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The dismissal of an employee who refuses to vaccinate against Covid-19

The effect of Cannabis extract on the morphological and metabolic characteristics of various fat depots in diet-induced Obese and STZ-induced male wistar rats

  • Authors: Ramlugon, Sonaal
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Rats as laboratory animals , Diabetes in practice , Cannabis -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61282 , vital:70044
  • Description: To investigate the potential anti-diabetic/obesity properties of oral cannabis administration in an obese and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model, as well as an obese rat model, and to determine the mechanism of action, with a focus on the peritoneal and intramuscular fat depots. Experimental Design: Obese and STZ-induced diabetic rats were allocated a high fat diet (HFD) and intraperitoneally injected with STZ to mimic an obese and diabetic state. The rats were then orally administered cannabis extract (CE) of 1.25, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg body weight (relative to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content) or metformin as a positive control. For the obese rat model, the rats were allocated either a high carbohydrate diet (HCD) or high fat diet (HFD) and orally administered with cannabis extract of 1.25 mg/kg body weight (relative to THC content). Weight, blood and insulin-resistant parameters of the rats were monitored. The mitochondrial to genomic DNA ratio (MT:18S DNA), average adipocyte area of the various adipose tissues, citrate synthase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) enzyme activities of the peritoneal and intramuscular fat were measured. Gene expression levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), cell-death inducing DNA fragmentation factor alpha like effector-a (Cidea), perilipin, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were measured in peritoneal fat, intramuscular fat and brown adipose tissue (BAT). Main Findings: Obese and STZ-induced diabetic rat model: Due to the biphasic nature of cannabinoids, cannabis dosage plays an important role in the observed effects. CE1.25 was the only cannabis treatment effective in improving the insulinresistant parameters of the rats unlike the other higher cannabis concentrations (CE2.5 and CE5.0). In the peritoneal fat, CE1.25 increased MT:18S DNA, increased citrate synthase activity, and decreased the average adipocyte area when compared to the STZ group. CE1.25 also induced fat beigeing by upregulating gene expression levels of UCP1 and Cidea. XIX Furthermore, an increase in gene expression levels of perilipin, HSL, and TFAM showed increased fat mobilization and metabolic activity. In the intramuscular fat, CE1.25 also reduced the average adipocytes area. However, a different mechanism of action was observed where CE1.25 did not induce fat beigeing, but instead increased both citrate synthase and CPT1 enzyme activities and gene expression levels of HSL, thereby indicating increased fat oxidation and mitochondrial activity. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The effect of illicit financial flows on Zimbabwe's economic growth and development

  • Authors: Chirowamhangu, Elton Munyaradzi
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Funds-flow statements -- Zimbamwe , Economic Growth -- Zimbamwe
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61034 , vital:69687
  • Description: This study examines the effect of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) and capital flight on Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. The study data covered the period 1980-2020 applying the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) regression model to assess the relationship between IFFs and capital flight and Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. Most empirical studies on developing countries show that in both the short and long run, IFFs and capital flight not only reduce the revenue base of the economy but its multiplier effects result in a negative significant relationship between economic growth and development. This supports the continued call for policymakers and government to develop effective policies and continue to have intergovernmental and bilateral engagements to share knowledge and information to deter and control these activities. Unless these activities are controlled, most developing countries will have revenue shortfalls that will have to be funded from Other Donor Assistance (ODA), AID and loans. The study used two ARDL models to assess the impact of GDP and Manufacturing output to assess the impact. GDP and Manufacturing output have been chosen as the proxies of economic growth. Data showed that capital flight had a positive coefficient relationship with GDP in the long run. It was statistically significant and capital flight also had a negative and insignificant effect on manufacturing output during the period 1980-2020. Thus, Zimbabwe should effectively engage in policies and measures that identify and deter IFFs and capital flight activities because the multiplier effects of the activities have a negative impact on economic growth and development. The continued depletion of state resources discredits the objectives of the government to achieve the 2030 Millennium Development Goals. Government expenditure in nonproductive sectors must be avoided, instead, priority must be given to sectors that attract investors and stimulate economic growth and development. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The effect of operations and management on the reliability of rural water supply maintenance at Amathole District Municipality

  • Authors: Clock, Kulile
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Water supply -- Amathole
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61045 , vital:69688
  • Description: The growing population in South Africa’s rural municipalities, coupled with industrial expansion, continue to exert pressure on the available water resources. While service delivery demands are becoming a serious concern among residents in various municipalities, local governments need to improve the supply of essentials, such as water. This study examines water scantiness in the rural side of the Amathole District Municipality (ADM), with a prime focus on the water distribution and maintenance system. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The effectiveness of action learning in developing first-line leadership competence at basf South Africa

  • Authors: White, Bradley Lewis
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Leaderrship , Action learning --South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63170 , vital:73192
  • Description: As the researcher believes leaders and leadership to be products of both nature and nurture, this phenomenological study was focused on the use and effectiveness of action learning methodology to develop first-line leadership competence. This study aimed to understand the training and developmental experiences of first-line managers during a leadership development programme using an action learning approach. The main research question: “How effective is action learning in developing first-line leadership competence at BASF South Africa”, was supported by five secondary research questions focused on the KASH-in-Transit Leadership Programme and the extent that participants, mentors and departmental managers perceived that action learning developed the leadership competencies of participants, and specifically leadership competence aligned to the BASF Global Competency Model. It also focused on the factors, elements or conditions in the KASH-in-Transit Leadership Programme that were effective and/or ineffective in developing these leadership competencies. Using these research questions as a guide, the current study posed open-ended interview questions that explored participants’ experiences in developing competencies aligned to the BASF global competency framework. The theoretical framework for the study was guided by the constructs of adult learning, action learning and leadership development as well as the link between learning, action learning and leadership development. Data was collected from 15 participants (12 coater drivers, 2 mentors and 1 manager) through the use of observations, action learning sessions and semi-structured interviews, with the interviews transcribed and then analysed using Atlas.ti qualitative analysis software. The information collected and succeeding analysis may help the development of future leaders within BASF South Africa as well as help close the gap in the literature on action learning as a leadership development tool. Action learning as a modern-day approach is capable of developing leadership at multiple levels and contexts, building collaborative partnerships and networks that aid in organisational development. The research findings led to the development of five themes surrounding the phenomenon of action learning as a means to develop first-line leadership competence: (1) Learning transfer has internal and external levers, (2) viii 70 + 20 + 10 = leader and leadership competence, (3) Facilitator and Mentor are catalysts for action AND learning, (4) Leadership development is built with connections and stumbling blocks, and (5) Development is part of succession. Individuals were challenged through exposure to real-world practices while being supported by a facilitation and mentoring system that offered critical, constructive feedback. The objective was to create career experiences and establish environmental influences that will stimulate developmental growth while facilitating an individual’s ability to learn from experience. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The enforcement of settlement of agreements and arbitration awards

  • Authors: Thathoba, Portia Chwayita
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Law enforcement , Settlements (Law) , Arbitration and award -- Law and legislation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60696 , vital:66366
  • Description: The Labour Relations Act (LRA) recognises settlement agreements and arbitration awards as mechanisms by which the rights of parties in troubled employment relationships can be asserted. Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) is a statutory body empowered to make and pronounce on such rights through settlement agreements and arbitration awards. The CCMA caters for those earning within the stipulated ministerial threshold falling outside the existing bargaining forums. However, not much empirical evidence is available to indicate the challenges experienced by parties when attempting to enforce those CCMA rulings to get defaulters to comply. South African law accepts settlement agreements as part of dispute resolution mechanism, but the experience of some who hold settlement agreements is such that they are exposed to prejudice when they are required to have the settlement agreement converted to arbitration awards which essentially requires alteration of the very settlement agreed upon. The broad objective of taking matters to the CCMA for resolution with the possibility of having them resolved at conciliation phase cannot be achieved if a settlement agreement is not worth the paper written on and must be made an arbitration award for enforceability. The two are not the same, nor should they be made to be and trying to give them a similar status for enforceability purposes brings about a myriad of unintended challenges. While it could be argued that there also exists section 158 (1) (c) of the LRA if the requirements of section 142A are challenging, it could also be said that such a provision is inaccessible to indigent individuals who may only be able to invoke that provision at the mercy of legal practitioners willing to take cases pro bono for those parties to even stand a chance at enforcing compliance with a settlement agreement that was entered into voluntarily. Such a system allows for employers to bail out on settlement agreements without consequence make a mockery of the CCMA. To a serious degree, this suggest lack of certainty on the part of CCMA and its ability to bring matters to finality which is an important element to realisation of justice. This study sought to examine the way settlement agreements and arbitration awards are enforced, with dedicated focus on the requirement that must be satisfied in order to have force and effect. With the above in mind, chapter one dealt with how settlement agreements and arbitration awards are given force and effect through the LRA as envisaged in section 142A. The chapter explored challenges brought by the enforcement process and what that may mean to the objectives intended by the legislation. Chapter two encapsulates the framework under which the CCMA operates and enforces its decisions, a framework envisaged to be less formal and non-legalistic for the expedient resolution of labour disputes. Chapter three touches on the challenges met with section 143 implementation and highlights some case law prior and after the LRA amendments. Lastly chapter four looked into the enforcement of international or foreign arbitration awards within the South African context given the affiliation with international organisations such as International Labour Organisation (ILO). While it may be good for South Africa to align herself with international practices, it is worth noting that South Africa is still developing in international arbitration as a mode of alternative dispute resolution, but its prevalence as a preferred dispute resolution mechanism is without a doubt increasing. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The experiences of TVET College students in learning English as a second language

  • Authors: Mahlathi, Nosibusiso
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Experience, college students , English-- Second language learning
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63971 , vital:73633
  • Description: The aim of the study was to investigate how the students experience English language learning at a Technical Vocational Education and Training College (TVET) in Eastern Cape. Most of the students enrolled at TVET colleges come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and speak English as a second language. Eight participants were purposively selected from an NCV class in one campus of the college representing the Engineering studies. This was done using the non-probability purposive sampling. The study employed a qualitative design with drawings drawn by the participants to reflect on how they learnt English in schools. The drawings were discussed in a focus group. Video diaries were also used to investigate how students experience English learning in a TVET College. Data were analysed thematically whereby information was categorised into themes that emerged from the responses of the participants. The findings revealed that students had difficulties in learning English language basic skills from lower grades. They did not master the basic language skills and that negatively affected their ability to use language for communication. They were admitted to college with limited vocabulary, and they had no confidence in using the language The study recommends that an organised and effective assessment of literacy skills be done through the pace test. The students who are found to have gaps in English be given an extra class to help them. Recommendations for further study are also provided. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Post Schooling, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The impact of organisation culture in the retention and career growth of female artisans in the automotive sector in Gqeberha

  • Authors: Ngcobo, Gcinuyise Cyprian
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: organisational culture , career growth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62249 , vital:72367
  • Description: There have been many initiatives that have been implemented to motivate women to enter and remain in the engineering field in South Africa and across the world. However, research has shown that the numbers of women representation in the engineering sector is still very low. It was the aim of this study to explore essential themes that can be adopted to improve career growth and retention of women in the engineering automotive industry sector of Gqeberha. The study further seeks to formulate a set of key organisational culture attributes that needs to be incorporated into organisations to improve female artisans’ career advancement and retention. The research took a positivist/postposivist paradigm, with a quantitative research approach using a probability sampling method. A structured self-administered questionnaire was distributed electronically to female respondents employed in the automotive companies located within Gqeberha with the aim of obtaining information to achieve the research objectives, targeting a population of female artisans employed in these organisations. Seventy-five (75) questionnaires were distributed, forty-one (41) were completed and returned, which represents a 54.67% response rate. The research found that there is a significant relationship between organisational culture, career advancement and employee retention. The main themes that emerged from the study of employee retention were sense of security, transparency and innovation. While training and development opportunities were found to be important for career advancement. Key recommendations from the research are that organisations must frequently conduct their own organisational culture surveys, short-incentive schemes for engineering managers and human resources managers be linked to gender diversity and provision of mentors for female artisans , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The impact of sustainable maintenance systems on government hospitals : a case of Cecilia Makewane and Frere hospitals

  • Authors: Kinama, Martin Mumo
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Information storage and retrieval systems--Health maintenance organizations , Government hospitals, Buffalo City Metropole , Eastern Cape (South Africa)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65130 , vital:74031
  • Description: This research sought to evaluate the current state of infrastructure maintenance put in place at government hospitals with a focus on Cecilia Makewane and Frere government Hospitals. These two hospitals served as examples of new infrastructure (Cecilia Makewane) and existing, older dilapidated hospital infrastructure (Frere) undergoing constant maintenance. The literature considered showed that in order for maintenance to be regarded as sustainable, it had to preserve the social, economic, and environmental conditions of a hospital building structure. The study aimed to provide insight into the existing state of maintenance and its sustainability. The sustainability of hospital infrastructure maintenance was tested by assessing the state of maintenance funding, maintenance workmanship, personnel skillsets, and maintenance policies. This study involved the collection of descriptive and numerical data through questionnaires. All of the information obtained through administering the questionnaires was converted into numerical data and used to gauge results. The results showed that there were shortfalls hindering sustainable maintenance, namely that the National Department of Health has failed to prioritise hospital maintenance funding and has failed to consistently monitor and evaluate hospital maintenance funding resulting in misuse and late compensation of maintenance contractors. The results also showed that the following existing successes would promote sustainable government hospital maintenance: satisfactory records of health infrastructure building deterioration are in place and maintenance projects involving refurbishments achieved practical completion and passed the latent defects liability periods. The study established that the available skilled staff are inadequate, hospital maintenance workmanship is poor, hospital maintenance projects were not adequately funded and existing maintenance processes were not regularly evaluated. The study recommends employment of more skilled maintenance staff, continuous monitoring, evaluation and prioritisation of maintenance funding, establishing clear maintenance roles between in-house staff and outsourced maintenance personnel. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The influence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Corporate Citizenship (CC) on the business success of wineries in the Cape Winelands

  • Authors: Phillips, Allazei Lynette
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: corporate social responsibility , Corporate Citizenship
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62333 , vital:72381
  • Description: The wineries of the Cape winelands are increasingly engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate citizenship (CC). Both these practices are widely viewed as having the potential to increase business success of these wineries. There is however a lack of research on the state of these practices in these wineries especially against the background of reports of exploitation of workers on winelands. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate the state of CSR and CC in the Cape winelands wineries and the impact that these practices have on the business success of these wineries. The study is located in the positivistic research tradition. The data was collected using a closed-ended questionnaire which was distributed to 100 employees (managers and general workers) in the wineries. The questionnaire items were anchored on a Likert-style (disagree to agree) answering scale. Pearson correlations and multiple regression coefficients, as well as descriptive statistics were used. Eventually only 42 respondents participated in the study. The empirical findings indicated that CSR (focusing on its economic, environmental, and social impacts) and CC were significantly positively related to the business success of the wineries in the Cape winelands. CC emerged as the strongest determinant of the business success of these wineries. The empirical results also revealed reasonable to high levels of CSR and CC prevalence in these wineries. Although limitations were experienced in the study, useful managerial recommendations emerged from it empirical results. The study therefore indicated some important areas for future research. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The influence of financial education on the financial literacy Of higher certificate students at the Nelson Mandela University

  • Authors: Nyati, Nokwanda Vuyolwethu
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: financial literacy , higher certificate , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62320 , vital:72380
  • Description: South Africa has low levels of financial literacy. This includes students, even though they are educated. The literature reveals South African students struggle to grasp personal finance concepts, specifically related to saving, monitoring debt and budgeting. It is well-known that financial education improves financial literacy, however, financial education is not implemented as a stand-alone subject for students at primary and high school level in the South African context. Financial education is only implemented into specific learning areas in the curricula such as Economic Management Sciences, Mathematical Literacy, Mathematics, Accounting, Business Studies and Economics. At university level, some students from specific faculties are exposed to a financial education module. A gap in the literature warranted a longitudinal investigation among students to discover the impact of university financial education on financial literacy. There is a lack of research to assess the financial literacy of students by measuring their financial knowledge and financial skills objectively. It is crucial to determine whether a relationship exists between financial education and financial literacy involving South African students. Hence, according to this, the primary objective of the study was to investigate the influence of financial education on financial literacy of Higher Certificate (Business Studies) students at Nelson Mandela University. The rationale behind choosing these students as a sample is because the programme comprises a Fundamentals of Personal Finance module which focused on day-to-day financial education. Two literature review chapters were conducted to accomplish the primary objective of the study. The first literature review focused on the nature and importance of financial education, core components of financial education, sources of financial education, personal finance module as well as the impact of financial education on financial literacy. This led to the second literature review, which examined the exposure of financial education on financial literacy levels. In addition, financial literacy components and the relationship between financial education on financial literacy were discussed. Thereafter, the hypotheses of the study were developed to empirically test the sample on their financial literacy levels before and after exposure to financial vi education by measuring financial knowledge, financial skills, financial attitude and financial behaviour. An online questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents before exposure to the Fundamentals of Finance module to determine their financial literacy levels. The same questionnaire was completed by the respondents to discover whether financial literacy levels stayed the same, declined or improved after exposure to financial education. Through convenience and criterion sampling, 233 usable questionnaires were collected before exposure to financial education which translated into an effective rate of 64.54 percent. Following this, 77 usable questionnaires were collected after financial education exposure which was interpreted as an effective rate of 61.60 percent. The low response rate was due to the level of computer literacy amongst the respondents, some respondents may have not had access to a laptop, computer desktop or mobile device, and the respondents were busy preparing for examinations. The empirical data was analysed through STATISTICA by performing Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) tests, reliability tests (Cronbach Alpha), descriptive statistics related to the demographics of the respondents, mean scores and standard deviations. Further statistical analyses were conducted through Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient tests to determine the nature of the relationships between financial knowledge, financial skills, financial attitude and financial behaviour. Paired t-tests were conducted to discover the differences in the mean scores in the financial literacy levels of respondents before and after exposure to financial education. The empirical results revealed significant relationships between financial education and financial knowledge; financial education and financial skills; financial education and financial attitude; financial education and financial behaviour. This led to all four hypotheses of the study being accepted. The financial knowledge, financial skills and financial attitude of Higher Certificate (Business Studies) students did not improve after completing the Fundamentals of Personal Finance module. Only the financial behaviour of these students improved after financial education exposure. The results of the study provided the basis for the development of recommendations to improve financial literacy levels by providing financial education content that is suitable for individuals in different stages of their lives. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The influence of leadership on service delivery in the department of employment and labour, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Maleiba, Olivia
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Leadership , Transformational Leadership , Batho Pele Principles
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61636 , vital:71821
  • Description: The aim of the public sector is to deliver effective and efficient services whilst reducing these delivery costs (Price Waterhouse Coopers, 2007). In addressing this aim of public service delivery, the objective of the study was to investigate the impact of leadership on service delivery in a specific public sector. The researcher utilised a non-experimental correlation research design where the participants were entry level officials from region six within the National Department of Employment and Labour in the Eastern Cape, who reported to the first level of management (supervisors/team leaders). A probability sampling design with a cluster sampling method was used, wherein the population was grouped and a cluster was chosen. The sample consisted of officials who delivered services to the public at an entry administrative level either in a direct role or a supporting role. These officials reported to the first line of leadership in the hierarchy (supervisors/team leaders). Questionnaires were used as the primary source of data collection to solicit data from participants and obtain feedback on leadership behaviour on operational and service delivery issues in the workplace. The data was processed by statistical calculations of the mean, median, mode and standard deviation. The Cronbach Alpha as a test of internal validity, was used to test for reliability and validity. The findings of the study revealed that the department strived to improve leadership and service delivery in rendering public service which will naturally contribute to the 2030 vision of the National Development Plan and the fulfilment of the organisational mandate (South Africa National Planning Commission, 2012). , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The influence of site characteristics on growth and wood properties of Pinus radiata and Pinus elliottii in the Southern and Eastern Cape forestry regions of South Africa

  • Authors: Sigcau, Chulumanco
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Forests and forestry -- Environmental aspects , Pine – Growth -- South Africa , Pinus radiata
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61234 , vital:69828
  • Description: The intensive nature of plantation forestry in South Africa requires efficiency and financial viability in production systems, amidst a complex growing environment subjected to changing macro-climatic patterns. The success of plantation forestry operations depends, amongst others, on our understanding of tree growth and wood formation patterns in response to variable growing conditions in both space and time. This study was conducted on the two most commonly used species in the southern and Eastern Cape forestry regions, i.e., Pinus radiata and P. elliottii. The region is regarded as highly suitable for plantation forestry in terms of climatic conditions, but soil characteristics pose several challenges due to nutritional disorders and poor drainage. The study focused on investigating the influence of both soil and climatic conditions on the growth and Wood Density properties of the two species, and to establish functional relationships where possible. The two species showed comparable growth rates at the reference age of 13 years on the range of sites sampled in the study area. An analysis of variance showed greater differences in Site Index between than within sample plots, pointing towards the possible influence of site on growth variation. Correlations between climatic variables and the growth of both species were generally weak and contradictory. Possible reasons for this phenomenon are discussed. It is proposed that the general favourable climatic profile of the region and hydromorphic nature of soils reduce the chances of significant correlations between variables influencing moisture availability and tree growth. The analysis of correlations between soil parameters and tree growth revealed some influence of soil organic C and Na on the growth of P. elliottii. This is discussed in terms of our understanding of the influence of soil parent material and soil ecology. The absence of any correlations between soil chemical parameters and the growth of P. radiata was conspicuous. This is in contradiction with earlier studies on the species in the region and can possibly be explained in terms of the site-specific fertilizing policy of the industry, as well as the less diverse range of sites sampled than in the past, which can mask or reduce nutrient limitations for tree growth. However, P. radiata did show a high level of sensitivity towards effective soil depth. Site-quality prediction models are proposed for the two species, but with variable application value due to the limited options of significant control variables that can be considered for inclusion in the models. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science and Management, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The legislation regulation of consensual sexual acts by 16 and 17 years

  • Authors: Nkontso, Siviwe
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Delegated legislation , Sexual intercourse , Teenagers
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60718 , vital:66461
  • Description: The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007 (“SORMA”), was promulgated to consolidate the laws relating to sexual offences in South Africa. One of the most important aspects of SORMA was that it made provision for the prosecution of those who engaged in sexual acts with minor children. However, SORMA had a major drawback in that it not only criminalised consensual sexual acts with children by adults, but also criminalised consensual sexual acts between children themselves. Thus, children could be prosecuted for engaging in consensual sexual conduct with each other. Stemming from this peculiar position, the provisions of section 15 (statutory rape) and section 16 (statutory sexual assault), insofar as they related to the prosecution of adolescents for engaging in consensual sexual acts with each other, was constitutionally challenged by various human rights organisations. The Constitutional Court in Teddy Bear Clinic v Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development 2014 (2) SA (CC) found that the provisions of section 15 and 16 of SORMA were unconstitutional insofar as they criminalised consensual sexual acts between adolescents older than 12 but younger than 16. The original version of SORMA, for purposes of sections 15 and 16, defined a child as a person under the age of 16 years. Only children younger than 16 years received protection under SORMA. The provisions of sections 15 and 16 of SORMA were the subject of a constitutional challenge in Teddy Bear Clinic. However, the position of 16 and 17 year old children was not dealt with, as it did not form part of the issues that had to be decided by the court. Subsequent to the Teddy Bear Clinic judgment, SORMA was amended, and the amended version defined a child as a person younger than 18 years. Despite this, 16 and 17 year old children did not fall within the ambit of protection provided by SORMA. They were still exposed to prosecution for consensual sexual acts with their adolescent counterparts. Moreover, they were not protected against adult sexual predators who prey on young children. Effectively, SORMA provided some degree of protection, but such protection is not sufficient, and it is contrary to the best interests of the child principle. vi Thus, this research project seeks to highlight, assess and criticise the failure of SORMA to provide adequate legislative protection to 16 and 17 year old children. They still face the possibility of prosecution for consensual sexual acts with other adolescent children, and, they are not offered any protection from adult sexual predators. This position is unacceptable as it is contrary to the spirit and purport of the Constitution, specifically the best interests of the child principle, an important international law principle. Article 3 (1) of the Convention on the Rights of the Child provides that in all matters concerning children, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration. The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child provides that in all actions concerning the child, the best interests of the child shall be the primary consideration. Thus, the lack of protection of 16 and 17 year old children under SORMA is not only contrary to the Constitution, but also to a fundamental international law principle. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Criminal & Procedural Law, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The Living Archive as Pedagogy: A Conceptual Case Study of Northern Uganda

  • Authors: Munene, Anne Wambui
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Archives , Education -- Study and teaching , Case Study -- Northern Uganda
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60927 , vital:69226
  • Description: The Living Archive as Pedagogy emerges from Northern Uganda’s experience of war 1986- 2008, between the Lord’s Resistance Army and the Uganda People’s Defense Force previously named the National Resistance Army. This period of war and post-war has been a difficult experience where finding solutions and mechanisms for transition or justice remain complex, restricted, delayed and consequently concealing the reality of lived marginalization from below. The Acholi of Northern Uganda went through predatory atrocities, painful humiliation and unwilled cohabitations with their oppressors during war and post-war. The study explores how the interlinking of archives and pedagogy as independent disciplines can extend possibilities for more transformative education horizons in bottom-up, post-conflict expressions. The study is immersed through a conceptual and theoretical framing in the boundaries of archiving and pedagogy, to understand how the war constructs Acholi’s lived experience in multiple complex ways. While the Acholi re-orient their lives post- war, we recognize their attention in affirming their human agency, ordering of new and different meanings, desiring a different liberation in post-conflict where responsibility in contexts of “up againstness” validates their dwelling and being in spaces that exclude them. The research acknowledges that pedagogy and archiving studies in post-conflict, needs restructuring to challenge the preserving of external and dominant epistemological purviews that order post-conflict reconstruction life. These traditions exclude the experiences of survivor-victims, are tone deaf to community-based groups articulations of post-conflict repair, and neither does lived experiences of the everyday gets organized as an outcome for knowledge. This is discussed at length, as the research responds to its central question of how living archive as pedagogy can offer a transformative education discourse. The conclusion of the study emphasizes self-representation through transformative knowledge positions of I am whom I am, Where I am, Where I Speak, and Where I think. These positions articulate a self-understanding that supports rehistrocizing of post-conflict society as a body resisting exclusion in dominant knowledge formation and institutional omissions. There is evidence of the research foregrounding the formation of person-hood from experiences of ‘up againstness” and knowledge/under-stand[ing] from below. The research facilitates a hermeneutical encounter with specific inscribed bodies of post-conflict experience, the Acholi and Wanjiku whose bodies archive a horizon of possibilities if a different and difficult reading vii of the world is done from locations of struggle to produce consciousness of re-becoming, or returning to the human. These pedagogical experience positions Acholi and Wanjiku as educators, and their lives a living archive. We the readers are invited to a learning process as willing ‘hearers’ of Acholi and Wanjiku testimony, to own responsibility as our practice to ensure they appear in the world to say their truth, as they defy conditions of their oppression. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, School of Education Research and Engagement, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The moderating influence of socioemotional wealth on the innovation choices and outputs of South African family businesses

  • Authors: Ndang, Akah William
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Socioemotional wealth, , Family-owned business enterprises
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62216 , vital:72012
  • Description: The global impact of family businesses is increasing in a significant manner. The importance of family businesses has been recognised by academic institutions through the establishment of family business research centres and academic programmes for family businesses, as well as practitioner-oriented journals in family business studies. In most developed and developing market economies, family businesses have been projected as one of the primary forms of private enterprise that play an important role in both national and global economies, including South Africa. In other words, in the global innovation context, family businesses are considered to be the backbone of economic development. Given the importance of innovation to family businesses in contributing to economic growth and sustainability across generations, as well as the limited research that has been conducted on South African family businesses and innovation, the primary objective of this research was to investigate the relationship of selected drivers of innovation and Innovation outputs in South-African family businesses, as well as how the family, through its Socioemotional wealth, moderates the relationships between the drivers of innovation and Innovation outputs. This study uses the socioemotional wealth (SEW) and the resource-based theory (RBV) as the basis of its theoretical orientation. The following drivers of innovation were identified during the literature review (independent variable), namely: Financial capital, Human capital and leadership, Social capital, Learning orientation, Entrepreneurial orientation, Market orientation, Organisational culture, and Knowledge management as having an impact on Innovation outputs (dependent variable). In addition, Socioemotional wealth (SEW) was hypothesised as having a moderating influence on the relationships between the drivers of innovation and Innovation ouptuts. Four demographic variables (Size of the business, Age of the business, Generation of the family and Industry of operation) were identified as having a potential influence on the hypothesised relationships. Each of the constructs were clearly defined and then operationalised. Operationalisation was done by using reliable and valid items sourced from tested vii measuring instruments used in previous studies, as well as a number of self-generated items based on secondary sources. A structured questionnaire was made available online to respondents identified by means of the convenience snowball sampling technique, and data was collected from 331 family businesses in South Africa. The usable questionnaires were subjected to various data analyses techniques. Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) were performed on each factor that confirms the factor structures by using various goodness-of-fit indices. Subsequent to the CFAs, the validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was assessed. As a result of these analyses, three new independent variables emerged as drivers of Innovation outputs in South African family businesses, namely: Funding of research and innovation, Financial, human and social capital resources, and Shared business vision, resources information and knowledge. In addition the SEW construct revealed two dimensions as dependant variables, namely: Family influence, control and commitment and Business reputation and commitment. The reliability of the measuring instrument was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, while the assessment of validity involved calculations of the average variance extracted (AVE) estimates and squared correlations between constructs. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was the main statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent, moderating and dependent variables. The main finding of the study reveals that there is a significant positive relationship between Financial, human and social capital resources, and Innovation outputs. There is also a significant positive relationship between Shared business vision, resources, information and knowledge and Innovation outputs. Furthermore, Family influence, control and commitment positively moderates the relationship between Shared business vision, resources, information and knowledge and Innovation outputs. while Business reputation and succession positively moderates the relationship between Financial, human, social capital resources, and Innovation outputs. Finally, Business reputation and succession positively moderates the relationship between Shared business vision, resources, information and knowledge viii and Innovation outputs. Concerning the selected demographic variables, this study found that Age of the business has a significant influence on Innovation outputs. This study makes several theoretical and practical contributions. This study is the first of its kind that investigates the relationship between the drivers of innovation and Innovation outputs of South African family businesses. Second, this study is the first to investigate how the family, through its Socioemotional wealth, moderates the relationships between the drivers of innovation and Innovation outputs of South African family businesses. Having a better understanding of how and when the family system impacts the innovation decisions in the family business is important because it helps researchers understand the differences between family businesses (i.e. family firm heterogeneity) and non-family businesses. Third, the findings indicated that the adaptation of the SEW and RBV theories was accurate in understanding how the family, through its socioemotional wealth, influences innovation decisions. Fourth, concerning the selected demographic variables, this study found that Age of the business has a significant influence on Innovation outputs. This finding is another valuable contribution to the literature on innovation, given the inconsistent and sometimes inconclusive findings concerning the relationship between age of the business and innovation activities. The study's final theoretical contribution is the development of a measurement tool that accurately assesses the drivers of innovation and innovation outputs and the influence of the five dimensions of socioemotional wealth. Other family business researchers, business mentors and or family business owners themselves can use this measurement tool to assess and monitor factors that have an impact on innovation activities inside their businesses. Practically, this study makes several suggestions on how family business owners and managers could improve the Innovation outputs of their businesses and become aware of how the family could influence the innovation choices and decisions made in the business. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The perceptions of self service checkout systems in the South African retail

  • Authors: Mhlanga, Nhlanhla
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Self Service Technology , technological innovation , Grocery Retail Sector
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61681 , vital:71825
  • Description: The introduction of Self-Service Checkout Systems (SSCOs) has disrupted and continues to transform grocery retail businesses particularly in the age of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), which is characterised by the pervasive presence of technological innovation in multiple sectors. SSCOs have over the years made significant in-roads in the grocery retail sector, particularly in the developed world with few exceptions of implementation in the developing world. Self Service Technologies (SST) have been used across various industries for many years in order to improve customer experience, or to address business priorities, or both. SSCOs (an SST technology) within grocery retail, have been purported to increase customer convenience, efficiency and bolster the competitive advantage of various businesses, amongst other benefits. The benefits and opportunities, risk and challenges, impact on business, perceptions of customers and customer acceptance of SSCOs have been and continue to be widely studied within the retail sector of the developed and in some parts of the developing world. The understanding and implementation of SSCOs in developing countries in general and South Africa in particular are at an embryonic stage. Questions of implementation, acceptance and adoption of SSCOs in South Africa are under-researched and nascent. However, despite their vagueness within the South African grocery retail sector, there are instances where SSCOs have been implemented in South Africa. Taking into account the fact that the South African grocery retail sector is heavily influenced by the adoption of technological innovation and follows the trends from the developed world, it is only a matter of time before SSCOs become mainstream technologies in South Africa. This is more so particularly in the era of the 4IR where technology is increasingly transforming entire industries. Against this backdrop, this study addresses the question of acceptance of SSCOs within the grocery retail sector in South Africa. Whilst grocery retailers consider whether to implement SSCOs, they have to ask themselves a number of pertinent questions, not in the least whether customers would be willing to adopt the use of the technology. It is in light of this acceptability of SSCOs that the research engaged grocery retailers to investigate their perception regarding the factors that affect the acceptance of SSCOs within the South African grocery retail sector. This study followed a qualitative research design. Participants were management and owners of the SPAR retail group in South Africa. Twenty-three participants took part in the study and seventeen participant’s responses were accepted for analysis. An online open ended vi | P a g e questionnaire was used to collect data from participants and a thematic analysis was applied to the collected data in order to search for themes within the data. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Theory of Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) were used as frameworks to interpret the study findings. The results of the study indicate that the South African grocery retail sector is innovative and implements various technologies. Further, a number of grocery retailers are actively considering the implementation of SSCOs. A number of factors that promote that acceptance of SSCOs were identified by the study, for example, customer experience at checkout, which includes convenience and efficiency and business profitability. On the other hand, there are factors that hinder the acceptance of SSCOs, which include factors like loss of employment, poor infrastructure and the cost of implementation amongst others. Based on the results of the study a theoretical framework was developed, which was used to give recommendations to the grocery retail sector in order to offer guidance regarding the implementation of SSCOs in South Africa. Finally, areas and orientations of future research were identified. This study contributes to the literature on SSCOs in South Africa in particular and the developing world in general. In addition, this study contributes to academic theory and business practise by applying the Diffusion of Innovation Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model to a unique context in a new way, i.e. SSCOs in the grocery retail sector in South Africa. The limitation of the study is that the participants were from one grocery retail organisation and thus probably represent a certain grocery retail outlook based on the culture of the organisation. Future research would need to be more inclusive and have a heterogeneous research sample in order to be more reflective of multiple organisations and cultures within the grocery retail sector in South Africa. The introduction of SSCOs in South Africa will transform the grocery retail sector. The understanding of the technology and its acceptance within the sector is critical to help grocery retailers develop strategies to drive business growth, improve customer experience and capitalise on the direction of transformation that technology brings to the sector. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The posttraumatic growth of Natalie Du Toit: A psychobiography

  • Authors: Madotyeni-Ngcongca, Thozama
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Posttraumatic growth , Psychobiography , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61522 , vital:70969
  • Description: This study sought to gain insight into the phenomenon of posttraumatic growth by performing a psychobiography of Natalie du Toit, who underwent a traumatic experience and acquired a disability. This study employed a psychobiographical methodology in order to interpret the life of Paralympic gold medallist, Natalie du Toit, from a psychosocial development perspective. The study used a qualitative research paradigm and a purposive sampling technique was employed to select Natalie du Toit. This was done to determine the extent to which Natalie du Toit underwent developmental growth as a result of posttraumatic growth after recuperating from her trauma. Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth Model was used to inform the research. This model was used to describe the life experiences and events that characterised the posttraumatic adjustment of Natalie du Toit and interpret these through Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth Model. The findings revealed a significant extend the existence of all five variables of Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth Model, in the life of Natalie du Toit. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The prevention of money laundering in the use of cryptocurrency

  • Authors: Mnyakama, Mzimkhulu
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Money laundering--Prevention , Digital currency
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60645 , vital:66287
  • Description: Money laundering has become common in the world and the introduction of cryptocurrencies has created another avenue that makes it easier to move funds between jurisdictions without anyone knowing. A block chain technology is used to process peer-to-peer electronic payments utilising decentralised virtual currencies known as cryptocurrencies. Although they are not yet regulated, cryptocurrencies are prevalent in South Africa and pose a risk of being used for money laundering and other illicit activities. The regulation of cryptocurrencies in South Africa to prevent money laundering is what is being examined by this research project. The objectives were to understand the concept of money laundering, cryptocurrency and the inherent risks of cryptocurrency in money laundering. An analysis and examination of the difficult concept of cryptocurrency and the risks of money laundering was done. The study demonstrated that cryptocurrencies are decentralised convertible virtual currencies based on cryptographic algorithms. Cryptocurrencies are not monitored by a central body. The research reveals that the use of cryptocurrencies presents risks of money laundering and other illegal activities because of its decentralised, anonymous, peer-to-peer, and unregulated nature. The study focused on the prevention of money laundering using cryptocurrency. International regulatory frameworks of countries such as Canada, United States of America, European Union and Australia were discussed and compared to the South African regulatory developments. It was established that the legal frameworks developed by Canada, the United States of America, the European Union, and Australia aim to mitigate the risk of money laundering associated with the use of cryptocurrencies. Additionally, it was discovered that there is no legislative framework in South Africa to regulate cryptocurrencies, however SARB acknowledged that efforts are being made to develop one. ix It was determined that South Africa urgently needs regulatory interventions in the continued use of cryptocurrencies. The author presented recommendations based on this need, including incorporating cryptocurrencies into the current legal framework by designating them as financial products and adopting a proactive rather than a reactionary approach to the developments of cryptocurrencies. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of School of Criminal and Procedural Law, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

The programmatic enforcement of the affirmative action provisions of the employment equity act, 55 of 1998

  • Authors: Ntshoza, Zoleka Albertina
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Program -- implementation , Affirmative action programs , Discrimination in employment -– Law and legislation —- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60832 , vital:67863
  • Description: This study explores the mechanisms contained in the Employment Equity Act of 1998 (EEA) that are in place to ensure that all employers comply with the EEA. The research introduces the topic and the background of the EEA and further discusses its important provisions. The EEA is an Act which was adopted to enable section 9 and 23 (1) of the Constitution. It is there to ensure equality in the workplace. The purpose of the EEA is to eliminate unfair discrimination in the workplace and promote equity for designated groups. This research discusses the application of the EEA and its interpretation by our courts. It does this by discussing leading cases of the EEA and other relevant fields of the labour law. Amongst other discussions in the research is the case of South African Police Service v Solidarity obo Bernard. In this case, a white female employee referred a matter of unfair discrimination to the court for her non-appointment, even though she was the only one who qualified for the job. The employer had preferred a black female candidate for the position. The court held that the discrimination was fair and relied on the employers Employment Equity Plan to determine whether the discrimination was just and equitable in terms of section 36 of the Constitution. Thereafter, this research considers the role of different bodies or structures that are in place to ensure compliance and implementation of affirmative action policies as outlined in the EEA. At the centre of this research is the role played by the inspectorate, the Commission for Employment Equity, and the Director General of the Department of Employment and Labour. These are the structures of the Department of Employment and Labour that are charged with enforcement of the labour laws and policies. Each structure has its own legislative duties. For example, in terms of the EEA, the inspector must conduct inspections for the employer’s workplace, make recommendations for compliance where it is necessary, and issue fines as a final sanction for non-compliance. On the other hand, the Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) investigating compliance, issuing annual reports, doing compliance reviews, issuing certificates of compliance and non-compliance and awards etc. In addition, the research also explores the enforcement penalties imposed by the EEA. It also incorporates a comparative study between the penalties imposed by South Africa with that of Namibia and Canada. This study will show how Canada’s EEA and South Africa are lenient compared to the Namibian one. In Namibia, non-compliance is not only sanctioned with fines but with other harsh sanctions that have detrimental effects on non-complying employers. Finally, the research makes a summary and findings of the study. Thereafter, it discusses the failures and shortfalls of the EEA. These critiques are made in comparison with other EEA such as Namibia, and further the researcher offers her personal critiques and recommendations to the current system. It then concludes by summarising the findings of the final chapter , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of of Labour Law, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04
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