Showing items 41 - 60 of 453

Your selections:

Sustainability challenges of community newspapers: The case study of iDike-Lethu Community Newspaper

  • Authors: Ndarane, Luvuyo Gladstone
  • Date: 2022-09
  • Subjects: Community newspapers , Journalism, Regional
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23754 , vital:60485
  • Description: Community newspapers are an important source of information and play a vital role in the development of communities. They are, therefore, an important stakeholder in community development. IDike-Lethu community newspaper`s presence in the community of Alice and in the areas where it is distributed is facilitating communication and development in these areas. Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality is benefiting in the presence of iDike-Lethu because this newspaper is the conduit through which communication to its citizens is submitted. This study assessed the challenges iDike- Lethu is having that impact on its maximum contribution in this society. Participants in this study are residents of Alice and are readers of iDike-Lethu Community Newspaper. This study adopted a mixed method design in which questionnaires and interviews were used to collect primary data. Data collected was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Major findings that impede smooth operations in this newspaper were discovered. These include inadequate funding, lack of technical backing and lack of community support. The study findings show that with all the challenges iDike-Lethu is having it continues to play a meaningful role by disseminating information, promoting local culture, equipping communities with skills and providing a platform on which these communities including local businesses send information across. Recommendations include the need for this newspaper to find a commercial, profitable and sustainable financial model which will support and reinforce its operations. This study will contribute in further research of methods to link communities and community newspapers to work harmoniously. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
  • Full Text:

Clinicians knowledge and perceptions of point of care testing (poct) in selected hospitals in the free state, South Africa

  • Authors: Watkins, Edgar Jeffrey
  • Date: 2022-08
  • Subjects: Point-of-care testing , Preventive health services , Medical technology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27264 , vital:66487
  • Description: Point of care testing (POCT) improves access and equity to health diagnostic services in resource-limited settings like South Africa, where some health facilities do not have on-site laboratories. With recent technological advancements, most traditional laboratory tests can now be conducted on-site at primary health clinics (PHC), hospital wards and clinics. One advantage of the POCT device is that it can be used by a non-medical laboratory expert at the patient’s bed side during hospitalizations or near the patient in the doctor’s consultation rooms. This results in a shorter turnaround time for the availability of test results when compared to that from a specimen sent to a traditional clinical laboratory. Despite the benefits of POCT, many clinicians (doctors and nurses) avoid utilizing POCT for quality assurance reasons. Clinicians believe the results from a POCT device may not be as reliable as the results from tests performed by a medical laboratory scientist in the traditional clinical laboratory. This study used a concurrent mixed method research design to explore clinicians' POCT knowledge and attitudes in a subset of hospitals in the Free state of South Africa. The study population comprised of consenting medical professionals from the ten (10) selected Free State district hospitals (study sites). The findings demonstrated that hospitals in urban areas have easier access to laboratory services. There were two (2) urban study sites that had on-site laboratories which achieved faster Turn-Around-Time (TAT). The participants indicate that they are aware of POCT and routinely use it, but there are far fewer POCT tests available than laboratory tests. When diagnostic options are scarce, point-of-care testing (POCT) can provide a more accurate diagnosis than traditional methods. The improved health care provision and reduced incidence of health complications is the end result. According to the participants, having access to POCT diagnostic services has shown promise in addressing challenges that sometimes present with laboratory-based methods, particularly in settings with limited access to hospitals or when laboratories cannot be accessed. Further, clinicians argue that errors in the usage of POCT may occur due to the quality of these POCTs and improper documentation of the test results by the clinicians. Therefore, poor utilization of POCT by clinicians can be improved if implemented with pre-set strict selection goals and processes to ensure that the right POCT is selected for the right purpose that would reduce resource expenditure by the hospitals and improve patient experiences and health outcomes. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
  • Full Text:

Dietary preference and perceptions of the health implications: A qualitative study on perspectives from outpatients and health care providers at Nontyatyambo Community Health Centre, Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Chocko, Ronnie J A V
  • Date: 2022-08
  • Subjects: Diet , Nutrition
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26764 , vital:65990
  • Description: Introduction and background. Poor dietary choices are resulting in an increase of mortality and morbidity rates globally. Epidemiological studies reveal that diets high in animal-sourced foods (ASF) lead to an increased risk of developing cardio-metabolic diseases (CMD). On the other hand, plant-based foods (PBF) have been shown to reduce this risk. Making well informed dietary choices plays an important role in reducing the burden of these diseases. To this end, this study further explores the role that diet plays in maintaining good health by exploring current dietary preferences, perceptions of the health implications of these dietary choices and perceptions of the benefits of PBFs vs ASFs of people in a local South African context. Methodology. This qualitative study was conducted at Nontyatyambo Community Health Centre, Mdantansane, Buffalo City Metropolitan district in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. A sample of 42 participants was enrolled for the study. A question/interview guide was used to collect data through key-in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Two audio recorders were used to record the verbal responses of participants. The recorded interviews were transcribed and translated to English. The transcribed data was systematically and thematically analyzed. Results. It was found that all participants in this study were following an omnivorous dietary pattern. A number of participants expressed that they did not like vegetables. In this study, most participants felt that PBFs were healthier than ASFs. Even though they felt PBFs were healthier, none followed exclusively plant-based diet. Conclusion. Transforming dietary patterns to contain more plant-based foods may be a critical factor in reversing harmful effects on public health and the environment. This calls for urgent public health intervention to improve nutritional uptake as a strategy to reduce potential CMD. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
  • Full Text:

Colistin utilisation and clinical outcomes at a public hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa

  • Authors: Matshediso, Gaalebale Prudence
  • Date: 2022-07
  • Subjects: Gram-negative bacteria , Hospital patients
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26929 , vital:66172
  • Description: Background Colistin is an antibiotic used as the last resort in the treatment of multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Its use started in the 1950s but was decreased in the 1980s owing to its nephrotoxic side effects. The re-emergence of Colistin utilisation in 2012 in South Africa followed the emergence of multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria. There is a dearth of information on the rationale use of Colistin in South Africa. Aim To describe the use of Colistin and its clinical outcomes at a tertiary hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Methodology A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Bloemfontein between 2015 and 2019. Relevant data was extracted from the medical records of patients treated with Colistin. Stratified random sampling was used in selecting 50percent of the eligible medical records of patients treated with Colistin per stratum. Data was analysed using simple descriptive and inferential statistics. Results Of the total sample (N=69), the majority were neonates (43.5percent), while children constituted the lowest number of patients (18.8percent). The highest contributor to the top diagnosis, septicaemia, were neonates (44.2percent). Adherence to policy and Colistin treatment guidelines was suboptimal, more so in neonates (45.3percent) than in adults (73.7percent) and children (72.3percent). Colistin was used as a last resort in 68.1percent of the participants. Cure was achieved in 26.9percent, 46.2percent and 80percent of adults, children and neonates, respectively. The highest rate of nephrotoxicity was seen in adults (57.7percent). In the multivariate logistic regression model analysis, both adults [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=25.54, 95percent confidence interval (CI) 2.73-238.65] and children (AOR=8.56, 95percentCI 1.06 – 69.10) had a higher risk of death than neonates. However, there was no significant difference in the odds for mortality by gender, co-morbidities, illness duration prior to admission and adherence to treatmen Conclusions This study found a suboptimal level of compliance with policy and recommended guidelines on the use of Colistin in a South African public sector tertiary hospital. In addition, there were variations in the level of compliance by age categories, with lower levels of compliance in neonates than in children and adults. The odds for mortality by gender, co-morbidities, illness duration prior to admission and adherence to treatment guidelines and policies were found to be insignificant, and age was the only predictor of mortality found in the study. The findings of the study highlight the need for improved clinical governance on antibiotic stewardship and monitoring of use of Colistin across all categories of patients in the hospital. Future studies should examine the contributing factors for suboptimal compliance, with evidence-based recommendations on the use of Colistin in the study setting as well as factors contributing to high mortality in adults. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
  • Full Text:

Infant feeding knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers in private health facilities in Alice town, Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Oyeniran, Aderonke Adepeju
  • Date: 2022-07
  • Subjects: Breastfeeding
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23556 , vital:58132
  • Description: Background and aim of the study: Within the global field of health education, it is generally accepted that the topic of breast-feeding is a crucial discussion due to its maternal, infant, and communal benefits. However, certain African countries, such as South Africa, experience certain challenges related to both predictive factors and maternal attitudes to breast-feeding. To improve public awareness and promote the implementation of breast-feeding, these factors should be investigated to highlight the importance of this practice among young mothers. Method: The study utilised a cross-sectional survey by means of a self-administered questionnaire, which was completed by the carefully chosen participants. The collected data were then analysed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) (frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (logistic regression). The level of significance for the inferential statistics was set at 0.05. Results: A total of 377 infant mothers participated in the study with median age of 30. Most infant mothers that participated in the study were well educated with infant mother 189 having a bachelor’s degree. The findings revealed that mothers of 40 years above are 1.51 times more likely not to breastfeed exclusively compared to mothers of less than 40 years of age (95percent CI, 0.75-2.25). The odds ratio of the incidence of decision in breastfeeding for participants with breastfeeding and formula milk was 1.66 (95percent CI, 0.87-2.53). In term of family support, mothers who don’t receive family support were 3.43 times more likely no to breastfeed. The result also revealed that mothers with breast pain were 0.98 more likely not to breastfeed. Conclusion: This study concludes that infant mothers are well informed about breastfeeding. This study also revealed that factors such as infant mothers’ knowledge about breastfeeding, medical health of both mother and infant and cultural norms can go a long way in influencing the decision of mothers to breastfeeding their infant or not. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
  • Full Text:

Infant feeding knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers in private health facilities in Alice Town, Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Oyeniran, Aderonke Adepeju
  • Date: 2022-07
  • Subjects: Infants -- Nutrition , Baby foods , Breastfeeding
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27139 , vital:66315
  • Description: Background and aim of the study: Within the global field of health education, it is generally accepted that the topic of breast-feeding is a crucial discussion due to its maternal, infant, and communal benefits. However, certain African countries, such as South Africa, experience certain challenges related to both predictive factors and maternal attitudes to breast-feeding. To improve public awareness and promote the implementation of breast-feeding, these factors should be investigated to highlight the importance of this practice among young mothers. Method: The study utilised a cross-sectional survey by means of a self-administered questionnaire, which was completed by the carefully chosen participants. The collected data were then analysed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) (frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (logistic regression). The level of significance for the inferential statistics was set at 0.05. Results: A total of 377 infant mothers participated in the study with median age of 30. Most infant mothers that participated in the study were well educated with infant mother 189 having a bachelor’s degree. The findings revealed that mothers of 40 years above are 1.51 times more likely not to breastfeed exclusively compared to mothers of less than 40 years of age (95percent CI, 0.75-2.25). The odds ratio of the incidence of decision in breastfeeding for participants with breastfeeding and formula milk was 1.66 (95percent CI, 0.87-2.53). In term of family support, mothers who don’t receive family support were 3.43 times more likely no to breastfeed. The result also revealed that mothers with breast pain were 0.98 more likely not to breastfeed. Conclusion: This study concludes that infant mothers are well informed about breastfeeding. This study also revealed that factors such as infant mothers’ knowledge about breastfeeding, medical health of both mother and infant and cultural norms can go a long way in influencing the decision of mothers to breastfeeding their infant or not. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
  • Full Text:

Investigation of risky sexual behaviour amongst HIV/AIDS positive individuals on antiretroviral treatment in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

  • Authors: Pere, Mzukisi Ernest
  • Date: 2022-07
  • Subjects: Sexual behaviour -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth Sexual behaviour
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23578 , vital:58190
  • Description: Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the major public health concerns. Antiretroviral treatments (ART) is available immediately for HIV-positive individuals but sexually transmitted infections are on the rise. The majority of HIV positive patients on ART are engaging in unsafe sexual practices. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate risky sexual behaviour of people on antiretroviral treatment regarding prevention. The study was conducted on adult clients in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Methods: A quantitative and descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted whereby 304 patients who visited Nontyatyambo Health Centre were randomly selected. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 24. Simple descriptive statistics such as numbers, percentages and tables were used to characterise variables. A chi-square test was used to explore associations between dependent and independent variables. Test significance, confidence intervals and p-values of all the causes and contributory factors were set at 0.05. Results: Thirty two percent reported having sex with multiple sexual partners while 19percent reported never using a condom. Forty eight percent reported having had sexually transmitted infections since starting on ART. The median age (36 years (IQR: 31, 45) vs. 35 years (IQR: 26, 40)) of those who reported STIs was higher than the median age of those who did not report STI (p=0.012). Males (57percent, p=0.049), those who were employed (55percent, p=0.048), and those who were cohabitating (68percent, 0.030) were more likely to report STI. Similarly, those who had unprotected sex with a casual partner (62percent, p<0.001), and those who did not use a condom because a partner did not like it (71percent, p=0.001) were more likely to report STIs. A significant number of 32percent of the participants reported engaging in risky sexual practices while 48percent had reported an STI. Recommendations include educational outreach programmes and capacitation of health care workers with appropriate skills and tools. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
  • Full Text:

Investigation of risky sexual behaviour amongst HIV/AIDS positive individuals on antiretroviral treatment in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

  • Authors: Pere, Mzukisi Ernest
  • Date: 2022-07
  • Subjects: HIV-positive persons , Sexually transmitted diseases , AIDS (Disease) -- Prevention
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27198 , vital:66395
  • Description: Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the major public health concerns. Antiretroviral treatments (ART) is available immediately for HIV-positive individuals but sexually transmitted infections are on the rise. The majority of HIV positive patients on ART are engaging in unsafe sexual practices. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate risky sexual behaviour of people on antiretroviral treatment regarding prevention. The study was conducted on adult clients in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Methods: A quantitative and descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted whereby 304 patients who visited Nontyatyambo Health Centre were randomly selected. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 24. Simple descriptive statistics such as numbers, percentages and tables were used to characterise variables. A chi-square test was used to explore associations between dependent and independent variables. Test significance, confidence intervals and p-values of all the causes and contributory factors were set at 0.05. Results: Thirty two percent reported having sex with multiple sexual partners while 19percent reported never using a condom. Forty eight percent reported having had sexually transmitted infections since starting on ART. The median age (36 years (IQR: 31, 45) vs. 35 years (IQR: 26, 40)) of those who reported STIs was higher than the median age of those who did not report STI (p=0.012). Males (57percent, p=0.049), those who were employed (55percent, p=0.048), and those who were cohabitating (68percent, 0.030) were more likely to report STI. Similarly, those who had unprotected sex with a casual partner (62percent, p<0.001), and those who did not use a condom because a partner did not like it (71percent, p=0.001) were more likely to report STIs. A significant number of 32percent of the participants reported engaging in risky sexual practices while 48percent had reported an STI. Recommendations include educational outreach programmes and capacitation of health care workers with appropriate skills and tools. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
  • Full Text:

Knowledge, attitude and perception of uninitiated adolescents towards customary male initiation practices in selected schools in Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Igaba, Nelson Kibiribiri
  • Date: 2022-07
  • Subjects: Circumcision , HIV infections -- Prevention , Initiation rites
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26896 , vital:66061
  • Description: Background: Based on evidence that Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) significantly reduces the risk of human immunodeficiency virus- HIV transmission by 60percent, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends implementing VMMC programs in countries with a high HIV prevalence, considering the unique sociocultural and economic dynamics of each setting. However, in South Africa (SA), multiple tribes including the AmaXhosa in the Eastern Cape (EC) province practice Customary Male Initiation (CMI) also known as Ulwaluko as a rite of passage of males from boyhood to manhood, and this involves circumcision. In recent years, this practice has been riddled with deaths of initiates, admissions to hospital, amputation of penis, assaults, drug and alcohol, and crime. Hence, this study aimed at understanding the knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of uninitiated adolescents towards the CMI practice in Buffalo City Municipality (BCM), EC to aid in developing strategies to solve current challenges. Methods: Between June and December 2021, this cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in selected schools within BCM, in the EC, using a quantitative research approach. The study population included adolescent males aged 15 to 19 years who had not attended CMI. Applying a multistage random sampling technique, three (3)BCM towns (Bhisho, King William Town-KWT and East London-EL) and the Mdantsane township (MT) were selected and further the schools from which consenting pupils were enrolled into the study. Data was collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire which was captured on excel and analysed using STATA version 16.1. Categorical variables were summarized using percentages. Bivariate and multivariate regression was used to determine factors associated with a level of knowledge, attitude, and perception towards CMI and VMMC. The odds ratio with a 95percent confidence interval was calculated. A p–value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among 297 participants that responded 251 (84.51percent) were between the ages of 15-19 years and had not undergone circumcision or CMI. These were included in this analysis. Majority of participants 181 (72.11percent, 95percent CI 66.21-77.33) lacked knowledge on whether circumcision reduces risk of HIV acquisition. More than three quarters of participants 195 (77.69percent, 95percent CI 72.09-83.87) showed absence of knowledge on whether circumcision reduces risk of STIs. Close to all participants 244 (97.21percent, 95percent CI 94.25-98.67) indicated that they would choose CMI over VMMC due to cultural reason. More than three quarters of participants 193 (76.89percent, 95percent CI 71.24-81.72) agreed that CMI/Ulwaluko proves manhood. The presence of knowledge on the benefits of VMMC was positively dependent on the location where a participants lived (uOR 2.32, 95percent CI 1.09-4.97, p-value 0.029) and access to internet more than once a week (uOR 3.44, 95percent CI 1.14-10.43, p-value 0.029. The choice for CMI over VMMC was positively associated with participants living in Mdantsane Township than those living in urban areas (Coef. 1.55, 95percent CI 0.77-2.33, p-value 0.001). Conclusion: This study found lack of knowledge on benefits of VMMC, laws governing and on risks associated with CMI/Ulwaluko practices among uninitiated adolescents. The study further found that CMI/Ulwaluko was still highly regarded despite current challenges and most adolescents would choose CMI/Ulwaluko over VMMC. There is urgent need to integrate VMMC services into CMI/Ulwaluko to include health education on benefits of VMMC, infection prevention and control, male circumcision by trained medical personnel and education on laws governing CMI/Ulwaluko. These interventions should also target uninitiated adolescents. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
  • Full Text:

Normative Indicators for the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration on clinically unimpaired isiXhosa speaking adults with disadvantaged education

  • Authors: Kili, Ziphozakhe
  • Date: 2022-07
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27569 , vital:69316
  • Description: This study aimed to develop normative indicators for the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery VMI) for Xhosa speaking adults in the Eastern Cape with a grade 11 or 12 qualification from a previously disadvantaged educational background. Method: the sample size was 40 participants between the ages of 19 to 40 years old. The study used participants that had no cognitive impairments. This study used independent t-test analysis to compare test performance between the following categories: urban versus rural, males versus females, age group 19-29 versus 30-40. The Kruskall Wallis test was used to establish whether classroom size would have an impact on test performance. Results: This study revealed that there was a no statistical difference in performance between urban and rural participants, males and females, and classroom size. There was no statistical significance between the age categories 19-29 versus 30-40 on the visual perception and motor coordination supplementary tests. However, there was a statistical significance noted, between the age categories on the visual-motor integration test performance. Conclusions: it was concluded that the Beery VMI can be used with more confidence when assessing the Xhosa speaking population from disadvantaged educational backgrounds. The norms in this study cannot be generalized to other ethnic groups or populations. It was further recommended that more studies like this take place, and more norms are created for the South Africans using the Beery VMI. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
  • Full Text:

The impact of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder on the well-being of adults diagnosed with the disorder: a systematic review

  • Authors: Bezuidenhout, L Spies
  • Date: 2022-07
  • Subjects: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder , Attention-deficit disorder in adults
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26940 , vital:66204
  • Description: The aim of this research is to explore how adults who were diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experience the impact that the disorder has on their wellbeing. Since this research is an exploration of human experience the qualitative paradigm was used to guide the research. The research design was a Systematic Review. Studies for this research were found in the Fort Hare University Databases. The search terms used included a combination of the following and/or their synonyms Positive Psychology, well-being, life satisfaction, impact on life, life experience, coping strategies, and ADHD. There were 10 articles that met the selected inclusion criteria that became the sample. These articles were then further appraised by using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) appraisal tool. Data was extracted from the studies by using Thematic Analysis to provide the results. The themes for the research were identified as: the impact of an ADHD diagnosis, the impact ADHD has on identity, the impact ADHD has on performance and coping with ADHD. These themes best describe the data that was found in the sources. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
  • Full Text:

Emergent literacy skills in isiXhosa in selected Early Childhood Development Centres in the Mthatha District

  • Authors: Mpondwana, Gloria Nonzukiso
  • Date: 2022-06
  • Subjects: Literacy , Child development , Language arts (Early childhood)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27864 , vital:70233
  • Description: The study sought to establish how ECD practitioners understood emergent literacy skills in young children, examine how practitioners engage young learners in promoting emergent literacy skills in isiXhosa, document and analyse materials practitioners use to promote emergent literacy skills in young learners, and examine challenges practitioners come across in promoting emergent literacy skills. The study used the interpretivist research paradigm, which seeks a holistic understanding of an issue under investigation. A qualitative research approach was followed, and a case study design was utilised. Six purposefully selected ECD centres in the Mthatha urban district of the Eastern Cape province were studied. Six ECD practitioners, one from each of the selected centres, participated in the study. An in-depth individual interview was carried out with each of the ECD practitioners. Follow-up interviews were made to clarify issues that emanated from the initial interviews. The study found that the practitioners had different ways of how they understood the concept of emergent literacy. The practitioners emphasised the development of four language skills namely reading, writing, speaking, and listening in their understanding of emergent literacy. The study further found that the practitioners also included in their understanding of emergent literacy skills, the importance of dealing with sounds in the isiXhosa language. The study revealed several ways in which the practitioners engaged young learners in promoting emergent literacy skills in IsiXhosa. The storytelling approach was utilised by the practitioners as they used IsiXhosa stories and folktales in class. Picture books and posters were used by the practitioners to assist in developing emergent literacy skills. It was also found that the practitioners engaged the young children using songs and games in developing emergent literacy skills. Drama and role-play were also used to engage the children in promoting emergent literacy skills. The practitioners also made use of different materials to engage the children in the promotion of early literacy skills. They used storybooks, colouring and painting, as well as cartoons. There were many challenges that the practitioners encountered in the promotion of emergent literacy skills in young children, and these ranged from the use of ineffective teaching and learning approaches to the lack of professional development support for the practitioners. The study concludes that the understanding of emergent literacy as a concept varied from ECD practitioner to practitioner. While other practitioners appeared to have a broad and clear understanding of the concept others had a limited one. The promotion of emergent literacy skills varied but there were attempts to utilise different approaches and materials. There were also numerous challenges associated with the promotion of emergent literacy skills in isiXhosa. The study recommends the inclusion of emergent skills development in ECD practitioners' training and professional development programmes. Support programmes should be put in place to assist the ECD practitioners. More appropriate materials should be developed in the isiXhosa language for use in promoting emergent literacy skills. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
  • Full Text:

Experiences of children who have transitioned into foster care in Breidbach community in King Williams, Buffalo City, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Nkumbi, Sinazo
  • Date: 2022-06
  • Subjects: Foster children--Care , Children's rights , Participation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23776 , vital:60520
  • Description: The study explored the experiences of children who have transitioned into foster care, looking in depth at their level of participation in matters concerning their lives. The researcher was predominantly inspired to conduct this research by children in communities who found themselves falling unintentionally into a system of foster care. There are overt hardships in communities that result in children needing care and protection. Children find themselves faced with abusive circumstances, experiencing loss and being abandoned. There is little research on experiences of children who have transitioned into foster care, on child participation in matters that involve their lives, and research that documents the perspectives of children. Children’s ability to exercise their constitutional right to participate, and making their voices heard regarding their life experiences through their own milieu, have also not received attention. There are several intervention systems put in place by the South African government to aid children in need of care and protection, and systems to place children in conducive environments. These systems are largely focused on placement of the child in need, application for foster care grants, foster parents, and the extension of the foster placement. However, there is very little information regarding the child’s right to participate in matters that involve their lives. The goal of the study was to investigate children’s participation in matters that affect their lives. It was interested in children’s perspectives. The aim was to explore the experiences of children who had transitioned into the foster care system in Breidbach Community in King Williams Town it Buffalo City Municipality. The purpose was to identify gaps, as there is minimal information concerning experiences of children who have transitioned into foster care and on children’s participation as stipulated within section 10 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005. To be able to achieve the objectives of the study, interviews were conducted with purposefully sampled participants. Data obtained was analysed according to qualitative data analysis procedures. The researcher utilised exploratory, descriptive and contextual research designs. The domain where participants were interviewed was Breidbach, King Williams Town, and Buffalo City under the jurisdiction of the Department of Social Development (DSD) and Child Protection Organisations (CPO). Findings indicate the children lacked education on their right to participate in matters that affect their lives. Furthermore, some professionals did not involve the children in matters that affected them, leading to interventions on matters concerning the children that did not benefit from input by the children. Taking into cognisance of all the relevant information stated above, children’s right to participate in matters involving their lives is as paramount as the involvement of the social workers and the foster parents when determining their placement. A holistic approach has to be used, hence it is primary and recommended that, the investigation, intervention strategies and framework used by social workers in making sure that children in need of care and protection include the perspectives of children who are to be placed into foster care. This will be possible through the participation of a child. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
  • Full Text:

The role of principals in supporting the use of ICT for teaching and learning in five primary schools in the Amathole West District, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Sazi, Ndileka Christina
  • Date: 2022-06
  • Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction , Educational technology , Internet in education
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27876 , vital:70237
  • Description: While some South African policies such as E-Education Policy of 2004 advocate for use of Information and Communication Technology in teaching and learning in schools as a strategy to meet the needs of the 21st Century and for improving the quality of educational outcomes. Principals as school leaders and managers ought to play a pivotal role in making links with different stakeholders to provide an enabling environment for learning as outlined in the South African Standards for Principal ship of 2015. This study sought how Principals are supporting the use of ICT for teaching and learning in five primary schools in the Amathole West District, Eastern Cape. The study was guided by Lee’s (2000) framework on technological leadership. The study was grounded in interpretive paradigm, employing qualitative approach to elicit Principals’ insights on ICT support approaches they employed in their respective workstations. Each of the five Principals was conveniently selected and participated in semi structured interviews, school plans and inventories corroborating findings from interviews. Principals heavily relied on the Department of Basic Education to provide ICT infrastructure and related tools. The study recommends that ICT leadership be a component of Principals’ continuous professional development plans. Approaches for supporting teachers and provision of workshops by the Department of basic education, but little encouragement on forming communities of practice within and outside the school as promoted by SASP. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
  • Full Text:

A netnographic analysis of complaints and service responses on selected South African banks' Twitter handles

  • Authors: Poswa, Ziyanda
  • Date: 2022-05
  • Subjects: Digital ethnology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23438 , vital:57731
  • Description: This study is a Netnographic investigation of numerous customer complaints and service responses on selected South African (SA) banks’ Twitter handles. The fulcrum of the study is significantly linked to the Justice theories which thus form the underpinning theories of the study. The study is based on qualitative data derived from selected SA banks’ Twitter handles for duration of at least three months. The study has its philosophy or paradigm deeply rooted in the Interpretivism paradigm. The qualitative research approach is then employed in the study along with the exploratory research design which allows the extrapolation of meaningful conclusions on the findings of the investigation based on the secondary data extracted from 1286 complaints on selected SA banks’ Twitter handles. The researcher makes use of thematic analysis to categorise, investigate, consolidate, define, and create reports on the themes identified in the data set thus enabling the drawing of meaningful inferences. The researcher’s findings point out that customer complaints generally spring from outcome service failure. Outcome service failure defines occurrences where clients are disappointed with banking services or the banking experience regardless of the service or product purchased. Complaints also emanated from process service failures which mostly describe incomplete service delivery. It is thus critically recommended that banks must make sure that process failures are curtailed through an effective improvement of the value chain system. This will also take into account a proper training of banking services personnel and staff. Furthermore, it is also suggested that increased mentoring, and improving or standardising training methods might help to improve bank employee service performance hence reducing incidents of failure. A closer look at the justice theories, it is identified in the study that, banks must try to uphold by all means through effective use of distributive justice service recovery. This is through the application of fairness and courtesy when addressing customer complaints especially on public social platforms such as Twitter. Eventually, this results in increased customer satisfaction and repeated patronage for the respective banks. Through interactional justice service recovery, banks are compelled to try in every way possible not to automate their responses to client complaints in their various or different manner. Procedural justice recovery suggests that banks should take into 3 cognizance better and more effective avenues of promptly responding to their clients hence improving the effectiveness of their service recovery processes. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
  • Full Text:

A review of the performance management system in municipalities: a case Study of Mnquma Local Municipality

  • Authors: Yalezo, Yanga https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1663-6559
  • Date: 2022-05
  • Subjects: Performance -- Management , Performance standards , Job evaluation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26885 , vital:66039
  • Description: Mnquma Local Municipality is a category B municipality situated in Butterworth in the Eastern Cape with the population of 250 000. Mnquma Local Municipality has a mandate of ensuring that quality services are delivered to its counterparts. Mnquma Local Municipality has a performance management system in place used as a tool to fulfil the mandate. Performance management system is a system that is meant to ensure that the goals and objectives of organisations are achieved. PMS is used worldwide by both the private and public sectors. PMS was first used by the private sector to maximise profits and to minimise poor performance. The public sector also decided to introduce PMS in order to improve the quality-of-service delivery to the public. As such, PMS is a tool that is used to monitor, review, evaluate and assess performance of individual employees. PMS in the public sector especially in the local sphere of government is very important because municipalities are closest to the citizens and are at the core of service delivery. This study sought to investigate how PMS at Mnquma Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province was utilised. The study utilised qualitative data collection and analysis techniques. Fourteen respondents were interviewed in order to get a better understanding of PMS at Mnquma Local Municipality. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis. The theoretical framework used in this study is goal-setting theory and control theory of performance management system The key findings of the study were: the respondents regarded PMS as “tool” utilised to carry-out work in the municipality. Respondents believe that somehow all the employees are subjected to PMS one way or another whether knowingly or not. Municipality should offer employees performance bonuses to motivate them to achieve goals and objectives of the municipality. The recommendations are: the municipality should cascade the PMS to the lower-level employee of the municipality. The municipality should offer bonuses to the employees to elevate the performance of individual employees and to ensure that the goals and objects are achieved. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
  • Full Text:

Challenges experienced by Economics teachers without specialization in the subject in Amathole West Education District

  • Authors: Williams, Thandile https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4143-4248
  • Date: 2022-05
  • Subjects: Economics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) , Economics -- Study and teaching
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26007 , vital:64780
  • Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges experienced by senior secondary school teachers teaching Economics without specialization in the subject. The study was done in three senior secondary schools in the Amathole West Education District in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The intention of the study was to ascertain the challenges these teachers faced in teaching the subject and come up with strategies that can be used to support them. The study adopted a qualitative research approach that used face-to-face interviews and document reviews to collect the required data. Purposive sampling was used to select those who participated in the study. The participants were four educators who teach Economics without specialization, one School Management Team (SMT) member, one principal, and one subject advisor. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect required data from all the participants. Systems Theory and Pedagogical Content Knowledge are the Theoretical Frameworks that this study aligned itself with and relevant literature was also reviewed in the study. The study revealed reasons for teachers to teach Economics without specialization, challenges faced by these teachers, how these teachers cope with the challenges they face, and the support provided to these teachers. Based on the findings revealed by the study, some recommendations have been made. The major ones are: teachers teaching subjects without specialization in the subject should be reallocated to teach the subjects they specialized in, and/or the teachers should enrol for a study course(s) specially designed for them to capacitate themselves, and the Department of Education must fund these courses for these teachers. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
  • Full Text:

Exploring the role of the Department of Social Development on the integrated school health programme in the Buffalo City Municipality .

  • Authors: Nokama, Busisa Antoinette
  • Date: 2022-05
  • Subjects: Children--Health and hygiene. , School nursing. , Employee health promotion.
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22198 , vital:51997
  • Description: If one’s health is a state of wellbeing then the role of social development is key in the implementation of the Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) as it includes treatment and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction. The purpose of the study was to explore the role of the Department of Social Development (DSD) within the ISHP in Buffalo City Municipality. DSD services are complex hence the need active collaboration to ensure delivery of multi-sectoral services. Covid-19 evidently shows the link between physical, emotional and academic success (OECD, 2020). The trauma and challenges faced by learners’ manifests through behavioral problems that social workers and counsellors can address more effectively. Social work practice aims to treat and prevent psychosocial dysfunction, thus social workers remain integral in addressing social determinants of health. The challenges in the implementation of ISHP began at policy development, moreover they were exacerbated by poor coordination and management of the ISHP. The legislative framework however affords learners the right to protective care and support. The role of social development is not limited to transportation but has been captured through psychosocial support. The study suitably employed a qualitative research design to examine how the participants make sense of the Integrated School Health Programme and to provide a comprehensive description of the complex role of the DSD in the provision of psychosocial support. 15 participants from DOH, DoE and DSD were interviewed to capture the perspective of all three (3) departments. The findings indicated how the development of the policy impacts implementation. The DSD is participating in the implementation of ISHP, however the failure of the policy to capture the role of the DSD, hinders the DSD from full participation. The study also found a lack of resourcesto support implementation and often struggle to get learners but implementation varies. Conclusively, the study recommends the need for the departments to develop a Memorandum of Understanding, Terms of reference as well as Integrated Implementation plans in an effort to support and close the gaps identified in the policy. Collaboration was found to be an effective strategy to enhance resource mobilization. Coordination and Management still need to be strengthened, including accountability. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2022
  • Full Text:

Investigating the impact of psychological capital on job burnout amongst the nurses at Victoria hospital Alice, Eastern Cape province

  • Authors: Malinge, Ziyanda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4504-7964
  • Date: 2022-05
  • Subjects: Burn out (Psychology) , Human capital--Psychological aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23405 , vital:57728
  • Description: The study investigates the impact of psychological capital on job burnout among the nurses at Victoria hospital at Alice, Eastern Cape. Explanatory survey research design was used in this study. Sampling techniques such as convenience method and also adopted purposive sampling were used in this study, and the data collected used a validated survey questionnaire. Out of 150 questionnaires distributed to the nurses at Victoria hospital, only 92 were answered. However, the researcher analysed data using descriptive and inferential statistics through Pearson Correlation Analysis and Multiple Regression Analysis. The statistical descriptions of respondents’ biographic and occupational data were all from Victoria hospital nurses. In terms of the participant’s age, between the age of 23-27, it is 18.5%, between 28-32, it is 15.2%, between 29-33, it is 18.4%, between 34-38, it is 14.3%, between 39-43, it is 15.3%, between 44-48, it is 12%, between 49-53, it is 8.8%, and lastly between 54-58, it is 13%. In terms of gender, 31.5% were male participants and 68.5% were female participants. In terms of occupational categories, nurses who are working at senior management positions are at 8.9%, professional nurses at 48.9% and non-professional nurses at 42.2%. In terms of marital status, married participants were at 35.2%, single, 56.0% and widows at 8.8%. In terms of working experience, the years range from one to above 16 years. 48.9% were participants who had 1-5 years working experience, 27.2% were participants with 6-10 experience, 8.7%, who had 11-15 years, and lastly 15.2% were the participants who had 16 years and above working experience. In terms of educational qualifications, participants with grade 12 were at 24.4%, diploma 40.0%, degree 33.3% and lastly were postgraduates participants at 2.2%. The final findings indicated that there is a significant negative relationship between self-efficacy and job burnout, r=-0.437, p<0.01, that there is a significant negative relationship between hope and job burnout, r= -0.457, p<0.01, that there is a significant negative relationship between resilience and job burnout, r= - 0.312 p<0.1 and that there is a significant negative relationship between optimism and job burnout, r= -0.287 p<0.01. Other findings showed that there is a significant independent impact of self-efficacy on job burnout, B= -0.760, t= -1.394, p>0.05, there is no significant independent impact of hope on job burnout, that B= -1.282 t= -2.280, p<0.05, there is no significant impact of resilience on job burnout, B= 0.009, t= 0.22 p>0.05, and lastly, there is no significant independent impact of optimism on job burnout, B= 0.919 t=1.594, p>0.05. Last findings showed that there is a significant joint impact of psychological capital dimensions, F=6.671, R2= 0.243, p<0.01. In conclusion, it is confirmed that there is no significant relationship between psychological capital dimensions and job burnout, secondly, there is a significant independent impact of psychological capital dimensions and job burnout. Lastly, there is a significant positive jointly impact of psychological capital dimensions on job burnout. , Thesis (MCom: IPS) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
  • Full Text:

The contribution of cultural and creative industries towards sustainable livelihoods in the Eastern Cape (2009-2019)

  • Authors: Ngwane, Ayanda
  • Date: 2022-05
  • Subjects: Poor--Services for. , Poverty--South Africa.
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22185 , vital:51995
  • Description: This research is focused on the premise that Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs) can be a precondition for the attainment of sustainable livelihoods. It follows, logically, that the efficient and effective implementation of CCIs has potential in transforming the well-being of those involved in the industries as evidence points to the notion that the CCIs can help deal with the persistent challenges of unemployment and poverty. Without effective and efficient implementation, and the political will to support such industries in the South African context, the potential of CCIs in improving the livelihoods of citizens will not be realised. Given the limitations levelled against the policy implementation and the processes involved in support for creative industries in South Africa, the qualitative method was used as an investigative strategy to gain a deeper understanding of CCIs and its general contribution on sustainable livelihoods in the Eastern Cape Province. The findings indicate that there is a basis for a creative economy in the Eastern Cape Province that can be improved by properly concerted action by all actors. There is a foundation for the development of innovative goods and services that could promote the integration of the Province into the global economy. So far, the outcome of this research points to the direction of offering knowledge of the way to realize the potential of Eastern Cape Province`s creative industries. More so, the study also highlights the importance of the creative economy in fostering growth guided by trade and attaining sustainable livelihoods in the process. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2022
  • Full Text:
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Copyright
  • Contact