Challenges faced by healthcare professionals in reporting near miss incidents in a hospital, at the Amathole District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Ntlanganiso, Lindiwe
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Industrial accidents , Accident investigation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27094 , vital:66276
- Description: Background Recording and investigation of NMIs can provide valuable information on monitoring and enhancing patient safety in the healthcare facilities. This in turn, can reduce the likelihood of medico-legal claims. Regardless of attempts to establish efficient incident reporting systems across the entire healthcare industry, underreporting of errors persists worldwide. Therefore, not only do near miss incidents serve as early warning signs of impending potential failure in the healthcare system, but they also provide a chance for patient safety improvement. With that in mind, this study was undertaken to investigate challenges faced by health care professionals in reporting near miss incidents at a hospital in the Amathole District, in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Aim The aim of the study was to develop recommendations for healthcare management and healthcare professionals on how to better manage NMIs, and by identifying the challenges faced by health care professionals and the impact they have on the quality of care at one state-funded district hospital. Setting The study was conducted with healthcare professionals at a district hospital in the Amathole District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Methods This study used a mixed method study design. Purposive and convenience sampling were used for participants’ selection for the study. Quantitative data was collected using the WHO Near-Miss Approach while individual and focus group interviews with healthcare professionals were carried out for collecting qualitative data. The maternity and neonatal intensive care units were identified as the two high-risk areas from which most medical negligence claims are lodged. The number of complications that occurred in each month of the year 2019 was determined by using components of the WHO near miss approach. The researcher adopted this approach to serve as a baseline assessment. Data was analysed using both Nvivo Version 10 and SPSS Version 20. Findings The challenges that healthcare professionals face in reporting near miss incidents at the study site included lack of knowledge about the reporting tool and system, inability to identify a near miss incident and healthcare professional attitudes and practices. The document review revealed that the NMIs are existent but not reported on the prescribed reporting system, a total of 210 actual incidents had occurred in the maternity and neonatal units of the hospital, which accounts for 62% of the 357 deliveries in the year 2019. Conclusion Based on the study result and findings, the healthcare system should shift towards a proactive rather than a reactive approach to medical and clinical errors. Continuously reducing the incidence of all patient safety incidents requires improved prevention strategies and effective strategies for recovery from possible medico-legal claims. The study further suggests that additional focus should be placed on NMI reporting and investigation so that operative improvement plans can be developed, implemented, monitored and evaluated. In essence, these improvement plans should be designed to progress patient care, reduce avoidable PSIs and reduce medico-legal claims. , Thesis (MCur) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntlanganiso, Lindiwe
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Industrial accidents , Accident investigation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27094 , vital:66276
- Description: Background Recording and investigation of NMIs can provide valuable information on monitoring and enhancing patient safety in the healthcare facilities. This in turn, can reduce the likelihood of medico-legal claims. Regardless of attempts to establish efficient incident reporting systems across the entire healthcare industry, underreporting of errors persists worldwide. Therefore, not only do near miss incidents serve as early warning signs of impending potential failure in the healthcare system, but they also provide a chance for patient safety improvement. With that in mind, this study was undertaken to investigate challenges faced by health care professionals in reporting near miss incidents at a hospital in the Amathole District, in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Aim The aim of the study was to develop recommendations for healthcare management and healthcare professionals on how to better manage NMIs, and by identifying the challenges faced by health care professionals and the impact they have on the quality of care at one state-funded district hospital. Setting The study was conducted with healthcare professionals at a district hospital in the Amathole District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Methods This study used a mixed method study design. Purposive and convenience sampling were used for participants’ selection for the study. Quantitative data was collected using the WHO Near-Miss Approach while individual and focus group interviews with healthcare professionals were carried out for collecting qualitative data. The maternity and neonatal intensive care units were identified as the two high-risk areas from which most medical negligence claims are lodged. The number of complications that occurred in each month of the year 2019 was determined by using components of the WHO near miss approach. The researcher adopted this approach to serve as a baseline assessment. Data was analysed using both Nvivo Version 10 and SPSS Version 20. Findings The challenges that healthcare professionals face in reporting near miss incidents at the study site included lack of knowledge about the reporting tool and system, inability to identify a near miss incident and healthcare professional attitudes and practices. The document review revealed that the NMIs are existent but not reported on the prescribed reporting system, a total of 210 actual incidents had occurred in the maternity and neonatal units of the hospital, which accounts for 62% of the 357 deliveries in the year 2019. Conclusion Based on the study result and findings, the healthcare system should shift towards a proactive rather than a reactive approach to medical and clinical errors. Continuously reducing the incidence of all patient safety incidents requires improved prevention strategies and effective strategies for recovery from possible medico-legal claims. The study further suggests that additional focus should be placed on NMI reporting and investigation so that operative improvement plans can be developed, implemented, monitored and evaluated. In essence, these improvement plans should be designed to progress patient care, reduce avoidable PSIs and reduce medico-legal claims. , Thesis (MCur) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
Effectiveness of monetary policy transmission mechanism: the case of selected SADC countries
- Tengwa, Anakho https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0700-8668
- Authors: Tengwa, Anakho https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0700-8668
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Africa, Southern , Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy) -- Africa, Southern , Economic development -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26863 , vital:66037
- Description: Monetary policy plays a significant role in countries economic development. The variability in inflation in the SADC region provides room to question the Effectiveness of the transmission of monetary policy as these countries experience inflation in different ways. The study analyses the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission mechanism on the selected 5 SADC countries, South Africa, Botswana, Mauritius, Tanzania, and Zambia. The selection of the countries was mainly based on data availability. To answer the study hypothesis, the study used secondary data from different data sources, employing the Vector Autoregression Regression. The different channels analysed include the exchange rate, interest rates as well as credit channel to measure monetary policy tools. The main variables are, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Consumer Price Index (CPI)cpi and money supply. Panel unit root was tested to test the stationarity of the variables and the appropriate lag length was determined. Panel VAR model was estimated where the focus was mainly on variance decomposition and impulse response. Then lastly the stability of the model was tested using diagnostic test. The results revealed that interest rates channel and exchange rate channel have a more significant effect in explaining the transmission of macroeconomic shock to the rest of the economy through gpd and cpi. While the credit channel mostly transmits to the rest of the economy through money supply and cpi, its effects from GDP are rather insignificant. It is also noted that interest rates serve as the dominant channel in transmitting monetary policy shocks to the rest of the economy. When central banks decrease prime lending rates for commercial banks, this is passed to consumers making it less expensive to borrow. In the long run, attracts foreign investors which harms the domestic currency. The author has noted that future research could focus on how asset price channel affects the economy. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tengwa, Anakho https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0700-8668
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Africa, Southern , Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy) -- Africa, Southern , Economic development -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26863 , vital:66037
- Description: Monetary policy plays a significant role in countries economic development. The variability in inflation in the SADC region provides room to question the Effectiveness of the transmission of monetary policy as these countries experience inflation in different ways. The study analyses the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission mechanism on the selected 5 SADC countries, South Africa, Botswana, Mauritius, Tanzania, and Zambia. The selection of the countries was mainly based on data availability. To answer the study hypothesis, the study used secondary data from different data sources, employing the Vector Autoregression Regression. The different channels analysed include the exchange rate, interest rates as well as credit channel to measure monetary policy tools. The main variables are, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Consumer Price Index (CPI)cpi and money supply. Panel unit root was tested to test the stationarity of the variables and the appropriate lag length was determined. Panel VAR model was estimated where the focus was mainly on variance decomposition and impulse response. Then lastly the stability of the model was tested using diagnostic test. The results revealed that interest rates channel and exchange rate channel have a more significant effect in explaining the transmission of macroeconomic shock to the rest of the economy through gpd and cpi. While the credit channel mostly transmits to the rest of the economy through money supply and cpi, its effects from GDP are rather insignificant. It is also noted that interest rates serve as the dominant channel in transmitting monetary policy shocks to the rest of the economy. When central banks decrease prime lending rates for commercial banks, this is passed to consumers making it less expensive to borrow. In the long run, attracts foreign investors which harms the domestic currency. The author has noted that future research could focus on how asset price channel affects the economy. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
Grain size analysis, coastal hydrodynamics and erosion protection: a case study from Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
- Authors: Pezisa, Ayabulela Raymond
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Grain -- Analysis , Hydrodynamics , Shore protection
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27698 , vital:69394
- Description: The modern beach sands and Cretaceous Knysna Formation distributed along the coast of Plettenberg Bay and Knysna coast in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, have been examined and studied in the field outcrops and laborataries via grain-size analysis, XRD, SEM, EDX and microcope petrography analyses. This study looked into the coastal hydrodynamics and environment protection. The project aims to investigate the sediment distribution, grain-size variation, sedimentary structures, coast erosion and mitigation in the Plettenberg and Knysna coast to address environmental issues in the south coast of South Africa. The research will provide new insight onto coastal sedimentation, hydrodynamic condition, coastline erosion and the safety of the coastal environment and human property. The study will promote government attention on the sea level change, which caused flooding and environmental disaster along the south coastal area of South Africa. The rock sequence in the inland side of the study areas belongs to Cretaceous Knysna Formation, which comprises seven upward fining sequences. The stratigraphic sequence is underlain by the Table Mountain quartzite of the Cape Supergroup, and is overlain by Tertiary sediments and modern coastal dune sands. The Knysna Formation at the research area consists of massive conglomerate, sandstone and minor mudstone of mainly fluvial dominated sediments. The grain size analysis reveals that the modern fluvial channels at Plettenberg Bay and Knysna areas are of dominant coarse sands with minor silt and mud, which defines the sediments were deposited by moderate to high energy currents. Whilst the beach zones in Plettenberg Bay are predominated by fine to medium-grained marine sands. Grain-size analyses of beach sands show well-sorted, fine to coarse skewed in grain size distribution, indicating a relative lower to medium uniform energy condition during transportation and deposition. The bivariate plots of grain-size distribution demonstrate of the shallow agitated marine environment with the influence of tide and aeolian processes. Hydrodynamic condition in the beach area was more persistant and less variation compared to the river environment. The mineralogy and petrology studies revealed that in Plettenberg Bay and Knysna sediments are predominantly consisted of minerals quartz, feldspar, calcite, muscovite, aragonite, clay minerals, and salts (halite). Skeletal carbonate minerals (shell and coral fragments) are more than chemical precipitated carbonate minerals. The microtextures detected on the surface of the fluvial and marine sand grais involve V-shaped pits, upturn pits, dissolution pits and secondary mineral precipitation that were created by chemical and mechanical processes formed via sea-water dissolution, corrosion, and transport crashing. Whereas the boring holes and burrows created by activity of microorganisms boing into the surface of the grains. These microtextures of the river and beach sands exhibit a shallow marine and fluvial environments with medium to high energy conditions and active organic activities. Several sedimentary structures were detected in the coastal environments, including various types of ripple marks and dunes, burst bubble-hole, swash line, rill marks, rhomboid marks, burrows, boring and bioturbation, planar lamination and gravel pavement. In addition, sedimentary structures were also identified in the Cretaceous Knysna Formation such as air/water escape hole, convolute bedding, lenticular bedding, tabular cross-bedding and load cast. The sedimetnary structures closely linked with hydrodynamic conditions and therefore can be used as indicators for depositional environments. Flooding and erosion had become a coastal disaster that results in sediment redistribution throughout the coastal system and therefore caused landscape reform like coastal cliffs and sharpened dunes in erosive areas. Particularly, coastal hazards become more and more serious in recent years due to climate and sea leavel changes. Thus, to recognise coastal erosion and disaster and make a management strategy is of significant importance to compete against coastline retreat and to protect infrastructure and human safety in the coast area. The author had proposed a number of mitigation methods for environmental protection and for combating coastal erosion, including breakwaters, groins, jetties, vertical walls, rock armour, vegetation, boundary hardening, and revetment etc, which are the effective ways for protection of coast retreat, property damage and human safety. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Pezisa, Ayabulela Raymond
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Grain -- Analysis , Hydrodynamics , Shore protection
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27698 , vital:69394
- Description: The modern beach sands and Cretaceous Knysna Formation distributed along the coast of Plettenberg Bay and Knysna coast in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, have been examined and studied in the field outcrops and laborataries via grain-size analysis, XRD, SEM, EDX and microcope petrography analyses. This study looked into the coastal hydrodynamics and environment protection. The project aims to investigate the sediment distribution, grain-size variation, sedimentary structures, coast erosion and mitigation in the Plettenberg and Knysna coast to address environmental issues in the south coast of South Africa. The research will provide new insight onto coastal sedimentation, hydrodynamic condition, coastline erosion and the safety of the coastal environment and human property. The study will promote government attention on the sea level change, which caused flooding and environmental disaster along the south coastal area of South Africa. The rock sequence in the inland side of the study areas belongs to Cretaceous Knysna Formation, which comprises seven upward fining sequences. The stratigraphic sequence is underlain by the Table Mountain quartzite of the Cape Supergroup, and is overlain by Tertiary sediments and modern coastal dune sands. The Knysna Formation at the research area consists of massive conglomerate, sandstone and minor mudstone of mainly fluvial dominated sediments. The grain size analysis reveals that the modern fluvial channels at Plettenberg Bay and Knysna areas are of dominant coarse sands with minor silt and mud, which defines the sediments were deposited by moderate to high energy currents. Whilst the beach zones in Plettenberg Bay are predominated by fine to medium-grained marine sands. Grain-size analyses of beach sands show well-sorted, fine to coarse skewed in grain size distribution, indicating a relative lower to medium uniform energy condition during transportation and deposition. The bivariate plots of grain-size distribution demonstrate of the shallow agitated marine environment with the influence of tide and aeolian processes. Hydrodynamic condition in the beach area was more persistant and less variation compared to the river environment. The mineralogy and petrology studies revealed that in Plettenberg Bay and Knysna sediments are predominantly consisted of minerals quartz, feldspar, calcite, muscovite, aragonite, clay minerals, and salts (halite). Skeletal carbonate minerals (shell and coral fragments) are more than chemical precipitated carbonate minerals. The microtextures detected on the surface of the fluvial and marine sand grais involve V-shaped pits, upturn pits, dissolution pits and secondary mineral precipitation that were created by chemical and mechanical processes formed via sea-water dissolution, corrosion, and transport crashing. Whereas the boring holes and burrows created by activity of microorganisms boing into the surface of the grains. These microtextures of the river and beach sands exhibit a shallow marine and fluvial environments with medium to high energy conditions and active organic activities. Several sedimentary structures were detected in the coastal environments, including various types of ripple marks and dunes, burst bubble-hole, swash line, rill marks, rhomboid marks, burrows, boring and bioturbation, planar lamination and gravel pavement. In addition, sedimentary structures were also identified in the Cretaceous Knysna Formation such as air/water escape hole, convolute bedding, lenticular bedding, tabular cross-bedding and load cast. The sedimetnary structures closely linked with hydrodynamic conditions and therefore can be used as indicators for depositional environments. Flooding and erosion had become a coastal disaster that results in sediment redistribution throughout the coastal system and therefore caused landscape reform like coastal cliffs and sharpened dunes in erosive areas. Particularly, coastal hazards become more and more serious in recent years due to climate and sea leavel changes. Thus, to recognise coastal erosion and disaster and make a management strategy is of significant importance to compete against coastline retreat and to protect infrastructure and human safety in the coast area. The author had proposed a number of mitigation methods for environmental protection and for combating coastal erosion, including breakwaters, groins, jetties, vertical walls, rock armour, vegetation, boundary hardening, and revetment etc, which are the effective ways for protection of coast retreat, property damage and human safety. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
Knowledge, attitude and perceptions of pre-hospital emergency care providers concerning pre-hospital clinical practice guidelines in the Mangaung Metropolitan area, Free State, South Africa
- Ramoshaba, Mapule Petronella
- Authors: Ramoshaba, Mapule Petronella
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Emergency medical services
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27220 , vital:66471
- Description: Background and Introduction. Pre-hospital emergency care provided in a timeous and efficient manner is a pivotal component in improved patient prognosis, after a life altering situation has occurred. This management of patients is rendered prior to arrival at a medical facility. This service is provided by pre-hospital emergency care providers who apply life saving techniques and knowledge within their scopes of practice and then transporting patients to appropriate medical facilities for definitive care. Pre-hospital emergency care providers of all levels of care, namely: Basic life support, Intermediate life support and Advanced life support render emergency care services to patients with a main goal of seeing patients return back to normal life living. For this to be achieved, the providers must be empowered with the best knowledge, appropriate skills and adequate equipment at their disposal. Clinical practice guidelines are recommendations that are based on evidence in order to support beneficial clinical practices. These were introduced in the pre-hospital setting in South Africa in 2018 to review the scopes of practice of all levels of care, and make appropriate changes and additions for the betterment of the patient and the upskilling of pre-hospital emergency care providers. Since the providers are the end users of these guidelines, and are expected to apply them on patients, they are the best candidates to provide clarity on their perceptions, experiences and challenges which leads to the research questions being: What are the perceptions of the Pre-hospital Emergency Care Providers on the Pre-hospital Clinical Practice in the Guidelines? And What are the challenges experienced by the Pre-hospital Emergency Care Providers with regards to the implementation of the Pre-hospital Clinical Practice Guidelines in the application of Pre-hospital emergency medicine? The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of the Pre-hospital Emergency Care Providers using the implemented Pre-hospital Clinical Practice Guidelines. Methods The study adopted a qualitative research approach with a purposive sampling method used to select the participants. This type of non-probability technique was suitable in the study as it is based on the researcher’s judgement of the participants being knowledgeable on the questions asked. An interview guide was utilised to collect data through semi-structured one on one interviews during which participants perceptions on the Clinical practice guidelines were shared. The data analysis process brought forth themes and sub themes that were aligned to the research findings which yielded the results. Results/findings The results encompassed the participants’ perceptions about pre-hospital clinical Practice Guidelines, as well as their knowledge, attitude, challenges, suggestions and recommendations. These results unearthed some of the reasons for the pre-hospital emergency care providers perceptions towards the guidelines. The majority of PECPS have a positive attitude towards the pre-hospital clinical practice guidelines, but have challenges with the availability of equipment and drugs which is caused by the lack of due diligence in complying with the implementation of the guidelines. Conclusion The recommendations and suggestions from the participants and researcher come with divisive strategies to the implementation of the guidelines and activities to be applied for the smooth implementation of the pre-hospital clinical practice guidelines. The basis for these recommendations and suggestions were the results as per the research findings. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ramoshaba, Mapule Petronella
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Emergency medical services
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27220 , vital:66471
- Description: Background and Introduction. Pre-hospital emergency care provided in a timeous and efficient manner is a pivotal component in improved patient prognosis, after a life altering situation has occurred. This management of patients is rendered prior to arrival at a medical facility. This service is provided by pre-hospital emergency care providers who apply life saving techniques and knowledge within their scopes of practice and then transporting patients to appropriate medical facilities for definitive care. Pre-hospital emergency care providers of all levels of care, namely: Basic life support, Intermediate life support and Advanced life support render emergency care services to patients with a main goal of seeing patients return back to normal life living. For this to be achieved, the providers must be empowered with the best knowledge, appropriate skills and adequate equipment at their disposal. Clinical practice guidelines are recommendations that are based on evidence in order to support beneficial clinical practices. These were introduced in the pre-hospital setting in South Africa in 2018 to review the scopes of practice of all levels of care, and make appropriate changes and additions for the betterment of the patient and the upskilling of pre-hospital emergency care providers. Since the providers are the end users of these guidelines, and are expected to apply them on patients, they are the best candidates to provide clarity on their perceptions, experiences and challenges which leads to the research questions being: What are the perceptions of the Pre-hospital Emergency Care Providers on the Pre-hospital Clinical Practice in the Guidelines? And What are the challenges experienced by the Pre-hospital Emergency Care Providers with regards to the implementation of the Pre-hospital Clinical Practice Guidelines in the application of Pre-hospital emergency medicine? The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of the Pre-hospital Emergency Care Providers using the implemented Pre-hospital Clinical Practice Guidelines. Methods The study adopted a qualitative research approach with a purposive sampling method used to select the participants. This type of non-probability technique was suitable in the study as it is based on the researcher’s judgement of the participants being knowledgeable on the questions asked. An interview guide was utilised to collect data through semi-structured one on one interviews during which participants perceptions on the Clinical practice guidelines were shared. The data analysis process brought forth themes and sub themes that were aligned to the research findings which yielded the results. Results/findings The results encompassed the participants’ perceptions about pre-hospital clinical Practice Guidelines, as well as their knowledge, attitude, challenges, suggestions and recommendations. These results unearthed some of the reasons for the pre-hospital emergency care providers perceptions towards the guidelines. The majority of PECPS have a positive attitude towards the pre-hospital clinical practice guidelines, but have challenges with the availability of equipment and drugs which is caused by the lack of due diligence in complying with the implementation of the guidelines. Conclusion The recommendations and suggestions from the participants and researcher come with divisive strategies to the implementation of the guidelines and activities to be applied for the smooth implementation of the pre-hospital clinical practice guidelines. The basis for these recommendations and suggestions were the results as per the research findings. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
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A critical assessment of the inter-governmental relations clusters system in the south African local government context: the case of Raymond Mhlaba Municipality by infrastructure
- Authors: Mkosana, Luvo
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa , Public administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26841 , vital:66035
- Description: This research is focused on the premise that intergovernmental relations cluster system can be a precondition for improving the state of infrastructure in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. It follows, logically, that engaging stakeholders in all the three spheres of government and allowing them to fully participate in IGR processes has the potential to play a central role in improving infrastructure sector. Without effective and efficient implementation of IGR in the South African public sector, the transformation of the infrastructure sector will continue to menace many local government departments. Given the critics levelled against the processes involved in IGR, the qualitative and method was used as an investigative method to gain a deeper understanding of IGR cluster systems and its general contribution on infrastructural development. The findings showed a general consensus on the importance of the concept of IGR and its potential in ensuring that stakeholders come up with efficient ways to improve the infrastructure sector. Evidence also showed that the main components of infrastructure such as electricity, housing, water and sanitation and roads are still facing challenges and there are backlogs despite the efforts by all the three spheres of government to ensure that the collaborate in improving the sector. This knowledge allows the adoption of a bottom-up approach to IGR cluster system in the South African local government sector. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mkosana, Luvo
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa , Public administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26841 , vital:66035
- Description: This research is focused on the premise that intergovernmental relations cluster system can be a precondition for improving the state of infrastructure in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. It follows, logically, that engaging stakeholders in all the three spheres of government and allowing them to fully participate in IGR processes has the potential to play a central role in improving infrastructure sector. Without effective and efficient implementation of IGR in the South African public sector, the transformation of the infrastructure sector will continue to menace many local government departments. Given the critics levelled against the processes involved in IGR, the qualitative and method was used as an investigative method to gain a deeper understanding of IGR cluster systems and its general contribution on infrastructural development. The findings showed a general consensus on the importance of the concept of IGR and its potential in ensuring that stakeholders come up with efficient ways to improve the infrastructure sector. Evidence also showed that the main components of infrastructure such as electricity, housing, water and sanitation and roads are still facing challenges and there are backlogs despite the efforts by all the three spheres of government to ensure that the collaborate in improving the sector. This knowledge allows the adoption of a bottom-up approach to IGR cluster system in the South African local government sector. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
Barriers to utilisation of antenatal care services in Bloemfontein, sub-district of Mangaung Metro, Free State, South Africa
- Montshiwa, Kgalalelo Christine
- Authors: Montshiwa, Kgalalelo Christine
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Prenatal care
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26995 , vital:66212
- Description: Background: Maternal and child mortality remain a global health problem, regardless of preventative measures put in place. Antenatal care is crucial to decrease maternal and child morbidity and mortality. However, in Bloemfontein, the sub-district of Mangaung Metro in the Free State, it has been identified that women utilise this kind of service sub-optimally. The study aimed to explore and describe barriers to the utilisation of antenatal care by pregnant women in the Bloemfontein sub-district of Mangaung Metro. Methodology: This study was qualitative and used an explorative, descriptive design. Qualitative data was collected by using focus group discussions and key informants’ interviews. Three focus group discussions with twenty-five pregnant and lactating mothers, aged between 18 and 49 years, were conducted. Participants took part in one focus group discussion at each healthcare facility. Four key informant interviews were conducted with four facility managers and one professional midwife who conducted ANC at the clinic at the time of the study in the three healthcare facilities. A thematic analysis process was used to analyse the collected qualitative data under each identified barrier. The STATA version 15 was used in the analysis of the demographic characteristics of the participants. Results: Most of the participants indicated that they are aware of the importance of attending ANC appointments however, they have voiced that the delayed waiting times and staff attitudes contribute to how they feel about visiting a clinic early. Some of the participants mentioned that they have cultural barriers as they still believe that a traditional pregnant woman should not reveal her pregnancy in the early days but must rather wait until her stomach has grown significantly for her to visit the clinic. Two participants indicated that they had unplanned pregnancies and wanted to do an abortion, but their religious beliefs prevented them to choose to terminate their pregnancies. Economically, not all participants complained about their financial situation though the majority were unemployed and single. Participants from the Bloemspruit facility complained of transport as they stay far from the clinic and they are sometimes forced to walk alone which makes it difficult to attend all their booked sessions with their midwives. The results of the study revealed that there are several factors contributing to late antenatal care attendance namely provider and personal factors contributing to late antenatal care attendance in the Bloemfontein sub-district of Mangaung Metro. Personal factors that were found to be contributing to late antenatal care booking were lack of transport, especially for Bloemspruit participants, unwanted pregnancy, lack of financial support, lack of partner support, cultural and religious beliefs, and lack of knowledge. Provider factors that were found to be contributing to late booking were lack of resources like tools of the trade, long waiting times, poor infrastructure, human resources, and midwives’ attitudes. Recommendations. To deploy qualified midwives to conduct antenatal care clinics, to extend the service over the weekends as participants mentioned that they struggle to get time off from work during the week. Health promotion and community awareness campaigns on the importance of antenatal care may increase the utilisation of antenatal care services. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Authors: Montshiwa, Kgalalelo Christine
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Prenatal care
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26995 , vital:66212
- Description: Background: Maternal and child mortality remain a global health problem, regardless of preventative measures put in place. Antenatal care is crucial to decrease maternal and child morbidity and mortality. However, in Bloemfontein, the sub-district of Mangaung Metro in the Free State, it has been identified that women utilise this kind of service sub-optimally. The study aimed to explore and describe barriers to the utilisation of antenatal care by pregnant women in the Bloemfontein sub-district of Mangaung Metro. Methodology: This study was qualitative and used an explorative, descriptive design. Qualitative data was collected by using focus group discussions and key informants’ interviews. Three focus group discussions with twenty-five pregnant and lactating mothers, aged between 18 and 49 years, were conducted. Participants took part in one focus group discussion at each healthcare facility. Four key informant interviews were conducted with four facility managers and one professional midwife who conducted ANC at the clinic at the time of the study in the three healthcare facilities. A thematic analysis process was used to analyse the collected qualitative data under each identified barrier. The STATA version 15 was used in the analysis of the demographic characteristics of the participants. Results: Most of the participants indicated that they are aware of the importance of attending ANC appointments however, they have voiced that the delayed waiting times and staff attitudes contribute to how they feel about visiting a clinic early. Some of the participants mentioned that they have cultural barriers as they still believe that a traditional pregnant woman should not reveal her pregnancy in the early days but must rather wait until her stomach has grown significantly for her to visit the clinic. Two participants indicated that they had unplanned pregnancies and wanted to do an abortion, but their religious beliefs prevented them to choose to terminate their pregnancies. Economically, not all participants complained about their financial situation though the majority were unemployed and single. Participants from the Bloemspruit facility complained of transport as they stay far from the clinic and they are sometimes forced to walk alone which makes it difficult to attend all their booked sessions with their midwives. The results of the study revealed that there are several factors contributing to late antenatal care attendance namely provider and personal factors contributing to late antenatal care attendance in the Bloemfontein sub-district of Mangaung Metro. Personal factors that were found to be contributing to late antenatal care booking were lack of transport, especially for Bloemspruit participants, unwanted pregnancy, lack of financial support, lack of partner support, cultural and religious beliefs, and lack of knowledge. Provider factors that were found to be contributing to late booking were lack of resources like tools of the trade, long waiting times, poor infrastructure, human resources, and midwives’ attitudes. Recommendations. To deploy qualified midwives to conduct antenatal care clinics, to extend the service over the weekends as participants mentioned that they struggle to get time off from work during the week. Health promotion and community awareness campaigns on the importance of antenatal care may increase the utilisation of antenatal care services. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2023
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Estimating estuarine suspended sediment concentration through spectral indices and band ratios derived from Sentinel-2 data: a case of Umzimvubu Estuary, South Africa
- Authors: Tshazi, Zamavuso
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Sediments (Geology) , Suspended sediments , Remote sensing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27743 , vital:69406
- Description: The current study was aimed at evaluating the reliability and efficacy of selected remote sensing band ratios and indices in accurately estimating the spatial patterns of suspended sediment concentration level in Umzimvubu Estuary, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Sentinel-2 imagery was acquired on the 29th of March 2022. Band reflectance values were extracted from Sentinel -2 imagery, and laboratory measurements of suspended sediment concentration were obtained from samples collected from fifty (50) sampling points in the estuary on the 29th of March 2022. Sentinel-2 imagery was then validated with the field data in estimating and mapping the suspended sediment concentration. Several remote sensing band ratios Red/(Green plus Near-Infrared), Near-Infrared/Green, Red plus Near-Infrared/Green, Blue(Green plus Red)/Blue and Green plus Near-Infrared)/Blue and indices, that is the Normalised Difference Turbidity Index (NDTI), Normalized Difference Suspended Sediment Index (NDSSI) and Normalized Suspended Material Index (NSMI)) were then used to predict the suspended sediment concentration from Sentinel-2 imagery. The accuracy of band ratios and indices was evaluated by correlating the prediction against the observed suspended sediment concentration from Sentinel-2 imagery. A total of 50 points were randomly surveyed in the Umzimvubu estuary for analyzing suspended sediment concentration. Results indicate that the Blue (Green plus Red)/Blue, the Green plus Near-Infrared)/Blue and NMSI performed well based on their R-squared. The Blue (Green plus Red)/Blue and Green + Near-Infrared)/Blue band ratios had 0.86 and 0, 94, respectively. While NSMI yielded an R-squared of 0,76 and RMSE of 19,2 mg/L. The results in the current study indicate that Sentinel-2 imagery can reliably estimate the concentration of suspended sediment level in the Umzimvubu Estuary using band ratios and indices. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tshazi, Zamavuso
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Sediments (Geology) , Suspended sediments , Remote sensing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27743 , vital:69406
- Description: The current study was aimed at evaluating the reliability and efficacy of selected remote sensing band ratios and indices in accurately estimating the spatial patterns of suspended sediment concentration level in Umzimvubu Estuary, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Sentinel-2 imagery was acquired on the 29th of March 2022. Band reflectance values were extracted from Sentinel -2 imagery, and laboratory measurements of suspended sediment concentration were obtained from samples collected from fifty (50) sampling points in the estuary on the 29th of March 2022. Sentinel-2 imagery was then validated with the field data in estimating and mapping the suspended sediment concentration. Several remote sensing band ratios Red/(Green plus Near-Infrared), Near-Infrared/Green, Red plus Near-Infrared/Green, Blue(Green plus Red)/Blue and Green plus Near-Infrared)/Blue and indices, that is the Normalised Difference Turbidity Index (NDTI), Normalized Difference Suspended Sediment Index (NDSSI) and Normalized Suspended Material Index (NSMI)) were then used to predict the suspended sediment concentration from Sentinel-2 imagery. The accuracy of band ratios and indices was evaluated by correlating the prediction against the observed suspended sediment concentration from Sentinel-2 imagery. A total of 50 points were randomly surveyed in the Umzimvubu estuary for analyzing suspended sediment concentration. Results indicate that the Blue (Green plus Red)/Blue, the Green plus Near-Infrared)/Blue and NMSI performed well based on their R-squared. The Blue (Green plus Red)/Blue and Green + Near-Infrared)/Blue band ratios had 0.86 and 0, 94, respectively. While NSMI yielded an R-squared of 0,76 and RMSE of 19,2 mg/L. The results in the current study indicate that Sentinel-2 imagery can reliably estimate the concentration of suspended sediment level in the Umzimvubu Estuary using band ratios and indices. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
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Examining the nature of entrepreneurship within the towns and rural areas of Sakhisizwe Local Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Maliwa, Noluvuyo
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Developing countries--Economic conditions , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27555 , vital:69315
- Description: Entrepreneurship plays an important role in societies around the world because it supports economic growth and creates job opportunities. This study investigated the nature of entrepreneurship in three distinct parts of Sakhisizwe Local Municipality, including a town within Sakhisizwe’s former homeland area, rural communities within its former homeland area, and a town within an area characterised by large-scale commercial farms. The study sought to establish the share of adults in the different parts of the municipality involved in entrepreneurship, to identify factors that contribute to the decision to become an entrepreneur, and to examine strategies pursued by, and challenges experienced, different types of entrepreneurs. The study involved a random sample of 362 respondents and both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Among the main findings is that the proportion of adults involved in enterprise in Sakhisizwe is higher than found by other studies for South Africa as a whole, but is especially high for those living in the town in the former homeland area. While those residing in rural communities also engage in enterprise, they are generally compelled to practice their enterprises in town, thus have the disadvantage of needing frequent transport. While residing in the town in the commercial farming area is not disadvantageous in the same way, the challenge is that the town itself is able to support relatively few entrepreneurs due to fewer people coming to town for their shopping. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agricultures, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Maliwa, Noluvuyo
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Developing countries--Economic conditions , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27555 , vital:69315
- Description: Entrepreneurship plays an important role in societies around the world because it supports economic growth and creates job opportunities. This study investigated the nature of entrepreneurship in three distinct parts of Sakhisizwe Local Municipality, including a town within Sakhisizwe’s former homeland area, rural communities within its former homeland area, and a town within an area characterised by large-scale commercial farms. The study sought to establish the share of adults in the different parts of the municipality involved in entrepreneurship, to identify factors that contribute to the decision to become an entrepreneur, and to examine strategies pursued by, and challenges experienced, different types of entrepreneurs. The study involved a random sample of 362 respondents and both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Among the main findings is that the proportion of adults involved in enterprise in Sakhisizwe is higher than found by other studies for South Africa as a whole, but is especially high for those living in the town in the former homeland area. While those residing in rural communities also engage in enterprise, they are generally compelled to practice their enterprises in town, thus have the disadvantage of needing frequent transport. While residing in the town in the commercial farming area is not disadvantageous in the same way, the challenge is that the town itself is able to support relatively few entrepreneurs due to fewer people coming to town for their shopping. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agricultures, 2022
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Implementing mathematics intervention strategies to enhance understanding of number sense: an informative framework for the Ekurhuleni North District, Gauteng province, South Africa
- Authors: Hove, Netsai
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Number concept , Mathematics -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26085 , vital:64835
- Description: This study was prompted by the observation that learners’ performance in mathematics is low in South Africa. Several factors such as teachers’ qualifications, demotivated learners, and limited school resources have been raised and considered. Although number sense forms the foundation blocks for mathematics understanding, limited academic work has been done to explore implementable mathematics instructional interventions for the enhancement of understanding number sense. The purpose of this study was to contribute an implementable mathematics intervention framework for understanding number sense. Since the study focused on exploring intervention activities, it was guided by the pragmatism research philosophy. Data were captured from purposive samples of teachers and stratified samples of 1050 learners from schools in the Ekurhuleni North district in South Africa. The research design comprises the following sequence: survey, pre-test, intervention, post-test, and evaluation by teachers’ focus group discussion. These activities were carried out parallel to document analysis, which provided bench marks. The main data-capturing instruments were the questionnaires, learners’ test, interview, and document analysis guides. Factors analysis to establish associations, differences, and regression was carried out using SPSS and Excel. The study found that: almost all teachers implemented some form of mathematics interventions. Continuous assessment was the main intervention, followed by problem-solving, and the use of games (which was least preferred). Teachers shunned games because they require more time and management skills. Challenges that teachers experienced when implementing mathematics interventions include their limited knowledge and the lack of resources and support from education authorities who expect and emphasise high pass rates in mathematics. The teachers’ focus group discussions evaluated the intervention and proposed the following sequence for instructional intervention on number sense: Stage 1: parroting of number names, for example, six, two, nine and seven Stage 2: symbolic identification, for example, the symbol 6, 2, 9 and 7 Stage 3: association where a learner group six stones, shows two fingers, etc. Stage 4: seriating or ordering done through oral counting and use of inequality symbols: () to compare and estimate values in problems Stage 5: the four operations for addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (x) and division (÷) emphasizing estimation and application. The study recommends the adoption, modification and implementation of mathematics intervention framework to enhance number sense. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hove, Netsai
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Number concept , Mathematics -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26085 , vital:64835
- Description: This study was prompted by the observation that learners’ performance in mathematics is low in South Africa. Several factors such as teachers’ qualifications, demotivated learners, and limited school resources have been raised and considered. Although number sense forms the foundation blocks for mathematics understanding, limited academic work has been done to explore implementable mathematics instructional interventions for the enhancement of understanding number sense. The purpose of this study was to contribute an implementable mathematics intervention framework for understanding number sense. Since the study focused on exploring intervention activities, it was guided by the pragmatism research philosophy. Data were captured from purposive samples of teachers and stratified samples of 1050 learners from schools in the Ekurhuleni North district in South Africa. The research design comprises the following sequence: survey, pre-test, intervention, post-test, and evaluation by teachers’ focus group discussion. These activities were carried out parallel to document analysis, which provided bench marks. The main data-capturing instruments were the questionnaires, learners’ test, interview, and document analysis guides. Factors analysis to establish associations, differences, and regression was carried out using SPSS and Excel. The study found that: almost all teachers implemented some form of mathematics interventions. Continuous assessment was the main intervention, followed by problem-solving, and the use of games (which was least preferred). Teachers shunned games because they require more time and management skills. Challenges that teachers experienced when implementing mathematics interventions include their limited knowledge and the lack of resources and support from education authorities who expect and emphasise high pass rates in mathematics. The teachers’ focus group discussions evaluated the intervention and proposed the following sequence for instructional intervention on number sense: Stage 1: parroting of number names, for example, six, two, nine and seven Stage 2: symbolic identification, for example, the symbol 6, 2, 9 and 7 Stage 3: association where a learner group six stones, shows two fingers, etc. Stage 4: seriating or ordering done through oral counting and use of inequality symbols: () to compare and estimate values in problems Stage 5: the four operations for addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (x) and division (÷) emphasizing estimation and application. The study recommends the adoption, modification and implementation of mathematics intervention framework to enhance number sense. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
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Insights into the drivers and impact of climate change and climate change adaptation in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: the case of Amathole District Municipality
- Authors: Gwala, Lindokuhle
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Climatic factors , Global environmental change
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27832 , vital:69945
- Description: Climate change is a threat to communal livestock production, causing increases in the rate and intensity of droughts, floods, pests and diseases, and thus subjecting communal livestock production to vulnerability. Communal farmers rely on rain-fed agriculture and are usually too poorly resourced to cope with the frequency of climate-related events that may be expected in the future. Response and adaptation is vital to ensure the sustainability of livestock production, particularly since it is the main source of survival in communal areas. The Eastern Cape Provincial Policy on Climate Change was introduced in 2010 to facilitate a coordinated approach that assists farmers to respond, adapt and mitigate climate change. The study examines the implementation of the policy to identify farmers’ perceptions of the response rate prior to, during and after climate change disasters. In addition, the study establishes the characteristics of livestock production in the study area, seeking to ascertain how communal livestock farmers CLFs are adapting their practices to ensure sustainable livestock production in the face of climate change. In order to make informed decisions on coping strategies, farmers require access to information on climate change. The study therefore examines the communication channels used by farmers to access such information. Since food security is under threat, the study also assesses the effects of climate change on food security among the CLFs. Multi stage sampling was used to select 388 communal livestock farmers in three local municipalities in Amathole District Municipality. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in five communities randomly selected in the three local municipalities, with data collected by means of a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, principal component analysis and regression methods were used to analyse the data. The study reveals that communal livestock farmers perceive a poor response rate from extension services before, during and after disasters, and that they have poor access to support materials. All of the respondents practised uncontrolled breeding, attributed to a lack of infrastructure such as fencing. Most farmers kept cattle for income generation. The major constraints of cattle production were diseases and pests. CLFs employed dipping, rotational grazing, water tanks, veld burning and the sale of animals as the main strategies to cope with climate change. CLFs access climate change information through multiple channels. The main sources were other farmers and media such as radio and television, although language barriers hampered full understanding of information conveyed about climate chnage. Farmer-to-farmer contact was a central aspect of the CLFs’ lives that could be better employed in the dissemination of climate change information. The results suggest a positive relationship between diversity of species kept and food security. Assets, the social safety net (mainly grants) and adaptive capacity indicators positively and significantly impacted households’ resilience to food insecurity. The study recommends that the capacity of communal livestock farmers on effective mitigating strategies be improved, making use of mass media; that more work be done by extension services to prepare farmers for adverse events and that relief materials disseminated during periods of disaster be tagged “national emergency” to speed up distribution and use. There is an urgent need for adequate and timely provision of climate change information that will help CLFs to make more effective use of their resources in the face of climate change. Agricultural extension services should address challenges associated with breeding practices, disaster response and adult illiteracy to promote better adaptive capacity and ensure food security among this vulnerable cohort. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gwala, Lindokuhle
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Climatic factors , Global environmental change
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27832 , vital:69945
- Description: Climate change is a threat to communal livestock production, causing increases in the rate and intensity of droughts, floods, pests and diseases, and thus subjecting communal livestock production to vulnerability. Communal farmers rely on rain-fed agriculture and are usually too poorly resourced to cope with the frequency of climate-related events that may be expected in the future. Response and adaptation is vital to ensure the sustainability of livestock production, particularly since it is the main source of survival in communal areas. The Eastern Cape Provincial Policy on Climate Change was introduced in 2010 to facilitate a coordinated approach that assists farmers to respond, adapt and mitigate climate change. The study examines the implementation of the policy to identify farmers’ perceptions of the response rate prior to, during and after climate change disasters. In addition, the study establishes the characteristics of livestock production in the study area, seeking to ascertain how communal livestock farmers CLFs are adapting their practices to ensure sustainable livestock production in the face of climate change. In order to make informed decisions on coping strategies, farmers require access to information on climate change. The study therefore examines the communication channels used by farmers to access such information. Since food security is under threat, the study also assesses the effects of climate change on food security among the CLFs. Multi stage sampling was used to select 388 communal livestock farmers in three local municipalities in Amathole District Municipality. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in five communities randomly selected in the three local municipalities, with data collected by means of a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, principal component analysis and regression methods were used to analyse the data. The study reveals that communal livestock farmers perceive a poor response rate from extension services before, during and after disasters, and that they have poor access to support materials. All of the respondents practised uncontrolled breeding, attributed to a lack of infrastructure such as fencing. Most farmers kept cattle for income generation. The major constraints of cattle production were diseases and pests. CLFs employed dipping, rotational grazing, water tanks, veld burning and the sale of animals as the main strategies to cope with climate change. CLFs access climate change information through multiple channels. The main sources were other farmers and media such as radio and television, although language barriers hampered full understanding of information conveyed about climate chnage. Farmer-to-farmer contact was a central aspect of the CLFs’ lives that could be better employed in the dissemination of climate change information. The results suggest a positive relationship between diversity of species kept and food security. Assets, the social safety net (mainly grants) and adaptive capacity indicators positively and significantly impacted households’ resilience to food insecurity. The study recommends that the capacity of communal livestock farmers on effective mitigating strategies be improved, making use of mass media; that more work be done by extension services to prepare farmers for adverse events and that relief materials disseminated during periods of disaster be tagged “national emergency” to speed up distribution and use. There is an urgent need for adequate and timely provision of climate change information that will help CLFs to make more effective use of their resources in the face of climate change. Agricultural extension services should address challenges associated with breeding practices, disaster response and adult illiteracy to promote better adaptive capacity and ensure food security among this vulnerable cohort. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
Interpreting structural polarization in Zimbabwean electoral politics since 1980
- Authors: Munhuweyi, kenneth Takudzwa
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1980- , Political history , Politics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27105 , vital:66303
- Description: The study presents the structural polarization that characterized Zimbabwe’s postindependence electoral politics from 1980. Existing literature on the same phenomenon of polarization is both fragmented and inconsistent. Nevertheless, this study traced the history of Zimbabwean polarization to the pre-colonial and colonial periods to ascertain the reality of post-independence polarization. The postindependence of Zimbabwe under the Mugabe and Mnangagwa administrations, the ZANU-PF ruling party, was marked by political repression and restriction in electoral politics -a stealth authoritarian practice. In line with earlier studies, this research suggested that Zimbabwe is far from being an institutionalized democracy, given the dearth of electoral democratic qualities, the rule of law- and constitutional subversion. Zimbabwe has had a series of elections under monitoring and evaluation by local and international observers. The electoral observers’ reports and verdicts remain crucial in any given election and require scrutiny to determine their credibility and legitimacy. In 2018, Mnangagwa opened a doorway for international electoral monitoring/observation, previously closed by Mugabe in 2002. While recognizing Mnangagwa’s democratic aspirations, the 2017 post-coup was laced with political repression and 2018 post-election judicial verdict bias. There have been democratic transitioning impediments due to the ZANU-PF party’s centralized state institutions and militarized state capture –typical of a bureaucratic authoritarian regime. With the ZANU-PF party’s competitive authoritarianism in Zimbabwe, the thesis presented the prospects of the Citizens Coalition for Change opposition political parties’ -office seeking coalition building -aiming at maximizing electoral outcomes towards power changing and electoral reforms. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Munhuweyi, kenneth Takudzwa
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1980- , Political history , Politics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27105 , vital:66303
- Description: The study presents the structural polarization that characterized Zimbabwe’s postindependence electoral politics from 1980. Existing literature on the same phenomenon of polarization is both fragmented and inconsistent. Nevertheless, this study traced the history of Zimbabwean polarization to the pre-colonial and colonial periods to ascertain the reality of post-independence polarization. The postindependence of Zimbabwe under the Mugabe and Mnangagwa administrations, the ZANU-PF ruling party, was marked by political repression and restriction in electoral politics -a stealth authoritarian practice. In line with earlier studies, this research suggested that Zimbabwe is far from being an institutionalized democracy, given the dearth of electoral democratic qualities, the rule of law- and constitutional subversion. Zimbabwe has had a series of elections under monitoring and evaluation by local and international observers. The electoral observers’ reports and verdicts remain crucial in any given election and require scrutiny to determine their credibility and legitimacy. In 2018, Mnangagwa opened a doorway for international electoral monitoring/observation, previously closed by Mugabe in 2002. While recognizing Mnangagwa’s democratic aspirations, the 2017 post-coup was laced with political repression and 2018 post-election judicial verdict bias. There have been democratic transitioning impediments due to the ZANU-PF party’s centralized state institutions and militarized state capture –typical of a bureaucratic authoritarian regime. With the ZANU-PF party’s competitive authoritarianism in Zimbabwe, the thesis presented the prospects of the Citizens Coalition for Change opposition political parties’ -office seeking coalition building -aiming at maximizing electoral outcomes towards power changing and electoral reforms. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
Perceptions of stakeholders in schools on the implementation of school sport policy in school sport development in the Amathole-west district, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Xakaxa, M Z
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Sports administration , Sports and state
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27959 , vital:70943
- Description: This study aimed to explore the perceptions of stakeholders in schools regarding the implementation of school sport policy and its impact on school sport development in the Amathole-west district of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The research sought to examine teachers' knowledge of the Department of Basic Education's school sport policy, assess whether the policy promotes school sport development, identify ways to enhance its implementation in Amathole-west, and propose strategies for the effective implementation of the policy by the Department of Basic Education. Adopting a qualitative interpretivist research approach, the study employed in-depth one-on-one interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. A purposive sample of 20 participants was selected, grouped into four focus groups, to contribute valuable insights to the study. Drawing on the Participatory School Governance model and the Social Ecological Model, the findings revealed that teachers, members of the School Management Team, and School Governing Body members perceive sports as essential for learners, as they promote physical health and instill discipline and moral behavior. However, the study also highlighted that teachers and School Governing Body members play a limited role in the implementation of school sport policy and development. Instead, they tend to rely on externally qualified sports experts, resulting in reduced involvement in policy implementation. The study emphasizes the need for improved involvement and investment in school sport policy implementation. Additionally, several strategies were suggested to ensure the effective implementation of school sport policy. These include providing Continued Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for teachers and increasing awareness about the sports policy. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the perceptions of school stakeholders regarding the implementation of school sport policy and the development of school sports in Amathole-west, South Africa. The findings underscore the importance of enhancing teachers' involvement and knowledge in policy implementation and recommend strategies for the successful implementation of the school sport policy , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Xakaxa, M Z
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Sports administration , Sports and state
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27959 , vital:70943
- Description: This study aimed to explore the perceptions of stakeholders in schools regarding the implementation of school sport policy and its impact on school sport development in the Amathole-west district of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The research sought to examine teachers' knowledge of the Department of Basic Education's school sport policy, assess whether the policy promotes school sport development, identify ways to enhance its implementation in Amathole-west, and propose strategies for the effective implementation of the policy by the Department of Basic Education. Adopting a qualitative interpretivist research approach, the study employed in-depth one-on-one interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. A purposive sample of 20 participants was selected, grouped into four focus groups, to contribute valuable insights to the study. Drawing on the Participatory School Governance model and the Social Ecological Model, the findings revealed that teachers, members of the School Management Team, and School Governing Body members perceive sports as essential for learners, as they promote physical health and instill discipline and moral behavior. However, the study also highlighted that teachers and School Governing Body members play a limited role in the implementation of school sport policy and development. Instead, they tend to rely on externally qualified sports experts, resulting in reduced involvement in policy implementation. The study emphasizes the need for improved involvement and investment in school sport policy implementation. Additionally, several strategies were suggested to ensure the effective implementation of school sport policy. These include providing Continued Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for teachers and increasing awareness about the sports policy. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the perceptions of school stakeholders regarding the implementation of school sport policy and the development of school sports in Amathole-west, South Africa. The findings underscore the importance of enhancing teachers' involvement and knowledge in policy implementation and recommend strategies for the successful implementation of the school sport policy , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
Spatial assessment of riparian vegetation condition in relation to water quality: a case of the Keiskamma River, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Teyise, Anda
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Water quality , Riparian plants , Stream health
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27679 , vital:69393
- Description: Riparian vegetation plays several roles in ecological functioning, such as improving water quality because it can filtrate the sediments and provides stability on the floodplain. The condition of riparian vegetation can serve to provide information regarding river condition. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which water quality level of the Keiskamma River can be explained by the riparian vegetation density patterns. This study used Sentinel-2 Multi-Spectral Instrument (MSI) satellite image to assess spatial patterns in riparian vegetation condition. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was generated from the Sentinel-2 imagery and was used as the base from which riparian vegetation density classes were obtained through the supervised image classification technique. The image classification accuracy assessment was caried out to verify and validate the accuracy of riparian vegetation density classes. This technique produced the overall accuracy (OA) classification of 83.72 percent. The riverine water quality parameters were measured on the randomly surveyed sites using the Premium Series PC60 5-in-1 Water Quality Tester. High density of riparian vegetation were found in the upper course of the river. The low-density riparian vegetation dominates the middle course of the river while the lower part of the river contains a mixture of the three riparian vegetation conditions. The one-sample t-test statistical technique was carried out to determine the spatial pattern of water quality parameters. The t-test results revealed the significant variation in water pH, with the p-value of 0.00. However, t-test results also showed insignificant variations in water Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC), with p-values of 0.117 0.059 and 0.059 respectively. The linear regression was used to determine the relationship between riparian vegetation and water quality. In this case, the NDVI values were used as surrogate for riparian vegetation condition. The results showed insignificant relationships between NDVI and water pH (r2 = 0.00), NDVI and water TDS (r2 = 0.09), and NDVI and water EC (r2 = 0.09) along the Keiskamma River. In view of the findings obtained from this study “spatial differences in riparian vegetation along the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the Keiskamma River denote spatial variations in water quality levels”, is rejected. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Teyise, Anda
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Water quality , Riparian plants , Stream health
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27679 , vital:69393
- Description: Riparian vegetation plays several roles in ecological functioning, such as improving water quality because it can filtrate the sediments and provides stability on the floodplain. The condition of riparian vegetation can serve to provide information regarding river condition. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which water quality level of the Keiskamma River can be explained by the riparian vegetation density patterns. This study used Sentinel-2 Multi-Spectral Instrument (MSI) satellite image to assess spatial patterns in riparian vegetation condition. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was generated from the Sentinel-2 imagery and was used as the base from which riparian vegetation density classes were obtained through the supervised image classification technique. The image classification accuracy assessment was caried out to verify and validate the accuracy of riparian vegetation density classes. This technique produced the overall accuracy (OA) classification of 83.72 percent. The riverine water quality parameters were measured on the randomly surveyed sites using the Premium Series PC60 5-in-1 Water Quality Tester. High density of riparian vegetation were found in the upper course of the river. The low-density riparian vegetation dominates the middle course of the river while the lower part of the river contains a mixture of the three riparian vegetation conditions. The one-sample t-test statistical technique was carried out to determine the spatial pattern of water quality parameters. The t-test results revealed the significant variation in water pH, with the p-value of 0.00. However, t-test results also showed insignificant variations in water Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC), with p-values of 0.117 0.059 and 0.059 respectively. The linear regression was used to determine the relationship between riparian vegetation and water quality. In this case, the NDVI values were used as surrogate for riparian vegetation condition. The results showed insignificant relationships between NDVI and water pH (r2 = 0.00), NDVI and water TDS (r2 = 0.09), and NDVI and water EC (r2 = 0.09) along the Keiskamma River. In view of the findings obtained from this study “spatial differences in riparian vegetation along the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the Keiskamma River denote spatial variations in water quality levels”, is rejected. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
The classification performance of ensemble decision tree classifiers: a case study of detecting fraud in credit card transactions
- Authors: Chogugudza, Mcdonald
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: fraud , Commercial fraud , Accounting fraud
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27590 , vital:69317
- Description: In this dissertation, we propose ensemble decision tree classifiers as an ideal classification technique for solving the problem of fraud in the domain of credit card transactions. Ensemble tree classifiers have been applied in many areas like speech recognition, image recognition and medical diagnostics and have shown excellent results. At the centre of fraud, credit card fraud has been a major concern. The rise in credit card fraud is largely attributed to the nature in which it can be done. A fraudster does not need to always be physically present to commit fraud making it the number one target for criminals. Card-Not-Present refers to this type of fraud where an electronic transaction can be conducted without the need for a client to be present. This can be done via telephonic calls or the web. To be able to come up with better classifiers it was important for the researcher to first investigate what causes misclassifications in fraud detection systems. A systematic literature review was done to uncover the factors that have been identified as causes of misclassifications. It was discovered that many factors lead to misclassifications and several authors have proposed techniques to handle these factors. However, there is no universal techniques for addressing factors that lead to misclassifications as different domains have different datasets which require different techniques. This study investigates how parameters involved in modelling fraud detection systems impact the classification performance of ensemble decision tree classifiers. The factors that were investigated include sample size, sampling technique, learning method and choice of split criterion and how they affect classification performance. A series of experiments were conducted to investigate how the aforementioned factors contributed to better classifiers. Ecommerce data from Vesta corporation made available on Kaggle was used in the experiments. The data was split into two sets, one for training the models and the other for testing the performance of the models. Accuracy, confusion matrix, precision and recall were used as performance measures. Our results showed that a larger sample size resulted in better classifiers. This is attributed to models having more instances to learn from which covers most patterns of fraudulent transactions. The sampling technique was shown to be pivotal in classification performance as under sampling showed a great reduction in performance as it achieved a maximum accuracy of 89.6223 while oversampling produced increased performance with maximum accuracy of 99.9531. Furthermore, our results showed that the choice of split criterion impacts the performance of ensemble tree classifiers. The use of entropy as the choice of split criterion resulted in better classifiers compared to the use of the Gini index. However, the downside is that entropy requires more time to execute compared to the Gini index. Lastly, the learning method proved to impact the performance of ensemble classifiers. Models that used supervised learning had better performance compared to those that use unsupervised learning in detecting credit card fraud. The conclusions from this research are insightful when designing fraud detection systems that use ensemble decision tree classifiers as base learners. , Thesis (Msci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chogugudza, Mcdonald
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: fraud , Commercial fraud , Accounting fraud
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27590 , vital:69317
- Description: In this dissertation, we propose ensemble decision tree classifiers as an ideal classification technique for solving the problem of fraud in the domain of credit card transactions. Ensemble tree classifiers have been applied in many areas like speech recognition, image recognition and medical diagnostics and have shown excellent results. At the centre of fraud, credit card fraud has been a major concern. The rise in credit card fraud is largely attributed to the nature in which it can be done. A fraudster does not need to always be physically present to commit fraud making it the number one target for criminals. Card-Not-Present refers to this type of fraud where an electronic transaction can be conducted without the need for a client to be present. This can be done via telephonic calls or the web. To be able to come up with better classifiers it was important for the researcher to first investigate what causes misclassifications in fraud detection systems. A systematic literature review was done to uncover the factors that have been identified as causes of misclassifications. It was discovered that many factors lead to misclassifications and several authors have proposed techniques to handle these factors. However, there is no universal techniques for addressing factors that lead to misclassifications as different domains have different datasets which require different techniques. This study investigates how parameters involved in modelling fraud detection systems impact the classification performance of ensemble decision tree classifiers. The factors that were investigated include sample size, sampling technique, learning method and choice of split criterion and how they affect classification performance. A series of experiments were conducted to investigate how the aforementioned factors contributed to better classifiers. Ecommerce data from Vesta corporation made available on Kaggle was used in the experiments. The data was split into two sets, one for training the models and the other for testing the performance of the models. Accuracy, confusion matrix, precision and recall were used as performance measures. Our results showed that a larger sample size resulted in better classifiers. This is attributed to models having more instances to learn from which covers most patterns of fraudulent transactions. The sampling technique was shown to be pivotal in classification performance as under sampling showed a great reduction in performance as it achieved a maximum accuracy of 89.6223 while oversampling produced increased performance with maximum accuracy of 99.9531. Furthermore, our results showed that the choice of split criterion impacts the performance of ensemble tree classifiers. The use of entropy as the choice of split criterion resulted in better classifiers compared to the use of the Gini index. However, the downside is that entropy requires more time to execute compared to the Gini index. Lastly, the learning method proved to impact the performance of ensemble classifiers. Models that used supervised learning had better performance compared to those that use unsupervised learning in detecting credit card fraud. The conclusions from this research are insightful when designing fraud detection systems that use ensemble decision tree classifiers as base learners. , Thesis (Msci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
The correlation between automobile insurance and road traffic accidents in Eastern Cape, South Africa: the case of Buffalo City Metropolitan
- Maxam, Thandokazi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8852-0603
- Authors: Maxam, Thandokazi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8852-0603
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Automobile insurance -- South Africa , Traffic accident investigation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28773 , vital:74916
- Description: Road traffic injuries are currently the 8th leading cause of death worldwide and are expected to rise to 6th position if no action is taken. Approximately 1.3 million lives are lost to road accidents, while around twenty to fifty million people remain injured or disabled every year, worldwide. Factors such as vehicle and road conditions, human factors such as behaviour, abilities, and capabilities are among the major contributors to road accidents. Human factors are the main contributors to road accidents in South Africa, accounting for about 77% of total road accidents (Deme, 2019). According to the report by Road Traffic Management Cooperation, in 2018 the provincial number of road fatalities recorded was lower compared to the previous year with the exception of the Eastern Cape province, which recorded an increase of 2.8%. This study used data from 120 respondents from Buffalo City municipality to examine the effect of automobile insurance and road traffic accidents. The aim was to find out if drivers behave carelessly when their vehicles are covered by insurance. The study used the logit model, and the results showed that drivers with comprehensive or high insurance coverage have higher chances of being in accidents than drivers with lower insurance coverages. Drivers who have vehicle insurance are more likely to break the road rules than those who do not have insurance. The study recommends strengthening traffic rules, investing in public transportation such as trains, buses to minimise use of private transport, promoting road safety education and awareness. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Maxam, Thandokazi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8852-0603
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Automobile insurance -- South Africa , Traffic accident investigation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28773 , vital:74916
- Description: Road traffic injuries are currently the 8th leading cause of death worldwide and are expected to rise to 6th position if no action is taken. Approximately 1.3 million lives are lost to road accidents, while around twenty to fifty million people remain injured or disabled every year, worldwide. Factors such as vehicle and road conditions, human factors such as behaviour, abilities, and capabilities are among the major contributors to road accidents. Human factors are the main contributors to road accidents in South Africa, accounting for about 77% of total road accidents (Deme, 2019). According to the report by Road Traffic Management Cooperation, in 2018 the provincial number of road fatalities recorded was lower compared to the previous year with the exception of the Eastern Cape province, which recorded an increase of 2.8%. This study used data from 120 respondents from Buffalo City municipality to examine the effect of automobile insurance and road traffic accidents. The aim was to find out if drivers behave carelessly when their vehicles are covered by insurance. The study used the logit model, and the results showed that drivers with comprehensive or high insurance coverage have higher chances of being in accidents than drivers with lower insurance coverages. Drivers who have vehicle insurance are more likely to break the road rules than those who do not have insurance. The study recommends strengthening traffic rules, investing in public transportation such as trains, buses to minimise use of private transport, promoting road safety education and awareness. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
The effect of job insecurity and turnover intention on organisational citizenship behaviour of employees at a university in the Eastern Cape Province
- Chimucheka, Nyasha https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0663-8887
- Authors: Chimucheka, Nyasha https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0663-8887
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Job security -- South Africa , Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Employee competitive behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28739 , vital:74907
- Description: Organisation’s success is dependent on employees’ feelings regarding their jobs and employees’ willingness to undertake voluntary behaviours beyond their expected service level. The main objective of this study was to investigate the combined effect of job insecurity and turnover intention on organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) of employees at a university in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Secondary objectives of the research included to investigate the effect of job insecurity on organisational citizenship behaviour, to investigate the effect of turnover intention on organisational citizenship behaviour of employees at a university in the Eastern Cape Province, and to investigate the effect of job insecurity on the turnover intention of employees at a university in the Eastern Cape Province. The study discussed and applied the social exchange theory as well as the psychological contract theory. Using a positivist paradigm, the study was descriptive in nature. The study followed a cross sectional research design. The study followed a quantitative research approach which emphasises on the quantification of constructs. The population was 2050 administrative and academic staff who were employed by the university under study in 2021. Raosoft was used to calculate the sample size and the recommended sample size was 324. Although the researcher had access to staff mailing list, the researcher had limited access to the actual population list, hence the study employed non-probability sampling method. Thus, purposive sampling technique was used to select respondents, with the characteristic required to participate being either an academic or an administrative employee at the University of Fort Hare. This study employed survey method where data was collected using an electronic questionnaire. The researcher used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software v.25 to analyse data. Both inferential and descriptive tests were used for the analysis of data. Inferential statistical tests used include the Multiple Regression analysis, Pearson correlation and Simple Linear Regression. The study concludes that job insecurity and turnover intention have a negative effect on OCB of employees at the university under study. It was also concluded that job insecurity has a negative effect on OCB of employees, turnover intention has a t negative effect on OCB of employees, and job insecurity has a positive effect on turnover intention of employees at a university in the Eastern Cape Province. Recommendations provided to managers and practitioners are based on the conclusion of the study. Theoretical implications of this study were also discussed. The researcher suggested areas of further research that can be pursued by others. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chimucheka, Nyasha https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0663-8887
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Job security -- South Africa , Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Employee competitive behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28739 , vital:74907
- Description: Organisation’s success is dependent on employees’ feelings regarding their jobs and employees’ willingness to undertake voluntary behaviours beyond their expected service level. The main objective of this study was to investigate the combined effect of job insecurity and turnover intention on organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) of employees at a university in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Secondary objectives of the research included to investigate the effect of job insecurity on organisational citizenship behaviour, to investigate the effect of turnover intention on organisational citizenship behaviour of employees at a university in the Eastern Cape Province, and to investigate the effect of job insecurity on the turnover intention of employees at a university in the Eastern Cape Province. The study discussed and applied the social exchange theory as well as the psychological contract theory. Using a positivist paradigm, the study was descriptive in nature. The study followed a cross sectional research design. The study followed a quantitative research approach which emphasises on the quantification of constructs. The population was 2050 administrative and academic staff who were employed by the university under study in 2021. Raosoft was used to calculate the sample size and the recommended sample size was 324. Although the researcher had access to staff mailing list, the researcher had limited access to the actual population list, hence the study employed non-probability sampling method. Thus, purposive sampling technique was used to select respondents, with the characteristic required to participate being either an academic or an administrative employee at the University of Fort Hare. This study employed survey method where data was collected using an electronic questionnaire. The researcher used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software v.25 to analyse data. Both inferential and descriptive tests were used for the analysis of data. Inferential statistical tests used include the Multiple Regression analysis, Pearson correlation and Simple Linear Regression. The study concludes that job insecurity and turnover intention have a negative effect on OCB of employees at the university under study. It was also concluded that job insecurity has a negative effect on OCB of employees, turnover intention has a t negative effect on OCB of employees, and job insecurity has a positive effect on turnover intention of employees at a university in the Eastern Cape Province. Recommendations provided to managers and practitioners are based on the conclusion of the study. Theoretical implications of this study were also discussed. The researcher suggested areas of further research that can be pursued by others. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
The effects of school violence on teaching and learning in selected schools in Amatole West District, Eastern Cape
- Poswa, S
- Authors: Poswa, S
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: School violence , Violence in children
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26075 , vital:64788
- Description: The purpose of this study was to look at the effects of school violence on teaching and learning in three selected schools in the Amathole West education district. The objectives of the study guided the entire project and the theory of socio-ecology by Benbenishty and Astor (2005) underpinned and guided the study. Different forms of school violence, causes of school violence, its effects and measures to curb its spread were discussed. The study made use of the pragmatic paradigm which allowed the researcher to make use of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The data collection instruments consisted of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Three high schools were selected purposively with a sample of 75 respondents. Three principals, five teachers (school management team) and 7 learners (school representative council) participated in the semi-structured interview and 60 learners were randomly selected to take part in the questionnaire completion. Data analysis included coding of questionnaires and running the codes on the SPSS package. There after, results were presented using tables and descriptive analysis. Percentages and numeric figures of different forms of school violence were analysed. Data collected from the semi-interviews was coded according to different themes and categories and presented in form of discussions. Thematic analysis was applied in this regard. Therefore, the themes that emerged from the findings of the study were linked to the reviewed literature and research questions. The researcher cross-checked with the participants whether their responses were captured correctly before drawing any conclusions. The major findings of the study revealed that school violence is very much prevalent in the three selected schools. However, the severity of the problem varies from one school to another. Learners indicated that they experience bullying, verbal abuse, corporal punishment, cyberbullying, theft of property, gang-related violence and sexual harassment. Bullying, verbal abuse, cyberbullying and corporal punishment were rated as the most common and frequent forms of violence. In addition to the findings above, some causes of school violence noted by the respondents included peer pressure, poor parental care, exposure to violence at home or communities, unguided exposure to media, easy access to drugs, alcohol and weapons and teacher absenteeism. Effects of school violence included loss of concentration in class, poor academic results, class disruptions and depression or suicidal thoughts. All participants were allowed to say what they think should be done to curb the spread of school violence. Reasons given included that of ensuring that other departments are included in the committees that deal directly with school violence cases, strict and consistent enforcement of the school code of conduct and the department’s policies on school violence. Most learners and teachers indicated that parents are not present in the lives of their children. Thus, parental involvement was strongly recommended by most participants. The researcher had some recommendations to make. It was recommended that communities should take an active part in fighting drug and alcohol abuse by learners in communities. This could be done by reporting people who sell these drugs and alcohol to persons who are under the age of 18. It was further recommended that the department of education should understand and take advantage of technology. School violence apps can be developed specifically for teenagers. These will ensure that knowledge about school violence is spread to most learners. Lastly, workshops should be conducted with both teachers and learners to equip them more about school violence. The conclusion of the study highlighted some important points to be taken into consideration. One of the points was that a failure to implement the strategies outlined in the study will result in the department spending millions of Rands in repairing and replacing what has been lost in schools. This lose will be due to theft and vandalism, high rate of teachers resigning because of stress-related problems. In addition, the economy will be characterised by a high rate of unemployment due to learners who drop out of school, overcrowded classes will continue to affect teaching and learning. Ultimately, there will be a continuous decrease in the NSC results of entire District of Amathole West. For further or future research studies, the researcher suggested that studies on the department’s policies on school violence are needed. These studies can focus on what the policy entails, and the implementation and effectiveness of such policies. In addition to these studies, a study that closely looks at parents as contributing factors to school violence is needed. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Poswa, S
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: School violence , Violence in children
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26075 , vital:64788
- Description: The purpose of this study was to look at the effects of school violence on teaching and learning in three selected schools in the Amathole West education district. The objectives of the study guided the entire project and the theory of socio-ecology by Benbenishty and Astor (2005) underpinned and guided the study. Different forms of school violence, causes of school violence, its effects and measures to curb its spread were discussed. The study made use of the pragmatic paradigm which allowed the researcher to make use of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The data collection instruments consisted of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Three high schools were selected purposively with a sample of 75 respondents. Three principals, five teachers (school management team) and 7 learners (school representative council) participated in the semi-structured interview and 60 learners were randomly selected to take part in the questionnaire completion. Data analysis included coding of questionnaires and running the codes on the SPSS package. There after, results were presented using tables and descriptive analysis. Percentages and numeric figures of different forms of school violence were analysed. Data collected from the semi-interviews was coded according to different themes and categories and presented in form of discussions. Thematic analysis was applied in this regard. Therefore, the themes that emerged from the findings of the study were linked to the reviewed literature and research questions. The researcher cross-checked with the participants whether their responses were captured correctly before drawing any conclusions. The major findings of the study revealed that school violence is very much prevalent in the three selected schools. However, the severity of the problem varies from one school to another. Learners indicated that they experience bullying, verbal abuse, corporal punishment, cyberbullying, theft of property, gang-related violence and sexual harassment. Bullying, verbal abuse, cyberbullying and corporal punishment were rated as the most common and frequent forms of violence. In addition to the findings above, some causes of school violence noted by the respondents included peer pressure, poor parental care, exposure to violence at home or communities, unguided exposure to media, easy access to drugs, alcohol and weapons and teacher absenteeism. Effects of school violence included loss of concentration in class, poor academic results, class disruptions and depression or suicidal thoughts. All participants were allowed to say what they think should be done to curb the spread of school violence. Reasons given included that of ensuring that other departments are included in the committees that deal directly with school violence cases, strict and consistent enforcement of the school code of conduct and the department’s policies on school violence. Most learners and teachers indicated that parents are not present in the lives of their children. Thus, parental involvement was strongly recommended by most participants. The researcher had some recommendations to make. It was recommended that communities should take an active part in fighting drug and alcohol abuse by learners in communities. This could be done by reporting people who sell these drugs and alcohol to persons who are under the age of 18. It was further recommended that the department of education should understand and take advantage of technology. School violence apps can be developed specifically for teenagers. These will ensure that knowledge about school violence is spread to most learners. Lastly, workshops should be conducted with both teachers and learners to equip them more about school violence. The conclusion of the study highlighted some important points to be taken into consideration. One of the points was that a failure to implement the strategies outlined in the study will result in the department spending millions of Rands in repairing and replacing what has been lost in schools. This lose will be due to theft and vandalism, high rate of teachers resigning because of stress-related problems. In addition, the economy will be characterised by a high rate of unemployment due to learners who drop out of school, overcrowded classes will continue to affect teaching and learning. Ultimately, there will be a continuous decrease in the NSC results of entire District of Amathole West. For further or future research studies, the researcher suggested that studies on the department’s policies on school violence are needed. These studies can focus on what the policy entails, and the implementation and effectiveness of such policies. In addition to these studies, a study that closely looks at parents as contributing factors to school violence is needed. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
- Full Text:
The experiences of students with a physical disability at institutions of higher learning: a systematic review
- Makubalo, Siphokazi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8596-7357
- Authors: Makubalo, Siphokazi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8596-7357
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: People with disabilities -- Education (Higher) , People with disabilities in higher education , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27242 , vital:66484
- Description: This study aims to explore the experiences of physically disabled students at institutions of higher. The research methodology followed in conducting this study is a systematic review. Thus, published literature from the period of 2000-2020 on the experiences of physically disabled students in South African institutions of higher learning was reviewed. Five articles which met the inclusion criteria were assessed for eligibility using the CASP criteria. The social model of disability is applied as a theoretical framework in exploring these experiences. A synthesis of results and findings of South African studies relating to physically disabled students in institutions of higher learning is provided. Themes that emerged in the study indicate that physically disabled students experience social exclusion related to architectural access barriers, attitudinal barriers, lack of support and discrimination in South African Institutions of higher learning, which impacts their overall physical access in these institutions. The study found that addressing these challenges and access barriers would result in positive experiences for physically disabled students on campuses. The study concluded that to improve the experiences of physically disabled students, institutional effort is necessary that is extensive both in scope and systematic in nature. For future studies, it is recommended that a qualitative study explore not just disabled students‟ lived experiences but also be inclusive of academic and support staffs‟ perceptions. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Makubalo, Siphokazi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8596-7357
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: People with disabilities -- Education (Higher) , People with disabilities in higher education , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27242 , vital:66484
- Description: This study aims to explore the experiences of physically disabled students at institutions of higher. The research methodology followed in conducting this study is a systematic review. Thus, published literature from the period of 2000-2020 on the experiences of physically disabled students in South African institutions of higher learning was reviewed. Five articles which met the inclusion criteria were assessed for eligibility using the CASP criteria. The social model of disability is applied as a theoretical framework in exploring these experiences. A synthesis of results and findings of South African studies relating to physically disabled students in institutions of higher learning is provided. Themes that emerged in the study indicate that physically disabled students experience social exclusion related to architectural access barriers, attitudinal barriers, lack of support and discrimination in South African Institutions of higher learning, which impacts their overall physical access in these institutions. The study found that addressing these challenges and access barriers would result in positive experiences for physically disabled students on campuses. The study concluded that to improve the experiences of physically disabled students, institutional effort is necessary that is extensive both in scope and systematic in nature. For future studies, it is recommended that a qualitative study explore not just disabled students‟ lived experiences but also be inclusive of academic and support staffs‟ perceptions. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
The protection of the rights of people with disabilities in the South African workplace: a critical analysis
- Xokozela, Nwabisa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6943-219X
- Authors: Xokozela, Nwabisa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6943-219X
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: People with disabilities -- Legal status, laws, etc. , Human rights -- South Africa , People with disabilities -- Government policy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28444 , vital:74332
- Description: In the past, persons with disabilities were marginalised and suffered many disadvantages because of oppression. As a result, that had become an obstacle for them to enjoy their basic rights such as social, political and economic rights. Judging from the inequalities in the workplace, disability appears to be the main challenge hindering the progress of achieving equal prospects and fair treatment in many countries, including South Africa, especially in the workplace. That has resulted in most persons with disabilities living in poverty or rather depending on social support from the government in order to survive, due to employment discrimination. Policies, transformative programmes and employment laws have been promulgated to address employment discrimination. Some of the promulgated transformative programmes were developed to enforce section 9 of the Constitution. However, persons with disabilities are still faced with challenges of discriminatory practices in the workplace even today. This study is impelled by how ineffective these employment laws are, especially when safeguarding of persons with disabilities is concerned. Apart from the ineffectiveness of the current labour legislation in protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, the study aims at identifying how equality rights can be used by disability movements in order to influence policy development and implementation to advance access to work for persons with disabilities, and to further provide them with reasonable accommodation to be able to thrive within the workplace. Also, deriving some guidance from the international perspective of governing disability rights is of paramount importance in achieving equality within the working environment. It is thus extremely important to adopt compelling speedy actions to promote equal rights in the context of disability by bringing proportional aspects of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA) into action. That can be achieved if the policies and legislation created can be interpreted in a manner that is equal and effective, and that promotes implementation more than theory. Therefore, dealing with discrimination against persons with disabilities signifies an essential aspect in defeating the elevated inequality in the apartheid era, which disempowers the recognised constitutional democracy. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Xokozela, Nwabisa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6943-219X
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: People with disabilities -- Legal status, laws, etc. , Human rights -- South Africa , People with disabilities -- Government policy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28444 , vital:74332
- Description: In the past, persons with disabilities were marginalised and suffered many disadvantages because of oppression. As a result, that had become an obstacle for them to enjoy their basic rights such as social, political and economic rights. Judging from the inequalities in the workplace, disability appears to be the main challenge hindering the progress of achieving equal prospects and fair treatment in many countries, including South Africa, especially in the workplace. That has resulted in most persons with disabilities living in poverty or rather depending on social support from the government in order to survive, due to employment discrimination. Policies, transformative programmes and employment laws have been promulgated to address employment discrimination. Some of the promulgated transformative programmes were developed to enforce section 9 of the Constitution. However, persons with disabilities are still faced with challenges of discriminatory practices in the workplace even today. This study is impelled by how ineffective these employment laws are, especially when safeguarding of persons with disabilities is concerned. Apart from the ineffectiveness of the current labour legislation in protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, the study aims at identifying how equality rights can be used by disability movements in order to influence policy development and implementation to advance access to work for persons with disabilities, and to further provide them with reasonable accommodation to be able to thrive within the workplace. Also, deriving some guidance from the international perspective of governing disability rights is of paramount importance in achieving equality within the working environment. It is thus extremely important to adopt compelling speedy actions to promote equal rights in the context of disability by bringing proportional aspects of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA) into action. That can be achieved if the policies and legislation created can be interpreted in a manner that is equal and effective, and that promotes implementation more than theory. Therefore, dealing with discrimination against persons with disabilities signifies an essential aspect in defeating the elevated inequality in the apartheid era, which disempowers the recognised constitutional democracy. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, 2022
- Full Text:
A Psychobiography of the late Milase Jumartha Majola (néé Moyake)- 1932 - 2021
- Authors: Mbambo-Tom, Thembeka Esther
- Date: 2022-10
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27640 , vital:69379
- Description: This study is a psychobiography of a Black South African Woman, Milase Jumartha Majola (néé Moyake), herein fondly referred to as ‘Mrs Majola’. Mrs Majola is not an icon in the general sense, but yet a definite unsung hero for many in her community. In her 89 years, she has touched many people’s lives and left a vast imprint in the community. Mrs Majola has been identified as a psychobiographical subject for this study based on her exemplary and extraordinary endeavours, which contributed significantly to the psycho-social well-being of the youth and the elderly within Port Elizabeth townships (now known as Gqeberha). The main objective of this study was to explore and describe Mrs Majola’s psychosocial development. Her psycho-social development was studied through the PERMA Theory of well-being lens and transformed into a narrative to understand better what made her a remarkable individual. Data was gathered from primary and secondary sources to enrich the psychobiography and qualitatively analysed. The findings show that Mrs Majola could balance her life in a way supported by the PERMA Theory of well-being. Results demonstrate her ability to understand and manage her Positive (negative) emotions, Engagements, Relationships, Meaningfulness, and Accomplishments as a mother, co-worker and community leader, which created numerous success stories during her tenure. Even though Mrs Majola experienced many hardships in life, such as losing her husband at the young age of 39, she always stayed positive and successfully used her inner strength to motivate her to keep living her purpose in life. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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- Authors: Mbambo-Tom, Thembeka Esther
- Date: 2022-10
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27640 , vital:69379
- Description: This study is a psychobiography of a Black South African Woman, Milase Jumartha Majola (néé Moyake), herein fondly referred to as ‘Mrs Majola’. Mrs Majola is not an icon in the general sense, but yet a definite unsung hero for many in her community. In her 89 years, she has touched many people’s lives and left a vast imprint in the community. Mrs Majola has been identified as a psychobiographical subject for this study based on her exemplary and extraordinary endeavours, which contributed significantly to the psycho-social well-being of the youth and the elderly within Port Elizabeth townships (now known as Gqeberha). The main objective of this study was to explore and describe Mrs Majola’s psychosocial development. Her psycho-social development was studied through the PERMA Theory of well-being lens and transformed into a narrative to understand better what made her a remarkable individual. Data was gathered from primary and secondary sources to enrich the psychobiography and qualitatively analysed. The findings show that Mrs Majola could balance her life in a way supported by the PERMA Theory of well-being. Results demonstrate her ability to understand and manage her Positive (negative) emotions, Engagements, Relationships, Meaningfulness, and Accomplishments as a mother, co-worker and community leader, which created numerous success stories during her tenure. Even though Mrs Majola experienced many hardships in life, such as losing her husband at the young age of 39, she always stayed positive and successfully used her inner strength to motivate her to keep living her purpose in life. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text: