Sustainable community development programmes and rural poverty eradication in the Eastern Cape: the case study of Buffalo Municipality
- Authors: Muleya, Emmison
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/844 , vital:26502
- Description: Community development programmes as livelihoods strategies have been central to rural poverty eradication, development thinking and practice in the past decade. But where do such perspectives come from, what are their conceptual roots, and what influences have shaped the way they have emerged? This study offers a historical review of key moments in debates about sustainable community development programmes and rural poverty reduction, identifying the tensions, ambiguities and challenges of such approaches. A number of core challenges are identified in this study, centred on the need to inject a more thorough-going analysis into the centre of livelihoods perspectives. The study was done as a first step to identify, at a local level, evidence of the contribution of such programmes designated to tackle poverty in rural areas in Buffalo Municipality and to establish the challenges faced in providing sustainable livelihood outcomes. This will enhance the capacity of livelihoods perspectives to address key gaps in recent discussions, including questions of knowledge, politics, scale and dynamics. It is of utmost importance to note that funds per see cannot bring the rural poor out of their situation, rather as the study posits, continued support, empowering locals with ongoing training on marketing and how to run business, a culture of savings as well as the development of participatory monitoring and evaluation mechanisms can bring about reduction in poverty through sustainable community development programmes and eventually leading to eradication.
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Synthesis and characterization of metal sulfide nanoparticles/polymer nanocomposites
- Authors: Mbese, Johannes Zanoxolo
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11344 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016190
- Description: The focus of this project was to synthesize and characterize metal sulfide nanoparticles /polymer nanocomposites. The work involved the synthesis of dithiocarbamato ligands and complexes derived from aniline. Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) dithiocarbamato complexes were used as single-molecule precursors for the synthesis of the ZnS, CdS and HgS nanoparticles and their optical and structural properties studied. The other focus of this work was to synthesize a combined functionality metal sulfide nanoparticles/polymer nanocomposites by dispersing as-synthesized ZnS, CdS and HgS nanoparticles in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix. The characterization of the ligands, complexes, nanoparticles and nanocomposites were investigated using relevant instrumental tools like UV-Vis, photoluminescence (PL), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersion X-ray (EDX), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
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Teaching and learning made public: taking a scholarly approach towards excellence
- Authors: Scheckle, Linda , Toni, Noluthando
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Newsletter
- Identifier: vital:12224 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016142
- Description: Teaching and Learning Centre newsletter 2013
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Teenage fathers as learners in a Butterworth Secondary School: implications for sex education
- Authors: Njambatwa, Mluleki
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Teenage pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teenagers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , High schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex instruction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teenage fathers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16195 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006294 , Teenage pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teenagers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , High schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex instruction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teenage fathers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Teenage pregnancy is one of the social and health problems in many communities of South Africa and is escalating (Richter, 2005). Teenage pregnancy is also a global health problem as it affects the whole world and has been a concern to health workers like medical doctors, nurses, community developers, educators and parents (Maholo, 2009). In addition, the risk of dropping out of school due to pregnancy is considerable to teenagers as it results in a lack of qualifications and future unemployment.The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions and experience of teenage fathers who are both learners and fathers and their views on the effects of teenage pregnancy. Furthermore, this investigation was undertaken to investigate the implications of teenage fathers‘ experiences on sex education. This study followed qualitative research approach as it is based on male teenage pregnancy which is a real consequence of teenagers engaging in sexual activities (Silverman, 2006). In this study the data collected through in depth interviews and personal journals were analyzed.This study revealed that all the teenage fathers interviewed were not happy that they were teenage fathers instead they were disappointed, shocked, and regretful and did not believe that they could become fathers at their respective ages. They also regretted themselves for becoming teenage fathers as it delays them in their studies. They have been taught about sex education at school in a learning area called life orientation so they do not blame school but themselves for their actions.
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Testing random walk hypothesis in the stock market prices: evidence from South Africa's stock exchange (2000- 2011)
- Authors: Chitenderu, Tafadzwa Thelmah
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Stock exchanges -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Random walks (Mathematics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11461 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006931 , Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Stock exchanges -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Random walks (Mathematics)
- Description: The Johannesburg Stock Exchange market was tested for the existence of the random walk hypothesis using All Share Index (ALSI) and time series data for the period between 2000 and 2011. The traditionally used methods, the unit root tests and autocorrelation test were employed first and they all confirmed that during the period under consideration, the JSE price index followed the random walk process. In addition, the ARIMA model was built and it was found that the ARIMA ( 1, 1, 1) was the model that best fitted the data in question. Furthermore, residual tests to help determine whether the residuals of the estimated equation show random walk process in the series were done. It was found that the ALSI resembles series that follow random walk hypothesis with strong evidence of RWH indicated in the conducted forecasting tests which showed vast variance between forecasted values and actual indicating little or no forecasting strength in the series. To further validate the findings in this research, the variance ratio test was conducted under heteroscedasticity and it also strongly corroborated that the existence of a random walk process cannot be rejected in the JSE. It was concluded that since the returns follow the random walk hypothesis, it can be said that JSE is efficient in the weak form level of the EMH and therefore opportunities of making excess returns based on out- performing the market is ruled out and is merely a game of chance. In other words, it will be of no use to choose stocks based on information about recent trends in stock prices.
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The characterization and electrochemistry of dye-sensitized solar cells
- Authors: Caga, Noloyiso
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Dye-sensitized solar cells , Acetonitrile , Electrochemistry , Spectrum analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11341 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016069 , Dye-sensitized solar cells , Acetonitrile , Electrochemistry , Spectrum analysis
- Description: In this study a presentation of the technology behind dye-sensitized solar cells, their design as well as the role of the different parts of the cell. The characterization of the cell is divided into four sections namely: the characterization of the paste required to make the TiO2 film and its optical properties using SEM-EDX and XRD analytical techniques; Analysis of the various absorptions of three Ru-based dyes using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Photoluminescence and Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy; the characterization and the analyses of the entire cell using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. The nine cells were prepared by examining RuL2(CN)2 , RuL2(NCS)2 or N3 dye and RuL2(NCS)2 TBA+ or N719 dye. [L = 2,2'-bipyridyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid ;TBA = tetra-butyl ammonium] were combined with three electrolytes namely: Z–150 , AN–50 and PN–50. The Iodolyte PN–50 is an iodide based low viscosity electrolyte with 50 mM of tri-iodide dissolved in a solvent called propionitrile (PN). The Iodolyte AN–50 is an iodide based low viscosity electrolyte with 50 mM of tri-iodide dissolved in a solvent called acetonitrile (AN). The Iodolyte Z–150 is an iodide based low viscosity electrolyte with 150 mM of tri-iodide dissolved in a solvent called 3-methoxypropionitrile (MPN) and with additives such an ionic liquid, malkylbenziimidazole and guanidine thiocyanate. A solar simulator was utilized with which the standard solar irradiation can be created in laboratory conditions. The fill factors as well as overall performance efficiencies of the these cells are quite low < 1.0%,.
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The determinants of corporate entrepreneurship for firms in adventure tourism sector in the Eastern Cape Province: South Africa
- Authors: Chigamba, Cleopas
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Management , Entrepreneurship , Industrial management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11326 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015312 , Organizational change -- Management , Entrepreneurship , Industrial management
- Description: Tourism has been acknowledged for the past decade as one of the leading driving forces for economic development in post-apartheid South Africa (Nel & Binns, 2002:189). The objective of this study was to investigate the determinants of corporate entrepreneurship for firms in adventure tourism sector in the Eastern Cape Province; South Africa. The population for the study were firms registered with the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Portal (NMBT) and the Dirty Boot Adventure South Africa. Convenience sampling method was used. Data was collected through the use of a self-administered questionnaire. For the purpose of data collection, one hundred and fourteen questions were identified through a thorough review of the literature. Principal component analysis was used to reduce the one hundred and fourteen questions to twelve factors namely: flat organisational structure, management support for intrapreneurship, vision and strategic intent, rewards / reinforcement and sponsorship, innovativeness and creativity, multi-disciplined teamwork and diversity, entrepreneurial leadership, resources and time, strong customer orientation, continuous cross-functional learning, tolerance of risk, mistakes and failure and work discretion and discretionary time. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, T-test and ANOVA. Cohen`s (d-value) was used to measure the effect size of differences for t-statistics. The Cronbach’s alpha was used to test the reliability of the scales. The results showed significant positive relationships between the twelve factors and corporate entrepreneurship. Recommendations included an integrated framework that could assist adventure tour operator to establish and sustain corporate entrepreneurship within this sector.
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The developmental role of migrant worker remittances: A case study of Tsholotsho District in the Matabeleland North Province of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Nzima, Divane
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Migrant labor -- Zimbabwe , Foreign workers -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Sociology)
- Identifier: vital:11957 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015360 , Migrant labor -- Zimbabwe , Foreign workers -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions
- Description: Migrant remittances have been cited as one of the most rising forms of development financing. Migration-development scholarly debates have often made comparisons between migrant remittances and some of the most popular forms of development financing such as development aid. The development-migration debates have often contended that migrant remittances are fast growing and surpassing the popular forms of development financing. This study sought to examine the developmental role of migrant remittances in the rural district of Tsholotsho in Zimbabwe. Given that there are millions of Zimbabwean migrants working in South Africa, the study sought to examine the possible use of migrant remittances in the creation of sustainable livelihoods. In addition, the study focused on examining the skills and opportunities that are necessary in the creation of an enabling environment for investment as well as assessing the multiplier effect that result from the inflow of migrant remittances within the local economy. The study followed a mixed methods methodological approach wherein a quantitative survey and qualitative in-depth interviews were used to gather data. The findings of this study revealed that migrant remittances are central in the livelihoods of poor people in Tsholotsho and they have potential to create sustainable livelihoods. While skills and opportunities to drive entrepreneurial activity exist, there is need to deal with structural barriers in order to create an enabling environment for the creation of sustainable livelihoods through savings and investment. The study recommends the prioritization of education, improved access to the credit system and the development of cooperatives. These could assist in achieving sustainable livelihoods through migrant remittances.
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The effect of perceived organisational support and organisational commitment on turnover intention among academic staff at the University of Fort Hare
- Authors: Xabiso Ngabase
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee competitive behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee empowerment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee morale -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11555 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007110 , Employee assistance programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee competitive behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee empowerment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee morale -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Perceived organisational support and organisational commitment plays a vital role in determining turnover intention. When employees feel that their organisation supports them levels of commitment can increase. Thus, employees feel more obligated because of favourable benefits such as organisational effectiveness and reduced turnover. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect perceived organisational support and organisational commitment have on turnover intention. The study followed a descriptive survey method. A questionnaire, measured on a Likert Scale was used to collect data from respondents. The sample comprised 98 academic staff at the University of Fort Hare and the response rate was 56.6 percent. The results indicated that perceived organisational support and organisational commitment are negatively and significantly related to turnover intention. The study also revealed perceived organisational support and organisational commitment on turnover intention did not account for a higher variance when put together, however moderate variance was found. Perceived organisational support in this study was identified as the most effective predictor of turnover intention. In addition to managerial implications and limitations of the study, direction for future research is also suggested at the end of this study. The findings of this study will help in terms of understanding the state of organisational commitment of academics and its relationship with their intentions to leave.
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The effectiveness of social support mechanisms provided to HIV and AIDS opharns: the case of Tembisa child and family welfare society, Gauteng
- Authors: Khumalo, Princess Sengeziwe
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Child welfare -- South Africa -- Gauteng -- Case studies , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Children of AIDS patients -- Services for South Africa -- Gauteng , AIDS (Disease)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11761 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005633 , Child welfare -- South Africa -- Gauteng -- Case studies , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Children of AIDS patients -- Services for South Africa -- Gauteng , AIDS (Disease)
- Description: The study was aimed at investigating the effectiveness of social support mechanisms provided to HIV and AIDS orphans in Tembisa, Gauteng Province. An interview guide was designed and it guided the in-depth interviews with HIV and AIDS affected and infected orphans. In addition, a focus group was run with the social workers and the children‟s caregivers. Empirical findings gathered were based on the qualitative information from the participants. The findings indicated that social support systems were effective although there were various challenges facing their smooth running. Firstly social support provided to orphans is mainly provided by caregivers, social workers, schools and the government. Secondly for some, the support is not entirely enough to help them cope with life. The minority of the orphans indicated that they were not even aware that they were orphaned. The study therefore recommends that social workers and caregivers be trained on how to be effective social support systems for HIV and AIDS orphans. Furthermore psycho-social support groups need to be more informational and inclusive of HIV and AIDS orphans.
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The Effects of Gender Based Violence on Children: A Case Study of Zimunya Community of Mutare District in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chindoti, Mwanyara Beatrice
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Violence -- Zimbabwe -- Psychological aspects , Children and violence -- Zimbabwe , Social work with juvenile delinquents -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11769 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015382 , Violence -- Zimbabwe -- Psychological aspects , Children and violence -- Zimbabwe , Social work with juvenile delinquents -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This study investigated the effects of gender based violence on children in the Zimunya community of Mutare in Zimbabwe. A qualitative approach was used to gather data, thus thirty children from thirty households from three wards were interviewed and three focus groups were conducted with women from the three wards of Zimunya. The outcomes of the research reveal that gender based violence have negative effects on children who are affected physically, socially, emotionally and psychologically. In other words, gender based violence impacts negatively on the development of the affected children. In the areas under study, domestic violence was identified as the most prevalent types of violence experienced by children in these communities. This is in spite of the fact that there are many services that are provided to protect children and their mothers from violent situations. The role played by support service groups cannot be undermined as they contributed to the reduction of violence in some homes. It is thus concluded that, in as much as services are provided by both government and non-government organizations to the victims of violence, many affected people were not utilizing them fully. Additionally, some research participants showed a certain level of confusion in distinguishing between services provided for children from those provided for women. This study therefore recommends that awareness campaigns should be carried out in many communities in Zimbabwe so as to inform women and children about the availability support services, what they are meant for and for whom. Additionally, the gender violence topic should also be introduced in primary and secondary school syllabuses of Zimbabwe so as to make all children aware of their rights and responsibilities as they grow up.
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The efficacy of coordinating role of the state ministry of cabinet affairs: a case study - Jonglei State, South Sudan
- Authors: Nathan, Alice Tiyo
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11651 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006973
- Description: The research attempts to investigate the effectiveness of coordination in the State Ministry of Cabinet Affairs (SMCA), Jonglei State government, South Sudan. The objectives of the study were to identify coordination functions of the state Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, challenges and its role in promoting ethics and good governance in service delivery in Jonglei State. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected from a sample of twenty one respondents which included the State Deputy Governor, Directors of SMCA and Secretariat through questionnaires and interviews. This explored the functions; roles; and its organizational hierarchy which promotes ethical delivery of services and good governance. The study further discusses the levels of the implementation processes and the possible challenges facing SMCA. The results of the study reveal that the SMCA lacks qualified staff, unclear job descriptions and as a result it impinges on coordination and implementation of strategic plans and service delivery within the directorates. The study therefore recommends that for effective and efficient service delivery in promoting ethics and good governance, training of the human resource, recruitment of competent staff, clear job descriptions, regular performance appraisal and effective communication among others are paramount. The study further recommends that gender equality and equity should be addressed in order to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the community.
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The impact of a budget deficit on transport infrastructure investment in South Africa
- Authors: Nanto, Aphiwe
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Budget deficits -- South Africa , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa , Transportation -- South Africa , Debts, Public -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11478 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015245 , Budget deficits -- South Africa , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa , Transportation -- South Africa , Debts, Public -- South Africa
- Description: Persistent government budget deficits and government debt have become major concerns in both developed and developing countries. This study investigates the impact of a budget deficit on transport infrastructure investment in South Africa. Quarterly time series data, covering the period 1990q1- 2009q4, was used in this project. The study tests for stationarity using the Augmented Dickey- Fuller and Phillips Perron; it tests for cointegration using the Johansen (1991, 1995) methodology. A vector error correction model is used as an estimation technique. The results of this study show that a budget deficit has a negative impact on transport infrastructure investment in South Africa.
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The impact of alcohol on the sexual behaviour of adolescent males in Nkonkobe municipality
- Authors: Takatshana, Sinovuyo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Risk-taking (Psychology) in adolescence , Teenagers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teenagers -- Sexual behaviour -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Alcohol use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teenagers -- Alcohol use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Sexual behaviour -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Alcoholism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Psych)
- Identifier: vital:11612 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005986 , Risk-taking (Psychology) in adolescence , Teenagers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teenagers -- Sexual behaviour -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Alcohol use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teenagers -- Alcohol use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Sexual behaviour -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Alcoholism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The study aimed at investigating the impact of alcohol on the sexual behaviour of male adolescents, with the purpose of establishing whether a relationship exists between alcohol use and risky sexual behaviour (i.e. multiple partners, unprotected, and unplanned sex) by adolescent males. Data was collected by means of an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. The sample consisted of 176 male high school learners, aged between 14 and 25, from one school in the Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape Province. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to obtain data analyses which included descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation (with specific reference to Chi-square analysis), and all procedures were performed at 0.05 level of significance with 95% Confidence Interval. A relationship between alcohol use and risky sexual behaviour was found to exist. A statistically significant correlation was found in support of the alcohol/risky sex hypothesis. Another significant finding was the increase noted in safer sex practises among adolescents. Finally, the findings were correlated to implications.
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The impact of budget deficits on economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Mrwebo, Luzuko T
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11481 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015284
- Description: The study examines the impact of budget deficits on economic growth in South Africa. The review of the results from theoretical and empirical studies has shown that budget deficits in the most have a negative impact on GDP growth. The Johansen cointegration test has shown evidence that there is cointegration between the GDP growth and its determinants. The tests indicated the presence of cointegration which led to the estimation of VECM. The measure for the long run relationship was between GDP growth and its determinants such as, budget deficits, domestic activities, government debt, and trade openness. The co-integration and vector error correction modelling techniques were applied to South African data between 1990 to 2012 period. This study at hand indicated that government budget deficits have a long run negative effect on economic growth, but the impact shown from the results of this study is very low.
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The impact of donor-funded community empowerment projects on poverty alleviation: a case of selected projects in Chiredzi district of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mundau, Mulwayini
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Non-governmental organizations -- Zimbabwe , Economic assistance -- Zimbabwe , Community development -- Zimbabwe , Donor-advised funds -- Zimbabwe -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11762 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005637 , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Non-governmental organizations -- Zimbabwe , Economic assistance -- Zimbabwe , Community development -- Zimbabwe , Donor-advised funds -- Zimbabwe -- Case studies
- Description: The aim of the study was to carry out an investigation into the impact of donor-funded community empowerment projects on poverty alleviation. The data for this study were from the use of triangulation method of data collection which enhanced the assessment of the impact of donor funded community empowerment projects on poverty alleviation with specific focus on selected projects in the Chiredzi district of Zimbabwe. The findings of the study show the need for adoption of empowerment inclined practices by the local NGOs. There is need for community involvement in decision making, project ownership, and clear lines of communication with the NGOs, among others. However the findings also show the strength in linking project members with relevant institutions, and training, in order to ensure sustainability of community projects in ensuring community empowerment towards poverty eradication.
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The impact of economic growth on unemployment in South Africa: 1994 -2012
- Authors: Handson, Banda
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/884 , vital:26506
- Description: One of the most pressing problems facing the South African economy is unemployment, which has been erratic over the past few years. This study examined the impact of economic growth on unemployment, using quarterly time series data for South Africa for the period 1994 to 2012. Johansen Co-integration reflected that there is stable and one significant long run relationship between unemployment and the explanatory variables that is economic growth (GDP), budget deficit (BUG), real effective exchange rate (REER) and labour productivity (LP). The study utilized Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to determine the effects of macroeconomic variables thus REER, LP, GDP and BUG on unemployment in South Africa. The results of VECM indicated that LP has a negative long run impact on unemployment whilst GDP, BUG and REER have positive impact. The study resulted in the following policy recommendation: South African government should re-direct its spending towards activities that directly and indirectly promote creation of employment and decent jobs; a conducive environment and flexible labour market policies or legislations without impediments to employment creation should be created; and lastly government should prioritise industries that promote labour intensive. All this will help in absorbing large pools of the unemployed population thereby reducing unemployment in South Africa.
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The impact of farmer support programmes on market access of small holder farmers in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces
- Authors: Mpuzu, Misery Sikelwa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Traditional farming -- South Africa , Family farms -- South Africa , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa , Food security -- South Africa , Food -- Safety measures , Farms, Small -- South Africa , Technological innovations -- South Africa , Export marketing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11197 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007140 , Traditional farming -- South Africa , Family farms -- South Africa , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa , Food security -- South Africa , Food -- Safety measures , Farms, Small -- South Africa , Technological innovations -- South Africa , Export marketing -- South Africa
- Description: Most smallholder farmers in South Africa are characterized by poor resources such as land, labour and capital while they play an important role in poverty alleviation especially in poor rural areas. Smallholder farmers are increasingly recognized because of their contribution to household food security. The world markets are increasingly being integrated due to globalization and liberalization. As a result, smallholder farmers are facing increasing market competition, not only in international markets but in local markets as well. However, smallholder farmers often face a number of barriers to accessing these markets arising in part from the tightening of food safety and quality standards requiring compliance with phytosanitary and sanitary standards and growing power of supply chain integration. Furthermore, the viability of these smallholder producers is constrained by institutional obstacles which include lack of access to information, high marketing and transaction costs and low quality and lack of critical volume in the absence of bulking up arrangements, etc. These barriers have contributed to the exclusion of smallholder/small-scale farmers from formal markets. In order to address these obstacles and speed up the pace of agrarian reform many support schemes (farmer support programmes) are now being designed to specifically address market access and value chain issues through unique co-innovation arrangements to improve the farmer’s access to profitable international chains. A number of farmer support programmes (FSP) have been implemented in South Africa to reduce the risk of a lack of capacity and a lack of economic and/or financial experience in smallholder farms. Intervention measures have been instituted to these smallholder farmers to assist them to move out of poverty through agricultural production. The aim of this study was to understand the roles played by farmer support programmes in addressing income and welfare levels and sustainability of smallholder farmers in South Africa. Eighty nine (89) farmers were interviewed for this study and almost half (49%) of them received support from various organizations while 51% of the sampled farmers did not receive any support. The study was designed to compare the two groups between the treated and control group to assess the impact of these programmes.Using a Tobit and Propensity Score Matching technique, potential diffusion effects were eliminated between farmers supported by Farmer Support Programmes and farmers that did not belong to support services. The latter was selected from comparable communities with no agricultural support services. Findings from the Tobit regression and propensity score matching are consistent across the two methods, suggesting that being a member of any agricultural support programme has a significant positive impact on income and welfare of smallholder farmers.Farmer Support Programmes and collective marketing activities such as the collection and sale of members’ products appear to have a significant and positive impact on smallholder welfare of those farmers engaged in them. In the second analysis the study tested the types of arrangements that farmers would adopt to market their produce. From the results it was established that those farmers who were supported by institutional arrangements or FSP had better access to markets than those farmers who operated as individuals. Marginal effects are used to show the degree to which farmers chose a particular marketing channel or institutional arrangement that these farmers take when trying to access better paying markets. Then the final analysis is on factors that determine the extent to which collective action contribute to farmers’ income and market access. A number of variables (age, distance to the market, region the farmers are located) were evaluated using the multinomial regression model. Empirical results suggest that among South African cooperatives, those established in KwaZulu-Natal and partly in the Eastern Cape and upon the voluntary initiative of farmers are more sustainable and have access to better paying markets both locally and internationally than the other areas. The results also show that NGO-supported cooperatives have a longer life span than Government controlled cooperatives.
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The impact of fatal road accidents on the South African economy (1997-2011)
- Authors: Siswana, Babalwa
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11475 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013591
- Description: The purpose of the study is to examine the impact of fatal road accidents on the South African economy. The study used quarterly time series data for the period 1997 to 2011. A Johansen cointegration and vector error correction model (VCEM) was used to determine the impact of fatal road accidents on the South African economy. The explanatory variables in this study are labour productivity, real interest rates, unemployment and real exchange rates. Results from this study revealed that fatal road accidents have negatively impacted on the economic growth in South Africa while labour productivity, real interest rates, unemployment and real exchange rates have a positive long-run impact on economic growth in South Africa. This study recommends that road safety measures must be intensified in South Africa in order to maximize the benefits of economic growth. Keywords: Economic growth, fatal road accidents, South Africa
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The impact of foreign debt on economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Shayanewako, V B
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Debts, External -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Government spending policy -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11477 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015140 , Debts, External -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Government spending policy -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Description: This study analyses the economic impact between foreign debt and economic growth in South Africa. By fitting a production function model to annual data for the period 1980-2011, the study examines the dynamic effect of debt service, capital stock and labour force on the economic growth of the country. By following Cunningham (1993), it has identified the long-run and short-run causal relationships among the included variables. The results indicate that the debt servicing burden has a negative effect on the productivity of labour and capital, and thereby affect economic growth adversely. The results also illustrate that the debt service ratio tends to negatively affect GDP and the rate of economic growth in the long-run, which, in turn, reduces the ability of the country to service its debt. Similarly, the estimated error correction term shows the existence of a significant long-run causal relationship among the specified variables. Overall, the results suggest the existence of short-run and long-run causal relationships running from debt service to GDP.
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