nonprofit organizations -- Management , Community-based organisations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73015 , vital:79324
- Description: This study explored the major challenges faced by nonprofit organisations (NPOs) in South Africa. Using a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with ten senior and middle managers from NPOs in the Western Cape region working in areas such as health, education, human rights, poverty reduction, and environmental causes. This study examined operational barriers impacting NPO efficacy and sustainability, as well as stakeholder interactions within the NPO value chain. The key challenges identified included financial constraints, governance and accountability issues, policy engagement difficulties, and obstacles to service delivery. The findings highlight the similarities and differences between the challenges faced by South African NPOs and those in other regions globally. Recommendations are provided to enhance the resilience and effectiveness of NPOs in addressing social issues in South Africa. This research contributes to the knowledge base of South African NPOs and offers actionable insights to help them overcome obstacles, fulfil their mandates, and strengthen their societal contributions. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Exploring the implementation of lean manufacturing practices: a case study of a catalytic converter manufacturer in Gqeberha
- Authors: Funani, Bonga
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Production management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Steel industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72691 , vital:79248
- Description: This research study explored the implementation of lean manufacturing practices at a Catalytic Converter Manufacturer in Gqeberha, South Africa. The aim of the study was to examine the experiences, barriers, and outcomes associated with the implementation of lean practices at the case study organisation. An interpretivism approach was used applied as research paradigm, using qualitative methods. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 participants from senior and middle management, as well as shopfloor employees, to gain insight from those involved in the implementation of lean practices at the organisation. The findings from the thematic data analysis of the collected data, revealed key themes. These included communication and engagement, training and continuous improvement, monitoring and evaluation practices, the role of leadership and organisational culture, and customisation of lean practices in facilitating the successful implementation of lean practices and their long-term sustainability. These findings from the interviews conducted with participants led to an emphasis on effective communication throughout the implementation process, customising ongoing training, and strong leadership, to ensure the sustainability and success of lean practices at the facility. Ethical considerations were important and prioritised in this research to guarantee participant confidentiality and integrity of the data that was collected, throughout the research process. A framework for future research in understanding lean practices within the catalytic converter industry were discussed, as well as practical recommendations, for improving lean strategies in a manufacturing setting. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Funani, Bonga
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Production management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Steel industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72691 , vital:79248
- Description: This research study explored the implementation of lean manufacturing practices at a Catalytic Converter Manufacturer in Gqeberha, South Africa. The aim of the study was to examine the experiences, barriers, and outcomes associated with the implementation of lean practices at the case study organisation. An interpretivism approach was used applied as research paradigm, using qualitative methods. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 participants from senior and middle management, as well as shopfloor employees, to gain insight from those involved in the implementation of lean practices at the organisation. The findings from the thematic data analysis of the collected data, revealed key themes. These included communication and engagement, training and continuous improvement, monitoring and evaluation practices, the role of leadership and organisational culture, and customisation of lean practices in facilitating the successful implementation of lean practices and their long-term sustainability. These findings from the interviews conducted with participants led to an emphasis on effective communication throughout the implementation process, customising ongoing training, and strong leadership, to ensure the sustainability and success of lean practices at the facility. Ethical considerations were important and prioritised in this research to guarantee participant confidentiality and integrity of the data that was collected, throughout the research process. A framework for future research in understanding lean practices within the catalytic converter industry were discussed, as well as practical recommendations, for improving lean strategies in a manufacturing setting. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Exploring visual representations of black tax as ubuntu and social cohesion in South African townships
- Authors: Msipa, Wandile
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Classism , Art, Modern -- 21st century -- Themes, motives , Visual perception
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72419 , vital:79222
- Description: The point of departure for this paper uses a personal narrative, told to highlight the complexities and realities of living in a South African Township. The narrative is also used to highlight the existence of both family and communal support. The paper recognizes that the accepted definition for this support as being termed Black Tax, by popular media and various academics. Black Tax is described as “both financial and economic support” from employed members of families, either given to “nuclear or extended family members” (Mhlongo, 2019: 191). I use both personal narrative and other academic sources to redefine the term Black Tax as formally described, to the tax that Black individuals have had to pay for existing since the colonial period, Apartheid, until the very writing of this dissertation. I use various artist’s works to understand the depictions and meaning behind the everyday interactions of Black South Africans, which influenced the making of my own work. This work focuses on the value we, as black individuals, bring to each other’s lives through these daily interactions. This study evolves out of the rupture I experienced, and continue to experience, having moved from township living to urban environments. The behavioural and cultural and social norms which I had thought were about building community were brought into question. The study explores a self-narrative whereby there is an intrinsic need to have a relatable sense of cohesion and connection to the people I have grown up with, and the ideological space of higher learning and social upward mobility. , Thesis (MVA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Msipa, Wandile
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Classism , Art, Modern -- 21st century -- Themes, motives , Visual perception
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72419 , vital:79222
- Description: The point of departure for this paper uses a personal narrative, told to highlight the complexities and realities of living in a South African Township. The narrative is also used to highlight the existence of both family and communal support. The paper recognizes that the accepted definition for this support as being termed Black Tax, by popular media and various academics. Black Tax is described as “both financial and economic support” from employed members of families, either given to “nuclear or extended family members” (Mhlongo, 2019: 191). I use both personal narrative and other academic sources to redefine the term Black Tax as formally described, to the tax that Black individuals have had to pay for existing since the colonial period, Apartheid, until the very writing of this dissertation. I use various artist’s works to understand the depictions and meaning behind the everyday interactions of Black South Africans, which influenced the making of my own work. This work focuses on the value we, as black individuals, bring to each other’s lives through these daily interactions. This study evolves out of the rupture I experienced, and continue to experience, having moved from township living to urban environments. The behavioural and cultural and social norms which I had thought were about building community were brought into question. The study explores a self-narrative whereby there is an intrinsic need to have a relatable sense of cohesion and connection to the people I have grown up with, and the ideological space of higher learning and social upward mobility. , Thesis (MVA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Factors affecting early childhood development for the new world of work: a case study
- Authors: Manakana, Lebogang
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Child development , Education, Preschool , Work -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72960 , vital:79294
- Description: The rapid advancement of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) emphasises the importance of preparing children with the fundamental skills needed for the ever-changing requirements of the new world of work. Early Childhood Development (ECD) plays a crucial role in providing young learners with abilities like digital literacy, creativity, critical thinking and self-leadership, all of which are increasingly critical for future success. This examination investigates the factors impacting ECD, with a focus on incorporating modern educational methods and the influence of parental and societal engagement in promoting comprehensive child development. By using a quantitative research design, data were gathered from educators, caregivers and parents throughout South Africa. 110 participants took part in the study and all participant’s responses were accepted for analysis. The results indicate that digital literacy (p < 0.0005), parental involvement (p < 0.0005), and child-centred learning approaches (p < 0.0005) significantly affect ECD outcomes. Additionally, interpersonal skills, creativity, self-leadership and critical thinking were identified as crucial components for preparing children for the new work environment. Despite these positive findings, the study highlights ongoing challenges, including unequal access to quality ECD resources and gaps in educator training, which hinder the potential for fair development across various socio-economic contexts. The study contributes to the expanding knowledge base by presenting actionable insights for stakeholders, stressing the significance of aligning ECD strategies with future workforce requirements. Suggestions include investing in ECD infrastructure, integrating digital tools into learning environments, improving educator training and promoting collaborative efforts between families and institutions. Furthermore, a theoretical framework was created to guide the implementation of inclusive and sustainable ECD practices. This research establishes a basis for future studies to investigate the long-term effects of ECD interventions, focusing on scalability and adaptability in diverse settings. By bridging the divide between early education and workforce readiness, this study , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Manakana, Lebogang
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Child development , Education, Preschool , Work -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72960 , vital:79294
- Description: The rapid advancement of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) emphasises the importance of preparing children with the fundamental skills needed for the ever-changing requirements of the new world of work. Early Childhood Development (ECD) plays a crucial role in providing young learners with abilities like digital literacy, creativity, critical thinking and self-leadership, all of which are increasingly critical for future success. This examination investigates the factors impacting ECD, with a focus on incorporating modern educational methods and the influence of parental and societal engagement in promoting comprehensive child development. By using a quantitative research design, data were gathered from educators, caregivers and parents throughout South Africa. 110 participants took part in the study and all participant’s responses were accepted for analysis. The results indicate that digital literacy (p < 0.0005), parental involvement (p < 0.0005), and child-centred learning approaches (p < 0.0005) significantly affect ECD outcomes. Additionally, interpersonal skills, creativity, self-leadership and critical thinking were identified as crucial components for preparing children for the new work environment. Despite these positive findings, the study highlights ongoing challenges, including unequal access to quality ECD resources and gaps in educator training, which hinder the potential for fair development across various socio-economic contexts. The study contributes to the expanding knowledge base by presenting actionable insights for stakeholders, stressing the significance of aligning ECD strategies with future workforce requirements. Suggestions include investing in ECD infrastructure, integrating digital tools into learning environments, improving educator training and promoting collaborative efforts between families and institutions. Furthermore, a theoretical framework was created to guide the implementation of inclusive and sustainable ECD practices. This research establishes a basis for future studies to investigate the long-term effects of ECD interventions, focusing on scalability and adaptability in diverse settings. By bridging the divide between early education and workforce readiness, this study , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Factors affecting entrepreneurial activity in South African communities: factors inhibiting small, medium, and micro informal traders in Gqeberha
- Authors: Fritz, Laverne
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72680 , vital:79247
- Description: This study investigates the factors that inhibit small, medium and micro informal traders in Gqeberha. The concept of the economically excluded entrepreneur is central to the study, which examines the interaction of entrepreneurial mindset together with the liabilities of poorness, newness and smallness which impede economically excluded entrepreneurs from starting new ventures. This study contextualises both the formal and informal South African economies and emphasises the economic obstacles and personal pressures experienced by economically excluded entrepreneurs. To achieve the aim and objectives of the study, a qualitative approach was utilised. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, utilising purposive and convenience sampling methods to collect data from 15 economically excluded small, medium and micro informal traders in Gqeberha. The collected data were analysed using ATLAS.ti software. The study identified several factors that discourage entrepreneurship amongst economically excluded entrepreneurs including financial constraints, limited access to resources, a lack of planning orientation and personal pressures. It also highlighted key obstacles faced by these entrepreneurs such as absence of mentorship and support networks, barriers to market entry, insufficient financial and business literacy and a shortage or absence of physical tools and materials. Additionally, the study outlined support requirements these entrepreneurs require to effectively operate their businesses on a day-today basis. Understanding the factors that discourage, obstruct and support economically excluded entrepreneurs is important to determine how to assist economically excluded entrepreneurs prior to and during their entrepreneurial endeavours. The findings of this study provide a foundation for local and national government as well as established businesses to assist small, medium and micro informal traders thrive, thereby contributing to the broader goal of sustainable economic growth through entrepreneurship. Future research can explore the effectiveness of innovation hubs, where nascent economically excluded entrepreneurs can receive mentorship and acquire the necessary entrepreneurial skills for business success. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Fritz, Laverne
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72680 , vital:79247
- Description: This study investigates the factors that inhibit small, medium and micro informal traders in Gqeberha. The concept of the economically excluded entrepreneur is central to the study, which examines the interaction of entrepreneurial mindset together with the liabilities of poorness, newness and smallness which impede economically excluded entrepreneurs from starting new ventures. This study contextualises both the formal and informal South African economies and emphasises the economic obstacles and personal pressures experienced by economically excluded entrepreneurs. To achieve the aim and objectives of the study, a qualitative approach was utilised. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, utilising purposive and convenience sampling methods to collect data from 15 economically excluded small, medium and micro informal traders in Gqeberha. The collected data were analysed using ATLAS.ti software. The study identified several factors that discourage entrepreneurship amongst economically excluded entrepreneurs including financial constraints, limited access to resources, a lack of planning orientation and personal pressures. It also highlighted key obstacles faced by these entrepreneurs such as absence of mentorship and support networks, barriers to market entry, insufficient financial and business literacy and a shortage or absence of physical tools and materials. Additionally, the study outlined support requirements these entrepreneurs require to effectively operate their businesses on a day-today basis. Understanding the factors that discourage, obstruct and support economically excluded entrepreneurs is important to determine how to assist economically excluded entrepreneurs prior to and during their entrepreneurial endeavours. The findings of this study provide a foundation for local and national government as well as established businesses to assist small, medium and micro informal traders thrive, thereby contributing to the broader goal of sustainable economic growth through entrepreneurship. Future research can explore the effectiveness of innovation hubs, where nascent economically excluded entrepreneurs can receive mentorship and acquire the necessary entrepreneurial skills for business success. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Factors influencing performance and productivity at the port of Ngqura container terminal
- Authors: Kondile, Noxolo
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Perfomance evaluation , Productivity , Containerization
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72872 , vital:79273
- Description: Port performance and productivity are critical determinants of competitiveness in the global shipping industry. This study evaluates the factors influencing the performance and productivity of the Port of Ngqura Container Terminal utilising a qualitative systematic review approach. A total of 30 journal articles and additional industry reports, benchmarking studies, and policy documents published between 2014 and 2023 were analysed to assess operational inefficiencies, infrastructure limitations, and connectivity challenges. Guided by the Seaport Performance Theory (SPT) framework, the study identifies three strategic interventions for improving port performance: Infrastructure Maintenance, Technology Integration, and Human Capital Development. The thematic findings highlight the importance of adopting policies that promote resilience strategies, such as contingency planning for operational disruptions caused by extreme weather conditions or other unforeseen events. These interventions, aim to improve Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), maintain productivity during disruptions, and optimise resource allocation to improve overall port efficiency and competitiveness. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Kondile, Noxolo
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Perfomance evaluation , Productivity , Containerization
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72872 , vital:79273
- Description: Port performance and productivity are critical determinants of competitiveness in the global shipping industry. This study evaluates the factors influencing the performance and productivity of the Port of Ngqura Container Terminal utilising a qualitative systematic review approach. A total of 30 journal articles and additional industry reports, benchmarking studies, and policy documents published between 2014 and 2023 were analysed to assess operational inefficiencies, infrastructure limitations, and connectivity challenges. Guided by the Seaport Performance Theory (SPT) framework, the study identifies three strategic interventions for improving port performance: Infrastructure Maintenance, Technology Integration, and Human Capital Development. The thematic findings highlight the importance of adopting policies that promote resilience strategies, such as contingency planning for operational disruptions caused by extreme weather conditions or other unforeseen events. These interventions, aim to improve Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), maintain productivity during disruptions, and optimise resource allocation to improve overall port efficiency and competitiveness. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
factors influencing value creation through design thinking in the hospitality industry in Ghana
- Authors: Amedeker, Dominic Kwame
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Management , Creative ability in business , Creative thinking
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71948 , vital:79160
- Description: Globally, as the hospitality industry continues to change, there is a growing emphasis on the application of innovative management tools to stay competitive in the global market. Design Thinking and value creation have become the management intervention. Design thinking and value creation are receiving attention in the business sector as panaceas for developing human-centered services to satisfy customers and create value for organisations. Value creation is how business organisations create and offer products and services for customers that are willing to pay and how they attempt to capture a share of the total value that is created in the resultant economic exchange processes. This research study critically identified and examined factors influencing value creation through Design Thinking in the hospitality industry in Ghana. Specifically, it examined how two different concepts of Design Thinking influenced value creation in the hospitality industry in Ghana. The study adopted a quantitative approach to gather data. Based on Fowler’s table a disproportionate stratified sample was used to select a sample size of 315 with a confidence level of 95% at a 5% margin of error. Partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used for the analysis and evaluation of the hypothesised model. Findings showed that technology, employees’ knowledge and skills, external actors and financial strength through Design Thinking have a statistically significant relationship with value creation in the Ghana’s hospital industry evidenced in their respective p-values. Technology shows a moderate influence on value creation relative to external actors while the Employee knowledge and skills are crucial for service delivery in the hospitality industry. Mediation effects were asymmetrical in distribution across constructs including technology, external actors, and financial strength. While the Q² values indicate strong predictive relevance, the moderate R² values of constructs such as technology and employee knowledge and skills suggest that other unmeasured factors also have influence on value creation.The following recommendations were made based on the key results of the study, namely hospitality businesses in Ghana should invest in training employees and managers in the principles of Design Thinking. Workshops, collaborative brainstorming sessions and innovation labs will help to better embed Design Thinking into routine activities and nurture a culture of creativity and problem-solving. The industry should invest in state-of-the-art technologies such as CRM systems, mobile applications for bookings, and AI-driven data analytics to enhance customer experiences in streamlining operations and achieving cost efficiencies. The hospitality industry must implement training programmes that have a focus on both technical and soft skills, tailor-made for employee knowledge and skills to fully meet dynamic customer needs. The study also recommended the strengthening of relationships with external actors such as customers and other stakeholders, suppliers, travel agents in value creation strategies by requesting customer feedback through surveys and focus groups to adapt services to meet the diverse needs to foster loyalty. Other recommendations included leveraging financial resources strategically in areas that yield the highest returns, target emerging and luxury market segments, creating innovation by collaboration with industry players in policy formulation service models suitable for the Ghanaian market. The study further recommended the application of key performance metrics for the monitoring and evaluation of customer satisfaction, employee productivity, and financial performance to highlight areas for improvement to align with value creation goals. Finally, the government and industry associations should create a favourable regulatory environment, as well as incentives for innovation and investment to enhance the industry’s value creation capability. Further study should be conducted into the exploration of cultural influences on Design Thinking and value creation in the Ghanaian hospitality industry. Furthermore, a longitudinal study should be conducted on the long-term effects of the implementation of Design Thinking practices on value creation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Amedeker, Dominic Kwame
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Management , Creative ability in business , Creative thinking
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71948 , vital:79160
- Description: Globally, as the hospitality industry continues to change, there is a growing emphasis on the application of innovative management tools to stay competitive in the global market. Design Thinking and value creation have become the management intervention. Design thinking and value creation are receiving attention in the business sector as panaceas for developing human-centered services to satisfy customers and create value for organisations. Value creation is how business organisations create and offer products and services for customers that are willing to pay and how they attempt to capture a share of the total value that is created in the resultant economic exchange processes. This research study critically identified and examined factors influencing value creation through Design Thinking in the hospitality industry in Ghana. Specifically, it examined how two different concepts of Design Thinking influenced value creation in the hospitality industry in Ghana. The study adopted a quantitative approach to gather data. Based on Fowler’s table a disproportionate stratified sample was used to select a sample size of 315 with a confidence level of 95% at a 5% margin of error. Partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used for the analysis and evaluation of the hypothesised model. Findings showed that technology, employees’ knowledge and skills, external actors and financial strength through Design Thinking have a statistically significant relationship with value creation in the Ghana’s hospital industry evidenced in their respective p-values. Technology shows a moderate influence on value creation relative to external actors while the Employee knowledge and skills are crucial for service delivery in the hospitality industry. Mediation effects were asymmetrical in distribution across constructs including technology, external actors, and financial strength. While the Q² values indicate strong predictive relevance, the moderate R² values of constructs such as technology and employee knowledge and skills suggest that other unmeasured factors also have influence on value creation.The following recommendations were made based on the key results of the study, namely hospitality businesses in Ghana should invest in training employees and managers in the principles of Design Thinking. Workshops, collaborative brainstorming sessions and innovation labs will help to better embed Design Thinking into routine activities and nurture a culture of creativity and problem-solving. The industry should invest in state-of-the-art technologies such as CRM systems, mobile applications for bookings, and AI-driven data analytics to enhance customer experiences in streamlining operations and achieving cost efficiencies. The hospitality industry must implement training programmes that have a focus on both technical and soft skills, tailor-made for employee knowledge and skills to fully meet dynamic customer needs. The study also recommended the strengthening of relationships with external actors such as customers and other stakeholders, suppliers, travel agents in value creation strategies by requesting customer feedback through surveys and focus groups to adapt services to meet the diverse needs to foster loyalty. Other recommendations included leveraging financial resources strategically in areas that yield the highest returns, target emerging and luxury market segments, creating innovation by collaboration with industry players in policy formulation service models suitable for the Ghanaian market. The study further recommended the application of key performance metrics for the monitoring and evaluation of customer satisfaction, employee productivity, and financial performance to highlight areas for improvement to align with value creation goals. Finally, the government and industry associations should create a favourable regulatory environment, as well as incentives for innovation and investment to enhance the industry’s value creation capability. Further study should be conducted into the exploration of cultural influences on Design Thinking and value creation in the Ghanaian hospitality industry. Furthermore, a longitudinal study should be conducted on the long-term effects of the implementation of Design Thinking practices on value creation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Food insecurity, food choice priorities and health outcomes nexus in the Eastern Cape Province: choice experiment approach
- Authors: Mnyaka, Onke Ronaldy
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73048 , vital:79327
- Description: Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of food insecurity; assess the nexus of food insecurity and health outcomes; and assess the influence of price, taste, healthiness, preparation time and travel time on food choice priorities using a discrete choice experiment approach among households of the Qweqwe community in Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study design was used to collect primary data among households of the Qweqwe community. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS and Stata software. Food insecurity prevalence was determined using descriptive statistics, while the nexus of food insecurity and health outcomes was assessed using Pearson’s chi-squared test. The main effects conditional logit model was fitted to assess the influence of the selected meal attributes. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: food insecurity was highly prevalent (38.13%) among households in the community of Qweqwe. The relationship between food insecurity and health outcomes was not statistically significant (χ²= 3.6985, p>0.05). Price, preparation time, and healthiness are all significant predictors of meal choice at the 1% level, while taste is significant at the 5% level. The results showed that healthiness (odds ratio (OR)=1.9988, p<0.001) is the most influential meal attribute, followed by taste (OR=1.1898, p<0.05), preparation time (OR=0.9660, p<0.001) and price (OR=0.89803, p<0.001). Price and preparation time were inversely related to meal choice, while taste and healthiness were positively associated with meal selection. Conclusion: Based on these results, the researcher argues that food insecurity is a product of multiple factors that different sectors can best address. To address high food insecurity, there needs to be collaboration between different sectors, such as health, agriculture, education, and social services. This study contributes to understanding the influence of selected meal attributes on food choices. These findings can be used to justify the need for employment-creation initiatives, such as skills development, job creation schemes, and economic empowerment programs targeting food-insecure populations. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School ofEconomics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Mnyaka, Onke Ronaldy
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73048 , vital:79327
- Description: Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of food insecurity; assess the nexus of food insecurity and health outcomes; and assess the influence of price, taste, healthiness, preparation time and travel time on food choice priorities using a discrete choice experiment approach among households of the Qweqwe community in Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study design was used to collect primary data among households of the Qweqwe community. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS and Stata software. Food insecurity prevalence was determined using descriptive statistics, while the nexus of food insecurity and health outcomes was assessed using Pearson’s chi-squared test. The main effects conditional logit model was fitted to assess the influence of the selected meal attributes. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: food insecurity was highly prevalent (38.13%) among households in the community of Qweqwe. The relationship between food insecurity and health outcomes was not statistically significant (χ²= 3.6985, p>0.05). Price, preparation time, and healthiness are all significant predictors of meal choice at the 1% level, while taste is significant at the 5% level. The results showed that healthiness (odds ratio (OR)=1.9988, p<0.001) is the most influential meal attribute, followed by taste (OR=1.1898, p<0.05), preparation time (OR=0.9660, p<0.001) and price (OR=0.89803, p<0.001). Price and preparation time were inversely related to meal choice, while taste and healthiness were positively associated with meal selection. Conclusion: Based on these results, the researcher argues that food insecurity is a product of multiple factors that different sectors can best address. To address high food insecurity, there needs to be collaboration between different sectors, such as health, agriculture, education, and social services. This study contributes to understanding the influence of selected meal attributes on food choices. These findings can be used to justify the need for employment-creation initiatives, such as skills development, job creation schemes, and economic empowerment programs targeting food-insecure populations. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School ofEconomics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Identity expression in language use by amaXhosa on YouTube
- Authors: Ngcungca, Nkazimlo
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Sociolinguistics -- South Africa , Language and languages -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Language and culture
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72454 , vital:79226
- Description: The study investigates how amaXhosa individuals express their cultural and social identity in English-dominated online spaces, particularly focusing on their language use. Typically, cultural identity is not only expressed through visible markers, such as clothing and rituals but also significantly through language. This tendency is even prevalent in online spaces, dominated by English, like YouTube and other social platforms. Unlike in-person interactions, where cultural ties can be conveyed through attire and spoken dialogue, online communication relies heavily on written text. In these digital spaces, English often emerges as the prevailing lingua franca, posing unique challenges for individuals striving to assert their cultural identity. This research assumes that amaXhosa individuals continue to find alternative ways to express their identities through language, which can be identified through studying their language practices on online platforms, such as YouTube comments. Thus, this study sets out to investigate how amaXhosa use language as a tool to express their cultural identity on English-dominated platforms, such as YouTube. A pilot study evaluated the usability of the South African Language Identification tool where comments from ten YouTube videos were used. Although initial tests revealed limitations in using this identifier on YouTube texts, it ultimately proved effective for categorising comments into English and isiXhosa, including instances of code-switching that reflect everyday communication among individuals. Consequently, 80 videos were mined from YouTube, using Python 3 and a YouTube Application Programming Interface (API). The videos were selected based on certain criteria, including the minimum number of 50 comments and multiple languages in the comments. The mined comments were then converted into a text file and pre-processed through tokenisation using Ucto, a language-independent command-line tool for text tokenisation. Although initial tests revealed limitations in using this identifier on YouTube, it ultimately proved effective for categorising comments into English and isiXhosa, including instances of code-switching that reflect everyday communication among individuals. Overall, I categorise the results on language strategies that indicate isiXhosa cultural and social identities into two broad categories: explicit and implicit categories. On the one hand, explicit strategy only includes self-categorisation as an identity marker. On the other hand, implicit categories include pronouns as identity markers, expressions of ownership and solidarity, self-identification by group affiliation, distinctions between in-group and out-group members, social comparison language reflecting pride, geographical references, such as the Eastern Cape, and culturally specific linguistic strategies. The findings in this study demonstrate a clear relationship between the isiXhosa language and possible social and cultural isiXhosa identity, highlighting how language fosters solidarity and unity among amaXhosa. In other words, commenters employ various expressive strategies to index and position themselves linguistically. Thus, this research not only reinforces existing studies on identities but also contributes significantly to language and identity studies in South Africa. As far as it could be ascertained for this study, the dissertation, which investigates language and identity on YouTube, using comments from content consumers, pioneers corpus-based studies of amaXhosa identities. It lays a methodological groundwork for future research while providing practical insights regarding current tools and platform policies. Furthermore, this study advances the understanding of language and identity by exploring digital methods for extracting and analysing YouTube comments. It supports ongoing investigations into the relationship between language and identity among amaXhosa individuals while identifying new methods to address challenges, associated with studying multilingual and multicultural interactions on digital platforms. The methodology also included creating reusable scripts for mining YouTube comments, contributing to open science through accessible code that could assist other researchers, interested in using YouTube comment data for studying language and identity or the identities of speakers from various linguistic backgrounds on the platform. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Ngcungca, Nkazimlo
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Sociolinguistics -- South Africa , Language and languages -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Language and culture
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72454 , vital:79226
- Description: The study investigates how amaXhosa individuals express their cultural and social identity in English-dominated online spaces, particularly focusing on their language use. Typically, cultural identity is not only expressed through visible markers, such as clothing and rituals but also significantly through language. This tendency is even prevalent in online spaces, dominated by English, like YouTube and other social platforms. Unlike in-person interactions, where cultural ties can be conveyed through attire and spoken dialogue, online communication relies heavily on written text. In these digital spaces, English often emerges as the prevailing lingua franca, posing unique challenges for individuals striving to assert their cultural identity. This research assumes that amaXhosa individuals continue to find alternative ways to express their identities through language, which can be identified through studying their language practices on online platforms, such as YouTube comments. Thus, this study sets out to investigate how amaXhosa use language as a tool to express their cultural identity on English-dominated platforms, such as YouTube. A pilot study evaluated the usability of the South African Language Identification tool where comments from ten YouTube videos were used. Although initial tests revealed limitations in using this identifier on YouTube texts, it ultimately proved effective for categorising comments into English and isiXhosa, including instances of code-switching that reflect everyday communication among individuals. Consequently, 80 videos were mined from YouTube, using Python 3 and a YouTube Application Programming Interface (API). The videos were selected based on certain criteria, including the minimum number of 50 comments and multiple languages in the comments. The mined comments were then converted into a text file and pre-processed through tokenisation using Ucto, a language-independent command-line tool for text tokenisation. Although initial tests revealed limitations in using this identifier on YouTube, it ultimately proved effective for categorising comments into English and isiXhosa, including instances of code-switching that reflect everyday communication among individuals. Overall, I categorise the results on language strategies that indicate isiXhosa cultural and social identities into two broad categories: explicit and implicit categories. On the one hand, explicit strategy only includes self-categorisation as an identity marker. On the other hand, implicit categories include pronouns as identity markers, expressions of ownership and solidarity, self-identification by group affiliation, distinctions between in-group and out-group members, social comparison language reflecting pride, geographical references, such as the Eastern Cape, and culturally specific linguistic strategies. The findings in this study demonstrate a clear relationship between the isiXhosa language and possible social and cultural isiXhosa identity, highlighting how language fosters solidarity and unity among amaXhosa. In other words, commenters employ various expressive strategies to index and position themselves linguistically. Thus, this research not only reinforces existing studies on identities but also contributes significantly to language and identity studies in South Africa. As far as it could be ascertained for this study, the dissertation, which investigates language and identity on YouTube, using comments from content consumers, pioneers corpus-based studies of amaXhosa identities. It lays a methodological groundwork for future research while providing practical insights regarding current tools and platform policies. Furthermore, this study advances the understanding of language and identity by exploring digital methods for extracting and analysing YouTube comments. It supports ongoing investigations into the relationship between language and identity among amaXhosa individuals while identifying new methods to address challenges, associated with studying multilingual and multicultural interactions on digital platforms. The methodology also included creating reusable scripts for mining YouTube comments, contributing to open science through accessible code that could assist other researchers, interested in using YouTube comment data for studying language and identity or the identities of speakers from various linguistic backgrounds on the platform. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Impact of piracy on cruise tourism in East and West Africa
- Authors: Jonas, Lynn
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Ocean travel , Cruise lines , Tourism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72768 , vital:79259
- Description: Maritime transport has become essential to international trade as approximately 90% of world commodities are carried by sea. Maritime security has thus become a critical issue to consider, and security efforts have intensified considering the rise of modern piracy. The global impact of piracy is far reaching as it includes inflated labour and fuel costs because of diversions and the use of alternative routes to avoid pirates. Piracy along East Africa was rampant between 2008 and 2012, but then moved predominantly to West Africa. The threat of piracy to passenger vessels is of great concern as the global cruise tourism industry has grown tremendously over the past few decades. The reaction of the shipping industry to piracy is avoidance of the affected routes, and this study considered the prevalence of piracy and how it affects the cruise tourism industry on the African continent. The four research objectives were to determine the extent of cruise tourism in Africa, to evaluate the prevalence of piracy on East and West Africa, and to ascertain the maritime safety and security measures put in place to combat piracy. The study utilised an interpretivist paradigm, following a qualitative research approach with document analysis as the data collection method. Forty-one publicly available documents were selected through purposive and subsequent snowball sampling from the International Maritime Bureau, International Maritime Organisation, and Cruise Line International Association. Documents were analysed with the aid of Atlas.ti through a thematic analysis process. The findings of the study indicate that there is a lack of available information about cruise tourism in Africa and the continent receives approximately 1% of the world cruises. East Africa has seen growth in cruise tourism, but West Africa is still struggling with security concerns, hampering cruise tourism. Moreover, piracy in East Africa had been reduced to no reports of attacks, while West African piracy has continued to flourish with highly dangerous and violent, organised gangs operating in the region. All vessels are fair game during attacks and pirates are well armed with sophisticated weapons and mundane weapons such as knives. Theft, hijacking, and kidnapping are most common, with West Africa accounting for nearly all instances of pirate kidnappings worldwide. In combating piracy, regional and international collaboration has contributed significantly to the reduction of piracy in East Africa. Reporting agencies continue to issue warnings and recommendations to shipping companies and ship masters to be on high alert as pirates continue to have the ability and willingness to attack. The study findings assert that piracy has a negative impact on cruise tourism and further studies may consider additional reasons for the slow growth of cruise tourism in Africa. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Jonas, Lynn
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Ocean travel , Cruise lines , Tourism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72768 , vital:79259
- Description: Maritime transport has become essential to international trade as approximately 90% of world commodities are carried by sea. Maritime security has thus become a critical issue to consider, and security efforts have intensified considering the rise of modern piracy. The global impact of piracy is far reaching as it includes inflated labour and fuel costs because of diversions and the use of alternative routes to avoid pirates. Piracy along East Africa was rampant between 2008 and 2012, but then moved predominantly to West Africa. The threat of piracy to passenger vessels is of great concern as the global cruise tourism industry has grown tremendously over the past few decades. The reaction of the shipping industry to piracy is avoidance of the affected routes, and this study considered the prevalence of piracy and how it affects the cruise tourism industry on the African continent. The four research objectives were to determine the extent of cruise tourism in Africa, to evaluate the prevalence of piracy on East and West Africa, and to ascertain the maritime safety and security measures put in place to combat piracy. The study utilised an interpretivist paradigm, following a qualitative research approach with document analysis as the data collection method. Forty-one publicly available documents were selected through purposive and subsequent snowball sampling from the International Maritime Bureau, International Maritime Organisation, and Cruise Line International Association. Documents were analysed with the aid of Atlas.ti through a thematic analysis process. The findings of the study indicate that there is a lack of available information about cruise tourism in Africa and the continent receives approximately 1% of the world cruises. East Africa has seen growth in cruise tourism, but West Africa is still struggling with security concerns, hampering cruise tourism. Moreover, piracy in East Africa had been reduced to no reports of attacks, while West African piracy has continued to flourish with highly dangerous and violent, organised gangs operating in the region. All vessels are fair game during attacks and pirates are well armed with sophisticated weapons and mundane weapons such as knives. Theft, hijacking, and kidnapping are most common, with West Africa accounting for nearly all instances of pirate kidnappings worldwide. In combating piracy, regional and international collaboration has contributed significantly to the reduction of piracy in East Africa. Reporting agencies continue to issue warnings and recommendations to shipping companies and ship masters to be on high alert as pirates continue to have the ability and willingness to attack. The study findings assert that piracy has a negative impact on cruise tourism and further studies may consider additional reasons for the slow growth of cruise tourism in Africa. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04